JOURNALING FOR CHRIST
Recording Your Personal Walk
How a Spiritual Journal Differs from a Prayer Diary and How it Can be a Tool for Your Walk with Christ
JOURNALING FOR CHRIST
A spiritual journal records a personal walk with God, which is different from a prayer diary, which records prayers and the status of each, though these can be added as part of someone’s spiritual journal. Some might say journaling isn’t necessary if God already knows everything, but there are several reasons it can help. It serves as a record to understand and appreciate Christian growth over time. Another purpose is to capture thoughts when the Spirit moves you for later reflection. It’s also a way to work out your thoughts in praying to God.
“Writer’s Block” – which can occur when one’s mind is empty, unfocused, or restrained – happens as much with a spiritual journal as any other type of writing: fear of not using “just the right words” with God, being uncomfortable with being honest, or just distracted by too many other things. Clear your mind of any outside distractions, pray your mind will be open to listen to the Spirit, and if that still doesn’t seem to help, you can choose a Biblical passage to contemplate or try some sort of creative exercise such as trying to retell a story in the Bible from someone else’s point of view, or writing some original praise poetry.
There are journals available that provide a verse or thought daily for one to respond to. Journaling is a very personal process and these may not be appropriate for everyone. Some may prefer or need the structure to get them writing, while others may only become frustrated if they do not have something to say on each day that is Spirit led, yet feel as if they are doing “something wrong” by not answering. If the Spirit is leading you to write about something else, go with that instead of what a page written by someone else is instructing you do. After all, it is your walk with the Lord. If none of these work, the Spirit may just not want to be using the page to speak with you at that particular time, as if to say: “Contemplate things more on your own and see what you discover, and then get back to me”. It is more than all right. God speaks in many ways.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Find a verse or chapter in the Bible that carries special meaning for you. Write down in your journal what emotions or connotations come to mind for you when reading that passage and how it makes you feel in relation to Christ.
2) Consider Psalm 102:18. What is the importance of recording a personal journey with God – for ourselves? For others? Write down your answer if you feel led to.
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CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #3
Last revised: February 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Poetry in the Bible... and Beyond
POETRY IN THE BIBLE… AND BEYOND
When people think of poetry and the Bible, a few sections of it may immediately come to mind – Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes 3, and the Song of Solomon. It’s true that most of the poetry in the Bible occurs in the Old Testament, but these aren’t the sole places it can be found. Mary’s Song and Zechariah’s Song in the New Testament, and Habbakuk Chapter 3 are poetic as well. They are personal songs of the speakers of praise that make these pieces stand out even more emotionally as part of the Word.
The Bible has also inspired lay poets throughout the ages as a way to praise the Lord. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, some of William Blake’s poetry, T.S. Eliot’s “Journey of the Magi,” Edwin Markham’s poetry such as “The World-Purpose,” Vachel Lindsay’s “Daniel,” and Francis Thompson’s poem “Hounds of Heaven” are just a few examples from a wide variety of poets. Yet most poetry of the past seems not as accessible to the modern everyday person, as it seems to remain perceived as meant to be for the well-read.
So is poetry a lost art to most people? Not necessarily. Examples are Christian themed greeting cards, and poems found printed in church bulletins, but the main place is through the lyrics of spiritual music, both traditional hymns and praise songs. The Christian music scene is booming, and it doesn’t mean people have to be big acts to make an impact… there are smaller bands that are able to market themselves through the Internet. Some songs even make their way onto the mainstream Top 40 charts, though people may not always recognize that.
So whether you feel in communion with Christ writing poetry or music lyrics (or perhaps the music as well if such is your gift), or just reading to or listening to these praises, poetry can be part of how you grow in Christ.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Consider prayerfully one of the reading examples from the Bible that’s been mentioned.
2) Listen to a Christian song and do an analysis of the lyrics, and try to discover what parts of the Bible may have inspired it and read that section of the Word.
3) Challenge yourself to write a spiritual poem or song in whatever form you feel most comfortable with.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #2
Last revised: January 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
When people think of poetry and the Bible, a few sections of it may immediately come to mind – Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes 3, and the Song of Solomon. It’s true that most of the poetry in the Bible occurs in the Old Testament, but these aren’t the sole places it can be found. Mary’s Song and Zechariah’s Song in the New Testament, and Habbakuk Chapter 3 are poetic as well. They are personal songs of the speakers of praise that make these pieces stand out even more emotionally as part of the Word.
The Bible has also inspired lay poets throughout the ages as a way to praise the Lord. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, some of William Blake’s poetry, T.S. Eliot’s “Journey of the Magi,” Edwin Markham’s poetry such as “The World-Purpose,” Vachel Lindsay’s “Daniel,” and Francis Thompson’s poem “Hounds of Heaven” are just a few examples from a wide variety of poets. Yet most poetry of the past seems not as accessible to the modern everyday person, as it seems to remain perceived as meant to be for the well-read.
