Many thanks to Jess @ Teachable Moments for this guest post today! I have long admired her art journals and the journaling she does with her daughters. If you have never before visited Jess, please do so today, you will be blessed!
Psalm 98:4-6
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
A blank page can be an intimidating obstacle to overcome, or it can be an opportunity to sing praises to the Lord through art. While the Bible often references signing making music and signing praise, have you ever considered the fact that all forms of art can be used to glorify God?
I am often asked how to begin art journaling with children. I am asked to recommend supplies, give advice on how to create a group, and where I find ideas for my pages. If you spend a moment in quiet reflection and prayer, you will realize that all you need to art journal are three things: 1) a piece of paper, 2) something to write or draw with and 3) something to say. It is that simple.
Use the time you set aside to art journal as an opportunity to pray and spend time with God. Find a scripture verse or a prayer that you like. What does your mind see when you recite the words? A dove? An olive branch? A church? Begin by drawing the picture. God does not care how your picture looks. He cares that you took the time to create in his name. The material you work with should make you happy. I adore black Sharpie marker and almost every page I make has black marker to either outline the drawing or to write the words. The paper you work on should also make you happy. Sometime I enjoy using cut up brown paper bags from Trader Joe’s. Other times I really find the torn page of a book to be the perfect canvas. Draw your image, paint it, color it with crayon if you wish, or perhaps you like a pencil sketch best. Add the words. Add them around your drawing, or over your drawing. Give your need for perfection up to God. Let his hand guide yours.
If you are working with children, give each child a few lines to illustrate. Add them together to make a prayer book.
Or…
Write out your favorite prayer or copy one from your favorite prayer book. Use this as the background. Draw a large cross and fill it in with doodles, zentangle style. Cut it out and paste it over the prayer. Just a few words will peek through from the prayer and arrange your cross so that your favorite words or lines show.
Collage a page from old greeting cards or scrapbook paper.
Find an inspirational quotation.
Use the words to a Psalm as your inspiration.
Psalm 9:2
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Thank YOU for the post! It’s beautiful and so inspiring