A Simple Holy Week Quiet Time Plan (for Busy Women Who Want to Feel Close to Jesus Again)

Holy Week is one of those seasons that can feel deeply meaningful… and also very busy. 

There are church services to attend, meals to plan, family schedules to juggle, baskets and outfits and last-minute errands, and somehow, the week that’s meant to center our hearts on Jesus can turn into one more thing we rush through.

And then Easter morning arrives, and we’re grateful… but also a little unsettled.

Because we wanted more than a holiday. We wanted Jesus.

If that’s you, I want you to know you’re not alone. I’ve felt that tension too—wanting the message of Easter to land in my heart, not just on my calendar.

So I’m going to share a simple plan you can use this week. It’s not complicated. It doesn’t require an hour a day. And it’s built for real life.

It’s a simple rhythm: a short reading, one reflection question, and one easy response—so even if you’re busy, you can still feel close to Jes...

How many times have you decided that you want to memorizing scripture, but then quit before you accomplished it because it was just too difficult? Are you realizing along with me how much harder it is to memorize anything as you get older? 😬 👵🏻 🙋🏼‍♀️

Memorizing scripture is a valuable practice that strengthens our faith and provides us with a deep well of spiritual wisdom from which we can draw.

While it may seem daunting at first, Bible journaling offers a creative and effective approach to making scripture memorization both enjoyable and achievable.

In this blog post we will explore how you can utilize 3 Bible journaling techniques that will make it easier to memorize scripture, including the innovative use of a verse ring and personalized memory prompts.

1. **Create a Verse Ring:**

One of the most practical ways to make scripture memorization easy is by creating a verse ring. Simply jot down your chosen Bible verses on small, decorative cards, and punch a hole through the cor...

 If you’ve ever opened your Bible during Easter week and thought, “I want to do something meaningful with this… but I can’t draw,” I just want to say: you are exactly the kind of woman I write for.

Because Bible journaling was never meant to be an art class.

It’s a way to slow down long enough to notice what God is saying… and then capture it so you remember it later. And you can absolutely do that without sketching a single flower, banner, or fancy lettering style.

Today I’m going to show you a handful of simple techniques you can use to Bible journal the Easter story. These are quick, beginner-friendly, and they’ll give you a fast “I actually did it!” win—so you feel confident the next time you open your Bible.

Let’s do this together.

First: Pick one Easter passage (don’t overthink it)

You don’t need to journal the whole week’s readings all at once. Choose one of these:

• Jesus’ triumphal entry: Matthew 21:1–11

• The Last Supper: Luke 22:14–20

• The cross: Luke 23:32–4...

Ever since I was an up and coming teenager in the 80’s, I’ve been making cards for people as a way of sharing love and encouragement. Back then I didn’t have many supplies so I resorted to cutting out tiny card illustrations from greeting card catalogs and gluing them to construction paper to make cards no bigger than an inch or two.

Over the years my love for creating handmade cards has grown and evolved resulting in an exciting discovery a few years ago.  

It was a day I’ll never forget. My dear friend had called me with a heavy heart to explain the grief she was experiencing. I wanted to make a card for her, but I also wanted to give her a blank handmade card so that she could give it to her mother who was also grieving. Instead of making two, I made one card with a pocket for the handwritten note that could be removed and replaced with another personal message to be given away again.

 On that day, the “Giving Card” was born. 

Today I’ll show you how to make one so you can bless...

I don’t know about you, but sometimes my heart forgets what my mind knows. I know God is faithful, I know He is in control, I know He works all things for good. But in the middle of discouragement or uncertainty, those truths can feel distant—like I’m grasping for them in the dark.

That’s one of the reasons I love Bible journaling. It isn’t just something I do in the moment; it’s something that builds a foundation of truth I can return to when I need it most.

A Time I Needed to Remember

A while back, I went through a season of deep discouragement over the loss of the Craft-n-Doodle. It was something I had poured so much time, energy, and heart into, and when it didn’t go the way I had hoped, I felt like I had failed. My thoughts spiraled with questions: Had I heard God wrong? Was all that effort for nothing?

