Bible Journaling Like It’s 1250 AD (Washi Tape Optional! 😀)
Confession: my attempts at Bible journaling often look less like an artist’s work and more like a middle schooler’s notebook. We’re talking stick figures, doodled flowers, arrows pointing every which way, and at least one page where I misspell a word (of course, in a non-erasable pen). 😜
But here’s the thing…doodles belong in your Bible. They may not look like “serious theology,” but they are actually one of the oldest ways people have responded to God’s Word. Believe it or not, monks in the Middle Ages, who painstakingly copied Scripture by hand, often added doodles to the margins - - little faces, animals, and even butts (I swear I am not making that up! 😜). Apparently, even monks needed to express themselves creatively (maybe those vows of silence gave them extra doodle time 😉).
So when you feel like you’re surrounded by swoon-worthy hand lettering and Insta-ready art spreads, please remember this: even if your doodle looks like a potato with legs, God still loves it. He’s not grading your artistic ability, He’s looking inside your heart.
Here are three reasons doodles matter:
Margins are holy spaces. Not because they’re perfect, but because they’re personal. The Word of God doesn’t stay locked in neat columns - it spills into our everyday lives so let’s let that crooked cross or messy star serve as a reminder. ❤️
Doodles keep your brain engaged. Drawing a squiggle, flower, or even a poop emoji (dung gates, anyone? 💩) next to a verse makes it more likely to stick in our minds and live in our heart, helping you recall God’s truth long after you’ve closed your Bible.
It’s not about pretty, it’s about presence. Whether you create a masterpiece or something a toddler could outdraw, each doodle is a conversation with God - a way of saying, “I'm here, I'm listening, and I want to respond to what You're showing me.” ✨
So as the Bible Journaling Ministry conference kicks off, grab your pens, your printables (so many amazing speakers!), and your desire to learn. Your Bible doesn’t need to look like a museum piece; it needs to look like yours. Messy, doodled, sometimes coffee-stained, and filled with how God’s truth is speaking to you. ✝️
Can’t wait for the conference and want to get in some Bible journaling now? I've created a free "Monk Mode Activated" printable with 10 simple doodle challenges inspired by those medieval margin-masters themselves. From drawing a "margin selfie" to creating a name tag for God, these prompts will help you get into your Bible!
Don’t forget to share your Bible Journaling Ministries creations at #BJC2025 and your monk inspired doodles at #PoopAndPray
I know everyone (including myself!) would love to see your creations! ✨
