However, there are multiple ways you can create a legacy item to pass on one day, even if you live in a small space. Scrapbooking and crafting are popular ways of doing this, and for seniors of faith, a marked-up Bible can be something of inherent value to give a loved one in the future.
Some traditionalists might not be comfortable writing in a Bible, but doing so has a number of benefits, including:
There's really no right or wrong way to mark up your Bible. However, following a few practices can help you get more out of this habit.
Start by choosing a Bible that best supports this type of study and use. A Bible with small print and little white space on the pages doesn't leave much room for note-taking, and if the pages are very thin, any type of ink may bleed through and create frustration as you try to read.
Consider Bibles that have larger print and plenty of white space as well as thicker pages. You can buy journal Bibles specifically for this purpose that have lined margins or regular blank pages for notes and drawings.
Buy writing instruments designed to be used on Bible pages. You can find these items at Christian bookstores and online via Amazon or Christianbook.com. Experiment with colored writing implements, pencils, highlighters and even fine-point markers to find the items you most enjoy using. When you like the sensory experience of writing or drawing with certain items and enjoy how the ink looks on the page, you're more likely to engage in this task regularly.
Some people enjoy writing notes, while others engage with Scripture in a more artistic manner. If you're a visual learner, consider drawing or coloring in your Bible. Decorate the margins in ways that match what you feel or think about when reading the Scripture, or illuminate certain words and concepts. If you like the sound of this but aren't sure where to start, you can Google "drawing in your Bible" to find plenty of YouTube videos and blog posts with inspiration.
Marking up your Bible can be as simple as taking notes when you learn from others. Carry your Bible to Sunday services and write notes during sermons, or record thoughts in your Bible as you go through daily devotions. Keep your Bible and your writing supplies in an easy-to-reach place in your home so you can quickly jot down thoughts and lessons learned next to the applicable Scriptures.
If you love the idea of passing on how you engage and think about Scripture to someone else, consider marking up a Bible with a specific person in mind. For example, you might write in your Bible with a granddaughter in mind, turning your notes into a sort of spiritual love letter to this person in the future. You might even write to them by name, making notes such as "Claire, this made me think of that time..." or "I hope you experience this type of love in your life, Claire."
If you're especially excited about this practice, you could keep multiple Bible-journaling projects going so you have something to pass on to each grandchild. You can also pass this type of legacy item to anyone in your life you want to support in a spirit-based, faithful manner.
