I began combining Scripture & creativity at a very early age

I accepted Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior when I was in 3rd grade. Ever since then I have had a fondness for The Word of God. Even as a little girl, I would make and send out my own hand-made greeting cards and Christmas cards, which always included a Scripture. Through the years, I have experienced the power of The Word at work in my life, and therefore, have become even more passionate about it.

Scrapbooking & Homeschooling Era

In the 1990s I got into scrapbooking and really fell in love with it. I could scrapbook for hours upon hours. I often included Scripture in my scrapbook pages and also included journaling about my faith and how God was working in our lives.

I also made pretty Scripture memory cards and affirmation cards to help me memorize and pray God’s Word. Also, I was homeschooling our children at that time and we did lots of creative activities during our Bible study lessons.

Graphic Design

Later, I went back to school and graduated with a degree in Visual Communications (which included lots of instruction in graphic design.) I had always loved doing arts and crafts type stuff but never considered myself an artist because I was never able to draw anything that looked realistic. And I would get frustrated when trying to draw. If I made one little mistake I would have to start all over again. So when I discovered graphic design I fell in love with it because it was so easy to correct mistakes and edit your designs. It was so much easier to me than drawing, and I wasn’t so worried about making a mistake or wasting so much paper and supplies.

              

So then I began designing greeting cards, stationery and even Scripture art using my graphic design skills. I loved creating things with Scripture because I found that, while doing so, I was hiding The Word in my heart, which helped me have more victory in my everyday life.

After I got an iPhone I also liked creating Scripture graphics using iPhone apps and setting them as my lock screen.

Hand-lettering & Illustrating Scripture

About 4-5 years ago, my Bible study group was studying Psalm 119, which is all about The Word of God. I remember reading verse 47-48 in the Message Bible and thinking, “Now that is how I want to feel about The Word.” This was about the time that hand-lettering was beginning to get popular. I really liked that style of artwork, and I missed the feel of pencil on paper. So, I decided to challenge myself to hand-letter Psalm 119:47-48 to help me memorize it.

   

The result is pictured above. It did not turn out as beautiful as the images I had seen on Instagram, but I loved it! And what I loved even more was that, as I was drawing it, it was as if it was being embossed on my heart. Some Scriptures I have memorized, only to forget them a few years (or a few days) later. But this Scripture I will never forget. Even today, I can close my eyes and see each word exactly as I had drawn it.

Furthermore, what was even more exciting to me, was that I began to declare this by faith, and every day, little by little,  I found myself cherishing Scripture more and more, and falling more in love with The Word of God. I was hooked and I began hand-lettering more Scriptures. I might use them as a coloring page or scan and save to my computer, then add color digitally.

Bible Journaling in a Bible

It wasn’t until a year or two later that I actually began doing that kind of thing in my Bible. When I first heard about Illustrated Faith and Bible Journaling and saw the beautiful images of decorated Bible pages on Pinterest, my heart skipped a beat. I thought the idea of drawing, coloring, and hand-lettering inside your Bible was a fun and brilliant idea. It was also a scary idea… I mean, what if I made a mistake? I couldn’t just tear the page out and throw it away.

Besides, I didn’t have one of those “journaling” Bibles with the wide margins. But when a dear friend of mine, who knew I would absolutely LOVE Bible journaling gave me a journaling Bible, (and it wasn’t even my birthday or Christmas), well, I knew that I had to give it a try.

I knew what Scripture I wanted to use for my First Bible Journaling Page – John chapter 1 – because when I discovered that Jesus actually is The Word of God, that changed my perspective and attitude toward the Bible. I want to know Jesus more, so the more I get to know the Bible, the better I know Jesus. Above are photos of my first page. It is not perfect and I wish I would have left off a few of the extra embellishments. But that’s OK. It is part of my faith journey.

  

I would have to say that my favorite technique is hand-lettering because I find that it helps me memorize or “hide” the Scripture in my heart best. I like to then add color using colored pencils or watercolor pencils and glitter gel pens.

Oh, and I love to use eyeshadow for soft, airy backgrounds. I just rub it on with a cotton swab or a cotton ball for larger areas. It takes less time to fill in the backgrounds this way. Plus, it leaves a softer, smoother texture, which I like.

Journals, Journaling Cards and Sermon Notes

I do Bible journaling in my Bible, and in an art journal, but I also like to do it on cards with pretty borders, which I place in various places around my house, car & office to help meditate on Scripture even when my Bible is not open. I also try to add some color and creativity to my sermon notes.

