tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49454569507060762922024-03-12T16:18:29.135-07:00Joy LeanneJoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.comBlogger403125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-6346121191748731812018-08-23T06:33:00.001-07:002018-08-23T06:33:24.853-07:00When the Story is Hard and Beautiful <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a whole blog post written about this photo. About the absolute perfection of that moment, and about all the chaos that came after and how hard things feel in this season. And I deleted it.<br />
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Some times we get to caught up in the details. Me especially. Maybe it's my journalism training. I can get distracted by the 5 "Ws". Who? What? When? Where? Why? I like to know everything. I have questions and I really want answers.<br />
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And then there is this...<br />
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<b>"And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps
then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even
noticing it, live your way into the answer."
</b>Rainer Maria Rilke, 1903<br />
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And that is the goal isn't it? To live a life in the tension of hard and beautiful, of grief and gratitude. Learning to live with the questions, knowing we may not have the answers until eternity. Or rather, living with the questions, and realizing that He is ultimately every answer.<br />
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Today I am letting go of the details. Letting go of needing the answer. Today, at least, I will look for the bigger themes of beauty, love, and God's glory. <br />
<br />JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-82950742911846541412018-08-06T05:48:00.000-07:002018-08-06T05:48:16.793-07:00Hello AgainOnce again I abandoned this little corner of my world for a very long time. My long held dreams of being a "writer" (whatever exactly that means) have shifted significantly over the past few years. Because of that this space hasn't felt as important or needed. I more often than not find myself over on Instagram where the pictures are pretty and the writing is brief.<br />
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But, I keep coming back to this, I believe that stories matter. And more than anything else, this blog has been a place to capture my stories. So, I am hoping to come back here and dust things off and re arrange and make myself comfortable again with the words. Life is an adventure, and I would like to share that.<br />
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It has been nearly a year since I have written here, and even longer since I have really written about what's going on with me and my crazy clan. I wasn't sure what to start with here and I figure an update is as good an idea as any.<br />
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A lot has changed in the past year for the five of us. All of the kids were in school last year and in a few weeks I will have a kindergartner, a 4th grader, and a 5th grader. It's hard for me to believe that my oldest only has one more year at the elementary school.<br />
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We spent a good portion of last school year fighting to find answers about our middle daughter's chronic health issues. We still have no reasonable explanation for why she is constantly sick or why she has struggled with side a wide range of symptoms. We did, however, learn how to manage her symptoms and boost her immune system so by the last quarter of the school year she had perfect attendance. This is a first for her since she started school and we celebrated BIG time! She also pulled out A/B honor role despite missing 19 days of school. God was good. He didn't answer my prayers of "why", but He offered comfort and guidance as we navigated "how". We are starting back with immunity boosters this week and hoping it's a much smoother school year for Goose.<br />
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A good bit has changed for me in the past 12 months. With all three girls in school my days were opened up and I began to look more closely at myself and what I needed to thrive. The past year I have learned what it means to make mental health a priority. For me this has meant daily medication for depression and occasional medication for anxiety. It means making my time in the Bible a TOP priority. It has meant going out of my comfort zone over and over again as I find rhythms and routines that work for me.<br />
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I also started graduate school and have loved being back in the school environment, even if if it is very different doing it all online. I am about to start my fourth class and have a projected finish date of Spring 2020.<br />
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There is so much more to share, and I hope to do that in the days to come. However, right now, this feels like a good place to stop. I am out of practice writing and it will take a while to get back into feeling comfortable again putting myself out there like this. But, it feels right, and I am excited to be back "home." <br />
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<br />JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-67631442256040109992018-04-07T14:13:00.000-07:002018-04-07T14:13:18.817-07:00Bible Journaling with Kids: Guest post by Amanda Schenkengberger<div class="s3" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">By Amanda Schenkenberger</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">As a Bible journaling teacher, one would assume I am swimming with Bible journaling ideas. You would think that you could give me a verse and I would come up with all sorts of brilliant DIY entries. While I have a few good standbys in my back pocket, I am </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">often stumped by what to journal, and especially when I am trying to Bible journal with my kids.</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">Hi: my name is Amanda, and I'm a recovering perfectist. My kids, on the other hand, are messy and have their own ideas about what to journal. Not surprisingly</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">, when you try to put rigid Amanda into a loosey goosey kid mold, it doesn't go over well.</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">Even though it's a stretch for me, as a homeschool mom who loves to Bible journal, I desperately wanted to involve my kiddos in Bible journaling as part of our schoo</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">l curriculum. I wanted to have deep spiritual conversations about Jesus and how we can apply the Word to our lives but I couldn't figure out how to do it.</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">That was, until I discovered "Bible Journaling with Kids" by Chelsea Wojcik. You know those answers t</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">o prayers you never prayed: this book was totally one of them. In this book, Chelsea gives you the basics of what you need to journal with your kids, PLUS 7 focused topical units with Bible journaling prompts for an entire year (examples: love, joy, hope, </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">etc...).</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">Once I got my hands on this book, I was so excited because the ideas wouldn't stop coming after that. At my finger tips, I had all the verses I needed and easy questions to ask my 5 year old. It gave me the freedom I needed to let go and be okay w</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">ith my son doing his own artistic thing.</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">The biggest factor that changed things for me was Chelsea's suggestion of getting your kid their own journaling Bible. I felt like smacking my head against a wall. OF COURSE! Why did I think of that?!</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">So, as per Che</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">lsea's suggestion, I immediately went to the thrift store and found a children's Bible for my 5 year old and got ready to Bible journal the first verse in the unit about love. And you know what my 5 year old said, "Mommy, this Bible doesn't look like your </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">journaling Bible."</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">I sighed as the joy of my clever thriftiness vanished. I tried to show him the space he could use to journal but he was a little hurt by that. After all, I send journaling Bibles to women all over the U.S., why couldn't I give him one?</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">A</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">fter thinking about it for like, half a second, I let him pick out one. Of course, it was the same cover as my main journaling Bible. My 5 year old is such a sweetie.</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">Anyway, we ended up having a wonderful conversation about love and who to love and how we</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> could do it that day and what makes him feel most loved. It was the glorious time in the Word I had been wanting to have with my son that, before, had felt unattainable.