Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Journal keeping

Letters to a Young Pastor: The Inner Life of the Writer

January 22, 2016 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

The Inner Life of the Writer

Dear ______: Sorry to let so much time lapse between letters. Thanks for your note, and I’m sorry that writing is proving to be such a struggle. You are in good company. If writing is part of what you do for a living then inner turmoil is probably another part. You can find a lot of professional […]

Filed Under: Ministry Tagged With: Journal keeping, Letters to a Young Pastor, Spiritual disciplines, St. Augustine, The inner life of the writer

The Secret to a Life-Giving Lent

March 11, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Here’s the paradox: Lent is a serious season, but it is part of a joyful process.  Here’s the problem: The stereotypical approach to Lent does nothing for either side of the paradox. You know what I mean. People pick something to “give up for Lent” and they are done. Nothing very serious. Nothing very joyful. […]

Filed Under: Prayer, Theology Tagged With: Accounting, Diaries, Diary keeping, John Beadle, Journal keeping, Journalling, Lent, Puritans, Self-examination, Thomas Hooker

A Free Gift! Now That’s Something to Be Thankful For

February 27, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Nothing sparks gratitude in my heart like a free gift. Well, maybe not just any free gift. Lots of things are given away because people don’t want them — take a look at your local Goodwill drop-off station. Then there are those gifts that seem free but you know they have a hidden price — […]

Filed Under: Prayer, Theology Tagged With: Benefactors, Diaries, Diary keeping, Gratitude, John Beadle, Journal keeping, Journals, Thankfulness

Lessons in Thankfulness: Teachers

February 18, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Restored Schoolhouse, Donald Lee, used under cc license

When you are a kid, your teacher makes a world of difference in your life. I have some vivid memories of the horror that was first grade. I was a bright kid, but I had a teacher whom I can’t help but remember as a not-so-green version of the witch from the Wizard of Oz. […]

Filed Under: Prayer, Theology Tagged With: Diaries, Diary keeping, Gratitude, John Beadle, Journal keeping, Journals, Teachers, Thankfulness

The Little Known Secret to Seeing God at Work

January 30, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Last week I posted on John Beadle, the English Puritan who wrote the first book on journal keeping as a spiritual discipline back in 1656. It is an odd book — Beadle could have used a good editor. It is also a wise book — he has excellent advice that can make journaling a fantastic […]

Filed Under: Prayer, Theology Tagged With: Diary keeping, Joel Montes de Oca, John Beadle, Journal keeping, Prayer, Puritans, Seeing God at work

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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