Scripture Memorization Idea

I have always struggled with memorizing scripture. I know the importance of it... to store His Word and Truth in your heart, but I stink at it. Really, I do. Oh ok, honestly, whenever I had to take tests, I would cram. Oh ok, and to be even more honest, I'm still a crammer! *shoot!

I saw this somewhere and I've been doing it for a little bit and I'm amazed at how many words are etched on my heart. You write down somewhere where you'll see it many times during the day (I clearly chose my forearm) the first letter of each word in the verse. Then when you look at it, it's incredible how the words just pop out at your just seeing the first word.

----You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalms 23:5-----

Each one of my kiddos have noticed and pointed it out.... Arly said, "oh cool." Alyn said, "looks like a tattoo." Avin said, "so we can write on our skin?' and Anchor colored his hands PINK!

What do you think? Would you try it too? Do you have a way that you memorize scripture that you'd like to share?

XO.
Jari

It's a New Year

Wow! The last entry posted was wayyyyy over a year ago (almost two!) So much has changed since we announced we were moving back 'home' to South Dakota. We had a few celebrations and a few heartaches. Our story grew and cracked, but when I look at the time between entries; my heart is grateful for each moment because of the growth we experienced. I have so many words to share; so many memories to document for our family, but first, I'm starting with today. The very first day of the new year.

A new day. A new week. A new month. A new year.... could it get any better?! I have all the feels.

There is something amazingly refreshing about the newness of all of it. We spent NYE very low key. Joel and I stayed home, with the littles (the bigs ditched us for fun with friends), snuggled in tight with temps as low as -33 (yes, that is actual air temp, not wind chill.... that is RIDICULOUSLY COLD!) I spent the whole weekend wearing the same clothes, the same stink (yeah, it's been since Friday since I've showered... ew. I better put that on my 'to do' list.... I kid.... kind of)  and doing the same thing: organizing E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G in this house. I've gone through EVERY photo, EVERY piece of fabric, EVERY pen and marker; ya'll.... EVERYTHING. It looks like a mega yard sale (or dump) in our house but I promise, it's progress. I just hope the garbage guys feel as excited I am about the overflow.

I still feel overwhelmed at the mess and every part of my being wanted to be finished by tonight, but I'm not. And I'm ok with that. I'm more than ok with it. I have a lot of work to do.... but I spent a good part of my in between this weekend playing twister, 'art teacher' and race car with the littles (thanks Grama and Papa), decorating Arly's bedroom, coffee date with girlfriends and running through the kitchen playing 'get me!'

I have big goals for this year. But I'm not going to jump into all of them right away. One at a time. I pray I develop good habits this year all starting with daily Bible readings and scripture memorization. Even if it's just reading a verse for the day (hey, every thing works best with baby steps first right?) or reading from a short devotional, or a plan on She Reads Truth or YouVersion apps....every day will start in The Word. What about you? What is your FIRST goal this year?

XO.
Jari