To start off the Bible journaling series I’m going to post every day this week. Starting with “What is Bible Journaling?” today. I’m also giving away a kraft sticker sheet to each of the first three commenters below so have a read and then get commenting.
I have only been bible journaling for a few months and I’m certainly not an expert but I’m going to share some tips, tutorials and things I’ve learnt. I used to write notes from sermons on pieces of paper and slot them in. I am really enjoying journaling right on to the pages of my Bible.
What is Bible journaling?
Bible journaling (sometimes known as Bible art journaling) is a writing, drawing or doodling on the pages or margins of your Bible or in a notebook or journal. The things which you write or draw are a way of meditating on scripture. Above I said that I’m not an expert on Bible journaling which is true, but it’s also why it’s great. You don’t need to be an expert. The purpose isn’t to make an amazing piece of art work but is to creatively reflect on what you’ve read.
Here’s some definitions I’ve found from around the internet:
“Bible art journaling is a growing movement, where many are creating on the pages of their Bible as a devotional process. It is also sometimes also called Bible Journaling or Illuminated Journaling. The idea is to engage more freely with the Word of God in new ways and to record personally inspiring scriptures in creative and artistic ways, which serve to remind us of moments in our personal journey with God and help us grow in our faith.” (rebekahrjones.com)
“We believe that as we study and pray God’s Word He helps us to visualise what we have learnt and illustrate our understanding of His Word in journals or in the Bibles we use for word and art journaling.
“We believe that God has given us our creative gifts to praise and honour Him. To us Bible Art journaling is a form of worship. It helps us to strengthen and build our faith and to encourage one another in God.” (Bible Art Journaling UK)
I don’t know where, when or how Bible journaling started but it has really taken off in the US and is now doing similar here in the UK too. There are several great UK based facebook groups and pages that are worth having a look at. Here are a couple:
- Bible Art Journaling UK. They also have a secret facebook group you can request to join which is great.
- Bible journaling monthly UK. This is a smaller group with great monthly journaling challenges.
Pinterest is a great source of inspiration too:
Do you enjoy Bible journaling? What kind of journaling do you do? What sorts of things would you like to see posts about?
The first three commenters will be sent a sticker sheet (I will post for free to the UK) – check back on Friday to see if you’ve won.
Hi there, what a great blog post! Thanks for taking the plunge and stepping out! Looking forward to more about your Bible Art Journaling journey. It has certainly transformed my faith and I love connecting with others who are on the same journey 🙂
Great blog post. I started bible journaling a few months ago and find it really helps me to focus on the word of God. Unfortunately my journal entries look better in my head than on my page. Ha ha.
Me too! I’ve got a post coming later in the week about when it doesn’t go to plan.
I’m a Sunday School Teacher and am always looking for new ideas. This looks like it could be a fun!
Thanks Zoe, anything in particular you’d like to see?
These are amazing
I will gladly share your post and look forward to seeing more
Wow amazing! I have recently bought a bible to journal with so will enjoy looking for inspiration as now don’t know where to start!
Hi Gemma, there’s going to be a Zephaniah tutorial with a template later in the week – it could be a good starting point.
Oooh stickers! Good post, I have just started Bible Journaling last week and am looking for all the info I can find. Looking forward to reading more!
Love this post! I got into bible journaling after seeing some of it on Pinterest and then our church had an evening run by a lady who does a lot of it and now I’m hooked. I absolutely love it. It’s helping me engage with my bible in a new way and use my love of craft etc in my faith! Looking forward to seeing more and seeing your beautiful work (buying some too hopefully!!) xx