Just the other day I was scrolling down my bookshelves filled with all my different journals from over the years. Each one represents a period of time in my life that I not only wrote about, but doodled and even painted about. Just looking at the different art work or color on the spines take me back to when I held it in my hands daily and poured my heart into them. I have many blank journals that I've filled, but some of my most prized ones are my devotional journals. Mainly because my spiritual connection to God is very important to me and it inspires me even more creatively when I pair scripture with my art or writing. Recently I was able to add 3 gorgeous devotional journals to my collection from Ellie Claire. And I can't wait to tell you about each of them.
All 3 of the ones I am sharing about today have beautiful sturdy front and back covers that offer the elastic band to keep it closed when your not using them. I appreciate that the covers are not hardback, but instead a very sturdy cardboard with almost a soft coating that almost makes it feel leathery. The illustrations are glossy and vivid and one of them, the Peace begins with Me devotional journal is in gold foil. Let me start with this one. Peace, we all long for it in our hearts. Yet, it doesn't come to most of us easily. Today's stress and demands can have us on our toes ready to fight or flight instead of being present and peaceful knowing that God has it all under control. I have someone in mind to receive this devotional journal this Christmas. The person I will be gifting this to has been through so much in her life. And right now she cares many burdens on her shoulders, while fighting for her own health. She needs Peace and Reassurance.
Each day under the title is a verse along with a short devotion that aligns the scripture with today's life. The devotionals are perfectly written to help turn your eyes away from the struggles of today and focus on the prize, eternity. One talked about the twilight hours, how artists may love the dimension the low light gives something to others it obscures what we see. It's too dim to see clearly, Jesus is the only light we need to see clearly. Chasing away ignorance and deception. All we need to do is bask in him to find Peace. Also under the devotion is a prayer prompt for you to use in closing and then finally several lines to journal your thoughts regarding the day's scripture and devotion. This is the spot where you can sort out your emotions, fears and anxieties. Really dig deep and use this journal to find resolution and Peace. If you or someone you love is struggling with health, anxiety or life changes this would be a perfect gift for the new year.
The Earth Is the Lord's, and Everything In It is the devotional journal I will be starting in January. I have not been so enamored by God's creations as I have been in the past few years. I probably went almost my whole life never stopping to look at a growing wildflower or to smell the warm breeze while doing errands. But, the past few years I have grown to not just appreciate nature, but to seek God's beauty out everywhere I go. Just flipping through I'm in amazement how much nature appears throughout scripture.
The devotions and prayer prompts are refreshing and encouraging, almost like a Spring rain followed by warming sunshine. The pages are beautifully illustrated and lined ready for you to explore your inner adventurist side as you read, journal and create till you feel refreshed and new. I would add this to your Christmas list for the gardener, bird watcher, nature enthusiast you have in your life. They are sure to be blessed by this devotional journal.
Ok, so is there such a thing as writing in too many journals at once? I hope not, because the Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus devotional journal I need too. This one is a little different then the other two. Same kind of format, but instead of scripture up at the top you have a line from a beloved song or hymn. Next you have the reading, scriptures to read in your Bible and then a daily prayer. And of course several lines for you to meditate on the song, scripture and reading to reflect, learn and walk away blessed. First off, I love that they provide the song or hymn title and who it's by. I had fun looking up several online, some from my childhood that brought up nostalgic memories and some that were more current.
The feel I got from reading a few of these is that we need to shift our focus. It's the little things, we miss them most days because we are in constant motion putting out fires, filling out to do lists and keeping up with the Jones'. This journal is for that super busy person that you know. They may not always feel they are "doing" enough, maybe their eyes need a little check up and their heart refocused to see all they have right in front of them. Spending time daily meditating on God's word will help anyone see the importance of being in the moment and keeping their eyes on Jesus.
Any of these devotional journals would make a fantastic gift to give or receive. Make sure you check them out online. Thank you so much Worthy Publishing for giving me these 3 devotional journals that are sure to be treasured for a long time in exchange for my honest review.
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