Journaling: Catalyzing Spiritual Growth Through Reflection

by Adam L. Feldman

Whether you are new to the spiritual discipline of journaling, are restarting, or have filled dozens of journals, this book is for you if you desire to cultivate a daily awareness of Jesus’ loving, personal, and active presence in your life. “Journaling” is more than just an introduction to the classic discipline of journaling. It introduces you to a lifestyle of contemplative reflection through Biblical, anecdotal, and practical teaching. Through journaling, believers in Jesus deepen communion with Him, discover contentment in life, and develop confidence in decision-making. Journaling might just be the catalyst for a significant spiritual breakthrough in your life! What others are saying about “Journaling”: “If you’re interested in cultivating the spiritual discipline of noticing God, and journaling has been one such practice you’ve long considered important to introduce or improve within your spiritual journey, then the book you are holding in your hand is the gift you’ve long desired. Adam Feldman writes with a refreshing wit and a pastors heart, with lots of practical helps for making journaling a highlight of your pilgrimage into a deeper walk with Jesus.” ~ Stephen A. Macchia, author of “Becoming A Healthy Church” and “Crafting a Rule of Life” “I’m more excited about this book than I have been any book in a long time. Nothing has impacted my life like journaling. When I tell people they think it’s a diary or they aren’t writers--both have little to do with real journaling. Journaling is a spiritual discipline, I’ve defined it as ‘a catalogue of reflections and a remembrance of events of what God is saying to you and doing.’ I know of no better book than this. Stop thinking about being a writer or writing a diary--instead view it as listening and recording what God is saying to you. Thanks for writing this Adam, this is a HUGE overlooked need for serious followers of Jesus today. Northwood Church will definitely make this available to it’s body.” ~ Bob Roberts, Jr., Sr. Pastor of Northwood Church and author of “Bold as Love” “In this rich resource, Adam Feldman accomplishes his desire to encourage the faith of his readers and inspire them to practice the art and discipline of journaling. Along that way, he also effectively introduces readers to the broader world of contemplative reflection.” ~ Randy Millwood, author of “To Love and to Cherish” "Adam Feldman matches his passion for the benefits of journaling with flexibility and practicality in laying out a variety of approaches. Whether you are an experienced journaler, a tentative first-timer, or even someone who has ‘written off’ this practice as not for you, you will find Adam a helpful guide. As a church historian, I especially appreciated his reference to great journalers of the past, such as Augustine, Dorothy Day, and my personal favorite, Lancelot Andrewes.” ~ David A. Currie, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2013

About the author

Adam L. Feldman is the Academic Dean at Metro Baltimore Seminary where he also teaches exegesis and theology courses. He was a pastor for over two decades and is the author of Journaling . Connect with Adam via Twitter @adamlfeldman.

Reviews

[Dale Schaeffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful brief primer on journaling

As someone who has toyed with journaling off and on again or twenty years, Adam provides some wonderful insights into the why behind journaling, as well as a few profound reflections on barriers to journaling (his section on nostalgia is worth the price of the book), followed by a good overview of tools available to someone who desires to practice living a more examined life in Christ.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to journaling that’s easy to read and fast. Feldman is personal, accessible and his book is very practical and appropriately persuasive without being preachy.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than just a book about journaling. Very good.

[James B Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick clear intelligent guide

Skimmed through it in about an hour, was valuable and encouraging. Has a lot of links and mentions resources which are nice also.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journaling is my favorite pathway to practicing the disciplines of spiritual growth. Journaling is my favorite method of unpacking my soul. Journaling is my favorite process of communicating legacy and heritage.

Adam has provided the Church with the gift of a beautiful "nuts and bolts" approach to journaling.

Excellent book. Highly recommended to anyone investigating the art of journaling.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mixture of the practical and the spiritual, challenging and encouraging spiritual disciplines esp journaling. Coupling the "secular" and "sacred" into a spiritual journey reminding us of our relationship with Christ and the imperative need to grow.

[Brian Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful and inspiring.