Journal Keeping
Testimonial
In Morton Kelsey 's book "Adventure Inward: Christian Growth through Personal Journal Writing", he records this account written by his friend who is a gifted psychologist, writer, and counselor.
"I began keeping a journal about ten years ago. At that point, my life had fallen into a state of 'existential disrepair'. I had lost my bearings and was unable to get back on course.
Morton suggested that I purchase a journal and that I use it to record dreams, fantasies, poetry, drawings, feelings, and anything else that I might wish to include.
His suggestion was important to me for many reasons.
It provided me a "junk heap"; I could put down whatever inner feelings I wished, socially acceptable or not.
It gave me an opportunity to take myself seriously.
Working in my journal also helped me to concretize my inner life, to capture it. Feelings which came and went became part of a permanent record.
It is probably no accident that journal and journey are related words. Writing in one's journal is a daily discovery of where one is on his or her journey. It has been important to me to write daily so that I might know where I am. Sometimes, the way is dark, lonely, and frightening; sometimes it is lovely, fulfilling and meaningful; sometimes it is a little of both.
My journal is a place where I can consider important questions and concerns. It is a place where I can pour forth my true feelings to God. I have discovered that above all God asks me to be myself and accepts me for so being. I have found my journal to be a holy place where I can meet God. During difficult times, I have received comfort just holding my journal in my hands, for it has come to represent to me my ongoing deepening pact with God.
Keeping a journal has helped me become more conscious of who I am and of God's relationship with me. My journal is a record and an ongoing part of my journey."