From House to Home {Link Party}: 20+ Tips for Memorizing Scripture

20+ Tips for Memorizing Scripture

 

We are in the second week here of preparing for the Bible Bee.  This summer our family is memorizing two Scripture passages a week, 24 passages total.  I can testify to the fact that it does get harder to memorize as you get older!  But it’s still possible, and important to do it, so I’m memorizing along with my kids!

We met with some other Bible Bee participants last week (as well as my ladies Bible Study), and after interviewing them, I’ve come up with a list of 20 tips for memorizing Scripture!  I hope it blesses you as you strive to hide God’s Word in your heart!

1. Say the verse in rhythm/chant or put it to a song.

2.  Say the verse 100 times.

3.  Study and understand what the verse is talking about/ apply it to your life/ think about that while you are reciting it.

4.  Write it out in a journal or notebook.

5.  Write it out with only the first letter of each word.

6.  Write it on a white board and erase one word at a time, saying it again after each erased word, until it’s all erased.

7.  Give a reward on a review day.   For each verse they get correct they get 5 chips (candy, coins), and for each word they miss they give one up.

8.  Type out the verse.  The free computer program Scripture Typer is great for this!  (They have paid apps, too.)

9.  Use Quizlet, a free website where you can search for quizzes on your verse passages to understand and learn them better.

10.  In your Bible app, highlight the verse passages you’re memorizing and add them to “Favorites.”  Then, you can easily find them to review them.

11.  Print out the verse, cut out each word, scramble them up, and then put them back together.

12.  Walk around your house saying each part of the verse in a different area.  Then, you can associate the verse with where you were when you recite it.

13.  Act out the verse using different voices or accents for different phrases.

14.  Find patterns in the verse, such as alphabetical order to aid in memorizing it.

15.  ABC Say it With Me Bible Memory Verses:  A wonderful DVD for preschoolers made by Moore Family Films.  (If preschoolers can learn these verses, so can you!)

16.  Listen to it spoken aloud, available at biblegateway.com and many Bible apps.

17.  Get an accountability partner and call or email them each week at a set time so you have a deadline to get the verses learned.

18.  Use a scripture memory box as described at Simply Charlotte Mason to have a continuous order for reviewing older verses.

19.  Play a matching game (match the verse with its address).

20.  Utilize Memverse, a free online website.

21.  Draw the verse.

If you have a favorite verse memorization tip that I didn’t list, please tell us in the comments!

 

And Now. . .

It’s time for our Link Up Party: From House to Home!

Only 2 rules:

1. Link up family-friendly posts (exact post, not website) about making your house into a home: homemaking, parenting, homeschooling, marriage, loving God!

2. Link back to my site with the button below or a text link. Thanks! The code can be found at the top of the Link Party page. (If you don’t link back, your link might be deleted.)

I Choose Joy!

 

See the wonderful blogs I’ve linked up to here.

(Disclosure: This post contains a link to a sponsor of I Choose Joy! : Moore Family Films.)

From House to Home {Link Party}

I had a great post planned for today, but ran out of time.  So, instead of rush through it I’ll put it up another day.  In the meantime, would you please take a moment to vote for me over at Circle of Moms?  Even if you already did, you can vote once per day!  Thanks so much!

Just click on the circle–I’m down around #61.

 

And Now. . .

It’s time for our Link Up Party: From House to Home!

Only 2 rules:

1. Link up family-friendly posts (exact post, not website) about making your house into a home: homemaking, parenting, homeschooling, marriage, loving God!

2. Link back to my site with the button below or a text link. Thanks! The code can be found at the top of the Link Party page. (If you don’t link back, your link might be deleted.)

I Choose Joy!

From House to Home {Link Party}: T-Tapping Again!

It’s finally summer weather here in the Chicagoland area, so I got out my shorts that I haven’t seen for 2 years (last summer I was in my post-pregnancy clothes).  They don’t fit!  Well, I can zip them, but they are definitely too tight,  so, it’s time to get T-Tapping again.

After the T-Tapp 60 Day Challenge ended a few months ago I fell off the wagon and haven’t exercised much.  I know that I need to make it a part of my daily life, not just to fit into my shorts but to help with different health challenges I have such as varicose veins, arthritis, diverticulosis, and hormonal imbalances.

So, I’m back to my favorite exercise program.  T-Tapp is named after the founder Teresa Tapp.  She has figured out specific exercises that give you the most comprehensive workout  in the least amount of time.  So, I say to myself, “Can I give 15 minutes to this today?”  There is really no excuse to say no.  I don’t have to leave the house, get a babysitter, or spend an hour on it.  I don’t even change my clothes!

