1. A constrained computing device comprising: a memory; a processor coupled to the memory; a journaling component executed by the processor in kernel mode and configured to: receive information descriptive of a first device control instruction for a device control included in a managed device; allocate, in the memory, a variable record structured according to a variable definition associated with the first device control instruction for the device control; store the information within the variable record; receive updated information descriptive of a second device control instruction for the device control, wherein the updated information is descriptive of a control operation; allocate, in the memory, an update record structured according to an update variable definition; and store the updated information within the update record; and a device management component configured to: find the update record; and issue an instruction to the device control to perform the control operation described in the update record.