BIBLE Journaling

W·o·r·k·b·o·o·k

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Welcome! I’m so glad that you are here! Bible journaling is all about spending time in

God’s Word, letting it sink into your mind, heart, and soul. I hope that this will

open up a whole new way for you to encounter the Lord, and to express your

creativity.

Whether you’ve done this 100 times or never tried it before, this book will

walk you through how to get started.

Tools & Supplies

* Pens & Markers (permanent)

* Pencil

* Watercolors

* Colored pencils

* Stamps

* Extra paper

* Washi Tape

* Highlighters

* Paper towels

* Stickers

* Journaling Bible

Really, for Bible journaling, all you need is a Bible and a pen or pencil. But,

having some other goodies around will help to make it more fun and further

unleash your creativity. Use what works for you and have fun!

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Anytime you are making art, it’s important to give yourself

permission to:

* Get a little (or a lot!) messy

* Allow your real feelings to come through

* Fail. Epically. It’s just paper, paint, canvas, whatever. You can

get more and try again.

* Copy other people’s work. That’s how all artists get started.

Over time, you’ll find your own style.

* Try it out and never want to do it again.

* Not feel anything. God doesn’t usually show up on our timing.

You may feel nothing and that’s okay.

Go ahead. Get crazy!

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getting STARTED

First of all, there is no right or wrong way to journal in your Bible. It’s all

about spending time with God’s Word. In the next few pages, I’m going to

walk you through a passage and ask some questions to get you started.

Then, once you’ve begun to connect with God’s Word, we’ll get into the

creative part.

Psalm 40:1-5

Take a moment to read, pray, and reflect on the scripture

passage. In what ways does this passage apply to your life

right now?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Step 1

Focus Verse

See page 10 for Bible verse

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What words stick out to you in this passage? Go ahead and

highlight or underline those words. These are your key words.

From what you underlined, are there any that stand out more

than others? Write those here:

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Think about the words you listed above. When you picture

these words, what kind of lettering do you see? Are some

cursive and some print? Do some of them seem to ask for a

visual element with them—like a heart or music notes?

Step 2

Step 3

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Now, you can start to draw. I recommend using a pencil first,

and then you can go back and trace over it in ink once you

are satisfied with your design.

YOU WANT ME

TO WRITE

IN MY BIBLE!?!

Yep. But, if you don’t feel like you are ready for that, then you can sketch on

another piece of paper. Then, after you’ve made your design you can either

trace it into your Bible or tape it in with washi tape for a cool, different look.

Once you’ve done your drawing in pencil, and gone over it in

ink, now is the time to add some color—watercolors, colored

pencil—whatever makes you giddy with creativity.

TIP: It’s a good idea to work with another piece of paper or cardboard under

you drawing, to help avoid bleed on your Bible pages. (Especially if you are

getting adventurous with watercolor.) Use paper towels to blot excess from

the page. Also, be sure you use permanent markers if you plan to do water-

color so that the ink doesn’t bleed when you add color.

Add other fun elements to decorate the page. Doodle, add

stamps, stickers, add tabs or bookmarks. These things will

brighten your page and bring you joy whenever you see it.

Oh! And be sure to date your creation—then when you look

back at it, you’ll remember what season of life you did your

art in.

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

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Exam

ples

Bibl

e Jou

rnal

ing

Use these examples to

inspire you and help you

get started. Don’t worry

about copying someone

else’s idea and don’t be

afraid to take these ideas

and make them your own!

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IDEAS& Examples

Whether you stick to the margins of your Bible, or take over the whole page,

there is no right or wrong way to illustrate your faith. Bible Art Journaling isn’t

primarily about creating great art...it is about connecting deeply with God’s

Word and digging deeper into how God is speaking into your life.

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E·L·e·m·e·n·t·s o·f D·e·s·i·g·n

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C·H·A·l·l·e·n·g·e

1 I waited patiently for the Lord;

he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the Lord

and put their trust in him.

4 Blessed is the one

who trusts in the Lord,

who does not look to the proud,

to those who turn aside to false gods.

5 Many, Lord my God,

are the wonders you have done,

the things you planned for us.

None can compare with you;

were I to speak and tell of your deeds,

they would be too many to declare.

Psalm 40:1-5 (NIV)

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30 DAY Bible Journaling

C·H·A·l·l·e·n·g·e

30 days of Bible Journaling might just bring your relationship with God to a

whole new level. Whether you literally do this over 30 days, or do one a week

(or one a month!), you will be rewarded as you see your creativity blossom

and your confidence grow.

Day 1: John 15:5

Day 2: Psalm 9:1

Day 3: Psalm 34:18

Day 4: Hebrews 11:6

Day 5: John 16:33

Day 6: Ephesians 2:8

Day 7: Galatians 5:22

Day 8: Hebrews 12:28

Day 9: Psalm 34:4

Day 10: John 14:6

Day 11: Jeremiah 29:11

Day 13: John 10:10

Day 14: Ruth 2:12

Day 15: Matthew 11:28

Day 16: Joshua 1:9

Day 17: 2 Timothy 3:16

Day 18: Matthew 5:16

Day 19: Joshua 1:8

Day 20: Philippians 4:13

Day 21: Psalm 37:4

Day 22: 1 Peter 5:7

Day 23: Philippians 4:6

Day 24: Isaiah 41:10

Day 25: Romans 15:13

Day 26: Philippians 4:8

Day 27: Micah 6:8

Day 28: Romans 12:2

Day 29: Ephesians 3:20

Day 30: Hebrews 11:1

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R·E·S·o·u·r·C·e·s Books:

“Writing in the Margins” by Lisa Nichols Hickman

“Complete Guide to Bible Journaling: Creative Techniques to Express

Your Faith” by Joanne Fink

Journaling Bible: these come in a variety of translations and styles. They

feature wide margins and slightly thicker paper than your average Bible. I

love the single column look and the NIV translation. But you have options.

My Favorite Materials/Supplies

Acrylic Paints (any brand), Spectrum Noir Markers

Artist Loft Fundamentals Watercolor Set (Michael’s, approx. $6)

Pigma Graphic Archival Permanent Pens (black, lots of sizes)

Good quality eraser

Mechanical Pencil

Amanda is the Director of Soul Sisterhood, a Christian

arts and creativity ministry for girls. Bible journaling is

her newest pursuit among a long list of creative pursuits

including mixed-media painting, quilting, sewing,

cooking, and writing. Amanda is a 13-year youth

ministry veteran, and received her training at Luther

Seminary and Youth Leadership. She lives with her husband, Mark,

and daughter, Charlotte, in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.

www.thesoulsisterhood.com

Amanda@thesoulsisterhood.com

About Amanda Berger