Introducing the Printable Dwell Journal™

Hello Friends! Today, I'm excited to share a new collection (and a little freebie) that I quietly launched a couple of weeks ago: The Dwell Journal™ Printable Collection.

From the beginning, I had a long list of ideas for features I wanted to include in the Dwell Journal™, but putting every single one of those ideas into a printed format would result in a HUGE journal at an equally large price point.

But I didn't stop dreaming or designing. I kept working on pages for my own ideal journal—pages for sermon notes, scripture memory, and gratitude. I also needed a place to keep track of Bible reading and prayer requests, so I laid those pages out as well. And I knew I needed a place for general note-taking and written prayers, so I went ahead and developed those pages too.

The result? A printable Dwell Journal™ collection that you can build into your own perfect quiet time notebook. Each Dwell Journal™ printable will guide you through your time alone with the Lord. Whether you’re using the Dwell Daily pages for your Bible study, the Be Grateful pages to record blessings, or the Pray Often pages to note prayer requests, it’s my hope and prayer that the simple act of writing things down will help you remember the things that matter most. 

Since the printables are sold both separately and as a package, it's simple to put together a Bible study notebook that works for you. Each printable is available in both letter and half-letter formats, so you can easily print, punch holes, and place in a binder. You can print as many copies of the pages as you need as long as it's for personal use, and extended licensing is available upon request if you need to print copies for your entire Bible study group or Sunday school class.

Sound good? Visit the shop for a closer look at the individual pages. AND because I love you, and because you've made it this far, I think it's only fair to tell you that for a limited time, I'm offering the Take Note page (pictured below) as a free download.

The Printable Take Note worksheet for the Dwell Journal™ is a plain and simple lined page to use for note-taking. Sometimes you just need a place to write things down. The Take Note worksheet is perfect for everything from grocery lists to sermon notes. Download it today and get a feel for the printable Dwell Journal™ system.

I hope you love the printable collection as much as I do! What else would you like to see in a quiet time journal? Let me know in the comments, and I'll see if I can make it a reality.

Until next time, grace and peace.

How to Have a Quiet Time Using the Dwell Journal

Hey everyone! I hope you're having a great week! It's been a busy and exciting couple of days around these parts. Thank you so  much for making the LAJ shop launch a success! I was overwhelmed with gratitude as all your orders rolled in, and I can't thank you enough for your support. I hope that you love the collection as much as I do, and today I wanted to give you a closer look at one of the new products: the Dwell Journal.

I created the Dwell Journal to meet a need in my own life. I've been an avid journal-er for years, but last spring, I started looking for something a little more structured to accompany my Bible reading. I went to the Christian bookstore and found nothing like I wanted, so I decided to create my own. This was around the time that the Lord started moving me to close my custom stationery shop, and it became clear to me that this journal I was dreaming of would be the center of my new line.

So that's how the Dwell Journal was born. It's a guided 30-day journal to help you draw closer to the Lord and deeper into His word. Each daily entry is a two-page spread with different sections designed to help you focus on what Scripture is telling you about God and who you are in relation to Him. After using the journal in my own quiet times for the past month or so, I can tell you that it's a fantastic tool to use in your Bible study time, and I'm not just saying that because I created it. The Dwell Journal has helped me reflect on the character of God and meditate on what Scripture reveals to me about Him. Because I'm seeing Him more clearly, I can see myself more clearly, and God is using that to transform me from the inside out.

So, with all of that said, I made a little video to give you a little preview of the journals and show you how to use it in your quiet time. Take a peek to get an inside look at the Dwell Journal.

As I mentioned in the video, the journals are being printed as we speak. They're available for pre-order in the shop now, and they'll ship by December 1, so you'll have them in plenty of time for Christmas. If you have any questions, just drop a note in the comments, and I'll do my best to get it answered.

And finally, if you've made it this far, then I think you deserve a reward. Use the code DWELLPREVIEW to get 15 percent off all journals. Offer expires Friday, 11/20 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Happy shopping!

Until next time, grace and peace.

A New Journal: Be Filled with Joy

I'm a big fan of journaling. In fact, I've been writing in a diary or journal since I was in the fifth grade, and I've kept each and every one of them. They're precious to me—an integral part of my spiritual life and essential to my sanity. Writing things down helps me to remember not only where I've been, but also where I'm going.

A few weeks ago, we went to Starkville for Super Bulldog Weekend, and as I strolled through the bookstore on campus, I was smitten by this journal by Katie Daisy. I've long been a fan of Katie's work, and her etsy shop is one of my favorites. When we get settled into a new home of our own, I fully intend to fill up my walls with some of her gorgeous and uplifting art.

But all of that's beside the point.

There's something about the blank pages in a brand new journal that makes me want to sit down and write for hours. I love the freshness and the newness—the blank slate—the clean start. It's one of the simplest pleasures in life, and it's one I enjoy immensely.

As for this particular journal, well, I chose it because I need the daily reminder to be filled with joy. If I'm not careful, I can skate my way through an entire day...or week...or month...without stopping to count my blessings or truly experience the joy of the little moments that make up my life.

I know that as far as resolutions go, the beginning of May is a little late to be making one, but oh well. Who says that resolutions are just for new years, anyway? I'm resolved that 2013 (the rest of it, anyway) will be a year of great joy.

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."

—Psalm 51:12

This verse is my anthem. I'm looking for wonder and praying for joy in the everyday moments that make up my life.

What about you?

Until next time, grace and peace.