Introduction To Bible Journaling #FCBlogger #FCJournaling

A huge thank you to Family Christian for sponsoring today's post. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Have you seen the recent craze to take over the Christian blogging/Pinterest/Instagram world? Are pictures of beautiful artwork written in the margins of Bible pages taking over your news feed?

That's right, I'm talking about Bible Journaling! This is certainly not a new idea, but it is one that seems to be becoming more and more popular...with good reason! The more I see photos fill up my new feed, the more fascinated I have become with the subject. Recently, I finally took the leap into this exciting adventure and today I'm sharing all about that experience and how you too can begin!

So, what is Bible Journaling?

The most simple description of Bible Journaling is right there in the title.... it's simply journaling in your Bible. It can be as simple as taking notes, writing prayers and underlining words that speak to you or as in depth as creating beautiful full page works of art right there on the pages! It truly can be whatever you make of it. In fact, you might even find that you truly have been Bible journaling all along!

But, what if I'm not an artist?

When you look at some of the beautiful works of Bible journaling seen on Pinterest and Instagram, it can be very overwhelming! While I was intrigued by the subject, I will admit that I too was quite apprehensive for this very reason! I am not an artist... far from it! I can draw simple doodles...kind of, but these elaborate works of art I've seen on the web? Nope, not going to happen.

But as I said above, Bible journaling truly is what you make of it. If you're an artist, by all means, create those stunning pieces that we all love to admire. But if you're not, don't think that it counts you out. Bible journaling is NOT about how great of an artist you are, it is about connecting with God however you connect with God best. If you are a doodler, doodle. If you're a poet, write poetry. If you're a researcher, take notes. If you're a crafter, get creative with washi tapes, etc. Write your notes, write your prayers, write your hopes, write your thoughts. Write what is on your heart. It does not have to be fancy or perfect. It just has to be genuine.

What supplies do I need?

First and foremost of course, you'll need a Bible. You can use one you already have, but I personally prefer an actual Journaling Bible. These are already set up with space in the margins for you to take your notes or draw your pictures. I personally have this ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, and I love it. Not only does it have just the right amount of space for my doodles and notes, but it's leaf design is just stunning...the most beautiful Bible I own! You can also find Journaling Bibles in nearly every translation, if ESV isn't your top pick!

Once you have your Bible, next up is your journaling supplies. The supplies you need are completely up to you. I'm always of the opinion to start with the basics. A pencil, pen and some colored pencils will give you a great start without a huge upfront investment. Once you become more comfortable, you can decide where to go from there. You may find that colored pencils are truly all you need, or you may-like me- decide that a convenient Bible Journaling Kit will take your doodles to the next level. Watercolor pencils, stickers, inks and stamps, washi tape, stencils... the possibilities are endless! Do be mindful of pens/markers and look for pens like the Micron that do not bleed through on these thin Bible pages!

How do I get started?
You have everything you need to get started...now what?

Now, it's up to you! For me, I simply started with some of my favorite verses! For some, I just came up with doodles that went along with the verse and used some word art to write the scriptures themselves. Others, instead or journaling the verse itself, I journaled my takeaway from it or created drawings that shared how these verses spoke to me personally.

There's no right or wrong way to start, just jump in! Is there a verse that is speaking to your life right now? A topic that you are studying in your church on in your home Bible reading at home? Start there. Already in the midst of reading your Bible or doing a Bible study? Start there. Someone you need to pray for or thoughts that have been going through your mind? Start there. Grab your Bible and your pencil and just get started!

But, WHY should I start Bible Journaling? What's the point? What are the benefits?

The reasons for starting your Bible Journaling can be as numerous as the ways to go about it. These are just a few of the great reasons/benefits to join in:

• Grow closer to God. I believe that God has blessed each of us with our own sets or talents and interests, and that we should use those to strengthen our relationships with Him. Those who love music can worship Him through song, those who have been given a gift for speaking can preach... Bible Journaling is a great way for those who have gifts of art, or writing to use those gifts to grow closer to him!
• It makes reading the Bible more enjoyable. For some, reading the Bible is fun. They enjoy it, it comes naturally to them. For others, it's much more of a chore. For those people, journaling their way through can make it much more enjoyable. It takes an otherwise boring task and makes it fun. I don't know about you, but I for one learn much more when I am enjoying the learning.
• Keeping a record of your spiritual journey. Just as keeping a journal will allow you to look back on your life as a whole, Bible Journaling will allow you to look back on your spiritual journey and see how far you have come. You can see what verses spoke to you at points in your life, thoughts you had and how you have grown in Christ. It is also something wonderful to pass along to your children too!
• It's FUN. Okay, so perhaps this is a frivulous reason to get started, but it doesn't make it any less true! Despite my initial fears, I have truly fallen in love with Bible journaling and am having such a blast with it! Isn't that reason enough?

So, are you ready to get started? Family Christian has everything you need to get started! You can see it all and connect at the links below:


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Are you a Bible Journaler? What tips and tricks do you have for the beginning journaler?

Stay tuned for more on my Bible Journaling Journey to come!