Karla's Korner

Bible Journaling Tutorial - Joshua 1 - Be Brave

 

 

Have I ever told you how I grew up being afraid of just about everything? Seriously. I know first hand... in so many ways... how fear can rob of us of the joy of living the life God created us to live! Fear of people. Fear of being hurt... physically and emotionally. Fear of heights. Fear of drowning. Fear of the unknown. And the list goes on. And then I met the Lord Jesus and He wouldn't let me stay hidden and defeated in my fear... and He still doesn't. Being brave... and overcoming our fears isn't a one time deal... but it is a one size fits all because it's all about trusting and believing that the One True God... in all His glory... is truly with us wherever we go... and big enough to handle whatever comes our way! Not saying it's easy... but with God's Promises and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit... oh so doable!

And that's why I loved Bible journaling Joshua 1:9... it's one of my favorite go-to verses... and want to share my process of it with you!

I gotta say... I love the versatility of the new Word Art and Washi Digital Collection... so fun! So the first thing I did was to print mine on full page sticker paper to make it easy to create with. (See supply list below for resources)

I then placed the "be brave" sticker right next to the verse... Joshua 1:9.

**STICKER TIP... if you have a hard time peeling off the backing try using your x-acto knife to score a line through the backing... taking care not to cut through the front paper. 

I used the blank heart sticker to write in the reason I can be brave... because God is with me wherever I go!

I added a little strip of flower sticker washi across the bottom of the page.

And for a creative touch... I cut a wiggle strip and triangle from the green dotted washi to make the arrow!

To finish off this step I added some line work and curly swirls with my micron 005 pen.

The page was calling for more of something across the top so I added some quick and easy circles with my micron pen and colored them with my Prismacolor pencil #PC917.

I used my red Prismacolor #PC923 to add some soft shading along the left of my circles which really makes them glow!

And lastly... I added a touch of color to JOSHUA with Prismacolor #PC9889 which pulls some of the green over from the wiggly arrow for a nice balance.

Perfect page for tucking my little "trust God" paperclip... and a great encouragement for us all today don't you agree?

So... whatever fear you're facing today hear the Lord speaking to your heart even now... "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

 

(Please note this post does contain affiliate links. Your cost is the same,
but your purchases via these links help support my work 
and allows me to keep offering FREEBIES!  Thank you for your support!)

•••Supplies & Resources•••

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible
Word Art & Washi Digital Collection
Avery Full Sheet Labels Ink Jet Sticker Paper
Sakura Micron 005 Pen
Prismacolor Premier Pencils

xoxo

Word Art Paper Clip Tutorial

I first saw a tutorial on how to make these adorable little paper clips...
perfect for Bible Journaling or Planners... over on Illustrated Faith.

It was love at first sight...
and I knew that one day I would have to make my own! 

Well... that day came right after I designed this sweet
Word Art and Washi Collection and realized... 

the small 1" squares are the PERFECT size for these little sweeties!
I not only LOVE how they look sticking out of the top of my Bible...
but more importantly I love how you can clip them to particular pages
with related verses! Makes it quick and easy to turn to the perfect verses
when you need an encouraging word!

I had so much fun making mine...
I wanted to share with you how you can make them for yourself...
or make them to give as gifts... they're really quite easy!

The supplies you'll need:

The smallest squares cut from my new Word Art Collection here.

A 1" circle punch... you can find one here if you don't have one.
1" Epoxy adhesive backed dots... if you can't find them local try here.
Paperclips... I already owned mine...from Office Max but similar to these 
or you could use the large gold ones here.
Scraps of colorful fun scrapbook paper
Avery Glue Stick Disappearing Color... got mine here.
And a glue gun... again if you don't own one you can always find one here.

You probably have some or most of these supplies already... yay!

 

1. Print and cut the strip of 1" squares from the center of the Word Art page.

2. Punch your design with the 1" punch...
center the design in the punch by removing the plastic holder from the bottom
and holding the punch upside-down so you can clearly see the design. 