Ten years of hard work and big dreams had vanished in an instant—like running full speed, only to collide with a brick wall out of nowhere. I had given everything—time away ...

Hey there, friend. Let’s be real for a moment—have you ever been in the thick of temptation and felt like it was impossible to fight back? Whether it’s biting your tongue when you’d rather let loose, resisting a habit you know isn’t good for you, or staying focused on God when distractions are everywhere, we all know the struggle. It’s tough. But here’s some good news: Bible journaling can be your secret weapon in this battle. Let me share how it’s worked for me and how it might help you, too.

1. Anchoring Your Mind in God’s Word

You know that verse in Psalm 119:11 that says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (ESV)? That’s exactly what Bible journaling helps us do. When you take time to write down scripture, highlight it, or even doodle around it, you’re doing more than just being creative—you’re planting God’s truth deep in your heart.

So when temptation pops up (because it always does), journaling Lamentations 3:22-23 (“The steadfast love o...

When was the last time you paused to marvel at how God’s hand has guided and transformed your life? The highs, the lows, and all the moments in between—they weave together to tell a beautiful story of His faithfulness and grace. Writing a synopsis of your faith journey is a meaningful way to capture that story, and it’s easier than you might think. Not only will it deepen your relationship with God, but it will also serve as a legacy for your children and a testimony to share with others.

Ready to get started? Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Start with Your Salvation Story

Every faith journey begins somewhere. Think back to the moment you first realized you needed a Savior and you experienced God's grace firsthand. Maybe Perhaps it was a powerful moment at a retreat where everything clicked, and you knew you needed Jesus. For me, it was a moment in 1979 that forever changed my life when I responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit at a revival meeting—and my life hasn’t been...

Bible journaling is a beautiful practice that allows us to engage with scripture creatively and deepen our understanding of God's Word. As we fill our Bible pages with personal reflections and artistic expressions, it's important to have efficient methods for locating the verses we have journaled. In this blog post, we will explore 3 quick and practical ways to find the verses you have journaled in your Bible, ensuring easy access to your meaningful entries.

1. Create a Personal Index

Building a personal index is an effective way to organize and locate the verses you have journaled in your Bible. Start by dedicating a few blank pages at the beginning or end of your Bible specifically for indexing purposes. As you journal, make a note of the verse references or key themes alongside the corresponding page numbers. This index will serve as a handy guide to quickly find the verses you want to revisit, saving you time and frustration. If you have my Bible Journaling Bootcamp Course, ...

Bible journaling has become a popular and creative way for believers to connect with God's Word. It provides a unique way to engage with scripture through artistic expression. However, it is essential to understand what Bible journaling is NOT, to prevent losing sight of its true purpose and spiritual significance. In this blog post, we will explore three important aspects that Bible journaling should not be, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the message of God’s Word rather than fixating only on the art.

Not an Artistic Competition:

Bible journaling is not a competition to create the most visually stunning or elaborate artwork. It is not about comparing your artistic abilities with others. Every individual has a unique style, and the focus should be on personal expression and connection with God, rather than outdoing others in terms of creativity. Every entry you create has the potential to be a valuable reminder of the truths God is teaching you. Therein lies the greatest v...

In a world filled with noise and busyness, finding peace and tranquility is a precious gift. Bible journaling offers a sanctuary of calm amidst the chaos, providing a peaceful and simple style of creative expression. By embracing minimalism and focusing on the essence of what we read in God’s Word, we can create a serene space that allows us to connect deeply with God's Word. In this blog post, we will explore the beauty of a simple style of Bible journaling and how it can cultivate a sense of peace for your mind and nourishment for your heart.

1. Embrace Minimalism:

A peaceful and simple approach to Bible journaling involves embracing minimalism in our creative expression. Instead of elaborate designs or intricate artwork, we focus on simplicity and minimal embellishments. This style allows the words of scripture to take center stage, inviting us to savor and meditate on their meaning. By intentionally decluttering our pages, we create a visual calmness that promotes a tranquil atmo...