Journaling Bible - A Way To Relax

So much has been happening around here since I last posted. We've been very busy together! In between normal housework and shopping, dropping my eldest off to his first job, going to basketball and music practice etc; we've also been preparing for our neighboring towns local monthly markets. 

In among all this crazy busy, I've somehow managed to squeeze some time in to relax by doing some 'decorating' of my Bible.  I've also been playing with dollies (but that's for tomorrow's post!) 

Also, we officially began home schooling this week! ... 

 

Even though I fall into bed exhausted at the end of each day, I am so grateful (although in all honesty, there are days were I find it hard to be). Grateful for the opportunity to home school, to have more time with our precious kids, to have the time to teach them the things that my husband and I desire to see in their hearts and lives.

It is important though as home schooling Mothers, that we do take care of ourselves. We spend so much time, round the clock, taking care of those we love and assisting them with so many different things, that sometimes we can forget to look after us too. Sometimes, we even feel guilty for doing it. We shouldn't feel guilt though; if the needs of our family are met and we are not just sitting down all day doing our own thing and neglecting our families, then we can take time for us. Even fifteen minutes allows us to rest and refresh ourselves. 

Beautiful Mother, don't feel guilty for taking some time out; it makes us much better wives and mothers when we do. 

 I first brought this Journaling Bible back in 2009, and have only just figured out how I want to go about using it! I love photographs, and I love word art ... oh and washi tape! In my old Bible I had a pile of loose photos in between the pages that were always falling out and making it hard to turn the pages. 

Until I had a brainwave! ...

My new Bible is designed to have all the text written on the left page, and the right side page is left completely blank for journalling, notes etc.It's just fantastic and so much fun! I'll show you what I've been doing with mine ...

All supplies out and ready to go! Bible, photographs, pens, washi tape, scissors, double-sided tape and trimmer!

The two laminated verses are ones that I had on my wall at our old house in my craft room. I've just had them lying around since we've moved, and I'm glad I thought of adding them to my Bible!

I've added HEAPS of photographs (these are only some) onto the pages, just by sticking them down first with double-sided tape, and then adding washi tape to the edges to give it some colour and design! I may go back and write some details about the photos at a later date, I still haven't decided yet. These are memories that I just didn't want to forget, and these pictures make me smile every time I look at them!

I love scripture art, and words! So, I just sketched these using a normal blue Biro pen (so that the ink wouldn't seep through the pages) and added washi tape as well. These are some of my favourite scriptures that I want to remember and live by.

One of the best things that I love about this Bible is that it's a work in progress (just like me!) and it allows me to grab bits of time here and there to relax! I have many more verses to write out, and maybe some quotes or poems too. 

Is this something you do to relax too? 
I hope you find some time to relax this week ...