</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">I started thinking about this whole predicament I had been in and how well Chelsea's </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">book, "Bible Journaling with Kids" helped me overcome it and I thought, "If I have struggled with Bible journaling </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">alongside my kiddos and I'm a Bible journaling </span><span class="s4" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">teacher, </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">how many other moms are struggling with it!?"</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">And that is why I am sharing this book with you because, mom-to-mom, sometimes we just need a little help in order to be able to enjoy our children. Our to-do lists are long and it is easy to get overwhelmed by #allthethings we must do to keep them alive, </span><span class="s4" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">let alone invest in them spiritually</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">. </span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">Then there are times when I don't want to come up with yet another crafting idea to keep his mind occupied. Or I simply have no idea how to engage a 5 year old in a spiritual conversation and I just need someone to sa</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">y "Do this", and Chelsea has detailed that in her book.</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">I am so thankful that the Lord had our paths cross through the magic of Instagram because Chelsea has been such an encouragement to me through her book. If you find yourself in the "How do I Bible jou</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">rnal with my kids?" boat as well, there's nothing I can recommend more highly than Chelsea's new book, "Bible Journaling with Kids." Get it! You'll be so thankful you did.</span></div>
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JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-87014319081816571452017-10-05T07:43:00.002-07:002017-10-05T07:43:48.174-07:00Imperfections and Bible Journaling.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tzX1HcKVx8u2_S7FFEoOJtEicUp-HWiOXutXt2SbfEca1dip959cygdcsrQ_ijj5h6Y5KDqMtKC9sr6DcT2a6485aUCntLUuHMl93TvH-_YVCanLJ6TxOAmJW70PiQ2QnJShXvxnmaQ/s1600/IMG_E4026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tzX1HcKVx8u2_S7FFEoOJtEicUp-HWiOXutXt2SbfEca1dip959cygdcsrQ_ijj5h6Y5KDqMtKC9sr6DcT2a6485aUCntLUuHMl93TvH-_YVCanLJ6TxOAmJW70PiQ2QnJShXvxnmaQ/s400/IMG_E4026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite pages...even with the spelling errors. </td></tr>
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I am supposed to be blogging every day for 31 day. I missed days three and four. In the past I would have just given up on the project. Missing two days in the first week would have been too much for my perfectionist tendencies. </div>
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But I am not giving up or stopping this project. I have learned a lot from my time journaling the Word. And one of the BIG things I God has taught me is that there is no room for perfectionism in the Christian life or in creativity. I could write a whole blog post about how I have let perfectionism impact my personal walk with God, but I will keep it simple. When I give into perfectionism I am saying I believe perfection is possible in my own power. When I believe perfection is attainable in my own power I'm saying I don't need my Savior. </div>
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Unfortunately I have let perfectionism impact my Bible Journaling journey as well. And I have a inkling that I am not alone.</div>
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Perfectionism says that if my page doesn't look perfect there is no point in doing it.</div>
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Perfectionism says that if my page doesn't look like "hers" then I shouldn't even bother.</div>
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Perfectionism says that if my time spent creating doesn't produce a Pinterest worthy out come I wasted my time.</div>
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Perfectionism says that I have to have the "right" supplies.</div>
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Perfectionism says that I have to be up to date on the latest techniques. </div>
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Perfectionism LIES!!!</div>
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The truth says that imperfections reflects humanity and need for a savior.</div>
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The truth says that God has me on my own journey, that what He is doing in me is different then what he is doing in "her" so my worship will look different. </div>
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The truth says that ANY and ALL time in the Word with my Savior is time well spent. </div>
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The truth says that it's not about my supplies it's about my heart.</div>
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The truth says that growing my faith is far more important than growing my creativity. </div>
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It can be so easy to get caught up in perfectionism or what we think Bible Jouranling "should" be. </div>
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If we let it, it can become just another box to check or something we use to compare ourselves to other believers that makes us feel "better" or "worse" than some one else. </div>
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BUT, if we let it, Bible Journaling can become something that draws us into a sweet conversation with our Lord. Art worship can be something that grows our faith and changes out heart.</div>
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So here is my prayer. That you will let go of perfectionism and play freely in the margins of your Bible (or your prayer journal, or hymnal, or whatever.) Pull out your markers and paints and stickers and create with abandon as your worship the Lord. </div>
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<br />JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-21967909153713017512017-10-02T16:48:00.000-07:002017-10-02T16:48:13.864-07:00Why I Bible Journal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3yiVkuaDFRmfb36eg7K_BPkufTP4cm-rRQiUnmEcXXs7jJHszMCyRRkn2z_A1IXOFP6rKH3ffmWKaXDKRzJDZ-GBv8Mg8czJeYGfWRJLYrTrXvPvjYWLSbCGD5PBBhHtgm9TMYO0y9A/s1600/IMG_E4111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3yiVkuaDFRmfb36eg7K_BPkufTP4cm-rRQiUnmEcXXs7jJHszMCyRRkn2z_A1IXOFP6rKH3ffmWKaXDKRzJDZ-GBv8Mg8czJeYGfWRJLYrTrXvPvjYWLSbCGD5PBBhHtgm9TMYO0y9A/s400/IMG_E4111.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I started Bible journaling three years ago. It was back before it was this big thing. There were a handful of women sharing pictures on one facebook page. Since then it has exploded and people's reasons for Bible journaling are as diverse as the people worshiping in the margins of their Bible. Before I go any further in this 31 day journey I wanted to share my personal reasons for adding art worship into my spiritual walk. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIzytKVmHoMjlwh2rZz9EIwKOOC02RDWvQJURx19YB4PcthlAucdltDV__lkn-MKCdtT4UFflL8eE3XzWEjcu1TeIsZqXsZuUcflq1v8HFFgbrajMEJhnl7QY69742QRZJxqhhn3bG9g/s1600/IMG_4136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIzytKVmHoMjlwh2rZz9EIwKOOC02RDWvQJURx19YB4PcthlAucdltDV__lkn-MKCdtT4UFflL8eE3XzWEjcu1TeIsZqXsZuUcflq1v8HFFgbrajMEJhnl7QY69742QRZJxqhhn3bG9g/s400/IMG_4136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>*I believe our stories matter.</b><br />
<b></b>I grew up in a family of story tellers. I'm sure I have shared that on here before. My father is a forth generation pastor and my mother is a high school drama/speech/composition teacher. Story telling is my culture and my inheritance. The stories that resonate most with us are the stories that point us back to HIS stories. Bible Journaling helps me record my stories and points me back to God again and again. Every time I take to the pages of my Bible to record my story I see His thumb prints all over everything. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauHQvf5ZEpQaVBYOtqD9jXt9Cafs4zd8IA5uVDiQeiDkbahIUSGqGZq3hKBOuy-wVDbXlcyOyoj-FUrB0l66-R9SqVa4mYF_PR0BXFSpOJZutvh_gB1GDcyPgHniacEgllSd7igQWgPE/s1600/IMG_E4070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauHQvf5ZEpQaVBYOtqD9jXt9Cafs4zd8IA5uVDiQeiDkbahIUSGqGZq3hKBOuy-wVDbXlcyOyoj-FUrB0l66-R9SqVa4mYF_PR0BXFSpOJZutvh_gB1GDcyPgHniacEgllSd7igQWgPE/s400/IMG_E4070.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b> <b>*It's my Ebenezer.</b> <br />
Over and over again in the Bible God tells His people to remember. They watch rainbows, stack stones, broke bread all to remember. They build their ebenezers and when their children asked they told them all that God had done for them. My journaling Bible has become that for me. It's where I record what God is doing and what scriptures He is using in my life. When I look back and when my daughters look at those pages I can remind myself and them and any one else exactly what God was doing at that time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P6cztCpm3lvVoCIDYvfXtEGFaS3WsAjwZNn6hjKq7m-ynwTSWbN0NaMWN1f-mlMp0rhDzfy_85lpHCJIrljctHRbJdFZz_sj1MNSUjZWWLhLywUTC3_YlBFOZYQzuoGQj7e8qY83CJU/s1600/IMG_4301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P6cztCpm3lvVoCIDYvfXtEGFaS3WsAjwZNn6hjKq7m-ynwTSWbN0NaMWN1f-mlMp0rhDzfy_85lpHCJIrljctHRbJdFZz_sj1MNSUjZWWLhLywUTC3_YlBFOZYQzuoGQj7e8qY83CJU/s320/IMG_4301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>*We are created in the image of a creative God.</b><br />
