Thursday, June 14, 2018

Inspire Lg. Print Edition ~ Bible for Creative Journaling

Good Thursday morning Folks ~ Well, we’ve had even ‘more’ rain, this is our 5th week of liquid sunshine.  I will post photos of flowers and waterlogged driveway in another post.

Today’s post is about a new Bible I ordered from Amazon, The Inspire Lg. Edition Bible for Creative Journaling.

Those who have been following me for any amount of time know that I lost my dear husband 9 Dec. 2012. After being married to my best friend for 43 years, being alone has been rough at times. It was much worse in the beginning than it is now, but there is still a huge ‘void’ that his leaving has left in my life.

God has sustained me,  He is with me constantly, He has blessed me over and over, in many ways, large and small. My KJV large print Bible has been a huge source of encouragement and it has all sorts of underlinings and notes, dates, etc. written in it through many years of reading it, even before God took my DH home.

In the past couple of years I’ve seen blogs and you tube videos about journaling in your Bibles. Well, I can tell you that I was NOT impressed by some of it, and still don’t like covering total pages of scripture so that you can’t even read what it says anymore. What good is that? Just my personal opinion. I was turned off by the whole concept.

Recently, I saw some videos again, and one had this Inspire Bible which really caught my attention. It spoke to ‘FlowerLady’s’ heart. From the box it came in, to the page edges and all of the wonderful drawings just waiting to be colored. It is a wonderful way to sit quietly and meditate on whatever portion of scripture happens to be featured in the drawings. I ordered the large print edition, for my aging eyes to be able to read and color comfortably.

box-cover-front 

Page edges

page-edges

As you open the Bible.

to-from-pages

to-page

inspire

Right off, I went to 1 Peter 5:7 and wrote a note. This is the scripture that my DH called out to me one day as I came in the door from work. He was bedridden, and it was a little less than a month before God called him home. This verse is very encouraging to me and I am thankful for those words from the ‘love-of-my-life’.

05-20-cast-all

I then started going page by page and found two pages, maybe 4 chapters missing, only pieces left in the middle. I thought ‘oh no!’ I didn’t feel I could send it back to Amazon with my personal notes written in it, and was bummed out. I  later decided it couldn’t hurt to email a note to the publishers telling them my story. I heard back and they asked for a photo, the ISBN # and my address. I did what she asked and they sent me a new Bible. Thank you Tyndale Publishing for your kindness. If I had found the missing pages ‘before’ I wrote anything in it, I would have sent it back through Amazon. (The box hadn’t been tampered with, it was all fresh and tight, so it must have happened when it was being put together.)

damaged-inspire-bible

I traced a flower drawing into my Bible and colored it in with crayons since that is what I had. Not very nice to work with at all. But it got my creative juices going.

1st-drawing

I watched some videos of different ladies who are into Bible journaling and saw their reviews of different colored pencils, etc. Oh my. I did googling and read reviews also, and decided to get a set of 36 Faber-Castell colored pencils. They are made in Germany, and are made of oil, not wax. I would have loved to have gotten the complete set, but that is way out of my budget. I have picked out 15 individual colors I’d like to add to my collection which to me will round out the color selection nicely, but can’t afford that right now. (Before I ordered these, I looked out in the workshop to see if DH had any colored pencils in his stash of artist supplies. He had oils, acrylics, and pastels, but no colored pencils. Not to say there positively aren’t any, but I didn’t come across them right then.)

These Faber-Castell pencils are a joy to work with. I’ve much to learn in using them and in becoming a better artist. I’ve painted in oils and watercolors before, but that was many, many years ago. DH was the artist and I could always get pointers and tips from him.

FC-tin

FC-pencils

I picked this little set below up at Target the other day, Prismacolor Premier Botanical Garden set of 12, for $9.99. Prismacolor was another brand with high reviews. They are made of wax though, and some have said the lead breaks easily when you sharpen the pencils. So far, I’ve not had any problem with sharpening them. These colors are so delicate and pretty.

prisma-botanical-garden-set-tin

prisma-botanical-garden-set

Here are some of my colorings.

05-17-it-is-good

2kings20-5

This verse really speaks to me

nehemiah8-10

and reminds me of another verse that isn’t featured in this Bible as a drawing, but I will quote it here.

Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

With that, I will close this post. I look forward to many hours of creatively meditating on God’s words.

Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady

30 comments:

Betty said...

I am so glad you were able to get a replacement. I have never seen a Bible like that. It is really pretty and encouraging. I don't do journaling, but I do write on the sides of the books I read, that I plan on keeping. That way I can go back and remind myself of something I chose to think about.

crafty cat corner said...

Although I do not practice any particular religion I love this Bible.
I was bought up a christian and went to church and believed until my Father had an awful death, it took my faith away and as of yet it has not returned. That is not to say that I do not look up to those who have faith like yourself, and I think it must be such a comfort to you.
I can still remember lots of the bible from Sunday school and the Church school that I attended.
I love the pencils, just looking at them all lined up in the box is enough for me, lol
I look forward to seeing more of your art work.
As for a naughty burger, I just meant that I really should not have one as they are so fattening and give me indigestion, lol
Hugs
Briony
x

lil red hen said...

What a lovely, lovely Bible book! I know this will give you many hours of pleasure and comfort. My Bible is old and has many scriptures underlined and notes in the margins. It is the most precious book I can ever own ~ the very words from our heavenly Father.

Out on the prairie said...

