Phylacteries

phylacteries

(Gr. phulakteria; i.e., "defences" or "protections"), called by modern Jews
tephillin (i.e., "prayers") are mentioned only in Matt. 23:5. They consisted of
strips of parchment on which were inscribed these four texts: (1.) Ex. 13:1-10;


(2.) 11-16;

(3.) Deut. 6:4-9;

(4.) 11:18-21, and which were enclosed in a
square leather case, on one side of which was inscribed the Hebrew letter shin,
to which the rabbis attached some significance. This case was fastened by
certain straps to the forehead just between the eyes. The "making broad the
phylacteries" refers to the enlarging of the case so as to make it conspicuous.
(See FRONTLETS.) Another form of the phylactery consisted of two rolls of
parchment, on which the same texts were written, enclosed in a case of black
calfskin. This was worn on the left arm near the elbow, to which it was bound
by a thong. It was called the "Tephillah on the arm."


Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
(http://www.dictionary.com)

In recovery circles, you'll see reminderbands being worn more and more. I think that this is pretty cool since it's got an old testament root. I guess Lance Armstrong should get some of the credit because his Livestrong armbands seem to have started the craze. I'm wearing reminderbands for my recovery. I like them because they force me to think my thoughts each morning and each night as I take them off and on. The ones I wear come from a character ed/recovery program we work with at school. They have private/personal messages inside and public messages outside. For example, one of mine is LIVE HONESTLY and inside it says honest hearts produce honest actions and if you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything and honesty is more than not lying it is truth telling truth speaking truth living and truth loving. I add a reminderband after I accomplish a certain step or a certain cleansing or when God begins to work a wonder in my life.

I also provide reminderbands as rewards for my students at school.