Ever since I posted the behind the scenes photo of my messy desk, and stack of journals on Instagram / Facebook a few days ago, I have had a few people ask me about my journaling process.
What do I write? How do I do it?
It started out as a way to settle myself when I was filled with terror, and couldn't function (or sleep); and it has since morphed into a whole beautiful, healing practice. (Kind of like the making of a pearl!) I love to look back and see that I have written over 5,000 pages, and filled more than 26 journals now. I keep them beside me for reference, and inspiration because whenever I open one - I read:
- what I am grateful for
- dreams that I want to come true in my life
- who I am in Christ
- prayer requests for family and friends
- struggles I plan to overcome
- scripture (LOTS AND LOTS OF SCRIPTURE WRITTEN IN RED PEN)
- notes from good books I have read
- inspirational quotes
- praise and thankfulness for this life I get to live
I've been studying brain science these past 5 years too. From what I have learned, and what I have personally experienced by doing this mindful writing exercise - is what neuroscientists call 'a complete rewiring of my brain'. And I have to tell you, it feels good.
Gone are my anxious mornings, stressful days, and evenings with nervous exhaustion. Forgotten is my hurt, resentment, anger, and distrust. I don't have those out-of-control ruminating thoughts anymore. I don't try to change other people, or circumstances. Instead, I focus my attention on God, and do what He tells me to do.
I think this is what it means to take your thoughts captive to Christ. When you turn away from the world, and keep filtering your thoughts through God's word, He gives you grace and power.
I still have concerns (of course). I remember full well the pain of my aneurysm rupture and subarachnoid hemorrhage stroke. I have family members that have died recently, and some who are ill. In Tampa Bay, where I live, we were just hit by 2 hurricanes, and the devastation was absolutely heartbreaking. Back to back natural disasters have a way of reminding you how powerless and small you really are.
And yet, I KNOW THAT I CAN TRUST GOD NOW & FOREVER.
I have seen the truth of His word come to life.
I obtained supernatural power through prayer; defied death, and then recovered wholly from a medical impossibility. Then I experienced the life-changing affects of surrender, His sufficient grace, gratitude, obedience and forgiveness. I have learned that sometimes God saves us from death, and sometimes He saves us through death. Or, in my case, a little of both.
The truth is that words matter a lot. Stress, fear, worry, and anxiety perpetuate more stress, fear, worry, and anxiety. But praise God that the reverse is also true. Love, strength, joy, comfort, courage, gratitude, hope, acceptance, and faith ALSO produce more of the same.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue."
(Proverbs 18:21)
"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
(Proverbs 23:7 NKJV)
"To anyone who has more, more will be given."
(Matthew 13:12)
Therefore, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
(Phil. 4:6 NIV)
HAPPY ALMOST THANKSGIVING. I pray that you think thankful thoughts!!
XO
Sarah
The pearl. It's nature's splendor born from agony.
A gentle gem that whispers, "In all things, at all times ~ be faithful."
- mantra for MILK VELVET PEARLS
