HCSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible from B&H Publishers | Journaling Bible Review

HCSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible

B&H Publishers

Journaling Bible

The Illustrator's Notetaking Bible combines two hot trends: Bible journaling and adult coloring. Through unique illustrations included on every page spread, readers, illustrator's, and notetakers alike learn to engage the biblical text in a new way. The exceptional design offers a unique balance for everyone from seasoned artists to the creatively challenged, allowing for guided creativity and meaningful personalization of the Bible reading experience. From filigree, Scripture quotes, and unique images, these line-drawn illustrations are waiting to be brought to life.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Over 600 images, including text designs, images, & filigree
• Open margin space for creating new, personalized images
• Light grey illustrations allowing readers to add color to each image
• Lined margins for note taking

My Thoughts

The Illustrator's Notetaking Bible is perfect for the artist and non artist alike. There are a ton of sketched out illustrations and verses that will allow you to either use it as a template to color in or a jumping off point for expanding the design.

I have enjoyed using it for both circumstances. Some of the designs I've just colored in and left alone. On some of the more abstract designs I've colored them in and used them as a background and then did some handlettering over the top. If you don't handletter you could also use letter stickers or stamps.

One of the other parts that I'm thrilled about is all of the open space. The text is single column so it is easy to focus on a specific verse or portion of Scripture. Even with all of the included design elements there is still a lot of lightly lined margin space to add your own notes. I like the balance of being able to illustrate and also add notes.

If you or someone you know is looking to begin Bible journaling this would be the perfect beginning Bible. I've been journaling in my Bible for a couple of years now and I still enjoyed the original designs. On days that I just felt like I didn't have a creative bone in my body it gave me the inspiration that I needed.

A Very Blessed Christmas Coloring Book by Robin Mead | Adult Coloring Book Review

A Very Blessed Christmas Coloring Book

Robin Mead

Nonfiction / Christmas

There is no better way to get into the full spirit of the holiday season than by coloring more than 85 uplifting illustrations in this special volume: frosty winter scenes, carolers in the snow, trees trimmed in nostalgic trappings, ornate churches, angels, nativities--all reminiscent of cozy moments with family and friends and the sweetest, simplest blessings of the holidays. Each artist can rejoice with a grateful heart and be reminded of the ultimate gift God gave the world. Also included are illustrated Scripture verses and fun, holiday craft cutouts that everyone can use to create their own ornaments, Christmas cards, gift tags, and more!

My Thoughts

The coloring trend is such a relaxing way to spend time gathering your thoughts and being creative. A Very Blessed Christmas Coloring Book captures all the sentiments of the season and allows you to express the joyous feelings that surround our celebration of the birth of Christ.

The pages are sturdy and seem to hold up well even though the designs are printed on both sides of the paper. I mostly used colored pencils because it is my favorite choice for coloring books but I think with a little prep (use something like clear gesso) you could even paint the designs. 

I liked that the designs were a mix of very complex patterns and also larger more simple designs. This made the book enjoyable for myself as well as some younger members of the family. Another really fun element of the book is the crafting section at the back. There are several pages that are designed to be colored, glittered, and whatever else you would like to do, and then cut out and made into ornaments or bookmarks. Such a nice way to get the whole family involved.

This would make a wonderful gift for the artist on your list. By itself it is a simple gift or stocking stuffer, but if you add a set of colored pencils it could easily be a complete gift. We enjoyed spending time with it in our family and I think others will as well.

Connect With The Artist

RobinMeadDesigns.com

InsightsAndBellyLaughs.com

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NIV Holy Bible For Girls, Journal Edition from Zondervan | Journaling Bible Review

NIV Holy Bible For Girls, Journal Edition

Zondervan

Bible / New International Version

THE PERFECT WAY TO 

APPLY SCRIPTURE

TO YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE 

Designed with you--a thoughtful writer-- in mind, this Bible lets you reflect on God's Word and add your own thoughts, art, and color to favorite verses. God loves you and wants to hear from you. Curl up in a cozy spot and spend some time with the Word. 

Features include:

• Lines on each page for journaling and notes
• Thick paper perfect for any writing utensil
• A presentation page for gift giving
• A “How to Use This Bible” page to get started on the right foot
• Ribbon marker
• The complete text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV)

Artwork Credit: Printable from Karla Dornacher

My Thoughts

I have been so pleased to see more and more of our teen and tween daughters and granddaughters join us in worshiping through Bible journaling. It can be such a beautiful expression of praise and I am thrilled to see the girls in my family join in.

