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 Bible Journal Notebook



While some people like to use a special Bible journal, other folks prefer to create a Bible notebook instead. There are advantages to both styles. You may not have a Bible Journaling version of the Bible. That should not stop you from journaling. There are no specific rules for Bible journaling. 

Some folks do not like to write in their Bible. Oe perhaps there is not enough room on that margin that is used for Bible journaling to write what you feel or want to say. That is when a Bible journal notebook becomes your tool for Bible journaling.

A Bible journal notebook is a tool to help you grow in wisdom of the Word and brings you closer to God. While it may take some discipline to get started and maintain this tool, the advantages of using it are well worth the time and effort. 

Anyone can make their own Bible journal notebook, It is easy to create a custom journal even if you do not feel the least bit artistic. Since there are no rules for Bible Journal notebooks, you create your art, your way in your own time. 

Advantages To Using A Bible Journal Notebook:

  • You do not have to purchase another Bible strictly for Bible Journaling.
  • No fears about messing up your Bible. Beginners often have concerns about making mistakes.
  • You can get started quickly. All you need is a journal and a few colored pencils and a pen.
  • Using a notebook is easier on your budget. You can often find great buys on the back-to-school sales.
  • You have the option to choose thicker paper.
  • Notebooks give you more space to journal and express your thoughts.
  • You have more space for artwork.

Finding The Time To Bible Journal

We all have time that we waste in the course of the day. We find time to play games on the internet, read and respond to messages and watch mindless TV shows. Isn't 30 minutes with the Lord worth your time too? 

Even those of us who are working and raising children can find some time either in the morning or in the evening when the house is quiet to bring the Word to our soul and mind. There we can find peace, hope and understanding. We can bring our thoughts away from the world of chaos to a place of good thoughts and love. Wouldn't that be worth 30 minutes of your day?

Starting Out With A Bible Study Plan

Of course, to study the Bible you will need a Bible to study with. You can use an online version of the Bible or you can use an actual Bible. My personal preference is to use an actual Bible. If you are just starting out reading the Bible, find a version that works best for you. 

There are Bible study plans that will direct you through the Bible with specific themes in mind. They will give you readings for every day to help direct you to a more fullfilling Bible study> 

Just type in the specific topic or the book you are interested in into your favorite browser and will find lots of free resources and tools to help you get started. 


Here Are A Few Bible Study Resources


Learn More About The Different Versions of the Bible





There are many options both online and offline to help you get started and follow a plan to study the Bible with your Bible journal notebook. 

Lots of people like to start out with the New Testament. But you can choose any book of the Bible to study. Psalms is one of my personal favorites. 

What Goes Into Your Bible Study Notebook

Your Bible study notebook is your own, so you can set it up any way that works for you. You can include many things in your Bible journal notebook beyond just a passage and a few words about it. 

  • Illustrations-I like to use pieces of coloring books that I have colored.
  • Doodles-in black ink or colored pen or pencil.
  • Song lyrics-especially from my favorite hymns
  • Sermon notes
  • Letters to God
  • Stamped images-colored or black and white
  • Word stickers
  • Tags
  • Die cuts
  • Images from magazines and catalogs
  • Free printables
  • Stickers




What Type Of Notebook To Use


You can use any notebook or journal that you would like to create your Bible Journal in. Some notebooks and journals come in either lines or unlined versions. If you are more into artwork, then you may want to consider the unlined versions. If you prefer to write rather than drawing, you may want to consider the lined styles.


Bound Journals


Bound journals can be found in different sizes. The cost varies depending on the size, type of paper used and the cover material. They can be a little more difficult to use because they do not open flat. But you can use a binder clip to keep them open.

Composition Books


Composition books have been popular. You can't move the pages, but they make nice journals, and you can decorate the covers with scrapbook paper. You can find full or standard sized composition books. They also have half sized composition books as well as mini sized versions. You can find lots of different ones online.

Three Ring Spiral Notebook


You can also use a three-ring spiral notebook. You can find lined and unlined versions at your local office supply store or online. These are nice to use as they open flat. That makes them easy to use. I also like the notebooks that have holes in them. You can easily store them in a large three ring binder.


Loose Leaf Binder


Another open is a binder. I like using binders because you can move and add paper to your notebook. You can also cut different types of paper to size to create a custom journal. They also open and lay flat. You can purchase different sized binders to meet your needs. There are plenty of free resources on the internet for your Bible journal. so, you may want to have a three-hole punch handy to add extra pages.

Binder Ideas


Planners


You can also consider using a planner. There are many planners that have features that are more like journals than calendars.