So is poetry a lost art to most people? Not necessarily. Examples are Christian themed greeting cards, and poems found printed in church bulletins, but the main place is through the lyrics of spiritual music, both traditional hymns and praise songs. The Christian music scene is booming, and it doesn’t mean people have to be big acts to make an impact… there are smaller bands that are able to market themselves through the Internet. Some songs even make their way onto the mainstream Top 40 charts, though people may not always recognize that.
So whether you feel in communion with Christ writing poetry or music lyrics (or perhaps the music as well if such is your gift), or just reading to or listening to these praises, poetry can be part of how you grow in Christ.
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Consider prayerfully one of the reading examples from the Bible that’s been mentioned.
2) Listen to a Christian song and do an analysis of the lyrics, and try to discover what parts of the Bible may have inspired it and read that section of the Word.
3) Challenge yourself to write a spiritual poem or song in whatever form you feel most comfortable with.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #2
Last revised: January 2008
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Why Should I Write?
WHY SHOULD I WRITE?
A Question for All Christians
All Christians are called to witness and writing is one way to do that. No matter your skill level, find out why writing matters to Jesus and to you…
WHY SHOULD I WRITE?
My name is Shannon Muir, and I founded Creative Words to Spread the Word. Since I first formed this ministry, I’ve been approached by people. Some are interested in active ministry involvement to explore their creative gift, others to simply encourage me as “cheering others on” is one of their spiritual gifts. I’ve also met with some people who come to me who admit that they “could never write, but wish they could” or have tried and become frustrated because they were not good at it.
Being “creative” is not just a matter of telling short stories or poetry. You can be “creative” in your own written testimony, simply in the words you choose to express it. That word choice, combined with your unique spiritual experience, is part of what makes it your personal testimony versus just a generic facts sheet. This also applies to how you choose to express items for the monthly church newsletter, the bulletin, or features on the church Web site.
Also, “writing” is not just confined to the written word in its final form. Outlines for documentaries about spiritual experiences, or even scripts for stage drama or videorecording have to be written.
Writers do not have to always do something that is publicly shared. Some people have more of a gift for writing that becomes public expression. Others can use it simply as a tool to further their personal Christian walk through spiritual journaling. So take a second look at what you do every day… you may already be writing for Christ and not know it!
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Have you had an experience that strengthened you as a Christian, either for the good or the bad? Take some quiet time and write about it.
2) Do you have a favorite psalm or proverb? If a non-Christian were to read this and say “I don’t understand what this means,” how would you explain it to them and what it means to you personally? Now try writing those same words down.
3) Consider trying to retell a favorite bible story from another character’s point of view based on the scriptural facts you know.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #1
Last revised: December 2007
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
A Question for All Christians
All Christians are called to witness and writing is one way to do that. No matter your skill level, find out why writing matters to Jesus and to you…
WHY SHOULD I WRITE?
My name is Shannon Muir, and I founded Creative Words to Spread the Word. Since I first formed this ministry, I’ve been approached by people. Some are interested in active ministry involvement to explore their creative gift, others to simply encourage me as “cheering others on” is one of their spiritual gifts. I’ve also met with some people who come to me who admit that they “could never write, but wish they could” or have tried and become frustrated because they were not good at it.
Being “creative” is not just a matter of telling short stories or poetry. You can be “creative” in your own written testimony, simply in the words you choose to express it. That word choice, combined with your unique spiritual experience, is part of what makes it your personal testimony versus just a generic facts sheet. This also applies to how you choose to express items for the monthly church newsletter, the bulletin, or features on the church Web site.
Also, “writing” is not just confined to the written word in its final form. Outlines for documentaries about spiritual experiences, or even scripts for stage drama or videorecording have to be written.
Writers do not have to always do something that is publicly shared. Some people have more of a gift for writing that becomes public expression. Others can use it simply as a tool to further their personal Christian walk through spiritual journaling. So take a second look at what you do every day… you may already be writing for Christ and not know it!
QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES TO CHALLENGE YOU:
1) Have you had an experience that strengthened you as a Christian, either for the good or the bad? Take some quiet time and write about it.
2) Do you have a favorite psalm or proverb? If a non-Christian were to read this and say “I don’t understand what this means,” how would you explain it to them and what it means to you personally? Now try writing those same words down.
3) Consider trying to retell a favorite bible story from another character’s point of view based on the scriptural facts you know.
---
CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD
Coordinator: Shannon Muir
email: creativewordstospreadtheword@gmail.com
BROCHURE #1
Last revised: December 2007
Brochure text by
Shannon Muir
Original Artwork on Printed Version by
Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
[The above is a modified Internet transcription of the text of a print brochure originally released by Creative The Words to Spread the Word. This transcription released by Creative Words to Spread the Word. All rights reserved.]
Monday, December 3, 2007
Brochure text soon to be available online...
