Dear Journal, this is my first entry ever writing in a journal that's made to be seen by other people... lol it feels a bit different, I really must say. ;-) And though, for the most part, this journal is meant to be read by others, I'll still address my words to a journal... What else would I do? Anyway tonight I have Campus Crusade for Christ, meeting at UNCC. It seems like God is calling some people to lead in certain ways and areas at C3. God is surely moving amidst us here in this confusing city of Charlotte, NC. And I am guessing that God will use the Char-Metro portion of Campus Crusade for Christ to do some breathtaking things throughout the remainder of this year, and (especially) next year. Also probably in the years following. Well, I just wanted to get this journal off to a start now; in the future I'll pour my soul into this thing for the sake of my friends, that they may see Christ working in a human; as I am certain He is doing just that in me. Hopefully also, the way my friends witness my expressions will bring encouragement to them (and perhaps others as well); and when I myself am going through some tough times, perhaps they can see it and encourage me--maybe through writing about their own experiences in a given matter. Additionally though, it just helps to know that other fellow Christians are reading what I have to say. Oooh, I just thought about something, and I want to write it before I go: for about three years I've kept a true journal, always addressing my life's troubles, questions, longings, loves, pains and so forth to what I call "Journal." --actually in the beginning, I wrote "Dear Buddy," as I felt my journal was a buddy of sorts... But anyway the point I want to make is, I was in fact addressing my writings to something--or, someONE. When it all comes down to it though, was I not simply writing to God? After all, I knew full well that my journal could never get up and start talking with me... My pen, and those pages were nothing but lifeless matter. Even still though, I WAS writing to someone--someone other than myself, or else why write at all? I can just think it, if I only want to address mySELF. And I wasn't recalling my day by putting down my facts and only my facts: no, I was acting as though I was speaking to a real person of sorts. This, and I know that I'm not schizo (lol), makes me wonder if simply, I was perhaps writing to God after all, as I said... So should I write "Dear God?" No, I personally don't think so... For God knows what's on my mind already, therefore I think it'd be in vain; but in writing to Him we can help ourselves by reading what's been written, to gain another perspective of ourselves which we may not ordinarily notice. Therefore I suppose I'll continue to address my entries "dear journal," but I'll know that along with helping myself and possibly others, God is fully listening...and reading. End.