The Ultimate Bible Journaling Resource Page for Beginners

If you are curious to learn more about the Bible Journaling movement and how to engage with God in the margins of your Bible in a fresh, vibrant, and colorful way, well then you’re in the right place. Because this Ultimate Resource Page was created just for you and others looking to get started. I’ve got you covered!

Start Here

First things first, check out these three blog posts I wrote with beginners in mind. They’ll answer some of your burning questions and help free you up from any anxiety you may have about “messing up” the pages of your Bible or art journal. Fellow perfectionists, I’m talkin’ to you!

Collabs with Illustrated Faith

In a dream-come-true scenario, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Shanna Noel from Illustrated Faith on a Permission Pages Digital Devotional Kit. Though the kit is no longer offered in their shop, I’d be happy to send you a complimentary copy if you’re interested! Just reach to me via email or on Instagram.

And here are two blog posts with video tutorials for how to put the kit into action at the start of your Journaling Bible:

Permission Pages: Journaling Bible Process Video | Here's a glimpse at the NEW Permission Pages Digital Devotional Kit by Lauren Lanker in action! Designed to support you in creating your own set of permission pages where you can boldly declare what "This Bible is for" (asking questions and making mistakes) and what "This Bible is not for" (proving my worth or giving in to fear). Be inspired!

Video Tours

Looking for some inspiration on different styles and approaches to art worship? Grab a cup of yum, and join me for a Flip-Through Video Tour of my Journaling Bible’s first ten entries.

I also journaled my way through the entire gospel of John, and created a Flip-Through Video of those entries, sharing all that God taught me through that process.

{If for some reason you have trouble viewing the videos above, click HERE for the first 10 entries video, and click HERE for the Gospel of John. And if you click the gear icon, you can change the default setting to H.D. for higher quality.}

2 Minute VIDEO TUTORIALS

For those who enjoy seeing the whole process of creating an entry, from blank page to finish, here are my quick 2 minute video tutorials:

Brush Pen Doodle Entry | 2 Minute Bible Journaling Video Tutorial. Check out the quick n' easy process video on how to create a two-page spread with hand-lettering and brush pen doodles like this one from Matthew 23! Over at thinkingcloset.com
Beginner Watercolor Iceberg Entry | 2 Minute Bible Journaling Video Tutorial. Check out the process video and step by step tutorial for how to create a geometric iceberg with pen and watercolor! This is do-able for beginners. Join Lauren for the run-down, beginner tips, and supply list at thinkingcloset.com

Supplies

Curious about where to buy a Journaling Bible? Want to know my go-to craft supplies for doodling and painting in my Journaling Bible? Check out my *Bible Journaling Supply List on my Amazon Affiliate Storefront. As well as my post on my My 20 Favorite Journaling Bible Supplies.

My 20 Favorite Journaling Bible Supplies | A photo-filled run-down of my go-to craft supplies that I reach for when pouring my heART in the margins of my ESV Crossway Journaling Bible! Everything from washi tape, gelatos, brush pens, paint, and more! Plus, a peek at what's on my wish list of supplies....

I even recorded a live Periscope broadcast if you want to join me for a replay of that fun chat and perhaps fold a few baskets of laundry (I can be verbose to say the least).

{If for some reason you have trouble viewing the video above, click HERE. And if you click the gear icon, you can change the default setting to H.D. for higher quality.}

Sermon Notes Journal | Daily Grace Co.

2023 Update: My current favorite “supply” that I’ve added to my arsenal is my pink linen Sermon Notes Journal from The Daily Grace Co. It’s where I write down my sermon notes and prayers in preparation for Bible Journaling. I love how each spread has a “Remember This” section at the bottom for jotting down key takeaways. These make great gifts, too! Use my affiliate code THINKINGCLOSET for 10% off everything over at The Daily Grace Co.

Sermon Notes Journal | interior layout | Daily Grace Co.

Meet Shanna & Rebekah

When I first discovered this form of art worship, I pored over the videos and blog posts of fellow Bible Journalers, especially those of two ladies in particular: Shanna Noel, the creative cowgirl who really got the Journaling Bible movement started in the first place, and Rebekah R. Jones, an excellent teacher who creates videos, courses, and weekly challenges for beginners and veterans alike. I’ll include some links below where you can get lost for hours soaking up new ideas, encouragement, and tips for experimenting with new mediums in your Journaling Bible–all thanks to these two gals!

Getting Social

I have no doubt you’ll find the Journaling Bible community as welcoming and collaborative as I have. And if you’re looking to connect with other kindred spirits or gain inspiration from their times of art worship, here’s a list worth checking out:

INSTAGRAM

INSTAGRAM HASHTAGS

And my own personal hashtags:

Scripture Resources

  • BibleGateway.com: This is my favorite “search engine” for looking up Bible verses and reading them in different translations. It also includes audio recordings if you’d like to listen to scripture being read during your times of art worship.
  • Blue Letter Bible: This is my favorite resource for free commentaries when taking a deep dive into scripture study.
  • Meeting God in Scripture by Jan Johnson: a wonderful book on guided meditation for anyone curious about the practice of lectio divina!
  • How to Use the S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method by Love God Greatly
  • Free S.O.A.P. Bible Study Printable by Paper & Moss
  • First 5 App: An app designed to help you give the first five minutes of your day to God with a short scripture teaching.

Let’s Stay in Touch!

There’s more inspiration where this came from. And I love to keep my creative comrades in the loop with my latest and greatest projects through my monthly-ish email newsletter. You can sign up to join us by using the form below. Your email is safe with me and you can unsubscribe at any time.

I also invite you to reply to any of my emails with questions you may have or inspiration. Hearing from the incredible members of The Thinking Closet community always makes my day!

Go forth and let that creativity splish, splash, and spill…in the margins and beyond!

This is Lauren, signing off.

*Full Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase after clicking through, The Thinking Closet may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for helping to support this site!