Prayer Journal?

For many years now, I've heard the term "Prayer Journal," but never really gave it much thought. I've never really been a "journaler"... but, in Feb 2012, I learned about art journaling, and my world has never been the same since. I fell in love with art journaling, and never looked back! But, "prayer journaling?..."

I tend to do more art in my "art" journals than writing, but that's ok, as there are no rules. That being said, I recently began looking into what exactly were these things called "Prayer Journals," anyway?

My Moleskin journal

I mean, was it a record of people's prayers? Or was it more? Could one be creative with one, or would that be... sacrilegious?? As I did more searching, I discovered that many people ARE creative with their prayer journals, and while many do record their prayers in them (and subsequently, the answers to said prayers!), the prayer journals were so, so much more!

Important notes from a Christian book I was reading

Pertinent notes from a sermon

You can write prayers in your prayer journal, Christian song lyrics that particularly move you, thoughts to God. You can "spill" write... just think/communicate with God and write down a fluid stream of thoughts that flow through you as you pray/meditate upon Him. You can write scripture verses, and also what they mean to you, how they matter to you specifically at this point in your life. Date your entries. Look back later on and see where you were now, and see how you grow. Consider words that are special to you... "grace"... "salvation"... "peace." Decorate your pages- make them your own. God gave you the gift and desire to be creative... use it and give it back to Him :) Honor Him with your efforts.

A tag a made with a "power thought" from Joyce Meyer- "My words have the power to create my reality!"

Journal spread I created based on the word "salvation" with the scripture verse Psalm 62:6- "He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved."

The wonderful thing is that a prayer journal is uniquely yours, and it is what you feel God wants it to be to you. He wants to have a closer relationship with you, and this can be a wonderful way to increase that! Enjoy the gift that the Lord has given you... He loves you. Use it as just one way to show Him how much you love Him right back :)

I am participating in the wonderful Art Journal Every Day hosted by artist Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. Come join in the fun!

Art as Expression

I love my art journal(s), but sometimes, even WITH prompts, you get caught up in not knowing exactly what to do with a brand-new spread... you have your time, your materials, but no motivation!

But! If there is a lot going on in your head (as there typically is, let's be honest), and you even have the motivation of some good music, then give it a little time, and something will begin to come together... below I have a spread I worked on today. I had SO MUCH going on in my head, that I thought an interesting aesthetic with various words might be fun. It was!

But! One of the great things about growing older is that you learn that just because you've a lot to say, doesn't mean you should. Thus I included a little reminder to myself as a finalization of the piece ;) I like it. How about you?

I am participating in the wonderful Art Journal Every Day hosted by artist Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. Come by and visit her blog! Thanks, Julie!

Creative Challenges Open a World of Possibilities!

A new year, fresh perspectives, an abundance of inspiration! Funny how the idea of a fresh beginning always accompanies a new year... and I'm embracing it with arms wide open!

The wonderful Tammy over at

Daisy Yellow

is offering up another one of her fantastic and inspirational challenges:

So far I've participated in one (see my coffee rings below), and am finding that I'm inspired to create more from just that one challenge. There really is a wealth of creative and motivational goodies over there, you should check it out! Even if you are new to art journaling, you can "jump right in!"

I've since cut up the paper I've done the coffee rings on, and am beginning to create the collage below. That is one thing I also have to try and somehow address this year... I know that we artists create because, well, most of us can't help it. It's just our nature to do so. But what do you do with WHAT you create? Any ideas? At least if you are doing art in an art journal, then it's got a home... IN the journal. But I just don't want a proverbial box of my art sitting around, you know?

Anyway, what are you doing on the computer?? Go create something! ;) And join in with Art Journal Every Day if you'd like! I have :)