Angela Parlin

So Much Beauty in All This Chaos

Thought About Bible Journaling? {Giveaway: Beautiful Word Bible}

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journal.jpgIn a way, I’ve always done Bible journaling.

Mostly I’ve scratched ink around the edges of the Word, recording dates and phrases and slices of conversations, as well as thoughts the Lord gives while reading. You too?

This year, Zondervan sent me the all-new NIV Beautiful Word Bible (February 2016), in exchange for my honest review.

I wanted to see how it feels to bring paints and colored markers to the pages of scripture. So began the adventure! I started reading through Exodus along with my current Bible study, and from each page, I copied a verse or two onto the side margins, adding a little decoration here and there.

Before I found all this extra margin space, I often copied verses onto separate journal pages. I learned long ago that I retain information best when I write something out and spend that extra time thinking about it. I have a feeling many of you take in scripture that same way.

AngelaParlin.comBy now I’ve played with a number of variations, different ways of combining art with scripture verses, and I’ve learned that most days, keeping it simple is my style.

What I love about Bible journaling, is that it gives me a way to interact with the text beyond my reading.

When I open the Bible later, I turn pages to receive a visual reminder of where the Lord spoke to me before.

My favorite thing about the Beautiful Word Bible is that it features 500 illustrated verses throughout. It still offers plenty of blank spaces to create your own art while reflecting on scriptures you’re reading.

In my opinion, this is a perfect first journaling Bible, because it includes so many colorful ideas to inspire your own creations. I don’t know about you, but I tend to be more creative and willing to risk artistically, when surrounded by the creativity of others.

Will experienced artists and Bible journalers love it also? I think yes! There’s still plenty of space for your own art, but every once in a while, there’s another illustration.

word.jpg

If you want to know more about the Beautiful Word Bible, click here to view a video and/or purchase it.

Giveaway Details:

I will be giving away another copy of this book on Wednesday, March 23 at noon. To be included in the drawing for the giveaway, simply LEAVE A COMMENT on this post.

Let us know if you have a tip for Bible journaling, or if you just hope to try it out.

I look forward to mailing someone a copy of the Beautiful Word Bible. Best wishes to each of you!

 

UPDATE: Gayl, you are the winner of the Bible! I’m emailing you now! 🙂

As always, I’d love to have you SUBSCRIBE at the pink box to the right to receive weekly posts in your inbox. Thank you!

Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. 1 Samuel 3:9

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Comments

  2. 3

    I’ve always felt free to write in the margins of my Bible, but not so much of the drawing or illustrating. I just don’t think of doing it, but I’m really good at copying others creativity and I like the idea of some verses Illustrated out for me. 🙂

  3. 5

    Love this! My girls & I have been “doodling” scripture as we do our Bible studies. I like ve to see the verses that they pick.

  4. 7

    I have never heard of bible journaling until recently and have it on my list to get a new bible to start this!! I have always been a “doodler” in school, etc and love making letters beautiful! I think it brings it to a more personal level while studying scripture!

    • 8

      Steffi, I love that it’s on your list. Sounds like Bible journaling will be a natural fit for you. Best wishes to you in the drawing! 🙂

  8. 15

    Yes, me too. I’ve been scrawling notes in my Bible for years, but it’s great that the idea is being accommodated with wider margins and better quality paper!
    Thanks for your great ideas here!

  10. 19

    I also have always drawn and wrote notes in my Bible. When I was younger I heard that a well-worn Bible is a good indicator of a well lived life.

  11. 21

    Thanks Ang for this great idea. I cant think of a better way for Sydney to be excited about being in God’s Word. She doodles everywhere else already, why not in her Bible. Thanks for sharing!!

    Steve

    • 22

      Oh that’s awesome…I’d love to send her one & I think I heard someone is heading your way soon…I’ll check into that. Thanks for stopping by!

  12. 23

    I’m not very consistent with journaling unfortunately. When I do, and I do love to, I usually doodle or draw pictures next to my prayer request and scripture that I read. I would love to try this journal! Hope I win 🙂

    • 24

      Thanks for sharing, Renee. I don’t do it every day either. I worked through Exodus that way, and then decided it would be a “sometimes” thing for me. It’s a great way to bring some variety to quiet time.

