Memory Systems

Repetition is one of the primary keys to effective memorizing. Without repetition (3 is a key number) you cannot expect to remember anything. Repetition is how we first learned our alphabet back in preschool.

Reenactment is another tool. Every year we reenact wars and battles, not only to honor our fallen soldiers, but also to remember our history.

 

To be effective, reenactment must include thinking about the meaning and sequence of thoughts and words in the passage each time they are repeated. Without meditating on the meaning of the passage, repetition soon looses it value.

Follow a system

It is equally important to teach children HOW to memorize. If you tell a child to tie his shoe or clean her room and never show them how, they only get frustrated and quickly give up. Often times they won't try again.

Here are a few steps to get you started teaching your child how to memorize:

1: Read silently over the passage to be memorized.

2: Starting with the first verse in the passage, "break off a chunk" of the verse so that it is small enough to easily be retained. This is often done at punctuation mark.

3: Read that small portion audibly from five ten times (can also be done under the breath).  Think

about the words and the meaning of the portion being read.

4:  Recite this small portion audibly five to ten times without reading it.

5: If it can be repeated from five to ten times without looking, leave that portion and move on to the next. If it cannot be done yet try again (other options listed at bottom)

6: After the second portion is learned, associate it with the first portion and say both together several times.

7: Learn one verse (may needs to be split into smaller chunks) at a time.  As each verse is learned, say it together with the preceding verse in the passage

If you are a hands-on learner, try writing the portion on a chalk/white board. Erase a word or two at a time And continue to recite the verse until you can say it five to ten times with the entire board cleared.

If you have an active child, make up moves for every word/every other word (doesn't have to be proper sign language. What ever helps the child remember the word)

Promises of God

In hard times we are told to remember all the things that God has promised us.  He will never leave us.  He will never forsake us.  If we haven't memorized His Word, or if we don't know it well, it is easy to be misled or just not know all of the many, many thing He has promised.  Here is a list of some of those promises - for when you have one of those days....

If this does not help, and you need, or just want to talk to someone here are a few links for you

http://www.ksbj.org/prayer-growth/pages/request-prayer
http://www.air1.com/Faith/NeedPrayer.aspx

http://sagemontchurch.org/pray/

https://www.facebook.com/GlobalMediaOutreach

• But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.2 Corinthians 12:9

But He was wounded for your transgressions, He was bruised for your iniquities: the chastisement of your peace was upon Him; and by His stripes you are healed. Isaiah 53:5

• If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 

I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me. Proverbs 8:17

• Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3

• Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. Proverbs 2:12

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

• For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

• I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. John 6:47 

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die."  John 11:25-26

• And you shall serve the LORD your God, and He shall bless your bread, and your water; and He will take sickness away from the midst of you. Exodus 23:25 

Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand." John 10:27-30

• Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman. Proverbs 2:16

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. Proverbs 3:13

• But whoever keeps his word, God’s love has most certainly been perfected in him. This is how we know that we are in him: he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked. 1 John 2:5-6 

For he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.” So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5b-6

•  Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to your body, and marrow to your bones. Proverbs 3:7-8                                          

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:22-23

• For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Luke 21:15

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1

• Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5

These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33


Need more?  Try these: http://bible.org/article/selected-promises-god-each-book-bible

http://www.openbible.info/topics/promises_of_god

Hurricane Season

Living as close to the coast as I do, the beginning of hurricane season means that it is time to get my supply kit together again.  I unpack it at the end of the season (and I am positive that there is no threat) and use what was in it.

In the last few weeks there have been several natural disasters and a lot of talk on cnn about disaster clean up from the last year.  I do not want to be on the news - ever because I was unprepared.  I have always lived in this area and hurricanes are part of the life.  I missed Ike, but got hit during Rita.  Besides being prepared, I know that with my babies, without a doubt, I would evacuate.

