Practice Makes Permanent
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." —Romans 12:2 As an old choir director of mine would often say, "Practice makes permanent." While he was referring to diction and tone, I find that it is true in other areas as well. I have often found that when I practice a song on either piano or guitar, I reach a point of "muscle memory" where I no longer have to think about playing it, but rather, let my fingers remember where they are supposed to go. I have heard the same is true in sports, construction, and virtually any other repetitive physical activity. The apostle Paul recognized that this concept of "muscle memory" extends into all areas of our lives. "Emotional memory" occurs whenever we respond emotionally to a situation based on previous experiences rather than th