| Pure And Lovely Journaling Dear Sisters, Much has been said and written about women journaling. I have always 'journaled' in some form. In my younger days, I had a page-a- day diary. Later, when I became a mom to three children, as well as a partner in my husband's company, my 'journal' was actually a very practical diary, recording important dates, information, but mainly items 'to do'! Smile..... As the children were growing up, I re-read the diaries from my early womanhood in South Africa. I was filled with a great sadness. Without thought, I took my diaries outside in the garden and burned them on my own mini-bonfire. I mentioned this to a number of ladies several years later, and they were all so very surprised ~ almost horrified that I would do such a thing. But, I have never had regrets. Never. Why? ........Because......... The Lord has changed my heart. I am a new creature ~ in Him. Furthermore, I don't even want to be reminded of hardship, sadness and the way I 'used' to be. And here is the reason: ".....Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.." Philippians 4:8 It is the mindset of some that ALL thoughts and feelings be recorded when journaling. If I were to write of unhappiness and sadness and ~ gasp ~ to even keep those writings as a record for my children, what would I be conveying? Would I be an encouragement for somebody further down life's highway? Would I be a great witness for Christ? Even if those journals of my life, thoughts and feelings were never to be read ~ what would I be achieving? I believe I would be digging up old bones, hurts that are better forgotten ~ for my own spiritual well-being. Am I against journaling? Not on your nellie! Facts are one thing. One can't escape them. But..... my response, reaction and attitude to the facts of life are what counts. When I journal now, I am reminded of the wonderful verse in Philippians 4:8. I cling to this. Here is a sample of journaling which I started last year, With love in Christ and looking for the lovely, Helen >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SUNDAY Mom and Dad didn't come with us to church today. The weather has been so unbearably hot that in their (our) true British fashion, they (we) are affected by the great `meltdown'. Sunday school class was such a challenge today, as during our `Prayers to Jesus' time, the children disclosed such personal information about their families. It never fails to tear at me - the life some of these wee ones live. Fathers living in other states, only seeing their children occasionally, parents fighting over custody, other parents getting drunk and/or `high' and performing in front of their precious children. On the one hand, I find I am so very tempted to listen, on the other, I don't. Andre once said to me that life would be easier if we didn't know certain things about certain people. I am finding this to be so true. After church, we phoned to see if Brian was at the Gardens. He had left early, so we decided to eat at Burger King. We were joined there by others from church. Arrived home around 4.30pm MONDAY Began using the draft plan for Charlotte Mason methods today. Although short lessons are recommended, I feel it depends on the general interest of the children. Sarah races ahead both in maths and copywork. Sam enjoys maths, but when it comes to copywork, well - I'm wondering if it is a `boy's thing' - writing? Anything that can distract him - will! Most of all they enjoy sitting on the couch and me reading to them. The favourite so far is May Gibb's `Gumnut Babies'. History is also a favourite. At the moment we are going through Australian history and I'm learning all the time! Emma is happy to perform her schoolwork in her room. She is more motivated than I had originally thought. The most important thing of all is that she enjoys to learn. What a blessing that is. Today was my first lesson in the Creative Writing course. I learned so much and just can't wait till next weeks lesson. TUESDAY We left for Goulburn later than anticipated today. Furthermore, as we had driven over ten kilometers out of Collector, it dawned on me that the gas man may have not closed the gate to the horse's paddock. And so - we returned to check. I shudder to think of the Palomino heading for the highway, as in times past! Arriving at Mom and Dad's place is always exciting. There is so much to tell as well as ask. We usually spend up to an hour catching up on highlights, as well as mundane events of the week at hand. Dad usually stays at home, while Mom, the children and I set out for `town'. After completing most errands today, we had lunch at the Subway. Dad had joined up with us at Clint's, so he accompanied us there too. Frustrating to say, as we left the Subway, Sam found a parking ticket on the windscreen of the car! Funny how such an animal can affect your day. Mom was quite annoyed at this. Personally, I cast this to the back of my mind, before it started eating away at the (otherwise) pleasant day we were having. I have found that setbacks such as this can gnaw at your frame of mind. WEDNESDAY We had hoped to do some gardening today, but, alas, the sun shone brightly and the heat was in for an early start (you can just imagine Mr Heat, clocking in early for the day!). Tempted as I may be, I have found that the most hindering aspect of gardening is starting something, with a realistic `we-can-finish-this-today' goal, and discovering that you are not able to finish after all. The heat of the summer sun does this to me. Instead, we stayed indoors and continued on our good literature and living books journey. THURSDAY I had asked the Lord for motivation and continuity of tasks today. As always, He delivered! Together, the children and I managed to complete all household chores, so the home was in order and ready for the upcoming weekend. We have found that all major chores have to be done by Thursday, as Fridays are written off as cleaning days. We were even fortunate enough to squeeze a few basic lessons in during the morning. The afternoon, for me was spent responding to mail, writing cheques and updating the MYOB system. Emma and Sarah were working on craft projects, while Sam `hovered'. I have found his favourite pastime is to gravitate from imaginary jousting, jumping on the trampoline, playing with the dogs, making stage settings under the trees, climbing trees, building bike ramps and jumps and pottering on his workbench, situated inside Andre's shed. How he differs from the girls! It never ceases to amaze me. FRIDAY Andre rang before we left for town this morning and read out Gary's fax. He is so thoughtful in this way. He knows I can't bare to wait for news! We always start our Fridays at the workshop. Emma usually cleans the kitchen/washroom and office, Sarah either reads, writes or busies herself with Sam, who is usually intent on squeezing some type of `creation' into our half hour with Dad, while Andre and I enjoy morning tea together. After our usual errands, we went to see our accountant, Tony. I believe the introduction of the so very crooked GST in this country will be it's downfall. It was hard to believe an hour had past in Tony's office, before we realised there was all of 15 minutes to get to the other side of town for music! Pity that Emma's violin teacher is away for a couple of weeks. It's never easy to watch others enjoy something that you so love to do. I am convinced that there are no other shoes for sale, at this time, other than the platform shoes I recall from my own teenage years! A choice for younger girls is non-existent. Sam was the fortunate one in this regard, as we at least came home with new shoes for him. Bob Martins. Original. What can beat them? SATURDAY I am pleased that I am waking earlier in the mornings. Today was no exception. Today is the inception of recording journal entries. By the time everybody was up, I had already finished the week's worth of events. A very pleasant day - spent in the garden. Andre and Sam mowed the lawn and trimmed the edges. How neat it looks when the `full treatment' is applied. I indulged in an `elimination' exercise. No longer do we have the silver-grey- turned black lanky plants below our deck. All that is left are a couple of lavender bushes and an overgrown rock rose. The stage is ready for further props. Emma went to ride her horse in the TSR. We had to giggle at this; I insisted she take the mobile phone. Emma seems to think that the whole `look' isn't right; herself atop the horse, frolicking in the paddock of an Australian countryside. Tucked and tied to the saddle - a drawstring bag with an Aboriginal design. Within the bag, ready for action - the mobile phone!! What a laugh it would be to see this on a movie screen. Picture this; a typical Tablelands scene, complete with burnt grass, gum trees and dry soil. Girl observes horse, horse walks towards girl for the inevitable tidbit. Suddenly, the serenity is broken as the mobile phone screams the "William Tell" tune! We managed to weed, feed and mulch part of the fruit bed today. Hopefully we'll have the rest done by the end of the week. |