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Transcript

I Stand Amazed: Finding Stillness Through Journaling · The Call to Women in Faith Podcast

• 0:00
  Hello there. I have a dear friend who loves to talk.
• 0:04
  He understands scripture well, has a way with people, and loves to read.
• 0:08
  However, he thinks he cannot articulate his thoughts through blogs or books or journal entries.
• 0:16
  He, however, encourages me to write almost every morning.
• 0:20
  He reads my blogs, he listens to my podcasts, he compliments me and gives me gentle feedback.
• 0:27
  I got to thinking, why do I write most if not all mornings?
• 0:33
  Is it because I like to talk so much that I have to write something when no one's still awake?
• 0:40
  I like to transcribe my journal entries, so first I write them in cursive, in colorful pens.
• 0:48
  So is it that I like the artwork, or is it that I have too much time on my hands?
• 0:55
  Or could it be that there's an unknown draw to write?
• 0:59
  Is it a stream of consciousness that flows between my paper and my pen?
• 1:04
  The answer could be all of the above. However, it is number four. the unknown draw.
• 1:12
  By the way, I do not have too much time on my hands. I barely have enough time
• 1:16
  to get through what I need to get through in a day.
• 1:19
  To give you a little background, these are how my mornings go.
• 1:24
  I wake up while it's still dark outside and the sun's kind of contemplating
• 1:29
  if he should poke his head out.
• 1:31
  I pray, I read the Bible, and then I journal.
• 1:35
  I do not have a set agenda for my journaling entry. It just happens.
• 1:40
  And here is what I think. I think it's God's way of making me be still.
• 1:47
  Quote, Be still and know that I am God.
• 1:50
  I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.
• 1:56
  End quote. Psalm 46 verse 10.
• 2:00
  Like most of my brothers and sisters, I have a million threads in my head,
• 2:05
  all processing different things.
• 2:07
  It is a noisy place.
• 2:09
  I have lists of things to do, people to call, goals to achieve, tasks to complete.
• 2:15
  So I think the act of writing a journal entry is an answered prayer.
• 2:20
  I prayed that I could keep my mind on him and his excellent work.
• 2:26
  Quote, You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for your eyes are open to
• 2:32
  all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and
• 2:37
  according to the fruit of his doings.
• 2:40
  Jeremiah chapter 32 verse 19. Here's my conclusion.
• 2:45
  God meets us where we are. He wants to grow closer to us. He wants us to grow closer to him.
• 2:53
  So he gives us various ways that may seem like a talent or a shortcoming.
• 2:58
  If it helps us grow closer to our Lord and Savior, let's embrace it and keep charging.
• 3:04
  What a joy! Makes me want to sing how marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior's love for me.
• 3:11
  I spared you the singing part. It's a hymn.
• 3:15
  Dear Jesus, my Lord and Savior, how blessed are we that you want us to know you intimately.
• 3:22
  You find ways that are personal and customized to reach out to us. You meet us where we are.
• 3:28
  I do not deserve the grace and blessing you shower upon me day by day.
• 3:33
  May I show gratitude by giving you all glory. Amen.