Bible Journaling: Illustrating Faith

Last month, a good friend introduced me to bible journaling as a way to incorporate bible study and faith with art journaling. After losing myself for HOURS on the internet, soaking up all of the beauty on Pinterest and blogs, I knew that this was something I wanted to try. I figure if it involves the Word and crafting, it can't go wrong!

So I started with the Word. I ordered a new Bible! This is the English Standard Version Single Column Journaling Bible from Crossway. It almost has the look of a Moleskine, with its smooth black matte cover and elastic band. The pages are a lovely cream, with two inch lined margins for notes, doodles, thoughts, etc. I confess, I love the Word so much that I just held this book in my hand for the longest time, touching the smooth cover and pages in reverent awe.

I gathered a few supplies and some inspiring books to help me on the journey.

Yesterday, our church kicked off 40 Days in the Word. Pastor's sermon on the first chapter of James was the perfect way to put an endcap to my sermon note journal. TWO years of sermon notes, spanning our time in Indiana to here in Pittsburgh, with many churches in between.

I turned to James, chapter one, and read through the ESV passage. I thought about it, I prayed about it, and then I grabbed a sketch pad and doodled about it.

I wanted to focus on the fact that the Word is living and active and growing in my life. The sermon outline highlighted five ways that I can build my life on the Word. When I considered that they all involved parts of my body, I decided to sketch this garden girl to help me remember to grow in the Word.

I am so excited to add this element to my bible studies! If you'd like to learn more about bible journaling, I suggest you check out Shanna Noel and the blog Illustrated Faith (link at right). SO many wonderful artists sharing their concepts in the Word!

Tell me, do you write and/or doodle in your bible?