We are told in the very first chapters of the Bible that we are created in the Image of God. The God who created the entire universe made us in His likeness. I have to believe this means that we were created to create. This looks different for every one. Maybe for you this manifests as baking a cake, painting a picture, taking a photo, sewing a beautiful dress, creating concise spreadsheets. If I am created in the image of a creative God, then using that creativity to respond to His Word feels so very right to me. <br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-35832670918565056442017-10-01T11:20:00.001-07:002017-10-05T07:45:11.873-07:0031 Days of Bible Journaling with Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELiZRcWjYuTeoERDXZNK3lkaF_z6nxu-9w9O3R6-9FabHR1OVPtCmKTYrRYwaV4KZBbgWfRxPaTG3e7-ERNaJw0rKsRsN9GkI1-jYImBva1z3LwDUnWEKw1El-kdQ3MDc0JoNzotPibs/s1600/IMG_4385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELiZRcWjYuTeoERDXZNK3lkaF_z6nxu-9w9O3R6-9FabHR1OVPtCmKTYrRYwaV4KZBbgWfRxPaTG3e7-ERNaJw0rKsRsN9GkI1-jYImBva1z3LwDUnWEKw1El-kdQ3MDc0JoNzotPibs/s400/IMG_4385.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have tried doing the Write 31 Days challenge twice in the past. Both times I gave up part way through. The first time I just sorta of gave up. Last year I made it about half way through before God called me to a season of silence. It's been a really quiet year for me. I have only posted on here a couple time since last October as I sat with the lessons and seasons God brought into my life. <br />
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But, now I feel God calling me to share what's on my heart and how He is working in my life.<br />
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Over the past few months our life has gone through a lot of transitions and for the first time ever I find myself with a lot of free time on my hands. I recently celebrated my third anniversary of Bible journaling. In my first journaling Bible I did 66 entries in 2 years and 10 months. I started a new Bible 56 days ago and have already done 60 entries in the Bible and two Bible journaling studies in journals as well as a scripture writing challenge in September. I share all this not to make myself look important, but because God has brought into my life a hunger and excitement for His Word. <br />
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Over the next 30 days I want to share with you all why I Bible journal, as well as some of my favorite supplies, techniques and resources. <br />
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Through the month I will also be sharing pages from my Illustrated Faith Word Nerd Study. If you would like to join me feel free to check out my affiliate link: <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=1599125&b=213520&m=25848&afftrack=&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Edayspring%2Ecom%2Fillustrated%2Dfaith%2Dword%2Dnerd%2Ddevotional%2Dkit">Word Nerd.</a><br />
<a href="http://joyleanne.blogspot.com/2017/10/why-i-bible-journal.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://joyleanne.blogspot.com/2017/10/why-i-bible-journal.html">Day 2: Why I Bible Journal</a><br />
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<a href="http://joyleanne.blogspot.com/2017/10/imperfections-and-bible-journaling.html">Day 4: Imperfections and Bible Journaling</a>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-63398817295704848092017-09-08T12:25:00.001-07:002017-09-08T12:25:58.630-07:00Bible Journaling Then and Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Three years ago I was searching for something. We were going through a lot of transition at the time and while my faith didn't waver, my walk had become rather stagnate. Then I stumbled across this thing online called Bible Journaling. An amazing woman named Shanna Noel had just started a facebook group and I found a community of women who were expressing themselves creatively in the margins of their Bibles. I fell deeply in love with this style of worship, but a recent change in my husbands job meant we didn't have the finances to buy a wide margin Bible or supplies. <br />
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Then an amazing women I had never met before sent me a package through amazon. A Journaling Bible, some washi tape, and some fineliner pens. Sunday will be three years since that package arrived on my door step and changed the way I interacted with my Savior, The Word, and my faith. <br />
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I did 66 entries in that Bible in a little over 2.5 years. Then last month I started a new Bible. Things were shifting for me again and I was being pulled deeper into my walk with God. It seemed like a good time to start a new Bible. Since then I have already done over 30 journal entries. I am seeking the Lord more deeply than I have in a long time. <br />
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As my journaling anniversary approaches I thought it would be fun to share some pictures of some of my very first journal entries, and what those same passages look like in my new Bible. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlU4JnevPw2lOY9mE2vn_AfiA3acSH29fbPGq6_7_OR3pp_zIvNdnxuMTba__Mh2ZXod5_6g-p4HybTFDJsi1MdUBdwISoJ8ClJXnME1nPSYVhM1K6NuCPrmh7V9tRowfWYb6nKscW7NA/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlU4JnevPw2lOY9mE2vn_AfiA3acSH29fbPGq6_7_OR3pp_zIvNdnxuMTba__Mh2ZXod5_6g-p4HybTFDJsi1MdUBdwISoJ8ClJXnME1nPSYVhM1K6NuCPrmh7V9tRowfWYb6nKscW7NA/s640/IMG_4173.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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My very first Bible entry September 10, 2014</div>
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The same passage in my new interleaved Bible done a few weeks ago.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ77ilsKgtbE2A1QoUsN0z-SsnQBHanoIe-Qj2IfKJViW0X5zaA5gnthWqpjx4BhIcBKuwkBnTS7-obxu17tQvt23bODABlbA3PL6Gv9FGhntU8A-rEzFdNfyiX831NnCwA71fwvD6M_s/s1600/IMG_4175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ77ilsKgtbE2A1QoUsN0z-SsnQBHanoIe-Qj2IfKJViW0X5zaA5gnthWqpjx4BhIcBKuwkBnTS7-obxu17tQvt23bODABlbA3PL6Gv9FGhntU8A-rEzFdNfyiX831NnCwA71fwvD6M_s/s640/IMG_4175.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This was my second journal entry in my first Bible. I had minimal supplies and pulled out things from past attempts at scrapbooking and art journaling. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCb12mYbVQKCuVocTJaEK3aSL267RFAMCgjNdx-e2r7-o5oceNINtjPSTcX38PxOriMX7i7oHm-4EYxlZ9eBfTySCeGhOTnprrPfw6MSyCFZxOml2U0EU-833fy7s4kCOm_sTmqEFSDU/s1600/IMG_4179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCb12mYbVQKCuVocTJaEK3aSL267RFAMCgjNdx-e2r7-o5oceNINtjPSTcX38PxOriMX7i7oHm-4EYxlZ9eBfTySCeGhOTnprrPfw6MSyCFZxOml2U0EU-833fy7s4kCOm_sTmqEFSDU/s640/IMG_4179.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Both of the entries for the story of Jacob's Ladder were inspired by a sermon my Dad gave years ago. I love that the entries were done nearly 3 years apart and with out meaning to I used a similar color pallet for both. </div>
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I forgot to date this one. OOPS! I love this passage in Romans about how we should treat others.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoUTJH3y5xzwomFA5JeuntPkViOOiz-jPr1jnwnP_2WVaW78lfPUKzNqc1H4aT4kSBVatCVVJ01ipg6lTat35EafrALezBv5ZzsV33PNltjrUIg6y8rO_eZGzr6l8yWdcpIEV_OchQZY/s1600/IMG_4180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoUTJH3y5xzwomFA5JeuntPkViOOiz-jPr1jnwnP_2WVaW78lfPUKzNqc1H4aT4kSBVatCVVJ01ipg6lTat35EafrALezBv5ZzsV33PNltjrUIg6y8rO_eZGzr6l8yWdcpIEV_OchQZY/s640/IMG_4180.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is one of the first pages I did in my new Bible. I love how you can see how my style has changed and grow. My prayer is that my heart continues to change and grow as well. </div>
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JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-5974322854249598342017-08-31T14:13:00.001-07:002017-08-31T14:16:46.686-07:00Messy Bible Journaling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello Dear Friends! It's been a long time. Nine months to be exact and I have missed this space. I tried writing a number of times, but every time I tried I felt God telling me it was time for silence. But at the prompting of some dear friends I think it's time to get back in this space. I'm not exactly sure what that looks like, but I would like to share more about my creative journey the past few years.<br />
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Today I wanted to share a little bit with you about my journaling process lately. Our church is nearly two weeks into a 100 day Bible Reading plan that walks through 100 essential Bible passages starting in Genesis and going through to Revelations.<br />
