Okay. My last post was called "It's Been A While...". That was written almost two years ago. I think I could title this one the same!
But alas, here I am! :) And here is a semi-recent photo of my girls - full of love!
My blog really isn't a place where you will necessarily find great photos or recipes. I'm not overly techie, so it's not very fancy in many regards. But, my goal and prayer for this blog is to offer encouragement in the Lord Jesus Christ for daily living and family life. Lately I have had some things on my mind which I would like to share, and truthfully, are just too lengthy for my Facebook status! :)
Today, I just wanted to share a something that has worked so well for our family, and hopefully it will encourage you!
The Bible, God's inerrant Word, is more than a history book. It is a story of humankind's redemption. It is our powerful weapon against temptation and spiritual battles. It is a "lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).
Because of these things, Scripture memory is a high priority for our family. However, it is something I used to struggle with. I would try to memorize random verses, but I would quickly forget them. When I would teach my kids that way, it also seemed ineffective (as far as retention). But in the last couple of years, we have discovered a most effective method for all of us, and that is to memorize whole passages/chapters of the Bible instead of random verses.
Now, I know that this is not a new concept to many. However, if you have not done this, I encourage you to try! You may think that memory work is easier for kids, but I have hidden more of God's Word in my heart since we've been doing this, and I actually retain it after many months!
Here is the method:
Start with the first verse of the passage. Just read/recite it with your kids throughout the day: in the car, at breakfast, at lunch, during dinner, etc. Do that for a couple of days, then add the next verse. However, instead of just working on the next verse, recite the first verse along with it. Keep doing this, and before you know it, you will have memorized ten verses, then twenty, then a whole chapter! Doing it this way also puts the memory verses into context, and it opens up the door to wonderful Godly conversation as a family.
I promise it is not as daunting or difficult as it may seem, but there is one very important key. You must be diligent. You must place it as a priority. When you do, you will be amazed at what you and your family can learn. Even my youngest children participate - we just make it a pleasant time with no pressure.
You will not regret it! I can heartily declare that it is a worthy investment of your time.
Some of you may have other methods that you would like to share. I would love to hear them!
The Bible, God's inerrant Word, is more than a history book. It is a story of humankind's redemption. It is our powerful weapon against temptation and spiritual battles. It is a "lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).
Because of these things, Scripture memory is a high priority for our family. However, it is something I used to struggle with. I would try to memorize random verses, but I would quickly forget them. When I would teach my kids that way, it also seemed ineffective (as far as retention). But in the last couple of years, we have discovered a most effective method for all of us, and that is to memorize whole passages/chapters of the Bible instead of random verses.
Now, I know that this is not a new concept to many. However, if you have not done this, I encourage you to try! You may think that memory work is easier for kids, but I have hidden more of God's Word in my heart since we've been doing this, and I actually retain it after many months!
Here is the method:
Start with the first verse of the passage. Just read/recite it with your kids throughout the day: in the car, at breakfast, at lunch, during dinner, etc. Do that for a couple of days, then add the next verse. However, instead of just working on the next verse, recite the first verse along with it. Keep doing this, and before you know it, you will have memorized ten verses, then twenty, then a whole chapter! Doing it this way also puts the memory verses into context, and it opens up the door to wonderful Godly conversation as a family.
I promise it is not as daunting or difficult as it may seem, but there is one very important key. You must be diligent. You must place it as a priority. When you do, you will be amazed at what you and your family can learn. Even my youngest children participate - we just make it a pleasant time with no pressure.
You will not regret it! I can heartily declare that it is a worthy investment of your time.
Some of you may have other methods that you would like to share. I would love to hear them!
Consider Psalm 119:11:
Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You."
I think that means that knowing Scripture is pretty important!
