Okay everyone, this is the wrap up week for WHY WE JOURNAL!
From the chapter in Keep The Change, "Capture Reality Daily," we will review what happens when you journal:
1. You tell yourself the truth.
2. You harness your pain.
3. You tame your temperament.
4. You protect your mind.
5. You unwrap the strategy that will change your behavior!
Let's talk about it!
Be encouraged,
Becky
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I liked the discription about the ants. I have so much trouble with these thoughts. I think it will help greatly to make a list of them.
ReplyDeleteHope everyone doing well. Have a great week.
Quick note, re:ants.
ReplyDeleteI was involved in a very hurtful situation, about 20 years ago.
I mentioned it at a Bible study about a year back, and one of the ladies said to me, "you know, you're the only person from that incident who probably even remembers it happened. You're the only one carrying it around all the time (for 20 years)." That spoke volumes. I've learned to let those ants not eat my picnic food anymore!
After finally listening to the call back I now know what the ants are. What a great concept. Negative thoughts have a way of destroying us. I love to journal to God. Becky is right journalling moves us forward. When we journal we can also see patterns in our life and relationships. I have found if I write out to God what upsets me, let's say someone said something to hurt my feelings, the journalling process clarifies the problem and keeps me from gossiping. (telling someone else the situation). Looking forward to getting the audio of keep the change. I am going to keep a mental note of the ants in my life. I love Laura's last line. Mickey way to go on your success!!! Praise God for his faithfulness. Lenis, how are you doing?
ReplyDeleteQuestion for Becky or anyone who writes:
ReplyDeleteI seem to have a gazillion notebooks and journal books around. I was wondering, for anyone who writes, do you put your ideas in your journal or do you keep a separate notebook for ideas?
I know most Christian writing and speaking involves using real-life applications, and I have many of those to put down on paper. But I'm wondering how many notebooks to be scrambling for at any given time? Any thoughts?
Milestone for Me:
ReplyDeleteAs an avid reader frustrted with little time for reading, late December 2008 a former student shared "change your life daily". Sending me a daily bible and journal, I started reading January 1, 2009. No, I did not accomplish reading every day, but I learned much and found encouragemenet from the reading and the change your life calls.
And though I have always read passages and spent some time in devotion, on May 14 I completed reading and studying from cover to cover the bible. And, in starting 2010 have not missed a day. This is not only an accomplishment, but a wonderful experience of learning how to live with God.
Thanks for listening,
Pam
Hello, everyone. Hope all of you are having a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteAs I have said almost every time I have posted since school began last August, this has been an overwhelming period in my life, with entirely too much crammed in my schedule. Tonight I finally listened to Wednesday’s call, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. This has been a week of “capturing reality,” “tell[ing my]self the truth,” and “harness[ing my] pain.” It has also been a week of accepting my limitations and sensing God’s presence in my life in a very tangible way.
Exactly a year ago this week, I began taking classes toward a Digital Design Diploma at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division. For a long time, I have dreamed of writing and possibly doing some kind of publication design after retiring from teaching, so these courses have been part of my dream. Until this spring, I was taking one class at a time, which is about all I can handle with my teaching load and part-time work for Weight Watchers. Before Christmas, however, I spoke with my advisor about skipping a session so that I could handle the paper work for my 120 English 12 students who would be writing research papers; the only way I could take a six-weeks session off was to follow it by taking two classes simultaneously in the next session. I reluctantly agreed to that.
My two courses began two days before my birthday back in April, when I was scrambling to finish grading research papers and complete report cards for my students. From the beginning, I struggled to fit everything in; to make matters worse, my computer needed a new graphics card and was out for repairs for about five days. Meanwhile, the administration came down hard on all of us who teach seniors–mandating that we contact the parents of anyone in danger of earning a D or lower, keep records of all phone contacts, plan interventions for those students, meet with them at lunch time and before and after school, etc. Despite the fact that I teach four sections of Honors English 12, I have more students than ever before who have little interest in school; all of us who work with the seniors agree that we’ve never seen such widespread “senioritis” come so early in the semester and last for so long. Anyway, in order to meet the demands of school and college, I took a couple of weeks off from my WW group, but I still kept lagging behind in my classes. For a period of two weeks, I went to bed by 9 p.m. and got up at 1 or 1:30 a.m. and worked through the rest of the night. As you can imagine, I felt terrible and sometimes became less patient with students than I like to be.
