What does your Life Journal say?

By Pam Kumpe –

Do you remember where you were in 1989? Do you ever find yourself looking back in awe at the guidance and assurance you received from the Lord during your journey?

On a whim, I started writing in journals that year, and just this past December I closed the cover to yet another year of scribbles, notes and answered prayers.

Documenting the moments where I have cried, giggled, and enjoyed blessings, I have captured memories, many of which I would have forgotten. I’m the reason blonde jokes are alive and well on planet earth.

During my note taking, I’ve written about my children, my husband, my identical twin sister (best friend), about friends and strangers; all who’ve  made a difference in my life.

I’ve entered prayer requests to God, recorded the miracles of His touch in my life—all with the idea of thinking on praiseworthy things.

I have watched my entries evolve. I once wrote brief notes and tidbits, now I tend to recap God’s involvement in a situation, doing my best to see the Lord’s blessing in all situations.

Making an effort to stay away from negative entries has brought perspective to my life. Besides, when I look on the brighter side, I enjoy life and experience joy even when life falls on top of me, or I fall on top of it.

There’s something to treasure where Paul speaks in Philippians 4 about thinking on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

Putting on what we learn and have received from God is a charge Paul gives to us and the result of practicing praiseworthy things—brings peace to our hearts.

I can use more peace in my life, can’t you? And to think, this truth is as close as adhering to the Word of God.

Looking back through my journals, I have names of people who have offered kindness, friendship, served, given of their time, showed love and have made an impact in their community.

Just a few weeks ago, an angel (or a great friend) dropped off at my husband’s office, oversized two-foot Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy dolls. (My Raggedy Ann doll met an untimely death when I was only six years old, because my twin sister put her on the railroad track.)

My friend’s act of kindness took me back to my childhood, and tugged on my heart in a way which spoke to the essence of just how much God loves me. That’s right, God sent His son Jesus to die on the railroad track (cross) in my place, to rise again with new life (stepping from the tomb), to give me His love. He has my name written in His journal, and the Lord has captured my heart for eternity.

So I must ask. Do you sometimes feel like a Raggedy Andy or Raggedy Ann doll in a world filled with too many mishaps and mistakes? If so, think on the things that are right, pure and lovely, and fall into the arms of Jesus, He’s better than a rag doll, He’s alive. And He is ready to write your name in the best journal of all, the Book of Life.

Pam Kumpe writes a weekly inspirational newspaper column for the Bowie County Life/ Texarkana Gazette newspaper. She is the host of “Permission to Have Fun” an online radio show filled with fun, faith and encouragement, with the idea of rejoicing in the Lord, even when life seems out of tune. http://www.pamkumpe.com