Journaling: Learning to Color Outside the Lines

Calling all you Bible-readers out there (non-readers, it’s never too late to startJ). Do you ever find yourself in a rut with your daily devotion time? Maybe you just don’t feel like you’re retaining what you’ve been reading, or some days it seems like more of a chore than anything else? Red flag; reading the Bible should never feel like a ‘chore,’ and you shouldn’t feel guilty when life happens and maybe you get a little behind. Don’t let that discourage you and prevent you from picking it back up again and diving back into God’s glorious word.

            I’ve found that the way you take notes and reflect on the Word makes all the difference. I’ve sorted through a few techniques, and I’m still trying to find what works best for me. I tried journaling and categorizing my notes by favorite verses, meaningful words, a quick summary, and how the chapter or passage applied to my life. For a while it worked great, but it started to become somewhat monotonous.

Truth be told, it reminded me of school, and that’s when I knew I needed to switch things up. I’m an arts and crafts kind of gal, so after a quick Pinterest search (great resource, by the way), I found a more creative approach! I began using stickers, stamps, markers-you name it, and started writing down the most important parts to ME. That might be a verse, a few words, a main idea or theme, a picture, recap of events, or a number of other things! I love it because I can get crafty with it and make it more personal. It’s more of an artwork than just a black and white journal without any personality to it.

I’m aware that this won’t work for everyone and if the traditional journal works for you, by all means keep on doing it! However, for anyone out there that might find themselves in a similar situation to my own, and want to try something different, I encourage you to give it a shot. Sometimes you have to color outside the lines a little and keep your options open! Try combining your passion for the Word with another hobby-you’ll be surprised with what you might come up with. If you’re struggling with getting started, the internet is a great resource for some ideas. I’ve also attached a few pictures of my new system of journaling in case you find it helpful!

 XOXO

Mary Kate

Christian Pickup Lines

Ladies, we have all heard those cheesy pickup lines that tend to get old. Although, when he says it you feel like you are on top of the world. After all, he took the time to write the note, make sure every word was spelled correctly, and passed it to you ever so slightly to keep his cool. At first you didn’t notice it, but then you picked it up to read what it said.

Amy,

I have a quick trivia question for ya,

Are you from Tennessee, cause you're the only ten I see?

Buttercup, you have caught my eye since you wore that summer blouse last May,

will you do me the honors of becoming my girlfriend?

Check Yes or No

“ Yes               “ No

 

The note was so adorable you just had to say yes, but you often wondered how he couldn’t come up with a better line. I mean you’ve only lived in Florida since you were born, so yeah there is totally a chance for you to be from Tennessee. Luckily, I have come up with a solution to solve the world known crisis of pickup lines.

Guys, here are a few Christian pickup lines to use next time you want to woo your girl from Bible study:

Ø  “You’re looking for a knight in shining armor? I just so happen to be wearing the armor of God.”

Ø  “It took God 7 days to create the world, but it’s only going to take 7 digits to change mine.”

Ø  “Excuse me, but I believe that one of your ribs belongs to me.”

Ø  *Starts circling crush 7 times* “Crush: What are you doing? Me: Trying to see if I can make you fall for me.”

Ø  “If you’re looking for a guy with good credit, Jesus paid all my debt.”

Ø  “Hey babe, every time I see you I start Philippian out”

Ø  “Is it hot in here or is that just the Holy Spirit burning inside you?”

Ø  “You want Psalm of this?”

Now ladies, we have to make sure that they guys feel special too. So of course I’ve added a couple lines to help you out as well:

Ø  “I feel like God’s telling me that you should go on a date with me.”

Ø  “I would part the Red Sea for you.”

Ø  “You are perfect, except with all the sin.”

Ø  “What are you doing for the rest of your afterlife?”

Ø  “I like my men like I like my word documents…SAVED.”

Ø  “Boy: Is this seat saved? Girl: No, but I am.”

Just remember, no matter how awkward the situation may seem adding a Christian pickup line can either make the situation worse or everyone will bust up laughing.

 

~Ashley

Faith is Like Starbucks Coffee

First off you have the coffee itself, which is the foundation of the drink. God is our rock and foundation that we trust in and will help us in times of need. Without Him as our foundation, our life would fall apart and we would have nothing to live for. Our job as Christians is to live for Him and help others do the same. With God as our rock nothing is impossible!

