Bible Journaling
The Lord works in many different and amazing ways. He has created and wired his children all a bit different. He puts you through experiences, brings people in and out along your path, and at times you don’t understanding why they are here or have to leave. Although things sometimes get hard and God puts you through challenging obstacles, He has a plan and at times you have to walk alone with him. Other times you’re blessed to walk with a group. As I like to say, “Everything happens for a reason and there’s a reason everything happens and at times we may never understand it, but he has a plan”. It’s a quote I use often, especially raising my own kids and supporting them through good days and bad, ups and downs, challenges, and successes.
One way I connect and walk with God (to try understanding the plan) and build myself to be better is through one thing I truly enjoy, and that is Bible journaling. I can journal whether I’m alone in my living room or with a group of people who become friends. Bible Journaling is, and can be, a form of Bible studying. When many people hear “Bible study” they immediately think it is just a group of people getting together to read a big book about God. When wanting to become more involved with your church or with the Lord, most people look into joining a group. A lot of churches offer many different types of groups to become more involved, not only with God, but with others in your community. In looking for a group you want to find one that you can stay interested in and enjoy your time. Well bible journaling became just that!
Once I became part of a journaling group (and eventually led a Bible journaling group) not only did it benefit me and help me become closer to God and stay interested in reading through my Bible, but it also gave me the opportunity to introduce this new way of Bible study to others. A group that would read, color, and draw in your Bible… I know sounds crazy, but it wasn’t just normal coloring and drawing. After reading a few pages or a verse that stood out to you, you could design and put something that helps remind you of it, or a reflection of how it made you feel or relate. I am definitely not one who is able to remember verses from the Bible to quote them often, so I use images to put with the verses to help my memory with the way I’m wired. You can go simple on pages with just colors and small drawings or phrases or you can get more detailed with your artwork.
My favorite is to use Disney and some of my favorite childhood themes. For one example, I read Matthew 7:7 and on that page I kept it simple, I wrote the phrase “Knock and it will be opened to you” and along with it , I drew the Alice in wonderland doorknob. Another favorite is Mark 1:12-13 and with that verse I went more detailed and I drew red riding hood and the wolf in the forest. Now every time I see something that reminds me of wolves or hear the story of red riding hood, I remember that verse and how it makes me feel. Along with that, you are surrounded by others and get to make bonds and memories with people you know or are getting to know. I feel it is a very creative and different way to learn about the bible and be involved with others. It’s a fun, relaxed learning environment, which helps us be more open minded to trying something new. Everyone is wired differently and therefore learns differently. I am very blessed and thankful for the ones who introduced me to be creative with and in the bible to build my understanding of God’s plan.
Jen Neely is our Preschool Assistant Director. She enjoys cooking, being artsy, and raising her three amazing children.