scripture memorizing

I don't like memorizing things.  I used to have to memorize scripture in school and didn't like it.  I do like that the verses are in my head and my heart.  They frequently come to me when I need them.  I don't always know them word for word and I seldom know their exact location, but I know what they say -- what they mean.  

But I am feeling led to memorize again.  It's because Michelle posted about it on her blog and she is doing it because Beth Moore started a challenge on her blog.  The idea is to memorize two per month.  Michelle decided to use her creativity to help her memorize and I loved that idea.  Because I know that repeating a phrase over and over and over bores me and I won't stick with it. 

So what I am doing is using an unlined journal to write the verse in.  Then I will do whatever I feel like doing to help me learn the verse.  So far I have written it in two different versions.  Written my own paraphrase.  Written some thoughts and a prayer about the verse and looked some words up in my Greek dictionary. 

I may later draw or just color, or find pictures to paste into my book that help me learn the verse.  I personally am not concerned with word for word accuracy, but want to learn the concept -- the truth -- of the passage.  Word for word would be a nice bonus.

So, the first verse I am learning is 2 Peter 1:3.  Seeing that He has granted unto us by His divine power all that pertains to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by his glory and excellence.  Something like that.  I am using the New American Standard translation.  

So, who wants to join Beth, Michelle and me in memorizing God's word this year?

creative challenge book give-away

I have been visiting Athol Dickson's blog for a while now, but I had not read any of his books. So I decided I should, and boy howdy, you don't just read them, you experience them.

I want to give away a copy of River Rising. It is one of the best books I have read, ever.

You've heard the term "weaving a story"? Well, that's exactly what this author does. You see little threads come and go. Little pieces that give you just a bit of information, but leave you with more questions than answers. Until the end where it all ties up beautifully and every piece makes perfect sense.

This story is history, mystery and spec fic; three of my favorite genres. Set in 1927 in the deepest of the deep south, the mouth of the Mighty Mississippi. Blacks and whites hang out together at the general store, work together, eat together and shake hands like equals; but the most important thing they can't seem to do together.

This is a Christmas story, yet it isn't set at Christmas and never even mentions it. But it is Emanuel -- God With Us.

For me, reading this book was a bit like being caught up in a river. There were times that it was calm and beautiful and made me smile and then I went under and thought "no, I don't want to go there!" and I was bounced around a bit and finally deposited on the shore at the feet of the one I love most. A bit battered and breathless, but weeping for joy.

Ok, so if you are interested, here's what you do -- you have to earn the chance here, man-- go to this site, pick any of the prompts you like and leave your creative effort in the comments. I won't be judging your entry, nobody will. I will take you and put you in a hat and draw one of you out. But I think we all could use a creative challenge now and then, even those of us who write, paint, whatever. We need to do a little something different now and then. Plus, I love reading what you come up with!

Edited to add: I guess I need to give you a dealine. One week from today-- the day after Thanksgiving-- I will draw a winner!

creative prize

Ok, I've figured out how I'm going to do this. Since I can't possibly judge these things because I love every entry, I am going to draw a name and the winner will receive a new book! What book? I don't know yet. Probably something newly released to be sure you haven't read it. Also, there is at least one male that I know of who reads this. If he should enter and win, he might like a different type book than some of you ladies would, ya know?

But...I am not going to draw the name until Tuesday so that anyone who wants to participate has a chance.

Editted to add: Feel free to use any of the prompts on the site I gave.

creativity challenge

Create a poem using Emily Dickinson's, "Bring me the sunset in a cup" as a starting point. From Creative Writing Prompts.
Please play along!

Bring me the sunset in a cup
That's a good place to start
Then the galaxy on a platter
The wind in a velvet bag

I'd like a hailstorm in a jar
A whirlwind
The moon
A planet

Bring a kiss in a china bowl
That will loosen my heart
Then an apology on a tray
The love in an open hand