rinse and repeat

I read an aweful lot. I didn't used to. In fact, I remember as a child, my mom purchased the Bible on audio just so I would read it. One day though, it clicked and I became an avid reader.

I have certain friends who can read a book without underlining or note-taking and be able to recite phrases verbatum months later. I don't like people with that uncanny ability. Retension is a challenge for me, so over the years, I've devised a very particular note-taking method. It's tedious, but I'd like to think it works.

For each book, I circle words that I don't know and I footnote the definitions. Underlines are good thoughts. Squigly lines are essential thoughts that additionally get hand-written on the side of the page. I also organize each paragraph or chapter into an outline format, complete with numbers and letters. Following that, I copy all the key thoughts into a word document and organize them into folders on my computer. Admittedly, that has proved helpful.

What I've more recently gotten into the habit of doing is following a reading session, I factor in time to write a brief summary of what I've read, whether it's for personal study or reading scripture. If I immediately take time to meditate and organize it in my head and heart, it's amazing how much more I'm able to retain.

I found comfort in discovering that Mark Batterson has decided to do something similar this year. He's decided to write and meditate on scripture.


There patterns with common threads in many areas of my life. It's so easy to assume as a pastor that the body automatically knows and remembers what the core convictions and values are of your Church. We've been "rinsing and repeating" our values continually this past year and will continue to do so until the team senses the values are truly becoming engrained and lived throughout the body.
It's exactly the same in our prayer and scripture reading habits as well. There is nothing more important than repeating and reflecting on what is being put into your head and heart.