Still, Deep Waters

Do you want to dive deeper? Are you tired of being at surface level? Do you wonder if there's something out there...or do you know there's something out there, but it seems like it's in the great beyond?

Are you a little weary, a little teary, and yet you remember a time when life wasn't that way?

Journaling can help heal in the 5 areas of health–emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, and physical. A doctor may ask first how you're doing physically and they may even now ask how you're doing emotionally, but I bet they've never asked how you're doing spiritually.

When was the last time someone asked you, "How's your spiritual health?" I'm asking you now.

When people talk to me about journaling they often say, "I'm not sure I'm doing it right" or "What are the rules?" There are very few ways to "do it right" and there are very few rules in journaling. It's helpful to date your entries, write, and reread. A little like the shampoo label, lather, rinse, repeat. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. What matters is that you're honest in your own voice. And then through self-reflection and time you'll see growth through endurance and character through strength.

Because journaling can help you heal, it leads to a healthier lifestyle. It boosts creativity and learning. And ahhhh, just like the ice tea commercial with the backward plunge into the pool, it brings about spiritual contentment.

To get started you don't have to buy a fancy schmantsy journal. All you need is paper and pen. (I journal in a spiral bound notebook.) Let your thoughts and feelings tumble out from your mind, down your arm, pass through your hand to the pen and on to the paper. To begin, write for 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a week.

If you currently journal, you've tried journaling in the past, or you're intrigued by the idea of journaling, check out an upcoming workshop. We'll be doing 3 hands-on writing techniques for both new and seasoned journalers–a traditional journaling exercise, a deeper dive into a treasure hunt of lists, and creating your very own psalm.

This workshop is part of the women's ministry Soul Deep series at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa, Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. You don't have to attend Hope, for that matter you don't have to attend church anywhere or even believe. Maybe you're interested in this idea and hmmmm...you feel a tug to be open and learn something new. You'll find we're very open too. There's no fee. To register call 222-1520, online go to www.hopewdm.org/events, or e-mail registrations@hopewdm.org.

Although women tend to use journals more than men, the gender difference is surprisingly small. I coach both men's and women's groups, care groups, and small groups.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:2,1

Seize the J

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