Sunday, January 23, 2011

mem·o·rize 

A few weeks ago, this blog post by Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience inspired me to consider memorizing Colossians this year. I really didn't want to formally commit to it, because I was afraid I would fail. So I just sort of toyed with the idea, rolled it around in my head, and thought about it some more. I even learned a verse or two, but I was still unwilling to say or think, "I am going to do this." However, this Sunday, I decided to make the commitment when my pastor challenged our church to spend more time listening to God. A friend or two has even agreed to join me on this adventure, and I think that will help keep me on track.

By the way, the original meaning (around 1590) of the word memorize is "to commit to writing." It wasn't until around 1838 that memorize came to mean to commit to memory (or the mind). It's my desire that memorizing Colossians will not only commit the book to my mind, but to my heart and that the results will be seen in my life.

5 comments:

The Church Cook said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Church Cook said...

Sorry, spelling errors!

Hi, Rika, I am toying with the same challenge of memorizing Colossians. I got to verse 4 but yet not fully committed. My heart is willing but I also know my flesh is very weak. Glad your husband liked the muffin you lovingly made. Now that you made it, you own the recipe! :)

Rika Diephouse said...

Thank you, Kay! Thanks for sharing your cooking talents with us :-)

Leslie Leyland Fields said...

Rika--one of my goals this summer (besides finishing a book, with a very real deadline!) is to memorize a few chapters of either Colossians or Ephesians, with the goal of "enacting" portions of it for church. I am excited about marrying these loves---of scripture and drama! (And God's word is SO dramatic!)

Rika Diephouse said...

Leslie, a few months ago a man from our church recited a memorized portion from Ephesians. I thought it was powerful to hear scripture like that. Memorizing Colossians was a great exercise. Our pastor was teaching Ephesians at the same time. It's amazing how closely related those two books are. Your memorization goal will not only bless others, it will bless you!