Memorized Scripture

I've heard before the secret to developing a photographic memory: memorize a scripture a day for a year. I tried it for a while, choosing short verses at random, but was disappointed when nothing was sticking, and decided to call it quits.

Elder Richard G. Scott, in the October 2011 conference, taught that "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." (The Power of Scripture)

I've reflected on this statement again and again, and contemplated memorizing scriptures once more. I even memorized one or two here and there. Then recently the discussion of developing a photographic memory came up again. This time the friend I was speaking with shared an example of a man who chose a chapter and worked on full chapters rather than random verses.

I was again filled with the desire to memorize God's word. Today I memorized the 20th verse from 2 Nephi 4. As I've been memorizing this chapter I have indeed found a friend. New insights pop out to me every time I recite the verses. I get excited each day to "forge a new friendship" and receive more inspiration.

With more than half the chapter memorized I look forward to starting in on another. Whether or not I have a photographic memory in a year no longer matters as much as the depth of what I am learning each day. I now have a life long friend in the scriptures.

...With Forget-Me-Nots

President Uchtdorf just this last weekend shared a small legend about the small Forget-Me-Not flowers. In Germany they say that just after God had finished naming each plant one was forgotten -- the Forget-Me-Not flower. In despair the flower cried out, "Forget me not, oh, Lord!" and that is how it got its name.

There is great significance in the simple Forget-Me-Nots. President Uchtdorf used its 5 small petals to remind us of 5 simple things:

1. Forget not to be patient with yourself. God is aware that we are not perfect. He is also aware that the people we think are perfect are not. Keep working on learning and growing, but stop punishing yourself for your imperfections.
2. Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice. We need to ask ourselves if we are committing ourselves to the best things.
3. Forget not to be happy now. If we are always looking forward to our expectations for the future we miss out on the joys of now and today. Don't put your happiness on hold while waiting for some future event. Discover and treasure the small daily moments.
4. Forget not the "Why" of the gospel. Sometimes we get caught up in "what" we need to do, or "how" we need to do it. We should not see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must somehow fit into our busy schedules. The gospel is not an obligation, it is a pathway. Don't get distracted by what we need to do, but focus on the fire of the "why". The "why" of the gospel transforms the mundane into the magestic.
5. Forget not that the Lord loves you. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you may feel your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you.