Word-Art

I am not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't what happened! Clare said she was going to a free workshop at the Green Pastures Bookshop in Dereham, and would I like to join her? "It's about Bible Journaling". And I thought this would be a session on how to read the Word, and keep a journal of what has been read, and learned. I know my German friend Chris has some beautiful Lyra coloured crayons, and as he reads, he marks verses with specific colours to indicate what they are about [God's love, the life of the church, evangelism etc] Furthermore there are some colours in the sets he does not use, and he generously passes them on to me to use with the children. I went off in my sunhat and found 9 other women sitting round the table at the back of the shop - including my good friend Wendy from chapel.

Cheryl, who was leading the workshop explained that Bible Journaling "helps you deeply engage with God's Word, fostering spiritual growth and understanding. It allows you to slow down, reflect on scripture and connect your faith with your creativity...using your artistic talents to connect with God and express your faith in a unique way" So more art, less words then? We were asked to write on a tag what we expected from learning to BJ
A quiet space to grow in grace I wrote, and made a pocket for my tag in the cover of the notebook provided. We spent the next couple of hours illustrating verses from the Psalms, with stencils, paints, ink pads, stickers etc.  It was a blistering hot day, but we all worked really hard! Here's Cheryl with Clare and Wendy, and below, the whole group displaying their artwork. And lots of pictures of what people did with the verses from Psalms which Cheryl had given us...

I thought Clare's wings on a pink/blue/golden background were stunning.
BJ is a bit like scrapbooking, or cardmaking. Cheryl showed us all the equipment she has [alcohol inks, brushes, washi tape, stencils, stamps, glustix, and stickers...]
Chatting afterwards Wendy said it did seem to need a lot of 'stuff' which she doesn't already have [she's an incredibly accomplished knitter]. I said I do make cards occasionally, but feel happier with a needle and thread [hand or machine]. So whilst it was fun to meet with others for a crafty morning with good conversation, I am not sure either of us would pursue this seriously. Clare seems to be a natural at it!
But thank you GP for allowing us the space to try it, and to Cheryl for leading the workshop. Anything that encourages us to read the Bible more, and learn what it says, is of value. Familiarity with God's word definitely has an impact on my life.
But next time I get invited to a workshop, I will ask more questions. I would never have worn a white shirt had I known I'd be handling blue paint!