Thursday, March 15, 2012

Dear Diary...

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When my mother was a little girl, she used to love to write. She had many journals where she would write in, but where are they now?

Many times, I start some things but do not finish them. So yes, like almost every girl I too had a diary. I would start Dear Diary, jot down a couple of entries, and then it was forgotten. Where are those journals now... in the garbage.

Recently, after hearing the audible version of Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss and  reading The Sister Wives series, I became inspired  to start my own journal. (Although I might not agree with everything in it theologically speaking, Stepping Heavenward chronicles Katie's spiritual journey from her teenage years to adulthood. The Sister Wives series does the same but it is geared toward "mature" readers).

What do these two books have in common? Well they are both diaries. Diaries and journals are good for writing down feelings, prayers, and just everyday life (I'll touch into what to write in your diary in a later post.) Imagine if my mother still had those many journals that she wrote in. I would be able to see my mother at 14 living through the 80's decade.  What were her emotions, what did she like, who were her friends? She tells me so many stories about her Kissing Koolers and all those TV shows she watched, but pictures and written memorabilia would have been so much insightful to her world. 

We ladies belong to a new generation where cameras, video cameras, and other scrap-booking tools abound.   These tools are all used to preserve memories. You may not have your mom's old diary, but you could give one to your daughter. 

If I have a daughter at 25, that's  about ten years of journaling, it would cover most of my teenage years and adult life. When my daughter turns 15 and wants to read about me at that age, she would then have ten years worth of memories of her mother  to delve into.   She in turn, can write one to leave to her daughter along with mine and so on. What a beautiful legacy to leave. 

Written accounts not only benefit future generations, but yourself as well. If you review your past year and compare where you are now, you can see your growth spiritually, physically, and mentally. So how many of you want to start your diary? 

First step is to choose the perfect notebook. It could be a pretty stationary notebook, or composition notebook, even a spiral.  It all depends on what your preference is. I am choosing a composition notebook. The main reason is the size. I will be able to write more per page. It also allows me to paste ticket stubs, pictures, and candy wrappers to add visuals to my journaling. So I encourage you all to start your own journal. 

**NOTE: I have not actually started my diary. This process will somewhat start step-by-step alongside you here on the blog. So be prepared to read some following posts on this particular subject:)

3 comments:

  1. This year I just started writing in a journal regularly. It is very nice to do. In years to come you can look back and read your entries.

    ♥godsgirlz1♥

    godsgirlz1.wordpress.com

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  2. I think it is a thoughtful and inspiring idea Ali. I think I may start my own journal..ha!
    I actually did awhile ago when I had Geni. I don't write in it daily but I do jot down funny things she says or what Kianna is doing in h.s. at the moment. I just asked grandma to recount to me her story and grandpa's of their journey to this country to include that in the journal (and other family stories).

    I am certain that when the time comes for you to pass off your writings it will bless whoever reads it.

    Blessings on your journey...

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"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
(Psalm 19:14)