Are you familiar with Bible Journaling? I have noticed many pretty photos coming across my facebook and Instagram feeds but didn’t realize this was such a trendy art form.
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Fox Chapel Publishing sent me a copy of Complete Guide to Bible Journaling, Creative Techniques to Express Your Faith, by Joanne Fink and Regina Yoder in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I was pretty excited to receive the book and see what Bible Journaling is all about and maybe even give it a try.
So, what is Bible Journaling? It is a means to use your own special creativity to remember and record meaningful and relevant Scripture and biblical concepts. The more I thought about this the more I like the idea. It really isn’t about just creating lovely art but it goes so much deeper.
And, it isn’t about being a talented artistic person with lots of ability. The book even discourages comparing your work with others or trying to copy the style of someone’s work you might admire. The focus is to be you and draw, doodle and write as you are led. Remember the joy of coloring when you were a child? Maybe you still find coloring a relaxing activity. This might be another venue you’d enjoy.
If you are like me, a visual learner, there is great value in this. While reading your Bible and a verse or passage catches your attention, it is easy to finish reading and walk away, forgetting its importance. But, taking the time to create something right there on the page, gives more time for thought and meditation.
If you are uncomfortable drawing and writing in your Bible or if you want to practice a little before working in your Bible, you can work in a sketchbook or journal. As you can see, my Bible doesn’t have large margins so I found a page with space to jump in. That’s just what I did. I’ve learned if I wait until I get good at something it will never happen. Just give it a try because everyone has to start somewhere.
If you find that Bible Journaling is a great creative outlet for you, there are now many Bibles available with added space to express your thoughts in a creative manner. The authors discuss this in the book.
A large section of the book highlights Artist Profiles. This was a favorite section because each story is heartwarming. These artists enjoy Bible Journaling for different reasons. Some enjoy it as it fills a lifelong desire to create. Some to relieve stress or to bring Bible reading from a ‘have to’ to a ‘want to’. It is a means for growing deeper in faith and even finding a way back to God.
Valerie shares her sweet testimony. After some struggles she ended up in a Christian rehabilitation center at age twenty-one. She did not believe in God at the time but her heart was changed. Reconnecting with her love of art, she decided to be productive instead of destructive and create things from her heart. Bible Journaling has been one of the biggest things that has grown her faith and trust in God.
The book does a good job explaining tools and techniques, emphasizing that Bible Journaling doesn’t require expensive supplies. Simple, meaningful doodles is a great place to start using whatever supplies you already have.
The book is filled with many patterns that can be traced or copied. The whimsical birds were easy to duplicate even for a first-timer.
I am looking forward to experimenting and learning about blending colored pencils in a future project.
In the back of the book you will find more than 150 designs on perforated pages, 270 stickers and 60 designs that can be used in a variety of ways. I picked out a few to begin my project.
With a gallery of beautiful examples you are sure to be inspired to sit with your open Bible, a pen and colored pencils and begin to create and bring God’s Word to life.
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I love it! But I am not so creative. How can I find you on Instagram?
This is wonderful! I'm impressed with the way gals are journaling in their Bibles. I just ordered a journaling Bible so I can begin soon. Love what you've done.
~Adrienne~
I have seen this all over lately. I have never done it even though I have an NIV Woman's Devotional Bible that really kind of invites me to do that now that I think of it. Your page looks great…really lovely, Lorraine. I can't wait to see more! xo Diana
Ive see bible journaling on pinterest. Looks fun
I do. However, I haven't done it in a while.
I had not heard of this. Sounds like a great idea. I like to print our Bible verse art from the internet and color it in.
All that doodling we did as kids, perhaps on things we shouldn't, is now the thing to do. I lost my doodling ways as an adult but am trying to get back into the habit. Have fun!