Ponderize

                Families, communities, and nations can be strengthened when we ponderize the scriptures.  Ponderize is a word that was coined by Elder Devin G. Durrant in his address at the October General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Even though the word is not in any dictionary, it has become common in the lives of members of the Church.  Elder Durrant defined his new word as follows.

                “… I invite you to “ponderize” one verse of scripture each week.  The word ponderize is not found in the dictionary, but it has found a place in my heart.  So what does it mean to ponderize?  I like to say it’s a combination of 80 percent extended pondering and 20 percent memorization.  There are two simple steps:

                “First, choose a verse of scripture each week and place it where you will see it every day.

                “Second, read or think of the verse several times each day and ponder the meaning of its words and key phrases throughout the week.

                “Imagine the uplifting results of doing this weekly for six months, a year, ten years, or more.  As you make this effort, you will feel an increase in spirituality.  You will also be able to teach and lift those you love in more meaningful ways.”

                Elder Durrant promised that ponderizing weekly would bring “a deeper understanding of gospel principles” and “new spiritual perspectives” to bless our lives.  He said that the words and phrases would “be written on [our] hearts” and on our minds, that memorization would “take place easily and naturally.”  He declared, however, that “the primary goal of ponderizing is to provide an uplifting place for your thoughts to go – a place that keeps you close to the Spirit of the Lord.”

                I chose to memorize “The Living Christ,” a task that took several weeks.  I know that Elder Durrant’s promises are sure.  The memorizing became easier as the words and phrases were written on my heart and mind.  The visits of the Holy Ghost were longer and more meaningful.  When I began to murmur I had a safe place to send my mind and to help eliminate the negative thoughts.  I know that we can strengthen ourselves, our families, our communities, and our nations by following the counsel of Elder Durrant to ponderize a verse of scripture each week.