Is this appropriate for adults too?
Pictures aren't age specific. They are universal in that they convey "memory". Thousands of Discipleship Journal and Promise Keepers type people are using MemLok.

Every week I receive stories of adults who have tried all sorts of ways and found the silly picture to do the trick. GETTING started is THE key. I have worked with leaders in small groups for years. They always say the same thing when trying to quote their weekly memory verse!! "Get me started." I say "The wages..." and they invariably finish the verse.

Seminaries use MemLok. Whittier Christian High School had 600 students use it five years. In Nyack New York, over 100 ladies over 80 in a women's missionary sewing circle have been doing it for 4 years.

Nurses have used the same principle to learn medical terminology for years.

The primary benefit isn't the picture anyway. It's the review system. Without that simple 5-10 minute system, nearly everyone memorizes it, but can't say it 4 years from now. That is called Scripture Forget, not Scripture memory.

If you have an alternate plan for review for life, great. Otherwise, MemLok is the solution that thousands have found a blessing in 52 countries. Maybe it could be for you. Can't lose with the money back guarantee.

See HERE for a much broader spectrum of ages giving unsolicited testimonies. Perhaps you will find one that touches your heart.

A. This needs to be your choice. So, consider several points as you decide. Be sure Dad is involved. Do this whether he is fulfilling his role as spiritual leader of the home or not. If he is, he could well be the one to take full responsibility for accountability, devotional times related to the verse of the week, and also look for opportunities to teach by example or word. Home schooling fathers often wish there was more they could do.
Imagine if all Dad did was the above three things for 10 years (5-17 years old)? What a touch for eternity! If Dad isn't the spiritual leader, asking him is still right and respectful. He may say he doesn't care, but at least he feels loved. If he's not a believer, he can still ask the kids to say their verse once a week and sign them off.

B. Select a version you feel would be the best for your family for at least 10 years. That's how long the MemLok takes to complete if you do one card a week.

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.

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 and 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

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.

If a child goes through the whole AWANA program, 65% of the verses he'll be required to quote will be in MemLok. You can add the rest! Dad and Mom will know the child is reviewing daily due to the daily review monitoring in MemLok. In addition, since Dad and Mom are doing it too, the children get to see persistence and devotion modeled in this area for years.

I will be home schooling using a curriculum's verse.
Or, our kids have memory verses at church. My experience as a guest with experienced wonderful home schooling families (22 families in 1994 alone) convinced me hands-down using MemLok is a better idea. (You'd have never guessed!)

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 the curriculum verse as a "truth text", instead of the memory verse. 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, using MemLok (with an adequate review system) 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. It 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 to still be reviewing all 48 topics every 60 days in about 5-10 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. The Completion Record, Weekly Check-up Sheet, and Covenant for Consistency with a friend outside the home are all key elements in MemLok or MemLok on computer.

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.

F. Application is more important than memorization. When a memory verse is "one" of the elements in a powerful curriculum, often meditation/application are overlooked. More frequently, only "Can you say your verse?" is accomplished. With MemLok cards or on computer, application is part of the process. One of the Seven Devotional Tools is called "Meditation". You end up creating a life journal of what God has done in your life!!

Does MemLok help with remembering the references?
Yes, in three ways:

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 that evasive reference 4 times (two times front and back of the business card) each time you review.

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.

Compare MemLok with THE NAVIGATOR's Topical Memory System.

The "TMS" is awesome. I am a trained leader of THE Colossian 2:7 Course by THE NAVIGATORS 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. Forty-nine of the 65 TMS verses are in MemLok, so the two work together well, but you can add the missing ones yourself!

The differences are:

• Unlimited topics in MemLok vs. 5 in the original TMS. (There is life after the Colossians 2:7 course .)
• MemLok is a flip card system forcing both rote and recall (see remembering the references).
• You select the verse you want each week, or add your own, and learn them in any order in MemLok. You go in order 1-65 in the TMS.
• MemLok offers 4 translations (but you can add others) and it it has only one version at a time on the card. The TMS has another version on the backside.
• TMS cards are smaller in size and print than MemLok's business card. You can print any size with MemLok.
• The TMS as used in the 2:7 course at times requires 2 cards/week, then 6 weeks of no new cards while you review (or catch up). MemLok is always only one card per week (of YOUR choice) Or, you can go at your own speed!.

If we get the notebook, does every member of the family need a copy?
No and Yes.
You may benefit from checking out the MemLok Software. All 100 of your kids can log on with it and MemLok will keep track of each one's review and personal notes they attach.