Next, the cup is filled up with all the sweet stuff. Whether it be caramel, chocolate, cookie crumbles, you name it. This part is the sweetness that comes from the Bible, where you can learn and grow in your relationship with God. Anything you want to know about our Lord is in one book (convenient right?). You can learn more about Jesus and understand all the wonderful things He has done for you. The Bible is able to answer our questions, calm our fears, and eliminate our doubts; what else in the world can do that?

At last the whipped cream is swirled on top, with one look it seems almost the perfect way to top off your coffee. Your relationship with God is the most important one you can have in your lifetime. God calls us to spread his word and help others follow Jesus. The whipped cream is our mission work, one of the most rewarding things is to help others in need. It doesn’t matter if it’s across the world or across the street, any type of work for God is rewarding. The taste of whipped cream is almost as sweet as the feeling of spending a day to help others grow in their relationship with God.

The final piece to the puzzle has arrived – the toppings. God has set a specific purpose for you in this life. So, take the opportunities you get, chase your dream, because God has given each and every one of us the chance to do something great. So why not give it a shot? After all, God’s plan is always perfect.

Now you see your coffee all done to perfection, you take that first sip and then it hits. The brain freeze. Although we live for God and trust in His word, it does not guarantee life to be perfect. There will always be ups and downs, but why focus on the lows when you can praise God for all the highs? No matter how tough life is, it is all worth it in the end.

Therefore, next time you go to Starbucks remember God is our rock, the Bible has the answers, mission work is always rewarding, chase God’s plan, and even though you may hit rock bottom, God is always there to pick you back up.

 

~Ashley

Meet the Writers

Mary Kate

Hello my fellow readers, I’m Mary Kate, one of the writers for Bibles and Backpacks. I was first inspired to start refocusing my life towards Christ by a young man, whom I am extremely blessed to have crossed paths with. His passion and enthusiasm for Christ motivated me to start attending a Bible study and youth group at a local church, where my roommate attends. Although my journey is just beginning, I’m extremely eager to continue to learn and spread the gospel to the best of by ability, and I’m thankful for the close friendship that I’ve gained with Ashley in the process. Aside from spreading the Word, I’m extremely passionate about my health-I love exercising and eating healthy! I also enjoy painting and I’m an avid DIY and crafter. Education-wise, I love math and science; my favorite class is calculus (nerd, I know right?), and I plan to obtain a degree in Biological Systems Engineering from Kansas State University. I hope you all enjoy our page, and special thanks to each and every one of you for reading! Have a most fabulous day, and may God bless!

              XOXO

          -Mary Kate

 

Ashley



Growing up in a Christian home it was habit to go to church every Sunday, however it was not until my high school years did I realize that working on my relationship with God was a daily activity rather than weekly. Since then, I have dedicated my life to Jesus and I’m always trying new innovative ways to praise Him including multiple Bible study plans and regularly attending youth group. Mary Kate and I played volleyball together freshman year which is where our friendship started and this year it has grown tremendously! Mary Kate and I are perfect partners for this blog because we both push each other to do our very best and our personalities work extremely well together. One of my favorite activities is photography, which I fell in love with sophomore year. My favorite part is being able to use my talents to help spread God’s word and encouraging others to find their niche as well. Have a wonderful day and God bless!

XOXO

~Ashley

 

Roommates of Christ

Many of you may find yourself in the same transition I’m in-the transition from the confined walls of high school and into the “real world.” If you’re like myself, that means taking on the new and exciting experiences of college. All the hard work and long hours studying, filling out scholarships, and applying to your dream school are finally paying off. Or maybe you’ve already had the experience of graduating high school and have had the chance to dip your toes into the pool of freedom. Nevertheless, I think many of you will be able to relate.

The moment is surreal when you finally receive that letter of acceptance and decide where you will be starting the next chapter of your life. Then comes deciding where you’ll live, what classes you’ll take, and most importantly, who your roommate will be and how you’ll decorate and plan your dorm room, apartment, etc. Although I speak from a girl’s point of view, I know picking out a color scheme, making crafty décor, and color coordinating bedding arrangements is a top priority.