Zondervan has come out with several new journaling Bibles especially designed with girls (of all ages) in mind. The covers are just stunning. One is in turquoise and the others are in pink, mint, and purple. We have the turquoise edition and I love the whimsical designs mixed with just the right amount of bling!

The inside design is single-column Scripture with wide lightly-lined margins. It is perfect for the writer and artist alike. I find that we do a mixture of both. Sometimes a quote strikes me and so I copy it. Other times a picture comes to mind and I place that in the margins. There is a lot of white space to accommodate whatever your preference may be.

Can I just say that while this particular Bible is being marketed towards girls it is also appropriate for full-grown women. The cardboard wrapping does say for girls but it doesn't say that anywhere on or in the Bible itself. If you love the cover like I do and want to give it to an adult just remove the wrapping!

With the holidays just around the corner this would be a wonderful gift. Why not pair it with a set of colored pencils or watercolors? The girl (or woman) on your list will be thrilled to get it. 

NIV Beautiful WORD Bible from Zondervan | Journaling Bible Review

NIV Beautiful WORD Bible

Zondervan

Journaling Bible / New International Version

"BEAUTIFUL WORDS, WONDERFUL WORDS,

WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE."

- PHILIP P. BLISS

Find beauty in the Word of God as you discover wisdom to sustain you in every season. The NIV Beautiful Word Bible will draw you into the splendor of God's words with colorful, illustrated verse art and uplifting imagery that complements Scripture. Open your heart to the rich diversity of stories, characters, prophecies and hope found in the Bible as you experience God's Word in a creative way.

FEATURES

500 verses illustrated in full-color and indexed for easy search

Single-column text of the New International Version (NIV)

Wide margins and high-quality paper for notes, journal entries or artwork

My Thoughts
Bible Art Journaling has become very popular these days. While it is beautiful and a great way to meditate on Scripture, it can also be intimidating for those that don't feel very artistic. I happen to be a painter but I still have days where I am just completely uninspired to do anything original.
The wonderful thing about the NIV Beautiful Word Bible is that it not only gives you space to be creative but it also already includes artwork that can inspire you to branch out and add your own artwork. Even if you aren't into art the single-column text and wide margins that are lightly lined make it easy to add notes beside the passage.
While the version that I have is a hardback there is also a leather-like edition that is beautiful. This Bible would make a wonderful gift for yourself or a friend. 

NIV Wonders of Creation Holy Bible: Illustrations to Color and Inspire | Children's Bible Review

NIV Wonders of Creation Holy Bible

Zondervan

Bible / New International Version

THE WONDERS OF THE CREATED WORLD

FILLED WITH THE

HUES OF YOUR IMAGINATION

With detailed black-and-white illustrations of amazing animals, landscapes, and other wonders of creation, this Bible features over 50 ready-to-color pages alongside the full text of the New International (NIV) translation.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Lay-flat binding made for the perfect coloring experience
• Over 50 pages of black-and-white illustrations ready to be colored
• Key verses called out on each coloring page
• The full text of the bestselling New International translation
• Presentation page for gift giving
• Ribbon marker

My Thoughts

I've been enjoying Bible Art Journaling for awhile now and much to my delight my granddaughters have shown interest in doing it as well. The NIV Wonders of Creation Holy Bible is the perfect solution for introducing my younger grand girls to this form of worship.

This Bible has a ton of full-page art with Scripture just waiting to have color added. I feel like it is a great first step in encouraging my girls to meditate on a particular passage while they add their own personalization to the page. The only drawback to this particular Bible is that it doesn't have wide margins so you can't really do journaling on the pages. I do plan on showing them how to add some tip-ins so they can do art on passages that have deep meaning to them. 

I am particularly excited about the presentation page. It has the usual to, from, and date sections but it also has beautiful butterflies just waiting to have color added. My plan is to color them in as a special memento from me to them.

This would make a wonderful gift for your favorite budding art enthusiast. Since the translation is the NIV it doesn't even have to be a child! May I also suggest the companion coloring book Wonders of Creation? Those two books and a pack of colored pencils (or markers, or gel pens) would be a really nice and encouraging present.

Kids' Devotional Bible from Zonderkidz | Tween Bible Review

Kids' Devotional Bible

New International Readers Version (NIrV)

Zonderkidz

Juvenile Nonfiction / Bible (ages 6-10)

DEVELOP

A GOOD

DAILY HABIT

A Bible you can read yourself!

