Reasons to Keep a Journal

Hey, y'all!  Since it's the beginning of 2015 and everyone has made new plans and goals to achieve, I decided to write today about one of my most favorite things that has kept me inspired for so long; keeping a daily journal.  I've kept journals on and off since I was about 6 years old and could barely write.  I wasn't very diligent about them though until I was 10 (in 2005).  Keeping a daily, personal journal has been one of the greatest things I've done, keeping me focused and constantly amazed with how the Lord's been working so amazingly in my life for the past ten years.  Whenever I'm feeling discouraged or confused, one of my favorite things to do is look back and see how far I've come in my personal growth as a Christian, my relationship with Jesus, and my family.

If you've known me very long at all, you'll soon find out that I am a huge lover of history and studying the past.  The main reason that I started a journal was originally to record the present happenings of my life for future generations to look back on and learn from.  Since I began writing though, I've found more and more benefits and would like to encourage everyone else to do the same!  Here are just seven great reasons to keep a journal:

Thankfulness.  Writing daily in your journal helps you to see the good in every day.  It always reminds me of all that I have to be grateful for and keeps me in a constant state of thanksgiving to God.

Record of Memories and Significant Events.  As you continue to write, you'll end up with an in depth record of memories and significant events that have occurred throughout your life that you may possibly have forgotten otherwise, or at least not remembered all of the details.  I didn't know it would be important then, but since I was keeping a daily journal at the time, I have detailed writings of time when I first met Jesse (who I would marry 5 years later).

Answered Prayers.  One of the most amazing parts of keeping a journal is that if you use it as prayer journal as well, then you will see how amazingly God has and is working through your life!  You may not understand now, but if you look back 5 or 6 years later and see how God answered your prayers, or how a situation turned out for good, you'll be astounded.  For instance, I really enjoy reading all of the prayers that were answered, and how the Lord worked through my life from the years before I met Jesse, until the day he asked my daddy if he could pursue a relationship with me, all the way through to our wedding day, and then to now with my life as a mother.

Sort Your Thoughts.  A lot of times just putting it down into words on paper will help me to sort out my thoughts, get clarity, and solve, work through, or better understand problems or situations that I may be dealing with or going through.

Be More Focused.  I would recommend also writing down your dreams, plans, and goals.  Keeping written goals can keep you more focused, help you to stay on track, and be more likely to accomplish what you've set out to do.

Track Past Victories.  You'll be very encouraged and inspired by being able to go back and read all of your past victories and see how what all you've completed and accomplished.  You can smile at how far you've come in your own personal growth.

Capture Your Awesome Ideas.  We all have tons of brilliant ideas, but just can't ever remember them all.  If you have a place like your journal to jot them down, then maybe they won't go to waste.

I always try to write in my journal at night, but everyone is different and there may be a better time for you.  I do think it's important though to set aside a specific time to write in your journal, have your personal devotions with the Lord, and read the Bible.  Make it a habit.  The reason I chose right before I go to bed is because I like to look back across the day and write down everything that happened, or that I dealt with, and I'm more likely to remember it that night then I am the following morning.

Everything that's happening right now is the history of tomorrow.  Write encouragement and loving words for your future spouse to let him read after your wedding, or loving words for your children.

Keep your journal handy with its own special pen.  Write down what you've been learning though scripture, or what's been inspiring you lately, or your passions and hopes for the future.  Put pictures, pressed flowers, etc. throughout it as you go.  These are just some of the things that have helped me keep writing diligently in mine.  This is the record of your life, your personal story; make it your own and be creative! :)

Do any of y'all keep journals?  What are some of your reasons?