Romans

Back in the beginning of the year I embarked on some Memory Work.  We've been moving at the do-able pace of two verses per week with periodic breaks for review.  The first week of May, Week 18 of the year, we finished Romans 1.  Today we begin Romans 8.

Memorizing large section of consecutive verses is not something I've ever done before, so some of the experiences of the past few months have been new and unexpected.  Here are a few of my thoughts.

- Sometimes any place to let the baby draw is good enough.  

 - Memorizing cohesive verses aids with memory work.  In the past I have memorized one to two verses every two weeks, but each verse was a stand-alone verse.  To recall each verse would be difficult without prompting.  Memorizing the verses in the flow of the whole passage helps.
- Memory work takes time.  I can not simply read my verse a few times during the week and have it stick. I have found that I have to spend time each day reviewing the past verses and adding the new ones.  If I simply read the verses, that's ok.  But for me to really memorize them I have to let my mind work to find the right wording or the next phrase.
-The more repetition the better.  The weeks I practice while I'm brushing my teeth, and sitting in the car, and walking, and waiting for PE to finish are the weeks that I have a much quicker grasp on the memory part.

- Spending regular amounts of time with a handful of verses really increases my understanding.  I have found myself asking, "Who is 'they'?" or "What does this have to do with what came before it?" or "Does Paul really have to use so many commas?!"  Or I notice words repeated from earlier in the passage or other themes. 
-Not surprisingly, I have found Romans 1 to timely.  I can't tell you how many times in the past four months that it has overlapped with topics of conversation in book group, or the sermon, or small group, or current events. 
-At the end of the chapter and about half way through there is a week for review.  I've needed those weeks to play catch up.   
- I like Scripture Typer.  Not perfectly user friendly, but fun. 


I'm sure I've learned more and I'm sure I could have presented it in a more engaging way, but time and brain-power do not allow it today.  





Today we begin memorizing Romans 8.  Want to join us? You can go to Ann's blog and read the original introduction or find the pdf file for the memory plan.

What are you memorizing?