Hi Everyone,
At long last, I finished My Prayer Journal, and sent it off to press! This book is really close to my heart; I have based it on some of my personal prayers and journaling prompts. For example, I try to start each day with a prayer of thanksgiving, such as “Thank You, God, for the gift of this new day…” or “Thank You for blessing me with the gift of life…” and have shared those prayers in the book.
I tried to write and design My Prayer Journal so both experienced ‘prayer warriors’, as well as those who are embarking on a prayer practice for the first time, will be able to use their creative gifts to develop– and deepen– their connection to God.
This is the bookplate I designed for the front of the book:
After the bookplate come several pages where you can write the names of the people you are praying for, and why they are in your prayers.
Currently I keep my personal prayer list in the computer, and I’m looking forward to getting a printed copy of My Prayer Journal so I will have a special place to record the names of the people I’m praying for. Since I don’t have a great memory, I set my phone to remind me to check my prayer list each week. I’ve included occasional ‘check your prayer list‘ reminders, figuring that if this is helpful to me, it will be helpful to others.
The right hand pages throughout the main part of the book have the same two prompts: Today I am especially grateful for, and Today I am praying for. In addition to the ‘sidebar’ panel page style shown above, there are four different types of left hand pages:
Full pages of art for you to color and enhance;
Full color pages of art and inspiration;
And two different page styles for when you want to add additional types of prayer. The prompts on these pages are: Today I pray (please); Today I am in awe of (wow); Today I regret (sorry); Today I am grateful for (thanks). I call this version the ‘blue box spread’;
and this one the ‘horizontal box spread’.
At the end of the book is a perpetual calendar where you can keep track of dates that are important to you or someone you care about. The book will be available in March, and I’ll share the Amazon link as soon as I have it.
I also want to thank everyone who checked out the artists and artisans I featured in last week’s blog. I am working on putting together all the images and website links I’ve received from other artists who sell on-line, but need more time to complete it. I’ll post it in our Zenspirations Create, Color, Pattern, Play FB Group, and may do a rare mid-week blog post so you have time to check them out before the holidays.
Since Hanukah, the Festival of Lights, starts Tuesday evening December 12th, I wanted to share two Hanukah designs. The first is a Zenspirations Dangle Circle that I drew a couple of years ago:
and the second is a new design I’ve been working on. It’s not quite finished, but I am enjoying adding patterns.
I also wanted to share another FREE DOWNLOADABLE design:
Click the link below to download your copy to color and decorate.
Zenspirations_CCPP_Believe_Dove_PDF
This is a design I shared two years ago, and it seems really appropriate for this time of year. You can get inspiration by visiting the album in our FB group to see the many wonderful, totally different ways that members of the Zenspirations community have made this design their own. Click the blue FB icon below and you’ll be able to see all the images which were shared the first time I posted this design.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.1487703151540753&type=3
Looking ahead to next year, I’m excited about picking both a word of the year, as well as monthly words and creative prompts. I’d like to open a dialogue about what sorts of things you would like to focus on in the year ahead, and have decided that it would be helpful to put together a Zenspirations® Design Team/Advisory Board for 2018. If you are interested in participating, please leave a comment to let me know.
Stay Zenspired,
Joanne
Comments are closed.
Joanne,
Do you have a daily/monthly planner that could be purchased? I would love to give it to all of those I work with as well as family members.
Thank you for your inspirations.. Can’t wait to get the prayer journal!!
I love the prayer journal and can hardly wait for it to be available. I will GIFT it to many people!
I did not know about the amazon shopping link…will try to use that often. I’m not sure I’d be helpful on your board because I’m not an artist, but I’d be wiling!
I can’t wait for this beautiful journal! I look forward to the release date.
Joanne, the prayer journal looks wonderful!!! Can’t wait until it is released in March! Maybe it will come when I am in FL visiting!!
I would be interested in the Design Team/Advisory board, but I would need to know what it all entails. Because if I sign up for something I like to know all the details so I can do and give 100% and make sure it will work in my busy schedule.
Always, Gail .
Joanne, Congratulations on your new publication! Your work is amazing, and inspirational! I am inspired to try my hand at calligraphy, and painting again. It’s been a long time since I’ve done much, and your work is challenging me to try again. I have a couple friends who have lost loved ones recently, and I am thinking of getting your prayer journal for them. Thank you for doing what you do so well! Happy Hanukah!
Congrats on your new book going out. Yeah I know that is such an accomplishment. It looks so beautiful. Your Hanukkah designs are so lovely. Have a wonderful holiday!
LOVE this journal design, Joanne. I’ve been looking for something like this for a while, and this speaks to me.
Oh Joanne, it’s going to be beautiful and I can’t wait to get one! So many will benefit from this journal. You continue to inspire! I would love to be a part of your design team/advisory board because I enjoy our conversations and love seeing your ideas. I am honored you share with me.
Love and hugs,
Terri ❤
Joanne, I am thrilled to see your new prayer journal so close to availability! The layout and thoughtful design choices are inviting….just the prescription for everyone! I am looking forward to getting and using your creation to enrich and record my thoughts and prayers.
I am interested in serving on the Design Team/Advisory Board. Please contact me anytime with how you envision the Designing/Advising structure of the group and a few details on how we can help.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit! Happy Hanukah!
I can’t wait for this to come out!! Will get a few to give as gifts also. It is just what I have been looking for. Thanks!!
I love, love, love the new Chanukah design! It’s beautiful and very modern! I would be honored to be part of your design team/advisory board, if you’d like, and depending on what this will entail. Best wishes and congrats on the prayer journal!
Hugs!
I would be honored to participate in your design/advisory board.
Sincerely,
Linda
I ‘ve done a “word” from scripture every year for 3 years now. First was obey/obedience/obeyed bc I’m lousy at it. Then the next year was “hope” and forms there of. This year was “forgive” which I’m just as lousy at also. But what I’ve discovered in writing out all the verses that have those words in them, was the 2 words, steadfast love. It’s different from just love…. so 2 words this year. I need God’s steadfast love as He never changes.
Joanne, So happy for the successful launch of your Prayer Journal! Your inspiration grows and grows! Think of how many you are inspiring to stay zenspired! An awesome achievement.
Joanne, So happy for the successful launch of your Prayer Journal! Your inspiration grows and grows! Think of how many you are inspiring to stay zenspired! An awesome achievement. I have probably said this befor, but it certainly bears repeating. I hope one of your newer followers will go forward with your message!
I love this prayer journal joanne! Congratulations! I will definitely do the Amazon affiliate thing. Thank you for letting us know about that. Congratulations!!!
The prayer journal is such a simple idea. Any of us could sit down and list our prayer concerns and people to pray for. But your journal will make it a pleasure to use and so refreshing to the heart and soul. I look forward to its release. I’d love to be on your advisory board, Blessings to you this sacred season.
Your prayer journal looks great! About how much will it be? Looking forward to March!