There are so many reasons people get into faith journaling or Bible journaling. They may want to join a group at their church to meet people. There is the possibility that they were a crafter previously in their life and they just want to reconnect with their creative side. Perhaps they saw some pictures or tutorials online and they are intrigued by the concept. Maybe they really want to study their Bible, but honestly find typical Bible study methods boring, but are afraid to admit that. Maybe they are hoping to be a part of an online community they see growing by leaps and bounds. All of these are valid reasons to get started in creating faith art.
But, in the end, the only way that faith journaling will really grab hold of you is when you see how it adds meaning and depth to your faith journey. I was very skeptical of Bible journaling when I first encountered it. If I am being honest, it seemed a little shallow to me at first. “Decorating” your Bible seemed like a waste of time and resources, and I had absolutely no concept of how it was connected to Bible study. However, I am a creative person, and while I was skeptical, I was also drawn to the practice of faith journaling. I was a tired mom that had every desire to spend time in her Bible and to dig deeper, but always had trouble getting past the surface facts. So I gave it a try.
Bible journaling allows me to slow down my very busy brain. I am constantly thinking of a to-do list and the logistics of my family’s hectic day. It is hard for me to sit still ever, because I am much more of an active person. When I would sit down to just study my Bible, I would definitely read, but would also simultaneously be making a grocery list or counting down the minutes until the kids woke up. Bible journaling changed that for me. Somehow, when my hands got busy creating art, my mind quieted down. Actual space was created in my brain to allow God to speak to me, to meditate on His words and His will. I felt like I could have conversations with Him in a way that I was never able to before.
So yes, Bible journaling is a lot of fun. I love all the pretty supplies and gorgeous illustrations that I get to use when I am working in my faith journal. But, it is so much more! It has deepened my faith journey in a way that I could never have anticipated. Sure, I’ve encountered a TON of amazing people with this hobby, but most importantly I’ve opened up myself to conversations with God. I’ve processed and retained scripture in a whole new way. It has changed me.
I know Bible journaling can feel a bit intimidating to jump into, and as someone that has done it for over 5 years now, I feel like I have learned a lot to help others get started. I am passionate about connecting creativity and faith! That is why I have created a brand new course over at Scrappy University called “Worship in the Word”. It is a guide to creative faith journaling, taking you step by step from concept to creating. I explain all the basic ideas behind Bible journaling, the options that are out there, and even walk you through creating your first entry. We dive into the heart behind Bible journaling as well as supplies, techniques, and journaling options. It is a wonderful course that I am super excited about!
Included in the course are instructional videos, tutorials, printable note pages, and decorative printables that will help you immediately in your faith journaling. There is ample opportunity to post questions and get feedback on the whole process. Need help with something specific? Post about it and I can create a new tutorial in the lesson library to help you out!
I hope you will take an opportunity to check out this new course. And, to help with a little extra encouragement, I would love for you to bring a friend along! The cost of the course is $15, but if you purchase at the $20 levelthe-scrappy-wife.teachable.com/p/worship-in-the-word-creative-bible-journaling, you will receive a coupon code for a friend to enroll in the course for free! Then the two of you can embark on this journey together!
Please let me know if you have any questions at all….hope you see you in the course soon!
Keep it creative,
The Scrappy Wife
Great post. You did a lovely job focusing in on how this is really heart work more so than decorating.
Thanks so much Monika!
I think this is a brilliant idea and I know it will be a huge success. I’m tempted to join the class more for the actual focus on Bible Journaling rather than the instructional how to since I have been doing it for many years. Blessings Elisa
Thanks so much Vickie, I am really excited to have this new course as an opportunity to help others dig into journaling.