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Jan 16, 2017
Faith· The Little Things

When DO Real Women Find Time To Journal?

It is not news to anyone that women tend to be busy.  That has probably been a reality for all of human history. Finding time for things that are personal, relaxing or meditative can be a real challenge in our fast-paced world.

In my never ending journey to become more organized and better at time management, I asked a few women who use a prayer journal: “when do you find the time?”  Here are some answers (and wisdom) I received:

Any time they feel inspired

When I asked Allison Gingras, writer of the blog Reconciled to You and radio show host on Breadbox Media said:

I journal all the time – during my morning prayer time, in adoration, even bring it with me to Mass since that is the GREATEST prayer – I am often inspired and don’t want to forget those thoughts. I am a blank notebook kind of gal. I read a lot of spiritual reading that usually include reflection questions and I often use those as writing prompts. I also keep my journal nearby when I am praying the Rosary – it is hard not to meditate on the Life of Christ and not be moved or inspired; and again I don’t want to forget any of it.

Allisonjournal
A glimpse into Allison’s journal . . .

I love the idea of always keeping a prayer journal in my bag . . . especially since you never know when you may be given the gift of some down time.

During Eucharistic Adoration

One question I have had lately is, “it it okay to journal during adoration”?  I thought about asking some of my Catholic blogger friends – but I got my answer before I asked!  When Sara from To Jesus, Sincerely responded to my questions about journaling, she responded:

My favorite time to write in my prayer journal is during Eucharistic Adoration. I used to be totally scatterbrained and distracted during Adoration. I didn’t know what to do or say for a whole hour. I tried to just sit quiet and listen to God or reflect on the Gospel, but my mind always wandered to the chores I was behind on or the dinner I had to cook. So I grabbed a pen and notebook and started writing my thoughts to God. My prayer journal has helped me find focus and lift up my heart distraction-free prayer But I also find myself writing in the morning, in the middle of the night, and any time I have a few minutes free.

Sara is not the first to mention journaling during adoration.  Allison also mentioned this as a time she uses her prayer journal.  I also spoke with a friend last year who would use an inspirational coloring book during Eucharistic Adoration and I, too, have also been found writing saintly wisdom for a book I happened to read during a holy hour.  I am relieved that it’s considered “okay”.  In case you were wondering too – I’d figure I’d share.  Jesus is THE Greatest Teacher – it’s okay to take notes!

At the end of the day

Screen Shot 2017-01-16 at 12.47.28 PM
Caitlyn Anderson of Mrs. Andy, Anchored by Faith often uses art in her prayer journal

This seems to be a time when busy women find time.  Personally, I was most consistent with my journaling when I wrote in a simple gratitude journal I purchased each night.  I kept it by my bed, and it allowed me to look back on the day and thank God for the special moments I truly felt blessed with on that day.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who finds that time of day can be ideal.

Caitlyn Anderson, blogger at Mrs. Andy, Anchored by Faith confesses:

I journal primarily at the end of the day. It’s usually part of my evening routine as I wrap up the day. It is a way for me to release a lot of pent-up emotions; I am able to pour out all of my fear, pain, and frustration onto the paper and just give it all up to God. It is also a great way for me to pause and praise the Lord for the blessings He has bestowed on me! It’s my favorite way to have a conversation with Him and open up my heart.

Bobbi from Revolution of Love explains why the end of the day works best for her:

bobbijournal

I prefer to journal in the evening when I review my day. My mornings are pretty hectic getting my 4 kids off to school and I’m more of a night owl so evening after the kids are in bed works best for me. I write in a journal because putting pen to paper helps me sort out my thoughts and think through what is on my heart. It is also useful for me to be able to look back at what I wrote and see what God was teaching me.

When they are spending time with a child

Okay . . . so maybe this might just be me . . .

Sometimes I pour my heart out in a letter to Jesus . . . other times, I just want to color.  I like finding inspirational quotes from Scripture or pictures of saints and I like to sit and color.  Most of the time I only get started . . . but, that may be the only time that day I did anything in my journal.  This weekend both my husband and I felt so sick that we just kept taking turns napping and watching our son.  Sometimes I wonder when I get sick and feel so run down that if that is God saying “slow down”.  So, I did.  I sat down and while my son was gluing and cutting . . . I did a little bit of coloring.

