Saturday, January 28, 2012

From My Archives. Journal Jottings




We probably all experience the occasions when we browse our bookshelves for something we're not even sure what exactly, and so find ourselves drawn to a particular title or book cover or even colour. And, when we browse through it, we're drawn to read even further, for we have found exactly what we need at that moment.

To my way of thinking, it's a little gift from heaven. And, I oft wonder how HE does it... and I marvel that He should have that much caring interest to arrange for me to find exactly what I need to hear or re-hear on a given day.  Some may say it's just serendipitous, but I take it as that benign intervention from a loving Father...but that's a pondering for another day).

Not only do I scour my bookshelves, but I tend to poke through old postings and certainly my book journals, which, to my great wonder, often brings to light something that speaks fresh and new all over again.

In my browsing through my archives this morning, I found such a posting. I offer it with the hope it makes the 'trip' to my blog worth it.

Wishing you a peace-filled and rest-full day for you.

Hugs,
Brenda
 
 
 

 From My Archives ... Journal Jottings
first posted in 2010


I have chuckled more than once at one of Oscar Wilde's quips about traveling on long train trips. Apparently he once said he always took his journals along so that he'd have something sensational to read.

Well, I haven't been on any train trips lately, and I don't know how 'sensational' my jottings would be, yet it's still fun to randomly pull one of my old journals from the cupboard.  Not only does it house the record of The Life And Times of Brenda Leyland, but along side my own mutterings and musings, I often jot down quotes and interesting ideas from many of  my favorite magazines, books, and movies. Whether they provide inspiration, encouragement, laughter or creative imaginings, these sayings tend to settle in and become an integral part of my soul's fabric.

This morning, a pretty creamsicle-hued journal from 2007 beckoned me.  Accepting the invitation, I open it to see what voices might re-whisper words I 'need' to hear today, and this is what caught my attention:

On Keeping A Diary.
"...keeping a diary...is a gesture of faith in the importance of your own voice, your own opinion. This is worth considering, worth recording, worth cherishing." (from Perri Klass, September '94 Victoria Magazine)

On Solitude. "Solitude is a beautiful word. It sounds like sunlight through trees, or a walk on the beach, or a soprano voice that soars... I'd run out of sleep before the night lost its darkness.... This is the sort of time that begs for a marathon baking project, a cake with lots of layers demanding the kind of persnickety perseverance that pays off in sugar roses and "ooohs" from the children.....We gather beauty for gray days..." (from Catherine Calvert, A Day of Solitude, September '97 Victoria Magazine)

The Test for a Well-Decorated Room. According to Charlotte Moss, the test for a well-decorated room is simple: Does it invite you to settle in with a book and a cup of tea, even if no one is home? So, how does she choose colors for a room? Charlotte assesses how they would look on a rainy day when she's curled up with a book. And, what makes a comfy sofa? A solid back but never a solid seat -- you need to be able to sink into a pillow to read.

On Planning Ahead.
"To the ancient Hebrews, each new day began in the evening. Each evening was devoted to rest, to family, to fellowship -- as well as to study and meditation in God's Word. Try devoting some of your time in the evening to quiet reflection and some inner planning. In other words, prepare yourself in the evening for the coming day." (from Emilie Barnes, Keep It Simple, p. 228


Photo source:  Microsoft Images



7 comments:

  1. Some beautiful quotes. I love going through my old journals and discovering thoughts that speak to me again and again.

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  2. i too love going through old journals from time to time...it can be very encouraging.
    i love all your quotes, but i especially like "The Test for a Well Decorated Room" - glad to say i pass with flying colors! :)

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  3. Lovely snippets from your journal. And it's interesting to see that several came from our old beloved Victoria magazine. I have many such snippets myself.

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  4. I think He has guardian angels who help Him out and us too...lol!

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  5. Lovely quotes. I do know what you mean by browsing your own shelves or journals ~ I've done that a number of times and come up with an answer I didn't even quite realize I was looking for. :)

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  6. I thought you might be a journal-er - is that a word?

    I call little gifts from GOD - God Winks. Sandie

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  7. I SO identify with your observation that "sayings tend to settle in and become an integral part of my soul's fabric."

    It's interesting to see how the ones you selected here parallel some of the recurring themes in my own journaling....

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To My Beautiful Readers,

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. ~ Franz Peter Schubert

Thank you so much for leaving your 'footprint' here in my comment box. I do appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts today.

Brenda xo