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Currently we are still in Genesis and I have been stumped more than once. Doing pages for the "stories" is a bit of a challenge unless you want to draw illustrations. Since that is not my talent or my desire I've had to really think about each entry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-0LHFTEsG4owku207VpLmU_dC0ynQMn3NsFUfz8rMFcfRfbPfrs-7fXKV44rBDRE0H1yjSDi1gWLSWehMQ37VOZwGpHZ8jaNMufxFId1UH0ecDGoYjoNagO9XZE_Kv_KOybeggak6Gk/s1600/IMG_4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-0LHFTEsG4owku207VpLmU_dC0ynQMn3NsFUfz8rMFcfRfbPfrs-7fXKV44rBDRE0H1yjSDi1gWLSWehMQ37VOZwGpHZ8jaNMufxFId1UH0ecDGoYjoNagO9XZE_Kv_KOybeggak6Gk/s400/IMG_4101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today's reading was about Joseph and his dreams and how his brothers sold him into slavery. After reading the passage I knew I wanted some sort of nod to the coat of many colors so I started by putting some watercolors down on the page.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFbbSuluIYRbfslaELQBSuQV3SYK-FBSxetYYF6VzNalSrgR01MH5H5Aww9lGRVvyVR3rzxf7_3lBdC237po7qsTFi6F9_t3RMsgEFAybyIO8WXQpabT5yaMnPXBxwIHwctW8pmKkOdI/s1600/IMG_4089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFbbSuluIYRbfslaELQBSuQV3SYK-FBSxetYYF6VzNalSrgR01MH5H5Aww9lGRVvyVR3rzxf7_3lBdC237po7qsTFi6F9_t3RMsgEFAybyIO8WXQpabT5yaMnPXBxwIHwctW8pmKkOdI/s400/IMG_4089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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While I wanted for the paint to dry I pulled out a couple more resources. I have been using my ESV study Bible a lot as I try to understand the stories better. It's been a big help and I have enjoyed the extra study. When I am still stumped I pull out another translation. Lately I have been using the She Reads Truth CSB Bible as well as my 1984 NIV Devotional Bible. Reading the stories in multiple translations has helped me understand them better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMXz2Ovc4Xjlzah5U0ZERmsQg-0wp27XbfkpXJC_bmTukWLvgFKxaq0y0FFAOHqbNO7YAo0p360aOZq-SgwHgAlAtyTmWrU6HnxMloCyGo2n5yZOd7PVhhEnMdvYkPzKbplO9qH3Btvc/s1600/IMG_4102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMXz2Ovc4Xjlzah5U0ZERmsQg-0wp27XbfkpXJC_bmTukWLvgFKxaq0y0FFAOHqbNO7YAo0p360aOZq-SgwHgAlAtyTmWrU6HnxMloCyGo2n5yZOd7PVhhEnMdvYkPzKbplO9qH3Btvc/s400/IMG_4102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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After the paint dried I pulled out some favorite Illustrated Faith stamps to add another layer to my page. The dots and the plus signs are some of my favorite ways to add some pattern to my page.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNde-dwtKDqsl9cduXbm3hJVdd813z_M44p2R8L83ysbvp-7nawW9pUIaeyUcUzNWihJdGBrONQp2IkD7m1KhUYg90VzfpMr9kTsWdM2dNTuPBJKDGdr6AwbWVlr5W886ml08KZr92wE/s1600/IMG_4103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNde-dwtKDqsl9cduXbm3hJVdd813z_M44p2R8L83ysbvp-7nawW9pUIaeyUcUzNWihJdGBrONQp2IkD7m1KhUYg90VzfpMr9kTsWdM2dNTuPBJKDGdr6AwbWVlr5W886ml08KZr92wE/s400/IMG_4103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My goal on this page was to make a great big mess. I used some cardboard stencils and some gelatos to help achieve the look I wanted. I used my fingers to smudge the color into the stencils. It's not the neatest method but it fit the look I was going for. I also added some bits of washi on the page.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RFM4MbzSiMxY__JS5sA8D0ylKZhYGywBCjOsZCIbUpkSdMSyDgM9VUBm-I0lLH9Uh2KuAgpGB-zSpa5VYJnX3bQjzRDzDu0mZw46-w21mjM9JEf3LyV05w3Z-GAwLj9mCLs944V0mos/s1600/IMG_4104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RFM4MbzSiMxY__JS5sA8D0ylKZhYGywBCjOsZCIbUpkSdMSyDgM9VUBm-I0lLH9Uh2KuAgpGB-zSpa5VYJnX3bQjzRDzDu0mZw46-w21mjM9JEf3LyV05w3Z-GAwLj9mCLs944V0mos/s400/IMG_4104.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the phrase I wanted to capture I used Amy Tangerine clear letter stickers and Illustrated Faith home spun alphabet stickers. Once I put them on I wanted them to pop more so I used my thick illustrated faith pen to outline them.<br />
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Some tabs, a paper piece, and some journaling and the page was done. As I read through the story today I was struck by the way God can work even in the biggest messes. Jacob played favorites. Joseph bragged to his brothers. His brothers were jealous and lied to their father. Rueben was a coward who wouldn't' stand up to his younger brothers. And yet, in the midst of all that chaos, God was still at work. If He can work in that kind of mess, imagine what He can do with the mess in our lives. JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-38001882615786310522016-12-03T04:10:00.001-08:002016-12-03T04:10:13.028-08:00The Last Christmas Pageant: Or Missguided Wisemen, Angry Shepherds, and Baby Angel WingsIn my mind I am 11, but the math says I couldn't have been more than 9 maybe 10. Either way, I was in upper elementary school the year the associate pastor's wife decided to put a new "spin" on the traditional Christmas pageant presented every year at the Christmas Eve service. Preschoolers in cardboard angel wings and bathrobes weren't quiet enough, so we added a bit of creativity.<br />
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My best friend, her brother, and I were selected to play three siblings who were so excited for gifts that they missed the true meaning of Christmas. We were visited by a special angel: the associate pastor in a white sweatsuit and the special cardboard wings that were covered in glittered and typically reserved for "the angel of the Lord".<br />
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The "angel" narrated the Christmas story to us while our classmates and younger siblings acted it out.<br />
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Have you ever read "The Best Christmas Pagent Ever"? If not, you should! While our nativity play wasn't quiet as epic as the one in the book, in my mind, it is close.<br />
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My good friend a grade younger than me was selected to play Joespeh and thought himself much to old for the whole production. As a result he spent the entire pageant with his arms crossed and a scowl on his faces The only time he broke his pose is when the Wisemen walked past him. They were supposed to stop and bow down in front of the manger between Marry and Joeseph but I guess we hadn't practiced with every one on the stage. The end result was the wisemen walking right past the baby Jesus doll and kneeling in the only free space, in front of the Christmas tree.<br />
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As if the pastor in sparkling wings made for a five year old girl and misguided wisemen didn't make the night memorable enough, my young brother did.<br />
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We were down to the last few moments of the pageant when the baby angels parted to reveal a group of kindergarten "shepherds" hitting each other over the heads with their staffs. My 5-6 year old brother (the senior pastor's son) their apparent ring leader.<br />
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To this day if you bring up this story my brother will chime in, "What did you expect when you gave five year old boys sticks?" He will then go on to explain that so-and-so called his best friend fat and what else was he supposed to do?!<br />
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Oddly enough, I don't remember doing any more Christmas pageants after that. I'm not sure if I simply aged out, blocked them from memory, or if the powers that be decided to try something different after that year. Whatever the reason that was the last time I remember us doing a Christmas production.*<br />
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In the years since I have seen a number of Christmas pageants and productions. They have ranged from adorably painful to spectacular but, none can compare to my memories of the year the wisemen bowed down to the presents and my brother started a sword fight onstage.<br />
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*The exception being when my sister directed a Christmas musical with the 5-6th grade Sunday school class, but that is another story for another day.JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-49332943193057358092016-10-18T17:20:00.000-07:002016-10-18T17:32:39.547-07:00The Ritual of Journaling<div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbHqKtAs-lc/WAa_JPbGU9I/AAAAAAAADls/T8JwmxyEs_w/I/photo_615632.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a-utFIVDD5o/WAa_JYkZJVI/AAAAAAAADlw/Qvmq1QB-6Ig/I/photo_907492.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dw40xwgHbxo/WAa_JiWt6cI/AAAAAAAADl0/2XRMDyxXDLw/I/photo_105544.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>I wrote a little bit the other day about perfectionism and how it holds us back from journaling. <div><br></div><div>I think we each have a lot of reasons for not journaling. Perfectionism is a big one for some of us. Another thing that has kep me from journaling for years was feeling like it was a chore. I loved the idea of journaling, but actually sitting down to write felt like home work. No fun.</div><div><br></div><div>Over the past few years though I have unintentionally developed little rituals that have made time in my journal feel like a mental retreat rather than an assignment.</div><div><br></div><div>While I some times journal on the go, I prefer to journal at home in one of three spots: my dinning room table, my office writing desk, or a giant, leather chair next to the front window.</div><div><br></div><div>Before I start journaling I make sure I have any and all supplies I might need. Pens, pencils, journal, embellishments, glue sticks, photos, all in close reach. </div><div><br></div><div>I normally keep a drink close by as well. In the summer that normally means ice water, lemonade, or sweet tea/lemonade. In the winter I lean towards hot tea or coffee. </div><div><br></div><div>Good light, a warm blanket in cooler weather, and some quiet music also help set the mood. </div><div><br></div><div>If it's a morning when I feel particularly scattered or distracted I will also keep a note pad or sticky note close by so I can jot down reminders or to dos as they pop into my mind. </div><div><br></div><div>Because I have three kids and a revolving front door with neighbor kids coming and going I expected to be inturupted. Knowing that and deciding ahead of time that inturuptions are to be expected keeps my irritation at bay. Some times, depending on the day and the child, I will invite them to join me while I journal.