        

Also, I live in an RV, and therefore, have very limited space. That is another reason that  I choose to do hand-lettering and drawing in my Bible, rather than using a lot of different supplies and tools. All of my Bible journaling supplies fit in a tote bag. That way I can easily do Bible journaling at my kitchen table, or outside on the patio table, or while sitting in my bed.

    

But hand-lettering does take more time and energy. I have discovered that I prefer to just color in already drawn illustrations on days when I am really tired or lacking energy and/or focus. Often, at bedtime, I like to color in a Scripture coloring book or in a coloring Bible.

       

I just recently purchased the Praise Inspire Bible and I am really enjoying coloring in it. I find that putting on some worship music or a Bible teaching and coloring in my Bible is quite relaxing and helps me to unwind at the end of long day. Then I continue meditating on and picturing in my mind the Scripture as I drift off to sleep.

    

I encourage you to try different techniques and find what works for you and what you enjoy most.

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I approached Sara over at The Holy Mess.com about participating in this Bible journaling blog party and to my surprise, she has a Bible journaling virtual assistant.  How cool is that as I am a VA myself and find that to be so much fun!  So, we are hearing from Jade today, the Bible journaling virtual assistant.

How long have you been Bible journaling?

I grew up in a pre-printed missile kind of church so I was in high school when I got my very first real Bible. I proceeded to fill every empty space with pictures and printouts of favorite quotes and verses and color all my favorite verses with a bright color pencil. I guess that means I have been Bible journaling for over 20 years.

How did you get started in Bible journaling?

It wasn’t until about a year ago that I realized that Bible journaling was actually a real thing and that coloring in my Bible could be okay. I was in a bit of a Bible reading slump and I thought perhaps a new Bible would perk me up. I was friends with Sara from theholymess.com and she posted an article about Bible journaling. The search for a new Bible and the article clicked together and there has been no stopping me since.

What is your favorite thing about Bible journaling?

All of my life I have been the new kid. Now that I’m all grown up you would think it would get easier, but being the new lady at church can be just as stressful as being the new girl at school. Then I stumbled on the Holy Mess Bible journaling Facebook group and I found a group of friends that also loved Bible journaling. We love to share pages, but we also live to support each other.

What is your favorite Bible journaling tool?

Just one? I love trying new materials and techniques, but my color pencils are still my go to. Also, I’m not a big fan of my lettering so alphabet stickers and stamps are a daily grab.

Do you journal in a journaling Bible, an art journal or in something else?

I journal directly in my Bible. I’m not afraid to paint across the whole page either. I didn’t start out that way, but now I just can’t help myself. I like to think of my Bible page as a worship canvas.

Please share your favorite Bible journaling technique and add pictures from your own Bible journaling practice.

Bible Journaling Cards

One of my favorite Bible journaling techniques is incorporating journaling cards. My journaling cards are small pieces of paper with art on one side and hand-written journaling on the flip side. I put them in like a small tip-in using washi tape or clear scotch tape so I can flip to see both sides.

Great for beginners

If you are just starting out and not sure where to go journaling cards are a great option. They allow you to add a special touch without feeling overwhelmed by the whole page or worrying about covering up words.

Add art

Journaling cards are a great way to try something new without committing to having it permanently on your page. Journaling cards allow me to add art without committing to a full page project.

Add space

They can also be a great way to add space to an already full page.

Add Privacy

I am a private person by nature, and Bible journaling is both personal and public all at the same time. Sometimes I like to keep my journaling private, but I still want to be able to share my pages. That is why so many of my pages include little journal cards and tip-ins.

Be sure to check out all our latest over at The Holy Mess Bible Journaling Facebook Group.  We can’t wait to get to know you better.

More posts you will love

Bible Journaling with Printables and Traceables

Bible Journaling Hacks: Supplies You Have at Home

Bible Journaling: Getting Started with Watercolors

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Today’s guest is a girl after my own heart, a Christian author, speaker and of course, Bible journaler, Taylor Phillips.  Taylor is going to introduce you to the simple but beautiful concept, the art of lettering.

Hey all! So glad that you have decided to join me in this fun endeavor of learning more about Bible journaling. I’ve always looked at it with curiosity and some trepidation—the greatest trepidation was overcoming coloring in a Bible. I mean, I wrote and highlighted in my Bible, but coloring?! It was an unspoken cardinal sin to color in your Bible.