3. Punch some fun colorful 1" circles from leftover scrapbook paper
or other decorative paper.

(FYI... only the last three fit the round format and will work for this project
using the circle cutter... sorry. But... I just ordered a 1" square punch
for the other three and I'm really excited about making them too so I'll
make sure to show them to you after it comes!)

4. When you're ready... peel the epoxy dot from the backing being careful
not to touch the adhesive. Don't remove the epoxy dot from the backing sheet
until you're ready to use it as they do pick up dust and dirt easily.  

I found it easiest to hold the punched paper in my left hand so I could center
the epoxy dot perfectly on top but you might find it
just as easy to do it on a flat work surface. Find out what works best for you.

Press the epoxy sticker firmly onto the paper working out any bubbles.

 5. Use just a dot of hot glue to adhere the paperclip to the back.

 

 6. Next glue the scrapbook paper circles to the backs so you're Word Art Clip
will look clean and fun from any direction!

I tried different glues and found the Avery Glue Stic worked the best for me.
I love that I can see it as I'm putting it down and any excess dries clear.

Make sure to hold the paper firmly against the back...
especially pressing firmly around the sides of the paperclip until it adheres.

7. Pick your favorite verses relating to these three Word Art phrases
and clip these cuties to your pages for a fun look and a quick reference!

So adorable... don't you agree?  If you do...
and you would like to win this set for yourself... or to give as a gift...
just leave a comment below and tell me two things:

1. Do you think you'll be making these yourself?

2. Which one is your favorite?

Next Monday morning I'll choose a random winner
and let you know who it is!! YAY!

xoxo... Karla

 

(Please note this post does contain affiliate links. Your cost is the same,
but your purchases via these links help support my work 
and allows me to keep offering FREEBIES!  Thank you for your support!)

 

 

Stars and Stripes Free Coloring Page and More...

 

 

Having company over for your Fourth of July celebration? Needing a little hands-on project for the kiddos... or maybe even for the grown-up girls?  Here's a little Stars and Stripes Coloring Page that will hopefully be a added blessing to your family and friends get together!

Download your FREE Coloring Page here.

This was a fun design to color but I must admit... I had to think it through because of using such a limited color selection.

The colors I chose were both Prismacolor Premiers and a few Faber-Castel Polychromos ... I love the quality and richness of their colors!

Red... PC923 Scarlet Lake
Browns... PC944 Terra Cotta (for shading the red and in her hair) and PC945 Sienna Brown
Yellows... FC9201-108 Dark Cadmium and PC1034 Goldenrod
Flesh... PC997 Beige
Blues... FC9201-149 Bluish Turquoise and FC9201-246 Prussian Blue

But seriously... the color palette is simple so play with whatever you have handy... including crayons... or print it on watercolor paper and play with paints!  Just have fun!!

I would love to see photos of your Stars and Stripes coloring... either your finished piece or a photo of the kids or girls around the table coloring... so please take a pic and tag it with #starsandstripescoloring and @karladornacher so I can check out your coloring fun!

 

I've been sharing a bit on FB and IG already this week about how much 4th of July means to me... not only only as a holiday but it always reminds of how thankful I am for how Jesus has set me free to be the woman He designed me to be... and it's also my youngest granddaughter's birthday! So... I just knew I needed to stop and create a Bible Journaling page around this theme!

I don't normally use stickers for my Bible Journalling but I must admit it was kinda fun... especially because I was playing with my newest digital collection "Set Free"... designed to celebrate the freedom we have living here in the USA and... even more importantly... the freedom we have in Christ.

Jesus tells us, as His disciples, that we will know the truth and the truth will set us free... and I know that personally in so many areas of my own life... and I'm guessing so do you! There is such a joy in knowing that we can live a life "set free" from the lies of the past... the lies of the enemy... and walk in the freedom Christ died to give us!

So I printed this little collection on sticker paper... cut out the pieces and placed them on my page... so easy! I chose the pinwheel simply because it reminds me of being a little girl and twirling around watching the pinwheel spin in the wind... a memory of being care-FREE and happy in the moment... a similar feeling to being care-FREE and happy in Jesus today!!

