Memorizing Scripture

All throughout my youth, my family and I participated in a program at our church called AWANA.  We played games, had time in small groups, and spent time each week one-on-one with an adult to recite Bible verses to.   I always looked forward to the games and time with my friends but it was a huge push for me to stay on top of all of the memory verses.

I memorized my verses out of a desire to keep up with my siblings, earn my badges and to finish my book each year.  I had no idea what a worthwhile activity all of that memorization was until I went to college.

Playing in the rain

Away from the safety, protection and unconditional love of my home for the very first time, I started feeling those verses well up inside me.  Verses that I had memorized years before would pop into my head while I was having conversations with my dorm mates, riding the bus to class or studying quietly in the library.   I was amazed and thankful all at the same time.

Today, those same verses are still echoing throughout my days.  The scriptures that I memorized as a child are shaping who I am as an adult.  I didn't understand the value nor did I recognize the impact of memorizing scripture when I was young, but I wouldn't be who I am today without it.

My kids aren't old enough to be in AWANA yet, but after Shawn and I heard Nicole reciting one of her books word for word, we knew that it wasn't too early to start.  We've been steadily memorizing scripture together for over two years now and we have watched it deepen Nicoles understanding of God and equip her to navigate her days.

Shawn and Nicole painting a new frame for Nicoles verse (the old one had been through a lot!)

When we first began this journey, God prompted me to start with scriptures that spoke about who He is.  There have been different circumstances along the way that have caused us to deviate from that path, but there has always been joy in the learning.  We are currently memorizing John 6:48 in which Jesus declares that He is the Bread of Life.  I pulled the verse off our counter last week to practice it with Nicole before we jumped into the rest of our day and Jonah ran over and enthusiastically declared, "Jesus, life!" 

There will be a day when my kids leave my home, and when they go I want them to have verses that well up inside of them too.   They may not understand the value or be able to recognize the impact, but we will keep making time for this because I know that these ancient words are as true today as they were the day they were written.

It's still hard for me to stay on top of the memorization, but I do it because these are the words that I want echoing throughout my family. 

What is your favorite Bible verse?
With love,
Erica