A few months ago, my church began a Bible journaling class so I decided to take the dive, and I haven’t looked back yet. My favorite thing about Bible journaling is the meditation and the peace it provides. When I journal, it’s when my heart is in a type of turmoil and I journal what the Lord is speaking to me in that. I may even search Scripture to find one that goes with the situation I’m in, I then meditate on it. It’s been challenging to find ways that it applies to a situation I’m going through, or one I have been through, and create a picture of how God has come through.

Bible Journaling Lettering

I’ve learned quickly that my favorite tool is the pencil and Sharpie. Drawing isn’t a forte, but the different aspects of lettering have been fun. I always thought that lettering had to be perfect but have since found out the messier the better. You don’t have to have straight edges, perfect curves, or the proper dotting. You can add floral, dots, shadowing, triangles, whatever is going through your mind.

I didn’t start out immediately journaling in a Bible, but I started out in an art journal. I wanted to see if this would be something that I would continue with, instead of purchasing a journaling Bible and not journaling in it. Just a few weeks ago, I stepped out and purchased a bible with margins and began journaling in it. Journaling in the Bible, I’ve found that lettering has taken a front seat, and the pictures have taken a back seat.

What I’d like to share with you today is some of the techniques I’ve applied to my lettering in bible journaling. I begin my journaling with a pencil so that if I make any mistakes, I can erase them. With the Sharpie (make sure you have one that doesn’t bleed), I add thickness to certain sides of the letters. You can see my example below. When you start with that, you become comfortable with the lettering and then are able to branch out to try different aspects of shadowing.

 

Below I have included a picture of my absolute staple Bible journaling items: washi tape, Faber Castell artist pen, a white eraser and a pencil. I have found that the white eraser is much easier on bible pages. After I use my pencil, I will trace the words with my artist pen and then erase the pencil marks. My final result is also included below. Happy journaling!

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means at no additional cost to you we may receive a commission if you purchase a product from one of our links. We only recommend products we love.

Today’s guest Bible journaler is Lisa Yvonne.  Lisa and I have been connected for quite a while as bloggers through the Elite Blog Academy.  Lisa has a heart to serve and she has a love for her family.  It was no surprise that she has incorporated Bible journaling into her family time.  She shares how she does so below:

Bible journaling is awesome, isn’t it? I only discovered in the last year and I honestly knew it wasn’t for me when I first heard about it. After all, Bible journaling is only for incredible artists who buy all these special Bibles and paints, right?

Boy, was I wrong! Bible journaling has turned into one of my very favorite things ever.

And I’m still not an artist. I actually doodled a dog the other day and my son asked me if it was a turtle.

But I am a mom who has a passion for family discipleship and loves to spend time with her kids and Bible journaling has turned into one way we do that in our home.

Bible Journaling for Family Discipleship

 

Why I Love Bible Journaling

I got started Bible journaling because I was trying to have quiet time (which, as a mom of 8 kids, means getting very creative!).  You can read more about the 8 ways I find quiet time at my blog, Graceful Abandon.

Now I keep Bible journaling because it’s one way I spend time with my kids that creates a meaningful connection. My kids are “quality time” little people, and this allows us to spend that time that makes them feel so loved and helps me nurture their seedling faith.

All children want their parents to play with them and show them they are valuable, and our little Bible journaling dates is one way I do this with my artistically minded little ones.

I love Bible journaling because it helps us bond over the Word of God, and while we color we talk about what’s in their hearts. Unless I had journaled with my seven-year-old, I’d never have known he wanted to be an artist who painted things to show people Jesus loves them and that he had a whole plan for it.

That only came out because of this time we spent together. And then, we got to pray about it while we talked. Both of us being busy coloring seems to make conversation flow so freely!

How We Bible Journal

We Bible Journal by writing our verses either on a loose sheet of paper or in one of those marble notebooks you can get 2/$1 during back to school sales (it depends on if it’s a verse we are memorizing that we want to hang on the fridge or not).

I don’t have any fancy tools or techniques to share, but the most important thing I need when Bible journaling is prayer. I love to pray for my kids, but I try to pray intentionally at the start of our time together that God would guide our discussion about His Word and teach us what He wants us to learn in our time together.

 

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Bible journaling has literally taken the world by storm!  It is a concept that I learned about almost three years ago and that I am very grateful for having in my life.  The help that it has brought to my anxiety and the joy it has brought to the time I spend with the Lord is priceless.

