I am not the best at studying my bible.  I’m just going to be honest and say that, even when I could squeeze in the time, I didn’t have the desire to actually study.  So outside of Sunday School class, church sermons, and the occasional bible study, I haven’t cracked open the Word too much.  Even when I attempted devotionals (I love the She Reads Truth ones!), I more often read the devotion itself instead of the actual scripture.  I’ve really been convicted about this lack of Bible study, but I didn’t know quite how to change it.

Then, a few weeks ago, I discovered the Illustrated Faith movement, also known as Bible Journaling.  I immediately jumped on board, purchasing my ESV Journaling Bible and Micron pens.  Honestly, I saw this as a creative outlet more than I saw it as motivation to study my Bible, but that’s exactly what happened.  I started reading and studying the Word.  I wanted to do it.

I also learned that I’m not good at studying the Bible.  Am I the only one that finds that big book confusing sometimes?  Actually, don’t answer that. 🙂  I remember a book I had seen by my online bff Jen Hatmaker, A Modern Girls Guide to Bible Study, and I purchased that, too.

In the book, Jen teaches bible study strategies in her classic, humorous style.  And even though I’ve been a Christian for going on 22-years, and in church since conception, I’ve learned a lot.  Sometimes slow learners like me just need a detailed “here’s-what-to-do” plan.

I’m proud to say that in the past two weeks, my bible study habits have improved greatly.  And my new Bible is looking really pretty as a result.