Start a Journal

Read: Isaiah 46:9, Psalm 77:11-12, and 1 Chronicles 16:12

I love when I find a verse in scripture in which it makes me feel as if I have found a hidden treasure - a true nugget of gold. Numbers 33:2 is one of those verses to me. This verse tells us that Moses kept a journal at the command or direction of the LORD. I find this fascinating. I think if God wanted Moses to write so that Israel’s journey would be remembered, we also should keep a record of the journeys God takes each of us on.

I’ve written in journals probably for the last 20 years. I was never a “Dear Diary” kind of person. I rarely write about a day’s events. I would be too afraid of someone finding what I had written. Instead, I write about what God is doing in my life, scriptures that are meaningful, quotes from other writers, or topics I want to do research on. I have journals that are specific to journeys that God has taken me on, just at Moses did.

When I was working at the school I would keep a journal per school year. It always correlated with the theme that God was leading us in. I also have a specific journal that began with our first visit to New Zealand, then our move there, the year we lived there, and our return to the US. The other day I read it again, and it reminded me of so many things God did and taught us during that time. If I didn’t have that journal, most of it would be forgotten (my memory is terrible). I recently started one once I found out I had breast cancer. This one is more difficult to write. I know though that it helps keep my focus on God and not on the illness.

I enjoyed reading Matthew Henry’s commentary regarding Numbers 33.
When they began this tedious march, God ordered Moses to keep a journal or diary, and to insert in it all the remarkable occurrences of their way…to preserve in writing an account of the providences of God concerning them, the constant series of mercies they have experienced, especially those turns and changes which have made some days of their lives more remarkable. Our memories are deceitful and need this help, that we may remember all the ways which the Lord our God has led us.

Journaling has taught me one specific lesson – God is faithful. I’ve probably learned more in the tough and difficult times. As I look back, I see how I was guided and given strength. I see that I am also safe in this present moment. I might not understand why a certain situation happened – I might never know – yet through journaling it gives me a different perspective - a spiritual one.

Your assignment is to pick up a journal. Now, it doesn’t have to be a fancy one (even though Barnes & Noble have some nice ones). Some of my favorite journals and the ones I treasure the most are just spiral notebooks. Just get anything and keep it with you as you read God’s Word. Write down scriptures that speak to your heart at this moment in your life. You can also journal your prayers – I do this all the time. It is a window to the heart. It’s also a great way to see how many prayers have been answered in God’s timing.

I believe every life is on a journey and each journey deserves a journal. “Writing helps clarify what’s really important in your life. Thoughts detangle themselves when they pass through your fingertips.” Dawson Trotman I love this statement. I believe it is so true.

How I would love to find the journal of Moses. How cool would that be? At the LORD’s direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of their march, identified by the different places where they stopped along the way. Numbers 33:2

I guarantee you, as you sit at His feet and read His Word, you’ll be amazed at all He will teach you. You’ll want to remember it, so make sure to write it down.

Psalm 143:5 – I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what You have done.

What's the One Thing Needed?

During one of my early morning quiet times, while living in New Zealand in Jan '06, I was reading in the gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 38 through 42. I had always read these verses comparing the different personalities of Martha and Mary. This morning something different leapt out to me and also made me think of a movie I had seen several times.

The movie was about three friends who go on vacation to a dude ranch. They are to learn how to rope and ride, and then journey on moving cattle from one location to another with a group of others who are also on vacation. Sounds like a little too much work for a vacation to me. During this time the three friends do a lot of soul searching.

One of the friends has a conversation with the trail leader. The leader asks the "new" cowboy, "If he knew what the secret of life is?" As he holds up 1 finger, he says, "It's just one thing. You stick to that and everything else don't mean anything." The cowboy asks the trail leader, "What's that one thing?" The leader responds, "That's what you have to figure out." In the end the cowboy believes that the one thing is something different for everybody. It's whatever is most important to you. As you think about the one thing - all the other things go away. Only one thing really mattered.

The reason this movie came to mind was because of this conversation. Except in Luke 10:42 Jesus tells us that there is "but one thing needed." He didn't say, "there is one thing that is different for each person." If Jesus says there is one thing needed I want to know what it is. I do believe, as the cowboy did, that if you focus on that one thing - you've found what really matters.

So, what is the one thing? It's what Mary was doing. She was sitting at the feet of Jesus. She wanted to hear and understand what He was teaching.

I've found in my life that if I take the time with my Bible to sit, read, and listen - I'm finding the one thing in my life that really matters. It's just like Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." I pray you will take the time to sit at His feet. If you do, you will find the one thing needed in your life, and you will never be the same.

Purpose for the One Thing Blog

In December of 2001 I was working as a school administer. I had just attended a local conference and one of the speaker inspired me to begin writing an inspirational thought for the week. I ended up doing this from December 2001 through June of 2005. Each week I would write a weekly newsletter and then through my heart I would attempt to write something that would encourage the teachers and staff members. Most of these teachers and staff members I still call friends, and many have encouraged me through the years to write a book (I always wondered who would read it?).

When the inspiration of One Thing Ministries was given, I knew it was going to be something to encourage others through the Word and through inspirational thoughts. I just wasn't sure of the format. Recently, through my journey with breast cancer, I have been writing a blog to keep family and friends informed. Somehow, God has used it to bring encouragement to others. Now, I know this is the same format I can use for One Thing Ministries. Anyone with a computer can have access - no matter where in the world.

I dedicate this blog site first to the Lord. He inspires me to write. When I have a pen (or pencil as I prefer) in my hands and I am writing, I feel as if I'm fulfilling the purpose He has gifted me for. Why or how He chooses to use it is not for me to question. I also want to dedicate this to those women who have encouraged me to write. You've made me believe it is my calling. At least I know there will be 10 to 20 of you who will take the time to read the blog. I'm so grateful for you.

I will start typing and see how it develops. I'm planning on incorporating writings from the past school newsletters that I feel others might enjoy. My only goal is that through reading, you will pick up your Bible and sit at the feet of Jesus. May you find (or continue to find) it is the "One Thing" needed in your life.