IDENTITY Art Journal and Study in Ephesians

Last year the Scripture chapter theme was Ephesians 1. I needed it because I wrestled hard with Identity and who I was made to be. The learning curve was very steep and it wasn't until the end of the year that I was able to measure growth. Now, at a new place, in a new season, I am so grateful. Grateful for the things learned last year, and grateful I'm not in the same place I was.

When I learned Bernice Hopper was setting up an online art journaling group with the title of Identity: A Study in Ephesians, I knew I wanted to participate. I've really enjoyed her groups, and this one was speaking my language: Art, Scripture, Community and Encouragement, and Identity as a theme. This time they include podcasts from Rob Davey, pastor at Bernice's church. They are so insightful. Working in my journal while listening to the messages has enhanced the spiritual journey.

I admit, I am one of those people who jump in and then tend to do my own thing. So I don't always follow the prompts or do things in the suggested order etc., but this group is understanding and we are free to journey through in our own way. I like that. It's also a safe and kind group to connect with.

Here is the standing front cover and flap with the "identity" journal title. 

I marbled the front cover using one of the techniques taught in the

Marbling & More online workshop.

Then I used a stencil I had made from a photo of my shadow for the elongated figure shape. When that was dry, I wrote some verses from Ephesians in the shape and outlined it with pen and gold paint. 

The snowflake shapes are actually cut from a napkin I had. I separated all the paper layers of the napkin. Then carefully cut out the shapes and glued them on the cover with acrylic medium.

The open flap is the back of the identity title shown here where I personalized Ephesians 1:3-6 from the New Living Translation. Sometimes I will write out a portion of Scripture, making it my own, by putting my name and/or "I" in place of "we"or "you", as in, "... God decided in advance to adopt me into his own family..." This helps me take the message into my heart, mulling over the deep meaning in my mind. 

ALL PRAISE TO GOD,

the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed me with every spiritual blessing

in the heavenly realms because

I am united with Christ.

Even before he made the world,

God loved me and chose me in Christ

to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

God decided in advance to adopt me into his own family

by bringing me to himself through Jesus Christ.

This is what he wanted to do,

and it gave him great pleasure.

So I praise God for his glorious grace

he has poured out on me 

who belongs to his dear Son.

- personalized from Ephesians 1:3-6