</div><div><br></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VR_7BGeWEn4/WAa_JtU3rbI/AAAAAAAADl4/eYzHq8zsWOc/I/photo_433410.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>Tonight I would encourage you to find some things to add to your journaling time to make it a ritual you look forward to. </div><br><br> <div> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> <br><br> </div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-48222312176531214662016-10-17T17:19:00.000-07:002016-10-17T17:54:00.909-07:00Blank JournalsI love an empty notebook. There is so much beauty and possibility in an empty page. While I enjoy the occasional guided journal, blank journals are what really make my heart skip a beat.<div><br></div><div>The best thing about good, old fashioned, journaling is that all you need is any empty notebook and something to write with. </div><div><br></div><div>Over the years I have used everything from $.50 composition books to embossed, leather journals with beautifully thick pages. </div><div><br></div><div>That may be the very best part of using a blank book. There is something for every style, need, and budget.</div><div><br></div><div>Later this week I will share some of my favorite ways to use a blank journal, some prompts to get you started, and a few extra things.</div><div><br></div><div>Tonight though, I wanted to share with you my two favorite styles of blank notebooks to use.</div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9TJ-v_n3QUw/WAVypSZLFKI/AAAAAAAADlA/oC-90uKlMOw/I/photo_288279.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>Hands down my favorite style of journal is a hard back spiral bound notebook. </div><div>The thick cover is ideal for journaling because it doesn't require a desk or table for writing, and I just love the ease of writing using a spiral bound notebook. </div><div>As beautiful as some bound journals are, I find them not as easy to use. </div><div>If you are looking for this style of journal I cannot recommend <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/home-gift-100-recycled-new-york-new-york-what-a-wonderful-town-lined-spiral-journal-6-x-9/27637116?ean=9780594532439">EcoJot</a> enough. I normally get them at Barnes and Noble and currently have one in use and two on hand for when this one fills up. </div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qCWNcR9RO4s/WAVyptu_LcI/AAAAAAAADlE/Sl2xVjoaLjg/I/photo_532163.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-81oRynelt-8/WAVyp6gaoMI/AAAAAAAADlI/tx0eV_2JrXs/I/photo_570906.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ehIgIwhfplM/WAVyqN3joxI/AAAAAAAADlM/STnyHV8HQDY/I/photo_504150.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br></div><div>The other style of blank notebook I can't get enough of is Traveler's Notebooks or refillable notebooks. I will most likely do an entire blog post on these later. But for now, the basic idea is a sturdy cover (made from leather or stabilized fabric) with elastic bands to hold inserts. The thing I love about these is the varsatiliy. I like be able to have a different notebook for different subjects, but still have them all in one place. </div><div><br></div><div>Which style of notebook do you like to use? Have a favorite? Share it in the comments! </div><br><br> <br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><br> <br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-35902785726812164592016-10-16T15:58:00.000-07:002016-10-16T16:06:57.892-07:00Journaling and Perfectionism I am half way through this series and I have written/posted every day. That's huge for me and I was super excited. Then I logged on today and saw my stats. Right now my posts are being viewed, on average, 5 times each. That's a record low for me. And I was crushed. So much work and my blog is doing worse than it has in years. Seriously? My first reaction was to walk away from the whole thing. I couldn't have been more wrong.<div><br></div><div>It easy to give up when things don't go the way we hoped. </div><div><br></div><div>Perfectionism kills creativity. </div><div><br></div><div>It's also the main reason we don't journal.</div><div><br></div><div>We miss a day.</div><div>We make a mistake in pen.</div><div>We can't spell.</div><div>We hate our hand writing.</div><div>We try something new and it doesn't turn out.</div><div>We see beautiful photos on social media and convince ourselves we don't have the "right" talent or skills.</div><div><br></div><div>Our fear of imperfection keeps us from recording the moments and memories that make up our stories. </div><div><br></div><div>So, I'm going to keep writing here, and keep journaling, and keep trying new things. Because nothing is ever perfect...</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-25228704473657238432016-10-15T14:57:00.000-07:002016-10-16T15:02:51.593-07:00Saturday Set Up<div>
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So I wanted to show you what this spread looks like after the pen. </div>
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The beauty of decorating/laying out your journal a week at a time is that it makes it super quick and easy to jot down a couple thoughts. </div>
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I love th simplicity of this and the fact it can be as detailed or as basic as I want. As you can see some days I wrote an entire paragraph, other days just a sentence, and today I simple recorded a list of the things that made me happy. </div>
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They say that life is made up of moments, and this is my way of capturing those and jotting them down to remember on a rainy day. </div>
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JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-78252017453613103712016-10-13T17:38:00.000-07:002016-10-13T18:12:06.780-07:00Q&A Journals<div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bcBNnQGVZhk/WAAw5QjusSI/AAAAAAAADj4/8mnYjJFIcVE/I/photo_82943.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div>I could probably do an entire 31 days on guided journals, but I have a feeling that would get very boring, so I won't. I do want to share one last style with you before we move on, however.<div><br></div><div>I haven't used these myself, but friends and family have and they love them. If you are a new Journaler just getting started this is so perfect. </div><div><br></div><div>There is one page for every day of the year.</div><div>At the top of the page is a question and bellow is space to answer that question 3-5 years in a row. </div><div><br></div><div>There's only room for a few sentences which makes is an easy commitment. It's also fun to see how you answers to the same question change from year to year. </div><div><br></div><div>The are a wide variety of ranging from general questions, to mom questions, to journals for kids, teens, and college students. </div><div><br></div><div>Come back tomorrow for another Follow Friday! </div><div><br> </div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-77480192642557553032016-10-12T17:28:00.000-07:002016-10-13T17:26:24.095-07:00Capturing Stories: Workshop Wednesday <div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZrQ5rThv3hU/WAAmLz4X2XI/AAAAAAAADjg/fpuY8ePexfg/I/photo_495739.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QUJGIhyoTJY/WAAmLz_nOcI/AAAAAAAADjk/998QGWpgQjI/I/photo_869790.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <div><br></div><div>I'm so excited for this workshop Wednesday! If I could I would invite you all over and we would do this one together. In fact as often as I can I DO have people over to do this excercise with with me. </div><div><br></div><div>My friend and I are constantly reminding each other that things are more likely to be used if they are pretty. From cleaning supplies to water bottles to journals we are way more likely to use things if we find them attractive. </div><div><br></div><div>Some times though, it can be really hard to find the time to journal, much less make things pretty. </div><div><br></div><div>When friends ask me where to start, or when I need to go back to the basics, I always go back to the basics.</div><div><br></div><div>Finding time to journal a page daily can feel daunting. But taking ten to fifteen minutes once a week is reasonable (and even advisable) for most of us! </div><div><br></div><div>At the top of the post I shared two #beforethepen lay outs. Typically this hashtag is used for planners but I love predecorating journals as well! </div><div> <br>Use whatever tools and tecniques appeal to you. I am a big fan of washi and stickers for their spread. However I have also used water colors and stamps. The best part is that you only make a mess once and then your journal is ready to write in for the week and you will be that much more excited to use it because you know something pretty is waiting for you! </div><div><br></div><div>So this week's excercise is to brew a cup of tea or coffee, put on your favorite song or sitcom, pull out those craft supplies you have been to busy to use, and play for ten-fifteen minutes. </div><div><br></div><div>Of you are brand new and don't have supplies, washi and stickers can be bought at most dollar stores or the dollar section of Target. If nothing else a set of colored pencils can add a splash of color to a page and encourage you to stretch your doodling muscles. </div><div><br></div><div>Trying out this week's challenge? Tag me on Instagram @joyleanne or on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/joyleannen">Facebook</a> page. I would love to see what you come up with! </div><div> </div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-14449856335020872782016-10-11T18:40:00.000-07:002016-10-11T18:59:48.550-07:00Guided Journals: Doodling Journals <div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XFHWzE7yh3U/V_2ZD2WMO9I/AAAAAAAADik/RXDJGjlXx88/I/photo_90149.