I
have been Bible Journaling for many years. I guess I never really
gave it a name because it was just something that I enjoyed doing.
From time to time I would draw illustrations in pencil and try to
make my bible reading experience more visual. When you see something
that you like, your eyes linger. I loved looking through the pages of
all my dad’s biochemistry books when I was younger, not because I
understood them, but because I liked to see his notes and mini
drawings in the thin margins. When I owned my own books in later
years, I started to do the same. Textbooks were okay, but it took me
a while before I felt comfortable writing in my Bible. It’s the
Word of God and I didn’t want to mess it up. I wasn’t even sure
if I was allowed! So, I started off with notes and little bits of
scrawl until in more recent times when I have expanded to bigger
illustrations. I still do these but I have become very fond of
something that I came to call Micro-Journaling.
Micro-Journaling
is a way of capturing key points of what the Word is speaking to you
about without spending lots of time trying to create a masterpiece.
It highlights the scripture without covering it over or taking away
from it in any way. At times we can become so focused on the artistic
side of bible journaling that we forget the whole point is to
document what we learn, what we see and feel, and what we come to
know about ourselves and God through scripture. Simple phrases, small
illustrations and a little bit of colour can at times be a more than
enough to help us keep things in mind. And what’s more, it’s
really easy! I discovered a lady on Instagram who uses her bible in
this way and it inspired me. When I began to do it myself, I simply
gave it the name Micro-Journaling.
I
don’t actually use a journaling Bible even though I own one; I use
an ordinary study bible to journal in. I haven’t made the
transition because the best bible to me is the one that I read the
most, regardless of translation, size or journaling space(!) Also, not
everyone is able to afford a journaling bible, so Micro-Journaling
helps you to make the most of what space you have no matter how big
or small. If however I do require more room, I paint over study notes
with white gesso to create a fresh canvas on the page. (But because I
love the study notes, I have two copies of the same bible so I can
still read them when I want to).
A
bible is a very personal thing and it is up to the individual how
they choose to document or illustrate their faith. But remember, your
bible is primarily for you and God, it isn’t for impressing people
or showing off your skills. If it becomes about that, it may be hard
when you don’t feel that your pages measure up to those that you
see on Facebook or Instagram or Pinterest…(there are so many, and
I’m sure it’s not just me who spends hours looking through them).
Micro-Journaling is a great way to incorporate all the things that
you love about bible journaling into a simple entry. It doesn’t
have to look the best, it only needs to mean something to you!
God
is constantly speaking to me about using what I have, sometimes that
is just my pen, and a couple of colouring pencils. I won’t lie, I
have a lot of art equipment, but that is because I studied art and my
business is art based, so I have acquired a lot of materials over
time. However, Micro-Journaling takes away the need for tons of
equipment and brings you back to that simple place of you and God.
The focus is not the art, but the revelation. You don’t need to
have a degree or qualification, you just need to be willing to dig
deeper into scripture.
To
get started with Micro-Journaling, let me give you a few pointers.
All you will need is a fine liner pen and your bible.
-
Read a passage of scripture or listen to a great sermon.
-
Pray that God will reveal a deeper meaning to you personally.
-
Try and condense what He shows you into a short phrase that is memorable.
-
Write the phrase next to the scripture and use small images, lines and swirls to make it stand out. (I like to use flowers as they always catch my attention).
I
would encourage you to use whatever means something to you, that
could be leaves, flowers, literal images from the passage…anything
at all! The idea is that it does not need to be elaborate; it is
simply whatever you can do. Just use what you’ve got!
Judith
Rollins
OpenBook
Print Shop
Facebook:
Judith Rollins – OpenBook Print Shop
Instagram:
@rollinwithj
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Note from Bible Art Journaling UK Admin team - thank you so much Judith for this inspirational blog post! We love your beautiful Bible tabs and journaling goodies on your Etsy shop!!! :-)
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If you don't mind me asking, what Bible do you use for your micro-journaling?
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