journaling with purpose
It's not rocket science
You've watched a million of how-to YouTube videos. You've been awed by the brilliant artists and elaborately designed journals, stonewalled by your so-called lack of talent. But here's the thing: Bible Journaling isn't about showing off your artistic skills or writing prowess.
Bible journaling is simply this: a venue for you to communicate with the Lord, express your thoughts and feelings, reflect on His word, and write out what He drops in your heart. That's it. No art degree or journalism degree required. No special eloquence or skills. Just you and God, saying what you want to say, and hearing what He says to you through the flow of your pen.
Here's what you'll need
1 - A journal, a spiral notebook, a composition book -- any of these will do.
2- A Bible - I recommend a good old "hard copy" to start with, so you don't get distracted
3- Pens and/or pencils - whatever is easier for you to use. Choose something comfortable that can glide along without giving you writers' cramp
4- A cozy outdoor spot, complete with pillows, blankets, coffee, tea, whatever you need to be comfortable for about 30 minutes
Start with this
This is a little technique I learned from my teenaged daughter. It's simple, easy to follow, and provides a wonderfully productive framework for you to learn how to journal in an interactive way with God's word.
SOAP JOURNALING
Why go outside?
We get so caught up in our own lives, just getting a a little fresh air, a little sky, rain or shine, can help us disconnect from the mayhem and reconnect with God.
George Washington Carver had a daily habit of taking 4-A.M. walks through the woods, where he asked God to reveal the wonders of His creation. In these quiet times, observing the trees and foliage, hearing the night sounds fade into morning sounds, God whispered both profound truths and microscopic details. Surely such a tried-and-true practice could benefit us all, unlocking secrets and revealing connections from God's heart to ours that we may not otherwise discover.
What does success look like?
It may not happen right away or soon. But as you get into practice and grease the wheels, as you pray over what you read from the Bible and really look at and think about what it says, reflections will begin to flow more and more easily as you write. God will show you things, point out things you need to go deeper into, reveal ideas, connect the dots -- you will begin to realize more and grow more as you open your heart and mind up to letting God speak to you. If this is something you've never experienced, this is a viable path toward experiencing it.
Some of my recommended supplies
PENS
These are my favorite, because the gel ink doesn't smear and they glide easily across the page for either drawing or writing: TUL Gel pens.
PENCILS
If you're using a pencil, I recommend these with the wide barrel and gel grip.
Dr. Grip Pilot Pencil
JOURNALS
Some prefer the Moleskins, but this is a more affordable option from Walmart:
The Exceed line of journals
If you prefer the flexible type, these are a great option:
Simply Genius 6-pack lined journals
I recommend visiting your local Mardel Christian & Education store for a great selection of all kinds of journals, from spiral bound to saddle-stitch to hard-cover types.