Bible Journaling Archives - Page 28 of 30

Bible Journaling, DIY & Crafts, Organization

Using the Print then Cut Feature with Cricut Explore Air 2 Plus FREE Printable

Cut out any design you please and learn how to using the print then cut feature with Cricut Explore Air 2 plus FREE printable.

Over the past two weeks, you have been introduced to the Cricut Explore Air 2 and also have seen just a snippet of what it can do with my “Hangry” apron using iron-on vinyl. Today we are going to explore a whole different concept and project using this same crafting machine. Your mind is about to be blown!

The PRINT THEN CUT Feature

Did you know that you can actually use your printer to print different objects but then have your Cricut machine recognize the printables and cut it out? Well it sure can!! And it’s simple to do. I have step-by-step instructions with screenshots of the Cricut Design Space software to walk you through the whole thing so no worries there.

But before we print then cut, we need something to actually print. You can print using different objects from the Cricut Design Space software or design your own using design software. I love designing my own depending on the occasion specifically for my planner or Bible journaling.

That’s where this FREE printable came from. I wanted to illustrate the storms of life in my journaling Bible so I made raindrops and clouds with different quotes for my Bible entry. These would also be fun to use for a weekly planner theme to decorate with. *Keep reading in order to get your downloadable file for your printable below.

I just love the polka dots and sprinkles with the bright pops of color. The only thing is that it becomes tiresome and tedious when you have so many different little designs with intricate outlines to cut by hand. The Cricut will cut all of these out for me so I don’t have to spend the time doing it and getting frustrated because my lines aren’t perfectly straight. Then using a few Cricut tools, I can easily remove the paper cuts from the mat.

Click here to save the below image to your computer to upload to Cricut. (Keep reading if you would rather download as PDF.)

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Begin a new project in Cricut Design Space. Click on the left tab labeled “Upload Images.”

Click “Browse” and then search and find the PNG file of the printable that we saved above.

Choose the complexity of your image. For this printable, choose the “Moderately complex image.”

Now you are going to want to make a few simple changes to the image so that each part is cut individually instead of the entire rectangle being cut out as 1 single object.

Click the tool as shown below beside #1.
Then click the background or white space. This will make the background transparent so the Cricut will recognize each individual part to cut them separately.
Then click “Continue.”

You will then choose whether to save the image as a “Print then Cut” or just as a “Cut image.” Choose “Print then Cut” for this project. You can also name the file and add tags so it is easier to find later once saved in Cricut Design Space. Then click “Save.”

The file will now be saved under your “Uploaded Images Library” as shown below. Below you will see the #1 which is the file to choose for this project. You will notice that each individual part shows black lines outlining each one. This is where the Cricut machine will cut. The 2nd image below show the entire printable outlined with the black line meaning Cricut will only cut the entire image as one piece, and not individually.

You will now select the file we just saved.
Then click “Insert image.”

Click the “Edit” tab on the right side to set the size you want exactly. I made my height 3″ which automatically changes the width accordingly. You will want to save the project and then click “Go” to get started.

You are just about ready to Print then Cut.

Check your settings on the left side for your material size and number of copies.
Then click “Go”.

The below image shows the screen with the entire process from printing to cutting.

Make sure your paper is loaded into your printer and then click “Print Page.” You will be prompted by your printer to select print.
Place your printed paper on the cutting mat and load into the machine. Make sure your dial is set to the appropriate material.
Press the Cricut logo on the machine to start cutting.
Press the double arrow button to unload once cutting is complete
Remove the printables from the mat using the Cricut tools to make it easier.

You are now ready to use your paper cuts. Below is an example of how I used mine in my journaling Bible. I just love this whole raindrop theme which pairs perfectly with my April Bible Journaling Challenge prompts that went live yesterday. The theme for April is Comfort.

CLICK HERE TO GET SHOPPING AND START CUTTING OUT YOUR OWN PAPER CUTS USING THE CRICUT EXPLORE AIR 2.