You can check out this new "Set Free" Collection in my shop here

Happy Fourth of July my friends!  
Celebrate... Give Thanks... and Party on!!  xoxo

(Please note this post does contain affiliate links. Your cost is the same, but your purchases via these links help support my work and allows me to keep offering FREEBIES!  Thank you for your support!)

Are You Seeing the Whole Picture?

I have always loved how God’s Word is so visual and leads the reader to not only hear it... but to see it as well. Some verses, of course, are more visual than others and Psalm 1 is a perfect example. We can all visualize a tree and we all know what leaves and fruit look like so we have a good place to start… but sometimes, as we take the time to meditate on a verse, God coaxes us to think outside the box… to “see" a little more than we did at first. I believe God often wants us to show us more than we're seeing and tell us more than we're hearing... if we will only take the time to hear His voice and see what He wants show us.

I love every time I have the opportunity to share with others about why my Psalm 1 illustration has been dubbed the “fruit cocktail” tree. In this Psalm God says we will bear fruit… and what came to mind as I pondered verse 3 was that we, as believers in Christ, bear the fruit of Spirit which we know is multi-faceted… love, peace, joy, and so much more. But we also bear the delightfully multi-colored fruit of our labor in respect to using our gifts, talents, and abilities for God’s glory. Because we are all created to be unique individuals, the fruit we bear through our good works will be as unique and varied as we are… therefore, a “fruit cocktail” tree.

Also, where this verse says "in everything we do, we prosper, I thought about what God’s perspective of prosperity might look like beyond financial gain or material blessing, and the imagery of the two birds and a nest came to mind. They symbolize the idea of our greatest prosperity being the spiritual heritage we pass down to our children, our neighbors, and so many others, through the fruit we bear and the lives we live.

So as you illustrate God's Word... whether in your Journaling Bible or a notebook... be encouraged to take the time to meditate on God’s Word and allow Him time to stir your heart and open your spiritual eyes to see more... and create outside the box.

And if drawing isn't your means of expression, I am delighted to share this Color-Your-Own Version of my Psalm One Tree in my Etsy shop here.

As you spend time coloring, allow your heart time to reflect on God's Word, the fruit of the Spirit, or your own fruitfulness. Consider how your talents, gifts, and abilities feed and nourish the people God has placed in your life and how their fruit feeds you as well.

Or... tuck a portion of the printed coloring sheet under a page in your Journaling Bible and use it as a Traceable! I'm already thinking of several verses it might work well with including Galatians 5:22... the fruit of the Spirit!

I hope this has been an encouragement to you... and may the Lord continue to bless you and coax you to think outside the box in your own creative worship time!

The Fragrance of Christ...

This was a fun Garden Blessings Coloring Book page to color. It made me think of spring, cheerful colors, chirping birds, and my favorite early blooming flowers... especially those that tickle my nose with their fragrant delight... lilacs being my favorite! 

We are all attracted to things that smell good, aren't we? But I have discovered that certain things that smell really sweet to me can be almost repulsive to others... such as my favorite Stargazer Lilies! In fact, some of my friends, not only don't like the smell, but even the fragrance of their potent blooms as it fills the air can make them physically sick. So sad.



But the same is true with the sweet fragrance of Christ.  

When we give our lives to Christ and allow Him to live in us and through us... we will... or at least should... smell like Jesus in the world. The more sold-out we are... the sweeter the smell. First to God. Then to those around us. Wherever we live... wherever we go... the fragrance of Christ fills the atmosphere.  Sweet like lilacs to those who are being saved and... maybe more like Stargazer Lilies among those who are perishing... especially those with serious allergic reactions to Christlikeness. Some will run. Some will hide. Some will become angry that we even wafted our fragrance in their direction. I've seen a few of those in my day and it's not pretty. 

So coloring this page has made me think personally about my life and how I smell. Not just outwardly to other people... because we can fake that if we need to. But it made me think about how I am called the fragrance of Christ to God first and foremost. So I thought about how I smell inwardly where only God can see and get a sniff... my heart, my attitudes, and my motives in doing good. I don't want to smell good just so the world will like me... but I want my aroma to be sweet because my heart is right and because I want Jesus to be able to make Himself known to those around me... as He lives in me and through me... through my faith, my love and my words.