That’s why I am so excited to share more Bible journaling inspiration in the form of 14 days of guest posts here on the blog sharing their Bible journaling journeys.

This event is to inspire, encourage and educate you on the topic of Bible journaling.

There will be a new journaler sharing every day for 14 days. Join us in the Facebook group and share your favorite Bible journaling techniques.

You will also want to bookmark this special 14 Days of Bible Journling Inspiration Page here on the blog so that you can come back daily for updates or you can simply subscribe below to receive daily email reminders.

Now to share with you my favorite Bible journaling technique.  Recently, in the local Bible journaling course that I lead we used Faber-Castell Gelatos.  These are by far my favorite tool for Bible journaling.  They go on smooth, you can blend them with your fingers or use a paintbrush with water.  They create a beautiful look that does not smudge or rub off on your hands.  I especially like the metallic colors that I have.  You can see an example below:

Isn’t that just beautiful?  I really enjoy using the Gelatos.  This verse is especially beautiful as well.  Over the next 14 days, you will be able to see a variety of Bible journaling techniques that all these Bible journaling ladies enjoy.  You are sure to find something that you will love.

Let’s not forget the exciting giveaways you can enter to win. . . . over $200 in prizes.  Enter to win now!  You will want to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to find the giveaways!

Finally, I’d like to share with you a FREE Bible journaling lesson, simply click the image below to sign up!

 

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means at no additional cost to you we may receive a commission if you purchase a product from one of our links. We only recommend products we love.

When I first heard about the idea of Bible journaling, I was hesitant to get started because I did not have a lot of money to invest in the practice.  I thought immediately that I needed a new Bible that was made for journaling and all the kits and supplies that go along with it.  However, I needed to be more money conscious, so I looked for ways I could go ahead and begin journaling without those things.

In other words, I needed to learn ways to Bible journal on the cheap.  You’ll be glad to know that I was able to make this happen.  So I thought I would share with you what I did to make this happen.

Way #1 – Gather supplies from around your house.

You will likely be surprised at what you have laying around the house that you can use to get started Bible journaling.  Look for pens of various colors, pencils, notebooks, highlighters, stickers, tape, scraps of paper or magazines, and more!  If you are a mom, raid your kid’s art supplies!  You can even use a box of crayons, if necessary.

Way #2 – Search the Internet for free printables.

Many of you may feel like Bible journaling is impossible for you because you don’t feel like you’re creative or have artistic abilities. Don’t worry! If you have a printer and the Internet, you can do a quick Google search for free printables and you’ll be ready in no time!

Here are a couple pins of things I’ve found on Pinterest:

The Ultimate List of Free Bible Journaling Printables and Tutorials

The Ultimate List of Bible Journaling Freebies

Way #3 – Think outside the box.

I have learned that unique items can be turned into amazing supplies for Bible journaling.  I have used bubble wrap, napkins, tissue paper, and much more to make Bible journaling fun.

Way #4 – Don’t be afraid to start.

Don’t be afraid to start Bible journaling even if you only have a pencil, paper, and a pen.  Bible journaling can be as simple as writing scripture in various lettering, using a mix of block letters, cursive, and print.  You can search for tutorials online about this as well to help you get started.

Way #5 – Get together with friends.

One thing I have discovered about Bible journaling is that it is a fun activity that you can do with others. Many times your friends will have ideas and supplies that you can swap for.  This makes it all the more interesting.

Remember, when you are getting ready to Bible journal that the most important part of it is to focus on the Bible as God’s word. Use the journaling to help you to focus more on God, not to let it be a distraction.

I have dealt with anxiety and panic attacks since I was a small child.  So for that same length of time, I have looked for ways to help me to overcome the anxiety that I have experienced in my life for so long.  If you have dealt with anxiety, whether it be chronic or sporadic you know just how difficult it can be to control.  However, over time I have discovered a new way to calm my anxiety that you may have never thought of.

This way?  Bible journaling.  Bible journaling is a way of spending time with the Lord combining art, Bible study, and journaling into one activity, but more importantly for those of us who suffer from anxiety, you can overcome anxiety through Bible journaling.

How Bible Journaling can help you to overcome anxiety:

Something to Help You Focus

Bible journaling has given me a way to focus on something other than the anxiety and/or fears that are swirling around in my brain.  It has helped me to focus on God’s word and thus spend more time there than I might have in the past.