If you want to print yours and then cut them out yourself, click HERE for the PDF file.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

March 29, 2017/by Bethany

Bible Journaling

April Bible Journaling Challenge Plus FREE Printable

We all need comfort during times of trouble and storms. Meditate and illustrate on these verse with this April Bible Journaling Challenge plus FREE printable.

Almost this entire year has been about learning to fully depend and trust on God no matter what the situation may be. At times, that even means comfort during the storms of life. Since the saying usually goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” I thought I would make this month’s challenge all about Comfort. Maybe you aren’t in a season of rough times right now, but rest assured that you will need this scripture at some point and will have it already ready to go.

*Above is my week 2 entry. If you like the paper cuts above, be sure to come back tomorrow for the FREE printable.

April Bible Journaling Challenge

#AprilBJChallenge

Here’s how it works:

Each month I will have a verse or passage of scripture designated for each week of that month for you to use as a guide in Bible journaling that week. You will illustrate the verse in your own journaling Bible or even just a journal. Then be sure to share your entry with all of us so that we can all gain inspiration from each other but also have accountability with staying in the Word.

You can share the entry on instagram (or any other social media site as well) each month using the designated hashtag and tagging me in the post, @the_southern_couture. This month is #AprilBJChallenge and then of course each month will be the same with the change of the month at the beginning. When you share on instagram, I will be picking entries to share on my own account as well so that others can see them too. Just make sure your account is public if you do not tag me so I can see it.

Above is this month’s weekly challenge card that you can PRINT HERE. I made the printable in the size of a business card so that it would be small enough to attach inside your Bible or journal.

Print your card now!

When I started thinking on this idea and how we could make our study time more of a priority, I felt that a weekly challange would be best. I do recommend spending time in the Word everyday, but realistically not everyone may be able to illustrate their study time daily. Weekly entries seems much more doable and attainable.

If you are new to Bible journaling and don’t know where to start, check out more Bible journaling tutorials HERE. And if you really want to take your learning to the next level then be sure to check out my eBook, Adventures in Bible Journaling: An Extensive Beginner’s Guide to Art and Bible Journaling, that is full of information and step-by-step tutorials. You can even get videos to make it even easier.

Don’t forget to print your card HERE and to share with all of us once you are done. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. And the greatest of these is love,

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

March 28, 2017/2 Comments/by Bethany

Bible Journaling

Gratitude and Praise Journal Using Illustrated Faith

Document your faith not only in your journaling Bible, but also with a gratitude and praise journal using Illustrated Faith items to guide you.

A HUGE thank you to Dayspring for sponsoring this post and encouraging all of us to pursue and strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ. Some of the links below are “affiliate links.” This means if you click a link and purchase an item, I will receive a small affiliate commission that helps me to be able to continue with this blog and hopefully continue to inspire you as well.

Today’s post is an especially fun one to write about. Anytime it involves Bible journaling and Illustrated Faith, I get so excited to share with y’all too. They have a ton of new products that are now available which makes this even more fun. I’m pairing some of their newest stuff with their Praise Book for a Gratitude and Praise Journal.

One of their latest collections is the “Delight in His Day” collection full of all different kinds of stickers, washi tape, tip-ins, clips, paper pieces, paper pad, clear cut pad, stamps, and so much more.

When you see it, you are going to think carnival, circus, and cotton candy with all those fun childhood memories flooding your soul in no time. Everything is so fun and really will brighten your day when you start working with them.

If you made me choose my most favorite item, it would have the be the clear cuts pad. The pad comes with 12 transparent film sheets that you can attach directly to the pages of your journaling Bible using washi tape. And the sprinkles on this one are so adorable.

I will definitely be using these items in my journaling Bible, but wanted to show you a new way to use the same techniques I use for my Bible with something a little different. And that’s where the Gratitude Journal came from.

There have been several bumps in the road to remind me to be grateful for the people I have in my life and the things I do have. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in what we don’t have, that we forget what is right in front of us. My prayer is this journal and praise book will keep my focus on what is important and thankful to the One that has provided all I ever need.

