Fresh Courage

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Book: Val Marie Paper

While growing up, I used to think that every night before bed I had to write down my prayers. I honestly thought that if I didn’t write down my prayers, I wouldn’t go to heaven. For real. So, for YEARS, I would read a chapter from the Bible and write down every single prayer. I would literally start by saying, “Dear God, thank you for this day… and so on, and so on.” Nowadays, it is so entertaining to go back and read what I prayed about in high school. For that alone, I am very thankful for my prayer journals.

As I grew in my faith, I quickly realized that I didn’t have to write down my prayers for God to hear them. Now, I spend a lot more time talking to God rather than writing Him letters in my prayer journal. With that said, lately I have started to feel like I need to write to Him again. Not every prayer. Not every night. But write to Him, so I can be able to really communicate with Him… Without being distracted by one of the million things that distracts me on a daily basis.

Recently, I discovered Val Marie Paper and fell in love with her “oh so amazing” prayer journals. So, you can imagine my excitement when I opened a package from her with this gorgeous journal in it.
 
This isn’t just any prayer journal. This particular journal helps you look back on your life and see God’s presence through each season. By doing this, it reminds you of His faithfulness. Val writes, “It’s so easy to forget God’s faithfulness and this, I believe is one of our greatest reasons for fear.” How quickly do we let fear hold us back from taking the next step? How quickly do we forget that He is always there? But He has been there and He will continue to be there. No matter what.
 
Val Marie Paper has two similar, but different journals called Fresh Start and Fresh Hope. While these two journals will make perfect gifts for my loved ones this holiday season, Fresh Courage is what I need in my current season of life. I am looking forward to growing closer to Him; and, at the same time, recognizing the unbelievable love He has always had for me.