Journaling Bible | Veronica Milan

I feel at a loss of words when I think of Veronica being with us here today. I will ALWAYS remember when I first met her at CHA (a couple years ago)  in her adorable Chic Tags booth. Her love for the industry was contagious but her constant ability to give God credit for her accomplisments is something I will always admire (her husband is also one of the most patient, sweetest men you will ever meet!) . So when she started using a journaling bible I crossed my fingers that she would be willing to share with you guys .. and here we are today..

I've been in love with paper for as long as I can remember. I remember walking to a local stationary shop after school and using my lunch money to buy cool pens and planners. Yea, I was that kid. Who am I kidding? I am now that woman. It's no wonder I started a paper company! Lol A couple of months ago I was browsing through my IG feed when I spotted Shanna's bible. I knew I needed THAT same bible. I knew this was the answer to my spiritual slump. You see, I've been a "Christian" for as long as I can remember, but I am horrible at reading my bible. *CONFESSION* I had my bible in a dusty bin in my garage for YEARS! AND....if we're being real honest, I've struggled with fellowship too. *there I said it, WHEW!* I've attended church regularly for the past 2 years, but for whatever reason, I was not making time to dig into his word like my heart needed. I was just going through the motions. It was almost as if God said, "look Veronica, you can make your bible pretty, if it means you will read it." At least that's what I imagined he said. And in true child-like behavior , with great excitement I clapped all while doing a little happy dance. I then registered for Shanna's class and ordered a bible that day! I've had a really rough year. This year provided many "lost" days, days of ugly cries from the depths of my soul. I experienced true loss and many rock bottom moments. Thankfully, God is such a merciful God and he knows how to crack even the HARDEST shells. He purposefully worked through Shanna to draw me closer to his word. I believe that wholeheartedly. Studying his word has brought me peace....don't get me wrong, I still have my cry-fest-lost moments all thanks to my stubborn mule like tendencies. lol It's just a whole LOT less now. :) I am quick to pray and even quicker to get my bible out and just read!

I was SUPER excited to receive my bible but also a bit scared to doodle and paint on it. It almost felt like I was disrespecting the "HOLY" bible. I let my bible sit on my desk for a while. <----- hello crazy lady. lol .

With slight hesitation, I grabbed some letter stickers, labels, rub-ons and mist and dug in. I started this process with all my favorite verses, the first-JEREMIAH 29:11:

You know something? Jesus knows my heart and he knows YOURS too. You are not here by coincidence. Jesus knows my MAD love for paper and pens and I believe it was his way of drawing me closer to his word with something I truly love. I mean seriously? Pens, tape, ink...on a bible? Yup, match made in heaven for this chick! Chances are, you have that same love. I encourage you to give it a whirl!

 

When I get that"lost" feeling, I stop and remind myself...HE IS IN CONTROL. His plans are far greater than I could ever dream up! I find that the verses are easier to memorize when they look SO PRETTY! Sometimes my anxiety gets the best of me and I turn to this page: 1Peter 5:7

and when all else seems to fail...I listen to music. Sometimes I'll write lyrics to a favorite song. Right now my favorite song is "The Great I Am" by Phillips Craig & Dean, but I really love how our church band sings it. ;) The verse that speaks to my heart is, "there is no power in hell or any who can stand against the "GREAT I AM".

*tearing up just typing that! Another favorite verse is Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, who can stand against us?" Powerful huh? Our enemy doesn't stand a chance! Psssh!

There are many uses for the note section. At times I write quick notes during sermon. Sometimes I get MESSY and use water colors and just write straight from my heart onto this beautiful bible. It holds my fears, my secrets, my greatest desires! It has truly opened my eyes in ways unimaginable! It's my diary to God...of sorts.

Because I am an avid scrapbooker, I have most supplies on hand. Most can be found at a local craft store though. Here are some of my favorite items:

This bible has really changed my way of praying and walking! The more I grow closer to God the more I crave his word! The more I read, the more I learn and the more I follow. In fact, I joined a women's bible study in June....I know, imagine that!? Changes are happening people! I kept making excuses that I didn't have the "time" but really, I do have time. I take a good 25 minutes per day to read, study, memorize and thank him daily. I'm so glad our God is a persistent and loving God. I'm ALSO glad he is not a God who punishes his children when they turn away from his word and stick their bibles in dusty bins in a garage....and for that I am thankful. :)

As an added nudge, I've provided a free printable for all your bible journaling endeavors:

You can download the printable along with a print & cut file here 

xoxo,

Veronica

Thank you SO very much Veronica! You are truly such an inspiration! If you have any questions about using a journal bible or just want more info, we have just started a facebook group for just that! Come on over, it's a sweet little community and we would love to have you! I will be sharing my journaling bible from this week tomorrow along with how I used Veronica's freebie! 

go.have.faith

Shanna