Complete with a year’s worth of devotions, the Kids’ Devotional Bible, NIrV will help children develop a habit they’ll want to keep. Engaging weekday devotions, fun weekend activities, interesting illustrations, and a dictionary make this a Bible they’ll want to read and apply to their lives. It includes the complete New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)—the stepping stone to the NIV—making it easier for young readers to read and understand.

Features include:

• Short weekday devotions that help young readers apply Bible lessons for a full year.
• 52 weekend devotions that teach kids about God’s creation through fun activities like visiting the zoo and gazing at the stars.
• “Got It” feature that encourages kids to find answers to Bible trivia themselves.
• Book introductions that give helpful information about each book of the Bible.
• A DICTIONARY to look up words they want to know more about.
• The complete NIrV text, which uses shorter sentences and easier words. Kids can read this Bible on their own!

The black and white illustrations make for a perfect opportunity 
to introduce your tween to Bible Art Journaling.

My Thoughts

The Kids' Devotional Bible is one of the most versatile Bibles for tweens that I have seen in quite awhile. One of the most important aspects is that it is easily readable by this age group. Reading comprehension is so important and the NIrV is written at a third grade reading level so the tween set should be able to read and comprehend what is before them.

Another thing that I like is the daily devotions. It is set up so that your tween will get a nice overview of Scripture by the end of the year. The weekday devotions give a portion of Scripture for reading then an insightful devotional message and an Ask Yourself question that could be used in conjunction with journaling. Finally for all the budding list-makers and box-checkers there is a place to check that you have read the devotion. (I personally get such a sense of accomplishment from that!) The weekend devotions are similar with daily readings and a devotional thought but then they have a section called Some Things to Think About and Some Things to Do.

All of the above is nice, but my absolute favorite thing is all of the black and white coloring book type of illustrations. They just beg the reader to add some color and inspirations of their own. I've been Bible Art Journaling for quite some time and I'm delighted to say that my tween grand girl is also interested in it. The Kids' Devotional Bible is the perfect way to get your tween started. Teaching your child to express their God given artistic talents while worshiping is a great way to increase time in the Word. There aren't wide margins but the illustrations do have a lot of white space around them that can be used to add your own expressions.

If you are looking for a new way to increase exposure and add enjoyment of Scripture reading time I would suggest that you take a look at the Kids' Devotional Bible. It's done in a black and white color scheme so it would be fitting for either a boy or a girl.

Even the introductions to each book have a scene to color.

Hope Through God's Mercy | Bible Art Journaling

One of my favorite Bible Art Journaling groups is Documented Faith. I enjoy Stephanie's whimsical style and her creative expressions. Simply put she inspires me! 

Documented Faith has a monthly word prompt with weekly devotional/journaling prompts. She has amazing products and downloads (some of them are FREE!!!) that I have found to be very thought provoking. I read them each week but I don't always document them. It just depends on what strikes a chord with me.

For the month of July the word is PATIENCE and this week's verse is Lamentations 3: 25-26. 

When I'm studying I like a bit of context so I like to read the entire chapter rather than a single verse. Lamentations is thought to be written by the prophet Jeremiah. Poor Jeremiah isn't very popular among his people. His call to turn back to the Lord has been falling on deaf ears.

The chapter begins with Jeremiah's lament of suffering God's wrath. (Lamentations 3:1-20) Even though Jeremiah is faithful to God he is still subject to all the calamity that is happening. This portion is a good reminder to us that we live in a fallen world and even though we ourselves may head the call of God we don't always escape the consequences of a society that doesn't.

Living in America in recent days, I can completely relate to Jeremiah. With all the craziness in the news it can sometimes feel like there is no hope. But then we come to the next portion that just makes me smile:

"Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning: great is Your faithfulness! I say: The LORD is my portion therefore I will put my hope in Him. The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for deliverance from the LORD." Lamentations 3:21-26

After that how could you not be encouraged? I envision Jeremiah stiffening his spine, taking a deep breath, and thinking, "Okay, with God's help we can go forward." In Lamantations 3:28-30 Jeremiah seems to be saying that we may be suffering but we must do it with patience. He tells his people that they need to be silent and reflect on God's commands. They also need to be quiet rather than speak in anger and finally they need to turn the other cheek. Not one of these things are easy. In fact my Bible's commentary  says that "Each tactic is increasingly difficult, and each raises the hope that God will deliver his people from trouble."

