I will spend time thinking about your wonderful deeds….I will talk about the great things you have done. Psalm 145:5-6
When you think of journaling, most people think of pages and pages of writing come to mind–and what kid wants to do that, right?
But my friend introduced me to a new kind of creative faith journaling.
Instead of using words, journaling can be visual art. You put your thoughts into pictures and colors.
Pat Grady
What’s faith journaling?
Regular journaling helps you get what’s inside your head and heart out onto paper. But faith journaling intentionally helps kids see God in everyday things. It reminds them of what’s he’s doing and has done.
Lara Casey, entrepreneur and owner of Cultivate What Matters, makes a business out of faith journaling. Reflecting on her own three kids, she says, “I want to cultivate a life that is focused on growing what will last longer than I will—not what seems exciting or enticing right this second.”
How to faith journal with kids
Pick a theme.
Why? Telling a child they can write/draw whatever they want is too vague. Giving them a specific theme helps narrow their focus. Kids can use a single theme for the whole journal or have a different theme every week, however often they journal.
Here are a few journal entry themes you could choose…
- ANSWER A QUESTION – Kids use pictures, words or art to answer a question like…
What did you see today that reminded you God is powerful?
What’s one thing you’re extra thankful for?
2. DRAW A VERSE – Kids draw pictures or create designs that help them remember a verse. Some verse options:
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
A gentle answer will clam a person’s anger, but an unkind answer will cause more anger. Proverbs 15:1
Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid because you are with me. Psalm 23:4
Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. Matthew 5:44
3. WORD POWER – Kids, or you, pick one theme word and draw, write or design whatever reminds them of that word. Words themes could include:
hope, faith, joy, peace, strong, power, big
4. SPECIAL EVENT (vacation, summer fun) – Kids design, draw, write something that reminds them of a highlight of the day and answers the question, “What kind of fun did God fill your day with today?”
Get your supplies–keep it simple!
Collect everyday supplies you already have in your house. All kids really need is a plain notebook and markers. Michael’s has blank-page notebooks that are inexpensive. Other options that are usually around the house:
music score, yarn, old greeting cards, magazine pictures, yarn, paints.
Then pile them into a small container and pull it out once a week for journaling time (or however often your son or daughter wants to journal)
Have Fun and Create!
Photos are courtesy of Pat Grady, creative faith journal-er extraordinaire.
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