  13. 25

    Hi Angela. I’ve been hearing more about Bible journaling lately. I was hesitant at first, because I thought I’d make a mess of it with having to erase. However, I know I need to let go some of my perfectionism and let some creative juices flow. This one really appeals to me with all the illustrations. Is the first one yours? I love it! I’d love to try this Bible journal. Thank you for this giveaway. 🙂

  14. 26

    I agree, Trudy! It’s so nice to have some designs in the book for inspiration. There are LOTS of different styles too, so some look handwritten & others do not, but either way, they give plenty of ideas. Best wishes to you in the drawing! Oh, and I didn’t picture any of my own. These are all from the book!

  16. 29

    I’m like you Angela, in that I often put a date or name in my margins. I always have a notebook to jot down ideas or verses. I like the idea if creatively doing this in my bible. I also think my artistic little girl would enjoy it too 😀

  17. 31

    Angela,
    This is so neat! I guess you could say I am already a bit of a Bible Journaler, as well. I have marked up the margins of my Bible with little messages and insights to remember. Some day, (perhaps when I am in Heaven) I hope my son is able to look back through my Bible and receive a little glimpse into “mom’s quiet times.” Until then, I think having an actual Bible with space to create would be fun and a great way to visualize the Word of God.

  20. 37

    Great review. I have been using crayons in my bible for years… Mostly just to highlight passages. Crayons don’t bleed through the pages like some highlighters. I also use the name brand of crayon which allows me to gently erase. I love the idea of a bible with extra room so that I could color my thoughts in the margin.

    • 38

      That’s so interesting, Christina. I would NEVER have thought of crayons…very cool. I did buy some highlighters a while ago–I think they’re Sharpie brand & gel highlighters, because they do not bleed through. They feel kindof like a crayon, so I guess it’s the same idea. Thanks for your input here!

  21. 39

    I had purchased a journaling bible, but when a friend agreed to attend bible study with me I gave it to her. I told her she could keep it because I know that she needs an easy to read translation with space for notes. I’ve been meaning to like get another journaling bible so I can use all of the ideas I’ve pinned. 🙂

    @AmandaGeaney

  22. 41

    Just now started reading the bible maybe journaling will help my betterment of reading /understanding the bible

  24. 45

    Great post, Angela! I love Bible journaling as well. It helps me to meditate and continually reflect on GOD’S WORD. Thanks so much for sharing this review! GOD bless you, beautiful friend! 🙂

  25. 48

    The art work is beautiful amazing it draw`s you to the scripture rather than distracting you from it. I am not the most artistic type I doodle and try to trace or copy free handed still not exactly like the original so kinda my own twist cause never know when the hands are gonna decide to wiggle but still if share what is done just got to remember where the idea came from and note it. Or idea`s if I decide to combine things sorta art soup, like with writing anything what`s in my head /heart does`nt always make it out the way I want it to.

    • 49

      Thank you for sharing, Anita! I think the best way is your own twist, no matter what that ends up looking like. I’m keeping mine more simple because basically, it takes more time to make it fabulous. 🙂 It’s more enjoyable that way for me!

  26. 50

    I love how many girls are getting into Bible Journaling. After your blog the other day I tried out my different coloring options and decided I still like my quad colored Bic Ink Pen the best! It’s Purple, Blue, Pink, or Lime Green :). Thanks for offering this fun opportunity Angela!

    • 51

      Definitely, Kathy…love having all those colors. And I agree–you don’t necessarily need new pens or anything, just try some you have around the house and see what works. 🙂 Thank you for all your encouragement!

  27. 52

    Thanks for posting Angela! I have always written in my Bible – but have never done any type of art journaling in it. I have just recently heard about it and am excited about the possibility!

  28. 54

    Angela, how generous of you to give away a copy of this Bible. I do Bible journaling (and yes, simple is my style too, not tons of art, although sometimes I do some small picture or graphic. SIMPLE!) I like the idea of having some pictures and illustrations already there to generate creativity. Blessings on your day, friend. Pinning this now!

  29. 56

    I think this would be cool to try. Writing out God’s Word and illustrating it is a great way to get it in our heads and hearts.

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