I do want to smell good... and hopefully sweet... but I know I'm not perfect by far so on those days when I have pity parties or am short with my husband or frustrated in traffic... I know I stink. But God knows my heart. And He hears my prayers... and forgives me when I realize I've stunk and I'm sorry. I don't want to stink and He knows it. And He knows neither do you. But we just do sometimes. And that's why "Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice of God."  He was the first, and most beautiful, sweet-smelling fragrance to God... and because of Him we can be too. I love this!

So together in the Lord, let's you and I fill the heavens and the earth... more and more every day... with the sweet aroma of Christ!

I'm sure by now you've heard how coloring can be very therapeutic... but for many of us, especially as believers in Christ, we know that coloring is not just about fun color palettes, layering techniques, and lowering our blood pressure, is it? Although we love those blessings that coloring can give us... we know that it's even more profitable... in the same respect as Bible Journaling... when we enjoy our coloring as a precious time of drawing closer to God, hearing His voice through the words on the page, and allowing the truth of whatever verse we're coloring to touch our hearts and make us think about who God is, who we are to Him, and what He desires for our lives. And I hope that's what coloring is for you.

The "Fragrance of God" coloring page I colored here, can be found in the Garden Blessings Coloring Book as a digital download here or the print version here. 

Sending love and God-hugs your way...

Bible Journaling - Using Color-Your-Own Bookmarks As Tracers

 

It's crazy to realize that it's been almost a year since I last blogged!  So many times I've wanted to start again... but the longer I waited the more intimidating it became! But... I cannot procrastinate any longer and am sincerely thankful for those friends who have emailed and messaged me, encouraging me to please blog again... so here I am.

I shared a little on my FB Page about how I used my own Color-Your-Own Bookmarks as Traceables or tracers in my Bible Journaling and wanted to follow up on that here and give this information a more permanent home.

Sometimes I enjoy creating my Scripture art in my journal or graph paper notebook or even on scraps of paper rather than directly in my Bible as it gives me the opportunity to play with the words and art without worrying about messing it up. Once I'm happy with the design, there are times I will simply translate my sketch right onto the page of my Bible in pencil, but I have also found I like being able to ink my design first and then use it as a TEMPLATE or TRACEABLE instead. 

At first I wasn't sure I liked how thin the pages were in my Crossway ESV Single Column Journaling Bible but now I love that they are thin enough to trace through! You can see in the photo above, I simply placed the printed bookmark under the page and used a tiny touch of washi tape to hold it in place. If you look closely you can see the faint outline of a flower just to the left of the little birdies beak.  

During different times of the day, I've also found that's it's helpful to slip my light pad under the page to help these poor old eyes see even better and easier... so you might want to give it a try if you need to.  I personally have a Artograph 930 Light Pad ;but I know women who are using their phones or tablets or ipads as a makeshift light table and it works wonderfully. I'll have to try it myself one of these days and let you know how it works for me.

 The great thing about using the bookmarks as Traceables is that you can leave out as much detail as you like... or add in more of your own personal touches as I did here. I loved being able to add the extra lines and leaves on this one... allowing the design to dance out into the open spaces... dancing to the music of verse! In fact, you can easily use art elements... such as hearts and flowers... from one bookmark design with a totally different verse and have fun with it!

However you choose to Bible Journal... whether using Traceables, freehand it, or paint with a mixed media scrapbook style... the point is to spend time with the Lord... not only to be creative but to pray and meditate on God's Word and allow it to speak to our souls as we hide it in our hearts... and I'm sure you agree!  In this case... my Bible Journaling of this verse was a sweet time of being reminded that God's banner over me... and over us... is truly one of everlasting and unconditional love.

Here is my finished page. Colored with Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils I love this verse and the design. I can't help but smile every time I look at it and think about how much God loves me... and you!

