I should be working on my current manuscript.
Instead I’m trolling the seas of the internet reading the blogs of friends.
They make me smile.
They inspire me.
So I’m joining the revolution and trying a blog.
Check back for weekly updates.

Recipe for Guardian Stew

Heat water in largest bowl over a cluster of heat trivets.

Add:

Roast meat of any kind (caradoc if you can get it, or bear, or even rizzid-but be sure to remove the glands containing poison before roasting).

Forest greens – (shred into small pieces)

Root bulbs – (cut into small pieces)

Berries – whatever is ripe during the current phase of season

A handful of dried grain from Morsal Plain

Jake’s Version for Our World:

Brown 1 pound of sausage, bratwurst, (or any other meat) and a chopped onion.

Toss into slow-cooker.

Add:

Four cups water
4 cups chopped kale or spinach
1/2 cup wild rice
1/2 lb chopped carrots
salt and pepper

Simmer all day.
Enjoy.

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.