Journaling Day 1
Challenged to journal once a day for 12 weeks. I got this,right? I whipped out the wasabi tape and my stickers to make it fun. My heart is happy. Teddy and I are ready Freddie. 😜
Tonight's scripture:
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Journaling Day 2
I mentioned yesterday how I was challenged to write in my journal, every day for 12 weeks. I said sure. Didn't hesitate. I'm always up for a challenge. It's a food intake diary, motivational messages and exercise log plus a scripture a day. It even consisted of taking a picture of ourselves for our own eyes to see reality. A full figure selfie 😂😳🤦Sporting work out gear I would never dream of wearing in public. I put my camera on a tripod and snapped pictures 😬 I would never wear leggings in public. I will keep my groceries at home - thank you. 🤣 Awe, it wasn't pretty. To stand so vulnerable. I'm glad I live alone .To say the least it was an eye opener. 👀This journey has me thinking about our small group. How we did a 21 day plan and then a 40 day. This will be for 3 months straight. Thank you Jennifer Schlander for motivating me to "jot" it down and stay accountable.
Journaling Day 3
Making time to pray, to give thanks and being present. Fully present. Set a timer and close you eyes for full dedication to your Lord and Savior. Start with just 3 minutes of quiet time and go longer with each passing day. Challenge your self.
Journaling Day 4
How do you know you have a true desire to please God verses just going through the motions?
For me, it's when it twinges into the uncomfortable yet I know it's something God would be pleased for me to do. It's biblical -it matters.
Verse today:
God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.
Philippians 2:13
Journaling Day 5
Inner strength from the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to serve God, do our duty, and persevere in our Christian walk. Is it easy?No. Yet,you strive to stay in obedience. For me,it's failing God so many times in my humanness, in my reactions to others and certain situations.I question so much.My Rachel reaction is better with time yet God knows I'm working on being a better human and Christian. Reacting better in my disappointments and thought process.I call it my Rachel Reaction Distraction. It takes me a bit longer than I like to- I want to react more Christian like,naturally. I'm processing so much first. I'm like a toddler and asking God, why more than I should.I'm full of questions.
😏 That's when I humbly ask God keep working on my Christian maturity.❤️That gives me strength to carry on.
Scripture:
I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength.
Phillipians 4:13.
Journaling Day 6.
Yikes ! Time is always so fleeting. Already Day 6
Today's scripture:
James 1:5
If you want to know what God wants you to do,ask Him,and He will gladly tell you.
I know God answers my questions through his word, through people, a song, a conversation. He answers through a sermon. When timing aligns so easily and you just know it was from God. ❤️ If you don't experience this. Pay attention. Be present. Go to God first. ❤️
Journaling Day 7
Dear Journal,
Fell asleep pretty much when I got home of pure exhaustion. Physically and emotionally just plum tuckered out. Between getting an amazing text from Maria and having to bid a fond goodbye to a co-worker I've worked with for over 5 years, Sunday was his last day of work.
I just wanted to rest. It was as if my heart had two extremes in one afternoon. Felt too over the top.
A good cry over Maria's healing.
A sad cry over Matt leaving.
I remember having a full conversation with God before falling asleep.
Expressing to God how my heart is full today. My tears are full today. Heavenly Father fill me with grace and cover and protect my heart.
Asking him to strengthen my spirit. The beauty of having such a personal relationship with God is letting him know the desires of our heart.
I slept for 5 hours and here it is a little after 10 pm.
Tomorrow I start new, you reading this can start new,as well. Have the memories yet a do over in the morning. Ask God for a renewed spirit and fresh start. Go and seize the day. Pay more attention to people. Be kinder. Find a way to be more obedient today. Be more present. Be more yourself. Be the person you needed growing up. Show up. Be grateful. Give thanks.
Scripture:
Create in me a pure heart, Oh God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, Of God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
In Psalm 51 in particular we see that David prayed to the Lord concerning three kinds of spirit: a steadfast spirit, a willing spirit, and a broken spirit.
When you have a personal relationship with God you can ask and work on these traits. Being loyal and faithful in your relationships. Give it your all in the work you do with a joyful heart. Pray for any bitterness residue to leave your heart. Yes, God knows your heart's desires yet he also knows your obedeant action. It not just the desire to change. It's the obedience.
Being a steadfast, willing joyful human.
