Scripture Memory Lost

Scripture memory has almost become an impossibility for me. In 2011, I started this blog to motivate me to stay committed to scripture memory with Beth Moore's Living Proof Ministries Siesta Scripture Memory. The ministry offered spiral note cards to record and review memorized Scriptures. I decided to purchase several and use them to write my biweekly Scripture choices multiple times. It was a great ministry tool to share encouraging Scriptures with people God placed in my path who needed encouragement from God's Word. There was even a Siesta Scripture Memory app for my IPhone. I surrounded myself with Scripture memory tools.
In 2012 I wanted to continue this habit even without the encouragement of Beth's ministry; Siesta Scripture memory will be offered again in 2013. Beth had mentioned in one of her blogs that Psalm 63 was one of the first complete Psalms she had memorized. That was a good enough endorsement for me, so I purchased a new spiral note card and copied the first two verses of that Psalm. Here it is the end of October and I'm still struggling with those first two verses! Christine Smith started a Scripture memory accountability group on her Facebook page, Women's Bible Cafe. My former student, Angel Shaffer Haynes continued Scripture memory accountability with her women's ministry blog, Living with Moxie.
Yesterday, I found my 2001 spiral and quickly flipped through the cards, only to discover, I couldn't say a single Scripture by memory without looking at the card several times. My memory is failing me again. I guess this is just one of the effects of growing older. In spite of this difficulty, I'm going to commit to Siesta Scripture Memory in 2013. If you want to join me, I would welcome the company.

Psalm 63:1

Psalm 63:1
You, God, are my God, 
   earnestly I seek you; 
I thirst for you, 
   my whole being longs for you, 
in a dry and parched land 
   where there is no water.

2012 Scripture Memory

Beth Moore's Living Proof Ministry has not mentioned that the Siesta Scripture Memory Team will continue for 2012. As i shared in my last post, this past year's commitment to memorize 24 passages of Scripture has been an incredible experience of spiritual growth. I'm already committed to continue this process and activity. Last year,  i sought guidance during my quiet time and daily devotional time to find Scripture passages that would encourage my life in present circumstances and also help me to have Words to share with people and situations i might encounter in my daily life. God was faithful in both accounts. During the last half of the year, i choose to memorize longer passages of Scripture and found it to be easier recall the verses in context. So, as  i contemplated my Scripture memory for the coming year, God's Holy Spirit has led me to Psalm 63. It contains 11 verses; i plan to memorize one verse each week to begin this year, and set my goal to memorize 52 verses in 2012.
Thank You Lord for Your Word! Help me as i attempt to memorize these Scriptures and hide these Words in my heart and mind. May these Scriptures encourage and guide my life. Amen

Scripture Memory Experience

What an amazing spiritual experience this accountability process has been for my life. Scripture memory has always been an important part of my Christian life; I have been blessed to be encouraged to commit Scripture to memory from my earliest recollections of Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Girls Auxiliary, youth activities, Baptist Student Union during college, and Women's Missionary Union during my adult life.  Siesta Scripture Memory Team with Beth Moore and Living Proof Ministries has challenged me to be consistent in committing Scripture to develop and encourage my daily walk with the Lord...it has and i am so thankful for the way these Scriptures have not only given me personal strength, but have been readily available to share with people who God has placed in my life. I'm so thankful for this experience and plan to continue this process in the coming year. 
Thank You, Lord for Your Holy Word and the Scriptures that You have placed in my path and the ability to commit portions of Your Word to my memory. Guide my heart and mind with Your Word. Thank You for loving me. Forgive my sins and shortcomings. You are an awesome God and i praise Your Holy Name! Amen