Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 1999 9:41 AM Subject: Re: Anyone memorized Revelation? From: "Faith Howarth" Thank you so much for your encouragement! Your note meant alot to me and the Spirit used it to totally convict me that scripture memory is SO VERY important. Thank you for what you wrote. You are being used. I pray I will be too. Faith ----- Original Message ----- From: To: Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 1999 9:41 AM Subject: Re: Anyone memorized Revelation? > I haven't even had a thought to memorize Revelation! But I certainly > admire > anyone who is out to try. I looked at it when this posting came over, and > I > was really surprised at how much of the text I had in my memory, and hadn't > even tried! > > I haven't reported on my progress with my memory project, and I know that > we > said that we would take that accountability when we started the list, so > here > is my first report: > > I have revised the plan I had originally - and I don't feel badly about > that > at all, because the new plan I have is working very well - for me. > > I started out thinking whole books - and had already done 1 John when the > list came up. But my direction changed when I realized that I memorize so > much better in connection with my in depth Bible study. I have been > teaching > a class (10 weeks - just finished this past Monday night) to some of the > ladies in my church on "How to Study the Bible" - a pretty thorough > explanation of the Inductive process, and in connection with that, there > were > many verses, paragraphs, sections, and books which I used as illustations > for > observing, interpreting, and applying the truth of Scripture. I outlined > and > charted some of these, and gave homework assignments for the same. I found > that as I REALLY understood the meaning of the text, it was so much easier > to > quote from memory. The memorization didn't seem to be so hard. > > Since we have been studying the Psalms in our Sunday School class, I have > commited to memorizing the ones we study each week. Some I learned as a > child, but needed to review. I shared my commitment to do this with my > class, and I have challenged them to do the same, or at least make some > sort > of plan for memorization. These, too, have been so much easier to learn by > heart as I've really studied and understand them better. > > I believe that I learned much more in my class than my ladies did, although > they tell me that it was very valuable for them, and it is such a thrill to > hear the discussion in our Sunday School class reflect that they are using > the study process as I taught them! > > I guess I am saying all of this to say that I agree with one posting which > suggested that maybe outlining a book would make the memorization easier - > if > the outlining leads to a better understanding of the text. Memorizing is > just putting words in your head that won't stay there if the message isn't > what you meditate on. > > So what is my progress report? I have memorized 10 new Psalms, a large > passage from Nehemiah, and several chapters in the book of Acts and Romans > since we started this listing. But more than that, I have been so very > much > touched by the Word that I have "chewed up and eaten" that I know I will > never be the same. I have been led to pursue the topic of "Passion", as > descriptive of the early church, because I am convicted that that is what > is > missing in the Church today. It is just a word, one that I was impressed > with, but you cannot imagine where it is taking me! > > I do want to memorize complete books. > > I can't believe that I am 62 years old, have been a Christian many years, > in > church most of my life, and I'm just now learning some of the things that I > am! God is never quite finished with us, is He? Years ago I took as my > life > motto - "To know Him - - " (Phil. 3:10), but I didn't know that there was > so > MUCH to know! > > So the question is, "What am I ( or you) going to do with that which I (we) > DO know?" > > For myself, I pray that I will be used to influence the women in my church, > for starters, to just learn what it means to be loved by Christ, and to > love > Him back. > > This listing has started me on a brand new journey! Thank you for bringing > us together. > > > > > > > =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 07 May 1999 08:53:25 -0500 Subject: Excellent articles From: Don Myers Discipleship Journal has some excellent articles in the May/June and Jan/Feb 1999 issues for bible memory techniques. Don Myers =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 07 May 1999 08:53:31 -0500 Subject: Memory Technique I am trying From: Don Myers I get this idea really from Disciple Journal but they designed it for a slightly different reason and format. I am developing my own Topical verse book. I jave this small notebook binder. One you can slip into your bible case. I have alphabet tabs with sheets of paper in each tab section. At the front I have some sheets of paper. Now this for me is a reward system as well as a learning and reference system. As I do my bible study and come across a meaniful verse for me, I commit to memorize it. Part of the memorization process is to ensure that I understand the message of the verse. When I understand the verse message and have memorized it. I then do a couple of things. 