The promised favors, various repair needs, volunteer obligations, and important recipe ingredients would be victims of neglect if not for my writing and posting notes. This is also the reason I am fanatical about putting items back after their use—so I’ll be able to find them!
Were you taught to memorize Scripture passages from childhood on? Or have you challenged yourself with this valuable habit as an adult? The blessings of filling our heart with His promises are abundant, especially as we learn to apply the Word to our lives.
But what if those Bible gems fade or disappear?
Like many people, my forgetfulness has increased with age. What can be done to retain and regain Scripture memory?
Thanks to the Holy Spirit’s nudging, my forgetfulness has motivated these assistive actions:
1. Participate. In order to pay more attention to sermons and Bible classes, I open and personalize my Bible, taking notes and underlining with my own color code.
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.Psalm 48:9
2. Peruse. Instead of my old habit of skipping familiar verses, I slow down, think, read some study notes, and review the context.
You study the Scriptures diligently… These are the very Scriptures that testify about me. (Jesus) John 5:39
3. Pre-plan. I realize the necessity of reviewing promises and proof passages before they are needed. If I wait for a crisis, or an unbeliever’s questions, my unprepared mind will probably go blank.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. I Peter 3:15
Even as my faculties fade, I know my eternal heavenly Father does not forget the needs of his children. But thanks to Christ’s redemption, he has chosen to forget our sin.
Thank you Lord, for this memorable comfort.
Remember, O LORD, your compassion and your mercy, for they are from eternity. Psalm 25:6
Picture an author tying her newly released, self-published book to a camera-equipped drone. Friends and family are gathered outside in a sunny backyard. Two sixpacks of light beer and a box of sweet wine await tasting. A famous DJ (son-in-law) commences the countdown with a dubstep beat. Like the movie with balloons tied to a house, the book rises UP into the sky.
But no, that is NOT a book launch. And yes, you are invited to mine.
Researching and writing (and editing and rewriting) Self-Care: Selfish or Sacred? provided mental health therapy during Covid restrictions. Since I am one of those people who gain energy and joy being with others; the stay-at-home, don’t-touch-anyone, can’t-see-smiles-behind-masks restrictions were personally painful. With lack of face-to-face conversations available, writing was my way of talking.
The self-care life balance topic was chosen because I had been so poor at it! And I know many others who doubt if it’s a Christian thing to do. (“Carry your cross 24/7 and all will work out.”)
One blessing of aging is how forgetfulness, aches and pains and general slowing down impresses the need for re-prioritizing. This was also my incentive to study how the Creator wants me to treat my body, mind and soul that he masterfully designed.
With almost two years of writing, working with a publisher, choosing a cover (who knew that would take so long?) and learning some of the business aspects, I was challenged to do my own book promotions.The last task felt like pious bragging, but unless you are a best-selling author, it’s the way modern book sales are made.
A book launch is a celebration announcing, “fini!” It’s a book reveal party with refreshments, copies for autographs and sales, book information and small thank you gifts for attendees. No drones flying around with books, but most likely some uplifting photo taking.
June 18th is my very first book launch party! Contact me for details, then look for the balloons!
