Thursday, August 25, 2016

Why I color in my Bible and how to get started


I first saw Bible Journaling almost 2 years ago on Instagram. Several mom that I follow because of our adoption connection were either posting pictures of their Bibles or selling covers, bags, etc. I had been contemplating going back to using an actual paper Bible and not just an app as my main source of study for a while but this pushed me over the edge. I was excited of the idea of doodling my thoughts and keeping notes in the margins. At that time, it was actually difficult to get your hands on one. I actually purchased the cover and it sat empty for months as the only Journaling Bible I could find on Amazon was on backorder. They finally cancelled my order completely and I searched high and low until I finally was able find one online to order. Now, it seems like the the Journaling Bible drought is over and they should be pretty easy to find at your local Christian bookstore or online.

So why do I color in my Bible? I'm not particularly artistic and I don't have a flair for hand-lettering. It does let me try to express myself in that way but mostly, I take the time to doodle in the margins because it gives me a chance to meditate on what I've just read. I base my Bible study time off the First 5 app and I try to find something that pops out at me. Maybe it is something I've never noticed before or something that God has been saying to me in prayer. Whatever it is, I usually write it out and try to make it as beautiful as this non-artist can. 

This page is a great example:


There are people with far more artistic ability who can turn each page of their Bible into a work of art but I just enjoy the meditation and freedom of it. It does also give me a lot of room to keep sermon notes as well. 

If you want to get started with Bible journaling, here are a few recommendations:
-Gelatos are a great way to add color. Faber Castell makes some great collections of shades and they are easily available on Amazon.
-Micron pens are specifically designed not to bleed through thin Bible pages. 
-Accu-Gel Highlighters do a beautiful job highlighting without being too wet and again are designed for Bible use

I keep all these goodies in a tote bag and throw in some must haves for church like tissues, mints and lotion. It's a great way to keep everything accessible and easy to grab when I'm heading out to a Bible study, weekend service, or just out to my back patio in the mornings with my cup of coffee. 

Happy journaling!

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