# Why & How Do You MARK IN YOUR BIBLES!? Keep Watching To Learn More✍️🏻📖  ## Introduction to Bible Journaling - Cat Woods has a playlist on her channel with over 30 videos about marking up Bibles, where she shares her color codes, tips, and tricks, including writing in the gutters of her [[Bible]] [(00:00:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=11s). - The two most common questions she receives about marking in her Bible are "why" and "what" - why she is doing it and what she is marking [(00:00:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=54s). - Many people are fearful of marking in their Bibles, especially premium ones, for fear of messing them up [(00:01:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=109s). - Cat Woods personally marks in her Bible to engage with God's word and to remember what she has read, as she often forgets a few days or weeks later [(00:02:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=158s). - Marking in her Bible helps her to focus and retain the information, as her mind tends to drift away while reading [(00:03:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=202s). - When reading her Bible, Cat Woods often finds her mind wandering to other things, such as appointments and to-do lists, but marking in her Bible helps her to stay focused [(00:04:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=241s). - To stay focused while reading the [[Bible]], especially at night, it's helpful to have flags or a pen in hand to mark important verses, reducing mind drift and increasing engagement with God's word [(00:04:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=265s). - Using flags or a pen to mark verses helps connect the mind and hand, forcing them to work together and increasing understanding and retention of the material [(00:06:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=365s). - Actively engaging with the Bible through marking, note-taking, or other methods helps prevent the material from being forgotten and allows for a deeper understanding of God's word [(00:07:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=420s). - Different people may have different methods of engaging with the Bible, such as note-taking, verse mapping, or color coding, and it's essential to find a method that works for each individual [(00:07:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=444s). - Marking and engaging with the Bible can also serve as a way to track personal transformation and growth over time, as seen in the changes in one's Bible from year to year [(00:07:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=473s). - As one becomes more confident and familiar with the Bible, they may find that they no longer need to use as many creative tools or methods to stay engaged, but can still incorporate some of these elements into their daily reading [(00:08:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=516s). ## Staying Focused While Reading - A travel log is kept in the blank pages of the [[Bible]] to document personal experiences and decorate the pages with inspiring content, making it exciting to use the Bible [(00:09:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=544s). - A prayer is written in the back of the Bible to help get passionate about reading and to obtain knowledge from the scripture, and to reveal any secrets or lessons to be learned for the day [(00:09:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=570s). - The prayer helps to reset the mindset and focus on God's word, rather than daily worries or distractions, and can be used to start the day on a positive note or to reflect on a good day [(00:09:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=582s). - Highlighters or color pencils can be used to make reading the Bible more engaging, and a color code can be created to categorize different themes or ideas, such as using gold for references to [[God]] or [[Jesus]] [(00:10:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=652s). - The color code can be simple or elaborate, and can be personalized to match the Bible's design or the user's preferences, such as using pink or green to highlight personal notes or insights [(00:11:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=698s). - Keeping a record of Bible reading and notes can show personal transformation and growth over time, and can be a physical reminder of progress and lessons learned [(00:13:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=789s). - Having a physical [[Bible]] that keeps track of personal notes and reflections can be a valuable resource for looking back on spiritual growth and progress over time [(00:13:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=822s). - A marked-up Bible can also serve as a meaningful gift for family members or loved ones, providing a tangible record of one's spiritual journey and transformation [(00:13:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=835s). - Marking in a Bible can become a rewarding habit that nourishes one's spirit, similar to eating to sustain the body [(00:14:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=890s). - Developing a habit of marking in a Bible can help individuals correlate their spiritual growth with their daily life and make it easier to stay engaged with scripture [(00:15:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=915s). - Asking questions like "why," "who," "what," "when," and "where" can help focus one's reading and encourage deeper engagement with the material [(00:15:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=943s). - Considering questions like "what is [[God]] trying to say to me?" or "how can I apply this to my life?" can help readers make the most of their time in scripture [(00:17:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1025s). ## Overcoming the Fear of Marking a Premium Bible - Making