Learning to Journal

1. Learning to Journal Vineyard Community Church November 1, 2006

2. Learning to Journal • Introductions • Participants • Facilitator • Dave Stiles • PowerPoint slides available at: • www.dstiles.com

3. Learning to Journal • Timeline • Every Wednesday for six week • We will not meet the week of Thanksgiving Group Guidelines • We agree to treat others as Christ has treated us • Advice that is not sought should not be given • It is okay to “pass” on any activity • You will not be asked to read anything that you have written • Paper will be provided

4. Learning to Journal Objectives • Learn how a spiritual journal can help deepen our relationship with God • Utilize a journal to help us in our relationship with others • Utilize a journal to help us understand ourselves more • Utilize Nine Areas of a Spiritual Journaling

5. Activity #1 • What would you most like to get out of this group? • become more consistent in my journaling • see more of the benefits of journaling • learn how to grow closer to God • use my journal to help me focus on the things that God is calling me to • discover areas where I need to grow personally • work through forgiveness and healing issues • identify the things God is doing in my life • better understand the relationships that I am in • become more motivated to journal • Why?

6. Activity #1, continued… • Spend some time journaling about what you would like to get out of our time together and why that is important • Then, discuss as a group

7. Activity #2 • What have been (or might be) the most rewarding aspects of keeping a spiritual journal? • What has been (or might be) the most challenging aspects of keeping a spiritual journal?

8. Activity #2, continued… • Spend some time journaling about your responses to: • What have been the most rewarding aspects of journaling? • What have been the most challenging aspects? • Then, discuss as a group

9. The Jesus Model • Seeking a solitary place was a regular practice of Jesus’ • Solus (latin) meaning “alone”

10. The Jesus Model, continued When did Jesus seek a solitary place? • In the desert for 40 days (Matthew 4:1-11) • Night alone before choosing disciples (Luke 6:12) • After hearing the news of John the Baptist’s death (Matthew 14:13) • After feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:23) • After a long night of work (Mark 1:35) • Following the healing of a leper (Luke 5:16) • In the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46)

11. Journal Quotes The busier we are, the more we become burdened with responsibilities, and the more do we stand in need of these times when we can renew our contact with God. -Paul Tournier

12. Journal Quotes The solitude that really counts is the solitude of heart; it is an inner quality or attitude that does not depend on physical location. -Henri Nouwen

13. Journal Quotes We need to be alone, not in order to be away from people, but in order to hear better. -Richard Foster

14. Journal Quotes It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. -Lamentations 3:26

15. Journal Quotes Be still and know that I am God. -Psalm 46:10

16. Stillness/Solitude vs. Loneliness • Loneliness, according to our culture is something to be avoided at all costs • God, however, says He will never leave us…so, we’re never alone • Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

17. Stillness/Solitude vs. Loneliness Jesus calls us from loneliness to solitude. The fear of being left alone petrifies people…our fear of being alone drives us to noise and crowds. We keep up with a constant stream of words even if they are inane. We buy radios that strap to our wrist or fit over our ears so that if no one else is around at least we are not condemned to silence…we can cultivate an inner solitude and silence that sets us free from loneliness and fear. Loneliness is inner emptiness. Solitude is inner fulfillment. -Richard Foster

18. Activity #3 • Reflect on the idea of finding a place of stillness or solitude • In the past, what has worked well as you’ve sought stillness or solitude? • What are some things that you might do in the future to find a place of stillness or solitude?

19. Activity #3, continued… • Spend some time journaling about: • the idea of stillness/solitude • what has worked well • what you might do in the future • As a group, discuss your ideas

20. What is Spiritual Journaling? Definition Spiritual Journaling is the process of writing about God, ourselves and others for the purpose of spiritual growth.

21. Journal Quotes Journals help us make sense of our lives. -Richard Peace

22. Journal Quotes A journal is a book in which you carry out the greatest of life’s adventures – the discovery of yourself. -Harry Cargas and Roger Radley

23. Journal Quotes A journal is…a place to record daily happenings, a tool for self-discovery, an aid to concentration, a mirror for the soul, a place to generate and capture ideas, a safety valve for the emotions, a training ground for the writer, and a good friend and confidant. -Richard Foster

24. The Journaling Matrix • Relationships: • God • Self • Others • Time Period • Past • Present • Future

25. The Journaling Matrix You might find the following table helpful as you think about journaling. Simply pick one of the blank squares in the table.

26. Wrap-Up • Thanks for Attending!!!