A friend posted about the Jesus Project yesterday. It really got me thinking about this concept of memorizing scripture using beautiful graphics and finding beauty in the Bible. The author, Ann Voskamp, that created this concept, made reference to illuminated Bibles.
I had to take an Art History class when I was working towards my BA. These Bibles were stunning. They were created by Monks and always used gold or silver leaf on vellum (fine animal skin). If a entire bible was illuminated it could take up to a year. The pictures had fine detailing and the text scrolled out in beautiful arches.
As I pondered this project, I think unconsciously I wanted my Bible to be beautiful, and that is why this speaks to me so much. When I was searching out a new Bible, I looked for a long time for a pretty one.
This also brought a memory to the surface from when I was five or six. My mother had on display a large, white, gilded bible. It just seemed so normal to display something so beautiful.
Really, that’s how our Bibles should be, out on display. Ready for easy access and quick reading. How better to hide God’s word into our hearts?! So with 2014 just beginning, I look forward to adding this to my list of things I want to participate in.
Does this kind of project speak to you? Are there things you would not think of displaying, but if made beautiful, would make a great decoration?
What kind of plants are they in the picture?
I’m not really religious so I don’t know too much what to say on that subject, though the cover of the book there (your bible?) is very pretty.
Thanks for stopping by Kisa. I am by no means an expert on the Bible or super religious…I just have a desire to know more of God/Jesus and try to live my life as he would want me to. 🙂
We actually live in Tucson where many people have succulents on their patios. My mother-in-law gave me this pot & plants for Christmas. Because our patio is not done (& is usually a disaster zone), I keep it inside for safe keeping.
Greetings! I’m visiting from the UBC. Hmmm! I never really thought of having a beautiful Bible. I carry mine around and have one that is held together with a rubber band, because the pages came loose. I must think about this whole idea of beauty and Bibles! Thanks for the new view.
Hello! When I was searching for photos of an illuminated Bible, I came across a photo of a Bible that was well worn, bookmarked and filled with notes. I really thought that was a form of beauty as well…someone who had such a thirst for knowledge, that they wanted to dissect it! I loved that photo.
What a great post, it actually has me sitting here and thinking of a family treasure. My Nanny had a huge, beautiful Bible, and in the back she would write all the grandchildren’s birthdays, wedding dates of all the kids/grandkids….and later all the great grandchildren’s birthdates. I know live thousands of miles away, and my Nanny passed away 9 years ago, but you got me thinking, and I should get my mom or my aunt to take some pictures of that Bible and post them for all the grandkids. Thanks!
How wonderful that you have your grandmother’s Bible! I am sure it is cherished. My grandmother left a similar Bible. I know that everyone would have liked to have it. So, it’s a great thought to post photos of it for all of your family!
I love it! Love the pictures of the Alien Snowbaby too!!
Thanks Sheila! I was pretty inspired by the printable scriptures. Are you going to give it a try?