Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Self-Care Checklist

I am a firm believer in self-care.  You must take care of yourself.

Parker Palmer says it best… “Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.”

With this thought in mind, I have created two self-care lists.  One is Christian based and has self-care acts that remind you of God’s goodness.  The other is non-Christian based and has self-care that remind you that you matter.

The Christian based list was created for a group that catered to women, so that is why it is so “girly.” J

Christian Self-Care List

Self-Care List

Enjoy!

Friday, September 4, 2020

Finding Spiritual Insight and Emotional Healing: How Journaling with Verses from the Book of Psalms Can Transform Your Daily Reflection

 

Journaling is a powerful way to process and reflect on life experiences, emotions, and thoughts. Adding verses from the book of Psalms to your journaling practice can enhance its benefits by providing spiritual insights, emotional healing, and a sense of connection with God. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you should journal verses from the book of Psalms to help you with daily reflection.

Understanding the Book of Psalms

The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poetic prayers and songs written by different authors, including King David, Moses, and Asaph. The Psalms cover a wide range of human experiences, from joy and praise to pain and despair. They express a deep longing for God's presence and guidance in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties.

Benefits of Journaling with Psalms

  1. Gaining Spiritual Insights: The Psalms offer profound spiritual insights into God's character, nature, and ways. By journaling with specific verses, you can deepen your understanding of God's love, mercy, justice, and sovereignty. You can also receive comfort, hope, and guidance from God's promises and faithfulness.
  2. Processing Emotions: The Psalms are full of raw emotions, such as anger, fear, sadness, and gratitude. By journaling with Psalms, you can process your own emotions in a healthy and constructive way. You can express your feelings honestly and authentically to God, and receive healing and restoration in return.
  3. Connecting with God: The Psalms are a powerful tool for cultivating a personal relationship with God. By journaling with Psalms, you can experience a deeper sense of intimacy, trust, and dependence on God. You can also learn to listen to God's voice and respond to His leading in your life.
  4. Finding Meaning and Purpose: The Psalms offer a rich perspective on the meaning and purpose of life. By journaling with Psalms, you can discover your own sense of purpose and identity in God's plan. You can also find inspiration and motivation to pursue God's call and mission for your life.

Tips for Journaling with Psalms

  1. Choose a Verse or Passage: Select a Psalm that resonates with your current life situation, emotion, or need. You can use a devotional guide, a concordance, or a random selection to find a verse or passage to journal with.
  2. Read and Meditate: Read the selected Psalm slowly and meditatively. Reflect on its meaning, message, and implications for your life. Pay attention to the words, phrases, and images that stand out to you.
  3. Journal and Pray: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and insights in a journal. Use your own words and style to express yourself authentically. You can also write a prayer or a response to God based on the Psalm. Pray for God's guidance, wisdom, and grace to apply the Psalm to your life.
  4. Reflect and Apply: Take time to reflect on your journaling experience. Review what you have written and look for patterns, themes, or areas of growth. Identify ways to apply the Psalm to your life, relationships, or circumstances. Take action steps based on your insights and commitments.

Journaling with Psalms is a powerful way to deepen your spiritual life, process your emotions, connect with God, and find meaning and purpose in life. By incorporating this practice into your daily routine, you can experience greater joy, peace, and growth in all areas of your life. Remember, journaling with Psalms is not about perfection or performance, but about authenticity and vulnerability before God. It is a safe and sacred space to pour out your heart and receive God's grace and mercy. So, don't be afraid to start today, even if you don't know where to begin. Just open your heart and your journal, and let God speak to you through His word.

Here is a Bible Reading Plan for Psalms.