Like I posted last time - I am not very good keeping up with a diary - nor a blog... LOL.
Still Bible Journaling along with crochet and NOW CRICUT fun. I got one for Christmas and now my art skills go towards making a few shirts, stickers, etc... Today I presented to my Sunday School class on how to start Bible Journaling after our teacher Rhonda Melton went over the meaning of the verses for today. I did not have time to show how I would start the page for today - I had already done Luke 12 in my main Bible and interleaved. I did share the presentation I mentioned in my last post. LINKED BELOW. I have out booklets from the INSPIRE BIBLE and bookmarks that I had made. I also gave out wildflower and bird stickers. To show that you do not have to draw to be able to Bible journal. I have a packet with copies of Luke 12 from a Journaling Bible so they could practice and not feel the pressure of writing in their Bible for the first time. I hope by sharing today, that more will join in the worship of Bible Journaling. Here is a link to the main part of the packet I shared... I will post the other parts too.
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4/9/2021 0 Comments Wow - It has been a while...I have always been terrible at keeping a diary or posting on a blog...
Since my last post I have not stopped Bible Journaling... I have slowed down a bit but then I have times when I Bible Journal a lot. During this past year of COVID I have had more time than not. I am a part of the Charlotte Bible Journaling group in Charlotte, NC (my hometown). We have met on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month for quite a few years. During COVID we have kept it up by meeting on Zoom. We may watch videos on how to do a certain art skill and then we work on it while chatting and catching up on our zoom meeting. It has been awesome to be able to fo that during this crazy time. I was also asked, based on my Bible Journaling, to be the creator of 3 of the main bulletin boards at our church. I just started that within the past year. Below is a link to a Google Photos Album I have created. It has most, if not all, of my pics of MY personal Bible Journaling. You will mostly see pages I have done and some pics of things I have bought, won, used for Bible Journaling. For the most part - they are in chronological order starting from January 2016. LINK TO MY BIBLE JOURNALING PHOTO ALBUM Coming soon... I will soon post the link to my presentation I am working on, for a young ladies' youth group and Bible Study Group at a local church. The presentation is one I tweaked/updated from a presentation I did at my church for our Senior Adults summer luncheon back in 2016. I needed to add pics and other things I have learned since then :-) 4/8/2018 1 Comment Bible Journaling With KidsGuest Blog By Amanda Schenkenberger about the book by Chelsea Wojcik As a Bible journaling teacher, one would assume I am swimming with Bible journaling ideas. You would think that you could give me a verse and I would come up with all sorts of brilliant DIY entries. While I have a few good standbys in my back pocket, I am often stumped by what to journal, and especially when I am trying to Bible journal with my kids. Hi: my name is Amanda, and I'm a recovering perfectist. My kids, on the other hand, are messy and have their own ideas about what to journal. Not surprisingly, when you try to put rigid Amanda into a loosey goosey kid mold, it doesn't go over well. Even though it's a stretch for me, as a homeschool mom who loves to Bible journal, I desperately wanted to involve my kiddos in Bible journaling as part of our school curriculum. I wanted to have deep spiritual conversations about Jesus and how we can apply the Word to our lives but I couldn't figure out how to do it. That was, until I discovered "Bible Journaling with Kids" by Chelsea Wojcik. You know those answers to prayers you never prayed: this book was totally one of them. In this book, Chelsea gives you the basics of what you need to journal with your kids, PLUS 7 focused topical units with Bible journaling prompts for an entire year (examples: love, joy, hope, etc...). Once I got my hands on this book, I was so excited because the ideas wouldn't stop coming after that. At my finger tips, I had all the verses I needed and easy questions to ask my 5 year old. It gave me the freedom I needed to let go and be okay with my son doing his own artistic thing. The biggest factor that changed things for me was Chelsea's suggestion of getting your kid their own journaling Bible. I felt like smacking my head against a wall. OF COURSE! Why did I think of that?! So, as per Chelsea's suggestion, I immediately went to the thrift store and found a children's Bible for my 5 year old and got ready to Bible journal the first verse in the unit about love. And you know what my 5 year old said, "Mommy, this Bible doesn't look like your journaling Bible." I sighed as the joy of my clever thriftiness vanished. I tried to show him the space he could use to journal but he was a little hurt by that. After all, I send journaling Bibles to women all over the U.S., why couldn't I give him one? After thinking about it for like, half a second, I let him pick out one. Of course, it was the same cover as my main journaling Bible. My 5 year old is such a sweetie. Anyway, we ended up having a wonderful conversation about love and who to love and how we could do it that day and what makes him feel most loved. It was the glorious time in the Word I had been wanting to have with my son that, before, had felt unattainable. I started thinking about this whole predicament I had been in and how well Chelsea's book, "Bible Journaling with Kids" helped me overcome it and I thought, "If I have struggled with Bible journaling alongside my kiddos and I'm a Bible journaling teacher, how many other moms are struggling with it!?" And that is why I am sharing this book with you because, mom-to-mom, sometimes we just need a little help in order to be able to enjoy our children. Our to-do lists are long and it is easy to get overwhelmed by #allthethings we must do to keep them alive, let alone invest in them spiritually. Then there are times when I don't want to come up with yet another crafting idea to keep his mind occupied. Or I simply have no idea how to engage a 5 year old in a spiritual conversation and I just need someone to say "Do this", and Chelsea has detailed that in her book. I am so thankful that the Lord had our paths cross through the magic of Instagram because Chelsea has been such an encouragement to me through her book. If you find yourself in the "How do I Bible journal with my kids?" boat as well, there's nothing I can recommend more highly than Chelsea's new book, "Bible Journaling with Kids." Get it! You'll be so thankful you did. Click picture of book above to
