Tips for Overcoming Fear to Start Journaling in the Illustrating Bible

The very first entry in a new journaling Bible can be intimidating. Check out these tips for overcoming fear to start journaling in the Illustrating Bible or any other journaling Bible. 

How gorgeous is this brand new Illustrating Bible from Illustrated Faith and Dayspring? It’s absolutely stunning. You added it to your wish list for Christmas, were ecstatic to open it on Christmas morning, and now you have no clue where to begin. You are definitely not alone.

The extra wide margins can be overwhelming at first and just the size of the Bible in general. I encourage you though to not let it just sit on your desk. Overcome those fears of intimidation and open it today. Making a mistake on your first entry is better than never opening your Bible at all. My prayer is that these ideas will encourage and help you to complete your first entry in your Illustrating Bible today.

A Sentimental Memory

For my very first entry in the Illustrating Bible, I chose to journal about my gratitude to God for our baby boy. I used one of his ultrasound pictures which fit perfectly in the margins since they are extra wide.

I used watercolors to add a little extra pop of color and then added some journaling. (Check out this tutorial for using watercolors on these thicker pages too.) You could use a picture, handwritten letter from a loved one, etc. for your first entry. Use it for your focus instead of worrying about using all the art supplies and messing up.

Permission Pages

Whether you are using the Illustrating Bible or another journaling Bible, creating Permission Pages allows yourself to be able to work freely in your Bible without any stress. Lauren Lanker from The Thinking Closet blog is who originally inspired this idea for all of us and created her own digital printables.

I used them in the front of my Bible as a reminder to me of God’s grace and mercy every time I open my Bible. This post will show you how to add them to the spiral binding. It also reminds me what the true priority of my journaling is all about.

Keep It Simple

The biggest mistake most people make is thinking that they have to use every art supply and technique they have ever seen in their journaling Bible all in one entry. Just getting into the Word and studying what God has for us is the most important part. If you feel intimidated to use watercolors or acrylic paints, then I would just keep it basic with some simple supplies like stickers and journaling.

Some of my most favorite entries are those that are the most simple and didn’t necessarily take a lot of time. I’m so thankful that there is beauty in every single one of our entries and time spent with God. That is truly what matters the most.

I would love to see your very first entry in your Illustrating Bible. Please tag me on social media. I would also love to know if this post encouraged you to jump right in and get started. I sure hope it has been a blessing to you. God bless!