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div> <div>So, it may seem a little unorthodox but I love a good doodle journal. For me journaling is a creative outlet and some times I don't have the time or desire to write a lot but just want some silly expression. I love the idea of art journaling but it can be a little overwhelming so the doodle books are a great way for me to express myself with out having to use a ton of supplies. </div><div><br></div><div>So, with out further ado some of my favorite doodle journals for you to try out.</div><div><br></div><div> <br><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BHGCVxcrveI/V_2ZEEvGVFI/AAAAAAAADio/eWvYD_VuCW0/I/photo_504513.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><a href="Art Doodle Love: A Journal of Self-Discovery https://www.amazon.com/dp/1617690120/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Xuz.xbSCD8N9Y">Art Doodle Love</a><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PujrYvQ4H6k/V_2ZEYZDI0I/AAAAAAAADis/c_D_AINBcy8/I/photo_895940.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div> </div><div><a href="Year of the Doodle: 365 Drawing, Collaging, and Mark-Making Adventures https://www.amazon.com/dp/161769178X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cAz.xbF3RHXEZ">Year of the Doodle</a><br><br></div><div>Love both of these books because they offer space to Doodle and regular prompts. There's a lot of room to write as well if you like to combine the two.</div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QoqYknFXhX4/V_2ZEqzFVfI/AAAAAAAADiw/G3t2FawRx2Q/I/photo_93777.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><a href="Doodle Zen: Finding Creativity and Calm in a Sketchbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/1617691917/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dDz.xbGBQB08W">Doodle Zen </a></div><div>I haven't tried this one but I love this illustrator so I feel confident recommending it.</div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Act5aZze5pg/V_2ZE_U8aBI/AAAAAAAADi0/gQ5uZ8g1fqE/I/photo_266547.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><a href="Draw Every Day, Draw Every Way (Guided Sketchbook): Sketch, Paint, and Doodle Through One Creative Year https://www.amazon.com/dp/1419720147/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JFz.xb9KGG541">Draw Every Day Every Way<br></a>This is on my list of ones to try!! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>So there are some fun Doodle journals? If so tag me on Instagram! I would love to see them! </div><div> <br></div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-13039312353109609932016-10-10T18:22:00.000-07:002016-10-10T18:23:17.085-07:00Guided Journals: Holiday Journals Continuing our conversation about guided journals I thought I would share another guided journal style that I have enjoyed over the years. <div><br></div><div>As my Dad said, some day you will want to remember what year your daughter sang "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" every day for two months or what year you caved and bought your kids a puppy. </div><div>Enter Holiday or Season Journals.</div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4esf5Nd1vdY/V_w-_JxjliI/AAAAAAAADiI/ONg5oge7p2w/I/photo_514841.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><a href="Christmas, The Holiday Journal, 25 Years of Memories Hardcover, RED Color https://www.amazon.com/dp/0984257845/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dNd.xbFD0B2ZW">Journals Unlimited Christmas Journals</a></div><div>I have used this one and love it. It captures 25 years of memories and it so special. </div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BpKKPmEbVCk/V_w-_YfqcEI/AAAAAAAADiM/Rw6u7tMmAS4/I/photo_407913.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><a href="Christmas Memories: A Keepsake Book from the Heart of the Home https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316106488/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4Td.xb099PP09">Susan Branch Christmas Memories </a></div><div>I've also used this book. It holds 5 years of memories and it's one of my favorites. It's so fun and whimsical. </div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AH6CJbxnTvg/V_w_AH-3fxI/AAAAAAAADiQ/qTkpHMwbC30/I/photo_325344.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><a href="Thanksgiving Memory Book: A lifetime Thanksgiving memoir journal to record Thanksgiving celebrations every year (Spirala Memories Journals) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1500358053/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UWd.xbM35MZ0J">Thanksgiving Memory Book</a> <br>I've never used this one but it looks super fun.</div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1cbk6SghEtY/V_w_BNGrJFI/AAAAAAAADiU/MuHrHt55pyw/I/photo_825269.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div>Vacation: The Traveler's Journal </div>This is another favorite of mine. It's not a holiday journal exactly but still seems to fit in here.</div><div><br></div><div>One of my favorite wedding gifts is to get a Vacation, a Christmas, and a Thanksgiving journal for the married couple so they can start recording those special moments from their first year together. </div><div><br></div><div>Do you journal about your Holiday's? What kinda of things do you always make sure you record? </div><div> <br></div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div><div><br></div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-68498302038115137722016-10-09T16:49:00.000-07:002016-10-09T17:25:02.360-07:00Guided Journals: List Journals It's nearly 8:00 pm and I haven't written for today yet. (This is getting to be a bad ritual.) Tonight I had no idea what to write about. I was seriously looking for ways to get out of writing, but my husband wouldn't hear of that. <div>So I sat here looking at a blank screen me thinking about how much I that. Some times blank pages and screens are an invitation, other times they are overwhelming. </div><div>That is the beauty of guided journals. You have something to jump start the ideas. </div><div>I knew I wanted to spend a couple of days exploring different kids of guided journals so I decided to start a day early.</div><div><br></div><div>I've have used all kids of guided journals over the years. A have a couple styles that I come back to over and over. List style books are probably my very favorite. Not only do they give me a place to start, but often times it triggers an idea I want to come back and explore more later. </div><div><br></div><div>So, here are some fun list journals to check out.</div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AoHhDg40VLY/V_rf2vf2cBI/AAAAAAAADhY/oqtfUMUHtmI/I/photo_263806.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><a href="The 52 Lists Project: A Year of Weekly Journaling Inspiration https://www.amazon.com/dp/1632170345/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_L0T-xbMYXSD6F">The 52 Lists Project </a></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CI6Ar3REcfk/V_rf23Oj0KI/AAAAAAAADhc/BuZfV7LvxZM/I/photo_315669.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><a href="Listography Journal: Your Life in Lists https://www.amazon.com/dp/0811859088/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_d3T-xb2X4YGP1">Listography: Your Life in Lists</a></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qhGj-1N0qH4/V_rf24NGsrI/AAAAAAAADhg/E-YzxBumtsk/I/photo_732041.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><a href="My Future Listography: All I Hope to Do in Lists https://www.amazon.com/dp/0811878368/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_J4T-xbRW985FR">My Future Listography</a></div><div>There are actually a whole lot in this series from relationship lists, to book lists, movie lists. So much fun. <br> <br></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fT1r5PQRKFo/V_rf3GP13kI/AAAAAAAADhk/2ae4E0SKezo/I/photo_553811.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><a href="My Bucket List Prompt Journal/Notebook Spiral Bound - Hard Cover and Eco Friendly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005517NG8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_r6T-xbZXJYP55">My Bucket List Journal </a></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7zePK2DAWrw/V_rf3SjWr8I/AAAAAAAADho/tciymzHtvpA/I/photo_662246.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><a href="52 Lists for Happiness: Weekly Journaling Inspiration for Positivity, Balance, and Joy https://www.amazon.com/dp/1632170965/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_U8T-xb8XD2VWE">52 Lists For Happiness </a><br> <br></div><div><br></div><div>Which list books sounds the most fun? I would love to hear. </div><br> <div><br></div><div><br></div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-43696820885595327582016-10-08T17:37:00.000-07:002016-10-08T18:03:32.613-07:00Room to Remember Today is my in-laws 39th wedding anniversary.<div>It is also my uncle's funeral.</div><div>It's a bit poetic.</div><div>As my mother would say, "Grief is the price we out for love." </div><div>We cannot love with out risking grief.