The first thing I did when I first considered T-Tapp was read the book Fit and Fabulous in Fifteen Minutes.  There I learned what’s different about T-Tapp and why you can really see results with only doing a 15-minute workout.  Then I got the DVD called Basic Workout Plus.  It includes the workout straight thorough but also a slowed-down version of it explaining how to do each move.  Doing the moves correctly is crucial in T-Tapp if you want to see results.  That’s one thing that’s so different about it compared to running, biking, aerobics, etc. where you are just trying to keep moving for a set amount of time.

If you’re curious, check out the T-Tapp  Website! and try out some of the videos (“try before you buy”).  Let me know if you have any questions.  I’ll let you know next Tuesday if I have lost any inches yet!

 

It’s time for our Link Up Party: From House to Home!

Only 2 rules:

1. Link up family-friendly posts (exact post, not website) about making your house into a home: homemaking, parenting, homeschooling, marriage, loving God!

2. Link back to my site with the button below or a text link. Thanks! The code can be found at the top of the Link Party page. (If you don’t link back, your link might be deleted.)

I Choose Joy!



See the wonderful blogs I’ve linked up to here!

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From House to Home {Link Party}: 2013 Summer Homeschooling Plans

Summer Homeschooling Plans

 

The From House to Home Link Party is open below.  Please link up a post or two!

One of the greatest blessings about homeschooling is that we have freedom!  We school year-round and just take breaks when needed.  And I’ve decided:  I need a break now!  Friday is going to be our last official school day of this year.  Then we’ll take a couple of weeks off to regroup.

Here are our plans for the summer:

Bible Bee Sword Study and Memory Verses–  This is an in-depth Bible Study which takes about 30 minutes a day.  It incorporates reading, writing, history, using reference materials, etc.

Lots of music lessons– B (12) will take violin and saxophone lessons.  J (11) will take percussion, piano, and violin lessons.  M (9) piano and violin.  R ( 8) piano.  T (6) violin.   And  they will all take singing lessons with me (mostly group, but the oldest ones will have some private lessons as well).  We’ll also do some focus on music theory, written as well as computer or iPad apps.  (If you know of any good ones, let me know!)

Summer camps– One week of sports camp called LifeSports and one week of theater camp with Spotlight.

Math– My oldest needs to finish his 6th grade math book.

History– We’ll continue reading history to finish volume 2 of Mystery of History.  I also have a couple of historical fiction books to do a review on.

Science– I have a unit study science book to do a review on, so we’ll do a couple of those.

Phonics/Reading Lessons– Do Alpha-Phonics with R (8), T (6), and L (4)

Typing– I like to use the summertime to have the kids do typing practice.  We like these free websites:  typingweb.com and bbc.co.uk/schools/typing

Art– We might add in some drawing lessons.

Reading– Summer reading programs where they’ll do lots of silent reading, I’ll continue to read aloud


Jonathan Park– We love to listen to these great CD dramas and learn about creation science and apologetics.  I’m going to see if I can add in some enrichment activities to go along with the reading.

A.C.T.S. Summer of Service  Service Projects

So, things that will to on hold until next fall are: Latin, Logic, Writing, Math, Worldview, Handwriting, Spelling, and Grammar!

Also, my oldest has been begging to do football for years.  This might be the year we relent (we have one more month to think about it).  If we do, that will consume months August – November.  Do you sense that I’m not into it?  The weirdest thing is that he actually “looks” like a football player.  Trying to make the right decision here.

Vacations–  The first that I’m so glad we get to do is our state’s annual homeschooling convention called ICHE (Illinois Christian Home Educators).  I first went when my oldest was 17 months old and my 2nd child was 6 weeks.  We went every year since until last year because Baby E was born.  She’s almost one and started walking yesterday!  Anyway, my husband and I be going to the convention with the baby and two oldest boys in June.  We have a couple of young ladies (sisters) who will come and stay with the other kids.  We might do a road trip, but haven’t made any plans yet!  And we’ll do our summertime trip up to the lake where my husband’s parents live.

 

What are your summer plans?

 

It’s time for our Link Up Party: From House to Home!

Only 2 rules:

1. Link up family-friendly posts (exact post, not website) about making your house into a home: homemaking, parenting, homeschooling, marriage, loving God!

2. Link back to my site with the button below or a text link. Thanks! The code can be found at the top of the Link Party page. (If you don’t link back, your link might be deleted.)

I Choose Joy!