Since the college has a strict late policy, I contacted both of my instructors and shared with them my dilemma. Both were understanding and allowed me to post assignments beyond the deadline. One class was easier for me to keep up in, so I focused more of my attention on it and was completely caught up by the end of last week. Sunday I came home from church and immediately began to work on the second course. By Sunday evening, I had finally completed one project; I was now only three weeks behind and very, very tired and frustrated. I prayed about the situation, and a real sense of peace came over me. I decided that I would write to my professor in the morning and tell him that I knew I was too far behind to catch up; I would ask his advice on the matter and simply leave the rest in God’s hands. I also decided to contact my academic advisor. (Continued . . . )
That night I went to bed feeling sad, but I slept better than I had in weeks. In the morning, after prayer, journaling, and Bible reading, I sent the two e-mails and went to school. All week long I was in touch with guidance counselors, administrators, parents, etc., about my students who are still in danger of failing, and my room was teeming with students before and after school and at lunch time. I couldn’t help realizing the extreme irony of the situation: All too many of my students [not all of them, certainly, for I work with some amazing young people] are just trying to squeak by with a D; all that matters to them is the grade. In contrast, I want to learn everything possible about the subject matter in my courses, but I don’t have enough hours in the day right now, and my students have to come first.
ReplyDeleteOn Wednesday, my two courses ended, and on Thursday morning, when I was supposed to begin my 9th class, my academic advisor called me during my yearbook class. Like both of my professors, he was very kind and patient with me, and he told me that “the good news is that I can put you in Digital Manipulation again this session.” Yesterday, when I logged on to the website, I first checked my grade in the class I was able to complete: A–my seventh A in seven classes. Then I logged on to the other class and faced reality: F–with a note that said, “Wanda, I see you’ve enrolled in my class for the next session. You can pick right up where you left off, and I’m sure you’ll do fine. I look forward to working with you again.”
This morning, for the first time since I came to grips with the fact that I would not be able to complete the course, I cried. My perfect record is gone, but my dream is not. I have the opportunity to take the course again, and now that seniors are only days away from finals, I will have time to learn the material and do well. Both my advisor and professor have faith in me. And in looking back, I know I did the right thing by putting my students and their work first. . . .
For some reason, I decided to start with the new testament reading this morning in the CYL Bible. The passage from John 8 began, “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” I got up from the table feeling calm and reassured.
Wow! I apologize for writing so much in the last posts! I'll try to be shorter in the future. Here are a few quick comments pertaining to other posts above:
ReplyDeletePam, congratulations on your milestone! That's wonderful.
Laura, do you use the CYL daily journal? It is nicely organized around the 8 Daily To Do's. The set up works perfectly for people with a busy lifestyle. What if you tried using it in the morning during your quiet time and used the computer for the lists, etc? I find having too many different journals just complicates things. Good luck to you!
Robbie and Mickey, I always enjoy reading your posts. You've both been so faithful through this journey together. Wishing you both continued success!
Wanda
Wanda: I'm glad you took time to share that with us. It helped me to read it.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking a lot about things I would like to learn or study lately, and I received an Email from an author the other day, where she said not to pick too many goals all at the same time.
Well, my husband and I have decided, we both need to work extra jobs and we need to set our small business to the side and do it part time.
So, I had all these ideas of writing and doing things I really dream of doing, but I have to slow down and work my Internet part-time job (six month contract)while I have it and not get all sidetracked with other things.
My husband will have to go find full time work.
God will have to guide us on all of this, as we have been self employed for 25 years.
Anyway, your post helped me to see that I need to focus on the immediate need of making money and then I can pursue other things. I just cant keep scrambling on too many ideas all at once.
