If you’re on Pinterest or Instagram, you’ve probably seen the latest trend: Bible Journaling. Bible journaling is exactly as it sounds, taking a verse and turning it into a creative and unique piece of art. It’s a great and relaxing way to start your morning or end your night. Bible journaling also gives you the perfect opportunity to spend time reflecting and focusing on specific verses and how God is using them to speak to you. You can even use it as a reason to get out of the house. Go to your favorite coffee shop and do it or start a Bible Journaling club with your closest friends. Below I have compiled a few tips to help you get started:
Find the right Bible for you
If you’re thinking about taking up Bible journaling, you’ll need to find the right Bible. You’ll want one with wide margins made specifically for journaling. I use the THRIVE Journaling Devotional Bible by Tyndale (New Living Translation). This particular Bible is made and written for young women. Journaling Bibles are fantastic but can be a little pricey. If you’re on a budget and don’t want to purchase a journaling Bible just yet, start with a blank journal or notebook. Start by hand-lettering your favorite verses and go from there.
Have the right supplies
If you’re as school-supply-obsessed as I am, you probably have everything you need right at home. If not, start with a good set of pens and colored pencils. I use Target brand gel pens and Stabilo fibre-tip pens because they don’t bleed through and they don’t smear those delicate Bible pages. Bright and colorful sticky notes and highlighters are also essentials. I recently browsed through Michaels and noticed an entire aisle end dedicated specifically to supplies that will get you started with Bible journaling. They had everything from pens and highlighters to washi tape and other accessories.
Start simple
Not artsy? Not to worry, you don’t need to be artsy to be successful at Bible journaling. Try to deepen your creativity by thinking outside the box. If you’re stuck and need inspiration, don’t hesitate to turn to Pinterest for ideas. Pinterest is full of inspiration design ideas and guides to help you get in the habit of Bible journaling. It’s best to start with your favorite verses, as these will be the easiest to journal. Use the margins to re-write and reflect on what you read. You can use this time and space to memorize your favorite verses, write out prayer requests, and reflect on things you’re especially thankful for.
If there’s one trend you decide to hop on the bandwagon for this year, let it be this one. It’s okay to start simple. At the end of the year, you can look back and reflect on your work. Grab a cup of coffee and all of your supplies, put on your favorite pair of sweatpants, and let your creativity flow.
