I was corresponding with my friend Melodee this morning, reminiscing about how I used to be such an avid journaler. All through junior high and high school and even college I would spend hours handwriting my thoughts and experiences. Something about that physical connection of pen to paper just allowed me to slow down, reflect, and sort out my thoughts. I could write whatever I truly felt, knowing no one but me would ever see it. Oftentimes my entries would turn into prayers as I poured my heart out to the Lord.
Now, in our fast-paced world of blurbs and twitters instead of paragraphs and pages, journaling as I once knew it has become a thing of the past. We share our thoughts with whoever cares to read them via these crazy things called blogs, and the public nature of these modern journals makes us censor ourselves more, carefully considering the words and topics we choose to discuss. On the other hand, blogs also offer everyone a voice, an instantly-published medium for sharing the thoughts and ideas that may not emerge in our every day conversations but that we need to express.
I've been reluctant to give up my pen-to-paper journaling, and I'll probably always have a journal on my nightstand, waiting to be filled. But after not writing in said journal for nearly a year, I've finally accepted blogging as an acceptable alternative. It will probably never provide quite the same emotional release as a real journal, but it's really rather fun. =)
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~ saves trees
~ beautiful templates that can be changed based on mood
~ readership
~ connecting with others
~ living out the story of God... (maybe) more actively
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~ can't really think of any
I do love to read people's blogs, especially friends'. That said, I remember going to a Poetry reading once where the poet did an "Ode to the Card Catalog" describing in sensual detail how he missed looking up books that way, since that method has come and gone with the technology age. Your blog entry reminded me of that.
Another thing I just thought to tell you - a book I've been reading might interest you. It was first recommended to me by Jenn, actually. It's called "A Fresh Brewed Life" and it's about renewing and strengthening your walk with God. It uses the analogy of coffee, and has a nice light-hearted approach. It's really good. Your photo on your blog home page of the coffee mug, along with your entry, made me thing it might be something you'd enjoy. I have a copy if you'd like to borrow it.
Your post was very eloquent. It reminded me of how after a crisis in my life, I journalled regularly for a couple years, but haven't recently. I wonder if I am missing out by not doing it. I find that it's hard to figure out emotional issues in my head unless I talk to a friend or write it down. So, if I'm trying to figure something out on my own, I usually have to journal.
Hi Rebekah:
I'm a new reader and we also live in Oregon!Loved this post.I have been an avid journal keeper for awhile now and I love it!Thoughts,prayers,frustrations,etc. are all written down in my journals.Anyhow,glad I found you and your blog.I have you bookmarked so I may return regularly.Blessings~Sharon in Salem
I envy your clarity! I've tried journaling in the past and it either turns into nonsensical gibberish or I can't get my mind to slow down long enough to make sense of it. I suppose that's why I'm not a very good blogger either... :)
Glad to know your blog, Bek!
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