a prayer out of what one is reading can be a powerful way to apply scripture to daily life [(00:17:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1030s). - Large margins in a [[Bible]] can be intimidating, but they also provide ample space for notes, reflections, and other markings [(00:17:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1054s). - Many people, including the writer, are note-takers and love to write, but may feel intimidated by the idea of marking in their Bibles, especially if they have invested in a premium Bible with a high price tag [(00:17:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1071s). - The fear of marking in a premium Bible can be overwhelming, but it's essential to remember that this fear does not come from [[God]], but rather from the devil, who wants to keep people from engaging with God's word [(00:19:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1155s). - To overcome this fear, it's recommended not to start by marking a favorite verse, as personal style and preferences may change over time, and instead, to create a "tester page" at the back of the Bible to experiment with different tools and techniques [(00:20:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1234s). - The "tester page" allows individuals to feel how different tools work on the paper, which can vary in texture and quality, and to determine which tools work best for them [(00:20:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1257s). - When creating a "tester page," it's essential to test out different tools, including highlighters, to ensure they don't bleed or feather on the paper [(00:21:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1316s). - The goal of creating a "tester page" is to become comfortable with marking in the [[Bible]] and to develop a personal style and preference for note-taking and highlighting [(00:21:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1308s). - The "less is more" method is preferred when marking in a Bible, but sometimes using the whole rainbow of colors is also an option, and it's essential to test the colors and tools first to ensure they work well together [(00:22:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1327s). - Creating a tester page helps to determine which tools work best and builds confidence in marking the Bible without messing up the pages [(00:22:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1368s). - Some people may be hesitant to write in their premium Bible due to concerns about the imprint of their writing on the previous page, but this can be mitigated by using the right paper and testing the tools first [(00:23:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1387s). - The type of paper used in a Bible can be a concern, as Bible paper is often thin, and it's essential to test the paper and tools to ensure they work well together [(00:23:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1412s). - Vellum paper and tracing paper can be good options, but they need to have a certain thickness to work well with the Bible pages [(00:23:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1426s). - Testing the paper and tools on a back page or a tester page can help ensure that they work well together and won't damage the [[Bible]] pages [(00:24:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1443s). - Writing out a prayer can be a good way to break in a new Bible and make the first mark, and it can be a prayer for guidance and comfort in using the Bible [(00:24:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1489s). - A sample prayer can be used, but it's essential to make it personal and meaningful, and to use it as a guide to help draw closer to [[God]] [(00:24:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1496s). - The prayer can be written on a blank page or a card stock page at the beginning of the Bible, and it can be a way to dedicate the Bible to God and ask for guidance in using it [(00:24:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1498s). ## Developing a Personal Bible Journaling System - To draw closer to God, one can write down prayers, favorite verses, or meaningful passages in their [[Bible]], making the first initial mark, and then continue to mark up their Bible as they read and study [(00:26:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1595s). - When marking up a Bible, consider writing down why a particular word or phrase is used, why a passage was written, and what response God is hoping for, and feel free to copy or use these questions as a guide [(00:27:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1648s). - Creating a color code system can be helpful for marking up Bibles, and one can use the same color code across multiple Bibles or change it up for each one [(00:28:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1699s). - Having multiple Bibles can be beneficial, including a daily driver, a workhorse for marking up, and a study Bible, and one can start with one Bible but consider adding more as they continue to study and grow [(00:28:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1727s). - There are many different types of Bibles available, with over 230 different Bibles reviewed, each with unique features and information [(00:29:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1768s). - When marking up a Bible, one can mark up whatever speaks to them, whether it's a single verse or a whole chapter, and don't feel pressured to mark up a new Bible instantly [(00:30:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1832s). - A [[Bible]] was gifted from spiritual Mama Laura in December 2022, and it was kept clean for several years with only minimal additions like stickers and prayer notes on cardstock pages [(00:31:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1860s). - The Bible was not marked until August of the