Journaling with ATC's on Seeds & Weeds

Each Monday morning I receive an email devotional from Alicia Britt Chole.

I look forward to receiving the devotionals. Alicia not only imparts some truth into my life, but she encourages me to journal and reflect on the words I've read. I almost always print them out so I can reflect on them later and journal in my "book" over the next few days. However, several weeks ago I received one entitled "Seeds and Weeds" and it took my journaling in a whole new direction.

Alicia apoke about the weeds in our lives...and how, at times, we allow them to flouish. The thing I like most about her devotionals is that usually, at the end, she gives you suggestions as to how you can use her material for reflective journaling. She asks questions and gives you direction as to how you should journal. Nothing hard and fast, but sometimes it's just a "jump point" to get your journaling started.

I love to journal...but there are times that I get a very clear visual of what the words are saying to my heart, so this time I decided to take the scripture she used and create ATC's to express what I "saw" the scripture saying to me.

Alicia used Galatians 5.19-24:
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires."

I started with my project with my seeds...and titled Card #1 "What are my fruits?"

I used an old picture of myself to represent the idea that our seeds and fruits are planted early in our lives.

Card #2 "What are my weeds?"

Weeds are easy to identify, but so hard to kill. I think there are times I enjoy my weeds...many of them are pretty and have flowers too!
Card #3 "Where are my seeds?"

As I continued my reflection from where Alicia started, I got to thinking about the seeds I plant - not only in my garden but in other gardens I might enter...where do all my seeds fall, and will there be a harvest from my plantings? Am I working in fertile soil or tossing my seeds into the rocks?

Luke 8:11-15 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

Card #4 "What seeds have I sown?"

What is being cultivated in my life? Are my seeds able to flourish? Can I transplant my seedlings into the Lord's own house...or are they weeds that need to be pulled from my life?

If you are interested in checking out Alicia Britt Chole you can read her blog.