Digging Deeper

Bible journaling is a creative and interactive way to engage with scripture. It involves combining art, writing, and personal reflection to deepen your connection with God's word. I would like to guide you through the process of getting started with Bible journaling, from selecting the right materials to exploring different techniques.

Benefits of Bible Journaling:

• Deeper understanding of God's Word
• Personal Connection between you and God
• Reflection and Growth
• Creative Expression
• Engaging with Scripture

- Bible: Choose a Bible with wide margins or a journaling Bible specifically designed for this purpose such as an interleaved bible. It provides ample space for creativity.

- Art Supplies: Invest in good quality pens, colored pencils, markers, watercolors, or any other art medium you enjoy using but you may want to make sure that they don't bleed or are made for writing and highlighting in bibles. Experiment with different tools to find your preferred style.

- Sticky Notes and Washi Tapes: These can be used to temporarily mark pages or create tabs for quick reference.

- Choose a passage or verse that resonates with you. It could be a favorite verse, a passage you find challenging, or something that speaks to your current situation. You could also do bible journaling as you follow your desired bible reading plan.

- Read the passage and take time to reflect on its meaning and significance in your life.

- Consider the key themes, context, emotions, or imagery that stand out to you. This will help guide your creative process.

- Engage with the text

• Highlight words or phrases that jump out at you. Why do they stand out?
• Underline key verses that summarize main ideas or resonate with your current situation.
• Circle unfamiliar words or concepts.

- Before you begin, plan how you want to layout your page. Consider the composition, colors, and any additional elements you want to incorporate.

- Sketch a rough outline or use sticky notes to plan the placement of text, illustrations, and decorations. This will give you a visual roadmap for your journaling.

- Write down the verse or passage in your own words or in a creative style that resonates with you. You can use different fonts, calligraphy, or typography techniques.

- Reflect on the meaning of the verse and how it relates to your life. Write down your thoughts, prayers, or personal reflections in the margins or on a separate page.

- Use your chosen art supplies to add visual elements to your page. This could include illustrations, doodles, borders, or patterns that represent the theme or emotions evoked by the passage.

- Experiment with different techniques like hand lettering, watercolor washes, or collage. Don't worry about perfection; embrace the process and let your creativity flow.

- Explore online resources, books, or workshops on Bible journaling for inspiration and guidance.

- Follow social media accounts or join online communities dedicated to Bible journaling. This allows you to connect with fellow enthusiasts and learn from their experiences.

- Bible journaling is a personal journey, so don't be afraid to make it your own. Let your style and preferences shine through in your artwork and reflections.

- Remember, it's not about creating a masterpiece; it's about deepening your understanding and connection with God's word.

Bible journaling is a wonderful way to engage with scripture creatively. It allows you to combine art, reflection, and personal expression to deepen your spiritual experience. By following these steps and exploring your own creative style, you can embark on a meaningful journey of self-discovery and connection with God's word. Happy journaling!

Verse mapping is a method of studying and understanding the Bible by examining individual verses in detail. It involves analyzing the context, original language, cultural background, and cross-references of a verse to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and message. Verse mapping helps to uncover the historical and cultural context, the author's intent, and the overall message of a particular verse or passage. It can be a helpful tool for personal Bible study and interpretation.

Below you will find a free downloadable verse mapping guide and a verse mapping template to use, as well as, some additional downloads to help you with your bible studies!

Also, if you would like to purchase my Verse Mapping Journal and/or my Bible Study Workbook, you may use the links at the bottom of this page!

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me though the contact page or email lanise@lanisespeakslife.com