See the wonderful blogs I’ve linked up to here!

(Post contains affiliate links.)

 

From House to Home {Link Party}: Zoo and Much More!

We made it to the zoo earlier this week. The pictures didn’t turn out so great, but we still had fun! The best part was the dolphin show. We were in the splash zone, but didn’t get wet. :(

PicMonkey Collage Zoo

The dolphin show–sorry I didn’t catch them when they were up in the air.

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A tapir

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Gorillas–Aren’t they hilarious how they’re perched up high in the trees?

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Our babysitter who’s been helping me out since October only has one more week with us.  She has been doing preschool with the younger kids every morning so I could focus more on homeschooling the older kids.  Now, I’ll have to figure out how to do it all on my own again!

My eldest had his band concert last night.  He was featured with his fellow alto sax player in one of the numbers!  I was very proud of him!  Maybe I’ll figure out how to post a video here sometime.

This weekend–the last 3 performances of Godspell.  Next week, they have their Spotlight dance showcase and violin recital.  The year is winding down!

Craftsy Free Class Day:

Have you heard of Craftsy before?  They have all kinds of neat classes for crafty people:  sewing, cooking, knitting, etc.  And you can get a class for free on Saturday 5/18!

On May 18, 2013, Craftsy is hosting Free Class Day to benefit DonorsChoose. For one day only, new members can choose one free course from a selection of favorite Craftsy classes, up to a $39.99 value! If you haven’t taken a Craftsy class yet, Saturday is your chance to sign up for your first by choosing from classes in quilting, sewing, knitting, cake decorating, and more.

If they meet their goal of giving away 10,000 classes, Craftsy will donate $5,000 to DonorsChoose to fund arts education in public schools across the US. Existing members are not eligible for the free course offer, but will still receive a special treat.

 

Free E-Book:

There is an e-book for teens called Teen Truth: Answers for Tough Questions by Judith Rolfs that is free on Amazon.  I’m reading it right now–check it out!

 

 

I’m going to be sharing some great reviews and giveaways in the next couple of weeks–See the Light Art Curriculum, Lilla Rose hair clips, a book for toddlers, and book for teens!  Be sure to sign up to receive I Choose Joy! in your email inbox if you haven’t already.  The sign up box is in the sidebar.

 

 

It’s time for our Link Up Party: From House to Home!

Only 2 rules:

1. Link up family-friendly posts (exact post, not website) about making your house into a home: homemaking, parenting, homeschooling, marriage, loving God!

2. Link back to my site with the button below or a text link. Thanks! The code can be found at the top of the Link Party page. (If you don’t link back, your link might be deleted.)

I Choose Joy!



See the wonderful blogs I’ve linked up to here!

(Post contains affiliate links.)

From House to Home {Link Party}: Fun From Flat Stanley

A few weeks ago we received a flattened version of my niece in the mail!  She is doing a project with her kindergarten class that was inspired by the Flat Stanley books.  We took her with us on some adventures and took pictures.  I made a couple of scrapbook pages to send back to her so she can remember the fun she had with us!

Here are the pictures:

 

At the Chicago Botanic Gardens

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With our newly-planted garden

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In the backyard

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At the park

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At the theater

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And having a picnic

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It’s time for our Link Up Party: From House to Home!

Only 2 rules:

1. Link up family-friendly posts (exact post, not website) about making your house into a home: homemaking, parenting, homeschooling, marriage, loving God!

2. Link back to my site with the button below or a text link. Thanks! The code can be found at the top of the Link Party page. (If you don’t link back, your link might be deleted.)

I Choose Joy!



See the wonderful blogs I’ve linked up to here!

(Post may contain affiliate links.)

From House to Home {Link Party}: Botanic Gardens

The weather has FINALLY become spring-like.  Oh, we’ve waited so long.  I really wanted to get outside on Monday, so we went to the beautiful Chicago Botanic Gardens.  Because spring is so late here this year, not very many things were in bloom:  no trees and only a few bulbs (daffodils and tulips), but they had planted a number of annuals, so it was still refreshing.

Enjoy the photos, and then be sure to link up a post below!

I tried to take some pretty ones, as well as those of some very unusual looking plants!
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This is as close as I got to a field of wild blue-bonnets this year!
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Have you read the Flat Stanley books?  Here is a Flat Cousin of the kids who went with us to the gardens!

 

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See the yellow cocoa pod below?

 

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It’s time for our Link Up Party: From House to Home!

Only 2 rules:

1. Link up family-friendly posts (exact post, not website) about making your house into a home: homemaking, parenting, homeschooling, marriage, loving God!

