Bible Journaling: my how and why

Have you heard about "Bible Journaling"?  "Scripture Doodles"?  Illustrated Faith? The last one is the name of the movement started by Shanna Noel where you express you worship by painting/drawing/creating art within the pages of the Bible.  I was introduced to this community at the beginning of this year by a long-distance acquaintance through the Facebook Group and am so thankful for her invitation to the group!  I know there is controversy over this but I wanted to share my reasons for enjoying Bible Journaling.  

Genesis 1:3//John 4:23//Matthew 6:21//John 4:23//

We have not had a home church for a long time.  There is a long story but to condense it, we are not plugged in, we do not go every week to a church and we have not been actively seeking one because of Brian's work schedule.  And it is sad. Feeling like a drifter in the wilderness.  BUT when I do my devotions in the Word it is like a breath of fresh air.  And purposely putting pen and paint to paper keeps me focused on the message I am doing on that day.

I don't feel like I am desecrating my Bible. Between my husband and myself we have about 20 different Bibles (different translations, some study Bibles, some are Charismatic and some are Calvinistic.  We have a good range of Bibles.) All of which are utilized for different purposes.  My purpose just happens to be artistic in nature but all the while giving glory and honor to the One who created me.

Romans 12:9//Psalms 91:4//John 14:23 //Hebrews 1:12

My offering to God is done with mixed media; colored pencils, markers, acrylic paints, watercolors.  I am not the best nor do I have the best materials but I'm learning more each day that those things don't matter, it is the time I spend with God that is important.  

I really became focused on it this past month when Kristin did her #illustratedaugust challenge on IG.  My word, so many pretty pages were shared and even though I only shared two, I enjoyed following along all month.

Psalms 95:6//Psalms 105//Romans 5:1//John 13:38

I choose my scripture for the day by either following the daily readings from Jesus Calling, using the concordance section of my Bible and finding specific verses or "cold-calling" and just picking a book within the Old or New Testament.  You really can't go wrong!  A lot of my pictures are accompanied by song lyrics by Will Reagan and United Pursuit from their CD, Endless Years.  That is hands-down my favorite worship album and really speaks to my heart about the picture of Jesus so it's influence is present.  But again, any association be it a book quote or hymn, anything really, just goes.

So, why?  To express what God has placed in your heart.  It is a form of worship but instead of singing, I'm painting.  I feel a closeness to God when I am creating.  And how? (haha) Using the art supplies I have on hand, which is Crayola brand items I borrow from Kinsey ;) And just jumping in!  My art has evolved since the first few pages I did and I love seeing that transformation.  I have found my "personal touch" to be adding gold acrylic paint to every page I do.  And the only 'big' cost was that of buying a specific Journaling Bible from Amazon.

John 4:29//John 5:19//John 6:20//Proverbs 24:13

I know this is not for everyone, but Bible Journaling has really brought me closer to Christ in a time when I really needed it, and for that I can only thank Him.

Linking up with Beth.