BYU NewsNet - Make your own history by keeping journals

By RACHEL SCROGGINS

Catherine McGuire and her family lived in Nauvoo, Illinois at the time of the martyrdom of LDS prophet Joseph Smith in June of 1844. The murder of the prophet and other leaders created a feeling of confusion in the church because no one was sure who the next leader would be.

“Brigham Young, who was President of the Twelve, called a meeting for two o’clock on the afternoon of August 8, 1844,” said McGuire, in a journal entry. “My family and I were in attendance at this meeting and when Brigham Young first rose to speak to the congregation, we were astonished, for it appeared that we behold our beloved prophet, Joseph Smith. Brigham Young seemed to take on the countenance of Joseph and even spoke as if his voice were the voice of Joseph. Everyone felt that this was a manifestation from God and that we should follow Brigham Young’s leadership as a prophet of God.”

This miracle along with many others would not be known today if these pioneers did not record their unique experiences to be shared so many years later. Seeing the importance and influence of these journal entries, there is a call to record the events of today for future generations to read and learn from.

“I have spent most of my career working on documenting the contemporary Church by gathering the journals and other records of the living because I know how important journals are no matter when they are written,” said Matthew K. Heiss, who works in LDS Church Archives.

Elder Thomas S. Monson in October 2005 told saints of the responsibility they hold in also keeping a record.

“We benefit from what our fathers have done for us, and we have the privilege, through the sacred records which will be maintained here [in the new Church History Library], to provide a legacy for those who follow,” Monson said.

On BYU campus religion professor Richard Walsh requires his students to write about their experiences in a daily journal.

“The Lord gives great blessings when we are not anticipating them,” Walsh said. “Writing in a journal forces you to evaluate what you did today and what you can improve on.”

Another reason he requires students to write about what happens during their day is to record major events. Contemporary documents, such as journals, can be used as evidence in a court. Recently, not only are people being subpoenaed to testify in court, but their journals and recordings of what happened are also being called for.

Many people feel limited to how much they should write while writing a journal entry. Walsh encourages others to let every idea that comes to mind flow onto the pages.

“Moroni in the Book of Mormon was not able to write one hundredth of what was written by the prophets,” Walsh said. “Sometimes Nephi and Jacob hit a nerve and left the storyline.”

For information that is private and not meant to be heard by others, Walsh mentioned the use of code names and words with multiple meanings to keep others from understanding what was written.

This idea was used in the revelation of section 78 of the Doctrine and Covenants by the prophet Joseph Smith.

“It was not always desirable that the identity of the individuals whom the Lord addressed in the revelations should be known by the world,” according to the heading of the section. “Hence, in the publication of this and some subsequent revelations the brethren were referred to by other than their own names.”

There are many places people can turn to find help on how to keep a journal. According to the Web site Ehow.com buy a journal of a convenient size and shape so that it can be carried around easily in a purse or backpack. Establish a regular scheduled time to write or when there is something worthy to record. Make sure to write in any area that is quiet and away from interruptions. Keep the purpose of the journal in mind while writing, which will help pull the most important pieces of information into the entry.

“Journal writing has many purposes,” according to the Web site. “You may want to keep one as a historical document for future generations, as a prewriting activity or longer works you plan to publish later or as a private means of expressing emotions and ideas.”

Rachel Woods, writer for LDS.about.com, also has a list of techniques to help with keeping a journal. Many people use notebooks and hand write their journal entries but a growing trend is typing entries onto a computer or putting it onto a blog. This allows for pictures and videos to be attached but they should be backed up often and eventually printed. Copies of emails and letters can be used as journal entries, especially when they tell details of an event. Scrapbooking is also a popular way to record journal entries. Not only are journals used to record the events of life but they can also be used to record feelings of gratitude and spiritual experiences. Many people take notes during various meetings to help them focus as well as record revelations and thoughts. Another way to create journal entries is by keeping a calendar with a small description of what happened during the day.

Benefits to keeping a journal include reducing stress, setting goals, organization and improving focus, according to SeedsofKnowledge.com.

“Get a notebook, my young folks, a journal that will last through all time, and maybe the angels may quote from it for eternity,” said President Spencer W. Kimball in the October 1975 New Era magazine. “Begin today and write in it your goings and comings, your deepest thoughts, your achievements and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies. Remember, the Savior chastised those who failed to record important events.”