So let’s check out the journal we are going to use. The Praise Book from Illustrated Faith is perfect for a Gratitude journal that leaves the pages open for so many different ideas. The outside has an elastic band for closure and such a cute design. You can also find it on Dayspring’s website.

Inside are numerous plain and decorative pages, transparent pages (my fav), 2 pockets to store stickers or other supplies, and O-ring binding to add more pages if you like.

Click Here Now to Get Your Supplies!!

And use coupon code 25FORYOU for 25% off your order of Illustrated Faith items and FREE shipping! (Good thru 3/31/17)

And now I want to show you the process of an entry in mine using the new Delight in His Day collection I mentioned above. I removed the pages from the binder which makes the O-ring so convenient so you aren’t working on a page and messing up the others. I use a craft mat to work on to protect my table.

I love the style of the “paint splattered” transparent pages and knew I wanted to use them and also do a double page entry to utilize that transparent page. To add to the paint style, I used acrylic paints on my pages with a plastic card using the tutorial HERE. *Don’t worry about the paint bleeding through. With this technique, the paint goes on very thin.

This whole entry is centered around my Dad, what he means to me, and what I am grateful for about him. He recently has been going through a medical emergency and health concerns that have really made me appreciate my family at a whole new level. The picture below has always been a favorite of us when he was helping me making lemonade for my own lemonade stand. It really shows the fun we have together and reminds me to enjoy life every day no matter what.

I printed the photo and attached to the page using the Ticket Taker washi tape. I embellished the rest of the page using the epoxy stickers, puffy stickers, designer clips, cardstock stickers, and acrylic stamps. Play around with the layout and just start layering different items until you are happy.

The opposite side is where I listed specific characteristics about my Dad using a black pen. I embellished this page with many of the same supplies from this same collection.

Below you will see how I strategically painted the pages so the paint would be laying directly beneath the paint splatters on the transparent page.

You could easily use the different stickers and supplies to work directly on the transparent page, but I love how the transparent page becomes an accent to the page beneath.

Add one last designer clip or tab to the top of the page to mark your place for easy access later, and you are ready for your next entry. This is such a beautiful way to incorporate papercrafting with Bible journaling for something new.

I will definitely be using this gratitude journal in the future. I’m even thinking about making different sections of the journal for different areas of my life to keep things organized. Let me know if you would love to do something like this as well in the comments below. Be sure to head to Dayspring to get your Praise Book from Illustrated Faith now. I would love for you to share your entries with me.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR SUPPLIES NOW!

Don’t forget to use coupon code 25FORYOU for 25% off Illustrated Faith items and FREE shipping! (Good thru 3/31/17)

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

March 6, 2017/2 Comments/by Bethany

Bible Journaling, DIY & Crafts

Bringing Back Handwritten Cards by Adding an Artistic Touch

We all love to receive happy mail, so let’s start bringing back handwritten cards by adding an artistic touch with these fun ideas to brighten someone’s day. Thank you to Dayspring for sponsoring this post so we all can be reminded.

Pen and Paper Girl or Digital Girl all the way?? That is the question of the day. I am personally a pen and paper girl. I’m one of those nerds, I guess you would call it that, that loves the feeling of checking something off a to-do list, keeping a paper planner, and also writing handwritten notes to someone special. Which are you? Let me know in the comments below.

No matter what you answer, I hope you will find yourself taking time later today to enjoy writing in an actual card and not typing an email to let someone know how much you appreciate them. I truly believe the art of handwritten letters and cards has been missing. But we can bring it back! If you want to make it fun, try adding a few of these artistic twists that I enjoy myself when writing out cards or letters.

Let’s start writing…

But first you need cards…

You will want to keep a large assortment of cards on hand for all different occasions because you never know what may come up and surprise you. The perfect place to start is at Dayspring. They have a huge assortment of all different styles depending on your own taste.

I got these birthday and encouragement boxed sets so I have plenty on hand now whenever I need one. The Sadie Robertson collection is also just so stinkin’ adorable with the images she chose. Be sure to order yours NOW because for a limited time when you order 2 boxed sets, you get 1 free.