Lamentations 3:31-33 give us three reasons to hope. (1) The Lord will not reject His people forever. (2) God will show compassion according to His faithful love of us. (3) God doesn't enjoy bringing affliction or suffering on people.

The next several verses remind us that God is over all and He controls it all. I don't know about you, but I find great comfort in that fact alone. I may think I want to control my surroundings but in reality I know that I am only safe when I rest in the hand of God.

The rest of the chapter continues on in the same pattern reminding us that we must examine ourselves and our motives. We must return to the LORD and repent of our wicked ways. Over and over we are reminded that there is hope through God's mercy.

For further study and reflection I would invite you to download the Documented Faith Week 29 devotional. I know I have benefited from the time of reflection and I think you will too.

Bible Art Journaling & Notetaking With The HCSB Notetaking Bible

HCSB Notetaking Bible

Holman Bible Staff

Bible 

The HCSB Notetaking Bible is designed to enhance personal Bible study as well as preparation for teaching and preaching. The Bible contains the full text of the Holman Christian Standard Bible in a single-column setting. Abundant space is provided with a 1.75 inch note taking space on each page to make observations, record insights, raise questions, and suggest to yourself additional exploration of the text. The Bible includes a 40-page concordance, eight four-color maps, a one-year Bible reading plan, presentation page, and an introduction to the Holman Christian Standard Bible.

My Thoughts

For years now I have been marking up my Bibles with notes and highlights and scraps of paper. But let's face it, you can only keep so many extra pieces of paper or sticky notes in your Bible before it causes the spine to break down.

More recently I have begun Bible Art Journaling. The first Bible I started in didn't have very wide margins and it was a bit of a challenge, so I did a lot of tip-ins. Again not the best solution because it eventually does a number on your spine.

You can just imagine my delight when I discovered the HCSB Notetaking Bible. The margins are wide enough to illustrate or make notes next to the very passage I am concentrating on.

The margins are lightly lined so it is easy to make notes that are legible and not wonky. It's also easy to cover the lines with art work. The ink used is a faded grey so it doesn't interfere with your doodles.

I've had success with colored pencils, watercolor, acrylic paint, and micron pens. There is little to no bleed through onto the adjoining page. The pages are thin but sturdy. 

The font is small but still readable. I'm pleased with the overall size of the Bible. With such wide margins and single column text it still is a very portable book. I've carried it with me to church and haven't found it unwieldy. 

The Bible nerd in me loves all of the extra features. There are colorful maps and a wonderful daily reading plan that has boxes to check when you've finished reading the particular passage. I'm a list maker - box checker so this pleases me. Such a nice sense of accomplishment is achieved when you look back at all of the passages that you have completed. 

My favorite extra feature is the concordance. It is quite complete. I'm used to anemic ones that force you to look up what you need elsewhere, but this one is very extensive. 

Whether you are a notetaker or Bible art journaler or a combination of both, I think you will find the Notetaking Bible to be to your liking.  

Life Verse Creative Journal Set by Jana Magruder & Morgan Grace Magruder | Coloring Book Review

Life Verse Creative Journal Set

Jana Magruder & Morgan Grace Magruder

Coloring Book

Are you ready to discover your life verse?

Choosing a life verse from Scripture is a powerful way to aim your steps toward God. This two-pack of beautiful journals (64 pages each) will guide you to choose a life verse and to make it your own!

Journal One contains fifteen verses explored through text and journaling prompts, combined with beautiful line-art illustrations for you to color and make your own. Journal Two is blank and ready for your imagination, your art, and your story!

My Thoughts

In just about every retail store there is a section dedicated to coloring books designed for adults. I've doodled in several of them but up until now I've only been a little ho hum about them. Most of the ones that I've colored in have been rather large. I was really looking for something that would be a bit more portable.

The Life Verse Creative Journal Set is a perfect match for me. Both books are about 5x7" and can tuck easily into your purse. I personally carry my copy in my Fauxdori. It's nice to have something to doodle in while waiting or riding in a car.

The content is fabulous. The overall design is to help you choose a life verse. I have no idea if at the end I'll have solidified that concept for myself but I sure am enjoying doodling the different verses that are featured. I enjoy Bible Art Journaling and this little journal has sparked some new ideas for me. I find that by focusing on a particular verse and coloring the artwork I pretty much have the verse memorized by the time I finish the page. That is a wonderful bonus for me!

If you have someone that loves to doodle or is into Bible Art Journaling, this set would make a wonderful gift. I also think it would make a wonderful gift to yourself. I know I'm enjoying my set.

