A new season calls for a new journal. Yes, it is almost fall (though the Northwest weather hasn't got the memo yet and no one is complaining). In life, however, this new season is the "not returning to Africa" season. I'm not sure what to make of it just yet...
Since I anticipate a lot of processing, I made a new journal. First, I went to Staples to buy one of the repurposed sugar cane comp books that I use for my classroom science notebook in other years. Then, I walked to the Jo-Ann fabrics next door to stock up on glue dots.
I went to Stanley's house to make a gluten-free lunch (per a friend's suggestion for mood stabilization) and spread out my crafting supplies across his living room. I figured the journal-making would be a mutually beneficial tool, as whatever I write in my journal will be filtered before I say it to him...
I created a few different themes: outdoor adventure, colorful pictures of other countries, black and white contrast, and calming words. What finally caught my attention was a confusingly profound verse in Isaiah:
I form light and create darkness,
I make well-being and create calamity,
I am the LORD, who does all these things
Isaiah 45:7
That verse anchors the cover of my new journal. A black and white paisley 5x5 connects the front to the back. On the back, a postcard of Allied troops storming the beaches of Normandy and a scrapbook paper license plate that reads: "in a state of shock."
I'm gearing up for a season of confusingly profound emotion. So far, I've applied for two preschool teacher positions, a newspaper editor, a private school activities coordinator, a juvenile detention officer, and a wilderness leadership program coordinator. I am concerned that I will have well too much time on my hands.
Yes, yes. I recall:
Be still
and know that I am God
Psalm 46:10
That is precisely why I need a new journal for this season.
I need space to write how I am trusting Him.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
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Ephesians 5
Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving. For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them, for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth – and find out what pleases the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. But all things being exposed by the light are made evident. For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says:
“Awake, O sleeper!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you!”
Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife as also Christ is the head of the church – he himself being the savior of the body. But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her to sanctify her by cleansing her with the washing of the water by the word, so that he may present the church to himself as glorious – not having a stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one has ever hated his own body but he feeds it and takes care of it, just as Christ also does the church, for we are members of his body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is great – but I am actually speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each one of you must also love his own wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
I vote for the newspaper editor job. You are a beautiful writer.
ReplyDeleteOh! Cheers for journals. Have you seen the SMASH book video on Youtube? It's fun! SMASH supplies are at Target.
ReplyDelete