Personal Journal

This follow-up to the highly popular Decorated Page offers even more great ideas for beautifying a journal, more breathtaking photos to inspire, and more smart (and simple) ways to endow even the artistically timid with confidence. It simply brims with suggestions and instructions. Find out about the wealth of contemporary supplies, from papers and adhesives to paints, pens, and pastels. See how to create the actual journal from scratch, including a quick-to-complete Three Minute Pamphlet. Use the tips for customizing a store-bought book that could use a little flair. Build layered pages, take advantage of the creative potential of transparencies, and more.

These short stories have been conceived during the course of a series of writers' workshops, which inspired me through participants and facilitators alike. The stories have been evolving naturally, as to why we write and what we write about. From the realities for writing about colleagues and friends, the themes shifted to the inner workings of the writer and later to the magical and fantastic. Exhibitions of surrealist painters were a great facilitating experience for me and any writer. The cosmopolitan ambiance of participating poets and writers has been a fruitful experience for creativity. Movies about erotic themes, a beautiful woman participant, the tools that one uses to get going with a story, but also editing lessons, and spiritual experiences, have aided me to write them. A busy life of reading, visiting lecturers and digging from experiences enhanced the fantasy of free mental flight.

“For many years, I have made my living by the pen. In 2005, when my autobiography was published in Chinese, I gave it the title《文字就是生命》 or A Life in Words. These words encapsulate the beautiful connection between me and my lifelong devotion to the literary arts. Literature and I have transformed into a single entity, and I can feel Chinese characters bobbing along through my veins.” —You Jin

My own writing began in a diary in the fourth grade. I wrote about my daily life and dreams of the future. Now, my journal keeps me on track while recalling God's promise of faithfulness and his words of engagement for my life. Journaling strategies in this book direct and guide the reader to program opportunities that create a new you or transform your life. I write and grasp a spiritual equilibrium that admits his presence into my surroundings, because I believe this life is training for eternity as we live it with a view toward God's kingdom. And no matter how out of control life becomes, we awaken each day to "the bright and morning star..." (Rev 22:16). I pray you will journal and record the signs, miracles, and wonders that God's Spirit gives you to take hold of your life. While I pray through my meditative journal, I am anticipating that no matter, He will return again.

"Learn how to give your journal or planner a fun, artsy vibe with a variety of doodles that encourage your personality to shine through. This collection of more than 200 hand-drawn motifs includes a wide range of themes to suit your needs, along with practice pages and step-by-step instruction"--Back cover.