So have you used this technique yourself? If not, you might want to give it a try. It's a great way to work on developing your own artistic and lettering style! And the bookmarks... once you've done your tracing... make great encouraging gifts to pass along to your family and friends... or use for your Sunday School or Bible Study Group!

This particular Bible Journaling Bookmark came from this "His Banner Over Me" Collection. To check it out and see all my other Color-Your-Own Bookmarks, you can visit my Etsy Shop here.

Thank You Lord for loving us... and giving us Your Word to teach us, lead us, and encourage our hearts today and always... in Your Name and for Your glory! xoxo

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission on any purchases you make using these links which helps support my art and the freebies I love to give you!

Four Easter Verses for Bible Journaling and New Bookmarks...

Can you believe Easter is only three weeks away? 
The most holy of our holidays is right around the corner and even though
I don't officially celebrate Lent, I do try to spend time preparing my heart.

I've been enjoying the last few weeks reading and Bible journaling through a
few of my favorite Easter passages. Grieved by the sorrow of Christ's suffering
and overwhelmed by the joy of His resurrection... once again... my heart
is filled with awe and wonder and a fresh sense of gratitude for the glorious.

I chose verses that specifically focused on Jesus and the Resurrection
because that's what Easter really is all about.
No bunnies in this collection... only the cross and joy of His resurrection. 

Spending time reading and Bible Journaling through these passages led me
through an array of emotions as my heart broke all over again watching Jesus
suffer and die for my sins, felt deep sorrow as I stood beside His mom not 
able to imagine her pain, and yet so amazingly joyful as I saw Him appear
to the women at the tomb, the two men on the Road to Emmaus and others!

Christ laid down His life so we could have a living hope through faith in Him...
faith in Who He is, what He's done for us, and who He has called us to be!  
So much to celebrate!

Our family celebration will be a relatively small one in numbers this year
but never small in gratitude for what the Lord has done for us
through His great mercy and love!

 There are other passages and verses you could choose but for me I chose...

   • Luke chapters 22-24... journaled verse 34
   • John chapter 11... journaled verse 25
   •1 Corinthians chapter 15.... journaled verses 3,4
   •1 Peter chapter 1... journaled verse 3 

With only 3 weeks before Easter, I hope you will take some time
to soak in His Word and worship Him through your life...
through music, art, journaling, praying, and giving...
through mothering, mentoring, working... loving and simply living!

I'm thrilled to let you know that the new Easter Bible Journaling designs
are now a new Easter Celebration Bookmark/Bible Journaling Tag Collection!
You can find them as an Instant Digital Download on Etsy here.

I hope you know how much it blesses me to be able to bless you in this way!

Because you can print as many as you like for personal or ministry use,
consider using them to:

• Tuck in an Easter Basket or lunchbox or snail mail.

• Glue in the margin of your own Journaling Bible or for scrapbooking.

• Give to your Women's Ministry, Sunday School Class, or Bible Study Group.

• Pass out at your local Retirement or Nursing for a special treat.

And last but not least...
the COLOR YOUR OWN version of the Easter Bible Bookmarks!

I am so excited to tell you that I recently realized you can use
the COLOR YOUR OWN Bible Bookmarks as Bible Journaling
TEMPLATE TRACERS! (I am so smiling right now!)
You may have already known that but I just recently discovered it for myself!

Just slip them under the page you want to journal and trace away!
The great thing is you can choose to trace as much or as little as you like!
Trace only a portion of the art or the whole thing! 
Use them to practice your own hand-lettering skills too!

You might think about using the COLOR YOUR OWN version to:

• Tuck in an Easter Basket along with a box of color crayons
or add to a lunchbox or snail mail.

• Color and glue in your own Journaling Bible or use as a Template Tracer
to slip under your Bible page... and simply trace and create.

• Do as a project for your Sunday School Class or Bible Study Group.

• Pass out at your local Retirement or Nursing along with some
candies and crayons for a special treat.

• Invite your friends for a COLOR YOUR OWN Party and then mail
your finished creations to someone in the military or other ministry.

You can find the COLOR YOUR OWN version here.

