Memories...Whoa..oh..oh.. Memories

The busier I am, the older I become, both of these have had a lasting effect on my memory. But, what is memory? How does it work? And why am I so forgetful? Whoa, slow down! Let's start at the beginning...PSYCH 101...Memory is: the retention of, and ability to recall, information over time. So, how do we form memories let alone keep and remember them? It begins with ENCODING, a procedure for transforming something a person sees, hears, thinks, or feels into a memory. Once that has been done, your brain keeps and stores the memory. There is short term memory, working memory, and long term memory. Whew! That's a lot to "remember!"

Short term memory lasts for about 20-30 seconds. Long term memory on the other hand, has been suggested to be permanent: that nothing is forgotten only the means of retrieving it is lost. There is also evidence that we retain more than we can retrieve. (I'd buy into that.)

With that being said, I suppose you're asking yourself, "where is she going with all of this?!?!?" Let me explain. First, I am a huge fan of Psychology. The human brain is beyond fascinating and such a complex piece of work that no one except God himself could ever have created it. This in itself is breathtaking! Second, I am a teacher at heart, so I tend to "teach" by accident. It's a part of who I am. Third and lastly, it's an introduction to the challenge I have for you today. It's important to know "what" you are learning and "why."

Memorizing scripture is one of the best ways to "get the Bible into your life" on a daily basis. It helps you develop and/or maintain a close relationship with God and equips you with the tools needed to share the gospel to those who have never heard it.

• "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." II Timothy 3:16
• "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11
• "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8
• "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalms 119:105

What better reasons are there? I am challenging you to join Memory Monday's hosted by "The Simple Wife" blog. I've committed to this as part of my weekly devotions and New Year's Reflections. The idea of "writing God's words on our hearts," or simply stated, memorizing scripture on a weekly basis is the goal of this challenge. Ask the Lord to show you through your memorization and study, what He would have you get from His word. Continually place this in your heart and you will be blessed.

Please comment and let me know if you join the Memory Monday challenge. My hope is for us to encourage each other with this challenge as time progresses and "life" gets in the way. This week's verse is:

So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)

A new year calls for new beginnings..."the old is gone the new has come!"

Because of Him,