The memory verse for week one of the First Place Bible study entitled "Renewing Hope" is stated above. One component of the First Place program is scripture memorization. The most important reason to memorize scripture is because God tells us to! The Bible said to "hide His word in your heart". I find it so interesting that now the scientific studies are telling us the importance of keeping our minds in good physical health by doing mental exercises such as cross-word puzzles, complex card games, and yes---memorization! In fact, several new products have appeared on the market with the intent of giving the user a "mental work-out" with the promise of delaying the signs of aging that are evidenced by diminished mental ability. Why not use something you probably already have in your home---a Bible! ---for this same purpose?! One thing that helps me with memorization is visualization, so I try to find a photograph I have taken to go along with the memory verse. (I took the photo for this verse last spring on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, in Branson, Missouri. ) Another aid to memorization is saying the verse out loud, in combination with certain body movements. That is called "kinetic learning". Kinetic learning has the added benefit of burning a few calories! I am hoping that the process of writing about the weekly verse in my blog will also help. So don't agonize---MEMORIZE!