So whether you art journal or not...
my prayer is that the time you spend in the Word and with the Lord
this Easter season will draw you closer to Him and
fill your heart with overwhelming love, joy and hope eternal! 

xoxo
Karla

Bible Journaling Inspired Painting... and so much more

My studio has been a busy place and I'm LOVING it!

I have really been enjoying Bible Journaling these last few weeks and the designs that have flowed out of this creative and reflective time spent with the Lord have not only deeply spoken to my heart but also inspired me to transform one of these designs into a painting on canvas! 

The above Bible page was my inspiration...

and I LOVE how it turned out... including the scallops along the sides! 

The painting measures 8"x24" so will be a bit of challenge to offer as a frameable print but am hoping to have some mounted prints in the days to come if anyone is interested.

Valentine's Day is almost here!

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays... nowhere near Christmas and Thanksgiving and Easter mind you... but I do love it. Not because I get showered with flowers and candy and gifts (my sweetheart is not a romantic)... but because of the imagery and the colors!  I love hearts. I love sweetness.  And above all... I love LOVE.

So to share the love... and help you share the love... I created this charming little collection of Valentine Friends Forever INSTANT DOWNLOAD Printables. So whether you wrap up some candies for the Sunday School kids, cut up some bookmarks for your Bible Study gals, or just use the art for scrapbooking or list making... these little birdies are sure to bring a sweet smile to your heart just in time for Valentine's Day!

NEW Scripture Bookmarks/Bible Journaling Tags

Bible Journaling my way through the book of Luke has been a spiritual treat!

As I read two open pages at a sitting, I ask the Lord to speak to me through one verse in particular and whichever one speaks loudest... that's the one I choose to journal.

The first set of Bible Journaling Bookmarks was a huge hit... but they were all very positive and uplifting so I can understand why. Most of the verses in this NEW Luke 6-9 Bookmarks collection however tend to be more convicting, teaching or admonishing rather than blessing so it will be interesting to see how popular they are... even though they all have such power to change one's life. 

I do think that Luke 7:50 would be perfect for giving to a new believer as a gift of affirmation and encouragement... and the others might be great for specific Bible study groups. But bottom line... my blessing is to hear from God and respond with worship and creativity. After that... I simply offer them up to the Lord and to others and He takes it from there!

By request... Core Values Bookmarks and Card Art...

I've always loved this art... such a fun and creative way to share the core values of godly living. I can't even tell you how many prints of this image I've sold to teachers but I'm blessed to know it's hanging on lots of walls in lots of schools... Christian and secular... around the country! 

I had already started the re-design into these Core Values Scripture Bookmarks when I got a request for them, so it was a no-brainer to stop and take the time to finish them up and make them available. I do hope they are a resource and blessing to some of you as well.

 
A few words to ponder...

Above all... put on love! Perfect verse for this month of love and romance!

But Valentine's Day can be so highly over rated... at least in my book. Like I said earlier... my sweetheart is not a romantic and for years it would momentarily break my heart on those Valentine's days when I did not get the flowers and chocolates other women got. 

And then one day while I was still working an office job, a huge bouquet of red roses was delivered to the front desk... my desk. But they weren't for me. They were for the young woman whose desk was nearby. My heart sunk. And then God reminded me of all the fights I had heard between this woman and her husband... the words of abuse they threw at each other... the infidelity... the lack of respect. In that moment I heard that gentle voice of the Lord asking me if I would choose chocolate and roses one day of the year over 365 of the kind of love that Michael and I have... the kind of love that is patient, kind, considerate, faithful and all the rest? Not hard to answer that one.

But of course... I wanted both. And these days I do get both. But after almost 44 years of marriage I am much more thankful for the kind of love that God has given us for one another... unconditional and everlasting.

Which is really good for me since I am the crazy artist kind who has the ability drive a man nuts without even trying!! Bless his heart.

So let's make this Valentine's day more about finding ways to share God's love in a way that lasts more than a day... but instead... letting His love for us so fill our hearts that it can't help but spill over... blessing others and bringing glory to the Lord all year long!

HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY
with love...
From God... and me!

Out of the Abundance...

