Hello! I hope you're all having an awesome spring break! How are the last weeks of preparation treating you? I hope it's going well! As I'm memorizing several passages of Luke, I've been realizing how many similar-sounding areas it contains! This is pretty much to be expected when we go through a gospel, because it's telling a story, and Jesus doesn't mind reiterating important things! I like to think this was (partly) to help the the twelve, and all the other disciples, because they couldn't just go back and re-read what He'd said. But it's also beneficial to us in three ways (that I can see):
But, all of this being said, seemingly duplicated verses and passages can be frustrating for a quizzer! It's hard to tell them apart sometimes, no matter what question type you're specializing in. Personally, I like the gospel years better than the letters (at least right now), and one of the reasons is that they're more straight forward. But passages talking about the same thing in (almost) the same way can throw you a curve ball during a quiz. So, in order to keep these passages/verses separated and in their own places in our memory, here's a system you can use to make it easier on yourself. It's a simple, 3-step formula, and afterwards it might just be a little easier to jump ;P I'm going to give you the steps, and then walk through them using a "duplicated" passage.
This might be a little fuzzy, so let's go over through the steps using a single verse (but it can also be used for bigger passages, using a macro view of the section). I'm going to use Luke 8:16 & Luke 11:33, which both talk about the lamp. Luke 8:16 No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. Luke 11:33 No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Step one: Context of the verses Luke 8 begins with the Parable of the Sower, then transitions into A Lamp on a Stand, which is followed by the section about Jesus' Mother and Brothers. Luke 11 starts out with Jesus' Teaching on Prayer, Jesus and Beelzebul, The sign of Jonah, The Lamp of the Body, and then concludes with Woes on the Pharisees and the Experts in the Law. Already, there's some differences that we can build on. For example, "A Lamp on a Stand" vs. "The Lamp of the Body". So He's talking about two different things, and they also connect to the passages directly before them - I haven't gotten into it very much yet, but I'm sure it would be an interesting study to really dig deeper into them! Step two: Building on the differences through reason What I mean by this, is working through each of the differences in the verses/passages and figuring out what they mean, and why they're there. Differences:
Step three: Organize these by the quizzer's POV What I mean here, is thinking about the differences mentioned above, through the lens of a jump. Since there are a lot of possibilities, especially through the view of different question types, I'm only going to mention a few big things.
So there we go! This might seem a little tedious, but when you don't write it all out, its a pretty easy and quick process. If you're having trouble keeping some of these passages straight, just take a few minutes to think through it, and write down some notes, and you'll be golden!
Anyway, I hope this helps you, and that you're better able to remember things during the tournaments coming up! Keep fighting the good fight, and stand firm in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free (Gal. 5:1) and don't let yourself, or the devil, trick you into getting discouraged! Thanks for reading! Keep calm and quiz on (and out)! Your fellow quizzer, Mallory
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Hello wonderful people! Today I'm going to share with you a list of four ways you can skyrocket your quizzing experience! These are things that I've noticed in successful quizzers, things that I've had to learn (and am obviously still learning), and things I am thoroughly convinced will help improve your quizzing journey. I wanted to share these with you guys because I realized that I've mentioned them before, but always apart from each other, and almost never in a short-winded format. I would almost call these pillars, regarding quizzing with the right mindset. So anyway, I pray that these benefit you, and that I'm able to get across what I'm meaning to say :P 1. Setting priorities This can be difficult, especially if you're into other sports, hobbies, or have a part-time job. There's only 24 hours in a day, right? Sometimes squeezing quizzing in can be a challenge. Admittedly, there is a fine line between making studying a priority, and making it something your rely on for your worth and value (of whatever amount) because you care about it maybe a little too much. Staying on the right side of this line can be checked every once in a while by an easy rule of thumb: "Will I be okay if I don't perform well? And am I committing what is my best effort, right now, to quizzing?" If you can find the balance between the two extremes of excess and laziness, you'll be golden! I have a problem with this sometimes, especially when it comes to giving my best effort (because it always feels like I could be doing better, or be doing more), but I'm learning that the secret to living in the happy medium, the sweet spot if you will, is just focusing on being rooted in your relationship with our Father. Everything you do flows from the condition of your heart (Proverbs 4:23). And of course, the Maker of our hearts is the only One who can keep and fulfill it, in order that we can live life more abundantly (John 10:10). So our first priority must be guarding our hearts, and giving them to the God who nurtures them - everything else in our lives will follow along in peace and in joy. 2. Focus on yourself I talked about this in a previous post, but I'm going to hit it up as a summary in