ORDER YOURS TODAY!! I have been Bible Journaling for 2 years now and I still love it just as much, or more than the day I started. I love talking with others on how to get INTO His Word. I have not come face to face with anyone who does not like it. I know some fellow Bible Journalers have come across people who believe they are messing up the Bible. They do not like the fact that God's Word is covered. There are some Bible Journalers that do not want to cover the words up. I used to feel that way, as well. However, I feel that through Bible Journaling verses/passages that I have prayed about, thought about for a long time, and talked with God over - have come alive for me. Isn't God's Word a living and breathing document? With that comes art and creativity. I feel that Bible Journaling brings me closer to God and what he wants me to gain from reading His Word - come out in my Journaling. Sometimes I cover the words - sometimes I don't. I have other Bibles to refer to - If I need it. I have had quite a few friends and co-workers begin Bible Journaling after seeing my Bible... and that is why I share on social media - FB and IG (@jeannab13) I do not share to say - "Hey look what I did"... but to say ..."Hey - look what God is showing me... he can show you too. Want to try it?" It truly makes me dive into the word and want others to want to do the same. Below you will see a video I made of a slide show of all my pages in my regular Journaling Bible. I also have Journaled in my Inspire Bible as well as a Hymnal. I have an Interleaved Bible - that I have not started on yet.. Blank pages can be intimidating. If you are not sure where to start - look up your favorite verse... and search on Pinterest. So If my favorite verse is John 3:16... then search "Bible Journaling John 3:16" and you will love what you see. In the journaling Community if you are inspired by someone else's page - that is even better. We just ask that you reference who you got inspiration from. I also love my Instagram Feed... I search for Bible Journalers and follow them. So my feed is filled with Bible Pages and scripture. Reminder - You only need to start with the basics... then you can add to it as you get more comfortable with Bible Journaling. WIll you join me on this journey???? I wrote this on a Facebook Note on January 13, 2012 - exactly one year, to the day, before we buried my mother, after living 7 years with Alzheimer's. Just thought I would share this.... January is hard month to get through - especially the first half. I like FB memories... reminds you of things = good and bad. I found Bible journaling 2 years ago this month... January gave me another anniversary to celebrate since my parents are no longer here to celebrate theirs. FB NOTE FROM JANUARY 13, 2012 There are a lot of things that happen in our day to day lives that many may think are just simple coincidences, or neat little things that happen. When 'bigger' things happen I would hope we wouldn't just say it was a coincidence - actually I guess I don't believe much of anything is mere coincidence. God knows what He is doing - he sends little blessings our way - many may be in disguise and we may be asking ourselves is this really supposed to be a blessing at some point? Well - God doesn't make mistakes...and he gives out blessings on a daily, hourly and by the minute basis. Not that I have viewed or will view everything that happens to me, as a 'blessing in disguise' but I have to remind myself to look for the blessings. The blessings are all a part of God's Plan.... As many of you know Mark and I met - really by pure luck - well now I see it as part of His Plan. We both started working at a local theme park the same year. Didn't really meet until the 3rd season we were both there. We were both supervisors/team leaders at our respective ride locations. I went to work at his location because the ride I was working on was too stressful and tiring to me - wasn't automated and ran you ragged. Our Rides manager moved me to work with Mark. When I asked Mark where he lived he thought I would not know where it was - well I did - It was where my mom grew up and my grandparents, and uncles lived while I grew up. He was surprised I knew exactly where his 'little town' was. Well we hit it off. Started dating after working together a whole season (he finally asked me out the last day of the season). hhhmmmm....God's plan?? Also - before I had ever met him - but he was working at the theme park, his mom had died of cancer. I wish I had met her. He was really close to her. I could also tell the way he treated his grandmother that she had to be a wonderful woman to have raised a son who was so sweet. It was through his loss that I could get through mine...a little over a year after our wedding I lost my Dad. Cancer had taken over his mind and body, which led him to take his life after medicine could not heal him. God had given me the man who had lived through the loss of a parent, to help get me through this......God's Plan??? Then when my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and she got worse and worse, we moved her to an assisted living center - you guessed it - in the town in which we live - her