Having Fun with Creative Devotionals

Do you ever wish you had a personal mentor that sat you down with your Bible once a day and told you what to study, how to pray, and why different verses are important? When I became a mom, my daily devotions grew disorganized. I couldn't count on a set time to open God's word. Often, when I made it to that precious devotion time, my mind and heart were too weary for deep lessons. I missed the accountability of Bible study groups but my new life allowed little room for those things anymore. 

God heard and answered my weary plea to still connect with Him. He taught me that quantity was not as important as quality. He taught me to find my focus by writing out my prayers to him. He showed me that a single memorized verse can carry me through dozens of anxious moments and that the lessons taught in the Bible are accessible even if I only had a few moments. 

When Expressive Heart Devotions was created, I hoped it would encourage others to have a deep connection with our loving Heavenly Father as we study His word, memorize scripture, meditate and pray. Below I worked through one of the sets in the book to give an idea of what you can do with these pages. 

By the way, I treated all my pages with Gesso so that I could use paints, markers, etc without the colors bleeding into the pages. 

I opened up to page 17 and stared at the words "No Longer Lost". The thought sends chills up my spine. I was lost, but now am found. Eager, I opened up my Bible and read through the ten verses that come with the key scripture, Luke 19:10. After reading the passage my mind fills with thoughts, questions, and hope. God is seeking and has searched me out. He did not allow me to be lost. In the margin I draw the tree Zacchaeus climbed up and hid in so he could glimpse his Savior. Zacchaeus was never to be lost again. 

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​Then I decided it was time to let myself be bold. I let perfectionism fly out the window as I scribbled on the page the most difficult or ugly parts of my past and present. I drew out my neediness, my greediness, my untamed tongue—everything I could think about that reminded me of what I haven’t given over to be redeemed. As each one was splashed onto paper, I prayed to God about taking it and battling those things away. 

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​I settled into deep relaxation as I grabbed my gel pens and water colors. I used watercolor pencils on the sea and gel pens for the rocks. In my mind I memorized and memorized the words of this scripture. They are now mine forever to turn to whenever I am feeling lost. 

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​Sipping spiced apple tea, the last page filled my heart with joy. In my mind I could see myself sitting before my Heavenly father and pouring out to Him all my fears and desires. Often, when I try to pray, my mind gets sidetracked and I daydream. Writing out my prayers helps me focus on God. Plus, it always amazes me to read them out later and remember the how I felt in those moments. 

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​I would love to see images and hear about others' Expressive Heart Devotions experience. May you each be having a very blessed and beautiful day. 

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
Psalm 55:22, NIV