First of all, I want to list my 2015 goals here ( I prefer goals as opposed to resolutions). Not because I think you are interested in my life choices but simply as a way to hold myself accountable.
Life goals:
- Continue on my weight loss/healthier life style plan for life
- Strengthen my body and my relationships with family and God
- Join the church we've been attending regularly for two years
- Read the bible more
- Pray
- Organize, purge and refresh our house
Crafty goals:
- Use my stuff
- Join more challenges
- Organize and purge
- Try new things
Do those sound doable? I think they do. Now on to the crafty stuff.
With today's project I am blurring the lines between my life and crafty goals. Sometime late last year I ran across Shanna Noel's blog quite by accident and discovered the art of Bible Journaling. I quickly added her blog to my reader and searched on Pinterest for ideas. Oh my. So much to take in. I was excited to get started but...wait...needed a journaling bible first, then some other supplies, then Christmas happened. So, I just now got my first page completed this week. I recently joined a Facebook Group that Shanna has set up Journaling Bible. It seems to be a nice group yet it can be intimidating. There are some true artists out there. I consider myself creative but definitely not artistic. My background is scrapbooking and stamping so that is the tools I used to create this jounal entry.
I chose this page to start with because this is actually one of my favorite bible verses and, it was included on a life application message at our church on December 21. I started out by painting a thin coat of Liquitex Matte Gel Medium to curb bleed through to the back page. I then stamped the Verve Psalm 119:105 sentiment onto the page and also the candle from the Pinecone Christmas set and then colored where needed with Copic Markers. I added part of the life application message from my notes that day using some tiny letter stickers from my scrapbook stash. I highlighted the verse with Copics and then added a spritz of V12 Copic marker across the page using my old Stampin' Up Spritzer tool. Simple is normally my style anyway but I definitely went even simpler since this was my first page.
I realize that a Christian related hobby is not for everyone and I also realize that some Christians are going to consider that I am defacing the bible. But to be perfectly honest although I understand the basics of the bible I have not ever been much of a regular reader. Oh sure, certain verses strike a cord with me but to sit down and actually read and study it has been a struggle. I feel that by combining a hobby that I already love to do with the reading of God's word will help me grow spiritually (see my life goals above). Is it for everyone? No. And that is ok.
My Sale Page.
Interesting post, Nancy. Thanks for sharing. I think it's wonderful if you can use your hobby as a tool for attaining your spiritual goals. I can respect that, even if it's not for me.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy what's left of your Sunday!
Wow - how strange... or divine coincidence. Before 2015, I have never heard of Bible Journaling but once. And now this is the third mention just this month!!! And along the same line is this Truth Scrap thing which almost mentions Shanna Noel. Perhaps it's a sign I should look more deeply into it because like you, I need to read the Bible more. So glad you shared your thoughts today - and I do think we can glorify God through our craft. Which is my goal anyway. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteWow our goals are very similar and I love the idea of Bible Journaling........I have written in my bible and highlighted things that God has spoken into my heart for many years and would love to be a little more creative in how I do this. I am no artist just a simple cardmaker but very keen to have a go. I would love to see more posts Nancy and I pray that your journaling will be full of blessing for you <3
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this page. You and I have similar goals...but I'm pretty sure you will be more successful than me in completing your goals...I always try but fail miserably...smile. I always hope I can get an A for effort.
ReplyDeleteI also believe when you voice your goals it does give you more of a push to put your plans into action. I really do like your page...and I do know what you mean about writing in your bible. I was brought up with my parents telling me to NEVER do that. Now I have so much underlined and the words come through to me and touch me more.
Must check out your links...
Love this, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteI love your journal bible too, Nancy. Keep it up. :-)
ReplyDeleteSounds like great goals. Personal bibles are personal, it's up to you what you do with it and what you get out of it. I say you are more into yours than most people and I'm sure God loves what you are doing.
ReplyDelete