If nesting with your journal is a luxury you have not yet discovered, let me prime the pump for you on this chilly Sunday morning!
Sunday!
That delicious day with extra margin.
My family sleeps in on this day, which gives me this lovely, untouched window of silence and solitude in the morning. This Sunday the first morning fire of the season is glowing in the wood stove nearby. I’ve tucked myself into pillows on the sofa, the cable-knit afghan blanketing my legs, my laptop perched on my knees and the French Press steaming nearby.
Fall equals dark, chilly mornings, which makes indoor nests glow with greater warmth. I’m soaking it up without the hurry, because IT’S SUNDAY!
If nesting with your journal is a luxury you have not yet discovered, let me prime the pump for you on this chilly Sunday morning by sharing a template to guide your mini-retreat. Grab whatever you need to feel cozy and invited to this tryst. I’ll set the table for you:
Sunday perspective
The focus of every Sunday is worship, rest, and celebration!
How do we savor the luxury of rest?
How can we bless our people and celebrate one another?
How do we draw near and listen for God’s voice?
Light a Sabbath candle to remind you that this day is special, and limited. Be purposeful in examining your life. Then fill in your Sabbath with goodness, rest, and whatever your soul needs.
Light a Sabbath candle to remind you that this day is special, and limited.
What I need most on this particular Sunday is….
And here’s where you begin writing in your own journal, whether it’s loose sheets of lined paper, a leather-bound planner, or your laptop. What are the three things you most need today? Dare to write them down:
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7
So, let's ask. "Dear Lord...."
Yes! Just go ahead and whisper all those asks. Or better yet, write them openly and honestly in your journal. He's waiting to hear you.
Soul Scratch
Then pick two questions from each of the following sections to write about in your journal. Take your time! Let's gain authenticity by bringing into the light the things that need attention.
Worries revealed
What concerns are like a pebble in my shoe?
What knots or problems do I need to take the time to untie?
Are there attitudes or thoughts that aren’t serving me well?
What lies am I listening to?
Is there sin or guilt I need to expose to the light?
Grace remembered
Where did God shower grace on me last week?
What were some joy-filled moments?
Where did I show up, bless, or quietly excel?
What is God working on in my life?
Who has impacted me?
Vision renewed
In what ways am I itching to bless others?
What gifting is God cultivating in me currently?
Who needs my prayer or connection?
What truth do I need to hold tightly to this week?
What do I most want to accomplish?
Prep and pray
Take some time to think through the week ahead. And get out your planner! You may need to turn your inspiration into an action plan:
What does my workplace need most?
What does my spouse need this week?
What does each child need this week?
How can I bless my parents?
What is my #1 priority for this week?
What do I want to do that may not fit into my schedule?
Closing ceremonies
When the day is done, sit with your candle, your planner, your journal. Revisit your journal scribblings and refocus on the week to come:
What went well today? What went sideways? Thank God for the gift of this day. Confess your shortcomings.
Review the calendar and transfer appointments to your planner.
Write in errands and action items.
Commit the upcoming week to God as you blow out your candle.
. . . . . . . . . .
While I freestyle my journal writing on many days, creating templates such as this one help me make effective use of my alone time with Jesus, and I have different ones to serve different purposes. Most Sundays I cut and paste this template right into my e-journal. I like the intentionality it brings to my Sabbath rest and the week ahead. Yes, something will unravel. But something else will come into focus, or change my trajectory for the better. Following this pattern moves me forward.
Someday I'll share my quick prompts for work morning journaling, or my ridiculous idea sort for those Saturdays that overflow with possibility!
Whatever your journaling style, I hope you dare to be 100% authentic. Do what you need to--password protect, lock, burn--to enable you to be entirely honest with yourself and with your Lord. It's part of worshipping in spirit AND in truth.
In parting I leave you the scripture that beckons me daily to run to God for shelter:
Thank you for sharing your template Kathy. It sets the tone for a day and week focused on worshipping in your walk.