The quality is superb. Do not think just because they are in a boxed set, that they are made cheap or look old school. You will not be disappointed for sure. *You also would never be able to buy the cards cheaper individually than you can right now in these sets.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CARD SALE!

Now you have the cards, so jump right in…

Because I love finding any excuse to use different art supplies, I have found several fun ways to add flair to a basic card and make it more thoughtful.

Using colored pens that coordinate with the card and images adds an extra pop of color and fun than just a basic black or blue pen.

I like to add color and detail by using washi tape especially on the inside of the card.

You can even try using rubber or acrylic stamps to spell out the person’s name on the envelope too.

Using scrapbook alpha stickers in different styles and colors for more detail works and especially if you don’t like your handwriting.

For the envelope below I used acrylic stamps and an acrylic block to add a little touch of detail with the black dots. Any simple touch goes a long way.

Anyone can add these simple touches and really brighten someone else’s day with a thoughtful, handwritten card. But make sure you go order your cards now while they’re on sale. I can’t wait for you to make someone’s day and pay it forward.

And the greatest of these is love,

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

February 27, 2017/4 Comments/by Bethany

Bible Journaling

March Bible Journaling Challenge

Set your focus on the blessings in your life this month with this March Bible Journaling Challenge that even comes with a FREE printable.

Last month was a crazy one for me and I didn’t get to stick with the challenge as much as I would have liked to. I am hoping that things will turn around some more and I will be able to really enjoy creating in my Bible and spending that time meditating on the Word. Please let me know in the comments below too how this journey and challenge is going for you thus far this year.

March Bible Journaling Challenge

#MarchBJChallenge

Here’s how it works:

Each month I will have a verse or passage of scripture designated for each week of that month for you to use as a guide in Bible journaling that week. You will illustrate the verse in your own journaling Bible or even just a journal. Then be sure to share your entry with all of us so that we can all gain inspiration from each other but also have accountability with staying in the Word.

You can share the entry on instagram (or any other social media site as well) each month using the designated hashtag and tagging me in the post, @the_southern_couture. This month is #FebBJChallenge and then of course each month will be the same with the change of the month at the beginning. When you share on instagram, I will be picking entries to share on my own account as well so that others can see them too.

Below you will find this month’s weekly challenge that you can PRINT HERE. I made the printable in the size of a business card so that it would be small enough to attach inside your Bible or journal.

Print your card now!

When I started thinking on this idea and how we could make our study time more of a priority, I felt that a weekly challange would be best. I do recommend spending time in the Word everyday, but realistically not everyone may be able to illustrate their study time daily. Weekly entries seems much more doable and attainable.

If you are new to Bible journaling and don’t know where to start, check out more Bible journaling tutorials HERE. And if you really want to take your learning to the next level then be sure to check out my eBook, Adventures in Bible Journaling: An Extensive Beginner’s Guide to Art and Bible Journaling, that is full of information and step-by-step tutorials. You can even get videos to make it even easier.

Don’t forget to print your card HERE and to share with all of us once you are done. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. And the greatest of these is love,

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

February 24, 2017/6 Comments/by Bethany

Bible Journaling

February Bible Journaling Challenge

Make your time in the Word a priority with Bible study and Bible journaling. Take this February Bible journaling challenge and commit to one entry per week every month.

This month’s challenge is a little late. I apologize so much but had a family emergency. Prayers are still very much appreciated and needed at this time. I am writing this post even though I feel so torn right now because I have found that it always lifts my spirits when I can help others. I hope these monthly challenges this year will be a blessing to you. I always look forward to seeing what y’all have created to.

February Bible Journaling Challenge

#FebBJChallenge

Here’s how it works:

Each month I will have a verse or passage of scripture designated for each week of that month for you to use as a guide in Bible journaling that week. You will illustrate the verse in your own journaling Bible or even just a journal. Then be sure to share your entry with all of us so that we can all gain inspiration from each other but also have accountability with staying in the Word.

