Bible Journaling and Goals with Grace
The beginning of the new year is the time when most people set new goals. They want to eat healthier and exercise more. They want to be more intentional in their daily living. They want to spend more time in God’s Word. At one time or another, I have set all of these as personal goals. As I have fallen short of completing some them, I’ve often felt bad about it. I struggled to start over because I felt like a failure. I’ve kicked myself time and time again and then one day it hit me…who was I measuring myself against? Was it unrealistic expectations? Perfectionistic tendencies? The “it girl” who never seems to have to diet or have any problems? Or just me wanting to have it all together? Ugh. Stop it Angel, just stop it.
Of all of the goals, spending time in God’s Word is one that has always resonated with me most deeply. Why? It impacts every aspect of my life. I want to see God in everyday life and everyday moments. I started Bible journaling last year at the recommendation of a friend. She seemed to be really be spending more time in the Word and it seemed like a “fun way” to look at Scripture. If you think about it – just three years ago it wasn’t that common to hear about people decorating their Bibles. Well, let me just say this, it is a lot more that decorating your Bible. Bible journaling is a personal and creative way to express how God is speaking to you directly to you in His Word.
Bible journaling is a personal and creative way to express how God is speaking directly to you in His Word. Share on XWhen I received the Goals with Grace kit from Illustrated Faith, I fell in love not only with the bright colors in the kit but the resounding message of grace. Grace is one of those things that I typically don’t have a problem extending to others. But when it comes to me, I am challenged. I’m very hard on myself and typically don’t allow myself any grace at all. And if I am totally honest, I really needed to give myself some grace.
Bible journaling has changed my life in three ways.
It has made time with God more personal. As much as I have always loved spending time with God, I will be the first to admit that sometimes I struggled with what that was supposed to look like. Should I pray quietly? Should I journal? Should I play worship music? As I have grown in my relationship with the Lord, I have come to understand that my personal time with him is just that…personal. It doesn’t have to follow a regimen or look like anyone else’s. The time spent reading my Bible and journaling has been so freeing.
Bible journaling has made me more grateful. It has caused me to pause and reflect on what I have in my life. I can see — even in the hard times — where God’s grace, goodness and blessings are still evident in my life. I’ve slowed down enough to allow God to really be able to speak to my heart and particular circumstances rather than just “simply” reading the Scripture.
Bible journaling has made me more confident. I will be the first to say that my artistic ability rivals that of a preschooler. I’m probably one of the best illustrators of stick figures that I know but outside of that, it’s a bit challenging for me at times. But you know…with Bible journaling, it doesn’t matter. I’m carefree with my colors and designs. The pen just seems to flow and I’m ok with that. Again – GRACE. It looks pretty but more importantly, I’m expressing how my Heavenly Father is speaking to me at that very moment. The Creator of the Universe and I are having dialogue – an intimate exchange. I’m able to express what’s in my heart on paper and reflect upon it later. My inability to “perfect” calligraphy type letters in Bible journaling is irrelevant. It’s all for His glory….and that is what matters.
Friend, I encourage you to check out the latest offerings from Illustrated Faith. Their Bible journaling kits are absolutely amazing and I believe they will be a blessing to you.
It is my heart's desire to see women walk in their true power and authority in Jesus Christ. I get the honor of walking that out in my writing, speaking and everyday life.
With a cold latte in hand and my latest read under my arm, I'm usually seen going over math facts, checking out a new STEM project and studying God's Word. In my spare time, you will catch me spending time with family and friends, at live music festivals and on the hunt for a new favorite dessert.
www.angelpenn.com
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I’m so happy you took your friend’s advice to try Bible journaling Angel – it’s always a good thing when God’s people get excited about spending time with him 😃.
Still trying my hand at journaling…I was so good at scrapbooking but apparently that didn’t carry over but I am trying!! I love Illustrated Faith!! Great post!!
That’s the great thing about Bible journaling Diane — it can look however you want it to look. I’m not artistically inclined but I always imagine that the Lord smiles when He sees us illustrating our faith. You will do great with it!
I love how you encourage this time in the Scriptures to be personal and a reflection of who we are with Christ and not worry that it doesn’t look like everyone else. Great ideas shared here. Thanks, Angel.
Thank you Jaime! That’s probably been one of my biggest takeaways during my Bible journaling time. Bless you sister.
Really enjoyed finding your blog today – so encouraging!! I love how you describe journaling, v liberating 🙂 I’ve just started homeschooling so I’ll be back to read more on that too.
Awwww Elizabeth! I’m glad you stopped by. Looking forward to you checking out more and getting to know you. Homeschooling is quite the adventure. Glad you are on the journey with me! Bless you sister.
I could never doodle in the margins or journal in my Bible itself – I had trouble when I began even just underlining passages and making a few notes in it. But I can journal in a notebook! My journal has been a “love letter to God” for years now and I have a whole box full of filled notebooks. So far I haven’t used stickers or colored pens but it looks like fun.
Kathi, it took me a while to feel “comfortable” with writing and coloring in my Bible too. Like you, I also have a journal. Well – quite a few actually. Grab some pens and washi tape my friend and color away! If you are not ready to start in your Bible, your journal is a great place too. I decorate mine as well.
There’s a great giveaway launching on my blog tomorrow with dayspring and Illustrated Faith. Come back and check it out. Maybe you will win!
Hi Angel! Great post! This is new to me. Do you have a picture you can post?
Oh Elaine! Of course!!! LOTS of cute ones to share! There are some on my Instagram but I will also text you some. :0)
Bible journalling seems to be very popular! I see a lot of posts about it, and have seen some beautiful work. I like the idea of doodling in the margins, but don’t like the ones that cover the words.
That’s the cool thing about Bible journaling Deborah – you can do it your way! I personally don’t cover the words of my Bible. I prefer to journal in the margins. But if I am using my journal that I use for note taking and sermon notes, I tend to get a lot more creative!
I love Bible journaling, it really opens up the Scriptures for me!
Love this! I just bought a journaling Bible, but never consider buying stickers and such for it. I will have to check Illustrated Faith out.
Ayanna – you will LOVE it!! Illustrated Faith has SO many great kits and accessories for Bible journaling! I’d love to see what you create. If you post it on social media, please tag me!
Sounds so great! I’ll check it out! Thanks for sharing how it’s helped you.
Yay Emily!
Great article! Allowing ourselves Grace is so important if we are going to be all that Jesus has for us. <3
That is so true Melanie. Grace is a message that I constantly need that reminder on….and He meets us there everytime.