"Get a notebook, my young folks, a journal that will last through all time, and maybe the angels may quote from it for eternity. Begin today and write in it your goings and comings, your deepest thoughts, your achievements and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies." (New Era, Oct. 1975, 5). —President Spencer W. Kimball
The Lord has asked us through the prophets to keep a journal. Faith in God, Duty to God, and Personal Progress, all have journaling components. There are online ways to keep a journal.
However, I do like the book idea better.
I find journal writing naturally develops the discipline of writing habit and gives daily penmanship.
If angels may quote from it we do want the writing to be beautiful. All this without it being an academic busywork!
When children are not yet writing, they can learn to organize their thoughts and dictate to a parent or older sibling what they want written in their journals. In our ward Primary, we have a CTR journal for each child. We began them during the year themed “Choose the Right.” They would record what they did to choose the right that week. Non-writers draw a picture or trace their hand, then told their teachers what to write. Children can take time to copy the theme and scripture of the month into their journal.
Composition books make great journals for children and adults. They can be decorated by each child, or a slipcover with a pen pocket can be sewn to cover the books.
To assist budding journalists in establishing the habit of journaling I have created a journal bookmark with 15 Journal Prompts.
Journaling can also be theme focused— Lessons of Life Journal, Summer Vacation Journal, Tender Mercies Journal, A Gratitude Journal, Epihanies Journal, Homeschool Journal, the possibilities are endless!
I read about a Lessons of Life Journal (LL) years ago on a homeschool yahoo board. This was something the poster saw on yet another yahoo group. It is as simple as 1, 2, 3— 1) write down a life lesson, 2) find a scripture or two, to accompany the lesson, and 3) add a quote or two from prophets. This can become a treasure trove for talks. The person who shared this concept said it was like adding a second witness to the life lesson.
Smash Journals can be a fun journal for children. The journaler just adds at least one thing each day. It can be anything that can fit in the journal. It is kind of like scrap booking on a smaller scale and is not concerned about layout and design. I have one I started in Relief Society. It is a tiny 3x5 pocket size spiral bound notebook. It is used as a Gratitude Smash Journal. We decorated the cover and back with scrapbook paper. The date goes at the top of the page and we can write what we are thankful for, we can glue in a ticket, or some other memorabilia.
Summer Journals can be made in a vinyl picture album for the dollar store or the pocket size from Walmart. Every time you attend a summer event or take a field trip add a picture, ticket stub etc. Then type up your favorite thing about the event and place it in the album with the picture.
Journaling can be a fun, regular family activity. Perhaps introduce the idea to your family with a Family Home Evening! https://www.lds.org/manual/family-home-evening-resource-book/lesson-ideas/journals?lang=eng&query=Journaling
Here are links to Journal articles on the church website:
https://www.lds.org/new-era/2003/02/the-angels-may-quote-from-it?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/youth/article/young-women-camp/celebrate-by-journaling?lang=eng
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