My Bible.. So far

I created a video with Flipagram of the pages in my Bible that I've journal so far.  I hope that you enjoy looking through it.  Below the video, I'm sharing a view thoughts that I'm having as I'm reflecting on my Bible journaling experience so far.

 

So as I looked through this video of all my Bible journaling pages, this is what I noticed:

• I don't really stick to one style of type of medium.  I like variety.  I think that's why I became an elementary art teacher.  I never really had a stand out favorite art media; I loved to do everything! 

• I gravitate to journaling in the New Testament pages the most.  I've done a few Old Testament pages, but not nearly as many.  I think that's because I'm not quite as confident in my knowledge/interpretations of the Old Testament, so that may be an area that I need to grow in over the next year. 

• I recognize the HUGE difference in the quality of my first pages compared to my most recent pages.  I felt as though I struggled much more to find an idea of how to illustrate my pages, and now my ideas generally come pretty naturally.  I think that part of that is attributed to just creating more art.  I remember when I took art classes in college, I just felt so much more creative, because I had to be in that mindset.  When I'm working with my students, I'm investing so much in myself that I don't always get to stop and create something that I want.  The other reason that I think it's getting easier to journal in my Bible is due to the amazing products that I've purchased from Illustrated Faith.  Each month, Illustrated Faith produces an amazing stamp set and devotional by an artist, which is available to purchase on their Etsy shop.  The devotionals give such encouraging words and testimonies, and the stamps allow you to create your pages a bit more quickly!  I also broke down and purchased the Illustrated Faith Genesis Kit from Bella Blvd.  The kit features some cool tools; alphabet stickers in various different colors and fonts; and stickers with words, labels and tabs.  I honestly debated buying this kit for a month, because it was a bit pricey, but once again, it has an amazing little devotional and it enables me to create a page much more quickly.  I'm thinking that I'll be using this kit much more throughout my super busy school year!

• Finally, my favorite thing as I reflect on my Bible journaling experience so far is that I have someone talk to me about my pages everyday.  And I'm not getting all excited just to be getting compliments about my art, but I'm getting excited because I'm able to worship my God and share it with others.  If you know me, then you know that I'm a quiet person.  I'm not one to vie for the spotlight and speak my mind, but my Bible journaling experience has given me a voice to talk about my faith in my own way.  I feel so honored to know that my experience is inspiring others to buy journaling Bibles, begin reading in the Word, and creating art.  God is so good, and I've felt so blessed through this journey so far. 

To close this post, I'd like to hear comments of any of my Bible pages that you'd like me to do a future post about.  I'd love to share with you my supplies, techniques and thoughts behind any of these pages!

Genesis

Genesis: the origin or coming into being of something

 

I want to take a moment today to talk about how I started my Illustrated Faith journey.  It goes back to over a year ago when my husband and I finally found a new church tome.  After not really going to church for over a year and losing my Grandfather, I was really wanting to find a church home to get reconnected with God and other believers.

 

After a bit of searching, we finally found a church in our hometown.  We attended semi-regularly for a few months and then when I started going through some tough times at work, I dug deeper into the church and we became regular Sunday attenders and then partners.  Our church is so awesome and between our pastors and members, they certainly push you to grow in your walk with Christ. 

 

Over the next few months, I grew to read the Bible daily, join a small group and start a discipleship program with an amazing lady.  I stumbled across Illustrated Faith in Instagram in early March.  I feel in love with the beautiful lettering, illustrations and art that these women were creating in their Bibles.  I let a lot of excuses keep me from getting started for a while (time, supplies, confidence, etc.).  After weeks of God working on me to help me realize that I could (HAD TO) do this, I finally bought my journaling Bible the day before Easter.  I created 2 pages that weekend and I was hooked! 

 

I really enjoyed looking for my next page to journal and gathering supplies, but I still felt like I was lacking time and confidence in my creative process.  Once summer break started, I had tons of time on my hands to play and create in my sketchbook.  I began with a lot of copying, practicing lettering, and just playing with my supplies.  For a while, I wondered if I could ever come up with my "own" designs and ideas.  Then finally one day it just happened.  I saw inspiration in the most unexpected places and found that I could just open my sketchbook and start creating without browsing through Instagram or Pinterest beforehand.

 

 

So my advice to someone thinking about taking this journey (or just getting started) is to begin!  Yes, you will make some "ugly" pages in the beginning and you will make mistakes with your supplies, but then you will hit your creative stride or find your style and it is so much fun to glorify God with your artistic talents.

 

With the next school year getting ready to start back up, I'm working on figuring out how to set aside my Bible journaling time.  I don't want to get too busy and not have time to create.  I'm hoping that with what I learned this summer and my awesome Illustrated Faith Genesis kit, I can still continue to create beautiful pages and worship God even during my busy, messy, crazy school year!