About a month ago, I wrote a post about the fun way I mark my Bible – using Crayola Twistable Crayons! I seriously didn’t think it would get as many comments, shares, or even off-site discussion as it did – so much so that people still comment on how much I like to use crayons (some of us really never do grow up).
In all the discussion I had around the post, there was a single question that kept popping up:
What system do you use for your Bible marking?
It’s one thing to tote the awesomeness of the Crayola Twistable Crayons for making your Bible look pretty, it’s another to actually know what colors to use for what topics.
When I wrote the post, I didn’t really have a color scheme down yet. I had used two colors at that point, and was still figuring out what my plan would be.
My Color Marking Scheme
I gave it about a month to test out, and came up with nine different colors to highlight nine different topics:
Light Blue
I use this to highlight anything in scripture that talks about my identity in Christ, because that was and still is a constant reminder I need.
Orange
I use this to highlight the promises of God that are applicable to my life today. Who doesn’t like being reminded of what God promises to do?!
Yellow
This one gets used to highlight references to God’s salvation and righteousness.
Light Purple
I chose light purple to highlight the glory of God and His attributes, because purple is symbolic of royalty. Seemed fitting.
Black
I use this color every so lightly (cause black crayon highlight black text = no more text to read) to indicate verses that talk about sin and the thoughts and actions we should avoid.
Teal
I use this color to highlight references to hope. Personally, it can be easy for me to struggle with hope in certain areas in my life, and wanted to make sure to call out any references to build up my hope.
Dark Blue
I use dark blue to highlight references to faith, because I really like the color blue and I’ve been told I am a man of immense faith. Seemed to work.
Red
This color I use to highlight Christ’s sacrifices – not only his ultimate sacrifice on the cross, but the sacrifices He made throughout His life as well.
Brown
Brown is one of my top favorite colors (walk through my house and you’ll quickly be able to tell!) so I use it to highlight God’s commands – not because I always like God’s commands, but because I want to always obey His commands.
So there you have it. My color scheme for marking up my Bible.
It’s far from being complete (I have plans to buy the mega huge pack of twistable crayons to give me oh so many more colors to highlight with), but it’s a great place to start.
Make Your Own Scheme!
I tried to make the color coding personal to what I needed to highlight – the topics that I know personally I need quick and easy access to. I encourage you to do the same. Don’t just follow my plan. Make up your own! It’s much more personal, and you’re much more likely to stick to it, if you do.
As a side note, I placed a color key code in the front of my Bible listing out all the colors and uses. I may have a decent memory, but I’m no genius. I need the reminder. You probably will, too. As you move forward in marking your Bible, make yourself a key so you don’t forget.
What about you – what colors or marking styles do you use to highlight certain topics in scripture? Leave a comment below.
[Image via Kate Ter Haar cc]
April says
I started using crayons to highlight in my Bible now because of your last post on this! Thanks for the share!!
Jason Vana says
That’s awesome, April! I’m glad you got on the crayon bandwagon!
Darius says
I use the Zebra EcoBrite highlighters – they tend to be brighter and pop off the page better than using Crayons.
However, I do have a question for you Jason – what do you do when a multiple colors apply to a given verse, and you’ve already highlighted it in a color?
Jason Vana says
Darius – I’ll have to check out those highlighters. It would be nice to have something a bit brighter than crayons.
As far as multiple colors, to be honest, I’m not sure. Right now I’ve just been highlighting the verses based on what topic made it jump out to me – like if I read it and it immediately brought the idea of hope to my mind, I highlight it for that, even if it might also be a promise or command.
Not the best system, but it works. For now.
Deb H says
I have had this problem on several occasions, I use the second color to make a block around the verse. Deb
Kelley says
I love that your color scheme is so personal and that so much thought went into it. I’ve always struggled with a color scheme because I can never remember what color means what. I guess I need to make my own in a way that is personal rather than just try to use colors someone else picked.
Jason Vana says
Kelley – It’s not making the colors personal that helps me remember. Trust me, I forget all the time. Make yourself up a cheat sheet. I put a swipe of color on the sheet and then write down next to it what that color represents. It helps, too, when the crayons are similar in color, just different shades. Makes it easier to compare to see which color is the right one to use.
Seriously. Get a cheat sheet. It helps immensely!
Eric Dye says
This is great! Thank for sharing some of your awesome. 😀
nadia says
I am looking up diffrent technics to get deeper into the word I saw the idea of using the crayons with a friend.of mine but needed the topics straithen.out what colors for.what…so now.my question how do.i know in the bible if some things are for.instant promises or whatever topics I am highlighting….maybedumb question…please help