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Busting the Myths of Bible Journaling for #LoveYourLifeFriday

Today I’ve invited a special guest to #LoveYourLifeFriday, Jana Kennedy-Spicer from Sweet to the Soul Ministries. Jana has become a friend over the years as she’s been a loyal supporter of both Proverbs 31 Ministries and several of my book launches. I’ve also been so fortunate to hire her to make some of the printables I offer to my blog readers and social media followers. She’s sharing with us a fabulous post about Bible journaling that I think you’ll find both interesting and helpful.

Here’s Jana…

Busting the myths of Bible Journaling by Jana Kennedy-Spicer for #LoveYourLifeFriday at karenehman.com.

When I began incorporating Bible Journaling into my Bible Study time, I was intimidated by all the pictures of others beautiful journaling. I’ve always been a doodler and a letterer but a lot of journaling styles didn’t really represent a doodling or lettering approach. They looked more like scrapbooking. They were beautiful, but just not me. So I hesitated and didn’t begin Bible Journaling because I didn’t think what I could see in my heart would “look right”.

But before we talk about that myth (and others), let me ask you a question.

Why? Why do you want to journal in your Bible? Beyond the, “it looks pretty” and “everyone’s doing it” there are much deeper heart reasons. Maybe some of these resonate with you:

  1. Spend time with God – Yes, this really is the first and most important reason. When we open our Bible, we open the door for God to meet with us. Invite Him in and He speaks to us.
  2. Memorize Scripture – Whether this is a why or a by-product, I find that focusing on a single scripture for this concentrated period of time is a great way to remember the scripture verse.
  3. Reflect on Scripture – Spending time focused on a single scripture and in conversation  with God is a great way to really plant God’s Word in our hearts.
  4. Slow Down– In our crazy fast paced world, Bible Journaling is a great way to slow down and recharge.
  5. Feed your Soul – As God’s children we need to stay close to Him so our soul can be nourished. Exercising my creative muscles and spending time with God is a double blessing for me.
  6. Calm anxiety – There is something so calming about using the right side of the brain. Scientific? Oh, I don’t know. Whether that’s the reason, or it’s spending time with God, I know my stress just melts away when I’m Journaling in my Bible.

Busting the myths of Bible Journaling by Jana Kennedy-Spicer for #LoveYourLifeFriday at karenehman.com.

So what is your “why”?

When I talk about Bible Journaling, I hear a variety of responses, but typically one–or more–of three myths that most believe to be true come up:

  1. I don’t have a special Journaling Bible.
  2. I can’t draw, I’m not an artist, or I’m not creative.
  3. I don’t have the right tools or supplies.

Do any of these sound familiar? Let’s take a look at each one and see if I can convince your otherwise.

Myth #1 – Must have a Journaling Bible

This myth I totally bought into. Even though I would draw and doodle just about everywhere, I thought I had to have an official “journaling” Bible. And, let’s face it, they can be expensive.

There are plenty of other resources to use as you begin your Bible Journaling adventure:

  • Blank journals &  sketch books
  • Art papers & note cards
  • A regular Bible or vintage hymnal
  • Anywhere you can write or draw!

Remember your “why”. Why are you journaling scripture? All of the why’s still apply no matter the Bible or resource being utilized.

If you are looking for a journaling Bible, my favorite is the KJV Journaling Bible from Barbour. I love journaling in it because it is large and has extra wide margins.

Myth #2 – Must be artistic or crafty

First of all, no you don’t. Why? Because Bible journaling isn’t about you or your talent. Remember your “why” – this time spent in the Bible is all about spending time with God. And He loves to spend time with you – just the way you are.

Besides, God cares more about your heart than your art.

Myth #3 – Must have a lot of Supplies

This is my favorite myth to bust, because I really believed it! I saw all the beautiful pages by others and felt so intimidated. Surely I had enough supplies in my ‘more than I will ever use’ craft supply collection. And I did!

Turns out, my go-to must haves are: a #2 pencil, eraser and a thin black marker (love Sharpie Pens!). That’s it! I also love to use colored pencils, watercolors, and gelatos.

Busting the myths of Bible Journaling by Jana Kennedy-Spicer for #LoveYourLifeFriday at karenehman.com.

Yes, there are a lot of supplies you can use. I encourage you to find what fits your personal style and preference.

Are you ready to move past the myths and let your soul be inspired? That’s great!

Where do I start? What do I journal?

Let’s start with Karen’s newest Bible Study, What Matters Most – A Study of Philippians. And to help get you started, here are two FREE printables for you!

  • Just print these black-and-white hand drawn pages I created for you on paper or cardstock, then you can trace the column designs into your journaling Bible
  • Or color what you printed, cut it out, and use washi tape to tape it to your Bible page or in between your Bible pages. This is commonly referred to as a “tip-in” in Bible Journaling.

Busting the myths of Bible Journaling by Jana Kennedy-Spicer for #LoveYourLifeFriday at karenehman.com.

Another great way to use a printable is to

I printed this page from today’s download file on clear label paper. Doesn’t it just melt into the page and look like it is painted directly on the page?

Busting the myths of Bible Journaling by Jana Kennedy-Spicer for #LoveYourLifeFriday at karenehman.com.

I pray by busting these myths on Bible Journaling you have found some encouragement to let your soul be inspired! When you do, I would love to see it! Share your journaling on social media and tag Sweet To The Soul HERE on Facebook and HERE on Instagram , and use the hashtag #SoulInspiredFaith.

Blessings Soul Friends,

Jana

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If you liked this #loveyourlifefriday tutorial and template, I invite you to check out Jana’s beautiful Sweet To The Soul Shoppe on Etsy, where you can download her Soul Inspired Bible Journaling Templates and Color Your Own Bookmarks. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Karen

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Jana Kennedy-Spicer is a wife, mom and Nana who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women on their daily walk with Christ. A woman rescued and repaired by the grace of God, she loves to share about the realness of God’s love, redemption and faithfulness. Embarking on a new life journey

 

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Affiliate links included at no charge to you. I only recommend products I know my readers will love.

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2 Comments

  1. Love this and couldn’t agree more! I started in notebooks with crayons and pencils. You are right, we must remember the whys of why we journal so we don’t get distracted by comparison. Journaling always help me recall God’s word.

  2. Great motivation for me to try my hand at Bible journaling and find an outlet for creativity that only the Lord can give. I appreciated the inclusion of some samples of how to start out. May the Lord give many others the opportunity to explore this way to incorporate the living Word into their lives.

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