this format - think of it as a recap :P First, peer pressure and caring about what other people think doesn't do anyone any good, and you can find the same amount of motivation that would come from that, from other (less destructive) sources. Secondly, If you're just caring about what others think of you, then you won't get the opportunity (or as many opportunities) to encourage and build up other quizzers. Plus, when you put in the effort to give someone else a boost, that usually refreshes and motivates you as well! And lastly, peer pressure isn't something God intended - spurring each other on to do better is. Focus on yourself, and only be concerned with being better than yesterday, and an abundance of peace will settle on you. And as a cool bonus, when we're not stressed out about it, it'll be easier to give it our best. 3. Find and choose rivals, friends, and role models Focus on yourself, but don't be afraid to wade into the competition! Healthy competition and spurring each other on to do better go hand in hand, so don't hesitate to get in there and make a splash :P Having rivals in quizzing is a good idea, and usually comes easily (most of the time without even trying). These rivals can be from your team, district, region, or from somewhere totally different - or you can have multiple rivals from all of these. Having friends is equally important. If you keep yourself secluded from the social aspect of quizzing then you'll miss out on a lot of awesome friendships you could have been forming. But also keep in mind that it's never too late to start! Next, it's also a good idea to find role models for yourself. These are usually quizzers themselves, but sometimes they can be other people who also project the values related to quizzing, that you want for yourself. Through having role models, we can observe and learn to do better. I've benefitted a lot from this! 4. Have goals Its good to have short and long term goals - and you can apply this to quizzing as well! Here's why;
Having a goal-oriented mind, I have to remind myself occasionally that not everyone thinks this way. And I understand why you may think this doesn't apply to you, but let me ask you this - if you were trying to travel to a place you'd never been, how much easier would it be to get there if you stopped and planned out directions for yourself, before you started out? You have to know where you're going, and what to do at each turn and intersection, if you want to get to the destination safely, efficiently, and without losing your mind :P So there you go! I hope that these help you on your Bible quizzing journey, and that it encourages you to give quizzing to God, to only care about what He thinks of you, to make and nourish Godly friendships, and to know where you want to go!
This is pretty much it - the big tournaments are upon us, my friends. But don't fret! If you're worried, upset, or stressed out about it, I just want you to know that those feelings are not from God. They are either from the Devil, or from yourself under the influence of his temptations and deceit. It is not fun to feel this way! It causes you to get angry, tired, and frustrated, and sometimes even tempts you to give up. Paul says that we should not be oblivious of the Devil's tactics/devices (2 Corinthians 2:11 - shout out: who's getting pumped for next season?!). And, to remind us all to be on our guard against his voice, here are a couple of the lies he tries to sell to us - in order to steal our joy. And, to be perfectly honest, he's as dumb as a stump (seriously) so any lies he tries to use, will nine times out of ten, be one of these - only packaged differently. Test your thoughts.
And as a side note, the Bible says that whatever he steals from you and you catch him (as we are equipped to do right now), he has to return to us seven times as much (Proverbs 6:31). Guys, if you've had any kind of joy stolen from you by his lies, and you're ready to put the stinking slug in his place, you're going to have an over abundance of joy coming your way. Get ready, my friend, get ready! Keep on keeping on, anointed children of God! Have an awesome, awesome weekend and a wonderful time of peaceful preparation before our tournaments! Thanks for reading! Keep calm and quiz on (and out)! Your fellow quizzer, Mallory Hey Guys! Today I have a new set of printables for you, which outline four different levels of study guides for daily use - Beginner, intermediate, advanced, and ultimate! The file link contains all four (color coated) sheets, in that order. They include a checklist which covers 3-6 study topics (I.e. reading, question study, memory verses, memorization, etc.) and their intensities, and spans over a period of two weeks. Below each checklist are areas where you can write down your biweekly goals, and your inspiration/motivation for those two weeks. I hope those help you! I've found it super fun in the past to have a preprepared, printed outline, since I usually just jot it down in the mornings - it's another way to "spice things up", like I talked about in a previous post (click here).
Anyhoo, big quizzes are coming up fast. Are y'all ready? It's really easy to worry about them, and from there get stressed about how you'll perform, but you don't have to. Here are some verses to help with that:
Remember where your identity is (in Christ), keep your main focus there, and you'll do great! Keep doing your thing - work hard, rest hard, be confident. Good luck to everybody! Thanks for reading! Keep calm and quiz on (and out)! Your fellow quizzer, Mallory |
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Trending Posts:Author:Mallory is a graduated Teen Bible Quizzer originally from the Southern region, moved to the Northwest, coaching quizzing over the book of Matthew. Check out our
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