Journaling for Spiritual Growth - by Marc Alan Schelske (Paperback)

About the Book

Journaling for Spiritual Growth is an encouraging guide to getting to know yourself better, with an expectation of God's presence in the process and a commitment to listen. Through step-by-step guidance over six weeks, you will learn how to practice and maintain a journaling habit through empathetic instruction and prompts infused with "gracious flexibility."

Book Synopsis

A Guilt-Free, Non-Intimidating Guide to
How Journaling Will Change You

Over the centuries, journaling has emerged as one of the most consistently transformative practices, recommended by leaders across spiritual traditions, therapists, coaches, and others. Why, then, are so many people intimidated by journaling today, while others try it--only to give it up, feeling frustrated or guilty that they couldn't maintain the practice?

Author Marc Alan Schelske experienced the same feelings of frustration and guilt. Through personal experience, research, and working with others, he has compiled proven ways to develop and maintain a wholehearted and fulfilling practice of journaling--which he's now kept up for over twenty-five years.

Journaling for Spiritual Growth is different from other kinds of journaling. Its focus is getting to know yourself better, with an expectation of God's presence in the process and a commitment to listen. Incorporating both ancient spiritual wisdom and current neurobiology, Marc explains how to be present to your life and hear what the Spirit is doing within you. Although based in the Christian tradition, this material has been used successfully by people from a wide variety of backgrounds and traditions.

Through a step-by-step process over six weeks, you will gradually learn and grow in the practice of journaling through empathetic instruction and prompts infused with "gracious flexibility." The author shows you:

• What mindsets and questions are most helpful for lasting growth
• Which journaling pattern is the best fit for you
• What expectations undermine--and enhance--journaling's effects
• How to create a sustainable habit for your individual life and temperament

As you are guided by this encouraging book, you will find journaling to be a vital and life-changing spiritual practice for you.

Review Quotes

"Marc Alan Schelske's manual on journaling is among the most accessible and practical guides that I've encountered... His contribution of patterns and principles that become healthy habits is an invaluable tool."
--Dr. Bradley Jersak, Dean of Theology & Culture, St. Stephen's University
Author, Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction

"Some books about spiritual disciplines load up heavy burdens on the reader: ought's, should's, more, better, now...but not this one. Marc...guides the reader into the easy gift of journaling. This resource is a treasure."
--Matt Tebbe
Cofounder Gravity Leadership and co-pastor, The Table
Coauthor (with Ben Sternke), Having the Mind of Christ: Eight Axioms to Cultivate a Robust Faith

"Written for everyone from the merely curious to the deeply religious, you will find tools, training, and companionship for your journey."
--Jonathan Puddle
Pastor and author, You Are Enough: Learning to Love Yourself the Way God Loves You and Mornings with God: Daily Bible Devotional for Men

"Journaling for Spiritual Growth invites you to a reflective and meditative life of spiritual growth and health. This gentle, intentional, step-by-step guide makes the abstract practical and doable. If journaling feels intimidating to you, or if you've tried and failed to develop this practice in the past, this grace-filled guide removes the stumbling blocks, equipping and encouraging you in a sustainable life of journaling. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you'll find space with Marc to bring your life before God through reflective listening and learning."
--Susan Carson, Director, Roots&Branches network
Author, Rooted (IN): Thriving in Connection with God, Yourself, and Others

"I kept waiting for this book to disappoint; for it to turn into something harsh rather than kind, rigid rather than flexible, even more harmful than helpful. It did not, and I am grateful. If you have a nudge to find accessible ways to get your inner world out, Marc's step-by-step contribution to this adventure is for you. Read slowly, take your time, play with the work, and thank me later!"
--Wm. Paul Young
Author, The Shack, Crossroads, and Eve

"This book is a friend for the journey, walking with us to discover the craft of journaling with curiosity and a sense of adventure."
--Mandy Smith
Pastor and author, Unfettered: Imagining a Childlike Faith Beyond the Baggage of Western Culture and The Vulnerable Pastor

About the Author

Marc Alan Schelske is a thinker and speaker who has served as a full-time pastor since 1995 and is currently the teaching elder of Bridge City Community Church in Portland, Oregon. He also hosts The Apprenticeship Way podcast and is the author of The Wisdom of Your Heart and Discovering Your Authentic Core Values. "In my writing, I focus on what it takes to nurture a healthy inner life, something found at the intersection of grace and growth," Marc says. "I write and speak to help people find belonging, redemption, and growth as they discover the life God has designed for them."