"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

2.15.2010

Abiding Monday




I am at my grandson's home today. While he is taking his nap I wanted to share a book that I am reading called "Listening Prayer - Learning To Hear God's Voice and Keep a Prayer Journal" by Leanne Payne. I think it will be a good tool to use as I learn to abide daily. It looks like a great way to keep my conversations with God, as well as scripture I want to remember and pray back to God. Listening with pen and paper ready to record what I hear as I am sitting at God's feet.

I have kept a written journal off and on for many years in bound journals, but I find it difficult to put my fingers on something I want to look at again without thumbing through many pages. Leanne suggests using a ringed binder with tabbed dividers in it. I am giving it a try to see how it works for me.

I would love to hear of your experiences in keeping a spiritual journal.

I have a few hours to do some reading, maybe a little snooze before Sean wakes up from his nap. I told Seth and Brooke they needed to be home by 8:30 so I can run home and watch 24!!

Blessings!

23 comments:

CountryDreaming said...

I admire your tenacity in keeping a journal for so long. Even if you've taken breaks along the way, you've done more than I have. And a prayer journal at that! Sounds like you're having a nice, relaxing day.

Mollye said...

Hi Mary, Just wanted to pop in and say Hi. The binder idea sounds like it could be a good thing. Beautiful snow below and Molly (my little furry namesake) playing and having a woof woof fun day! Luv ya, Mollye

Butterfly Works said...

Hi Mary, Thanks for the book suggestion; I am always looking for new books on listening to God. Have you read God Guides by Mary Geegh.
It is a wonderful little book that we use in the Potter's House Retreats...
Like you, I have been journaling for the most of 35 years...I have tried all kinds of journaling and find that aside from my art journals which I do on and off, I use a notebook for a year and then date and put them in order....This way, if I know the general time of something I am looking for I can go back to that year and find it....I doodle and draw and add items to these notebooks but for the most part they are records of what's going on in my life...physically and spiritually and often creatively too...I can't seem to separate myself in parts so whatever is going on with me is written down.......
We just spent a couple of days with our two of our grandchildren; aren't they wonderful and what a gift to be able to spend time with them as so many people live far away and can't.
Drop by again; I love having you visit.
Hugs and Blessings,
Butterfly

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

I have almost all of Leanne's books. Fell in love with her writing years ago! I've done it all, used binders and loved their flexibility then moved to large hardcover. Now a days I just dump it all into one and on New Years I review that years journals and use post it tabs to mark passages I want to develop more. Brad Jersaks, Can You Hear Me? is another great listening prayer book. As I come to understand God's unique design for me, I find I hear him with greater clarity. He always seems ready to talk, if I'll just listen :-)

lori vliegen said...

thanks for recommending this book, mary....i'm definitely going to check it out! and please let us know how you like the binder/tab system for your journaling.....that's an interesting idea!! have lots of fun with your grandson!! :))

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

One more thing to add to the list of stuff we have in common, love 24! Go Jack!

Denise said...

Prayer journals are awesome.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I keep a prayer journal and write down goals and when I reach them...I put the date and thank God. It helps to see how He really does answer tons of prayers. Hugs to you. Sarah

Peter Stone said...

Before the computer age I used to write everything in a huge binder. Now everything's done through Microsoft Word (since I can type faster than writing). I've got a diary, where I occasionally record significant things, and a journal, where sometimes I record prayer conversations that I have with the Lord.
God bless :)

kelvin s.m. said...

Dear Mary,

I know you have a wonderful time writing this one and staying with your grandson... and thanks for the recommendation... i'll try looking for it in the bookstore... Have a blessed day!!!:)

Keep safe!!!:)

>kelvin

Just Be Real said...

Mary, thank you for sharing your ideas. I like Sarah's idea as well. Blessings to you dear one.

Teri Leigh said...

When I went through the study "Experiencing God" I started a spiritual markers journal. Everytime God gives me a verse or direction I write it in there. The rest of the time I have one journal that I write everything in from daily time with the Lord to grocery lists. I like it all in one place. I will be curious to hear how you like this new system you are trying.

Butterfly Works said...

Mary, thanks for visiting me and your kind comments....she did like the doll which made her Nanie happy......love to see those smiles...I ordered Leanne Payne's book that you suggested. I am always looking for new material to add to our Potter's House Retreats and a prayer journal is a must.
Hugs and Blessings,
Butterfly

Unknown said...

Hey now! I like your colors better : )

Stacy Lee said...

Hi Mary! I also keep a journal. I too have a hard time looking back to find certain things. Let me know how the tabbed journal works for you!
Love in Christ,
Stacy

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Hi Mary, I have to tell you I feel very touched that you sent me the painting, that you even wanted to send it to me. I don't really know how to take things from people...Sometimes I still feel unworthy.

The UPS did come but I no one was home. They're going to come tomorrow..praying it's in the morning as we're out in the afternoon...If not...I will stay home friday as I don't work.

Mary...thank you so much ok. Nikki

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Completely off the topic, but I'm loving your blog facelift, it so fits what I know of you and your artwork :-)

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Okay the one I've seen is the blue with the yellow dots and the yellow for your blog entries, and this one looks great, bright, cheery and so you, you're artwork looks great against this design package

Butterfly Works said...

Mary, I like your new side bars...love the color really adds alot.....
Hugs and Blessings,
Butterfly

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Okay, I like the blue with the yellow dots the best. I think it just fits so well with the artwork you post. Perhaps it's the floral but for some reason it doesn't seem to have the same harmonious impact as the blue & yellow :-)

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

On my Mac your banner fits nicely within the border, or maybe I'm just not as observant as you are :-) All I know is, your blog looks great. And yes you nailed it I have fibro!

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

I have to chuckle at the Doc's orders to you, because I came down with firbro after I had lost over 50lbs, working out ect. When all these trigger points started hurting I thought I had hurt myself while exercising. It took some time to be 'diagnosed' and I have to tell you I really struggled to accept the limitations that came with it. I grieved the loss of strength and the fatigue was beyond what my mind could understand. It's been a long road to making the mental, emotional adjustment but I have and life is good despite the pain makes me appreciate everything more. Hope you have better luck than I finding a doctor who is willing to explore some other avenues to help me manage and your sister Bevie too!

Mescrap said...

Thank you for this great articles.
You're really good in writing.