I grew up in a beautiful church. The building is what you would imagine in your mind of a quintessential Irish church with the stone work, spire and stained glass windows. I went to Sunday school there, youth group, sang in school choir Christmas concerts and got married there. I love my hometown church, it is beautiful, welcoming, holy and my launching pad into the world. 

Let me be clear, it is a wonderful church that I hold very dear. That said, it also has the ‘quintessential’ hard, cold seating, cold drafts and bible ‘language’ I struggle to follow, never mind interpret, reflect or meditate upon. Perhaps the seating is designed to remind you to sit up straight and pay attention. The wording to remind you it was inspired by a higher power. However, at a young age this setting had me saying and repeating words out of obedience but not understanding.

Furthermore, Bibles are holy books, that I would never even dream of folding a page corner of never mind writing in! So how do I study it? I loved the look of all these beautiful devotional journals to write in instead, but dare not actually do so as I thought what I had to write didn’t do them, the Bible or God justice.

Here’s what I’ve learned in recent years in my journey with Jesus:

• We don’t have to be uncomfortable in church to be a good Christian, but we do have to get uncomfortable as we challenge ourselves through a biblical lens
• He is talking, if we would just be still and listen
• God will talk to you in a manner and language you can relate to and understand
• Therefore, anything you ‘journal’ is perfect and beautiful and just right for you

So, I did it. I bought a version of the Bible I feel comfortable writing in, highlighters (albeit erasable ones!) and a journal for extra notes/ reflections and prayers as I make my way through.

Why not join me? I invite you to read and study the best book ever written, with a thought provoking narrative and 3 leading characters that are sure to fascinate. To journal your thoughts and conversation in as pretty a journal as your heart wills.

Here is my invitation to go to ‘church’ in the comfort of your home, in your pjs with your coffee, a version of the Bible that speaks to you (I recommend NIV or WEB) and a journal (any notepad will work!) for notes, some favorite coloring pens/pencils and highlighters, and that’s it; just read and talk to Jesus. You’ll love what he has to say.

Blessings,
Three Strands

For more ideas and resources for studying the Bible, check out our Resources page.