Bible Journaling / Restoration

I thought I'd do a little update on my Bible Journaling Journey!

The past few months have been a struggle to be completely honest. Dealing with crippling anxiety, panic disorder and a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome relapse had left me feeling pretty hopeless and for want of a better word - hollow.

I'd avoided church for quite some time due to anxiety issues, and was feeling really distant from God. Thankfully I managed to get my butt into church again a couple of weeks ago and got some prayer (a lovely lady gave a word about someone who was suffering with anxiety, hopelessness and joint, back and stomach pains - i.e: me) and honestly it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Ever since then the word RESTORATION has been popping up again and again, and I've been focusing on that in my prayer life and through Bible journaling.

I love that when I feel depressed or hopeless I can flick through my journaling Bible and see so many of God's promises to me covering the pages. One of the things I'm loving about Bible journaling is not only is it a great way to connect with God - even when I'm not 'feeling it', it's also like a record of my spiritual journey, which is why I date each page - so I can look back and remember what I was going through at that point in my life, and see how God came through for me.

I'm starting a Bible Journaling group this month and I'm really excited to see how we all grow together through creative worship. Isn't it great that you don't have to be perfect to be used by God!?

Bible Journaling Introduction

If you follow me on Instagram you've probably seen a few of my Bible Journaling posts! People really seem to enjoy them, so I thought I'd start a regular feature on the blog!

I first discovered the wonders of Bible Journaling through a few lovely ladies I follow on Instagram. As a Christian who loves craft, I was immediately drawn to the idea of combining art journaling and Bible study. Since being diagnosed with CFS 5 years ago I've had a lot of trouble reading anything more than a couple of paragraphs (my brain goes all foggy!) so I've not really been reading my Bible much. So the idea of being able to focus on a short passage, or even just a couple of verses, and do something creative with it sounded just perfect for me. 

I bought an NSV Journaling Bible online and got some nice coloring pencils and my sister bought me some of these special pens that don't bleed into the (very thin) pages. I'm not particularly good at drawing or painting, but I love paper craft and have a gazillion washi tapes and other bits and bobs which I've been using to decorate the pages.

I decided that I wouldn't worry about covering up some of the text on the page as I'm using this Bible more as a journal than an everyday Bible for reading. (I've got another one I use for following in church or reading long passages.) 

I use the Word For You Today app to find a passage to focus on, and spend about 20-30mins on each page. I'm actually finding that I'm learning more focusing on short passages, and I'm remembering more of what I've read, too.

One of my Goals for 2016 is to do at least one page a week, and I'm really enjoying it so far! I've always enjoyed combining spirituality with creativity, and this is a fantastic way to do that on a regular basis. I'm looking forward to looking back towards the end of the year and seeing all of the beautiful pages, and reflecting on the things I've learned. 

I love connecting with other Bible Journaling folk through social media, and I've even found a local group and may try to get to a meet-up some time soon! I'll be posting updates here every now and then, I hope you enjoy having a little peek into my spirituality through craft!

Do you use craft as a spiritual outlet? If so, what do you do?