I wish I could say I decided to give Bible journaling a try, but it really wasn’t my choice. It kind of just happened. I was Christmas shopping with my mother at a bookstore when I spotted a beautiful Bible on the shelf. Maybe it was the beautiful satiny cover that caught my eye, or maybe it was the big sale price sticker on the box. Whatever the reason, I was intrigued.
I stood there in the store with my hand slightly stoking the silky smooth cover. In my head I was debating on whether I needed yet another Bible. Especially a Bible designed for journaling, with illustrations in the margin meant to be colored. My mother walked over to me. She asked if she could buy it for me for a Christmas gift so I told her sure.
Now to most people this wouldn’t seem like a big deal, but to me it really was a big deal. You see, up to this point I was a Bible journaling skeptic. Yes, I had seen pictures of Bible journaling entries on Pinterest. They were beautiful expressions of God’s word and as much as I respected the work, I wasn’t ready to take the plunge.
In my mind I couldn’t help but remember a video I had seen years before of people in a foreign country receiving a Bible for the very first time. Tears were streaming down their faces as they kissed the Bibles given to them. They were so appreciative of finally holding God’s Holy Word in their hands. Coloring in my Bible seemed extravagant to me when there were people in the world praying for the opportunity to even hold one.
But everything changed the day I told my mother she could buy me a journaling Bible. At the time I wasn’t sure of why I said yes, but I now know the Holy Spirit was at work. I began feeling strongly in my heart that God was at work. He was about to do a new thing in me and I couldn’t wait to see what it was. All my hesitancy was thrown out the window that day in the bookstore, and I knew there was a purpose. Bible journaling was about to rock my world!
I spent the next month researching all I could about Bible journaling. I gathered supplies and started building up my stash of colored pencils, paints, inks, etc. I wanted to be ready when the New Year rolled around so I could start working on my new hobby! I had chosen the word SAVOR as my word of the year and I instinctively knew that coloring in my Bible was going to help me savor God’s word.
New Year’s finally rolled around and I was both anxious and nervous when I opened the beautiful copy of the Inspire Bible my mother had bought me. My plan was to read the Bible all the way through from cover to cover, so I started in Genesis. I read page after page, stopping to color in the verses in the margins every now and then. Every night after dinner I headed upstairs to read the Bible and color. I colored page after page as I read and eventually became more adventurous and started drawing and painting in my Bible, too.
As Bible journaling became a habit for me I began to realize the benefits it had brought into my life.
Over time I realized how much calmer I had become since starting this new hobby. Coloring had helped me get my mind off of life’s problems. I wasn’t stressed about things like I had been in the past. Since my mind wasn’t preoccupied with worry, I had become a better wife to my husband. I had more patience and was even sleeping better at night.
Bible journaling brought out creative talents I had hidden away. While I’ve always been a crafty person dabbling in everything from crochet to sewing, I had put many of my artistic skills on the back burner. I realized I had been limiting myself by not using all of my talents so I started getting more creative. I discovered new tools like watercolors and pastels and started incorporating them into my Bible journaling. A need for creative expression that I didn’t realize I had was being met and I felt so much more fulfilled. This was fun!
Yes, Bible journaling had become a way that I could combine my creativity with reading God’s Word and it was truly working for me. Not only was coloring in my Bible relaxing and fun, but I found myself praying and meditating on the scriptures as I colored. I was no longer in a rush, but found myself lingering in the Word. As I had predicted, I began to savor the Word of God and treasure my moments with Him.
I hadn’t missed even one day of Bible reading since I started journaling. I looked forward to reading God’s Word like never before as I connected to the scriptures in a new way. I started sneaking in Bible reading time before church, during my afternoon break, and other times of day that I normally didn’t read. This renewed hunger for God’s Word came at a time when I really needed it and I was so grateful for it.
So, that’s what happened when I decided to try Bible journaling. I truly am so thankful I heeded the nudge of the Holy Spirit to give it a try. It has changed my life in so many ways. Before I often felt like I was just going through the motions when it came to Bible reading, but not anymore. I am more passionate about His word and look forward to reading it every day.
Tell me, have you given Bible journaling a try? I’d love to know about your experience! Also, stay tuned because I plan on sharing with you in the coming weeks about how to get started if you want to give it a try, as well as tips and techniques I’ve learned so far in my journey.