Planner Idea


Cover And Name Your Notebook

Creating a cover to your notebook adds a creative and pleasant touch to what you are studying. There are lots of different ways that you can add a cover depending on the style of notebook you have chosen.

Name Your Bible Journal

You can use a simple name for your Bible journal. Or you can simply name it by the book you are studying. Another option would be to name it by the month and or year.

You can use letter stickers that are easily purchased both on and offline. You can also die cut stickers. If you have an electronic cutting machine you can create and cut your own titles.

Use your computer to create the name for your journal. Just print the name on your computer in the font and sized desired and print it. Apply it with double sided tape  to whatever notebook that you are using.


Binder Covers

If you have the type of binder that has a plastic slip in cover, you can slip in any kind of decoratibe paper you would like to use.

I like to select a color for my binder that I like. Then I like to add some washi tape and some letters to name my Bible Journal.


Soft Covered Notebooks

If you are using a soft covered notebook, you will want to add some cardboard to the cover to strengthen it. Cut some recycled cardboard from your pantry or a box to size. Glue it on to your front and back covers. 

Then use contact paper, wrapping paper or paint to cover the cardboard. 

Composition Book Covers

Composition notebooks can be covered in a lot of different ways. Leave the black binding out and not covered. That black strip adds a lot of dimension to your cover. 

  1. You can get some great contact paper at your local dollar store. Cut it to size for the front and back cover. Be careful when you are applying it so that you do not get air bubbles or wrinkles,
  2. Use scrapbook paper or cardstock. They come in a variety of colors and designs. You can cut and glue the paper onto the back and front covers. Use a white PVA glue spread evenly on for application. You could seal the cover with a decoupage glue if you want.
  3. Paint the cover. Use an acrylic paint and a brush to cover the front of your notebook. Use a foam brush for a more even application. You could also use a brayer. Add texture with an old bristle brush. You may have to use 2-3 coats to get the coverage you need. You could use gesso which is a primer before you add the color of your choice.
  4. Use any leftover wrapping paper or tissue paper you may have on hand. I would suggest that you use decoupage glue to glue the paper on and then to coat and protect it. 


What Is Included On Each Page

  • At least two of the verses from the passage that you are reading that day.
  • What the passage was about in your own words.
  • How does the passage impact your life or those you love.
  • A prayer in response to the passage that you read.
  • Some art that moves you on the opposite page.



Using Printables In A Bible Notebook

You do not have to be an accomplished artist to add art to your Bible Notebook. There are plenty of resources available to help you create pages that will bring you hope, joy and peace in your life. Printables are one of those resources that I love to include in my journaling.

Printables are artwork that you can print on your home computer and then add to your journal pages. The artwork is available as free for your personal use. Some page resources are developed as a product you can purchase at very reasonable prices. 

Once you print the artwork, there are different ways that you can use them on your pages.
  • Print them and trace the lettering and art into your notebook. This means that you can add color and design to the lettering and art pieces. You can use colored pencils, markers and more.
  • Print them out on sticker paper and make your own stickers. All you need is a page of sticker paper. Once you print them, you can cut the stickers out with a pair of scissors.
  • On the same note, if you have an electronic cutting machine, and there are SVG files available, you can import the file. Once you have the file in your program, you can resize it. In the case of the Cricut program, you can actually print and cut the sticker. 


Where You Can Get Printables For Your Bible Notebook

There are a number of places where you can get printables for your Bible Notebook. Here are a few of my favorite resources:

  1. Scribbling Grace-an amazing free printable resource-one of my favorites.
  2. Karla Dornacker Printables
  3. Garments Of Splendor-very large resource of all kinds of printables


More Bible Journal Notebook Tips

  • Leave the first couple of pages of your journal blank. That way you can go back later and create a title page and a table of contents.
  • Write with different colored pens to create a colorful effect in your journal.
  • If you are using a thin paged journal like a composition book, glue two to three pages together with a glue stick to get stronger pages.
  • Journal what you are feeling. Pour out your emotions and thoughts to cleanse your soul.
  • Add detailed notes withe micro pens. You can use them to create amazing notes in your notebook. You can also use them to create drawings.
  • Use letter stamps to create your own words and lettering.

Bible Notebook Resources



There are a number of free resources available that you can use when you are studying Bible passages to include in your Bible Journal Notebook. Here are some of our favorites:

Supplies

We have included some supplies for your Bible Study Notebook. Just click on any supply that you may need. Any commissions earned (at no cost to you) are donated to Samaritan's Purse.

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