One day many moons ago, I saw the most beautiful art in a bible on social media. I couldn’t believe how enchanting the art was… how perfect and creative and how on earth did she put that on a page of the Bible?

I had to learn more. I wanted to do this, too.  So I began dabbling in what I learned was called Bible Art Journaling.  The initial art I had seen online was by an amazing artist, Valerie Sjodin. (She has a whole class on Bible art Journaling. You can check it out here.)

When deciding how to illustrate a verse or passage on a page in the Bible, I begin by meditating on the scripture until a concept, idea or thought forms and a picture comes to mind. Then I paint that picture on the delicate pages of my bible, careful to make sure I could read the words under the art.

It was in this process where I began to notice whispers from the Holy Spirit saying “Try this.” or “What will happen if you do that?”.  As I followed this guidance I learned a lot of things about art, and how different materials work together.

'I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel. ' Psalms 32:8 CSB

Of course God instructs us for more significant purposes, as well. But he does care about the little things too. He cares about what we care about. He is interested in us; we are his humans that he created to have a relationship with.

Who better to guide us in creativity, than the One who created all things?

I have discovered that creating brings me to a beautiful, calm place; just me and God. My stress disappears as we spend time together. It is very much like the old hymn, In The Garden, by C. Austin Miles in 1912.

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.

Refrain: And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

I'd stay in the garden with Him
Tho' the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling.

What have you found that brings you to a similar “garden”? I would love to hear from you. Comment below!