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Getting Started...

Why we journal

  • It allows us to meditate on God's word and the revelations he has given us

  • To build relationship with God

  • As an expression of our faith and convictions

  • Knowing why you are journaling should free you from needing to have a perfect 'pretty' page
     

Benefits of journaling

  • More time in God's word

  • It can be a less threatening way to view God's word for un-saved friends and family

  • Easy way to share your revelations with others including children

  • Let's you see a snapshot of what God was speaking to you in the past (if you date work)

 

Barriers that some feel towards journaling

  • I can't draw

  • I'm scared of making mistakes

  • What if I wreck the bible
     

I can't draw
You don't need to be able to draw. There are ways to get around it.
I use the following methods:

  • Google images - once I know what I want to draw, I use google images to find a picture, you can add the words "draw/hand drawing/ line drawing/ clip art/cartoon/silhouette" to the Google search to help you find an image that you can copy. (e.g sandal drawing)

  • Trace - print the image out and trace over it or put wax proof paper or regular paper over the screen and copy, the screen will act like a light box

  • Print and stick in - you can colour it in or print it already coloured. If you want it to still look hand drawn you could print it very light and go over with your own black marker

  • You can also simply copy while looking at the image

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I'm scared of making mistakes
There is no way around it, EVERYONE makes mistakes, but here are a few ways to help you ease into journaling while you still feel nervous.

  • Practise in an exercise book or scrap paper first

  • Do your journaling on grease proof paper, fully colour and then glue it in (you can throw it out and start again if you make mistakes)

  • Map out your images and words lightly with pencil before going over in pen

  • Like with the Google images, draw out your entire image and text and put underneath your page and trace it

  • If you DO make a mistake try and embrace it and make it a part of your entry, go over the word with a flower design or stickers etc.

  • Remember even though it jumps out of the page when you look at it, others probably won't even see the flaws unless you point them out

What if I wreck the bible, how can I avoid this?

  • Practise with all new art supplies on different paper first. A dictionary is the perfect place to test out new paints etc. as the pages are a similar thickness. Alternatively, you could use the index pages at the back of your bible. Check to see if you can still see the words through the medium and if the medium bleeds through the page (you can see it on the next page)

  • Use a minimal amount of water when painting. Put a scrap paper under the page you are working on and don't close the bible or move the page until it is fully dry

  • Use washi tape to attach paper and card to your bible. Washi tape can be removed without causing damage to your page, however regular tape could rip your bible pages if you try and remove it. Journaling on cards/paper and then taping in with washi tape ensures there will be no damage done to the actual bible

  • Don't go over the text of the bible with a black pen. Most colours you will be able to see the text through, but a black pen will cover up the text

  • Use a primer. There are primers you can use for bible pages before painting. (Don't use mod Podge as it has been known to stick the pages together). When I do decide to prep my page I use Golden Acrylic Glaze. This is expensive but it is a very large bottle, so if you were wanting to buy it you could split it with a friend. However, I don't prep all my pages. If you make sure you don't add too much water to the page you should be fine. Another primers people use especially when using acrylic paint is transparent gesso, however, it does leave the page with a grainy feel.

all about me

Hi, my name is Huia Yongo. I am happily married with one child. I love writing in books and love art, so bible journaling was an awesome way to help me study God's word.

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I gave my life to Christ in 2012 and have never looked back. I always knew about Jesus from a young age, but until I gave my life to Christ I didn't know Him personally.

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