Scripture Memory Presentation

This week at Kajijis, I led a simple workshop on scripture memory.  Since I delivered it via Powerpoint, I thought I would try to upload it to the blog here so those not in attendance can still benefit from the tips presented.  The presentation has links in it, but they don't show up as links in the presentation so I will list them below. I want to caution you that this is my very first Powerpoint presentation ever so please forgive my amateur delivery.  Remember everyone's learning style is different so not all of these tips will be your way to scripture memorization success.  Do what works for you!  Hopefully, it will be beneficial to you on your journey to hiding God's Word in your heart.

Scripture memory workshop from Cryket

Slide #4 - John Piper's Why Memorize Scripture? video
Slide #11 - Bible Gateway audio narration (very cool feature where you can listen to a person narrate your chosen scripture)
Slide #12 - YouTube example
Slide #14 - Scripture Typer (If you know your way around a keyboard, you must try this!  Amazing tool...)
Slide #15 - SCM Scripture Memory Box System video
Slide #16 - The Easy Way to Memorize Scripture video

My Next Attempt

Just when you thought I had given up all hope, I am resurfacing - attempting once again to create the HABIT of Scripture Memorization. Here's my off-the-cuff acronym for how to make this a habit in my life. (Please note I can neither confirm nor deny this will work! lol)

H - Hear from God - Look to Him for guidance on What to memorize and look to Him to give you the desire and ability to follow through.
A - Accountability - which apparently needs to take a more tangible form than online! Nonetheless, I still think this is a biggie - someone else needs to be asking you if you've done your homework.
B - Bite-sized Pieces - Don't bite off more than you can chew (like the longest Psalm in the Bible, for example). Select a passage and set a goal or create a system that works for you, taking into consideration things like your personality, your schedule, your stress levels, etc.
I - Intentionality - Schedule it in, prioritize it, have a system in place that will make this happen. (Going with the flow sooo doesn't work here, people!)
T - Team Up - This is slightly different than accountability in that you are working with someone else, on the same passage. For me, this will be my children for now.

Here's my game plan:

We are going to use the Scripture Memorization System found on www.simplycharlottemason.com. We are starting with Galations 5:25 (the fruit of the Spirit passage). From there we are going on to a smattering of other verses. Eventually, the verses will coincide with the rest of our education and will mainly focusing on character development and habit forming.

So there you have it. Here's hoping the umpteenth try is a success!

Some Encouragement

RENEW - Read It!

Here are some ways of reading for the sake of memorizing and knowing. Please add your "Read It" ideas, too - but stick to ideas that involve the written word or reading - we will get to other ideas with the other letters of our "RENEW" acrostic soon.

1. Read the passage or verse 10 times right before bed and as soon as you wake up, every night and every morning.
2. Put the passage or verse on index cards. Carry them with you wherever you go. Pull them out and read through them anytime you are waiting in line, at an office, in an elevator, as a passenger in a car (don't read while driving!), etc.
3. Post the passage or verse next to your bathroom mirror. Read through it every time you brush your teeth, wash your face, hands, apply makeup, etc.
4. Post the passage by your kitchen sink. Read through it as you load/unload the dishwasher, as you cook and clean, etc.
   
5. Write the passage or verse on a wipe-off board or chalk board. Read through it. Erase one word. Read through it again, saying the missing word from memory. Erase another word. Keep going until you have erased the whole thing and are saying it all by heart!
6. Create a document containing the passage that pops up automatically when you start your computer and read it every time you start your PC.

Look for more tips centering on "Examine It" coming up!

Beth Moore's Tips: RENEW

Beth Moore provided a Scripture memorization tutorial a year or so ago. In it she referred to a main reason we memorize Scripture. In so doing, we participate in an important directive found in Romans:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. 12:2

Beth pointed out that memorizing Scripture is a critical way in which we "renew our minds." She then offered the follow acrostic as a means to share how this transformation takes place:

R - Read It
E - Examine It
N - Need It
E - Echo It
W - Wield It

In the following few posts, we will take the time to explore each of these individually, but for now, here's a brief overview:

R - Read It = By reading the passage over, and over, and over... we are meditating on the Word of God, spending time with Him, and dwelling on His Words to us.

E - Examine It = Here is where we look at the passage from every single angle. We might use commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, and more to really break down the passage and see what it truly means. We also will pay close attention to word patterns, choices, grammar, and punctuation. We will look for keys within the passage to help with the memorization of it - for example, alphabetical order, alliteration, rhymes, etc.

N - Need It = This is where we gain "ownership" of the passage. We allow it to speak into our lives. We hear the very personalized message God has in it, just for us. We develop a deep need for the words on the page.

E - Echo It = Saying the passage aloud, over and over, in our own voice helps us to experience the words in a new way. This is a great memorization technique.

W - Wield It = We cannot stop with simply memorizing the passage. We must USE it. Pick up the sword and do battle against the Enemy. By wielding it, we are praying it back to God, we are using it to remind ourselves of who we are in Christ, we are refuting the lies of the Enemy. We are waging Holy war.

I hope this helps invigorate you to keep up the good fight, Dear Ones! May God Blaze The Way!