Several years ago, I jumped in with both feet when the whole Bible journaling craze began. As soon as I discovered it, I was hooked. It combined my desire for Scripture with my passion for creativity. I loved it! I taught several classes for family, friends and even at a few churches. I taught regular classes on Periscope along with doing live journaling about once a week. I wrote several articles about my new hobby. To this day, the two most popular posts on my blog are from that time: How Start Bible Journaling and The Best Bible Journaling Supplies.
After writing these posts and teaching all of those classes, it didn’t take me long to completely stop.
At first, I thought it was because I got busy. Then, I thought maybe it was because I was putting more into my art shop. It wasn’t until recently that I figured out what made me quit.
First, I found I was becoming more concerned with the art instead of the Word. The whole reason I started Bible journaling was to get into the Word and really immerse myself in Truth. While I was doing that through prayer, meditation and then creating art, I slowly became more concerned with the art than with the Word.
Second, I began the slow descent of comparing myself to others around me. I was consumed with looking at other Bible journaling art, what others were doing and creating and then measuring myself against them. Not a great place to live when the whole idea was to find freedom in the Word!
More recently, I realized another reason I stopped. I wasn’t learning… I wasn’t digging into the Scripture and finding the deeper meaning, the connections and the Truths that God was trying to teach me. It became more of a surface learning. It was shallow rather than growing roots.
Now, I will be honest, and say I learned a tremendous amount from that season, and much of it stuck with me. I still have my Journaling Bible and occasionally, I will pull it out and flip through it. Recently, I have even thought about creating in it again. I need to think (and pray) about it more and determine my motivation behind it, mostly I think I want to do it because it feels so unfinished to me. Perhaps it will fit back into my journey at some point. We shall see!
I’m also not writing this to convict you and tell you that it isn’t right for you. If you are enjoying it and experiencing growth from this practice, then keep at it my friend! I don’t want to be the one to discourage you.
Last month, I found something new and exciting that I am trying out during my study/quiet time. A sweet friend from church introduced me to her version of Bible Journaling. I asked her to give us a glimpse at her Bible and she agreed! She will be here on the blog next week and I can’t wait to share her ideas with you! Read that now.
Until then, I would love to hear from you. Have you done Bible Journaling? Are you still doing it? Did you stop? Why?
P.S. If you know someone who would enjoy this blog, please share with them!
Vickie H
I understand exactly what you are saying. I have all the supplies and a Pinterest board at my ready. I decided to finish other projects and books I need to finish reading first. I plan to use bible journaling as a small addition to a verse that stands out in my spiritual walk. I did feel the challenge to do the art as well as the beautiful work I have seen. I am not an artist by any stretch. I appreciate your genuine sharing. How kind of you ♡ Blessings on you !
Lynnette Cretu
Thank you for your kind words Vickie. The important thing is for us to be in the Word and spending time with Him. Not getting caught up in the “right” or “wrong” way of doing it. I hope you find “your” way! Hugs and Abundant Blessings, Lynnette
Nancy
Very interesting. When i saw the beautiful journaling you were doing i felt incapable to do it due to my lack of talent. Reflection is key to all we do in life.
Lynnette Cretu
We were all created differently, we need to study the Word in a way that works for us! Yes, the reflection was good for me!
Janice
Hmmm. I never heard of bible journaling. I suppose it would take up a lot of time, like you said, away from actually studying the Word. Curious about the new ideas you will be sharing next time.
Lynnette Cretu
I hope you like the new ideas my friend shared this week. We have to do things our way for sure!
Nancy Suderman
Thank you, Lynette!! I feel the same as you! I’m not good with creating in my Bible, but I love to paint elsewhere. I got a short burn to journal in it…it was short lived. I could easily get obsessed with it..but I wasn’t getting my devotions done, without distractions of, “Oh, I need to make a picture here”, as I read my Bible. It was eating time that I normally read, not draw or paint. I like keeping it separate, so I focus on one or the other. Mine didn’t last long, and thats just okay! But it did start me making an art journal, and thats been fun. Thank you for your honesty. I gave my “quit” no thought, until now, when I read yours. Bless you!!
Nancy
Lynnette Cretu
I’m so glad you could identify with this Nancy. It is so important to do our own thing! We are called to walk our journey… not someone else’s! Hugs and Abundant Blessings, Lynnette