Faith Journal or Blessing Book

My first Blessing Book, which is now full.

Last fall, my friend Wendy, shared a notebook she used to keep inspiration scripture in. This idea really appealed to me and as soon as I looked on Pinterest, I found lots of prayer journals, Faith Jounals and such. I quickly decided to make one of my own. Naturally, being an avid scrapbooker and stamper, I had to create something pretty. I mainly collected scriptures that I like and I called it a Blessing Book. I even wrote tutorials on the three I've made. I've just finished filling the first one, and will give one to a friend. I've decided to expand my journaling. I think I'll call my second one a "Faith Notebook," I like the sound of that! Below you will find some ideas I've come across to help you make  your own Faith Notebook, or Blessing Book.

Pages of Faith

• All the pages should be handwritten, perhaps even with colorful gel pens for some
• Will provide a way for you to become closer to God
• Can be a great reminder of what you have to be thankful for, no matter what situation you are facing
• Decorate it with pretty patterned paper, colorful stickers or maybe some colorful doodles
• When looking back through the pages, you will be able to see positive life changes; prayers that have been answered and how your faith has grown.
• Favorite passages of scripture always bring a smile and uplift your spirit 
• Friends, daughters, and granddaughters will see it and may want to make one of their own, Wouldn’t that be awesome?! 

Materials:

• A composition book, notebook, journal, or handmade book
• Colorful things to write with or just a nice pen
• Pretty Patterned scrapbook paper or stickers 
• All that’s really needed is a notebook, but if it’s dolled up a bit, and looks pretty, it will be inviting and you will find yourself wanting to write in it.

Just start writing.

You can write about anything you want in your Faith Notebook, favorite bible verses, Inspirational quotes, prayers, insights from Bible Study, and simply what is on your heart. I often find great inspiration in the commentary of my Bible (the NIV Life Application Study Bible). The point is, to collect your thoughts so you can go back and remember what you have learned, and what has inspired and uplifted you.

Be sure to personalize your notebook. 

One woman liked to doodle and create, so she drew illustrations for analogies about the Bible verses she wrote in her notebook. My friend Beryl and I made little mini albums with pockets and other interactive components. Another woman said she talked to herself with reminders and even little pep talks for “the messy game of life.” Someone else said she found happiness in her silly drawings and analogy type cartoons. What about the lyrics to a favorite hymn or even a country song?  Nothing will make you happier than an ongoing relationship with God. Write about it, have fun with it, and remember God has a great sense of humor too.

Write down your prayers.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”  Your prayers are an open line of communication between you and God.  When you write them down, you will be able to see that they have been answered when you look back on them.  Follow up on the people who have requested prayers. How is their sick Aunt? Was their Grandfather’s surgery successful? Be sure to record the praises as well as the prayers.

Proverbs 3:vv 3, 5, 6

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.