Journal Keeping: Writing for Spiritual Growth
by Luann Budd
Book Summary Information
Author: Luann BuddEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2002-02
ISBN: 0830823379
Number of pages: 190
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Book Reviews of Journal Keeping: Writing for Spiritual Growth
Book Review: You Can Probably Do Without
Summary: 3 Stars
I bought this book because I wanted to begin writing a journal. Having never done that type of writing before, I was looking for a book that would give me some pointers on how to do this type of writing; otherwise I felt that I would be just like a chicken running around with its head cut off. I did start writing and I have been pleased with the results. However, I don't know that this particular book was that helpful.
The most helpful feature of the book is that the author, in a straight-forward and open way, explains what journal keeping is all about. For example, she points out that your writing should be for your eyes only. You should not even share it with your spouse. The reason for this isn't that we should be secretive, but rather that this degree of privacy is required if we are going to be completely honest and uninhibited in our writing. I think this and other points about the nature of journal writing that Budd provides were very helpful.
Aside from defining the nature of journal keeping, Budd basically provides a litany of "ideas" to consider pursuing in your writing. Much of the ideas are simply ridiculous in my mind, and they exemplify the fact that our society pays way too much attention to self-expression and too little attention to objective thinking and problem-solving. Some of these ideas are good ones, to be sure (e.g, copying down passages of scripture in your journal), and many of the pointers Budd gives emphasize how our writing can aid us as we work through questions and problems we are walking through.
This book probably could have been half as long as it is. In my opinion the most important points are: (1) write for yourself only; and (2) write to address issues in your life, either personal problems or other controversies. There are certainly various forms of writing that you can do, ranging from a structured essay to ramblings and musings of the mind. All of these forms can be helpful if you are mindful of your goal of spiritual growth and the attainment of understanding and wisdom. Aside from all that, the most important thing is merely to start writing.
This book is not all fluff and nonsense, but you can certainly do without it. Don't feel bad if you decide to put it down before you finish it. As Budd gets into the second half of this book it seems like she is just amassing a bunch of random ideas on the topic of writing generally. The first half is much more helpful.
Summary of Journal Keeping: Writing for Spiritual Growth
A Formatio book. Would you like to journal, but you're not sure how to start?Do you love to journal, but need some fresh ideas?Here's a book to help you discover (or recover) the power of writing as a spiritual discipline. In these pages you'll find intriguing and encouraging insights on topics like "ordinary things," "discovery journaling," "drawing from another's well" and "dialogue journaling with Scriptures."In each brief chapter, Luann Budd draws on her own life and writing. She shows how to put each of her ideas into practice. And she provides additional inspiration and examples from significant men and women throughout history who have journaled.Read this book to discover the transforming power of journal keeping!Bible & Other Sacred Texts Books
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