The Purpose of Documentation

Remember how I said I would tell more about this journal later? Well I guess it's later....

A couple of weeks ago I got this urge to write (I mean, I always have the urge to write, but this was a bit stronger than usual) I needed a better, more personal way to let my creativity flow.  Plus, I wanted to do a better job of documenting our life, something tangible that could bring back special memories of us over the years. I sent a text to Jonathan while he was at work and said I wanted a new journal. Being the patient and understanding man that he is, he complied without questions. Which is saying a lot because the man knows all too well about the large collection of unfinished journals I have already. But he knew this would make me happy, so we basically spent two days shopping every book store in town until I found the perfect one. 

(I keep telling y'all how good I have it with him.)

I was also inspired by other journaling peoples on the web and their layouts/style and wanted to incorporate our photography into this whole process. I couldn't be happier with the result. 

I share all this to encourage you to document your life. You only get one and it happens so incredibly fast that it's easy to forget a lot once it passes by. If you're like me, you want to remember as much as you can. For instance: The things that challenged and grew you, like when you spent a lot of your summer in either the Cincinnati hospital or the St. Louis hospital because both sides of your family experienced harmful accidents. Or the silly things that made you smile, like when he saved the last bite of the pickle he got at Panera because he knew you wanted it (even though you never asked). Or the way your whole house smelled like bacon after breakfast one day and how that reminded you so much of waking up at your grandparents as a child. It's all so precious to me. The little things, the life-altering things, the made-you-cry-and-took-your-breath things. 

We've discovered so many ways to preserve memories. Do what works for you. I had a very talented artist-friend of mine tell me that she tried blogging for awhile but, in the end, that she'd rather paint her words through her art than write them. And it totally works for her. For us personally, we use journaling, blogging, photography and Instagram (yes, Instagram) to capture all the joys God brings to us. What a wonderful way to worship our Father by remembering all the ways He has worked His love into every aspect of our lives. To know that through everything, all the hardships and pleasures, He's been there all along. 

Here's to the gift of being able to remember, preserve and glorify. 

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

I will ponder all your work,

and meditate on your mighty deeds.

Your way, O God, is holy.

What god is great like our God?

You are the God who works wonders;

you have made known your might among the peoples.

You with your arm redeemed your people,

the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

(Psalm 77:10-15, ESV)

ps. some shots of my new hair. still not sure about these bangs y'all.