1) When I open the little binder I go to the first cople of pages where I have created a alphabet list index . I have a letter and then skip down 7 lines til the next letter. So at this point if I use John 3:16 for example a personally apply it to the meaning of Salvation. I then write salvation under the S. I then go to the S tab and use one page and record at the top Salvation. On that page I write the verse name and number only because I have it memorized. So what will appear is John 3:16. If I come across another Salvation verse I would write it under John 3:16. I could be talking on a subject and want some verse kick starting so I now have my personal topical verse book that I can refer to and the reward is seeing the number of versus growing in the book. I am making progress but I will not call it a win yet. But it does feel good. Especially as I add to memory and the book the versus's that have so much meaning to me in helping me grow as a christian. Almost forgot there's nothing rigid about this method. Design it to your desires so that it becomes meaniful to you. Thats what I did when I got the idea. Don Myers =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 07 May 1999 08:54:42 -0500 Subject: Memory tips From: "One of the McKays" I have been reading a great book on God's Grace, which is a workbook for young people, called "God's Riches: a workbook on the doctrines of grace." It was written by John Benton and John Peet and is published by Banner of Truth. The authors give a good suggestion on how to memorise: Read the verse out loud 3 times. Write the verses on paper 3 times. Recite the verses without looking 3 times. Review the verses 3 times a day for a week. Hope this helps! David McKay musicfl.net.au =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 07 May 1999 08:52:54 -0500 Subject: Re: Anyone memorized Revelation? From: Ted Cantle Hi, Just wanted to thank you for your encouraging update. Its motivating to me b/c I'm 41 and feel God calling me to study and memorize His Word, but am really struggling with it. Lets keep sharing with, and encouraging one and other. God bless you. Ted =============================================================================== Date: Fri, 07 May 1999 08:53:16 -0500 Subject: Re: Anyone memorized Revelation? From: Praise God! Thanks for that victory report! God Bless you and yours, Darnita =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 09 May 1999 22:01:45 -0500 Subject: Introducing myself From: My name is Timothy (Tim) Mills. I am a seminary student with Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, TN; graduating in May of 2000. Part of my seminary training has been in evangelism, with requirements to memorize 2-3 Bible verses every day of the class. Unfortunately, most of the verses I memorized have not "stuck" as other priorities crowed in with new classes and additional responsibilities. I pastor a small rural church, where I am preaching expository sermons through various books of the Bible, currently James. I want to use Scripture from memory in my sermons, and in personal witnessing to lost people. Using whole chapters of text for sermons would be helpful to this process, as context is very important to expository sermons, and is especially important for topical sermons to assure that Scripture isn't being misapplied. Enough for now, more later, if necessary. Pray for me. Love in Christ, Tim =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 09 May 1999 22:01:42 -0500 Subject: Re: Anyone memorized Revelation? From: God Bless you. I have recently accepted the call to ministry. I feel to minister effectively. I must know the word of God. When the devil comes I need to be able to regurgitate the word back at him. You keep me in your prayers and I shall do for you also. We must be effective for the Master's Use. Love ya, =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 09 May 1999 22:01:39 -0500 Subject: Re: Memory Technique I am trying From: "Arthur A. Vanderbilt" What an excellent idea! I like the distinction that each verse in the book is one that you've memorized at some point. It reminds me of the ancient worshippers who would commit the scriptures to memory for practical as well as spiritual reasons. They wouldn't have thier own written copy of the scriptures without making it themselves .. instead they would have a copy in thier heart of what they could take in when they could get some time with the communal rolls or whatever they had or even what they would hear read aloud during community worship times. I may try doing a computerized version of your idea. Thanks! >I am developing my own Topical verse book. I jave this small >notebook binder. One you can slip into your bible case. I have alphabet >tabs with sheets of paper in each tab section. At the front I have some >sheets of paper. =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 09 May 1999 22:01:47 -0500 Subject: Re: Memory Technique I am trying From: Hello, Has everyone been to the Memory Page? The URL is http://www.premiumhealth.com/memory. The Memory Page site has a few fantastic tutorials on memory, and even a scripture memorization tutorial. And also a dynamite "free" program. In my opinion, when