Above is a pic of my youngest daughter and me.
My Husband, My brother in Christ
Tips for memorizing scripture for busy moms
I love to memorize scripture... especially entire books. And it isn't easy when you are homeschooling 6 children. So here are a few tips:
1. Find a way that best fits you... but I have found that the best way for me to memorize scripture is to record my own voice onto the computer (or a tape recorder). Hearing it in my own voice helps because I capture my natural voice inflections. I record it in portions, saying it over and over and over and over on that recording. ANd when I get that down, I record another portion, with a review of what I have already learned.(auditory). Eventually I get the whole book recorded, which can be used for review later. Writing it out also helps (kinesthetic). and of course, opening your Bible and looking at it also helps (visual).
2. Don't just memorize a line of scripture here and there. It is too easy to take it out of context. Start with entire chapters of Psalms like Psalm 100 or Psalm 1. Then move on to larger portions of scripture, like Luke 2:1-20 (as a family we recite this portion of scripture every Christmas... a tradition passed on by my husband's maternal grandfather.)... and then venture on to short books like Titus or James.
3. Realize that it may take you awhile, but it is worth every "while" you have.
4. Do it for the glory of God, to get to know the God you serve, to maintain your sanity, to help you be a godly wife and mother and friend... and it helps to think on things true and lovely when you get into your car to drive in the south, where it is easy to experience road rage and contemplate cursing.
5. Get yourself an accountability partner (your spouse is an excellent choice) and set reasonable goals and involve your children. (they usually memorize things quicker, but it is fun to recite the Word of God by memory with them at the dinner table.)
6. Do not get discouraged... press on. This is one of the most incredible traditions you can pass on to your children. When my oldest son finished memorizing Psalm 121, he recited it to me... It was when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At my grandmother's funeral, my children memorized her favorite Psalms and recited them. They are now memorizing the book of Titus with our church youth group and our family... and blowing us out of the water with their memorization skills.
7. REVIEW! This is my downfall. I have failed to review books and portions of scripture I have memorized and have thus lost some of it. It is not quite like starting over though... because it does come easier. But review is essential in retaining it. So set a review schedule for the year along with your memorization goals... and realize that these things are flexible... not set in stone. So if you do not meet your goals, re-do your schedule AND DO NOT GIVE UP!!!
Comments
do you have any tips for mom's that aren't busy and have a lot of free time?
Posted by: Michael Terry | March 11, 2006 08:23 AM
Yes. For all those mothers that sit around, eat bons bons and watch soap opera's so their kids can go to daycare to learn how to socialize, here is a tip: You have missed the boat.
Posted by: 4given | March 11, 2006 08:56 AM
Hey Lisa,
I have discovered the world of blogging!! It's a great way to keep up with every one I know...I think of you and your family often and praise God for all He is doing and continues to do in your lives. It has been strenghthening in my own race and a joy to watch the journey God has purposed through your lives.
Okay, so I don't break any blogging rules I will respond to your post about scripture memory. I use all the methods you listed and find they absolutely work. NO EXCUSES, you can memorize scripture, no matter how young or old. Knowing our struggle with the flesh we should consider it an urgent necessity to treasure Gods word in our minds and not take it for granted.As I read your post I thought about a book I read many years ago about the life of Corrie Ten Boom. Stripped of every earthly possession, surviving the agony of a concentration camp, yet, the power and life of God's word could not be taken from her mind.
I have found the book of James is a easy book to memorize and like you said just about any psalm.
I will never forget reciting from memory the book of James to my grandfather as he lay in a hospital bed. As I spoke God's word, the cadence of his breathing seem to absorb every word. It's a memory I will always cherish.
Scripture memory is a priceless value wherever, in a concentration camp, a hospital, on a highway, in prayer,or on a long run. Praise God for His proven word. Sola Scriptura!
Posted by: Terri Fowler | March 11, 2006 01:02 PM
Another tip:
Type it
over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over...
Posted by: nlwhite | June 19, 2006 03:14 PM