There'd already been plans to start putting the text of the older study brochures online as only so much room existed in the racks in the narthex of Wilshire Avenue Community Church.
As of this past weekend, the narthex has been remodeled and the old rack that Creative Words to Spread the Word took advantage of for self-study brochures is gone. It is not determined at this time if an alternate solution for displaying the printed brochures in the new setup will be found. It may very well be that all past brochures and future self study materials may appear on this blog.
Also, a dedicated email for this ministry has been established. Direct contact should be written to creativewordstospreadtheword (at) gmail.com if responding in this blog is not appropriate. Thank you.
As of this past weekend, the narthex has been remodeled and the old rack that Creative Words to Spread the Word took advantage of for self-study brochures is gone. It is not determined at this time if an alternate solution for displaying the printed brochures in the new setup will be found. It may very well be that all past brochures and future self study materials may appear on this blog.
Also, a dedicated email for this ministry has been established. Direct contact should be written to creativewordstospreadtheword (at) gmail.com if responding in this blog is not appropriate. Thank you.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Everyone can use words...
God created words for everyone to use. I won't argue that some have been given more of a gift with their use of words. Having said that, I also firmly believe that with dedicated effort it is possible for people to become better at their use of words - both in the reading and writing of them - and that is part of what this ministry is all about. I refuse to see words as being meant for a few because God gave them to communicate to everyone with. There have just been points in history where the skill of learning how to use words was denied to all but a select group, something with which I personally do not agree.
People can use words in different ways, just like any other tool. Also, like any other tool, they can be misused. That ties back into the prior blog post thought about creative words not being deceptive words. Each of us must be responsible with what is granted at our disposal, and even if we express the meaning of the Word of the Lord in our own way to better show how it is relevant to our own lives, first and foremost we must stay true to the heart of the Word.
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." - Proverbs 30:5-6 (NIV)
People can use words in different ways, just like any other tool. Also, like any other tool, they can be misused. That ties back into the prior blog post thought about creative words not being deceptive words. Each of us must be responsible with what is granted at our disposal, and even if we express the meaning of the Word of the Lord in our own way to better show how it is relevant to our own lives, first and foremost we must stay true to the heart of the Word.
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." - Proverbs 30:5-6 (NIV)
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Creative Words are not Deceptive Words
God gave us words. In theory, he could have given us only pictograms and oral history. But he gave us the gift to be able to write things down, and in fact at times called people to write things down. He also gave us many ways to describe things, multiple words that can describe things in succinct ways. For example, today a woman at our church performed a song in Spanish and the English translation was provided on the wall. Howver, there was one word she admitted the English language had no exact equivalent for. The best she could do was to substitute with the word caresses due to a need for brevity on the screen, but the songwriter chose a specific word that the Spanish language has for a parent cupping a child's face in his or her hands and holding it upwards for a loving gaze. How wonderful that language can be so embracing. How wonderful to have language to express our love for Christ in written testimony, story, poetry, song lyrics, and more.
Words can also be arranged in various ways to express the same idea, but again how it is expressed can produce a completely different effect. The words, phrases, and sentences each of us choose reflects our own personal walk wih Christ and what makes our Christian voice unique.
However, to be true to the Lord, creative cannot be synonymous with deceptive. While we are free to be creative by expression, Christ does not encourage us to mislead in an way. Where the ability to be creative in our expression is a gift, to use it to twist the truth is not biblical.
"Therefore each of us must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body." - Ephesians 4:25 (NIV)
Words can also be arranged in various ways to express the same idea, but again how it is expressed can produce a completely different effect. The words, phrases, and sentences each of us choose reflects our own personal walk wih Christ and what makes our Christian voice unique.
However, to be true to the Lord, creative cannot be synonymous with deceptive. While we are free to be creative by expression, Christ does not encourage us to mislead in an way. Where the ability to be creative in our expression is a gift, to use it to twist the truth is not biblical.
"Therefore each of us must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body." - Ephesians 4:25 (NIV)
Saturday, October 13, 2007
New Self-Study Pamphlets Available
The latest self-study pamphlets for CREATIVE WORDS TO SPREAD THE WORD are now in the narthex area at Wilshire Avenue Community Church.
JOURNALING FOR CHRIST: Compares a prayer diary to a spiritual journal and the benefits of using a spiritual journal in the walk with Christ.
TESTIMONY IN WORDS: Whether it's one on one experience, part of a local ministry, or outreach mission - the impact of documenting Christian experiences for others can have impact.
These or any of the past pamphlets can also be directly requested and sent as a Word file.
Blessed writing!
Shannon
JOURNALING FOR CHRIST: Compares a prayer diary to a spiritual journal and the benefits of using a spiritual journal in the walk with Christ.
TESTIMONY IN WORDS: Whether it's one on one experience, part of a local ministry, or outreach mission - the impact of documenting Christian experiences for others can have impact.
These or any of the past pamphlets can also be directly requested and sent as a Word file.
Blessed writing!
Shannon
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