My New Favorite Thing

You do not have to get to know me very well at all to figure out that I love hot tea (extra sweet), crocheting and chocolate. Very seldom do I have a day that I do not do all three. Yes, I can sip hot tea, pop a piece of chocolate in my mouth and crochet all at the same time. On a really good day, I add a Hallmark movie to the mix and . . . well . . . it is almost perfect!

Recently, though, I discovered something even better than chocolate and hot tea. You see, this new love of mine has long lasting results. Unlike eating chocolate, these lasting results are not extra pounds on the hips!

This new love involves a novel way to study the Bible, the Holy Word of God, the Good Book . . . whatever you choose to call it. It is one amazing book. It contains stories that will make you go "awww" while others will literally curl your toenails. It contains the details of the fiercest of battles and the most scandalous of romance stories. I have read the Bible from cover to cover - once. It took a year, but I did it! That's the important thing. My family sets aside time each evening to read the Bible together. The Professor lets the kids take turns picking a book. We then read through it verse by verse and discuss it. We started this practice when Puppy was just an infant. It is one of our most cherished times as a family.

Through the years, though, I have searched for the perfect thing just for me. I have done various Bible studies on my own as well as with groups. Even though I always gained Bible knowledge and spiritual growth from each study, some studies have been really hard to complete. I have to admit, at times it has been a real struggle to stay in God's Word and stay focused without my mind wondering all over the place.

Then, several months ago I saw a post on Facebook by Darlene Schacht of The Time Warp-Wife (You can check her out HERE) on Bible Journaling. Wow! I fell in love instantly. I immediately went to Amazon, ordered a Journaling Bible, and the rest is history.

For the first time, I have discovered a form of Bible study that really clicks with who I am. I have always been a "doodler" so to speak and now I am using that doodling to study God's Word. What a great combination.





Even within the world of Bible Journaling, there are many different forms and many different styles. There are numerous Facebook groups and thousands of pins on Pinterest. You really can't go wrong! I have discovered what works best for me is picking a book of the Bible, starting on the first page of that book, reading through everything on that page several times and then choosing the verse that speaks to me from that reading. From there, I meditate on that verse until I have an idea of what I would like to journal. Some pages are very detailed while others are very simplistic. The key is spending time in God's Word. Bible Journaling has made the scripture come alive in a new way for me!

 If you are not currently digging into God's Word, I encourage you to do so. You won't regret it. It will literally change your life. If you would like more information on how to get started in Bible Journaling, I would be glad to help you. Just let me know.

May you find JOY in digging into God's Word!

Tami