Journaling for the Soul: A Handbook of Journaling Methods (Nourish the Soul)

Because of my studies in brain health, I know the importance of handwriting. It creates pathways connecting the hand and the brain, enhancing concentration and learning.Because those same studies show how purposeful, intentional activities can affect the mnd, body, and soul, I was excited to receive an advance coy of a new book that can help connect all of that, "Journaling for the Soul: A Handbook of Journaling Methods," by Deborah Haddix.Because I know from experience that my mind wanders when reading the Bible, studying scripture, or praying, I have realized the importance of journaling as a tool to help with concentration and focus during a personal worship time.Because of a bad experience in school with a teacher's red correction pen, some people have a phobia about writing. The many creative methods in "Journaling for the Soul" should encourage everyone and offer the opportunity to experience the joy of journaling.For those who fear a blank sheet of paper and don't know what to write, there are lists of suggested journaling topics and tips for overall journaling. Haddix provides comprehensive instruction about methods and materials. Creative and inspiring!

Journaling for the Soul is a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to try journaling during their times with God. Deborah gives about 50 different ways to journal. Each method contains an easy-to-understand step-by-step guide of how to practice that particular style of journaling. She has many techniques for Scripture journaling, prayer journaling, and soul-searching journaling, as well as other types of journaling. I've already tried a few and can't wait to try more. She also has tips for success with journaling, which will be particularly helpful for those who like the idea of journaling but can't make themselves do it. I highly recommend this book!

I was happy to discover Deborah Haddix’s Journaling for the Soul. Her handbook of journaling methods is a thorough and very accessible resource for anyone who wants to embark upon the exercise in soul care that journaling has become for me.Deborah urges her readers to loosen up and enjoy the process of putting the pen to the page. This was reassuring for me because a few years ago I started keeping one journal for just about everything in an effort to live a one-piece life. So if I have an answer to prayer that I want to remember, an insight from my reading of the book of Jeremiah, or a great quote from a podcast, I scribble them all into the same pages. It’s also where I maintain a list of all the books I’m reading. Therefore, when I re-read journal pages, it’s enlightening to note all the different things that were feeding into my thinking at the same time.One of the challenges I’ve heard women express about journaling is that they want to record their thoughts about prayer and Scripture, but they either don’t know where to begin, or they run out of steam at some point and abandon the discipline. Journaling for the Soul provides a collection of methods and approaches that can serve as an encyclopedia of options. I recommend that anyone who is not sure how to proceed just work their way through the book and try each method until they find an approach that resonates for them, and feel free to change as needed. List-makers and chart-lovers may gravitate toward inductive studies while creatives may find that color coding and verse mapping work well for them.A journal is a tool and maintaining it is a means to an end: deeper communion with God. It should not become the main thing, but rather a means for documenting the main thing, which, of course, is a living and active relationship with God. When I read The Journals of Jim Elliot, I was amazed at how much mundane (and even sort of bombastic) wool-gathering there was in its pages. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose” is Jim’s brilliant statement of a spiritual principle, but, rest assured, he did not spout such riches on every page — and neither will we. Our journals are home base to the space we create to be with God, and we will be wise to take lots of grace in our stumbling steps toward intimacy with Him.Deborah Haddix offers words of encouragement to us all as we drill down into orthodoxy in 2018:“Stay with it. Journaling for the Soul is a discipline that requires perseverance. When its newness wears off, when you don’t feel like it, when you are going through the ‘hard,’ press on. Ask God for His help and strength and energy to keep going in this worthwhile endeavor.”This book was provided by the author in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Debbie Haddix jump starts the journals we've considered writing for years with her handbook, Journaling for the Soul: Slow Down, Replenish, Exhale. She offers a collection of methods, which are user-friendly, flexible, non-intimidating and Scripturally-based. Like me, her readers will discover journal types that suit their personalities or seasons of life and draw into a deeper relationship with Christ, drenching their thirsty souls through the timeless art of writing.

Journaling for the Soul is a comprehensive handbook that will jumpstart & enhance your journaling practice! Deborah invites the reader to try out numerous different methods, then supplies ideas, tools & tips to get you journaling. Whether you already love to journal or want to get started, each can find a process that they will use & enjoy in journaling the journey. You will be encouraged & motivated & will not want to put this book down! If you're a journaler who longs to draw closer to God & enhance their spiritual growth practice, it is your next step & will also be a vital resource in your library as a future resource.