memorizing scripture using peg words and such it is best to link the book, chapter and verse in your mental picture. I found that sometimes just linking the verses together, say if you were memorizing a book of the Bible, can confuse you because even though you know the chapter and verse you can forget which book that it is located in. So in every mental picture I always try to have the book chapter and verse linked together. (Ex. Matthew 1:20 - The letter M is used for Matthew. The peg word for the number one is tie, but hear I will use its letter which is T. The peg word for 20 is nose. Since a, e, i, o ,u , w, h, and y have no value I form the word MAT then link nose, 20's peg word, so I get a picture of a nose sitting on a mat. Then I use other techniques to visualize the actuall verse but all of the activity takes place on the mat with the nose in the middle of it.) And I also think that it is a good idea for the first and the last words in a verse to be accented. In Matthew 1:20 the first word is "But" so I picture a cigarette butt blinking, and the last word is "Ghost" so I picture a number 3 wrapped in a sheet blinking. (Three being the third person of the Trinity.) Using memory techniques can be a little difficult at first, but if you practice and apply the techniques on a daily basis memorizing becomes a breeze. Many people who use these techniques claim to have memorized the entire New Testament. I think that it is better to start by memorizing scriptures by topic before you try to tackle memorizing a large book of the Bible. (Topics such as: grace, sin, heaven, hell, salvation, deity of Christ etc.) Mark =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 09 May 1999 22:02:00 -0500 Subject: Re: Welcome to the Biblemem list! From: "Bill Turner" Hi everybody. In the "Welcome to the Biblemem list" email I received it asked me to introduce myself. Will I don't really know what to say. I'm fairly new to the Internet world, so if I say or do anything which seems kind-of dumb, please forgive me and set be right. I'm 55 years old. I was not raised in a Christian home and most of my life I was not a Christian. I didn't know what to expect when I subscribed to this list. But I'm hoping to do a fair amount of memorization. Because of a medical condition and getting older my memory does not work as well as it used to. I'm looking foreword to this experience and hope to learn a lot. If I don't post much it will be because I'm not used to talking with people I don't know and can't see. With a smile in my heart, Bill =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 09 May 1999 22:01:56 -0500 Subject: Rhyming Peg Words From: Hello, My last post was long so I will keep this one short. Here is a quick and easy way to memorize "facts" and other information that is grouped in ten or less "in order." Take the numbers 1 through 10 and assign a rhyming word to each number. (Ex. 1 = bun; 2 = shoe; 3 = tree; 4 = door; 5 = hive; 6 = sticks; 7 = heaven; 8 = plate; 9 = wine; 10 = pen.) Now lets take a set of "facts" and link them to our peg words. Lets choose the Beatitudes. Because of space I will not do them all. (Mat 5:3 KJV) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 1. Picture a ,ghost white in color, poor man with two buns spread apart asking for meat, and the poor man has a kings crown on his head that has an arrow pointing up to heaven. (Mat 5:4 KJV) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 2. Picture a shoe with corn in it and then a comforter is thrown over it. (Mat 5:5 KJV) 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 3. Picture tree with a birds beak sticking out of it. (As in a bird that flew too fast and now is stuck.) The bird is a parrot and he falls back out of the tree and into the earth. (Mat 5:6 KJV) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 4. Picture a door opening and on the other side are hungry people running after a piece of cheese that is in a drinking glass. They then catch the cheese, gobble it down and walk away rubbing their stomaches because they are full. (Mat 5:7 KJV) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 5. Picture a bee hive full of mercury. Then a train pulls up loaded with mercury which is deposited into the hive. Well, that is enough. You get the idea. My pictures may not be intune with the images that you would choose but this technique works well. Note: You can modify this methode for word for word recall, but this is good for memorizing the main points of a list of information in order. =============================================================================== Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 22:09:49 -0500 Subject: New Member From: Tracie Ogletree Hi Everyone, I'm Sister Tracie O. It's a true blessing to be a member of the bible memory group. I've been walking with Christ going on two years. I've had some bumps and bruises along the way, BUT GOD! He's always there to pick me up when I fall, comfort me when I'm lonely and advise me when I'm in doubt. Who wouldn't serve a GOD like this. God has been dealing with me in a lot of areas, one being my mouth (the tongue). I've started reading Book of Proverbs. This scripture was dropped in my spirit: Those who are careful about what they say protect their lives, but whoever speaks