Scribble or scrap?

I’ll be celebrating an anniversary soon though I don’t remember the exact date. I’ll rejoice the season anyway, because it’s when I bought my first big girl Bible.
   For someone that has a bookshelf filled with God’s Word in different versions and maybe even languages, it may not be a big deal. But for me, it's huge.
   My neighbor gave me a little white Bible for my eighth birthday (which still sits on my bookshelf) and if memory serves, it’s only been opened a few times to  Psalm 23. I also remember my church handing out Bibles for confirmation though honestly I’m not sure what happened to that copy.
   So, a few years ago I bought my lavender covered, Women of Faith NKJV with purpose!

   Self identified as a ‘Bible virgin’ I proudly say, that status, changes daily. I’ve grown to cherish my devotion time soaking in God’s word while making notes of scripture that offer hope to me.
   This leads me to a question for you -  Do you write in your Bible?
   I've never written in books, even cookbooks. For some reason, maybe because of the way I was raised, I’ve felt it was disrespectful to write on the pages. I’ll fill them with bookmarks, scrap paper or even old business cards...but marking it up with ink? No way!
   That is, until earlier today.
   In Bible study this morning something inside of me snapped and I picked up the pink highlighter lying on the table, and permanently marked Nehemiah 2:12. At the time, it felt natural. What a feeling of spiritual independence! In 2 Timothy 3, the author tells us all scripture is from the Lord and we’re to use it to teach and document what God’s saying to us. Why not have your innermost thoughts written right there beside God’s Word?
   If you’re one not to write, or if you were taught like I was that writing in books, especially your Bible is defacing them, this idea can be a bit daunting. But if you'd like to give it a try, I have a few suggestions.
  First, you may want to pick up various colored highlighters. That way you can categorize your verses however you wish. I plan to vary my colors by scripture that teaches trust or offers hope etc. Highlighting may be all you wish to do. If you do plan on writing in your Bible you might want to make sure you have a really nice pen that doesn't write heavy making indentions in your page. The gel pens scrap bookers use work well and won’t smear.
  If you find it a struggle to write down your thoughts, try making a copy of a page from the Bible and practice writing on the duplicate. Be patient with yourself and see how it feels. If your brand new Bible cost you a pretty penny, it could be tough to bring yourself to write in it. Instead try using an older one you don’t refer to any longer or purchase a cheap paperback version to practice in. Whatever your choice, handle it within your own comfort level.
   My eyes are eternally opened. For me, it makes so much sense to highlight, write in and post notes in the pages of the Bible that speak to me - making it easier to reference when i need it. I’m now a reformed book writer-inner! I still have no idea if I'm in the minority, but I have to tell you it sure feels good.
Now... I have another question for you. Does anyone cut the tags off their pillows?
____________________________________________________
Karen Maag is a Christian speaker and writer who has a passion for women who are hurting and the friends and family who support them. She is a wife, mother and grandmother to four beautiful gifts from God. She enjoys cooking, decorating and sharing the message of hope and forgiveness God has revealed to her. "Ephesians 6:19 says, "Pray also for me that God will give me a message when I am ready to speak so that I may speak boldly and make known the gospels secret," she says. "I have prayed. God has placed his message of hope within my heart and I am ready to speak!" Her hope is that you will enjoy reading what she has written as much as she as enjoyed penning it. You can follow Karen on her website, www.karenmaag.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/reflectionsofhope.