Bible Journaling for the Rest of Us
So, you’ve heard about Bible Journaling and you’re intrigued.
You’ve seen some truly amazing artwork and thought…wow. That’s intimidating! I could never do that because I’m not artistic.
You don’t know what supplies to use, or how to begin.
You feel reluctant (or horrified!) about painting on top of the words in your Bible.
If you’re intimidated, confused, unsure, or convinced you don’t have a creative bone in your body…
This post is for you.
Bible Journaling for the Rest of Us
The Beginner’s Guide to Creative Bible Journaling
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I have several amazingly artistic friends. I’ve taken a Bible Journaling class from a woman who creates gorgeous artwork in her Bible. I follow blogs and Pinterest boards created by gifted people.
I’m a perfectionist.
So while I long to be more creative, I kept putting it off because of my lack of confidence and skill.
I understand all your reservations and fears!
Easing into Bible Journaling with a Coloring Book
My grandchildren still lived nearby when I jumped on to the Adult Coloring bandwagon. They enjoy creating art, and I enjoy spending time with them, so I often colored, drew, or painted with them. My goal was to simply enjoy spending time with them; I wasn’t out to impress anyone with my artistic ability.
I found that I enjoyed this so much, that I soon purchased an adult coloring book and occasionally colored even when the grands weren’t at my house. My Coloring Book was Scripture themed, similar to this one.
I thought I was simply enjoying a creative activity, but I gradually realized some benefits to Scripture art:
- Relaxation–my coloring sessions are relaxing and refreshing.
- Redirection of focus–when I feel worried or anxious, choosing my color scheme and creating something beautiful helps me focus on something positive rather than obsessing over my concerns.
- Meditation and memorization–I realized that I was actively meditating, pondering application, and memorizing Scripture as I colored my pages.
I think these are excellent reasons to add Scripture coloring and Journaling to our lives!
Inspire Bible for Creative Journaling
After several months of coloring Scripture coloring books, I decided to purchase a Journaling Bible. After mind-numbing deliberation, I selected the Inspire Bible for Creative Journaling. You can see that mine is a beautiful turquoise color, which I love. They’ve also published one in purple, which is so beautiful! Each edition has unique art, and the purple one has added embellishments such as a thicker paper, stickers, and a pocket in back.
I love the wide margins in this Bible. There is ample room for drawings, decorative lettering, and note taking. I appreciate this, since it rubs me the wrong way to actually create artwork on top of the Scripture verses themselves. Here, I can journal to my heart’s content and still actually read all the verses.
This Bible is a wonderful intro to Bible Journaling for the non-artist, because it contains numerous pre-drawn “coloring sheets”, as you can see above. I didn’t create the “REJOICE” artwork, but simply decorated it and added color.
Look! I can create beautiful pages without actually drawing!
Bible Journaling Art Supplies
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get started! If you’re just beginning, you can visit the Dollar Store and select art supplies. Then gradually upgrade your art supplies as you go along. Here are some of my current favorite supplies:
- Prismacolor Colored Pencils–great quality in a huge variety of colors. These are available in 12 count all the way up to 72 count (that’s what I have! So much variety!).
- Pilot Frixion Erasable Gel Pens–I love the bright colors!
- Crayola Supertip Markers–50 colors!!
- Watercolor Brush Pens–20 colors
What Are You Waiting For?
Don’t think about it! Just jump in! Don’t be afraid to make a mess. Leave your perfectionism at the door. The goal is to just start creating. It doesn’t need to be a work of art. There’s no right or wrong. This is an individual act of expression, creation, devotion, worship.
Do Bible Journaling as Part of Your Devotional Time
This has added another dimension to my devotions
Bible Journal as You Watch TV
I generally work with my hands while watching tv; I’m not good at staying still.
Invite a Few Friends Over and Have an Bible Journaling Party
Share your supplies! Try new techniques! Learn from each other!
Bible Journal with Your Children and Grands
I especially like this because it teaches children that art doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s something we do simply for the joy of it. Children can be so critical of their own artwork; model expression, creativity, and confidence.
Give a Journaling Bible or Scripture Coloring Book and Art Supplies as a Gift for Children and Adults
Instead of giving more toys or clutter, give art supplies and experiences.
Recommended Resources
My Daily Devotions | A Look Into My Quiet Time
Visit my Bible Journaling Pinterest Board
Inspirational. I procrastinate but can see the added value in doing this.
I think you’d enjoy!
“Meditation and memorization–I realized that I was actively meditating, pondering application, and memorizing Scripture as I colored my pages.”
I don’t think I have it in me to start from scratch but the coloring idea intrigued me. I’m actually offering a give away for a set of coloring cards for the Psalms on my blog this month.
Oh, how fun! I love coloring in Psalms. There are so many comforting and encouraging verses in Psalms.
Well jump over and sin up for my page! You could win!
I am right there with you …I kinda struggle with writing on the actual words…therefore I haven’t done anything yet. I will have to just jump in and start.
Yes, do it! Then tell me all about it.
As a recovering perfectionist myself, Bible journaling has been too hard for me to jump into. Love these ideas and I’ve used the erasable gel pens and they are amazing! Perhaps those will be what I use to get started…thank you!
Aren’t those pens SO FUN!? The vibrant colors are just the best! Perfectionists-Learning-to-Let-Go unite!
This is awesome! I didn’t know that they created bible journals with pre-made art that you can color in! I am not artistically skilled either so I am always a bit scared of ruining a Bible.
Yes! I believe we can all develop our artistic side, and I think this is a baby step to get there. 😊
I was immediately drawn to your post because I love the idea of this but struggle with stick figures. Thank you for the helpful suggestions! Found you on the Grace and Truth Link-up.
I’m glad you found it encouraging! Thank you for commenting.
Kim, I love Bible journaling! I find it so relaxing to do! I’ve written a few posts on it as well. Thanks for linking up with Grace & Truth.
Thank you for commenting! I’ll have to go search for your posts.