Purpose
Wouldn't they be irreplaceable?
The passing of stories from one generation to another has been a long standing tradition throughout history.
But where are the stories today?
Where are the stories of faith, love, friendship, humor and a library of other topics?
They need to be written.
They need to be told!
The purpose of this blog is to allow you to share your amazing story!
Weblog
Saturday, 30 June 2007
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Write Your Story
This is the writers blog related to my personal blog lt1227.
Last Saturday, I was briefly on the Kim Komado radio show as a call in guest.
Unfortunately, I was not able to give my web address (www.memoryjournaling.com) to the ten million listeners. But I was able to tell her of my frustration related to the web site about my book (www.memoryjournaling.com). It looks ok, has lots of information, I've done google ads, banner ads, emails, etc. and nothing has worked getting people to the site. I usually get about 3 visitors a day, I'm sure at least two are me, and family members.
One of the suggestions she had was a Blog related to what the book is about.
So let's give it a try.
I'm going to give you a free portion of my book.
Then I will provide a few writers prompts.As you read the story a memory will come to mind.
Write your story, then send it to me and I will add it to the blog along with a link to your blog or web site.Also, those who participate will be invited to a writers weekend in Branson and all stories submitted will be considered for an upcoming publication called "Our Stories"
"My Story Your Story His Story" by Larry Toller
Copyright © 2006 by Larry Toller. All rights reserved.
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My Story:
Introduction
It's all about you.
In the amazing book, The Purpose Driven Life,
Rick Warren begins the first chapter
with the phrase, "It's not about you."
He's right.
From our perspective,
it's all about God.
But from God's perspective,
it's all about me.
He loves me
as if there is no one else to love.
God is the author of my life.
He is a masterful storyteller.
God has wonders for me to observe.
He has jokes and humorous tales
which will create laughter
and joy.
He has emotional stories
which will stir hearts and
cause a tear to fall.
He has amazing adventures,
dramas and mysteries,
which will astound and amaze.
All told through my personal journey
and written on the pages of time.
God reveals Himself and His Truth
so clearly,
so obscurely,
so quickly,
so slowly,
sometimes with a faint whisper,
sometimes with a deafening yell.
As I walk the pathway
in this pilgrimage to know Him,
I must record
His story through my story.
One purpose of this book is to share with you
bits and pieces of my memory and
the lessons learned.
These are brief glimpses,
these are simple stories,
these are profound lessons
written by the
Creator and Sustainer of the universe:
The Author of my life.
He is also the Author of your life.
Yes,
____________________
(write your name here)
it's all about you!
Which brings me to the other purpose of this book:
You have a story to tell.
When reading my stories,
you will be reminded of
an experience of your own,
a memory.
You don’t have to be a professional writer
to record your experience.
All you need is a pen.
I have provided the paper.
God has allowed you the ability to remember.
Write down your experiences and
lessons learned from God.
After each story,
there are writing prompts to assist you in
processing your memories.
This process is what I call
“Memory Journaling”
You have my permission to
totally ignore these prompts.
My desire is for you to share
His story in you.
You may keep these stories private or
you may, like me,
want to share them.
Then share!
Share them with me!
Share them with family
and friends.
Pass this book we have written together
from generation to generation,
so that God’s story in you can be known.
Let’s get started!
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NASB)
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.YOUR STORY
Some memories are precious, some are hard to recall, some are best forgotten. In all that comes to mind on this adventure, try to see God along side you walking with you on the journey.
Think about what I've written, prepare yourself, The next entry begins our journey. A memory journey as you create your memory journal.
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Written in Red
As the Youth and Education Minister at the
Harrodsburg Baptist Church in
Harrodsburg, Kentucky, in the mid-seventies,
I was given the responsibility of delivering
announcements to the congregation.
Although it was a boring responsibility,
I tried to liven it up with the Texas humor that
occasionally is admired in Kentucky,
but in most cases elicited only blank expressions.
I thought
the humor would loosen them up and
make them more receptive to God's message or
at least thankful the message had finally come.
Often, after the service I was handed a note from a
retired English teacher.
The note pointed out my grammatical
mistakes for the week.
She once gave me a book on grammar
with a note in the front indicating the pages
I should read first,
written in red.
Throughout the book were markings,
underlines, stars and asterisks,
all written in red.
She really didn't realize how much
of my poor grammar was real and how much
was for her benefit.
(You should have determined by now
it was all real.)
Even though she seemed
somewhat irritated with me,
I think the exchange brought her a little joy.
It was a fun game for me and I think it was for her.
I'm sure Nelva has gone on to be
with the Lord by now.
If she somehow becomes aware of these writings,
I am sure when I enter heaven,
I will be handed a note from Nelva,
written in red ink.
One aspect of this book
which may irritate some is
the centering of every line.
This is my favorite style of writing because it reminds me of the writing style of one of my heroes: Grady Nutt.
Soon, after getting to heaven,
I guess I will need to apologize to him.
If apologies are to be given in heaven,
I will be busy for a while.
Most of the time will be spent
apologizing to my Lord and Savior.
But before I get started,
He will put His finger to His lips,
say a gentle, "shhh"
and hand me a note,
written in red.
Hebrews 9:22 (NLT)
In fact, we can say that according to the Law of Moses, nearly everything was purified by sprinkling with blood. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.Selah
Words and Music by Michael Toller
Start of my day
Always the same
Everything seems to be rushed
Where is my time
So hard to find
A simple hush
Selah, Selah, Selah, Selah
End of my day
Sleep depraved
Thankful that my day is through
I pray to the sky
Holding open my eyes
When do I spend time with you
Selah, Selah, Selah, Selah
Be still, Be Quiet
Listen, Reflect
Be still, Be Quiet
Listen, Reflect
Selah, Selah, Selah, Selah
Pause and reflect
Selah © 2006 Michael Toller
Used by permission
Your Story
The Introduction and first story explain why I am writing this book, my preferred style, some of my short-comings, and then I related the story to a spiritual truth.
One of the most neglected words of the Bible is
“Selah.”
It means: pause and reflect.
I encourage you as you read these stories,
poems, song lyrics and scriptures,
to pause and reflect.
Then write!
Tell a story explaining why you would like to share your stories and that, in spite of inadequacies, God has a story for you to tell.Take your time, Selah!
Send your story to: mystory@memoryjournaling.com
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