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. There is accountability for saying the new verse and for reviewing 5 of the last 7 days.

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 5-10 minutes a day, 5 days a week review. If you've learned all 48 topics in the system each having about 12 cards, you will cycle through them regularly (computer keeps track)

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 excites 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.

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What about the Macintosh?
Mac users who have a Mac newer than about 2009 have bootcamp which allows them to install Virtual PC for Windows, then use MemLok. If you're a student or educator (homeschooling works) you can get Virtual PC for Windows free here You will have to interact with SUPPORT to be added to their list. Takes a few days. Then, you just download Virtual PC for Windows! Other options (instead of Bootcamp) are: VirtualBox Or, you can also use the software Virtual PC (Now Free, was $129) on your MAC to run MemLok. I'd recommend getting the MemLok Notebook if you don't use these options. (Before they run out. NIV gone They are being discontinued and discounted from $49 to $17.95)

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.

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

What are your thoughts on memorizing passages vs. your topical system?
Bottom Line: No problem doing both since MemLok3 allows adding any length passage! And, using the topical approach is only 5-10 minutes/day.
It's very important to determine your long range goal. To "really be Scripture memory", you would possibly want to be able to say all you memorize "now", say, 10 years from now. [grin]. Ten years from now, the verses you'll remember will be the ones you're still taking the time to review REGULARLY. Passage review becomes overwhelming after 3-4 years for the average Christian.

Possible limitations regarding passage memorization ALONE (not doing topical Scripture memory work too):

• Can't find individual verses in time of need
  
• No long term plan (the rest of your life). When it comes to the Christian walk AND Scripture memory, my advice is to think "Marathon", not "Sprint". I want to "end" well.
  
• Narrow focus. MemLok has a verse for every OT book and at LEAST one for every chapter of Proverbs and the NT.
  
• LONG, often laborious times of review.
  
• Most forget the passages 5 yrs later.
  

Meditation is spiritual. Review is mental (essential, but mental). Most of the time, review is NOT meditation. That needs to be intentionally set-aside time.

MemLok is long term in scope. It enables you to stay on a topic related to your studies or more importantly, your current character need. MemLok is definitely SOLID in it's review. Why learn the verses if you can't review them 6 years later. I review all 700 (48 topics), once every 2 mos, and it's only 5-10 min/day (that's 12 cards/day) with weekends off. If you don't review them all your life, they zap away...at least with this weak brain.

The evidence is in. Most forget the passages 5 yrs later, but using MemLok during that same period of time, they could know 20 topics of 12 verses, taking them to 12 different passages on 20 meaningful topics.

Regarding "memory verses" given in curriculum...consider using them as "Truth Texts", rather than memorizing them (though many will be in MemLok's 700 verses).

Is MemLok like the old Jerry Lucas System?
YES, most definitely. And, NO, not really...

Yes, both use "Linking" and "Association" with "word pictures". This idea is as old as the hills. Nurses use it learning technical terminology. There is a course that teaches Greek vocabulary using these principles. etc.

No, MemLok is different from Mr. Lucas' original book "Remember The Word" (out of print) in this one area. QUANTITY of pictures. I use only ONE picture to help recall ONLY the first KEY words. That is all most of us need. How often have you said "Give me the first few words!" or "Just get me started!" Mr. Lucas' original book used MULTIPLE pictures (and I mean lots! - VERY creative and entertaining). But in my mind, it simply wasn't necessary.

Mr. Lucas still has a number of helpful products to consider today. They help learn states, presidents and math among other things.

Can I get it free?
Ministry is more important than money. See the two options below for how that can flesh out. But...here are my thoughts quickly.

Scripture memory is a marathon, not a sprint. We're working on an Oak, not a flower here. This takes time. Your investment is still being used daily 10 years from now! How many great hardback books could you buy for one MemLok? How many will you buy in 10 years? You might even read them. How much is one hotel room for one night? What do you pay for the newspaper? A magazine subscription? To keep your body in shape? For some CD's? This is for the whole family, not just one person. 10 years worth of investment in your walk with God. OK, sermon done.

Option A
You could postpone this vital activity forever. Satan is the captain of procrastination in the name of good things.

Option B Get it now. Pay when you can, if you are growing. This is a ministry. I'd rather you had it than not, so ministry could continue in your life through His Word. If this is a priority in your life but you can't afford it, don't let Satan have the victory and stop you from getting on with it. Please. I can take payments and in certain circumstances, it is a gift. You set the terms. 714-699-4462 is our home. Drake is my name. I am the fortunate creator of this gift from the Lord.