This week's Bible Journaling verse was such a blessing to my heart! I love how the design of the heart turned out for sure.  The mouth... not so sure but it was still a very fun verse to play with. But... of course... it was about so much more than the art!

At first, it caused me to examine my heart and think about my words and to be honest... I was convicted in a couple of areas. One was gossip... and the other... as always... was about how I talk to myself. Both are ugly. Both are hurtful. But conviction is good... because now I am being more attentive to both. 

Oh does the mouth ever speak! But even though this verse very much applies to my life today... and the constant challenge it is to keep an ear to the words I speak both to myself and to others... the truth is that as I pondered this verse... my heart was filled with gratitude. It reminded me from whence I've come and how much God has changed my heart and my words.

When I tell people about the kind of words that came out of my mouth before I came to know the Lord... I usually get this wide-eyed look of surprise... maybe a little gasp... and a whole lot of disbelief. Oh yes. And I wasn't just a potty mouth... it was so much worse. I was a young woman who was so filled with pain, anger, bitterness and even hatred... that all that emotion kept spewing out my mouth... out of control... outbursts of anger and jealousy and rage... hurting the people I loved the most. My heart still cringes and cries when I think about the person I was.

And then I met Jesus...

Did the words I spoke change overnight? No. But my heart did... from the very first moment He came to live within me it began to change... to heal... to find peace... to discover joy. His light broke into my darkness. His abundance began to permeate my heart! His unconditional love filled the immense emptiness. His truth began to replace the lies I grew up with. His forgiveness filled and overflowed my heart... forgiveness for my sins and for those who had so terribly wounded the fragile child who lived within me.

And I've never been the same since.

So even though I know this verse can be convicting... and it should be... for today... for me... with tears of joy and gratitude... it reminds me of how much God has done in my life... and how blessed I am. It also stirs within me a longing for so much more of His abundance to fill my heart... overflowing love... so that the words I speak will be words of life and not death. Love and not hate. Truth and not lies. Building up not tearing down. I want always to speak words of hope and encouragement... and not just to others but to me too... to that fragile child that still lives within me... because I need to hear those words too.

And so do you.

Thank you all so much for loving me and allowing me the opportunity to share my heart here. Sorry this was so long... but I do hope you are encouraged to want more of God's abundance in your life too. Believing Him for it together!

BIBLE JOURNALING FOOTNOTE...

 

For those of you who might be interested in Bible Journaling... I always start with a pencil sketch... sometimes in my molesking journal or graph paper sketchbook and sometime in directly in my ESV Single Column Journaling Bible published by Crossway.  I then ink my design with Micron Pens starting with the 005 fine line marker. I then gently erase the pencil lines and begin to add fun details and thicks lines with the larger point microns. This verse was colored with Prismacolors colored pencils and a white Gel Pen for highlights.  

Thanks again for the visit... sending Love and God-hugs your way...

NEW Bible Journaling Bookmarks

Some of you who follow me on FB have requested I illustrate a Bible you can buy. Oh my... I love you my friends... but that request just makes me chuckle!  Do you know how many pages there are in just the New Testament? It would sure be a fun and creative project but I'm not sure I will live that long. LOL! 

But... you've also requested Bookmarks... and that one I can do... and did!! So here ya go... my first set of four Bible Journal Bookmarks and all from the book of Luke... available here!  You can print as many as you like for personal or ministry use. You can also adhere them to your own ESV Journal Bible for a perfect fit... or for scrapbooking or in your Documented Faith journal.

I've also redrawn them as "Color Your Own" Bookmarks for those of you who would like to add your own personal touch of color! Also great for the kiddos to color and reflect on God's Word as well... and maybe even give as gifts to their friends, family or teachers. You can find these here.

Hope you enjoy them... and God bless!

Illustrated Faith... Bible Journaling Inspiration

Good morning!

The response to my FB posts about my #BibleJournaling and my newly found #IllustratedFaith community has been so encouraging! Lots of love and also a few repeated questions... so I promised that this morning I would share a little of my Bible Journaling journey with you and the supplies I use... so here we are.