You can share the entry on instagram (or any other social media site as well) each month using the designated hashtag and tagging me in the post, @the_southern_couture. This month is #FebBJChallenge and then of course each month will be the same with the change of the month at the beginning. When you share on instagram, I will be picking entries to share on my own account as well so that others can see them too.

Below you will find this month’s weekly challenge that you can PRINT HERE. I made the printable in the size of a business card so that it would be small enough to attach inside your Bible or journal.

Print your card now!

When I started thinking on this idea and how we could make our study time more of a priority, I felt that a weekly challange would be best. I do recommend spending time in the Word everyday, but realistically not everyone may be able to illustrate their study time daily. Weekly entries seems much more doable and attainable.

The image at the top of this post is my entry for week 1. You can find more details HERE on how that page came together with specifics and even a FREE printable.

If you are new to Bible journaling and don’t know where to start, check out more Bible journaling tutorials HERE. And if you really want to take your learning to the next level then be sure to check out my eBook, Adventures in Bible Journaling: An Extensive Beginner’s Guide to Art and Bible Journaling, that is full of information and step-by-step tutorials. You can even get videos to make it even easier.

Now grab yourself a warm cup of coffee and spend some time in the word really studying the verse or passages for this week. Enjoy illustrating each one and the growth of your relationship with Jesus Christ. Don’t forget to print your card HERE and to share with all of us once you are done. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. And the greatest of these is love,

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

February 10, 2017/2 Comments/by Bethany

Bible Journaling

Engage in an Intimate Relationship with God through Illustrated Faith Kit

Learn to engage in an intimate relationship with God through Illustrated Faith kit for Bible journaling. The devotional and supplies will guide you too.

Let’s be honest for a minute. We all go through slumps or valleys in life where we feel totally alone. The world seems to have abandoned us and so we go ahead and include God in that whole distortion of a thought. Of course our heart knows different that God is faithful and has never left us. He is actually calling for us to return to Him, to our first love, and to that intimate relationship that we once knew very well. And that, my friends, is the best news ever. It is a real joy and peace to me to know that God is waiting with open arms even when I feel like my spiritual walk has become so dry.

You all know that I love Bible journaling and have found a way to really grow my relationship and mediation on the Word. I am hoping that you will be able to do the same not only with your relationship with Jesus Christ but also with others in your life and community through this Illustrated Faith devotional kit for February. The kit is now for sale TODAY!

I want to be honest with you first as this kit and devotional has really impacted me. I have spent seasons of my life feeling like God was so close to me and walking right by me literally every step of the day. Then there are times when I feel as if the distance between us is so large I don’t know how to get that intimacy back. I know that I still love Him and want that relationship which is what triggers my heart to get back to my knees in prayer and really search Him out. Every time He has been there just waiting for me to return with love and grace for me. Please keep that in mind as you work through this devotional. You will start to see His love working through you and over spill into other relationships and your community.

Now what exactly is Illustrated Faith? Illustrated Faith is an online community and resource for Bible journaling with tons of resources. They also have a monthly devotional kit with lots of cute supplies to assist you in Bible journaling your way through the devotional if you choose. This month’s kit is designated toward having real and engaging relationships like I mentioned above. (How cute is that packaging when you open up your Happy Mail?)

They have partnered with the (in)courage community and Dayspring for February’s kit which is where the title of the kit, Craving Connection, comes from. Last week, I shared how to achieve real life engagement through the brand new devotional that (in)courage just launched titled Craving Connection. For more information on the devotional that would be great to use alongside this kit, check out this post now.

Before I show you too much of how I’m using the kit in my own journaling Bible, I want you to see all that is included.

1 plastic pouch
1 devotional booklet
1 clear stamp collection
1 roll of washi tape
1 sheet of cut-out paper pieces
2 cardstock sticker sheets
3 tip-ins
1 magnet
1 thank you card from Shanna

The devotional booklet is meant for a 14 day study. I find that I enjoy illustrating each day in my journaling Bible so it usually takes me longer than 14 days to really complete. As I mentioned the Craving Connection book before, this is a wonderful supplement to the Illustrated Faith kit because you are putting all your focus on one subject and really diving deep. Start with Craving Connection for a morning devotional reading and then spend time in the afternoon to really dive deeper with the monthly kit and devotional. Just do what works for you!