without thinking will be ruined. Proverbs 13:3 It seems I have a tough time memorizing scriptures which pertain to my live or situation. Can any one relate to this????? Please advise! Christ the Center! Sista' Tracie O. =============================================================================== Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 22:09:39 -0500 Subject: Re: Memory Technique I am trying From: This sounds like a good idea - two points I applaud - (1) you grasp the meaning of the verse so it can grasp YOU! (This is the most important part of memorization I think) and then (2) your memory bank is designed for and suits YOUR needs. I have mentioned on this list before how impressed I have been with the idea of PASSION, and that my personal reading (and memorization) has been leading me in this direction. I felt a need to answer the questions "What made the early church so effective, so on fire?" and "What is missing in our churches today so that we need REVIVAL all the time?" Let me tell you that I am learning SO MUCH about my own brand of Christianity, and it seems that the Scripture is just full of directions for us in this regard. To follow up on my last report, my focus has now shifted to knowing what it means to BE WITH CHRIST, to ABIDE with Him, because I think that Passion has its roots in that relationship. The disciples were noted to "have been with Christ", and they "set the world on fire!" I've been studying and memorizing the Scriptures which present the concept of "looking in the mirror", and "putting on Christ", and "reflecting Him". This is not new of course, not to most of you, but it is touching me in a new WAY, and my memorization program is more meaningful and is just easier - the key is the PERSONAL involvement in the process. God bless us all as we attend to His Word daily - that's how we come to "be with Christ". =============================================================================== Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 21:21:43 -0500 Subject: Re: Memory Technique I am trying From: RnRetired, I think you're all over it. It seems each time I have a revelation from God about anything, it is always some aspect of Christ that I haven't understood clearly up to that point. The other day for instance, I was pondering why it was so difficult to love and accept some people. The problem seemed to be I had head knowledge that I was to love, but it wasn't always my heart to love, the passion wasn't there. So understanding that, I asked the Father to get it from my head to my heart. A couple of days later I came across an article I was reading at a doctors office and this guy was talking about love. He said, "If you have problems with loving people then your love for Christ is weak." That cut to my heart, but my pride resisted admitting that MY love for Christ was weak, but I felt that was God showing me the way. Truthfully, as much as I say I love and follow Christ, my commitment to him is pretty shallow. The point is my solution to this dilemma of love was to found in a deeper relationship with Christ. It always come back to Christ (Praise God). Watchman Nee said in the "Normal Christian Life" that any revelation from God comes to us through the cross, continuing to grasp the deeper significance and the love it represents for each of us, in other words, Jesus! See Hebrews 12:1-3. phil =============================================================================== Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 21:21:41 -0500 Subject: Re: New Member From: In a message dated 5/10/99 9:14:51 PM Central Daylight Time, togletreewinstar.com writes: << It seems I have a tough time memorizing scriptures which pertain to my live or situation. Can any one relate to this????? Please advise! >> Dear Tracie: I understand!!! Our human minds, unfortunately will stick like glue to things of this world (even minor ones) while letting the word of God slip through. I think that has to do with the world of Scripture being outside of our life experience. If you can relate what you see in Scripture to your own experience, actually walked-through in the flesh, then those verses will remain in your mind. GEA =============================================================================== Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 00:51:28 -0500 Subject: New Member Intro From: The Powells Hello, My name is Rick and I too feel strongly that a commitment to Scripture memory is vital to spiritual growth and health in one's Christian walk. I appreciate the encouragement and help that is available through this web page and discussion group to "spur each other on" in this vital area. As for any particular method of memorization - I don't have one. I hope to pick up ideas from you and share some as I am able in the future. Thanks! =============================================================================== Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 00:50:59 -0500 Subject: real good - worth reading From: Laney Loughridge A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened. . .and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back. . .a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back. . .HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up. . .shake it off and step