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!

Life Journal

I have blogged about Life Journalling before but I thought it would be a great time to talk about it again since a lot of people resolve to spend more time in the Word for the New Year.  Life Journals are one way to have some daily time reading the Bible and then reflecting on what you read.  You can go to their site at www.lifejournal.cc and then click on "Read Now".

Their method involves reading through the Bible in a year and picking out one passage or verse a day to journal about.  You use the acronym, "SOAP"....

Scripture: write out the verse

Observation: write out this verse in your own words and what you feel God is saying in it

Application: write out what how you feel this applies to your life

Prayer: write a prayer of how you need help living out this verse or what you hear God saying to you

It is that simple.  Here is an example of how I would do it using today's passage:

S-So he went back to Nazareth with them, and lived obediently with them. His mother held these things dearly, deep within herself. And Jesus matured, growing up in both body and spirit, blessed by both God and people.  Luke 2:51:52

O-Mary probably couldn't fully process all the miracles she had experienced both before and after Jesus was born.  She did her best to raise her son all while trying to understand the words she had heard about her child from angels and prophets.  

A-As a mom, I understand what it is like to marvel at the promises of God over my children.  My kids aren't Jesus and they aren't perfectly obedient every day but I know that they have a special plan for their lives and I need to focus on holding those promises dearly.  I am here to raise them to know God and fulfill the grand plan He has for them.

P-God help me to hold the promises for my kids dearly, deep in my heart.  Remind me of what you have said is in their future and reveal to us as their parents how we are to lead them through their childhood.  God let me never be too distracted that I forget that nurturing their spiritual growth is the most important job I have as a mom.

I really enjoy this method and I find it helps me focus on what I have read.  I hope this can help someone else.  They sell journals that outline the method and have the daily Bible reading on each page but you can do this online or in any notebook.