2010 Goals: Memorizing Scripture & Poetry

It's that time of year when the optimistic make resolutions on what they will do to change their life. I asked the cashier at the grocery store the other day, "So, are you making any New Year's resolutions?" He replied, "Not yet. I have to think about what I'm going to sacrifice."

I guess that's how many people view resolutions: it's about giving up something.

I'm thinking more along the line of setting goals rather than making resolutions. In my quiet time, I wrote down specific things I'd like to accomplish this year. High on the list is memorizing Scripture and poetry along with the kids.

Last year we memorized a number of poems and verses using the Ruth Beechick method. We simply say the entire passage aloud together several times a day. Sometimes I also record our memory passage onto a CD for car trips.The longest passage we memorized was 1 Corinthians 13. At first, the task seemed daunting, but when the the kids realized they were able to recite an entire chapter of the Bible they were very excited.

I also have a long-term goal for the kids to memorize at least one passage from each chapter in the book of Proverbs. There's gold in them thar hills! So far we have committed to memory Proverbs 1:8-10, 2:1-8, and 3:5-12. We're now working on 4:23-27.

Ann Kroeker is hosting a Mega Memory challenge for this month, and we're joining in. Our goal for this month is to memorize Psalm 139 and the following poem, which was meaningful to me during a painful season in my life.

Joy and Peace in Believing
John Newton

Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises
With healing in his wings:
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation,
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God's salvation,
And find it ever new:
Set free from present sorrow,
We cheerfully can say,
E'en let th' unknown tomorrow
Bring with it what it may.

It can bring with it nothing
But he will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing,
Will clothe his people too:
Beneath the spreading heavens,
No creature but is fed;
And he who feeds the ravens,
Will give his children bread.

Though vine nor fig-tree neither
Their wonted fruit shall bear,
Though all the field should wither,
Nor flocks nor herds be there:
Yet God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice;
For while in him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

Anyone want to join the challenge with us?

Articles:
Why Memorize Scripture?
How Do You Memorize Scripture?
Do You Waste Time Memorizing?

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11