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Original poster

Bible journal recommendations anyone?

28 replies

MummyGemx · 23/04/2017 17:54

Really looking to buy a journal style bible I can highlight my favourite and most inspiring quotes in. One I can be creative with colour and it doesn't show through. Anyone have any recommendations, tips or links to good examples?

Thanks x

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TeaForever · 23/04/2017 21:13

I'd be interested in this too, as I don't like writing in my 'normal' Bible. I'll do some research and get back to you Smile.

I'm in the process of falling in love with the Bible all over again at the moment. It's seemed so alive to me lately, especially the four gospels, and sometimes I read passages that are so perfect for a situation, but then I can't easily find them again! So an easily highlightable one would be wonderful.

Please let me know if you come across one first. God bless x

Original poster
MummyGemx · 23/04/2017 22:04

TeaForever I feel exactly the same. I have always had a strong faith but it's very private and church never did it for me as I feel it's is very personal and I always felt I wasn't a good Christian. Anyway I never thought I would say this but I feel drawn at the moment. I feel like it is something I want to explore for myself. I have an IF:gathering group near me and I am considering going along very soon. I like the philosophy that everyone can explore their faith whatever their denomination and that's so important that I can interpret it in my own way. I have felt for a while that I am hear for a reason but I still haven't figured that out yet. So maybe exploring this some more I can get some answers. Seems corny but I am seeing the bible in a new light lately. I want to do my own version of a journal bible and be brace by talking about my faith with others for the first time. I have found a couple of links earlier. Will try and post. X

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Original poster
MummyGemx · 23/04/2017 22:08

www.thinkingcloset.com/2015/03/25/welcome-to-my-journaling-bible-heart-in-the-margins/

This is very creative but I love the idea that it's ok to just doodle all over it and make it real to you. I love stickers and colour so I may well turn mine into a scrap book of of quotes I find inspirational.

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thegreenheartofmanyroundabouts · 24/04/2017 07:44

I must admit I'm not one for drawing but I like the idea thar there is space for notes in the single column. I'm not such a fan of ESV but if there are other versions I might give it a go.

TeaForever · 24/04/2017 07:49

Thank you MummyGemx those sound great. I especially like the look of the first one.

Yes I'm feeling very excited about the Bible at the moment. I realise that much of my understanding of Christianity for years came from things other people told me, especially church leaders. I read isolated passages of scripture, but didn't read entire books of the Bible through with an open & unbiased mind. I'm trying to do that now, and I'm coming to just adore Jesus! I always said I loved Him, in the way 'Christians' should, and I recited all the usual Christian platitudes, in the way 'Christians' should! But did I really truly deeply seek in the way I as an individual needed & wanted to? Sometimes yes, but often not.

I'm discovering the Bible for myself now, and it's turning into the most wonderful mysterious adventure! I'm so full of joy (most of the time!)

It's tragic the way the church has misrepresented Jesus for so much of history. The awful things that have happened in His name - the crusades, the witch hunts & trials, persecution of minorities etc. None of those things were or are of God. The Jesus I'm falling in love with is so radically loving, and so should His followers be. I can't get enough of Him!

Sincere best wishes & blessings to you in your continued walk. I'll do some more research about journalistic Bibles, and let you know what I find. Lots of love x

TeaForever · 24/04/2017 07:56

Ah, that's interesting thegreenheartofmanyroundabouts I'm actually not that familiar with the ESV. In fact I don't think I've ever read it. I usually read the NIV, just because that's the one I have. I want to find the most accurate translation of all. There seem to be differences of opinion about which that is. Is there any version you would especially recommend? Ta x

TeaForever · 24/04/2017 08:21

Oh, by the way, when I put the word 'Christians' inside quotation marks, I wasn't referring to anyone else, I was just referring to myself. It would be totally wrong of me to judge someone else's faith, and only God knows the condition of someone's heart. I thought I should clarify, as I wouldn't wish to offend anyone.

bootygirl · 24/04/2017 15:42

Guys look up you tube for some inspiration. Loads of examples mainly American though.

Original poster
MummyGemx · 24/04/2017 22:23

Thanks for all your replies. Interesting comments about the version of bible. Perhaps I need to investigate this more. Any comments on this would be helpful. Please feel free to post ideas and links. I have started a Pinterest board and it's filling up but I still haven't decided which bible to buy yet! X

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Tiggles · 26/04/2017 16:03

I use this one. I love it - some of the pages have big word art verses to colour in, others just have lines for writing notes.
It doesn't work well with pens as they show through, but fine with pencils or I use biro to underline passages. I've been using it for nearly a year now and amazing how many notes etc are now scattered through it. Not a translation I usually use (NLT) (quite wordy and extra description) but good for a change and being creative.

