Obviously, I LOVE Bible Journaling. I discovered what is known as journaling almost 5 years by "accident." Growing up, I might highlight a verse or write a little note in the margin of my Bible. I used the same Bible from July 12, 1993 until 2013. I filled it with little colored tabs and there are some highlighted passages and writing or dates in some margins. A little background........My grandparents were faithful Christians, as was my Mother. My earliest memories are having breakfast at my grandparents' house and my Poppy reading the daily devotions from the "Open Windows" publication. I was raised with a VERY reverent feeling about God's Word. I was taught to respect God's Word, never throw it on the floor, do not slam it shut, do not even throw it on your bed. Place it down, put it up, keep it neat, ONLY write on the first page to put your name, who you received Bible from, date and family information. You too???? Probably so!!!!! Fast forward to 2015..........I was doing a Bible study and happened upon an image on Pinterest that matched the verse I was focused on at the moment. I printed that off and taped it in my Bible, like a bookmark. That was SCARY! Then, I continued studying and saw more and more interesting reflections and praise that others were doing inside their Bibles. I ignored my fear and those voices in my head saying, "Do NOT 'deface' and ruin God's Word!" "How could you?" "Disgraceful!" "Disrespectful!" I jumped right in, made a stencil of one of my favorite verses and PAINTED 2 pages of my Bible! That was it, I was a self-proclaimed #Biblewrecker!!!!!! My grandmother was NOT happy about this when I showed her. AT ALL!!!!!! Then, I explained to her about what my "art" meant. I shared with her about what I was studying, what all I had learned and what the verse was saying to me and what my illustration meant. She was not impressed, however, I did not get upset or stop! I continued studying. I continued to dig deeper in my study, I spread my creative wings with stickers, inks, paints, markers, pencils, stamps, anything, everything I used in my own scrapbooking, I used in my Bible!!!! I filled up one Bible with illustrations, bookmarks, tip-ins, tip-outs, colors, page markers, everything!!!!!! I researched, watched, listened to, experimented, practiced all kinds of techniques, suggestions and tips!!!!!! I was EXCITED to study, learn, absorb and LOVE God's Word. That's right, EXCITED!!!!!! I discovered that I loved to study Greek and Hebrew and am truly able to understand so much more God's Love Letter. I continue to get "those" comments, judgmental looks and searing glares at me and my Bible(s). I LOVE my Bible(s)!!!!! I LOVE God's Love Letter!!!! So, to those who do not understand why I do what I do, roll eyes, talk about me, I keep going. WHY???? Because it is NOT about them or what they think. My Bible "JOY"naling is just that, JOY! It is so much more than that, as well! It is study, immersion, learning, praise, worship, time with my Heavenly Father, the Maker of me!!!! Here is my exact response to those who make "those" comments about my "hobby" (though, ti is NOT a hobby, it IS a tool of so many things in MY relationship with God. Just MY relationship with Him and His relationship with ME!!!!!!!!!!! Listen or READ carefully........... God's Word is alive. His word is what we are instructed to write upon our hearts, to wear around our necks. The paper those words are printed on and ink used to print are inanimate objects, however, His word lives FOREVER!!!!! When I am approached with questions or comments about being a #Biblewrecker, my response includes the above, as well as asking that person or group of people the following. How many Bibles does the "average" Follower of Christ own? I, personally have more than 10! I also have an app on my phone, tablets, computer that I can utilize for reading and study, if I happen to have covered words in the 1 of 4 Bibles I am currently using for study and journaling. So, here is the deal........Journaling, for ME, is praise, study, growing in the Word, strengthening my relationship and fellowship with Him. Being in creative praise, study and growth is something that, as fas as I am concerned and feel, God smiles upon and blesses me through this avenue. As I continue JOY-naling, I am learning, gaining wisdom and I am emjoying quality time with my Abba Father, what could possibly be disrespectful or whatever others may say about it????? Also, journaling should NEVER be how YOU mark The Word! it should ALWAYS be how The Word marks YOU!!!!!! Connecting with God and His love letter is PERSONAL!!!!!If art is how you connect, GREAT! If it is not, GREAT! My time in journaling, visual prayer, art and expressions have allowed me to remember verses, caused me to dig DEEPER, make connections, have revelations and HEAR God speak to me! I have learned and encourage others who journal to never EVER EVER compare or even judge another person's journaling. We are all created differently, uniquely and our relationship with God is different, unique and ONLY between me (YOU) and God!!!!! I am not a #Biblewrecker to win any art awards or to receive any accolades from anyone! I ONLY want to create something special for my heart that God could hang on his refrigerator because I made it for HIM!!!!! I enjoy sharing what I create with others ONLY because I want to give others the tools that have helped me in my walk and JOYney we call LIFE!!!!! With all of this being said, enjoy some of my latest time with God!!!! I love you all and if you have any questions about Bible study, journaling, how to start, what is needed, etc. Please reach out to me! I want to help YOU with your walk and journey. Shalon
1 Comment
|
AuthorDaughter, Sister, Wife, Momma, Friend, Warrior Princess, Sold out follower of Christ. There is more to me than meets the eye. A beautifully broken, messy, loving, imperfect woman praying to inspire others to find the JOY in this Joy-ney we call life! Archives
July 2022
Categories |