I like the idea of keeping a spiritual journal. Writing is cathartic and I have benefited from the practice of regular reflection. However sometimes I get stuck on the blank pages and I have way too many journals with just the first few pages filled in. Paraclete Press and Hilda St. Clair, has compiled a spiritual journal All Shall Be Well: A Spiritual Journal for Hope & Encouragement

This isn't a traditional journal with a pithy inspirational quote at the top of a gilded page and lots of wide open space. There are inspirational quotes on the glossy pages but they are set off by Hilda St. Clair's artwork on the left-hand-side pages. The right-hand-sided pages have questions, activities and interactive exercises to guide your time of reflection. So instead of a bunch of blank pages there are lots of helpful prompts which encourage reflection and creativity.

This is a beautiful journal. The quotations are chosen from the Christian tradition (i.e. St. Jouhn of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Françis Fenelon, Julian of Norwich, Catherine of Sienna, Hildegard of Bingen, Thomas à Kempis). St. Clair's artistic designs combine calligraphy with water color mixed-media (note: as these pieces are printed in a book, I can't say for certain which medium the originals were created in). There are some sample pages from the publisher's website which gives you a sense of what to expect.

Whether you are in the market for a new journal for inspiration or are looking for the perfect gift to give a soul friend, this is a great choice. I highly recommend it.

Note: I received a sample copy from Paraclete Press in exchange for my honest review ( )