2. Link back to my site with the button below or a text link. Thanks! The code can be found at the top of the Link Party page. (If you don’t link back, your link might be deleted.)

I Choose Joy!



See the wonderful blogs I’ve linked up to here!

(Post may contain affiliate links.)

From House to Home {Link Party}: T-Tapp 60-Day Challenge

 

I decided to join the T-Tapp 60-Day Challenge this year!  My goal was to lose 2 sizes, to get back into my size 6 clothes.   Look at this picture:

TTapp After 007

Yes–it’s size 6!

So, there’s good news and bad news regarding the challenge.

The good news:  I lost almost 2 sizes (can’t fit into all of my size 6 clothes, so I still have a bit more to lose), 6 pounds, and 13 inches!

The bad news:  I wasn’t as consistent with the exercising as I was hoping to be.  I began the challenge with a 7-day boot camp, which means that I did the T-Tapp Basic Workout Plus Tempo everyday for 7 days in a row.  That work-out is only 17 minutes long, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy!  The following week I did the same work-out every other day and did some other T-Tapp moves on the off days.  But after the 2nd week I only did 3 more work-outs and 3 more days of other moves for the whole rest of the challenge.

This, of course, helps you see the benefits of T-Tapp!  I still lost inches even though I didn’t do a whole lot of exercising.  One of their sayings is, “Less is More With T-Tapp.”

So, now I will continue my work-outs and getting more in shape.  If you want to learn more about T-Tapp, check out What Is T-Tapp!
It’s time for our Link Up Party: From House to Home!

Only 2 rules:

 

1. Link up family-friendly posts (exact post, not website) about making your house to a home: homemaking, parenting, homeschooling, marriage, loving God!

 

2. Link back to my site with the button below or a text link. Thanks!  The code can be found at the top of the Link Party page. (If you don’t link back, your link might be deleted.)



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From House to Home {Link Party}: Homemade Tortillas

Homemade Tortillas 004

 

I did something this week that I’ve been wanting to do for years!  I made homemade tortillas!

We’re doing a unit study about the American Girl Josefina who lived in New Mexico in 1824.  We got the recipe for tortillas from the Josefina Cook Book.  The kids helped make them and everyone loved them!  We eat a lot of tortillas every week, so I think I’ll invest in a tortilla press (like they sell on Amazon) to make the process of making them a little quicker (and the tortillas rounder!).  :)

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It’s time for our Link Up Party: From House to Home!

 

Only 2 rules:

 

1. Link up family-friendly posts (exact post, not website) about making your house to a home: homemaking, parenting, homeschooling, marriage, loving God!

 

2. Link back to my site with the button below or a text link. Thanks!  The code can be found at the top of the Link Party page.. (If you don’t link back, your link might be deleted.)

I Choose Joy!



(Post contains affiliate links.)

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From House to Home {Link Party}: Watercolor Whales

When I was growing up I loved listening to Wayne Watson’s music, and especially his song “Watercolor Ponies.” It’s a beautiful song about looking at the paintings his kids made that were hanging on the refrigerator door. It’s to encourage us to make the most of the time we have right now while we can.  He knew that one day they would no longer be there. I just happened to hear him at a concert years later when he said that his last child just left for college. He sang this song, and it made me cry.

I have been struggling lately with feeling worn out with the “little kid” stuff, and ready for it to be past. I know I’ll miss it. But right now I’m just so tired–tired of spilled milk, potty training accidents, and crying.  So, I need these reminders. A few days ago my kids did the 3rd lesson from See the Light and it was a watercolor painting of whales. I was immediately reminded of Wayne Watson’s song! So, I’ve hung those pictures up to remind me not to wish it away–it will be gone before I know it.

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They used permanent markers around the whale.

 

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You can see on the computer screen how Jim is teaching the kids the art lesson.

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After the watercolors were dried, they added neon Crayola Twistables in the middle of the whale.  You can’t see them without the blacklight.  But with the blacklight it looks like this.  The lesson is that the whale (or big fish) wasn’t a punishment for Jonah’s disobedience, but a way of salvation for him.  They put crosses in the whale.

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Cathy Duffy posted a great review of See the Light!

 

It’s time for our Link Up Party: From House to Home!

Only 2 rules:

1. Link up family-friendly posts about making your house to a home: homemaking, parenting, homeschooling, marriage, loving God!

2. Link back to my site with the button below or a text link. Thanks!  The code can be found at the top of the Link Party page.  I Choose Joy!

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