We evacuated during Rita and I have no regrets.  I will do it again.  We know of a few places in Dallas and San Antonio that we could go.  Problem is, during Rita (as a city we all learned a lot during Rita) if you don't leave early enough there is a lot of traffic and hotels fill up quickly.  We know of a few other places to go that are either west or further north.  You have to have a back up plan.  We always have a plan B.  and a plan c,d,e,f,g..... for everything.  So, even though we plan to evacuate, you have to have a box of supplies ready to go in an instant.

At all times in my truck I keep:

• jumper cables
• first aid kits (always need to be kept re-supplied)
• toys (small tote, just in case)
• suit case with a spare full change of clothes for everyone (changes with each season)
• box with swim gear (swim suits, sunblock, towels, goggles, etc)
• Bottles of water
• Small box with car chargers for the game boy, kindle, cell phone, etc
• Picnic basket with plates, forks, spoons, cups
• Blankets

Obviously I drive a large suburban (with a cargo topper on top!)  Now that I need my hurricane kit as well, I will get a few totes and put the following supplies ready to grab in a hurry.  The key is to get the boxes ready, but not so heavy that I cannot pick them up by my self.

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities  - in the drawer.  Also, the knowledge to turn everything off!  You may be surprised at the number of people (women's especially) who do not know this.

Water, 8+ gallons

Food, granola bars, microwaveable meals (stuff that doesn't need to be refrigerated), cans of ravioli, cans of fruit etc

Flashlight and extra batteries

Whistle to signal for help

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Manual can opener for food

Local maps - you cannot guarantee that the gps will work

Inverter or solar charger for my cell phone, it won't ever hold a charge for long.  I have my car charger, but you can never be over prepared.

Dog food and bowls

leashes

$100 in cash (or more) for gas, hotel, and more food

I dread having to evacuate, but I would hate to have to evacuate and not be ready.  If I never need this stuff, it gives us some junk food for the pantry for the winter :)

Effective Memorization

Effective Bible Memorization

Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down and also keep them deep within your heart.  Proverbs 7:2

Effectively teaching memorization commonly fails just because we want to know how to do it best.

• Is it best to give children the passage to learn as an assignment for the next class?
• Should the passage be memorized in class?
• Should repetition be used on a class level?
• How and how often should review be conducted?
• What is the best way to test the children’s memorization of the passage?

Short, Frequent classes

Psalm 1:1-2  Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,  but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

A lesson with memorization does not, and should not, be long and drawn out each and every time you do it.  Our memorization time should not become so big that we feel defeated and allow too much time between sessions.  For example, if classes are held at week-long intervals, many children (and adults) will procrastinate until the deadline (or after), because it is human nature to put off what we feel is too hard for us to do.

On the other hand, if classes are not held often enough you will tend to assign a longer passage to learn each time.  Again, this is frustrating the student, the teacher, and the parent.  We don’t want to discourage someone away from learning God’s Word.

Regular classes give the student little chance to procrastinate.  With frequent deadlines to be encountered the student will stay alert and keep God’s Word in the forefront of his mind.  Also, the constant review provided by frequent classes will help him to retain the material much better.

Some of the things we have incorporated into our daily lessons is

• study first thing in the morning - this not only starts your day off right, but gets you thinking about God first thing in the morning
• study last thing at night
• Write the verse on a notecard or two and put them in a place you look often (light switch, mirror, wallet)
• Use a dry erase marker on a mirror
• On the first day of the month spend 1 minute studying.  On the second day of the month, 2 minutes.  On the 5th day of the month, spend 5 minutes studying.  This goes on for the entire month.
• Have someone hold you accountable.  If no one knows you are even trying, no one can help and encourage you.

portions paraphrased from Teaching Bible Memory from Rod and Staff Publications, Inc.

Green Smoothie

I have been trying to incorporate more green and raw foods into our diets.  Not easy with hubby.

I found this recipe at http://www.rawon10.com/2012/06/smoothies-and-popsicles-raw-vegan.html  The kids and I enjoy it.