current year, and it's emphasized that one doesn't have to force themselves to mark their Bible, but rather wait until they feel the time is right [(00:31:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1892s). - A purposeful approach was taken when deciding to mark the Bible, and a specific method was chosen to highlight instances where the Lord speaks in the [[Old Testament]] using purple and blue highlighters [(00:32:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1929s). - The method involves underlining or highlighting every time the Lord speaks, which could be a commandment or a statement, to make it stand out and help focus attention when re-reading the text [(00:32:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=1966s). - This approach is meant to engage the reader, help them pay attention, and make the text more memorable, with the added benefit of making the Bible more visually appealing when filled with markings [(00:33:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2006s). - The idea of using different colors to highlight important text was inspired by The Sword Study Bible, which features red lettering in the Old Testament, but in this case, purple and blue highlighters are used instead [(00:34:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2045s). - Multiple Bibles can be used together to create a unique and personalized approach to marking and studying the text, but it's not necessary, and individuals can choose their own method [(00:34:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2092s). - Marking in a [[Bible]] can be a beautiful and exciting experience, allowing one to go back and see the highlighted verses that spoke to them at a particular time [(00:35:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2115s). - Different colors can be used to represent different themes or personal connections, such as using pink to represent personal thoughts or feelings, and purple or blue to represent the Lord [(00:35:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2136s). - When a verse speaks to the reader, they can highlight it and add personal notes or questions, creating a personal connection with the text [(00:35:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2141s). - Certain themes or phrases, such as "[[God]] is with us," can be highlighted and marked in a specific way, making it easy to find and reference later [(00:36:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2183s). - Using multiple colors together can be time-consuming, so it's possible to alternate between colors for different books or sections of the Bible [(00:37:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2228s). - Having two Bibles can be useful, with one being used for reading and the other for marking up and taking notes [(00:38:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2295s). - Setting goals, such as filling up a book with notes and highlights, can be a fun and rewarding experience, and can help to create a personal connection with the text [(00:38:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2338s). - It's possible to use one [[Bible]] as a "workhorse" for marking up and taking notes, and keep the other one clean for reading or reference [(00:39:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2352s). - There's no one "right" way to mark in a Bible, and individuals can experiment with different methods and techniques to find what works best for them [(00:39:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2375s). - Using multiple Bibles, such as a "daily driver" and one to mark up, can be beneficial, and some Bibles like the Allen Long Primer and the 63s have wide margins, making them suitable for marking up [(00:39:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2385s). - Creating a color code system can help organize and highlight important themes and passages in the Bible, and the system can be as simple or complex as desired [(00:40:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2421s). - Picking a theme, such as faith, prayer, or praise, can help focus on specific areas of study and highlight relevant passages, and examples of themes include prayer, bloom, and overcoming fears [(00:40:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2438s). - Using a concordance can help find and highlight verses related to a specific theme, and journaling strategies can be used to write down important notes and reflections [(00:42:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2551s). - Writing down what is true in a passage, promises from [[God]], and questions can help engage with the text and facilitate meditation and reflection [(00:43:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2589s). - Marking up the [[Bible]] can help meditate on the text, slow down reading, and pay attention to important passages, and techniques like reading out loud and moving to different locations can also aid in focus and retention [(00:43:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2617s). - To stay focused and awake while studying the Bible, it can be helpful to change rooms, drink water, and take breaks, as these actions can shock the body and mind into a state of alertness [(00:44:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2677s). - Using a Bible with wide margins can provide space for creativity and note-taking, and some people may choose to draw doodles or write notes in the margins to make the Bible more engaging [(00:45:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2718s). - Quotes and information from other Bibles can be used to enhance Bible study, and some people may find it helpful to use study notes from specific Bibles, such as the Life Application Study Bible or the [[English Standard Version | ESV]] study notes [(00:46:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2795s). ## Tools and Techniques