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http://blog.lifeway.com/kidsministry101

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God Remains The Strength Of My Heart {Bible Journaling}

One of the blogs that I follow is Little House Studio. Jenn just inspires me! Not only is her art beautiful, but the words she shares on her page are ones that uplift and encourage.

A few days ago she generously shared this free printable. I couldn't resist printing it off and adding it to my Journaling Bible. I just printed it on cardstock and then cut it out and secured it with washi tape so it would be like a tip in. The size is about 5 x 5. You can download it yourself here.

I enjoy doing my own artwork in my Bible, but I also like to include work from others. It's a nice reminder to me that we aren't on this journey alone. 

Do you print out other people's artwork and include it in your Bible?

The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength {Bible Journaling}

Several months ago I watched a series of tutorial videos by Darlene Schacht from Time Warp Wife on how to draw scrolls and roses. I bookmarked it and kept thinking I would get back to it and give it a try. Well yesterday was the day!

If you've ever wanted to draw scrolls or roses you really need to check her video series out. She makes the explanations simple and easy to follow. I practiced on scratch paper a few times and then just got brave and penciled it in my Bible. It actually turned out better than I had imagined it would! 

I followed Darlene's directions with these exceptions. I used a .01 Pigma Micron pen to go over the pencil lines and I used watercolor to paint the image. The background behind the words and flowers turned out darker than I had originally planned but I'm okay with it.

The Bible that I used is the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible.

About The Scripture

Nehemiah 8:10 falls in the middle of the chapter and actually towards the middle of the book. If you remember your Old Testament history you'll recall that Nehemiah had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall that surrounds the city and protects it from its enemies.

We pick up at this verse after the wall has been rebuilt. Ezra has gathered all the people into the square for a dedication of the wall. And he has read to them the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. (Just a side note . . . I have written in the margin of my Bible that this was the first small groups or Sunday School!) With the reading of the Law came shame and guilt upon the people. They began to mourn and weep because they knew that they had not kept these laws and it lead to the destruction of their city.

But then Nehemiah stepped forward and said, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep." Then he said to them, " Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:9-10)

I love this beautiful reminder in Scripture. Yes just like me the Israelites disobeyed the Lord's commands. But this wasn't a new revelation to God. He knew beforehand that they and I would disobey and He provided a way for us to be reconciled with Him. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds of the fact that true strength and security is found in Christ alone.

Bible Journaling Through Advent with Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

I love the Advent season. It is such a special time that we can quiet our minds and open our hearts to the message of redemption for the whole world. In our household we begin on December 1st with a Jesse tree and use it to trace the lineage of the long expected Messiah.

Last year was the first time we used Ann Voskamp's beautiful book Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas. We used the ornaments download that corresponds with the book and crafted our own.

I collect coasters throughout the year (like the ones you get at restaurants) so I wind up with assorted shapes and sizes. For these particular ornaments I put a basecoat of black paint on the coaster and then lightly put a coat of copper paint over the top so some of the black peeked through.

I used colored pencils and markers to color the picture then cut it out and glued it on. To make it more durable I put a coat of varnish over the whole thing. To finish it off I added some decorative copper brads and a twine hanger.

This year we wanted to again use Unwrapping the Greatest Gift but I wanted to do something a bit different. I have been using my Journaling Bible to do a bit of Bible Art Journaling throughout the year and I decided that I would like to do that with the Advent readings from the book.

To do this, I again downloaded and printed off the ornament sheets that go with the book. By the way these come in two different sizes - 4 inch which is 4 per page and 2 1/2 inch which is 6 per page. I chose the 4 inch size.

I cut out the ornaments and then rounded the corners. I used colored pencils to decorate the ornaments and then I attached them to the Bible page with a strip of washi tape.

Since this is something that we do each day of Advent as a family I certainly didn't want to leave the little ones out. For those that don't do Bible Art Journaling I printed out the coloring pages that go along with Unwrapping the Greatest Gift.

Each night as we sit down to read the story for the day I pass out the coloring sheets and crayons and let the little ones color. This helps them listen and sit still plus it plants seeds that I hope will blossom in years to come.

If you are looking for a doable activity for this Advent season I would encourage you to get the book and download the resources. If you are reading this and it is past December first . . . don't fret . . . just start with the current day and go from there. You can always catch up later. Remember the season isn't about going and doing it's about quieting our hearts and minds and unwrapping the greatest Gift!