This recipe is really two recipes in one! It's a recipe for a green smoothie, and also a recipe for spinach popsicles! You can make one, either, or both!

You'll need:

2 bunches of spinach
3 bananas, frozen and sliced
1 to 2 cups water
(I also added half a green apple - just to add sweetness and fiber)

 Blend the water and spinach in a blender until smooth. Then add the frozen bananas and blend again on high speed until smooth.

For a smoothie, just drink it like it is.

For popsicles, pour the mixture into popsicle trays and freeze for several hours or overnight.

This recipe can be doubled or tripled if you have a larger group

Adventures in Adoption - Paperwork signing

After a few hours of back and forth emails with Ms. Case Worker we came up with a date and time to get together and sign more paperwork.

We spent the two days between her initial email and her arrival making sure that the house was 'clean enough' and everything was still up to code (extinguishers in the proper places, outlet covers where they belong.....)  Things happen during the week - I just wanted to make sure.

She arrives, we talk.  She goes over a few things I had forgotten since the classes a year ago, and clarifies a few things I was confused about.  She answers any questions I have as well.  We go over all the paperwork thoroughly.  I had a few questions, and she answered.  Quick and easy.  The only thing I need to keep up with is

1. Monthly fire drills
2. Random inspections at anytime
3. 30 hours of yearly training - I'm not sure if this is going to be easy or difficult.  10 hours can be "self taught" with books, seminars, and such. I will keep you posted. 

As Ms Case Worker gets ready to leave I ask if she needs to look around and check anything - nope.  Hmmm....  this was much easier than I expected.

Now I just wait to start getting broadcasts.  This is simply and email with profiles of children.  I say yes or no and we go from there.  I say 'no', no biggie.  I say 'yes' and we move forward..

For now, I keep praying that we are fully prepared for the children' that God has picked for us.

Adventures in Adoption - We're finally licensed!

Yeah!  After many, many months of waiting, praying, and almost giving up - we are finally here.  I know this is just the beginning, but it is a step in the right direction.

Today started as a normal Monday.  We got up and went to co-op.  Mondays aren't the most exciting day, but it is a full day that we enjoy.  I leave at noon (my teaching commitment is just for the first three hours) to grade papers, send class emails, take care of grandma.....  All those fun mommy things.

I get home and open my email to send my weekly class email.  What do I see?  I see an email from our case worker.  The subject line simply said RE: Arrow.  I didn't think anything about it.  I get lots of emails from Ms. Case Worker.  Then I opened it....

Congratulations your home is open.   I will need to set a home visit appointment to complete licensure documents. Please give me a couple of date and times when you guys will be available.


Yeah!  I wanted to cry!  I realize that it doesn't mean a lot to some people, but it was the first big milestone in a while.  What now?  After a few emails back and forth Ms. Case Worker will be here in a few days.  

All in God's timing.  I pray everyday for the children he is preparing us for.  I pray that we will be ready and that until the proper time, they are safe and well cared for.

Adventures in Adoption - Breakthrough, weekend 2

• Thursday

Yea!  Foster Mom needs us again.  Well, yea for us.  She is going to a funeral.  So..... never know what to say......
This is going to be a long weekend.  This morning I woke up in a 'funk' (girl stuff), and the sky is overcast.  Let's see how it goes....

• Friday 

I pick up the babies from day care and we go to track.  Big Girl has a track meet tomorrow.  I leave her with the coach and take the other 5 kids to the playground.  Being Super Mom again, I had an afternoon snack packed (string cheese, yogurt and bananas).  We had fun running and swinging and climbing.  We walked to the pond and counted ducks and even saw two beautiful rosette spoonbills.