Screen Shot 2017-01-16 at 1.33.32 PM.png

Are you a “prayer journaler”?  Would you like to be?  I have a board on Pinterest just for prayer journaling ideas!  Want to check them out?  Follow the board here: Prayer Journal Ideas Board

I’d love to hear about when you prayer journal and why!  I’d also love if you’d share a peek of your journal on social media!  Use #prayerwinechocolate #prayerjournal – I’ll look for it on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out: 8 Ways to Pray Using a Journal

 

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Previous Post: « 4 Easy Ways To Find More Time To Pray
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anni says

    January 16, 2017 at 2:29 pm

    These are great times and ideas for prayer journaling! It’s really neat to get a round-robin of ideas to showcase one size not fitting all. Great article!

    • Amy says

      January 16, 2017 at 2:30 pm

      Thanks so much Anni!

  2. Candy Hartmann says

    January 16, 2017 at 3:04 pm

    It was very interesting to read how everyone fits journaling into their daily routine. Being an empty-nester, I don’t have the challenge you young mothers do, but I especially liked the ideas on your Pinterest board. Thanks Amy!

    • Amy says

      January 16, 2017 at 5:17 pm

      I’m so glad you liked the ideas on the Pinterest board Candy!!

  3. Brittany says

    January 16, 2017 at 5:14 pm

    I’ve always been fascinated that women can journal during their busy schedule. I’m planning on starting my new journal *wink* in the next two weeks. You’ve got some great tips for how I can continue that practice when I get back.

    • Amy says

      January 16, 2017 at 5:20 pm

      I’m so excited for you next two weeks! Can’t wait to hear some of your reflections on it!

  4. Liz says

    January 17, 2017 at 7:06 am

    I love this. I love journaling and love prayer, I have a bunch of journals and even a bullet journal maybe I should try this now 🙂

    • Amy says

      January 17, 2017 at 8:27 am

      Thank you Liz! I keep hearing about “bullet” journals – but I don’t really know what they are! How would you define it?

  5. Caitlyn says

    January 18, 2017 at 11:02 am

    This is great, Amy! I love seeing all the different ways women incorporate journaling into their day! Thank you for including me 🙂

    • Amy says

      January 18, 2017 at 11:25 am

      I want my journal to look as beautiful as yours! Thank you for allowing me to share your talent!

  6. Sara @ To Jesus Sincerely says

    January 18, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    Thanks for letting me be a part of this! I love your idea of journal-ing with your kids. I think I want to start doing that too! It’d be fun to sit down and color and pray and cut and glue together… 🙂

  7. Kimberly says

    January 18, 2017 at 11:16 pm

    I love the art in the prayer journal!

    • Amy says

      January 19, 2017 at 8:34 am

      Me too!!!

  8. Leslie says

    January 19, 2017 at 8:39 am

    So many times we make things harder than they have to be. I love how this posts shows the many ways women find time for their prayer lives even in the middle of busy lives.

    • Amy says

      January 19, 2017 at 11:09 am

      Thank you Leslie!

  9. Stephanie Engelman says

    January 22, 2017 at 2:21 pm

    I love seeing how different women use their prayer journals. I only wish mine could be as beautiful as “Mrs. Andy’s” but, alas, it’s much more like Allison’s. Personally, I journal in the mornings. I find that the day flows better if I spend that focused time giving gratitude and asking for grace, and that writing it down it is a little like setting my prayers in concrete – which God doesn’t need, of course, but I do!

    • Amy says

      January 22, 2017 at 9:06 pm

      I feel the same way – it helps me set my prayers in concrete too! I kinda cheat in a way so that some of my pages look like Andy’s! If you are on Pinterest – you can see what I mean. Lots of free printable to color, cut out and glue right in the journal 🙂

  10. Michelle says

    March 20, 2017 at 11:36 pm

    Thanks for all of the unique and wonderful examples! It is so important to keep writing. When God speaks or we are inspired by the Holy Spirit, it’s important not to rely on your memory. I often forget and wish that I had written it down sooner. I keep working on it.

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Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

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There is so much I’d love to tell you about the There is so much I’d love to tell you about the 12 year old girl who colored these pictures. 