To be honest... I've been doodling and note-taking in my Bible for as long as I can remember... it just didn't have a name. When I saw a few months ago where Shanna Noel was calling it #IllustratedFaith... I seriously think my heart leapt! A perfect name for it!  Of course, my early Bible Journaling was much more random... sometimes the highlights from Sundays sermon... other times specific thoughts that the Lord gave me as I was reflecting on His Word... sometimes just a doodle.

Today... with my new Journaling Bible in hand... I read two pages at a time while praying and asking the Lord to speak to my heart. That verse that stands out above all others is the one I choose to design and hand-letter. The joy of doing it this way for me is being able to meditate and reflect on this one verse... even memorizing it... as I move through the process from sketch to finished color.

I've been reading and studying from the same NIV Bible for over 30 years... WOW... so you can just imagine what it looks like... well-worn to the point of literally falling apart! So when I discovered this new Bible designed with wide side margins for journaling I knew it was time to lay aside the old for something new.

After doing my homework, I chose the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible published by Crossway. I already own lots of study Bibles in different translations and versions... but my go-to Bible has always been my NIV with no study aids at all. Sadly I couldn't find a journaling Bible I liked in my version of choice but I'm getting used to and loving the ESV now... so all is well!

There are as many different styles of art journaling as there are women and personalities... and so it should be! If you are Bible journaling or thinking about it... just stay true to yourself! Be inspired by others but always do what makes your own heart sing! I hope mine will inspire you but don't feel like you have to look like me. If you love scrapbooking... go for it! If you want to simply highlight verses or write down Sunday's sermon notes or what God is speaking to your heart... just do it!

Mine... at least for now... is all about hand-lettering and design. That's who I am. That's what I love to do... and it makes my heart happy.

Bottom line... it's not about the style you choose... but it's about using your journaling as an instrument of worship... time spent reflecting on and responding to God's love for you and your love for Him... allowing His Word to soak into your soul during your Bible journaling moments. First and foremost it's between you and your Lord. Amen.

So regarding tools... I'm pretty simple really. I start with a normal #2 pencil, Kneaded Eraser, and of course... those cute little handy dandy close up glasses I can't live without these days. If you're not familiar with a kneaded eraser... it's soft and pliable and can be formed into shapes that allow you to erase fine lines and small space. It's also fun to play with... you just keep kneading it like bread and it envelops your graphite into itself... keeping it clean as you go along. I like it for Bible Journaling because the pages are fragile and this eraser is gentle but effective.

I generally do a light sketch first... either directly on the page or in my gridded sketchbook and then on the page.  I look for key words and divisions in the verse that allow me to break it up into pieces... which is also beneficial when you're meditating on a verse as well. I then play with ways to highlight them with banners or borders, etc.

Once I like the layout... I use my Micron Pens to ink over my sketch... starting with the 005... and then erase the pencil lines and begin to add the fun details with the larger point microns. I also use a white Gel Pen to add highlights and whiten up certain words to make them pop.

Then it's all about the color. Even though I'm excited about trying watercolors and markers in the future... I'm just having way to much fun with colored pencils right now. So my favorite colored pencils are Prismacolors because they are soft, the colors are clear and rich, and they layer and blend beautifully.

This is my favorite color palette at the moment. Aren't they gorgeous? And perfect for layering colors until I get the effect I'm loving.

TIP: One thing I have discovered is that I can tend to press a little too hard with the colored pencils thus leaving indentations on the page below so I've started slipping a piece of cardstock in between the pages at this stage.

I might add a little more white gel pen as a finishing touch... and ta-da... I have my finished design and more importantly... I have had some wonderful time delighting in the Lord and in His Word. 

And since my word for this year is "CHANGE" and we are transformed by the renewing of our minds... I'm trusting the Lord to do a good work in my heart and life throughout this year as I spend this extra time with Him.

Well... I know this has been a long post but I hope you've enjoyed it.  For more inspiration and information about Bible Journaling just google Bible Journaling and maybe even join the Journaling Bible Community on FB... I'm already there. 

Love you and bless you... in the Name of Jesus!