Other posts you may enjoy:
What kind of Bible can I find to use in Bible journaling. I need the make and the model or at least suggestions, Thanks
Hi Georgia,
I will be writing a post on this in the upcoming weeks, but I don’t want you to wait until then if you’re ready to start. I would suggest a journaling Bible. I use the Inspire Bible which is the NLT translation, but there are many to choose from. A journaling Bible has space in the outside margin for you to draw and make notes, but the Inspire Bible has illustrations already in some of the margins for you to color. You can search the journaling Bibles at Amazon or Christian Book Distributors to find the right one for you depending on your translation preference. I hope this has helped you!
Christie
I follow a lot of people who bible journal on IG and always think I could never make it look that pretty. Recently I asked someone which bible they had and they sent me some links. And I’ve really been in the fence. Your post showed up in my newsfeed from another blogger I follow on Facebook. I’m taking it as a nudge from God. I know for a fact that coloring takes the stress away because I too am a worrier. I purchased a color through the psalms planner and use it only for scripture writing. A verse everyday and then I color while listening to the word. It has helped so much I desire to get a bible to journal in now too 🙂
Thanks for sharing your heart I really like your blog.
Thanks, Amanda. I am so glad you’ve decided to give Bible journaling a try, too. I know that God will meet you in those pages as you seek Him with your heart. I am so very thankful I decided to take the plunge, and you could say I’m a little obsessed now. It’s truly given me a thirst for His word like never before. I pray He does the same for you, too. Blessings!
I literally took this post showing up as a sign, and then when I was looking at the sales at Michels came across this exact bible {but with the blue cover} it’s even more beautiful in person. I’m not one to pay full price so I came home and found the best deal. Paid less than $20 with shipping! It will be here tomorrow 🙂
Where did you find one online?
Thank you for this! Please tell me where you got your organizer bag. I’ve been looking for something to hold all of my stuff & haven’t found one I really love.
I purchased my organizer bag at Michael’s Craft Store. I’ve seen similar ones at Walmart and Hobby Lobby, so make sure you check them out, too!
Hi! i recently started on my bible journaling journey as well to get reconnected with God’s word. I actually also purchased the Inspire bible with the blue cover, it is beautiful. What types of pens/pencils do you use? i don’t really want to mess up any of the pages with bleed-through.
Thanks!!
Hi Samantha, My favorite pens that don’t bleed through are Pitt Artist Pens. They’re the best! My favorite pencils are Prismacolor, hands down!
Okay, I’m seeing this as a HUGE sign from God! I have been struggling with so much lately and my Bible should be where I’m going, yet it isn’t. I have always loved crafts, needlework, and reading. Which are all great things, but I feel that the Bible and learning more about God, should be my biggest priority and it hasn’t been. Thank you for sharing!
Where did you get the black organizer (as pictured) that you carry/store your supplies?
I purchased it at Michael’s Arts & Crafts. I’ve seen similar ones at Hobby Lobby, too!
Hi, Christie – I have the same Inspire/NLT version that you have. It is my favorite Bible that I have ever had.
Initially, I was afraid that my focus would be on the “artwork” portion, but it has not been the case at all. I have found that I actually do more reading than I thought that I would, and that highlighting in colored pencil is a great way to keep me on track and to refresh what I am learning. With regards to coloring, I frequently expand the printed verses (or single words) to what is before or after them. And I write in other favorites, and have the lyrics to a few inspirational songs in some of the margins too. The embellishments and coloring have helped to bring the Word to me in a new way visually – and listening to Christian/Christian instrumental music or the Bible on tape has made the process even richer.
I am no longer “afraid” of mistakes and ruining my Bible. There is NO need to have a perfectionist attitude –
but it took me a little while to relax about it. Like you, I have also had great luck with a black Pitt pen and my colored pencils (Faber Castell Polychromos) – and an eraser! 😉
I love the way you have your supplies in your tote. Thanks for your helpful and fun post!
Hi Joanne,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Bible journaling. I think so many people are afraid to give it a try because of the fear of making mistakes. What’s great is that God meets us exactly where we are, mistakes and all. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing!!
Christie
I loved reading about your journey. I started a few months ago and I am spending so much more time reading and studying my bible. I never called myself creative but I think I’m doing pretty well. I think God is guiding my hands.