up. . .shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP! You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him. . .all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity. . .THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US! Remember that FORGIVENESS - FAITH - PRAYER - PRAISE and HOPE. . .all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves! (Eugene Williams, Jo Walters) =============================================================================== Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 00:50:41 -0500 Subject: Re: Memory Technique I am trying From: I guess we have to realize that we're on a journey, and we learn as we go (Pilgrim's Progress?) You recall that I've said that I just finished a class with my ladies at church on How to Study the Bible. Well, this personal Bible study of mine has progressed in this direction - 1) Why are we different from the early church? 2) What's missing? 3) the early disciples were noted to "have been with Jesus". 4) Jesus' remark that if we "had seen Him, we have seen the Father", 5) He is the reflection of His Father, and 6) we look in a mirror and see ourselves, but we are to be HIS reflection, and 7) we are to "put on Christ" (like we put on clothes every day?) so 8) it has to be a life-long, every-day commitment to developing that PASSION that I am so driven to learn about. I am intending to develop my next class for my ladies in that direction - and I am starting off with a review of the Names of God and the part of His character that those Names reveal. "Knowing God and Learning Christ" is what I'm working toward. My memorization tasks will be those passages which progressively reveal His Names. I am SO excited about this new study! I gave the ladies a choice of several topics, and they all agreed on this. And I'm especially glad that my own study will be enhanced by this. I'm ashamed that I've missed out on this for so long - and I THOUGHT that I loved Him! I'm just beginning to learn what that means. =============================================================================== Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 00:51:05 -0500 Subject: Re: New Member From: Tracie Ogletree Thanks & God Bless! At 09:21 PM 5/18/99 -0500, you wrote: >In a message dated 5/10/99 9:14:51 PM Central Daylight Time, >togletreewinstar.com writes: > ><< >It seems I have a tough time memorizing scriptures which pertain to my >live or situation. > > >Can any one relate to this????? Please advise! >>> >Dear Tracie: > >I understand!!! Our human minds, unfortunately will stick like glue to >things of this world (even minor ones) while letting the word of God slip >through. > >I think that has to do with the world of Scripture being outside of our >life >experience. If you can relate what you see in Scripture to your own >experience, actually walked-through in the flesh, then those verses will >remain in your mind. > > > >GEA > > > > > > > =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 17:53:27 -0500 Subject: Bible memory From: "Greg Grimes" Hello. I'm Jamie and I just started the group today. I want to learn = more about God and keep the scriptures in my heart. I know whenever = I've felt down and the Satan trys torment me with things I want to throw = what God says back at him but I usually can only think of one or two = things right off the top of my head. Also, when my son started school = a couple of years ago he had to start learning a scripture verse every = week. I'd help him and it would help me in the process. I would break = it down it sections and when he had learned one section we'd do the next = section, then we'd put the first and second section together and then = we'd learn the third section by itself and the fourth section (if there = was one) by itself and ad the third and fourth together and then put it = all together. He's always done very well at it. He's in third grade = this year and they'd learn three or four verses together and they'd = bread them down in weeks. They would ad the priar week to the present = week until the end of the month. Well, I'm just glad to be involved in = this. Thanks =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 17:53:19 -0500 Subject: Re: Memory Technique I am trying From: "One of the McKays" Try this one, Cheryl: Read the verse out loud 3 times Say it out loud 3 times without looking Repeat it 3 times a day for a week. Helps me David McKay musicfl.net.au =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 17:53:24 -0500 Subject: Re: Memory Technique I am trying From: Sometimes we get so busy with other things - necessary things - but we put the Scripture on the back burner because there just doesn't seem to be time enough. It has been at times like those that I have found myself more vulnerable to pressure, to negative feelings, and slipping into the "way of the world". Over the years I've learned that I MUST take the time for the Word - it keeps me steady. Meditating on what I read in the morning (my preference) during the busy and hectic day has been my best defence against those things, and surprisingly, the memorization really falls into place. I have kept cards in my pocket, taped them to the refrigerator, to the bathroom wall and mirror, and all of that has helped. But truly, the best way for