In the Sword of Lyric books, the Verses were a vital source of truth, and helped various characters battle the mind poison of Rhusicans or the plots of a certain corrupt councilmember. The clans had a culture built on memorization and daily recitation of sections of the Verses.

On this side of the portal, we have the luxury of the printed word. However, I still find it valuable to commit Scripture to memory. Here are some tips that have helped me.

1. Pray. Ask for guidance to a verse that will be especially valuable to you in your current life situation. Also ask for the dedication and persistence needed.

2. Select a complete section or chapter instead of random individual verses with no context. Psalms are great choices. Other chapter ideas: John 1, Romans 8, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13, Philippians 4, Ephesians 1.

3. Combine a variety of learning approaches. Listen to an audio version of the chapter. Read the chapter out loud. Write it out long hand. Analyze and study the section, reading background from study guides and commentaries. Write a melody for the words. Create gestures or movements to help you remember key transitions. Recite the verse to a rhythm. Visualize pictures or images for certain words or phrases. Meditate in depth on a small section, emphasizing each word slowly and pondering applications.

4. Invite a friend to be a memorizing partner. Recite the verse with your partner, alternating one word at a time. Meet with your partner once a week to share as much of the section as you’ve learned.

5. Keep the Word alive in your thoughts. Review the verse when you wake up in the morning, in the shower, while brushing your teeth. Anytime you have to wait (on hold for a phone call, in line somewhere, in traffic) us the opportunity to practice a few verses). Meditate on the chapter as you’re falling asleep at night.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” –Colossians 3:16

One of many inspirations for the forests around Braide Wood.

A glimpse of the jagged, bare mountains between the clans and Hazor.

One of the real life inspirations for Cauldron Falls.

I took the actual photo in Yellowstone National Park, but it’s very similar to Cauldron Falls along the border between Rendor and Kahlarea.

In my new novel, a nation is waiting for a promised Restorer.

So to celebrate the release of this special book, I’m having a “Search for the Restorer” contest.

I’ll be giving five great prizes. Beautiful cloth Restorer bookbags filled with Christian books (Not MY books, but those of other wonderful authors I know you’ll enjoy).

Here’s how to enter:

Go to your local bookstores (Christian chains, independent stores, Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc.) and see if you can find The Restorer on the shelves. You might have to hunt in “Inspiration Fiction” or “Christian Fiction” or the “Religion Section” or it might turn up in the “Fantasy” fiction shelves. Can’t find it? Ask the manager and suggest he order some copies in. 🙂

(Hint – if you’ve requested bookmarks from me, you can give some to
the manager of the store!)

Post a comment here and tell me about your epic quest and where you found The
Restorer.

On June 15th, I’ll draw five names to receive the awesome prizes!

THEN, you can pop over to Rebecca Miller’s Fantasy Challenge. Post a comment there and qualify for another drawing for MORE prizes!

Caradoc Skewers:

Soak bamboo skewers in water.
Chop lamb or beef stew meat into one-inch cubes
Marinate in oil/vinegar seasoned with salt/pepper and favorite herbs for 30 minutes
Thread meat onto skewer.
Grill over high heat, brushing with BBQ sauce.

(The sauce Susan tasted is a secret recipe of a family in Lyric, but she was able to come close with a store-bought BBQ sauce from our world)

Susan’s Slow-cooker Version:

Brown cubes of stew meat (beef or lamb) to sear in juices. Place cubes into slow cooker and coat with barbecue sauce and simmer. Serve over rice.