Scripture Memory

I was inspired this week to get back into scripture memory - for me and for my kids. It is something that we do in spurts, but was reminded again this week how important it is to take advantage of the sponge-like capabilities our young children have.

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119: 9-11

A woman in my Bible study shared how her 5 year old son was having a hard time going to sleep at night. She knew he memorized things very well, so she decided to just start filling him with scripture. One day he told her that the night before as he was having a hard time falling asleep he decided to start saying all the verses he and his mom had memorized. How cool is that! I realize some kids (and adults) memorize easier than others, but it is worth the work - tucking verses in their minds to last them a lifetime. We have decided to do this as a family - that just one verse a week we will commit to memory. Others of you may have other areas you are focusing on right now - but I encourage you to join in on the memory verse that each curriculum has, or one that your family particularly needs at that time. Even if you don't hear your child say it, if you repeat it over and over with them every day - they will catch on. Josiah doesn't like to say it out loud very often, but I know it is getting written on his heart as he hears us say it.

Blessings!

PS - Here are some helpful ways to help make verse memory more fun:

1. Sing the verse to a common tune (Happy Birthday, London Bridges, etc.)
2. Write each word of the verse on index cards and hide them around the room. Ask them to go hunt for the cards and then say the verse together as you put it in order. If they can read, have them put the verse in order.
3. Make up actions to the verse.
4. Make a rebus - use a pictures or symbols to represent different words of the verse.
5. Just march around the room as you say it. When we are memorizing while using different muscles - it helps us memorize faster.
6. Write it on several index cards and put them around your house in places that you will notice often (where you brush your teeth, wash dishes, in the car, etc.)
If you have other ideas - please share!