Want to incorporate more Bible verses and Christian hymns into your home decor? A decorative chalkboard is a great option. It’s easy to change and chalk is cheap! We’ve enjoyed our chalkboard for almost 10 years now, and I can’t think of a better was to keep the word of God on display in our home.
Why Does Your Home Need a Chalkboard?
I picked up my chalkboard about 10 years ago at Hobby Lobby. I wasn’t really sure what I’d put on it, but I figured I’d come up with something. Now, looking back, it is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.
Scripture tells us that we should teach the Word diligently to our children (I just love that word!), and that we should write it on the doorposts of our houses (Deuteronomy 6: 6-9). And Scripture also tells us that we should speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody to the Lord in our hearts (Ephesians 5:19).
I would say that our family chalkboard is one more way of helping us obey these commands. All 365 days of the year there is something on our chalkboard that is meant to encourage those who enter our home and point us toward the Lord. And who doesn’t need a daily reminder?
Is a Chalkboard Better than Pre-Made Signs?
Our home also has several pre-made signs and home décor items that contain Bible verse or hymn lyrics, and I love them. But, I’ve noticed something. When an item hangs in the same spot year after year, you tend to overlook it. It begins to blend in with the landscape.
But the chalkboard is different. I change it to match the seasons, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. I also change it to match our family’s life circumstances. For example, if there is a baptism in the family, I might put something on the board related to that sacrament. If our family has experienced a death, I might find a hope-filled scripture to post. My family almost always comments on the new chalkboard design, and I’ll often hearing them humming the tune of a hymn lyric I’ve posted. And when I hear that, I always rejoice at the mission accomplished! What a wonderful thing that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and simple chalkboard can point us towards Christ Jesus.
So What Should I Put on My Chalkboard?
Often when we are singing a hymn in church or when I’m reading my Bible in the mornings, a particular line from God’s word will jump out at me. So, I’ll put it on the chalkboard! Or I’ll pay attention to the songs my kids learned at Vacation Bible School. If I hear a line particularly rich in theology, we’ll talk through what it means. Then I’ll post it on the chalkboard in hopes that they’ll meditate on that line a little longer.
At Christmas, we are often listening to carols. Some of them hold amazing truths, but you might miss them if you aren’t paying attention. I’ll pull a phrase from a carol that they know by heart and put it on the chalkboard. It’s amazing how isolating one line or one phrase really makes you slow down and dwell on it! It could also be fun to ask grandparents or other family members what their favorite verses are. You could feature his/her favorite verse during that family member’s birthday month.
What Supplies Do I Need?
There are tons of options at Hobby Lobby. You could looks for framed chalkboards like this one from Amazon. If you don’t have a place for a large-scale chalkboard, there are also some great tabletop chalkboard options. You could put one by the door to see as the family is coming and going, or even put one in a high-traffic hall way.
I keep a small one in my kids’ bathroom with a different chalkboard Bible verse. I’ve noticed that they read it while brushing their teeth, which means I have a captive audience at least twice a day! Sometimes my kids even make requests for what they want on their chalkboard next.
I usually prefer the look of regular chalk, but if you are new to lettering chalkboards, you might get the best results with chalk markers like these. They feel more like writing with a pen, and they deliver bright white markings. The fine tip is also handy for writing on smaller boards or adding tiny markings and details to your design.
What If I Don’t Like My Handwriting and Can’t Make It Look Pretty?
Many times I erase and start over if I’m not happy with my first attempt. So, letting go of perfection is step one. And step two is being okay with simple lettering. Your chalkboard doesn’t have to be full of details to point your family to the God of Hope. Just put it out there!
Still, some people just don’t like their own handwriting. I get it. That’s why I’ve put FREE printable chalkboard art in my Freebies Library. These are digital items, so grab your heavy cardstock and print as many as you want. A printable poster is a convenient way to change out your framed verse often! You could also use these beautiful posters for decorative wall art prints, binder covers, or even as a thoughtful gift for a friend.
But, let me remind you, the Lord never commanded that our doorposts be pretty! Just put it out there on your chalkboard for your family to soak up! If you have young readers in your home, I’d encourage you to use a simple manuscript print that they can read, as cursive might be too difficult.
If you really want to work on making it look pretty, you can hop on Pintrest and search for chalkboard ideas to inspire you. Seeing other people’s original artwork on their chalkboards may give you inspiration and ideas on how to make yours a little fancier. Unique lettering can be fun, but it certainly isn’t necessary.
At the end of the day, keep the goal in mind. Lord willing, putting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs before your family consistently, year after year will yield great fruit. And your handwriting just won’t matter at all.
When my kids grow up and think back on their childhood home, I hope they’ll remember our chalkboard. More than that, I hope the many truths I faithfully scribbled up there over the years will be written on their hearts and never, ever erased.
Want more ideas for your Christian home? Visit my Raise Them with Diligence page!
