Scripture Memory

When I was younger, Scripture memory was a homework assignment at my Christian school, a piece of candy in Sunday School, a special prize at VBS. As I got older, it became a chore, and as long as no one required it of me, I didn't "waste my time." It's not that I didn't love God's Word, but I didn't love it nearly enough. Thankfully, though, God is never done working on His children.

At the end of the school year, I read 1 Timothy 4:7b-8 - "Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." As summer was approaching, I wanted to make goals. In summers past my goals have included reading novels or exercising more. This summer, I knew God wanted me to train in godliness! I made a plan, and Scripture memory was something I added to my to-do list. I thought that I would never be able to memorize Scripture, but with the Holy Spirit and diligence, God is indeed accomplishing this in me.

My mom and I were going to memorize a passage together, but I wanted to attempt a whole book, not just a chapter. I knew if I put my mind to it, I could do it! I choose 1 John. I started last week with the first four verses. I wrote out copies and put it on my bathroom mirror, in the shower, and inside the medicine cabinet. I found these to be great places, because I can memorize while I'm washing and drying my hair, putting on make-up, and brushing my teeth. None of those things take too much though, so I can focus on memorizing the verses. I decided to take a new section every week, so now I'm on verses 5-10 of 1 John 1. Every Tuesday I say the verses to my mom. I know that this is something I can continue through the school year without cutting into homework time, because I'll still be showering and brushing my teeth!

I've found Scripture memory of such benefit, and would encourage everyone who thinks they can't do it to at least give it a try! It not only puts the Word of God in my heart, it keeps my mind from wandering while I'm in the shower or brushing my teeth. This is one way I'm seeking to "seize the day" and "redeem the time!"

What are you going to do with the rest of your life?

I'm at the time in my life (summer before senior year of high school) where I get asked questions about my future... a lot! Where are you going to college? What do you want to do after high school? Aren't you going to be a nurse? Is music in your future? What did you get on the SATs? Are you looking for scholarships? ... and the list goes on and on. Halfway through my junior year of high school I relunctantly decided that I'd major in music in college after wanting to be a nurse for the previous three years. In my heart I knew I wanted to pursue music further, but in my head I thought nursing would be better for financial stability in my future. But music was (is) still my passion...as far as hobbies go. I knew either route I chose I could choose to glorify God and praise Him in everything. I've become more comfortable and excited about pursing music wholeheartedly.

This morning I read Psalm 150 and I got really excited. I decided when people ask me what I'm doing for the rest of my life I can read them Psalm 150 and say "I'm going to live out this Psalm." Or when they ask why I'm choosing to study music I can say, "So I can live out Psalm 150." Reading Psalm 150 assured me that God loves music, and while it plays a different role than a job in the healthcare field, it stil plays a vital role, and I'm confident I can be useful to God as a musician.

Psalm 150

Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound; [I play the trumpet, so this was very exciting!]
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD!

In five years, I don't exactly know where I see myself. Maybe I'll be teaching first graders how to read music or maybe I'll be conducting a middle school band. Maybe I'll be offering private trumpet lessons or teaching AP Music Theory. Wherever I am, though, I know that in it I can praise the LORD with the making of music!