And I have to do a close-up of that succulent washi tape! Does it get any cuter than that?? I don’t think so.

The Process:

I always place kraft paper under the page I’m working on to protect the pages underneath. Attach it using washi tape that will remove easily without tearing your page. I painted in the margins of my Bible with acrylic paint using a technique that involves a plastic card. Get the full tutorial to use paint in your own Bible HERE.

To get more space on the page to use the cut-out paper pieces, I made a small card using one of the acrylic stamps that was included in the kit, an acrylic block, ink pad, the succulent washi tape, scrapbook paper or Project Life card, stickers, Faber Castell PITT Artist pen. Be creative and feel free to use any papercrafting supplies you may have.

I attached the card to the page using the succulent washi tape and added another cut-out from the kit for a little more dimension.

The card is so fun because the washi tape allows you to flip the card over while staying attached and include more journaling underneath. I wrote on the back side of the card the devotional this entry was from. Underneath the card, I wrote words directly from the Craving Connection booklet for that specific day that stood out to me. These words describe who God is which you can see in the image below and a little better in the next image that I had “He is” above the card spelled with alpha stickers included in the kit as well.

I added a tab to the top of the page that I cut out from the kit cut-out card and attached with washi tape. The kit also comes with the adorable magnet on the side of the page. You could use this magnet not only in your Bible but to mark your place in the devotional booklet.

This devotional booklet is amazing and a great way to start engaging and connecting with God and your family and friends in a real life-changing way.Also feel free to use the booklet to journal on the pages with any art supplies. This is a great way to keep digging deeper in the Word and meditating on it even more.

I love how (in)courage has teamed up with Illustrated Faith to really help apply this scripture and truth to our lives through meditation on the Word and Bible journaling. Don’t forget you can get your kit ordered TODAY!

Click here to order your February Illustrated Faith Kit!

Enjoy and please feel free to share your Craving Connection entries with me too. And the greatest of these is love,

This post is sponsored by Dayspring. All opinions are mine alone. I pinky promise!

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

January 24, 2017/2 Comments/by Bethany

Bible Journaling, Life

How to Achieve Real Life Engagement in Your Life

If you want to start the year with a fresh start, then try starting out with the Craving Connection Daily Devotion and learn how to achieve real life engagement in your life.

I always find that the beginning of the year is a great time to start fresh and make a plan to really achieve your goals. We can learn from the past year and move toward the future in a new way. One way I am doing just that is with Craving Connection: 30 Challenges for Real-Life Engagement.

Craving Connection comes from the (in)courage community and Dayspring. (in)courage is a community of women that encourages each other through loving support and meaningful connections. They just recently launched their first book which is Craving Connection.

Included are 30 days of devotional study full of real life stories and scripture application to encourage your connection with God, friends, and your community. Each day you will find scripture, devotional, connection questions, and a connection challenge with a takeaway.

As I have started and learned more about this community, there are certain people on my mind and in my heart that I am now more actively praying for and hoping to really engage in a friendship and life connection with them on a deeper level that God has called us to. Above all that I want my relationship with God to be the priority. I have found that Bible journaling helps me to really meditate on the scripture and spend time with God in worship with creating.

Craving Connection is now the other component I was needing for the other people and areas of my life. One thing that I love to do is find small things that aren’t expensive necessarily but will just brighten someone’s day in a special and meaningful way. You can only imagine how excited I was when I discovered their Encouragement Postcard Book.

There are 20 different postcards with the most beautiful lettered and artistic designs full of scripture and encouraging quotes. I can’t wait to send one to a friend or family member for a little fun happy mail to brighten their day when they least expect it.

