If ever there have been two greater trends among Christian women than Bible journaling and adult coloring books in recent history, I cannot recall what they are. I’m guilty of jumping aboard both myself, and I love it. Now I can take my two latest passions and join them with these brand new journaling Bibles. Have you seen them?
Taking time to use my journaling Bible has both increased my quiet time with God and my time to relax and de-stress. But I have a confession to make — I’m sometimes nervous to do the creative lettering and pictures I sometimes see others doing on Pinterest or Instagram. Most days I just jot a few notes into the journaling margins of my Bible and call it all good, but deep inside, I want to do more. I want my Bible to reflect not only what I’m learning, but also my creativity. But I’m just afraid I’ll mess it all up, you know?
But then last week, I noticed some new journaling Bibles are coming onto the scene. This excites me because in these Bibles are pages that have pre-drawn images and words that can be colored. Not all of the pages are filled with artwork; there are still plenty of blank pages, too. But if you’re like me and really want an artsy bent to your Bible journaling, but fear messing it up, then I think you’ll enjoy these new Bibles.
Most of them are now discounted and available for pre-order. I have found several different styles in a few translations. I suspect more will be coming out soon, and when I see them, I’ll add them to this post. For now, these are the ones I have found.
Fine Linen and Purple
Fine Linen and Purple: a coloring journal for girls who love Jesus is much more than a coloring book. It does contain 28 gorgeous coloring pages designed especially for teen girls, but in addition to that, you’ll find 28 passages of Scripture, along with discussion questions to help them dig deeper. There are also 28 Scripture memory cards. So, while it’s not an actual journaling Bible, it’s a beautiful addition to your creative collection.
My Creative Journaling Bibles (KJV)
My Creative Bible is an exciting new concept in ways to experience the word of God in Scripture. This King James Version Journaling Bible is single-column printed, with two-inch-wide ruled margins for note-taking, scribing your reflections or creative expression. Nearly 400 hand-drawn, Scripture accompanying line-art illustrations are placed throughout the Bible to enhance embracement of The Word. There is an index of the Scripture artwork – line-art suitable for filling. Users will find this an invaluable visual tool for immersion and Bible study.
My Creative Bible is available with 3 different covers.
The Tan Leather Hardcover Edition features a lovely filigree frame skillfully debossed into the quality man-made material with the look and feel of real leather (trade name LuxLeather). Gold foil debossed titling enhances the beauty of the design. There is an attached ribbon page marker and an attached elastic band closure.
The Pink Leather Hardcover Edition features a lovely floral design skillfully debossed into the quality man-made material with the look and feel of real leather (trade name LuxLeather). Silver foil debossed titling and beautiful, printed page-edges enhance the beauty of the design. There is an attached ribbon page marker and an attached elastic band closure.
The Silky-Soft Flexcover Edition features a lovely floral design printed on a unique silky-textured material produced as an imitation leather, with the screen-printed design seemingly woven right in. There is an attached ribbon page marker.
Inspire Journaling Bibles (NLT)
Deluxe Hardcover editions of Inspire Bible feature a lovely, teal imitation leather over board, with beautifully-designed full-color page edges, a matching ribbon, and an elastic band closure.
Deluxe LeatherLike editions of Inspire Bible feature a lovely, silky LeatherLike material, a matching ribbon marker, and pretty page-edge designs.
Beautiful Word Bible (NIV)
Be drawn into God’s Word through a fresh, creative expression of the beautiful words of God. Crafted on high-quality paper and balanced with inspiring full-color art and blank space, the NIV Beautiful Word Bible will encourage a deeper and more authentic quiet time. With 500 verses illustrated to help you see the rich diversity of stories, characters, prophecies, rewards, and hope contained within Scripture, you will discover wisdom to sustain you in every season, drawing you deeper into God’s life-changing and inspired Word.
Features include:
- Single-column text of the New International Version (NIV)
- 500 full-color illustrated verses
- Wide margins and high-quality paper for notes, journal entries or artwork
- Index of illustrated Scripture passages
If you are looking for a journaling Bible that has no pre-drawn art, I have this ESV Journaling Bible. It has a cloth over board floral cover that is very pretty. If you want something a little more traditional, you can also find the ESV Journaling Bible with a brown leather cover or a black cover. There are also NIV translations available in brown/blue imitation leather and a blue hardcover.
One question I always get is about possible bleed-through. In my experience with journaling Bibles, I have found the pages to be thicker than what you generally find in Bibles, so bleed-through has not been an issue. I expect the new Bibles coming out to be the same.
The second most common question I get is about what tools I use to write and color in my Bible, so here is the list of what I use most:
Prismacolor Pencils: I use these most for creative lettering and coloring in pictures.
Bible High-Gliders: I use these for highlighting passages of Scripture.
Pigma Micron Pens: These are my favorite pens for writing in my Bible.
I am so grateful someone was creative enough to come up with this idea, and I can’t wait to finally really enjoy my journaling Bibles without fear of messing them up!
What about YOU?
Do you enjoy Bible journaling? Why or why not?
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If you enjoyed this article, I think you’ll love these Adult Coloring Books for Christian Women and Girls.