hometown. Now - do I see Alzheimer's as a blessing - not sure I ever will....but the fact that mom is back in her hometown and I am a stone's through away from where she is living.....God's Plan??? Everything that has happened in my life - there are many others (I could go on), have led up to where I am today...I believe even my career path as a special education teacher has helped me to deal and come to grips of the reality of my mother's disease, though hard at times. I have had relatives and friends who are going and have gone through rough times recently, and may be asking themselves...WHY GOD, WHY have you let this happen???....I know - I have asked that myself, countless times, and still do....but then I have to remind myself...GOD'S PLAN is bigger than me. GOD has unseen Blessings.... I have to look for the blessings, daily, hourly, by the minute. They are there. Yes along with some trials...but God has and will bring me through it - he promises that...he has HIS PLAN. I sometimes ask to see a peek at His Plan...because I am doubting his purpose.... I know I shouldn't... but I do, I am a sinner, no better than any other....God has a Plan. For those that live without knowing God, or even believing there is no God.... I couldn't live without believing that someone, something greater than me, will get me through this life. There is a reason things happen. Someone greater than me has to be in charge of that....not by chance. Someone gave us life, and the world around us. I put my faith in God...He has the answers to the tests we have to go through...he won't let us look - that would be cheating....but if we believe - then we know how it ends....in Heaven. I believe in Him and that he sent his Son to die for us....one day I will see my Father in Heaven, AND my Daddy. One day my Mom will have a new mind and body.... God has a Plan....are you a part of it? If you read this far - thanks. I hope you get the point I am trying to make. I woke up this morning with these thoughts - and many others running through my head - I couldn't write them all down - I have 3 and 5 year old boys....they kind of keep you from having complete thoughts...LOL January - with my parents' birthdays and anniversary (50th this year) always gets me thinking ....why? I am not even 40 and my parents are not able to enjoy my boys?? I have to tell myself...His Plan is greater than I can ever imagine. Love you Mom and Dad! My parents would have celebrated their 54th Anniversary tomorrow. My dad would have been 80 yesterday and on the 6th of this month my mom would have been 76. Gone too soon!! We buried my mother on January 13, 2013.
God's Plan.... yes. I started two years ago with a Journaling Bible. They make all versions and different types. They even have some with about ~500 pages of drawings for you to color, (still plenty of pages for you to put your own touch on) if you are afraid to start with a blank page. There is even an interleaved Bible that has a blank page after each Bible page. So pick the Journaling Bible you like! I even have a small travel Bible that I journal in - on the go! Whenever the Holy Spirit taps me and says get to Journaling - I am ready. You can also use old Hymnals. OR - you can just use a plain notebook of ANY KIND!! I started out with my favorite - Crayola Twistable PENCILS (not crayons). I love them because I do not have to worry about sharpening them. They are always ready to go! You need a fine line water proof pen... that does not bleed through. My favorite is the Illustrated Faith Journaling Pens. But you can use Faber-Castell, Michaels Bible Journaling line of pens, You will also want a good Eraser. I like big chunky white erasers or even the big pink ones will do. That is all...to get started. Later if you want, you can add Washi Tape (lots of washi!!), Water Color (I prefer water color pencils the most - especially for on the go), Acrylic Paint, cut-outs, stickers and stamps - letters and shapes. **You say you cannot draw??!!?? No problem. Find things you want to trace! Use stickers and stamps! Use little swatches of paint, colorful paper (need a glue stick), cut out things you like from magazines and glue or washi tape it in! You can even use th top layer of a pretty napkin! YOU CAN DO THIS!! Even if you cannot draw a stick figure man!!! You do not have to be able to draw to get in to the HeART of Bible Journaling!! **Need ideas?? Go on Facebook and Instagram and even Pinterest. Search for #biblejournaling #illustratedfaith #documentedfaith On Pinterest you can search specific verses easily...example: "Bible Journaling John 3:16" - then up pops lots of ideas for John 3:16 Read and Pray over a passage or your Sermon Notes and GOD will do the rest!! In the pics above you will see that I have used a small travelers notebook to doodle 31 days of Proverbs.....or to just journal on the notebook page. I have also drawn on tags - to use as bookmarks or tip-ins (cards/paper taped in with washi tape so you can write underneath or on the back of it. I have journaled in old hymnals... I found mine at Goodwill. I have stamped on colorful paper and then cut it out to glue in. Below you will see a sampling of what I created in my Bible the first 6 months I had been journaling. The last picture is of the Washi tape I put on the edge of each first page of each book of the Bible. Check back... still working on posting more current pics of my Journaling Bible.
1/6/2018 0 Comments Fresh start to bloggingI will be posting more since this website is easier to update via the iPhone/Ipad app which is what I typically use to take pics of my Bible Journaling. So check back soon. I plan on making a flip through of my Bible. This page is based on Psalm 51:7. He will wash us whiter than snow...
I love Olaf for this... even as crazy as he is... as crazy as I am - I know if I confess that I am a sinner and believe that Jesus died for me up on that cross - that even I am washed whiter than snow! Thank you Lord for that! |
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