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Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Which version would you recommend? (Answers are opinion
of only one person - the author. "...there is safety in the multitude
of counselors." Pro. 11:14) s
2. What about Awana for Bible memory?
3. I will be home schooling our children. Most of the curriculums
appear to offer a memory verse. How do you feel about that? Or,
our kids have memory verses at church.
4. Does Memlok help with remembering the references?
5. How would you compare Memlok with THE NAVIGATOR's Topical Memory System?
6. Does every member of the family need a copy?
7. Why would I need BOTH Memlok and PC MemLok?
8. What about the Macintosh!?
9. At what age do you recommend starting Memlok?
10. What are your thoughts on memorizing passages vs your topical system?
11. We already do Scripture memory...
12. Is Memlok like the old Jerry Lucas System?
B. Select a version you feel would be the best for your family for at least 12
years. That's how long the Memlok takes to complete if you do one card a week. Of
course, you may always purchase a Second Set of verses and plastics in any version
for $27+$3 S/H.
PS. It isn't necessary to memorize in the version you are currently reading. Note
the word "currently". If you changed memory "versions" every time you started to read
another version, it could stop you in your tracks regarding Scripture memory.
PS. Don't try to re memorize verses you've done in one translation again in another one. It will drive you crazy. Instead, focus on meditation and application.
C. If a teenager will be using it, strongly consider their input. Motivation is key at this age. If you are firm about what you want, but they would dislike it "majorly",
consider spending $30 more and getting the Second Set for them.
D. Here's a quick summary (not very scientific) of the four versions.
The King James Version uses thee's, doeth, goeth and basically 1600's language as they talked
during King Jame's times. The bad thing about the King James Version is that you have
to explain some passages and words. The good thing about the King James Version is
that you have to explain some passages and words. Ahem. Yes, it has a poetic nature
and is "different" than we speak, so possibly easier to memorize. In addition, however,
perhaps quoting verses that way isn't the greatest. Then again maybe it is! If you
paraphrase the KJV in conversation, it doesn't help the ever helpful principle of
memorizing & reviewing "word perfect". If you are of the persuasion the authorized King
James Version is the only Word of God, I'm happy I have made it available for you.
About 1/3 of the 700 verses in Memlok that I memorized are in KJV, the rest in NASB
as it was the version newest when I trusted Christ in 1964. I won't be responding to the
occasional "pitch" that I should sell only one. God has seen fit to bless Christendom
with choices. Go with your conviction and enjoy God's Word.
The New American Standard Version is generally regarded as adhering most
stringently to the original texts (and most recently discovered scrolls). Since the text in
Greek is sometimes not in the same order as we speak in English, the NASB can
sometimes be just a bit wordy and awkward. It does (until the NASB95) retain Thees
and Thous when God is addressed. (John 17) Used by my pastor of 15 years, Dr.
Chuck Swindoll from the pulpit and Kay Arthur of Precept
Ministries for a point of reference - if you've ever heard of these servants.
The New International Version is purchased by about 48% of believers (same
goes for Bible purchases nationally). It's interesting that Memloks purchased
percentages and Bibles purchased percentages are the same. My conclusion: no one
"version-preference-type person" is more into Scripture Memory, whatever that means!
The NIV is most popular for three reasons. It is in simple language, most like we speak
today; it is trustworthy; and it is promoted more effectively than any other Bible.
The New King James Version is just that. If you've memorized verses in the
King James and substituted You for Thee and Thou, you'll like the NKJV. Even the
word ordering is very similar except "archaic" words have been replaced by words we
use today in places where the word has the same connotations. Used by Dr. John MacArthur
Finally, all four versions available are considered "translations", not paraphrases as is the popular & helpful Living Bible. So, if it is a hard decision, go with your main impulse after prayer.
Awana is a marvelous organization. Many kids have come to Christ and grown in
maturity through this weeknight organization in the local church. Children generally like
this program when it is well administered and look forward to going to the meetings.
Scripture memory is part of their plan. Usually it is KJV, but now they are allowing NKJ.
Verses are repeated over the years. Often, the verse quoted was simply reviewed
quickly just prior to showing up. Not real great for long term retention.
If a child goes through the whole Awana program, 65% of the verses he'll be
required to quote will be in Memlok. But, with Memlok, he will be held spiritually
accountable by the same person year after year (Mom & Dad) who will know the child is
reviewing properly due to the sign off sheet for daily review and personal monitoring. In
addition, since Mom and Dad are doing it too, the children get to see persistence and
devotion modeled in this area for years.
