If you aren’t familiar with bible journaling, it’s easy to begin. Tips & resources that will help you start. in this look at Bible journaling for beginners.
Bible journaling is a great hobby for many people that enjoy reading scripture and it’s a perfect thing to take up in the middle of winter too! It’s also a way to combine your love of God with your creative talents. I personally began using a Bible Journal to take sermon notes about a year ago. It helps me to call out important phrases or points and also to include some of the history that our pastor teaches with each sermon. If you aren’t familiar with bible journaling, it’s an easy thing to begin. In this post, I’m going to share tips and resources. Basically, it’s Bible journaling for beginners.
Bible Journaling for Beginners
Benefits of Bible Journaling
So, why do so many people love to start bible journaling? There are many benefits that affect different people, depending on who you ask.
- Assists with focusing on your daily scripture reading
- Better connect and understand with the words in the bible
- Opportunity to let your creativity flow
- Shed the idea of perfection and focus more on your relationship with Jesus
Convinced that bible journaling is something you want to try? Then let’s move on to the items you are going to need…
Bible Journaling Supplies for Beginners
The basics that you will need to begin Bible journaling are:
- a bible with large margins
- a pen that is safe to use in your bible
- other embellishments (see below for ideas)
The Bible
First, you’ll want to find the right bible to begin your journaling. One that has a side margin for art on each page is ideal, especially for beginners. Having this space to create can remove the discomfort you may feel about marking up your bible. Alternately, there are journaling bibles with entire blank pages for doodling and creating. But most beginners find this to be too much blank space.
I personally use the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible in black, by Crossway.
Tip: If you are really feeling unsure about your creativity or writing in a bible, you can begin with a simple notebook alongside your current bible. Once you get more confident, you can switch to a journaling bible if you wish.
A Pen
You will also need a pen in order to create your bible journaling art. You can start with a simple blue or black ink pen. I use Pigma Microns in various sizes and colors.
Other Embellishments
Use stickers or stamps to decorate your bible as well. The idea is for you to express your learning and love of scripture, using your bible as the canvas.
If you’d like to add more color, you may want to give watercolor pencils, colored pencils, or multi-colored bible highlighters a try.
Getting Started with Bible Journaling
When you have all your supplies on hand, it’s time to start considering your first piece of art. You’ll want to start small, practicing your different techniques to gain confidence. You may decide which route to begin with, such as handlettering, stenciling, or free-hand drawing.
Hand lettering is a very common practice in bible journaling. Many like to develop new styles of writing to create embellishments and decorations along the printed text in the bible.
Good resources for learning more about hand lettering include:
Step-by-Step Bible Journaling for Beginners
1. Take the time to find a verse that you are familiar with in order to start bible journaling. It doesn’t have to be a favorite (you may want to save those for when you are more experienced and feel more comfortable decorating your bible). Find the page in your journaling bible that features this verse.
2. Reread the verse multiple times, considering what the words on this page mean to you – and how you want to express the meaning with art. Decide how you want to decorate the page.
3. Have fun, detailing your interpretation with a creative representation right in your bible (or notebook if that’s what you choose to start with).
That’s really it! Bible journaling isn’t a difficult task, and it can be a fun way to learn more about scripture…as well as a great way to express yourself and your faith.
This month’s COZY LIVING IDEAS
As for cozy living, this month kicks we’re back with our Cozy Living Series that I’m thrilled to say I get to be a part of with some of my favorite bloggers. We’ll all be posting about cozy living over the next few months. See their ideas below.
Duke Manor Farm | Finding Silver Pennies | Making It In The Mountains
Sincerely Marie Designs | Thoughts from Alice | Town and Country Living
VinYet Etc. | Home Made Lovely | Bless’er House
Have you tried Bible journalling? If so, do you use it for private study, or for sermon notes? If not, why not?!
What a great way to reflect on and learn more about your faith!
It is! I find because I’m such a visual learner that it really helps me.
Great ideas, Shannon! Wishing you a cozy and warm January xx
Thank you, Danielle!
Thanks for sharing your Bible journaling tips, Shannon! This is a great way to start the New Year!
Thank you, Jennifer. Happy New Year!
Thanks Shannon! Got a new Bible based daily planner and wasn’t sure how to fill it up and also want to try hand lettering so a perfect combination. Thanks for the links to resources as well!
Perfect! Sounds like you’ll have a lovely planner!
I’ve always used a notebook in the past, aside from my Bible. I love the thought of journeying along side on the Bible while reading! Thanks for sharing this Shannon. This will be something I look into getting this year. Anyway to make it more doable is a win!
I’ve used a notebook too, but REALLY love the combination in one. 🙂
shannon, thanks for sharing these tips as I know some people would love to know how to to read/learn from their bibles. happy new year!
Very true. Thanks, Laura!