by Amanda H., Bible Journaler
I love to Bible journal. I find myself these days spending any spare time I have, sitting at my table thirsting for time in his word. Ever since I discovered Bible journaling, I have a hunger for God’s word like I have never had before. I am so thankful for this community and for what it has taught me. I have many journaling Bibles but the one I always reach for these days is my NLT Reflections Bible. I have the hardcover cloth, teal version. This is actually my second one that I’ve had. The first one, I sent off as a Traveling Bible to be journaled in by ladies all over the United States and eventually gifted to a family who lost their daughter to cancer. It was such a special gift!
Bible journaling is a way for me to connect with my Savior. It’s a form of worship for me. It allows me to meditate on his word and grow creatively while I study it. When I begin my journaling process, I pray over the verse I’m journaling and ask the Lord to speak to me. I always have my worship music keyed up as well. This is another way for me to connect with him. With the music going, prayers being said, meditating on the verses, it’s an amazing time to spend being creative!! Whether it’s using stamps, watercolors, printables, acrylic paints, or distress oxides (my absolute favorites), it’s time spent in his word.
I love how the Reflections Bible has white pages because all the colors and designs just seem to pop off the pages and when you highlight the verses, it seems to show up even more. After I am finished with creating, I will usually write a small prayer, date my entry (I hope to pass my Bibles on to my family someday for them to enjoy, that’s why I date them, plus I like to look back on the entries and see where the Lord has brought me from on those days), and close with prayer. If I decide to share that particular page with social media, I’ll snap a picture sometime after. It’s time well spent, I’ve learned a new verse or revisited an old one. I’ve been able to use my creative skills and I’ve had alone time with my Savior all rolled up into one. My heart couldn’t be fuller!
The Reflections Bible has another favorite of mine, it’s in the NLT translation. When I’m reading or listening on audio to the Bible, it’s one of my favorite translations to use. It’s so easy to understand and still holds true to the original text. If you look on Tyndale.com, you can read in detail how they have translated the Bible, what process what used, ancient texts, and much more information is given. I love to read the history and know in detail about the translations I read. This is why NLT is one of my favorites.
For more inspiration from Amanda follow her on Instagram @journalingandgrace
I Bible journal, but not in my Bible.
I find that even highlighters bleed through my pages.
I journal in a different book, with blank pages.
I love this, It is God talking to me through me…does that make sense?
However, Your ideas are GREAT! and very beautifuul.
Thanks for sharing.
Try the special highlighters just for bibles. They sell them at bible stores and Christian shops. I see them all the time! And they work!!!!
Thank you for you sweet encourging words!!
That’s very nice god bless you my friend always and forever amen
Very proud of my daughter and her walk with Christ.
Thank you!!!
Does it come with large print
NLT Reflections is currently not available in Large Print. We do have a coloring and journaling Bible, Inspire that is available in large print. Thanks for the question!
Thanks Amanda, very impressive and beautiful idea. I will definitely share with my bible study group. God bless you.
Thank you and I am excited you are sharing with your Bible study group!!
Hi , It is a blessings to read of some one who is creatively loving God and I pray you continue in your journey with Him. One suggestion “in love “, maybe you want to draw pictures on another book instead of the bible itself. So that you can still read the scriptures clearly so they’re not covered up.
Thank you! This has definitely made my relationship much stronger and allowed me to grow!!
The Bibles that I use to journal creatively in are just that, journaling Bibles. I have many other Bibles that I study and read from. For this reason, I am totally ok with covering up the words. 🙂
Yes! I too have other bibles to study and read, and love having some for bible art journaling in…freely! 💝
Amanda your pages that you’ve shared, along with the heart behind them, are beautiful. Bible journaling for me is such a sweet time with the Lord centered around His Word. Keep shining for Jesus!
I am going through a troubling time right now and Your bible journaling caught my attention. I found it on my YouVersion App. I can’t say how it’s touched me but it has and I want to explore the possibility of bible journaling for myself. Pray for me please.