From year to year, leadership in "programs" changes. Perhaps the leadership
isn't adequate, the version of choice may not be the one you'd prefer, and sometimes
the program shuts down or you move where one isn't offered. All in all, it is best to
enjoy Awana for all the other "stuff" it offers, in our opinion, and trust Memlok at home
for Scripture memory.
Our feeling is this. A discipline that requires daily practice like Scripture memory,
is best administered at home. The topics can be specific to the needs of the child or
family. You should always be there. Your plan is a 12 year one with Memlok and it is
a common family goal.
A. Making Bible memory a stand-alone subject works better than allowing it
to be a "tack-on". As in, this is the "Verse for the week". Consider focusing on that
verse as a "truth text" (it is the basis for what you are teaching). Then you are
accomplishing two things at once. You show God's Word is the basis for truth with the
"Verse of the Week". In addition, you focus effectively for 8-12 weeks on one character
quality or doctrine. This actually puts more emphasis on God's Word.
B. Review (the lack of) is the real "stopper" for doing Bible memory. People
get to 150 cards, three years of home schooling, or about 30 years of age (whichever
comes first) and STOP doing Bible memory. It is so discouraging to realize you can't
remember the reference, or many verses you worked so hard to say. Its takes one hour
and 15 minutes to review 150 cards. Not too spiritual, this thing called "review". No
wonder everyone quits. Remember, Memlok enables the 5 yr. old turned 17 years to
still be reviewing all 48 topics every 60 days in about 5 minutes a day with weekends
off!
C. You will change curriculums, churches, and Christian Schools (which will
change programs) Actually, few home schooling families even use only one curriculum over the years.
D. The state doesn't hold you accountable for Scripture memory. Soooo...
we tend to take the easiest route. Regulated courses come first. Spiritual things get
second best. Why not put a stand alone Bible memory system at the top of the daily "to
do" list? One that has all the accountability features you'll need built into it. (Completion
Record, Weekly Check-up Sheet, Covenant for Consistency with a friend outside the
home).
E. Kids love the "picture" idea. It puts a grin on the face, uses both sides of
the brain, and doubles the retention. Add a little sugar to the medicine (God's Word) to
get it down better.
A. Memlok uses a true "flip card" to utilize both rote and recall skills. That
means you repeat it (rote) and remember it (recall). The picture is on the front
signifying the "first key words". You must remember the reference and verse once
you've worked on it enough before you turn over the flip card. That way it all gets more
deeply grooved in your "filing cabinet" of a brain with a specific address on it's folder.
B. You repeat the verse two times each day you review (front and back of
the business card). You repeat that evasive reference 4 times (before and after
both front and back).
C. All review is to be done out loud, so you take advantage of another
sense - your hearing. Many people learn much better hearing than reading and don't
even know it.
D. The optionally used "Summary Card" in the back of the binder allows you to say all the verses in a topic while you drive or wait somewhere without even having all the cards with you. The "first key words" are arranged in such an order that together they form Summary "sentences". This enables you to memorize 12 verses on Sovereignty from 12 chapters, and have "kind of" an answer when some wise guy says "Do you believe in free will or predestination?"
The "TMS" is awesome. I am a trained leader of THE NAVIGATOR's Colossian
2:7 Course and have led it many times. I would recommend any adult (even teen)
believer go through at least 3 of the 6 three month courses. Your leader must be trained
by THE NAVIGATORS in the 5 courses beyond the introductory "Growing Strong in
God's Family" The 65 verses (5 Assurance verses and 5 topics of 12) are a solid
foundation. You can do it first, or at the same time you do Memlok. Sixty-two of the 65
TMS verses are in Memlok, so the two work together well.
The differences are:
I've heard of two families in Florida with 19 children each who use only one copy
per family and are doing great. Since all the verses are stored in the plastics included,
each one pulls out the ones to be reviewed for that day, reviews it out loud, and returns
it. Once a week, all are "listened to" and signed off by a parent or older child that they
have said the new verse and that the 5 boxes for "5 days reviewed past verses"
checked off is true.
On the other hand, "Yes".
Two reasons. First, you must review for life or you will forget both the references and verses. You must have your own cards when you leave home so you can keep up your 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week review. (If you've learned all 48 topics of 12 cards, you will cycle through them every 60 days since you take the weekends off.)