College, for a lot of people, seems to push individuals further away from Christ. In reality, it’s completely understandable. You’re young and experiencing your first taste of freedom. There aren’t parents constantly hovering over your shoulder, you don’t have the typical 8:00-3:00 class schedule, and you’re introduced to countless opportunities to keep that social life of yours flourishing. Even if you’re like me, and can’t necessarily speak from experience yet, all of you have heard stories and know that college can, and will be, some of the best years of your life. However, I don’t see why college can’t allow you to grow closer to Christ in the process.

Your relationship with Christ can be a lot like a college roommate (in a good way). Your roommate is someone who will see you at your best, and also at your worst. They’ll see you all dolled up and ready for a night out on the town, but they’ll also see you without a hint of makeup on, when you first wake up, bags under your eyes and bed head like you wouldn’t believe. You and your roommate will share everything…whether you like it or not. Aside from sharing the same living space (which could arguably be barely enough room for one, let alone two), you’ll probably share clothes, snacks, accessories (again, speaking from a girl’s perspective). And guys, don’t lie to yourselves. You know you’ll be more than thrilled to come to find that your collection of video games has essentially doubled since having a roommate.

So now my question is, why not have that relationship with Christ too? No, I don’t necessarily mean share clothes, because you might find yourself on the next episode of ‘What NOT to Wear’, although Jesus sandals seem to be making a comeback. What I do mean, is why not let him see you at your best and worst? Don’t just thank Him when things are going well, but ask for help and encouragement when you’re feeling lost, or maybe it just hasn’t been your day. Share everything. Vent when you need help, let Him see you break down in tears over the fallout you just had with your best friend, or the difficult breakup you’re struggling with. Don’t turn your back when things don’t go your way. Those arguments with your BFF might only make you build your friendship into something stronger. And believe it or not, maybe that breakup was meant to happen, because he/she just wasn’t the right one, and God has someone better in mind for you. Regardless of the situation, my point is this: Don’t hide your faults, because the reality is you aren’t flawless, but you were perfectly created in God’s image. Don’t try to struggle through the tough times by yourself, and certainly don’t forget to include Him in the celebration of your successes either! Be open. Be vulnerable. Let Christ be your roommate.

~Mary-Kate

The Bible: What book should I read?

Beginning to read the Bible can be scary and intimidating, but remember – you’re not going through it alone. Finding the perfect book for you is just three easy steps away. The first step in finding the right book depends on your interests and what you want to learn about. Each book of the Bible can pertain to a different aspect of your life, even if you read the same book ten years from now it will have an altered view point on your life. The second step is finding the perfect length. Now, this may not seem like a huge problem, but if you have tried to read Psalms in two months it seems nearly impossible (although nothing is impossible with God, so if that is your passion - go for it). The third step is determining how much time you would like to spend reading the book, for example let’s say you want to read Proverbs in one month. Well, Proverbs has 31 chapters and roughly each month has 30 days therefore reading one chapter a day and two chapters on the 30^th then you’re golden!

            For our purpose today, let’s look at Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (also known as the four gospels). Each of these disciples describe the miracles of Jesus that ultimately lead to His death and resurrection. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering why four different people wrote about the same events. However, each disciple tells the story in a particular way based on their own reaction and influence from the specific event. John, for example, is more of a symbolism type of guy which is probably why he was chosen to write the book of Revelation. Typically, if you are new to reading and studying the Bible the four gospels are recommended, but if you are like me and have an interest in what happened after then the book of Acts is right for you. Regardless of what book you choose each will grant you a new outlook on life.

            Personally, I prefer to read the shorter books of the Bible such as 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, 1 Peter, or any other one that has less than ten chapters. For me, it is easier to set a short term goal, such as finishing a book in a week rather than finishing one book a month. On the other hand, reading a longer book with roughly 25 chapters are sometimes easier to follow. When the chapters all flow together to create a story such as King David or Solomon, it keeps the reader interested and almost wills them to read the next chapter. Despite the length, each book of the Bible has a purpose and a message buried within. It’s our job as Christians to seek out the significance and share it with others.

            The last step is to pick a Bible reading plan or start a Bible study with a small group of friends. This step is the hardest one for me to complete because sticking to reading the Bible every day is hard not because it is not interesting, but rather the fact that I don’t make time to read. However, when I do take the time, the lessons embedded within are superbly rewarding. My advice to you is to have a friend read along with you and take 20 minutes a day to discuss the passage. Having someone else to go through it with, will not only bring new ideas but a stronger friendship as well.

~ Ashley