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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: DIARY (05/16/19)
I still have an old diary that I kept when I was 12 years old. I did pretty good as a pre-teen but as the years have rolled by, so has my commitment to keeping any kind of a consistent journal. That’s what we call them these days. I don’t hear anyone refer to a diary anymore.

I have a drawer full of half hearted attempts at journaling. I will do O.K. for a week or two and then …. What happens? I really can’t answer that. I believe I would be much more serene if I followed through with jotting my daily thoughts and feelings down. The method I choose is to allow them to rattle around in my head, going in every direction imaginable, ultimately making me feel pretty scattered and overwhelmed.

I wonder why I do this? Laziness? Forgetfulness? A love of stinkin’ thinkin’. That’s what it’s called in Alcoholics Anonymous. Their plan, as part of the 12 step program, is to perform a daily written inventory of those rogue mind benders. And it works!!! That’s what’s so amazingly baffling.

It reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 7: 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

Now I’ve drawn on pretty strong words to remind myself that I’m amiss. I believe I would feel better if I journaled. But really; think about it. I can liken it to what the Catholic’s refer to as a venial sin
(a relatively slight sin that that does not entail damnation of the soul).
Not really a big deal if I know I would be better off if I journaled but choose not to.

However, how many other areas of my life do these habits spill over into? I know I would benefit if I slipped into my tennies and hit the pavement at least a few times a week. I’m sure I would look sleeker (is that a real word?) in the snug fitting jeans if I skipped the hot fudge sundae for dessert (at least a couple of times a week).

Aha … I know. Blame it on sin. Not my fault, the devil made me do it. Or not do it in this case. Can’t really cop-out that way though. Paul goes on to tell us 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

It’s really so simple. I can’t do anything on my own. But, “I can do all things through Christ Who gives me the strength” Philippians 4:13.
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This article has been read 283 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Barbara Culler 
05/24/19
I so understand- I do the same thing with trying to lose weight! Why do I keep over-eating, being lazy, etc. This was an interesting devotional. For me, it seemed a bit too informal- like you were talking to teenagers for this competition. Perhaps if you had fewer cliches and slang terms, it would read better. Also, you do not need to include the number at each verse. ( That adds to your word count) Just include the verses in your main citation. I like how you drew in your incomplete journaling to the main issue of doing all things through Christ. I need to remember that next time I want that extra serving of food.
Catherine Drabble 
05/25/19
I like the way you pulled the whole writing together in your last line and you are right it is simple we can do all things in His strength but we have to be prepared to let go of self. You illustrated really clearly some of the obstacles we all struggle to overcome. I think it’s all about discipline and it takes discipline to write so keep on going you are doing a good job.
Joanney Uthe 
05/27/19
I can relate to the inconsistency of keeping a journal or diary. And that the same principal can be applied to other areas of life.

The numbers of the verses are distracting. When you copy and paste verses, go through and delete them and then change the reference to include all the verses quoted. This will look better and be easier to read.

Thanks for the reminder that we can't do any discipline on our own strength. Great concluding paragraph.
Lollie Hofer 
05/27/19
You're so right. We aren't as consistent as we could be in jounraling even though it's highly beneficial. Lots to think about. I like how you incorporated the word of God into it too. Good job.