A Way to Release Your Anxiety and Fears

Bible journaling doesn’t just have to include the writing down of Scripture, you can also spend time journaling out your thoughts, anxieties, and fears.  Sometimes just getting these thoughts out of your head and onto paper can be a huge help in overcoming your anxiety.

Helps You to Count Your Blessings

Many times when we are experiencing anxiety, we tend to focus on it and the negative things in our lives instead of focusing on the positive things and spending time actually counting our blessings.

A Relaxing Activity

You’ve often heard people say that certain activities for them are “cheaper than therapy.”  To me, Bible journaling is definitely one of those activities.  Because I tend to be a frugal Bible journaler, I can definitely spend less money on it than if I actually paid a counselor for their time.  Trust me, I’ve been to a counselor and while they can be helpful, Bible journaling I have found to be a wonderful, relaxing activity as well.  It has helped me to calm my anxieties in a very real way.

It Builds Hope

Because Bible journaling is a way of spending time in God’s word, you become more and more aware of the hope that can be brought to us through Christ.  Therefore, spending time in the activity of Bible journaling can build hope into your life and therefore take your focus off of your anxieties.

It is my hope that sharing this information with you will encourage you to give Bible journaling a try especially if you deal with anxiety on a regular basis.

A couple of years ago I felt led to start a local Bible study.  One afternoon I thought I’d post it on Facebook to see if there was any interest.  Several local friends and acquaintances commented and we decided to meet up to discuss our options.  That year I facilitated a Bible study from January – May.

Recently, the same prompting was laid on my heart.  I decided once again to post on Facebook.  Again, I received a good many comments and decided I’d pursue it.  As I prayed about how to do this particular class I began thinking about introducing them to Bible journaling.  I have been a journal writer for years.  In my teens, I started using a prayer journal at the prompting of my youth minister.

I cannot even begin to tell you the impact prayer journaling has had in my life.  My favorite part of prayer journaling is the fact that you can look back on years and years of prayers, see God’s hand in your life, and spot the many times he has answered your prayers.

So when I began to hear about Bible journaling several years ago, I was intrigued.  The only thing that I just couldn’t quite get used to was actually journaling or painting in my Bible.

Since I felt that journaling has made such an impact in my life I felt led to share that with this particular Bible study, which at first I had planned to be similar to my last experience a couple of years ago.

That’s when I told the girls who were interested that I was considering sharing Bible journaling with them.  The responses I received were all positive so I was excited.

I am also a business owner, and I had recently been playing around with Facebook ads to learn how to do them for clients.  My excitement about sharing Bible journaling prompted me to play with an ad to share the Bible journaling class.

I ran a modest ad on Facebook targeting several towns in our area.  To my surprise, people signed up and the classes filled quickly, in fact, I had never even considered having a night class, but ladies on Facebook who worked during the day reached out to me and asked for one.  Many of the ladies are even from out of town, which completely blew me away. This was taken one step further when I had people from other areas of the country reach out and ask me if I’d consider doing an online course as well.  That is why I am hosting an online version of Friends with Jesus Bible Journaling Course starting September 14.  

Click here to RSVP to the Preview Class.

I must admit to you all that teaching a Bible journaling class is a bit of a dream come true for me.  As a teenager, I committed my life to ministry.  In my late teens and early 20s, I served in youth and children’s ministry.

In my late 20s, I spoke at and helped to put on many mother daughter events.  This was a true passion of mine.

However, as I aged, and had more children the opportunities to serve in these capacities became more difficult as I was also needing to serve more and more in my own home in my role as a momma.

I continued to volunteer at my local church, but haven’t pursued as many opportunities that I like to call outside the box ministry, which I’ve always felt led to do.

Now that my kids are getting older and more self-sufficient my husband and I feel that I can once again pursue ministry opportunities outside the home.  I truly believe this is one of the opportunities that God has created for me and for many of you to participate in.

As for the Bible study portion of this class, I was recently hospitalized for pneumonia.  I will share more of my testimony from that experience here in a blog post titled Letting Go of Control.  Specifically, how God spoke to me after he finally had me still enough to really listen.

I have struggled with anxiety all of my life.  Journaling has been a true help to me with my anxiety.  Reading God’s Word daily is also a help to me.  That is why I chose to write the Bible study for this class on the topic of Overcoming Anxiety, Stress and Fear Through Faith.