me has been just to read and meditate, read and meditate, read and meditate - ! God bless! =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 07:42:09 -0500 Subject: Re: Memory Technique I am trying From: Hello everyone, I am so amazed at God's GRACE, after reading Phil's email, about loving people it really hit home. Lately I haven't even bothered to read the email or read my bible and my attitude has been horrible. I know its so wrong and I know I'm really bad when I start to be so negative. My pastor suggests reading 2 Psalms, 2 Proverbs and 1 old and 1 new testament chapter everyday. I still have not found a technique that enables me to memorize the scriptures. Pray for me that I will be consistent and not give up. Thanks Phil your letter really hit home. In Christ, Cheryl =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 17:53:29 -0500 Subject: Re: Memory Technique I am trying From:a Morgan) Analeaceaol.com wrote: > > Hello everyone, I am so amazed at God's GRACE, after reading Phil's > email, about loving people it really hit home. Lately I haven't even > bothered > to read the email or read my bible and my attitude has been horrible. > > I know its so wrong and I know I'm really bad when I start to be so > negative. > > My pastor suggests reading 2 Psalms, 2 Proverbs and 1 old and 1 new > testament > chapter everyday. I still have not found a technique that enables me to > memorize the scriptures. > > Pray for me that I will be consistent and not give up. > > Thanks Phil your letter really hit home. > > In Christ, > Cheryl thanks for your honesty alot of us 'miss the mark' by times. I have been in kind of a 'dry place myself' we all need to pray for each other, so let's start... God bless!!!! Laura =============================================================================== Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 07:41:23 -0500 Subject: The Word From: Grant Lawson Hello Brothers, My name is Grant. I am new to this web site, in fact I am new to the web. I have been a Christian for a while. I have a hard time memorizing scripture. The only time I was able to make any progress was when I was in a men's study group which held me accountable. I am trying to work in ministry full time at a outreach center in Milwaukee. This city outreach would be toward many different types of people in different situations. I would like a good command of the Word to do this. I have started to read some of what is posted at this site and am interested in learning more. Well times up. Your Brother in the Lord, Grant P.S. Hello Mat the student, I will pray for you. =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 30 May 1999 19:33:54 -0500 Subject: My intro From: "Marianne Callich" Hello! I'm new to the group, and so glad to have found some like-minded people. My name is Marianne and I live in Checotah, OK (a small town at the intersection of I-40 and Hwy 69 in East Central Oklahoma also known as "The Steer Wrestling Capital of the World). I've been married to my husband, Bruce for almost 27 years, but we have no kids--just some cats, dogs, and a bird (cockatiel). I am an RN and retired from the Army Nurse Corps in late 1995 after 26 years of service. I guess I've been saved since I was a teenager, but did some serious drifting (without even realizing it because I didn't know the Word) until about 3 years ago. By drifting, I mean I was very interested in New Age teachings and thought that this was surely the religion of the future. God's grace is so wonderful--I believe that because I'd been saved that Jesus was (and is) my anchor during this time and kept me from getting into some of the demonic things that are a part of the New Age belief system. Anyway, when we moved from Ft. Lewis, WA to here in 1995, we had not been attending church for about 7 1/2 years! We joined the First United Methodist Church in Checotah and felt immediately welcome. As I look back, I can see that God has a plan for my life, because my Christian walk has been progressing slowly and surely. I really consider myself a new Christian, or at least a re-newed one. The things that have made the most impact on my life are the Bible study, "Experiencing God", the Christian renewal experience in the Walk to Emmaus, Kay Arthur's precept upon precept study of Hebrews, and the books "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Phillip Yancey, and " Inside the New Age Nightmare" by Randall Baer. All of these and a lot of loving and supportive Christians have brought me along until today I consider myself a maturing Christian. I have recently become aware of the importance of memorizing scripture--I know God put that awareness in my heart--and that is how I came to find this group. We are getting an accountability group together and plan to begin memorizing to put His Word in our hearts. We will start small and see how we progress. I'll let you know. Anyway, I'm looking forward to talking with everyone, learning and sharing. Marianne =============================================================================== Date: Sun, 30 May 1999 19:34:38 -0500 Subject: Re: Memory Technique I am trying From: How do you treat a complete paragraph, instead of one verse? Love in Christ, Tim ===============================================================================