</div><div>When we journal there is room to document, embrace, and remember both. </div><div>This week has been so much of that for me. Sitting with the sorrow and celebrating the joy of this season I am in. I have been so very blessed by people who have been willing to do both with me. </div><div>I sat down today to journal and I wrote about both bitter and the sweet. </div><div>Finding the balance can be a challenge. </div><div>We live in an Instagram world where it's tempting to share just the high points. </div><div>If we are not careful it can be easy for that mentally to transfers itself into our journaling.</div><div>The opposite is also true. Because it is a safe place for reflection, if we are not careful, a journal can become a dumping ground for negativity. A place to unburden the pain and then lock it away in the back of a drawer.</div><div>When journaling is most helpful to me is when I allow it to be a space to explore and reflect on the good and the bad. </div><div><br></div><div>What are you tendencies when you journal? </div><div>Do you find yourself recording only the high lights?</div><div>Or do struggle with being negative? </div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-90567039796826913782016-10-07T17:19:00.002-07:002016-10-07T17:19:55.415-07:00Capturing Stories: Follow Friday <font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today is day 7 of writing and posting and I am frankly shocked that I have stuck with it this long! Between my uncle passing and the due date anniversary or our miscaried baby this week combined with a lap top that doesn't work to work at all (I'm writing and posting on my phone!) and being in the middle of prep for a local art and craft show, there were so many reasons to quit. But I haven't yet and I am so very glad! </span></font><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The main reason I am doing this series is because I am passionate about it and because I want to inspire others. In that vein, I wanted to do at least one "Follow Friday" post and share with you some of the accounts I find inspiring. Hopefully you will find some one new to follow.</span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></div><div><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font face="-webkit-standard">Instagram </font></b></div><div><a href="http://instagram.com/luckyletters" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="-webkit-standard">Lucky Letters</font></a></div><div><a href="http://instagram.com/howtobulletjournal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="-webkit-standard">HowToBulletJournal</font></a></div><div><a href="http://instagram.com/thedailywriting" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="-webkit-standard">TheDailyWriting</font></a></div><div><a href="http://instagram.com/theresetgirl" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="-webkit-standard">TheResetGirl</font></a></div><div><a href="http://instagram.com/boho.berry" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000" face="-webkit-standard">Boho.Berry</font></a></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do you follow any journal ackcounts? Which are your favorites? Share bellow! </span></font></div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-75718144249614640662016-10-06T16:35:00.000-07:002016-10-06T17:15:36.687-07:00My Current Journal Set Up<div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">One of the questions I get most when people see my stacks of journals/planners is,</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">"But what do you DO with all of them?!"</span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Since we can all use a little extra inspiration (and because some times it's fun to be a little nosey), I thought it would be fun to show you all my current journal/planner set up.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Currently I am using:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Spiral Bound Journal</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Traveler's Notebook</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Carpe Diem Ring Planner</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Kate Spade Spiral Bound Planner</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Illustrated Faith Planner</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x58bO6fgVsU/V_bpJNXb8zI/AAAAAAAADg0/QcCCzMUdC3A/I/photo_220580.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><b>Spiral Journal</b></div><div>This is my standard "journal". I write in it most mornings and it's where I brain dump, record events and feelings, write out prayers, doodle, and take sermon notes.</div><div><br></div><div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fDdPGcDAK_g/V_bpJbENXLI/AAAAAAAADg4/MmIUF7KLQwo/I/photo_326820.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><b>Midori Travler's Notebook</b></div><div>My traveler's notebook holds three inserts. </div><div>A cut down Moleskin Cahier with current lists, notes for this series, some simple bullet journaling, and anything that needs to be written down while out and about.</div><div>My Reset Girl insert is used for list journaling.</div><div>And finally my CocoaDaisy insert is used for gratitude journaling.</div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2nfSxKUfEsk/V_bpJhbbzDI/AAAAAAAADg8/R-vuGLJQyVA/I/photo_732093.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><b>Ring Bound Planner</b></div><div>This is used like one would normally think of a planner. I use it for appointments, schedules, school stuff, and our monthly budget/check book balancing. </div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KVjQlPv598c/V_bpJtPIdfI/AAAAAAAADhA/ciR1xlAWREY/I/photo_181749.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br></div><div><b>Kate Spade Planner</b></div><div>This may be one of my favorites. The small spaces are perfect for recording a thought or quote or something special that happened that day. Some people use ring planners for this, but I like a bound planner so that it's all self contained at the end of the year. </div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BObRRdWcgfk/V_bpJyzorFI/AAAAAAAADhE/1DaxYF0gNoY/I/photo_209510.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><b>Illustrated Faith Planner</b></div><div>This is my newest edition and I am really enjoying it. I've been using it for scripture writing challenges, quiet time notes, and daily prayer focus. </div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Some of my set up changes season to season but this will most likely be the set up I use till the end of the year. </span></div></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">What's your journaling set up? Do you use multiple notebooks or are you a one book kind of gal? Join the conversation bellow or over on Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div><br></div><br><br> <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><br><br> JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-20233836650470861152016-10-05T16:29:00.000-07:002016-10-05T16:50:09.545-07:00Capturing Stories: Workshop Wednesday <div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2gz0eiPsJaI/V_WRsEJlR5I/AAAAAAAADgk/25MieMFWl7g/I/photo_853327.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><div>When I decided I wanted to do this series I knew that I wanted it to be more than just me me writing about my favorite hobby. I wanted to provide any readers with practical tips, tricks, and prompts they could apply to their own journaling journey. </div><div>Hopefully Workshop Wednesdays will do just that. </div><div>Today's prompt is super simple.</div><div>When in doubt, I always find lists are a great place to start. Even after journaling for more then two decades I still find myself going back to listing as a way ton organize my thoughts or to kick start a journaling session. </div><div><br></div><div>For the New Journaler: </div><div>What are your goals with journaling</div><div>What do you want to get out of it?</div><div>What style of journals apeal to you?</div><div><br></div><div>For the Seasoned Journaler:</div><div>Why did you start journaling?</div><div>What do you love about journaling?</div><div>What style or journaling would you like to try or explore?</div><div><br></div><div>I would love to know if you tried out one of these prompts. Comment below, tag me on Instagram (JoyLeanne), or use the series hashtag #31daysofstoriescaptured.</div><div><br></div><div>Enjoy! </div><div><br></div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-30297539702595471472016-10-04T16:11:00.000-07:002016-10-04T17:29:52.526-07:00Capturing Stories: Basic Tools of the TradeWhile the basic tools of journaling are obvious (pen and paper), I still thought it could be fun to share a little bit about notebook/journal types and share a few of my favorite pens and pencils with you in hopes of encouraging you all to get pad the first initial hurtle of journaling. <div><br></div><div>There are three basic journal types. Each type had variations you can explore for your exact needs, but nearly any journal can be lumped into one (or more) of these three groups.</div><div><br></div><div>Guided/Prompt Journals</div><div>Yearly/Dated Journals</div><div>Blank Journals</div><div><br></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s2P-GzkkKOM/V_RJfRqhBgI/AAAAAAAADgA/4cjoYfQhlUE/I/photo_399900.