To remind me daily of what I am learning in Craving Connection and how to keep it close to heart, I love their new Clip Frame and Art Print set. The whitewash with the gold foil is about more than I can handle. The perfect gold clip holds an art print to encourage me throughout the day or anyone who comes into my home.

What makes this even more perfect is the built in pocket on the back that holds the 25 art prints that come with it. I don’t have to worry about losing any of them and can switch them out easily whenever I choose. This would also be a great conversation starter to place on your desk at work so others can read and be touched as well. It’s the little things that will reach people sometimes.

And if that wasn’t enough, check out their Wear-One-Share-One necklaces that you can choose from several different words. I chose “Peace” and love being able to wear it and remind myself throughout the day of God’s peace whenever chaos tries to arise. I can’t wait to give the other necklace to someone close as a reminder to both of us that someone is always praying for them.

Photo Credit Dayspring

I am so expectant and excited to see how God works in my own life and heart to really connect with Him and others in a new and refreshed way this year. I am so thankful for resources like these to help and guide us along the way. Life is hard enough without having to do it alone. Let’s support each other as much as we can. I’m also excited to see what nuggets of truth speak to me that I can incorporate into my journaling Bible and illustrate there. We shall see…

Now head over to Dayspring and get your Craving Connection book now to start this incredible journey. I will be reading along as well so feel free to start a discussion in the comments below or ask any questions.

And the greatest of these is love,

This post is sponsored by Dayspring. All opinions are mine alone. I pinky promise!

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

January 16, 2017/by Bethany

Bible Journaling

Love Bible Journaling Entry with Free Printable

With Valentine’s Day soon approaching, make sure to check out this love Bible journaling entry with free printable to help us remember God’s definition of love.

Once the new year is here, you know what that means is just around the corner. Valentine’s Day of course! Yes, I’m a sucker for this holiday whether you like it or not. Call me cheesy. I don’t care. Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks so, because stay tuned until the bottom where you can find many others making quick and easy Valentines crafts that you will enjoy too.

No matter how you feel about this “commercialized” day, February and any month for that matter is a good reason to get back to the real meaning of love. Where else to look than in the Word? God perfectly defines LOVE in 1 Corinthians 13 which is why I just had to illustrate something fun on this page.

You will adore this love themed entry because there are even FREE printables to assist you with your own entry. No matter how “artistic” you may or may not feel, these printables will take out all the worries for you. The love tag could even be used as a gift tag.

Before we get started, I want to just say that if you are new to Bible journaling, be sure to check out this beginner’s guide and more Bible journaling posts to help you learn even more. My FREE 5 day eCourse or eBook “Adventures in Bible Journaling” will also guide you in the right step.

Supplies Used:

Journaling Bible
Craft mat
Scrap paper
Washi tape
Gesso
Heat gun
Foam paintbrush
Paint tray
Rubber and acrylic alpha and assorted stamps
Acrylic block for stamping
Ink pads
Brush markers
FREE printables
Scissors
Paperclip
Ribbon
Date stamp

PRINT YOUR FREE PRINTABLES NOW!!

Place scrap paper under the page you are working on. I chose 1 Corinthians 13. Apply washi tape to the corners to keep the page secured and flat. Prep the page using clear gesso. The gesso keeps the markers from bleeding through to the backside of the page. It dries clear and flat. Apply with a foam paintbrush and dry the page using a heat gun.

Using stamps from Heidi Swapp and mini ink pads, I spelled out “LOVE” using brush markers in 2 shades of pink for the “O” by drawing a heart instead. I finished this phrase in the margin with smaller alpha stamps to spell “LOVE is…”

I added more decoration to the page using brush markers to draw the “paint lines”. Add more detail using acrylic stamps to spell love or add hearts.

Emphasize your passage or verse with either highlighters, colored pencils, or brush markers like I did.

I chose to use the Love tag from the free printable set by attaching a paperclip with a ribbon tied to mark the page for easy access. A tip when adding paperclips to your thin Bible pages is to apply washi tape to the page first and then add the paperclip. The washi tape helps to make the page a little more sturdy and not rip.

