SOAP

After I posted about my best gift a couple weeks ago, I've had a few people ask me about my journaling method.

I can't take any credit for it, but I regularly use the SOAP method during my study time.

I learned of this method during a Bible study at least five years ago. I've journaled for nearly as long as I can remember...although when I was young it was more diary-style...I absolutely love to write.

While I sometimes write free form with my scripture gleanings, over the last year I've used SOAP (more often than not) to hone in on specific scripture that stands out. I love it, and wanted to share it with you guys!

You can write as much or as little as you are comfortable with, which means it can be tailored to anyone's writing style...or reading style for that matter.

I've found that when I use this method, I don't want to read large chunks (think yearly reading plans) because then I find lots of different verses I want to write about. I've been working on the same "read through the Bible in a year" plan for several years now. At first my competitiveness wouldn't allow me to break from the dates. But now, I very much enjoy going at my own pace because it allows me to take in so much more.

In that same vein, I've already started my girls in their own journals. 

We started them over the summer during daily quiet time. I write an entry and they respond with words, pictures or both.

We've done vacation responses, school reports, compare/contrast entries and Bible reading observations. One of my favorite "series" journals we've done was the fruit of the spirit, where each entry included the girls drawing pictures of how each fruit appears in their lives.

I've been very excited in sharing this lifeskill with them, and might try to start my little guy in the upcoming summer!

What other journal methods do you use?