I’m so glad you are enjoying your time in God’s Word, too! I’ve learned so much since I wrote this post. I never realized I had so much creativity hidden inside me. Like you, I feel like God is doing a work in me. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving this sweet comment. XOXO
I have read your bible journaling experience, as well as the other posts. I’ve only been doing this a little over a month and have found it to be extremely relaxing and I am actually on-line now looking up the deeper meaning of many of the passages I am working on. I started journaling because I was waiting for my dog to get groomed (no lie!) and went in to walk around Lifeway. Like you, I have several hard copy Bibles, but I was impresed by the extra space these bibles offered. I have been one who has always written notes in my bible over time. Then the lady who worked there showed me pictures of her journaling and brought me up to speed on what it was all about. The rest is history! I have a long commute to work and am getting ready to take my teaching career in a different direction. I often get reaffirming messages on the teaching programs I listen to in the car and find the journaling a great way to record the meaningful information I get regardless of the method. I have never felt so connected to my bible reading until now. I prayed a lot, make no mistake, but never really over scripture! I know some people have doubts about this way of worship and connecting with our Father. I am sold, however! I always tell people, I do not do stick people justice but am finding the level of “artistic” ability isn’t the key here! Enjoying time in the word is the main goal and that is definitely what I am finding is the best part of all this! Thank you for sharing your personal experience and allowing us to share ours!
Hi Christie. I just recently discovered Bible journaling and I’m going to give it a try. I love your Bible tabs. Did you make those yourself as printables or purchase them? Thanks!
Hi Robin, Congrats on starting Bible journaling! The tabs on my Bible are from Illustrated Faith. I purchased them from Dayspring and they are super easy to add to your Bible. There are a couple of additional versions available now, so be sure to check them out!
I will check it out. I’ve seen products from Illustrated Faith. Thanks so much!
I get very guarded about my Bible journaling because I have heard so many negative comments about it and how it is a bad thing. I have been more involved in scripture reading because of journaling and it has brought me closer to Him. I just want to express myself on how it makes me feel and that has been a huge struggle to not be able to be open with fellow believers. Thank you for this!
I’m so happy you found this post useful, Heather. I pray God will continue to bless you as you seek Him through His word!
Hi, I just read your post on when you started Bible journalling. I had no idea that your words would hit me so hard. I bought a Journalling Bible a year ago, but just haven’t gotten it going yet. Yes I’m crafty, but have been overwhelmed with failure, I can’t seen to start going with anything, so I do nothing. I have been struggling with depression, fibro. and migraines. Here lately I have found myself so angry, at, well it just doesn’t matter what or who or why, it’s just there. I have been in a lot of pain and not sleeping well at all. But as I read your post, I heard God’s voice talking to me. Just do this, Nancy. Try getting into it, see where I will take you. Your words were a balm to my heart. Maybe, just maybe, I can get back to being happy again. Happy again with God, leading the way. So, I will try again, try again to not be so afraid of failing, of not getting it just right, of it not being “perfect”. I would love your prayers, and your encouragement. Thank you.
I’m praying and cheering you on, Nancy!! This past year when I found out I needed a hysterectomy and would never have my own child, it was devastating to me. But I found so much comfort through Bible journaling. It kept me in His word and through my suffering I was able to find joy and thankfulness. I am praying you will find the same!! XOXO
Yes! Just the blog post I needed for confirmation. I too was hesitant to start the journey, but I believed in highlighting and underlining and dating … and I had heard of the journaling process but just wasn’t sure about coloring and drawing and painting …. and I had a gift card from a contest I won at my job and while considering how to spend it I again thought of a Bible journal… so I found the NLT Inspire on sale. While I was at the store looking at it and contemplating the upcoming purchase … did I really believe this would help: Painting and coloring in my Bible? A customer saw me and stopped to talk to me, told me that it was a good starter for journaling and creating and that she was looking for a new one and it helped her studies as well … eh since I couldn’t stop thinking about it, I bought it. I so far I only color the pictures and have done one free hand along with my normal highlights and underlines … but I remember so much better what I have read … after coloring the picture … I’m currently looking to buy some gesso and paint before I plunge onto that step … I’m nervous about painting … but I was nervous about buying the Inspire Bible ….
Your story with bible journaling could have been my story. I was hesitant because I felt to draw or color in the Bible would somehow degrade God’s Holy Word. But God…….kept nudging me till I bought the Inspire bible. I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed reading God’s word and coloring the passages, even drawing some of my own! (I’m no artist and it doesn’t matter)
I spend much more time in the Word and it is so very relaxing! I totally recommend this bible above others and look forward to my daily bible reading more than ever!