I’m not sick, I’m not dying, and I’m not counting down my last days, but some day I will be. One day I’ll say goodbye to this world as I step into the arms of my Savior.
The question is, how will I be remembered? Or better yet, how will my God be remembered?
Last summer a friend of mine received a special gift on her birthday. A card, from her mother who passed on months before. She had the forethought to write each child a card before she was gone. Something to remember her by. Something to brighten their day in her absence.
Breathtakingly beautiful, if you ask me.
My story is different. I’m writing a legacy letter, but it’s not what you think.
I’m journaling through the Bible. Highlighting the parts that stand out to me, and writing notes for generations to come.
My hope is that my children, my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren will have a keen interest in reading those thoughts that I leave behind.
Notes like these are just some of the ways I’m encouraging them:
“Pay close attention to this. ”
“Prayer must be a part of your life.”
“God answers prayer.”
“He wants our obedience.”
“Love is sacrifice.”
“Contentment leads to peace with God.”
“Love is not always easy.”
“Trust in His timing.”
“Always remember, seasons pass.”
I want my children and their children to pick up the Bible and to find encouragement there. I want them to stop and let scripture sink in.
There’s an extra blessing in this, because I find it relaxing. I love doodling on the pages while I meditate on the words.
I’m not very good at my craft–I can see that–but hopefully with some practice I’ll fine tune a few things. I need to practice my handwriting, and as far as coloring goes–it’s been several years. *smile*
It’s keeping me away from computer, which is kind of nice after all of these years. I’m spending time at the kitchen table, drawing, and coloring, and highlighting some words.
Want a sneak peek? I’ve posted some of the pages below (scroll down). I hope you enjoy them!
For those of you who want a little more information about the tools I’m using, here’s a rundown:
KJV Journaling Bible* – Wide margin Bibles are so hard to find. There was one left in my city, and we had to order the second one through Amazon for my daughter. (She’s journaling too!)
ACCU-Gel Highlighters Study Kit*
ZIG Writer Dual Point Marker: Black*
** Edit: I mentioned using a Sharpie in the first draft of this post. But tonight, I learned by trial and error – it wasn’t good. The Sharpie bled through the page. The Zig Writer doesn’t. I got the Zig Writer at Michael’s craft store in the scrapbooking department. You could ask a worker if you’re not sure.
Pencils. A sharp pencil.
Clear plastic ruler.
Pencil crayons. Try to get at least 24 colors. I might move on to watercolors one day, but I’m still a baby stepper right now!
*Update: I just started using watercolor pencils. Wow! I love them.They blend so much better than pencil crayons do. They actually don’t bleed through the page like I thought they would. I can see them a bit on the other side, but it’s not bad.
Rubber stamps. I picked up a couple at the craft store, but they are expensive, and can add up fast. I’d suggest checking out the “Easy Accents” video below before you buy any stamps. You’ll see that there’s a lot you can do yourself with a black pen–even if you’re not great artist. I’ve recently moved away from the rubber stamps because, I find that drawing my own gives me more variety and it’s cheaper.
Inspiration. Follow my “Bible Journaling” board on Pinterest where I pin lots of inspiration. It might give you a few ideas!
Youtube videos: These videos give you some awesome ideas for doodling and lettering. There are so many videos out there that offer inspiration, but here are a few of my favorites:
Hand Lettering: Easy Accents – Great ideas for elements
Hand Lettering for Beginners – Awesome info for hand lettering
The first three are the most recent. They were done with watercolor pencils and a .01 Micon pen.
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife
Pick up a copy of my book, Messy Beautiful Love: Hope and Redemption for Real-Life Marriages.*
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