Why Keep A Journal?

Wilford Woodruff, the fourth president of the Church, was described as the “best chronicler of events in all the history of the Church.” Starting in 1835, President Woodruff wrote in his journal every day for the next 63 years. Of this extraordinary effort, President Woodruff remarked:

“It may be considered by some not important to write or keep a record of our work or the work of God, but I believe it is. Otherwise the prophets would not have been moved upon to exhort us to faithfulness upon this subject. The Lord has told us that what we seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven and what we record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and what is not sealed or recorded on earth is not sealed or recorded in heaven. Therefore it appears to be very important that we do keep a true and faithful record in all things.

Some may say [journal keeping] is a great deal of trouble. But we should not call anything trouble which brings to pass good. I consider that portion of my life which has been spent in keeping journals and writing history to have been very profitably spent.

If there was no other motive in view [except] to have the privilege of reading over our journals and for our children to read, it would pay for the time spent in writing it.”

There are a lot of things that can be recorded in a journal, from the day to day moments to big events in our lives. But more than a log of each day, we have been counseled to write down things of a spiritual nature. Consider these quotes:

“We often leave the most precious personal direction of the Spirit unheard because we do not record and respond to the first promptings that come to us when the Lord chooses to direct us.” -Richard G. Scott

“Get a notebook, my young folks, a journal that will last through all time, and maybe the angels may quote from it for eternity.” -Spencer W. Kimball

“When it is for the Lord’s purposes, He can bring anything to our remembrance. That should not weaken our determination to record impressions of the Spirit. Inspiration carefully recorded shows God that His communications are sacred to us. Recording will also enhance our ability to recall revelation. Such recording of direction of the Spirit should be protected from loss or intrusion by others.” – Richard G. Scott

Keeping a journal helps us preserve memories of seeing the Lord's hand in our lives.

President Eyring:  Video link:  (Watch this video):

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-01-106-maybe-im-not-so-different?lang=eng