CPH has just released a new devotional coloring book: The Illuminated Hymnal. 🙂 You can look through it here.
What I like about the idea is that hymns really are a tremendous devotional tool. Between elements of artistic license in the poetry and the common emphasis on imagery, I think artistic doodling makes a lot of sense. There is so much to consider that is well worth pause, you know?
Do look through it, though, because it isn’t just a standard coloring book. Not every page is a large picture to color. Still, so far I like it quite a bit.
I appreciate that it’s becoming easier to color as an adult. I think it’s an easy, cathartic release that pairs well with all sorts of things, from nature to black and white outlines of famous pieces.
You won’t be surprised to learn that the other adult coloring book I particularly like is The Illuminated Catechism. My husband and I actually just gave that as a graduation gift to a talented young lady who has always loved to draw. 🙂 I let my kids color in a copy, too.
Something else I’d like to offer you to think about today is this recent blog piece my dad wrote: “Not Just Teaching but Living Western Civilization.” Of course, anyone can use and appreciate The Illuminated Hymnal, not just “western civ. people,” but what a lovely example of how we can incorporate churchly literature, and an artistic, devotional practice into daily life. And why wouldn’t we do that? There really are good and natural opportunities to do so! 🙂