for Bible Journaling - For those who are nervous about making their first mark in a [[Bible]], using transparent sticky notes can be a good option, but it's essential to check the quality of the sticky notes to ensure they don't damage the pages [(00:47:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2840s). - To reduce the stickiness of the notes, they can be trimmed down to size or pressed on the hands a few times to remove excess adhesive, and they can be used with any type of highlighter [(00:48:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2912s). - Felt-tip pens work well for marking in Bibles, but transparent posting notes can be a good option for those who are struggling to write in their Bible or want to practice marking verses without making permanent marks [(00:49:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2949s). - To keep straight lines while marking in a Bible, tools such as rulers or a regular gift card can be used, but it's not necessary and can be time-consuming [(00:49:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=2998s). - Another way to start marking in a Bible is to let someone else do it first, such as a spiritual mentor or a friend, which can make it easier to break the ice and start marking the Bible personally [(00:50:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3051s). - Marking a Bible can be a collaborative effort, such as asking someone to mark their favorite verse or a special message, which can make the Bible feel more personal and broken in [(00:53:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3188s). - Creating a [[Bible]] for someone else, such as a sister or a friend, can be a thoughtful gift, and marking prayers or special verses can make it a meaningful and personalized gift [(00:51:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3113s). - Writing down prayers or verses that others have prayed over someone, such as during a difficult time, can be a way to create a special and meaningful Bible that can be treasured for years to come [(00:52:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3122s). - There's nothing wrong with waiting before marking a Bible, and it's possible to use a Bible for a long time before deciding to mark it, as evidenced by waiting three years before marking one [(00:53:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3202s). - Once a Bible is filled with markings and writings, it's considered complete, and since it can't be taken to the afterlife, there's no need to treasure it too tightly, and it's possible to purchase another one [(00:53:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3210s). - It's not necessary to hold onto one Bible for too long, and it's possible to have multiple Bibles in a collection, with the longest time kept being around three years before getting a new one [(00:53:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3236s). - Having multiple Bibles allows for different marking styles and themes, and it's possible to use different colors for different read-throughs, as seen in the example of the Travers Skyler Travers Bible [(00:54:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3271s). - The Travers Skyler Travers [[Bible]] has been marked four different times, with each read-through using a different color, and it's still possible to come back and mark it up again using different colors [(00:54:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3278s). - Using a simple marking style, such as underlining, allows for the possibility of coming back and highlighting the text later, and it's possible to use a Bible multiple times even if it's already been marked up [(00:55:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3355s). - Each color used in marking the Bible can have a specific theme, making it easier to mark up the text, and it's possible to use different themes for different read-throughs [(00:56:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3382s). - Having a Bible with a specific marking style, such as using different colors, allows for the possibility of coming back and reading it, but it may not be possible to mark it up again in the same way [(00:57:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3425s). - It's possible to mark up a Bible in a way that allows for coming back to it, or to simply enjoy it for what it is and get another Bible if desired [(00:57:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3448s). - The preferred pens for marking and writing in Bibles are the Pintail 25s, Pilot G2s, and [[Sharpie (marker) | Sharpie]] Artist Pins, which are chosen for their durability and long-lasting ink [(00:57:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3476s). - The Pintail 25s and Pilot G2s are the primary pens used for marking, with black and blue ink being the most common colors used in the outer margin space [(00:58:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3481s). - The Pilot G2 pens are preferred over [[Micron Technology | Micron]] pens, which tend to dry out quickly, often within two pages of notes [(00:58:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3502s). - The Sharpie Artist Pins with black barrels are also highly recommended, and they are the source of various colors used for marking [(00:58:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3520s). - M Highlighters are used depending on the type of [[Bible]] paper, as they may not be suitable for all Bibles [(00:58:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3529s). - The Mr. Pen Sleek Crowns are also a favorite, although their use may depend on the Bible paper [(00:58:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3539s). - The Pilot G2 pens are typically used for journals and other writing materials, depending on the paper quality [(00:59:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfC7BSSc5Hw&t=3553s).