But, I hear in my heart those moments in Scripture where “Mary pondered these things in her heart”. 

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You and I both know that the Rosary is not just fo You and I both know that the Rosary is not just for white haired Grandmas… but how do we convince our friends and loved ones to embrace this powerful prayer and meditation on the life of Our Lord Jesus?

Honestly, with me in my 20’s… it started by being a gathering of broken hearts.

I was lonely, another friend was going through infertility, another was stuck in the past so much it affected her daily life… another found herself facing an unplanned pregnancy.

When you hit rock bottom, you grasp at anything that could possibly pull you up.

For us, that was the Rosary.
How? One friend suggested it because her Mom had a rosary group she attended for years. Another (me) said “yes, let’s do it”.

If you have a friend who is deep in sorrow… go to her with a Rosary and offer to pray with her.

If this is a person who may be reluctant, bring wine. Offer one glass and two listening ears.
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In the past I have received messages inquiring about the food that is included in the registration cost of the retreat.
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The 'standard' lunch is a duet of sandwiches -- half turkey wrap with lettuce, tomato, muenster & honey mustard, and half a baguette sandwich with tomato, mozzarella, and basil oil. 

Accompanying the sandwiches is a seasonal mixed greens salad with dried fruit and cheese (and sometimes nuts are included as well). 

If anyone has an allergy to nuts or cheese we serve their salad without it of course. 
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The first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat was held i The first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat was held in 2016.
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My husband Matt gives each of our children a bless My husband Matt gives each of our children a blessing before they go to bed at night.
I asked him if his parents did that … and he said, “no”.

He said that his father would bless him with holy water in church, so he was doing that with our son one day and the priest who said Mass saw him do it. The priest then told Matt, “you know, a parent blessing his or her child is one of the few blessings a lay person has the authority to give.” 

Since then, he has given them a blessing almost daily.
The words he uses as he makes the sign of the cross on their foreheads are:
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Keep him (her)safe, good and holy and protect him (her) from all evil, Amen.”
I might have to ask him or the kids what I’m missing or if I messed that up a little… but you get the idea.
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I read that a blessing realigns our world with heaven by acknowledging all is a gift.

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Hi there!!!! I am so happy you are here and we ar Hi there!!!! 
I am so happy you are here and we are connected on “the gram”!

My name is Amy Brooks… and I started the Prayer Wine Chocolate blog with the intention to share how my husband and I grew our family through adoption-without signing up with an adoption agency.

I also wanted to create gift guides that had Catholic gifts on it.

I share this today because my word of the year is “laugh” and when I thought of posting a “Friday introduction “ I immediately recalled the saying:
“Want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans!”

What starting this blog has led to- through the grace of God- has been amazing!
I realized that I had what @jenniferfulwiler would call a blue flame inside of me - writing.
Once again, I have to laugh because my English grade in 8th grade was so bad my dad pulled me off the soccer team and when I started college I had to take a remedial English class. God has reminded me over and over again that through Him all things are possible!

One of the greatest experiences in this journey has been meeting incredible people who love the Lord and who are truly kind and compassionate. It was through meeting @windhovering Jerry Windley-Doust that motivated me to write the Be Yourself Journals that our now published by @osvcatholicbooks . I also have been extremely blessed by the community of Catholic Social Media now known as @catholicsonline . If you are trying to evangelize or minister with the help of social media, I invite you to join us! 

I’m the oldest of 5. I asked my brother to give a speech at my wedding reception because I think he’s so funny that he truly could be a stand-up comedian. He ended up giving a speech so touching, I published part of it one boy’s Be Yourself Journal. He also cracked everybody at the wedding up 😂.

Somewhere in this group of pictures there is a picture of my parents. In that picture, my dad has his face painted. One of my siblings overheard him talking about him having this done as a “once in a lifetime experience “! 😂 He’s 72… apparently last weekend was his first opportunity to have this done.

Ps. My younger son recently asked me if I had water when I was a kid. He then asked me if soap was invented yet.
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I have 2 Be Yourself: a Catholic Journal for Girls in stock and only a handful of the boy’s journals in stock!

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Links are in my bio!
Happy Summer 😎🍉🕶🌻☀️!
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