Discover your journal’s potential to be a tool for spiritual growth
Kirsten Birkett encourages us to pick up our notebooks and pens and use journaling as a tool to grow in godliness. Writing is a powerful act. It takes time and allows us the space to turn emotions like sadness or anger into joy.
The Puritans used diaries as a way to give themselves spiritual counsel. It helped them to remember God’s mercies, to reflect on how He has been at work, and to be thankful.
This book is a helpful guide for those who want to start the practice of journaling, or who want to direct their journaling in a more intentional way. Put pen to paper and create a record of your spiritual life.
Chapter headings include:
Introduction:
How This All Got Started
Chapter 1:
Write
Chapter 2:
Write Wisdom
Chapter 3:
Write Forgiveness
Chapter 4: Write Thankfulness
Chapter 5: Write Prayer
Chapter 6: Write Witness
Chapter 7: Write Bible
Chapter 8: The Covid Diaries 2020
Appendix: Write as the Puritans Did
Endorsements
Kirsten Birkett … has given us a deeply personal account of her own experience with journaling, and also many practical steps for using journaling as a strategy for living and growing as a Christian.
Rebecca Stark Blogger at ‘Rebecca Writes’, ‘Revive Our Hearts’, and ‘Out of the Ordinary’
Kirsten Birkett offers encouragement to keep a journal and write to ‘know God better and to grow in godliness.’ In a warm, breezy style, she writes as a fellow pilgrim in a world full of joys and sorrows. Whether you’re a lifelong diarist or someone journaling for the first time, this book will serve as a helpful guide along the way.
Ivan Mesa Editorial Director, The Gospel Coalition
In this short, accessible book, Kirsten Birkett introduces us to the reflections of the Puritans and her own moving story, and in so doing helps us both taste the beauty of and engage in the practicalities of writing out words that are real, rich and re–orientating towards God.
Helen Thorne–Allenson
Our generation has neglected this ancient craft to our own impoverishment. It would not only do us much good, but give us great joy, to post far fewer words in public and journal far more in private.
Rediscover the lost art.
David Mathis Executive Editor, desiringGod.org; Pastor, Cities Church, Minneapolis/St Paul
Birkett not only details why Christians should journal, but peppers her book with illustrations of the craft, helping the novice, as it were, to overcome any hesitations to put pen to paper. The book is ideal also for courses that deal with journaling as a spiritual discipline. I highly recommend it!
Michael A. G. Haykin Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
Kirsten Birkett is a theological writer and author of numerous books and articles. She previously lectured at Oak Hill Theological College in pastoral care, church history, philosophy and ethics. She lives in the north of England with two cats and two chickens. Sadly, no ducks.
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