write. it. down.
2024 is around the corner…
Since my freshman year of college, I’ve been involved with a ministry called Young Life.
Young Life’s mission is to introduce kids to Jesus and to help them grow in their faith. And one of the ways they do this is - camp!! At camp, kids not only get to hear the story of Jesus, but they also get to experience the joy of Jesus. I just love it :)
So every year, Young Life does a New Year’s camp weekend for college kids! I’ve been the past two years, and I am about to head there again to ring in 2024!!!! Woooohooo!!
pics from the last 2 years:
January 4, 2023
“Dear Diary, one thing I learned from New Year’s at the Point this year is to write. it. down. Whatever you’re feeling, whatever you’re going through, write it down. It makes everything a little easier to process and understand. Even when it comes to prayer.
I was reading a prayer I wrote a few weeks ago about how I’ve been struggling with feeling close to God because it felt like everything in my life was falling apart. Yesterday, I wrote a song called “18 inches.” (There are 18 inches from your head to your heart). I think it’s pretty cool. It’s about knowing that God loves you but having a hard time feeling that love. After writing this song, it was as if I could feel God holding me, and I just knew that God wanted me to share what I was feeling with Him. He doesn’t want me to withhold anything from Him. He wants to hear my thoughts and hear my voice and let Him in. He’s not scared of my doubt. He just wants ME.
I was writing in my room, and I swear the Lord put that phrase “18 inches” on my heart. It’s a very honest song. I actually just posted it on Instagram, so I have my “do not disturb” on so I can’t see likes and whatnot because it’s kind’ve vulnerable lol.
My goal for 2023 is to write more songs with a redemptive story. To start taking what I’ve learned lately and putting it into chords and a melody. I’m gonna have to start writing down a lot more. (which is not a problem for me).”
I keep lists. Lots of lists. I’m very organized when it comes to my schedule. (something I get from my aunt).
In high school, it was very specific. No joke, I would write down every single thing I did in a day, time-blocked. I wrote down everything I ate, checked off tasks I completed, and even checked off a box for waking up… long story short, I like to put everything on paper.
And for some people, it seems unnecessary (okay I agree it might be unnecessary to check off a box for waking up). But for some, it seems unnecessary to keep a journal full of your thoughts, feelings, dreams, etc. “Would it really make a difference if I start writing out what I’m feeling, doing, and dreaming?” My answer is yes.
It’s not unnecessary to write down your emotions to understand them. Or to write down your prayers so you can focus your mind when you talk to God. Or to write down your dreams so you don’t forget that they’re worth chasing.
I’m on my 4th consistent diary. I started writing consistently two years ago today (it’s currently Christmas Eve).
The biggest thing I would thank myself for doing over the past two years is writing everything down. The memories, the prayers, the lessons learned, everything. Not only is it a way for me to process what I’m feeling, but I’ll get to look back and read those pages filled with my little life one day. I’ll get to look back and see how God has answered my prayers over the years.
Every year, I have new goals. I write them down.
Every year, I have new ideas. I write them down.
Every year, I have different challenges I’m faced with. I write them down
goals and things I’m hoping for in 2024:
and those are just a few ^
2024 is going to be a good one. I can feel it.
Not gonna lie, 2023 was one of my toughest years yet, but also the most rewarding.
This new year, I want to release a song on Spotify, spend more time with Jesus, be off my phone more, host more dinner parties at my college house, learn to like tea because this coffee addiction is getting out of hand, continue to grow in wisdom and maturity, and continue to WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN.
When you write, you remember.
I want to remember all the little details. I want to paint a picture on these pages for my kids to read one day, and for them to know what mom’s life was like when I was their age, and how I handled heartbreak, friendships, college, body image, etc.
I write so that these thoughts that God created my brain for, are not wasted.
Your words matter. Your words carry so much weight and power. Your words are important.
Proverbs 18:20-21
“From the fruit of their mouth, a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips, they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Are the words you’re speaking bringing life, or are they bringing death? A question I ask myself a lot.
GO and be a light with the words you write, speak, and sing!!!
You have the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let Him be your pen, your keyboard, your speech.
If you have something to say, something to process, something to feel, something to remember, something to share…
Write. It. Down.
Let’s make 2024 the year of journaling!
Send me pictures of your cute little journals or diaries!!!! Love you all!!