Second, about 1/2 the families using Memlok allow various members to do
their own topics, rather than all doing the same one. Dad may be excited to get started
with Sovereignty, Purity or Faith, rather than Salvation etc. Titus implies it is wise to
disciple according to needs and Memlok allows for that. Not only can each member
select their own topic, each can select the verse of the 12 that most enthuses them
each week. Motivation is key with Scripture memory. Teenagers are especially more
interested in doing their own topics. It also is more of a test when "listening" time
comes, if all are saying different verses.
if you want all to have their own cards. You currently have two choices. Pay for a reproduction license or get additional sets. The "Second Sets" for $27 will be discontinued when the inventory is depleted. Check pricing here
Finally, you may benefit from checking out PC MemLok. All 100 of your kids can log on with it and PC Memlok will keep track of each one's review and personal notes they attach.
I find I meditate more when "alone", relaxing with my cards, than I do
when reviewing on the PC. But I love the organization and natural cut-off
using the PC when reviewing. Meditation is important. Kind of feel more
"alone with God" with cards. It's me and the computer otherwise
Often someone in the home isn't all that excited about using a computer,
if you know what I mean. If more than one are using Memlok, the purchase
ought to be done to meet the need of the weakest link, since Scripture
memory is hard to keep up.
Portability of cards. Unless you take your computer to the market, you
can't do the 5 min a day review in the car on the way.
A dad told me he's getting the PC, but having used the cards for 3 years
with his children, he felt he'd never own only the PC. The bonding that
occurs when working together on the cards is terrific. The PC will do it
all for him (neat advantage -mom/dad free scripture memory -except for the
once a week checkup), but he doesn't want to eliminate altogether those
experiences.
The cards have one Summary Card for each topic. It is the same size, but I've shrunk up the 12 individual pics from the 12 verses on that topic. Additionally, the "First key words" are connected with one another making a "summary sentence". Memorize the 1-3 summary sentences and you can recall all 12 verses on the subject. Some people only carry the Summary Card for review, saving room.
Buuuuuuuuuuuuttttt.....
So, it's up to you. You know your situation. Getting them together for $99
is certainly a good deal, since it is $64.90 incl S/H for the PC alone. Think long
term before you decide.
But........Virtual PC ( MAC program currently available on a mfg special for $120-$140) can make PC MemLok work on your
MAC if you have higher than a 603. It requires 24 mg memory for Windows 95 and 20 for Win 3.1 and 180 megs of HD space. It includes StuffIt and Expandit. Contact Connectix for full detail, or call your local discount software place.
By the way, Memlok has proven quite useful in 60,000 folks via the cards, so you may consider getting started that way.
Many are using both. See the question right before this regarding the value of cards.
I say, "If they can talk, why not be forming God's sentences?" He will explain the meaning as they encounter life! We do the same! Besides, the mind is so open, uncluttered and malleable when young.
Do avoid comparing your child with the precocious one your friend has. That is unscriptural, demeaning, and frustrating. 2 Corinthians 10:12
Do you want to miss out on the neat benefits of PC MemLok?
Never ending coloring book or full color printouts
Practice typing your verse and have it correct you -
not a bad thing to be practicing -God's Word
Attaching experiences, applications to a verse as a personal note
Automatic review (5 min/day 5 days/week) always taking you through all
your verses every 2 months.
Color always helps retention
Flexibility. Everyone can do any topic they wish.
Phrase by phrase learning (like using a white board/erasing)
FREE reproduction of all the pics
Completion record for each person prints out for record keeping
Meditation (for application) page included in the program. Prints.
Cut & paste verses into word processors
Go to Memlok Home Page
8. What about the Macintosh?
So glad you asked! We're looking into it. Honestly, we probably won't do it any time soon. The programming cost appears
to be too high at this point (tho that may change quickly enough with the Gates/Job developments recently in mid-August).
Also, it would require more inventory outlay when inventory is already very high for me (this is a home-based business). But, I'd sure love to have a McMemlok! Pray for it! I aim to please!
Return to Index of Questions
9. At what age do you recommend starting Memlok?
Europeans are amazed our kids only speak English! The reason their children speak 2-4 languages is because of when they begin! We wait until Jr. or Sr High. They do it as soon as they can talk.
Go to Memlok Home Page
