December 22, 1974...first page of "Journal No 2".

As I began to keep a journal in October, 1973, I did so with a prayer. As I look back over the past year it is evident that the Lord has blessed us immensely and wrought many miracles in our lives. Keeping a journal helps to be more aware of what is actually taking place in one's life. I truly believe that a journal does the following:

1.) provides a record of one's life and inner feelings while experiencing his mortal existence.

2.) Provides a means to more accurately reflect upon one's progress in life and most importantly--how he stands in living the Gospel

3.) Provides a means by which he can teach--particularly his family for generations to come.

4.) establishes a pattern of reflection and thought that brings one closer to the Lord--why? Because it takes time to sit down, and write and this breaks the habit of living each day the same--it makes one break the pace of the frenzied type of life we now tend to lead.--moderation.

5. it provides a stimulus for more letter writing of great importance in our lives. I am amazed that I have done more letter writing this year than ever before! I have written to many people who are important in my present and past life and I have written letters to all of our eleven missionaries, and weekly wetters to Tom while on his mission.

6.) By recording ones "spirit" and deep sacred innermost thoughts in a journal he is in essence preserving a constant prayer to his Father in Heaven.