Finish the page by adding the date which I always do with my Heidi Swapp date stamp.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about the boxed chocolates and teddy bears. Let us not forget our first love which is Jesus Christ and revisit what He tells us to be true love.

Now go print your free printables to use throughout your Bible pages NOW! I will be showing more ways to use these printables in different entries come February during the February Bible Journaling Challenge so be sure to not throw away any you don’t use and join me then too.

If you want to be a part of January’s challenge, it’s not too late. Go print your January challenge card now to get started and get all the details. Below is my entry for week 1 from 1 John.

And if that isn’t enough, I have ONE more surprise. I have teamed up with many other bloggers to bring you the BEST Valentine’s Day themed crafts and DIY projects that you will love. Be sure to check out all their creativity as well.

http://www.30MinuteCrafts.com

And the greatest of these is love,

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

January 8, 2017/6 Comments/by Bethany

Bible Journaling

January Bible Journaling Challenge

Start the year off right by making your time in the Word a priority with Bible study and Bible journaling. Take this January Bible journaling challenge now.

First I want to start out by sending a HUGE Happy New Year’s to you and your family!! There is something about the beginning of a new year that feels so refreshing and rejuvenating. Whether you believe in New Year’s resolutions or not, this time of year is great to really start afresh and set some real goals for yourself. I love to, in a way, reset myself when it comes to certain areas of my life. One of those priority areas in my life is my relationship with Jesus Christ and studying the Word.

You all know how much I love Bible journaling and how much it has changed my life. I don’t mean to sound like a broken record; I am just that passionate about it. Because I know the difference and impact it has made on my life, I want others to be able to experience the same that I have. That is why I am SUPER excited to announce my brand new MONTHLY CHALLENGE to help guide you along your own Bible journaling adventure this year.

January Bible Journaling Challenge

#JanBJChallenge

Here’s how it works:

Each month I will have a verse or passage of scripture designated for each week of that month for you to use as a guide in Bible journaling that week. You will illustrate the verse in your own journaling Bible or even just a journal. Then be sure to share your entry with all of us so that we can all gain inspiration from each other but also have accountability with staying in the Word.

You can share the entry on instagram (or any other social media site as well) each month using the designated hashtag and tagging me in the post, @the_southern_couture. This month is #JanBJChallenge and then of course each month will be the same with the change of the month at the beginning. When you share on instagram, I will be picking entries to share on my own account as well so that others can see them too.

Below you will find this month’s weekly challenge that you can PRINT HERE. I made the printable in the size of a business card so that it would be small enough to attach inside your Bible or journal.

Print your card now!

When I started thinking on this idea and how we could make our study time more of a priority, I felt that a weekly challange would be best. I do recommend spending time in the Word everyday, but realistically not everyone may be able to illustrate their study time daily. Weekly entries seems much more doable and attainable.

Now one last thing that I want to say to encourage you. DO NOT feel like you have failed or “messed up” if you decide to take this challenge and then aren’t able to participate every week. Life happens and we all know that. This isn’t homework that you HAVE to complete. I simply want this challenge to be a fun and encouraging way for you to spend more time in the Word while also enjoying something you love. That’s is. Bottom line.

This is my entry for week 1 that actually was inspired by the current Bible study I am doing from The Daily Grace Co. which I highly recommend. Start out with the “How to Study the Bible” devotional. You will not be disappointed.

If you are new to Bible journaling and don’t know where to start, check out more Bible journaling tutorials HERE. And if you really want to take your learning to the next level then be sure to check out my eBook, Adventures in Bible Journaling: An Extensive Beginner’s Guide to Art and Bible Journaling, that is full of information and step-by-step tutorials. You can even get videos to make it even easier.

Now grab yourself a warm cup of coffee and spend some time in the word really studying the verse or passages for this week. Enjoy illustrating each one and the growth of your relationship with Jesus Christ. Don’t forget to print your card HERE and to share with all of us once you are done. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. And the greatest of these is love,

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

January 4, 2017/8 Comments/by Bethany