Is coloring in your bible okay?

When I was a little girl the thought of drawing, marking or even letting a crayon come close to a Bible was taboo. Of course delicately scrawled notes in the margins were okay as long as they were in pencil.  But coloring? Full on drawing in your Bible would have brought gasps and scoldings about the importance of respecting this sacred book.

My journey into this previously frowned upon behavior started with the inductive Bible study method. My artistic soul grasped the pencil and began highlighting with gusto! 

Suddenly, I found myself pouring over scripture, gleefully working to "correctly handle the word of truth". 2 Timothy 2:15 Before long, I was teaching others to do the same. 

Yet, I will admit to feeling somewhat reluctant to bring that colorfully marked up Bible to church lest, it meet with disapproving glances. I also saved doodling or drawing for pieces of paper. The thought of actually drawing in my Bible still seemed a bit sacrilegious. 

But then I saw this new Bible by Tyndale Publishers called the Inspire Bible.  My reaction? This!

I know, my ancestors would have a few words to say about turning the Word of God into some sort of party in a box! But, my heart lept at the thought of coloring, really coloring in my bible!

So I entered the contest to win one! I was so excited when I got a instagram message from Tyndale saying they liked my picture and would be sending me my very own Inspire Bible. 

Every once in awhile my traditional roots whisper, "Are you sure this is okay?" My response is this. If drawing in my Bible causes me to open it, read it, ponder it, and spend time talking to God then a little or a lot of coloring is a good thing. 

So here's what I've decided about coloring in your bible. 

#1. It's okay

#2. It's okay

#3. IT"S OKAY!

What do you think? Let's chat.