Journaling Bible | Allowing God To Surprise You

Monday Monday! How are you today?!  :) I have several people inquire about my journaling bible, the process behind it and the products I use so I thought it would be fun to make it a weekly post. I recently taught a small class to some kids at our church, and they loved it... actually a LOT more than I thought they would! I couldn't believe how into it they got, and it was so much fun to see how each one was so unique when they were done. I had some people ask me to do a class, but I think this is something that is better explained as I go. I thought I would update you weekly as I journal in my bible.

First I wanted to say that this isn't for every one and I totally respect that. Some people may think that doodling in your bible is not respectful. I wanted to point out that this is specifically a journaling bible, and for ME it helps ME connect to the word, and the sermons I am hearing. So let's talk about this journaling bible! I got this a couple years ago but only recently got back into it. In the interm I was using Paper 53 on my ipad to take my sermon notes, and though I really like process, for now this is inspring me more.

The bible I use is the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible. Of course that black cover was never going to do so I covered mine with some sticky fabric, paper and washi tape as any scrapbooker would!

This is what my bible looks like when I get home from church on Sunday. Usually I use these magical pens.. but a little monkey (coughADDISONcough) got into my purse, left the lid off and it dried out so this week I used a regular old pen. This week what I really took away from the sermon is that as a Christian society we tend to come off as though we "know" what is right, what is sinful, what is WRONG. Let's face it we can come off very judgemental. As a Christian that is the last thing I want to be, I want to love you exactly where you are at as God does to me. We need to listen more, love more and judge a WHOLE lot less. So in my notes you will see "know less, listen more" please don't take that as we need to walk in blindly, or be uneducated. Not at all. But we need to allow space for God to SURPRISE us! 

Once I get home it is time to start pulling it all together! I pulled out some alpha stamps and ink pad and created a title. I loved the phrase "allow God to surprise you" and decided to add the "today" at the and for a call to action! I used Studio Calico color theory inks (blush, yes peas) I love how they are true to color, and allow the text to show through. 

I am slightly addicted to that "today" stamp! It was a part of (Bessie, currently sold out) the latest Studio Calico release Bluegrass Farms

From here I also wanted to add a title across the top with another line that my pastor said on Sunday that really stuck with me. I feel like it is so relevant to what is happening in the Christian community. I decided to use the beautiful orange alpha stickers in the Pip add- on. 

I usually add a tab at the top so that it is facing the front of the bible (you can see the front of the bible in the first photo, this tab says "know"). Sometimes I sew it on, tape it on this time I used my tiny attacher  to keep that bad boy attached. 

 Here is a view from the top. I love documenting what I am learning, hearing, thinking about in this way. I love that Jaden looks through my bible all the time to see the latest notes, I love that Addison says "Mommy your bible isn't boring THAT'S FOR SURE!". I love that I am able to take what happens on Sunday morning and reflect on it throughout the week in a way that is meaningful to me.

Do you have a journaling bible? I would love to see yours! Thinking of getting one? Share! I can't wait to hear all about it! If you have an questions, please ask away!

Have a wonderful week! Look out for amazing surprises! 

xox

Shanna