When we had about 20 minutes to pick up Big Girl we loaded up in the truck to drive to the other side of the park to get her.  I had the big kids run to the other playground (gotta get energy out) while Baby G and I drove.  About the time I get to the playground my phone rings.  "Momma, can you come get me?"  I dread hearing those words.  After confirming that practice was, in fact, still going on, Big Girl confirmed she had injured herself.  We load up and drive the 100 feet to where the runners are practicing.  Coach is busy with a parents meeting, so I help Big Girl hobble to the truck.

We go home and Big Girl elevates and ices her foot while the other kids play in the playroom.  Baby G sits in her saucer while I make dinner.  We will not be going to the track meeting tomorrow.  Good thing we had several things planned in case of rain.

After dinner we pulled out the clay, a piece of cardboard, and tin can and made a volcano.  I hoped it would dry overnight.  I am glad that crayola clay is non toxic - Little B thought it was cookie dough.  Fortunately he spit it right out.

• Saturday

Great day to sleep in.  The sky is overcast, it's humid, and Big Girl is not in excruciating pain when she is asleep.  I don't even let the dogs out until Baby G is awake.  After making breakfast and lots of play time we decide to explode the volcano.  It's not quite dry, but it will do the job.  Using the patio table we put an ample amount of  baking soda in the tin can.  I then let Little girl go crazy with the vinegar.  Both Big B and Little B burst with giggles.  We did it again and again until the baking soda was completely diluted.  Then we pulled out the balloons and showed them how to blow up a balloon with vinegar and baking soda.


This worked well and kept the boys attention for about 15 minutes.  After the balloons started to deflate, Big B and Little B found more interest in the trampoline.  We blew up balloons and played with them on the trampoline.

Later in the afternoon we made play dough cookies.  This is just sugar cookie dough that was colored. This was much safer for Little B.  They had fun making dogs, purple people eaters, trees, and all kids of crazy stuff.  I had some candy eyes that were added on to nearly every cookie.  We only used about half the dough, but the boys and Big Girl had fun making their creations.

Last thing to do today - grocery store.  HEB had fajita meat on sale.  Daddy had the day off, so I took just Little B, and Big Girl.  Big Girl hobbled around on crutches while Little B tried every sample and ate half a bag of Baby gold fish.  When we got home, I put Little B down for a nap.  30 minutes later I check on him, still awake.  I guess he is not getting a nap today.

Today was a good day.  We didn't do a whole lot, but we got to know the boys and just have fun together.  About 7:30 it dawns on me that today is the time change.  TIME FOR BED!  That means its really 8:30.  We have church tomorrow!

• Sunday

Still not feeling like myself.  Big Girl didn't sleep well and still hurts a lot.  We got up and got everyone fed, cleaned up, and dressed.  We got to church - not just on time, but 20 minutes early.  No Kroger stop today.  We go to Sunday school then I meet up with the big kids in service.  Big Girl asks to go home because she is hurting pretty bad.  We pick up the babies and go.  I know better than to go home before band practice.  Don't do it - ever.

We get home and Big Girl puts up her foot and takes some meds.  I start lunch.  Baby G is in her saucer.  We eat.  I walk up stairs to talk to Big Boy while the little boys eat.  In less than 3 minutes Little Girl decides to take Big B and Little B outside.  You would think that is a good idea, but now the boys are covered in mud.  Ugh.  Into the bath - no band practice for us.  I put the boys clothes in the wash while they play in the 'big bath.'   I figure I might as well let the boys play for as long as they want.  They ended up playing for 90 minutes!  I wash their hair and get them dressed in their freshly washed clothes.

We also miss Awana.  I don't like when our days are so off, but what can you do?  We hang out for the afternoon while Big Girl dozes (sleep is the best medicine when in pain).  By 6:30 it's time to take the babies home.

This time the big kids don't want to come.  Saying good bye isn't going to be easy because there is no guarantee that there will be a next weekend.

God gives us time with lots of people everyday.  All we can do it let Him be the light they see in us.  We should show His love and pray that even those small moments can somehow positively affect them in the future.