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><b><br></b></div><div><b>Guided/Prompt Journals</b></div><div>I love a good guided journal. They are great if you don't know where to start or don't always have a lot of time. </div><div>I keep one or two of these on hand at all times for when I want to journal but don't have a lot of time. </div><div><br></div><div>My Three Current Favorites are:</div><div><a href="99 Things That Bring Me Joy (Guided Journal) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1419719815/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Nje9xbYNTSBRM">99 Things that Bring Me Joy </a></div><div>Extraordinary Objects </div><div><a href="Year of the Doodle: 365 Drawing, Collaging, and Mark-Making Adventures https://www.amazon.com/dp/161769178X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ese9xbY0S06EA">Year of the Doodle</a> </div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_P4tHCiBPlw/V_RJfZHwMRI/AAAAAAAADgE/pwmI2_nZ_SI/I/photo_915466.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SoB_kSi3In0/V_RJfolmhLI/AAAAAAAADgI/hzBSbBw_VXk/I/photo_845524.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><b>Yearly/Date Journals</b></div><div><b> </b></div><div>Year of the Doodle cross from prompts to dated. (It could also be considered art journaling, but we will get into that later.)</div><div>Five Year journals are a popular style of dated journals. There is a page for every day of the year and each page has space for five entries. Some of these are guided other are not. </div><div>Planners would also fall in this category and can be used similarly to a blank journal of the idea of a completely empty full page is intimidating. </div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_DJSJqFg__Q/V_RJfoE2SAI/AAAAAAAADgM/ILbLYMveDtQ/I/photo_234588.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EHoQPtgImlg/V_RJf6w3hiI/AAAAAAAADgQ/1tMJEcpe6KQ/I/photo_587114.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><b>Blank Journal</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>Blank journals offer the most variety in both style and function. Because of this it's hard to summurize them in one simple paragraph. The beauty, however, is that any piece of paper will do. In fact I have been known to jot things down on random pieces of paper and tape or glue them into my "proper" journal. I will spend a lot of time talking about types and uses for blank notebooks so for now I will leave you with a couple things to consider when picking out the perfect notes.</div><div><br></div><div>How will you be using this journal?</div><div>Do you want lined or unlined paper.</div><div>How thick do you want the paper to be?</div><div>What type of spine do you prefer?</div><div>How durable do you need it to be? </div><div><br></div><div>If you don't know how to answer these questions, have no fear, we will be touching on these things and <i>so much more </i>in the coming weeks. </div><div><br></div><div>Make sure you stop by tomorrow for our first "Workshop Wednesday" when I'll share some hands on tips and inspiration. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> <br></div><div><br></div><div> <br></div><br><br> <br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-60516616608105906752016-10-03T15:44:00.000-07:002016-10-04T13:06:39.499-07:00On Gratitude, Grief, and Getting Started <div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bGkqd6kPWgQ/V_QLzhoN29I/AAAAAAAADfc/_jwjQnP0Oxk/I/photo_164285.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div>This isn't the post I was going to write today.<div>I was going to do a post on the basic tools needed to journal. <div>And then came then came the text that my Uncle had indeed passes away in the night.</div><div>After yesterday's news it wasn't a surprise. But grief is grief no matter how expected.</div><div>Recording the hard times can be difficult, but it's worth it. My sister-in-law reminded me of this today. </div><div><br></div><div>"Remember while writing about the hard there is also room to recognize the good. The support, the love, the helpers. How God used us." </div><div><br></div><div>We talk about seasons of life, but rarely is any season only one thing. Grief and gratitude, bitter and sweet, they go hand in hand. You can always find something to be thankful for. Even if it's simply the smile of your child, the beauty of a sunset, the helpers in the middle of the tragedy.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm looking forward to this series on journaling and sharing with your my journey. But the fact is, all you really need to journal is paper, pen or pencil, and something to write about. </div><div><br></div><div>So tonight, if you don't know where to begin, start with gratitude. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> </div></div>JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945456950706076292.post-64211025266196946862016-10-02T17:39:00.001-07:002016-10-02T17:45:25.422-07:00Why I Journal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I almost didn't post today.<br />
I almost called the whole thing off.<br />
There's a lot of reasons.<br />
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Time was a big factor. I am in the middle of a crazy busy season. I am prepping for my bi-annual sale which means I have 5 weeks to finish making 200 dolls and accessories. I just started watching a neighbor girl in the morning before school. My friends needs help with her daughter this week. Time always feels in short supply.<br />
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And then came the call. The kind of call that makes you look at things and question what really matters in life. The kind of call that makes you want to scrap everything and spend the day in bed with your kids holding them close. The kind that makes you call your mom and dad just to say I love you for the million and tenth time. <br />
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And I can use it all as an excuse not to write. There are always excuses if you go looking for them. Or I can use it as a reminder. I reminder of WHY I write, and more specifically why I journal....<br />
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<h3>
Because Stories Matter</h3>
I said this in yesterday's post and I will probably say it again before the month is over. I come from a family of story tellers. My dad is a fourth generation pastor so you could say it's in my blood. Put us all together for longer than 30 minutes and some one will start telling a story, you can count it. I firmly believe that stories matter. I believe stories are what give our life context and meaning. Stories connect us. They remind us of our shared roots and experiences. They help point us toward share goals. For me, journaling is a way of recording stories. It's the main reason why I have not just a personal journal but a memory journal, something my kids can look at some day and perhaps see that they aren't alone in their life experiences. It's a big reason why I journal but it's not the only one...<br />
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<h2>
Because I Need an Ebenezer</h2>
Ebenezer<br />
<em>noun:</em> a commemoration of divine assistance. <br />
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I journal to remember. In the most basic way I want to remember when my kids took their first steps, funny things they said, and what year my mom gave one of them a creepy, laughing baby doll for Christmas. <br />
On a deeper level I journal to remember what God has done. I am like Israel and easily forget the goodness of my Savior. <br />
My journals act as a reminder of where I have been and what God has done.<br />
In dark seasons my journals remind me of God's goodness and love.<br />
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<h3>
Because I am an Extrovert</h3>
I find it interesting this current trend of associating journaling with introverts. As if they have the corner on reflection and the written word. I hate that stereotype. I am an extrovert and proud of it. I also cannot function with out journaling. Out of my family of eight I am one of two extroverts (my mother being the other one). Out of six good friends in high school in only three of us were extroverts. As an extrovert surrounded by introverts journaling gas been a life line. I process life by talking. Journaling has always been my way of "talking things out" when all my lovely introverts are maxed out on my extreme energy. <br />
<h3>
Because I am Created to Create </h3>
I was once told "Find what it is that you CANNOT NOT do, and do that."<br />
Words and stories are what drive and feed me. My passions, my interest, my spiritual gifts, my ministries can all boil down two those to things. I cannot not write. Blog posts, journals, letters, instragram captions. I was created to create with words. In a boarded sense, creativity feeds my soul and journaling allows me to combine words with pretty things and make something that truly makes my heart happy.<br />
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<h3>
A Note On Perfectionism</h3>
I never thought of myself as a perfectionist until I met my husband. He was one of the first people to point out my annoying habit of not doing things unless I believed I could do them "perfectly." Journaling forces me to get past that. For some one who loves writing, I have horrible spelling. My grammar is far to weak for some one who spent four years studying journalism. It is easy to be discouraged when I look at beautiful journal spreads on pinterest or instgram. But I move past those things because of the value I have found. I strive to let go of my perfectionism because I believe that stories matter, because I want to remember, because it's how I processes life, and because I was created to write and create. JoyLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700391448145932786noreply@blogger.com0