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

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