I had the privilege of speaking to a group of ladies at Bethel Fellowship Church in Minneota, MN, a couple of weeks ago.  Because I’ve journaled for years it has helped me connect the dots allowing me to sometimes see the bigger picture of what God is doing. As I shared this I realized what a gift it is when God allows us to see this.

In Genesis 50, the account of Joseph provides a great example of connecting the dots. Listen to what he says when he gets it:

I love how Joseph humbly weeps realizing how good God was to him through all the pain, hardship and years of waiting with unanswered questions.

Writing Christian historical fiction is like this. It’s telling a story that is set during a time in history that connects the dots of God’s faithfulness to the characters portrayed. What lessons we can teach; what examples we can set; what a privilege it is to do this.
Before we can write about it it helps to experience it for ourselves, writing with the voice of one who has been there.

How have you connected the dots of God’s active work in your life? If you’ve never considered this–ask Him to show you. He loves to make His name and presence known in all the circumstances we face. Those who are looking for His hand will find it was there all along pointing the way.

(Image credit Pinterest)

My husband and I just returned from a trip to Minnesota where we were asked to speak to a church on marriage and other topics. I was asked to share with their women’s ministry about my life–the field was wide open. I decided to talk about how journaling became such a significant part of my life.

Journaling is easier now than ever–at least the decision to journal is made easier because the plethora of beautiful journals available make keeping a personal journal inviting–but buying a journal and keeping a journal are two different things.

How many journals have you purchased and never used? How can we go from wanting to journal to actually doing it?

I think the answer comes down to how you answer the why of journaling.

“Why, then, do I set before You an ordered account of so many things? it’s certainly not through me that You know them. But I’m stirring up love for You in myself and in those who read this so that we may all say, great is the Lord and highly worthy to be praised. I tell my story for love of Your love.”
― Augustine of Hippo, Confessions

I have found that after decades of keeping a journal it helps me connect-the-dots of God’s faithfulness in my own life. He accomplishes what He sets out to do. All.the.time. Yet we often miss it because we forget. Journaling helps me remember dots I’ve previously lived and connect them to today.

And it’s more than that…

“This is what you do when you journal. You are recording God’s grand, epoch-spanning redemptive story as it unfolds in your limited, temporal sphere of existence here on earth. Your journal has the potential to record the continuation of the Holy Spirit’s work in our world!”
― Adam L. Feldman, Journaling: Catalyzing Spiritual Growth Through Reflection

I have a personal conviction from God to keep a journal. And this is what fuels my discipline in this regard.

It’s this way with all things of a life-changing nature. We set out to do something new because we’re compelled that it will make a lasting difference in our lives. Consider the conviction it took for us to…

• Get married
• Choose who we would marry
• Change careers
• Start a family
• Accept Christ as our Savior
• Move to a new city/state/country

I realize that journaling is a much smaller decision to make than the ones listed above. Journaling won’t change your life in the way these bullet-points will, but it will change how you view your life. I’ve found that when I think with my fingers it helps my mind not only remember my thoughts, but it gives me a different vantage point from which to consider. I change as a result.

When was the last time you sat and considered your life and the circumstances currently challenging you? Why not take that beautiful journal off the shelf and write what’s on your heart? Your fingers may have a lot to say.

PC: Miss Creative Journaler blog

Photo Credit: Washington Post

I think with my hands–which means I have to write out my thoughts to fully understand what’s going on in my heart and mind. This is one of the reasons I blog. It helps me stay focused on a certain aspect of my life and also helps me sort through the noise of my often cluttered mind.

I want to introduce you to my new blog.

While this one is focused on my writing and the importance of knowing your family’s history, my newest blog is focused on living far away from my 7, soon-to-be 8 grandchildren. It’s titled, The Faraway Nana, a phrase which made me cry for the longest time. I avoided this label until I realized that this was God’s choice for my children, and I know that they’re where they’re called to be. Who am I to question God’s wisdom? So, instead of avoiding the title, I decided to embrace it by starting a blog by the same name, sharing my journey in this new, long-distance role.

I would love for you to check it out and let me know what you think!

This week we were watching The Tonight Show with host, Jimmy Fallon, when he did something that brought tears to my eyes. I don’t want to spoil it for you, so take a moment and listen in as he shares this special bit of his family’s history…

Honoring our parents for the sacrifices they have made for us is fitting, and it’s Biblical. 

“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

(Ephesians 6:2-3 ESV)

Do you know stories about your parents’ or grandparents’ that are worthy of honor? If you don’t, why not ask them a few questions and find out. Most of our elders don’t like to talk about themselves, UNLESS they know we really want to hear it. Starting the conversation with a good question is the best way to convince them of our interest in them. Not sure what to ask? This is why I’ve provided a list of questions in the back of my book, Through The Eyes Of Grace, to help you in discovering their stories, which are ultimately your stories.

Here are a few questions to get you started:

• Did you ever meet anyone famous? How did this come about?
• Did you serve in the military? If so, what is one thing you’ll never forget about that time in your life?
• Have you ever received any awards or commendations for service in the military or elsewhere? Tell me about it.

Everyone has a story to tell, but for them to be remembered someone has to take the time to listen. I encourage you to do so before there’s no one left to ask.