Oh, and re:your suggestion--I do already use a Day Runner, plus the CYL journal. But I'm one of those people whose mind never stops and so I am constantly grabbing bits of paper and making lists. Which is a bit annoying to myself!
Laura, thank you for responding to my very long postings above. After I sent them, I really felt bad that I hadn't taken the time to shorten them. It did feel good to give voice to the thoughts that had been bothering me; now I can lay them to rest and move on.
ReplyDeleteI will keep you and your husband in my prayers as you deal with job issues. I do know that God is faithful, and he will provide a way for us if we just keep on asking, seeking, and knocking. And I will pray that you find just the right system to help you get your thoughts on paper.
Take care and God bless!
Wanda
I am seeing a lot of processing and progress in our group--I'm encouraged by your transparent honesty with yourself and with others! B
ReplyDeleteBoy, have I ever fallen off the wagon the last few weeks - with all of my goals. I promised myself that I would not say yes to "time wasters," things that pull me away from my dream. But a few weeks ago, I just couldn't resist, and when a friend asked me if I would be part of a musical he was directing, I said yes. I had so many late nights of rehearsing, I neglected my work-outs, my eating plans, sent my daughter to babysitters all evening, put off seeing my wonderful boyfriend, and I am so discouraged today by all of that. Becky's message last week about purpose really hit home. What is the purpose for my workday? Or in my case, the things I choose to spend my time doing? Wanda, thank you for your transparency in sharing your stuggle to get it all done. As a teacher myself, I find I am NEVER done with what I think I should be doing for my students. I need to hear from God each day in order to put it all into perspective.
ReplyDeleteAs far as journaling goes - I just keep everything in one journal and then use a small calendar that I carry in my purse. But my plan book drives my life at school for sure - and I get into trouble when I don't transfer after school committments into my personal calendar. That caused a big problem last week and is another reminder that I have let things get out of control because I am too busy. Thank you all for sharing...it is so encouraging to walk through this journey with a group of such wonderful women.
Wanda, I feel privileged to read your post. Thank you for your insights into the journey of understanding. Your opportunity of taking the class again gave me hope and encouragement. God gives us do-overs and puts us back on his plan. I think that my son is going to fail a calculus class this semester and seeing how you wrote your description gives me insight and understanding in how I am going to respond to the failed class. (He is not lazy just overwhelmed). Laura, May 16th's reading comes from Psalm 112 I think you will be encouraged. vs 5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. (I was praying for a friend of mine who's husband had to make a big business decision) My Bible was open to May 17th which also showed the end of May 16th. Psalm 112 really spoke about obeying God and he will be faithful. It gives me goosebumps when I pray and then read in the bible that day the exact subject matter that I was praying about. Woo Hoo!! Pam, You took the words right out of my mouth, spending time with God is a "wonderful experience". Thanks to all of you that post. I just got the CYL daily journal, which I will start Wednesday. God Bless
ReplyDeleteSharon, I agree with you that we "need to hear from God each day" to make it through life's challenges, and it is "encouraging to walk through this journey" with each other. Under Becky's guidance, we are all making progress, even though we all slip up sometimes--esp. when we fail to take the time to plan. Each morning gives us another chance to "get it right," though, and the accountability of the Wednesday calls and assignments gives us a fresh start each week.
ReplyDeleteRobbie, thank you for your kind words. I like the way you spoke of God's giving us "do-overs" and putting us "back on his plan." Just as we have lives filled with too many commitments, so do many of our teenagers. While some just float through life without putting much effort into anything, many others feel the pressures of taking too many difficult courses at once and/or juggling academics and jobs and extra-curricular activities. I'm sorry to hear that your son is struggling with his calculus class, and I will keep you both in my prayers. . . . I'm glad you got the CYL journal; I know you will love it! (I just placed an order for a couple of extras to keep on hand.)
Have a wonderful week, everyone!
Thank you for the verse Robbie.
ReplyDeleteNeeding prayers right now that the state taxation dept will work with us as we try to pay back taxes and we need God's provision.
Thanks.
Laura.