“I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11 (CBS)

Recently, Bible journaling has become big thing. I found out about it years ago through YouTube, but I had already started Bible journalling without realizing it. It began when I read a book about Jewish Culture during the New Testament period and how that relates to interpreting the Scripture. It sparked something in me, and I used clear tape (terrible idea, but I didn’t realize it at the time) and tore notebook paper. I jotted down notes and taped them into the correct places in my Bible.

Not aesthetic at all. But that sums up my goal: information. After I discovered Bible journaling was a thing, I got really obsessed about making it more pretty, but to this day, my goal is to record (or perhaps a better word is gather) information to help me better understand God’s Word and correctly interpret it. I gather information from Christian books, commentaries, pastors, my Sunday school class, and Bible study companies like The Bible Project.

That being said, if you are new to Bible Journaling, there is something you should know.

At times it will be ugly. Sometimes you write down the wrong information, or the right information in the wrong place, and you cringe every time you go to that page. Other times you will have not explained it well enough or your handwriting will be unreadable. It will not be perfect, but it isn’t meant to be. We are imperfect people. Perfection is not the point, so don’t let it hold you back. Don’t let fear stop you. Also, make do with what you have. My piece of advice is this: focus on the information and the quality of it over the looks… and sometimes you flip to a chapter and smile because you have good, information that helps you better understand what you are reading and it looks so pretty.

Supplies-

This is my cheap list. I am cheap, and impatient, that means I often don’t go on Amazon to order things, though they have great items. This is my jumble of Hobby Lobby, Walmart, random items, School supplies stuff.

Pens- I suggest you get at least two normal black ink pens. It keeps it neutral and I find it very helpful. Then after you get those, get more colorful pens. (Color is where the fun comes in.) Mr. Pen is a great brand, though it is more expensive and I have to order them online, so I normally just get a Walmart brand.

Washi Tape- is one of my best friends, second to pens probably. I originally used clear normal tape, but that sticks to the pages really bad, while washi tape is more mistake friendly. You can gently peel it off and reposition it without damaging your pages—most of the time. some washi tapes are stronger, and I suggest testing it on a different piece of paper, or the publication page in you Bible, before using. (Learn from my mistakes.) Also, avoid bright or dizzying patterns.

Scrap Book Paper– Now to go with the washi tape, SCRAP BOOK PAPER! I use this all the time. I get mine from Hobby Lobby. I just rip or cut large pieces and tuck it in my Bible case and write on it and tape it in my Bible.

Sticky Notes- are great too. I go back and forth between using sticky notes more and then back to scrap book paper. It just depends on your needs. If sticky notes are more assessable to you, get them. (You have to play with what brands you get because some are too sticky, and others barely hang on to the page.)

Stickers- Finally, stickers are a great option. They aren’t super good for information purposes, but sometimes when I am feeling super creative or want more ✨prettiness ✨. I put them on a corner of my notes or my Bible page. My mom buys devotionals from this brand called Not Consumed Ministries, and they come with these gorgeous watercolor inspired stickers. Some are sold separately, but most can only be purchased with the devotional. My point to that is—besides that being a great brand to buy devotionals from, especially the Christmas Carol one! — get stickers (and any supply) where you can. Whether it is from Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, or you raid your kid’s art supplies. They can be pretty without the cost. Daily Grace Co. is another great company. Their products are more expensive, but they have sales regularly.