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MummyGemx · 26/04/2017 19:26

Thanks Tiggles. I love the idea that there are pictures already there to colour. It does look pretty. I think I would want to have one with good thickness of pages so that I can be certain nothing would go through pages. I would want to colour in and perhaps use paint and other materials to be creative with. I know it will take me a while to read and create but I anticipate this being a long term project so the bible I start width is really important. Thanks so much for helping me x

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TeaForever · 01/05/2017 18:41

Oh, wow Tiggles thank you so much for that link. It's sooo helpful. Not just for that Bible (which looks great) but for all the other resources too. I'm tempted by the DVDs of the four gospels, which I could share with others. I've often thought I'd like an audio Bible too, for times I'm so tired that I struggle to focus on the words on the pages! Also to listen to when travelling by bus or train, when reading can cause travel sickness. I must look into audio Bibles.

Oh and so sorry MummyGemx that I've not done any more Bible journal research yet Blush. I've really wanted to, but have a pathological procrastination problem, which is something I really need to pray about. I'll get there in the end! x

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MummyGemx · 03/05/2017 21:18

Ha ha no problem. I have actually ordered a bible and waiting for it arrive. I went for a ESV single column journal. I have also been finding pens and different crafts bits to use inside. It is going to be an exploration of the bible and a bit of mindfulness through art and colour.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a guide to reading the bible. I don't know if there is such a thing. That breaks it down into sizeable bits and discusses themes. Maybe something that helps me to read it daily without simply reading it from cover to cover. Any recommendations or help on that would be great. X

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TeaForever · 04/05/2017 08:09

Glad you've got one MummyGemx. Do you have a concordance? That may help you get to grips with some of the harder-to-grasp bits? As for a guide - well, I'm probably not the best person in that regard, as I tend to just pick up the Bible and randomly read, wherever I open the page at! I sometimes go online for guidance about particular issues, and then get directed to specific passages which speak of those issues.

To my shame, I read the New Testament far more than the Old. I feel guilty about this, as I think it's all important. But at the moment I feel far more drawn to the New Testament, and so maybe that's what I need, and what God wants me to read at the moment, so maybe I shouldn't feel guilty. I do read the Old Testament too, but not nearly as much. Maybe that'll change at some point.

Anyway, I'd be really keen to hear how you get on with the journal when it arrives x

thegreenheartofmanyroundabouts · 04/05/2017 08:44

I like Tom Wight's 'For Everyone' series. You pick a book of the bible and he takes you through it. 'Luke for Everyone' might be a good place to start.

Tiggles · 04/05/2017 09:26

I was just about to recommend the same as greenheart! Really accessible books.

TeaForever · 05/05/2017 08:43

Something else only just occurred to me - The Bible Society website. I've just been on there myself, and they have a plethora of information. They also have a shop (online) from which you can purchase Bible guides, and other Christian books. As well as Bibles themselves of course! I'm thinking of getting a copy of The Poverty and Justice Bible from them - just a Bible, but with over 2000 passages highlighted, speaking of God's call for justice & equality, which is something I'm very passionate about as a Christian.

Anyway, I strongly recommend The Bible Society website. I would post a link, but I haven't figured out how to do that, as I'm not very tech savvy!

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MummyGemx · 06/05/2017 08:46

Thanks everyone! Sorry for taking so long to reply. My job takes over during term time so I have little time for anything. I will have a look at Tom Wight and perhaps getting myself a concordance to help me get started.

The bible website will also be a place of reference for me. I have just figured out I can download worship music to my iPod so will be trying that out later from you tube! And I have been brave and signed up for a local If brunch next month. I am also considering going to their book group although I don't know anyone and I am a Mathematician so discussing books is very new to me even though I love reading.

I just feel something drawing me at the moment. I can't explain it. X

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MummyGemx · 07/05/2017 07:57

I managed to get a ticket to my local If:gathering yesterday and took the plunge. Had such a lovely evening and made some new friends. Feeling really inspired and like I am being drawn in the right direction. Also my bible arrived yesterday too. X

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tomatopuree · 07/05/2017 08:04

My husband bought me this one. I have yet to start on it because it's beautiful

Bible journal recommendations anyone?
Bible journal recommendations anyone?
jo10000 · 07/05/2017 09:23

As a former Bible Society worker I recommend alot of their stuff to you. They have a series called Making Good Sense of the Bible which you can buy in their online shop , thats aimed at discovering more about tbe Bible's context. Also they did have a series called Lyfe, you can sign up for free for their online resources. And if you put journal and quotes in Amazon it comes up with some really good options, I've bought the immitation leather, quote journals for gifts, the Name of Jesus title really lovely and cheap (sorry , can't do link).

As for Bible versions, I like the CEV, which is so easy to read and understand and is an accurate translation, by the American Bible Society. I met one of the translators back in the day. Some people sniff at it because its so easy to read, but isn't that a good thing, then people can concentrate on what God's saying.

Cherrypi · 11/10/2017 07:57

Anyone tried the latest bible journals? Can't decide whether to go for a plain one or one with illustrations to colour in.

Speckledtulip · 14/10/2017 12:52

I'm after a RC bible journal. Has anyone found a good one?
Cherry thanks for resurrecting this thread!

Jaytee38 · 25/10/2017 01:50

I've just got an ESV single column journaling wide margin bible. It's lovely it has wide margins. Paper is thicker too and a more pale yellow color so the writing doesn't show on the other side. Really happy with it.