A Filing Cabinet Full of Friends

Elder Richard G. Scott of the quorum of the twelve apostles gave a talk (in the October 2011 General Conference) entitled "The Power of Scripture".  It made such an impression on me.  He spoke about the power that comes by memorizing scriptures.  I memorized scriptures all through seminary when I was younger and in my religion classes at BYU. But that was a very long time ago.  After hearing this talk a few years ago, I have been trying to memorize scriptures here and there.  I carry them around on note cards.  I post them on my refrigerator.  And do you know what?  I feel the words more deeply.  I feel strengthened because of them. There is power in memorizing scripture.  
Here's what Elder Scott said:

"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high. They can become the key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

The scriptures provide the strength of authority to our declarations when they are cited correctly. They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar. They are always available when needed. Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost. Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world.

Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change.

Pondering a scripture like that gives great direction to life. The scriptures can form a foundation of support. They can provide an incredibly large resource of willing friends who can help us. A memorized scripture becomes an enduring friend that is not weakened with the passage of time.

Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing.

Scriptures can communicate different meanings at different times in our life, according to our needs. A scripture that we may have read many times can take on nuances of meaning that are refreshing and insightful when we face a new challenge in life."

This year our whole family has been memorizing scriptures.  We work on memorizing one scripture a month by posting that scripture throughout the house (the bathroom is a great place!) and working on it together at mealtimes and family night. At the end of the month, whoever can say the scripture by heart gets a sticker on the chart.  Eliza of course gets a sticker if she can repeat back to us line by line.  But everyone else has been memorizing. I love when I hear bits and snippets of scripture weave their way into conversations (even arguments) between the kids. The words are becoming a part of them.  A part of us. We kind of slacked off over the summer, but we're ready to finish out the year with a few more memorized scriptures under our belts.  Wish us luck.

Look at this, our chart for next year will include Lydia!  Our family is growing up.