I had 30% off and went looking at a variety of new bibles and words of thought, but never could make up my mind on anything new, knowing there will be another coupon sometime. I have used the same KJV since 1962, and it is like an old friend always close by.Your illustration really adds to this text, I will look for one next time I am over at that store.

Kit said...

What a lovely book! I love how you are using it. Keep dry and enjoy your lovely gardens. Love, KK

Stacey said...

Oooh, I think my mother-in-law would love that. Thanks for sharing!

Ruth Hiebert said...

That Bible looks lovely and will only become more so as you add your creative touches to the pictures.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

What a lovely way to enjoy the Bible! The drawings are so pretty and your coloring is wonderful! I love the beautiful cover and binding, too. I hope it continues to bring you sweet comfort, my dear. xo Karen

Anne Payne said...

Rainey, I love these pages you've colored! I've been wanting one of these Bibles as I don't have the heart to color all over a page either. Now I do use highlighters and washi tape but it does not impair the words at all. Thank you for sharing your Bible Journaling with us! Much love, my friend!

Junkchiccottage said...

What a beautiful bible. I am going to hop over to Amazon. What a beautiful and uplifting way to spend some quiet time.
Love love love this. This would be a wonderful gift too. Thanks for sharing. Hope you are doing well.
Hugs,
Kris

M.K. said...

What a beautiful book, FL!! I'm so glad you found it, and that it soothes your heart and lets the Scripture seep in and work its comfort in you. Blessings, friend.

Karen said...

A beautiful bible, made more beautiful by your so very talented artistic touches. I am glad you were able to receive a new copy, too. Sending hugs and blessings to you, dear friend.

Pom Pom said...

Oh, such fun stuff! I agree, I'm not going to cover scripture, but doodling when I feel so led is meaningful. You asked about my socks. I ordered them on Amazon and I love them because they are thin and provide a protective layer when I wear certain shoes. Aren't we always giving our feet TLC? Our kids think they are very weird, but I keep wearing them! Have a lovely day, Lorraine! Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting, friend!

Janneke said...

I never saw such a wonderful bible. Faber color pencils are usually used here, but I adore your botanical garden set of color pencils, just beautiful. I wish you a lot of pleasure, coloring the flower drawings, in the meantime musing about the accompanying bible texts.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

You are SO talented... I loved seeing what you did.... Bible Journaling is neat... Great Scriptures and Great Illustrations created by YOU.... How special is that.

I have been Journaling for many years ---but mine is an online Journal where I talk about my day and add pictures.... I'm not creative enough to draw my own illustrations like you are.... BUT--I love journaling --and never go to bed without completing my day!

Hugs,
Betsy

Leslie Kimel said...

Coloring and drawing really do seem like wonderful ways to meditate. I would like to try it myself. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful Bible!

outlawgardener said...

How nice of Tyndale to replace your bible. YOur drawing and colorings are lovely and a delightful meditative practice. Happy coloring.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I have about 4-5 versions of the Bible here to study off and on over the years...you clearly have the best and most enjoyable way :)

Ann said...

What a beautiful bible and your coloring so far only enhances that. Thank you for the visit to my blog and your kind words it was very much appreciated

Dewena said...

This is so exciting because I have artistic cousins who journal in their Bibles this way. Your reading will be so enriched by the beautiful colors, just as your garden is by the colors there. I am glad you found a version that won't cover up printed scripture like some do. Those are beautiful when done just like a Canadian artist I read who does the most beautiful artwork on sheet music and maps but it would be a loss not to be able to actually read the verses.

I imagine your post will give others a good lead to something that will work for them.

Love to you, Flower Lady,
Dewena

Anonymous said...

I just stumbled upon your blog and am so glad that I did.

Truly beautiful!

Buttons alias Grace said...

That is such a beautiful Bible I have never seen anything like it. This will indeed help you get through those tough times. Thanks for showing this. Take care and hugs. B

Darcie said...

My dear friend, please excuse my absence from checking in on your blog! Life has been so crazy, and yet your comment touched my heart that you left on my blog. Thank you for being a constant friend.

When I worked at a bible bookstore a couple years ago, the journaling bibles were all the rage. I felt like you too...was hard to think of covering up scripture with my poor attempt at art. But I do like the ones that have side margins where you can take notes and put your art. Seems more fitting to me too! Enjoy immersing yourself in the scriptures.

Rebecca said...

OK. I'm missing you! Hope all is well and you're just busy with your new Bible! We're back from a week's vacation and are in the middle of a heat wave.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

I LOVE THIS
AND MAY ORDER ME ONE
THANK YOU FOR SHARING

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Rainey, it is a beautiful Bible and how strange...tearing out a couple of pages. Oh well. It's a chance to pray for that person, perhaps something spoke to their heart, something good. I write in my books and Bibles; it's a way of remembering and thus bolstering my faith. I'm almost ready for a new Bible but want a KJV.

jerilanders said...

It is a BEAUTIFUL Bible! A visitor to our book signing brought along her Bible that she had been journaling in. It was her own artwork and very good. Not only does it help one to contemplate on a particular verse or book in the Bible, it becomes a treasured keepsake.

Art and Sand said...

What a beautiful bible. I love the combination of art with the written word.

I'm replying here to your comment on my post - still having issues with blogger sending comments to my email.

You are on the giveaway list.

L. D. said...

Wonderful!!!!!

Net - "It's a Wonderful Movie" said...

Such beautiful images from your garden! God's creation is amazing! So pretty. Makes me want to go for a walk right now!

Plus, the Bible that you colored is so lovely.

Blessings, Net

https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com