I sat on the curb in front of a government office in Pemba, Mozambique. Years of living in Africa have taught me to carry a book to keep me distracted from the inefficiencies of bureaucracy. After a few minutes of reading, I stretched and stood up. A young Mozambican man walked up to me and…
Around the Web: The Self-Pity Vortex Over at Needle and Nest Design, Melissa Inglis talks about one of the serious challenges of motherhood. Self-pity is a merciless beast.A selfish, self-centered, Eeyore party for one.. and the cake is made of poop.I’ve seen it raise it’s ugly head throughout my life, sure… since I’m human and…
Around the Web: Discipleship in the Land of Narnia Matt Smethurst talks with Joe Rigney about his new book, Live Like a Narnian: Christian Discipleship in Lewis's Chronicles, Joe Rigney takes us into the heart of Lewis's magical world and shows us how the stories function, with subtlety and potency, to awaken, expose, inspire, and even…
In the dark theater, the audience watched in anticipation as the movie reached its climax. On the screen, the antagonist hung precariously over the ravine and as the hero clutched the bad guy’s arm, he contemplated his choice. Would he rescue his enemy or would he let him fall to a death he deserved? While…
Around the Web: Don’t go to church to give Jonathan Parnell writes over at Desiring God about our tendency to elevate our ability to contribute over our need for God. Banish the slightest idea in your head that you are going to a corporate worship service because you have something to offer God. He isn’t served…
We live in a world that values productivity, results, and the bottom line. It’s the water we swim in. We dart about in search of plankton (or financial security or recognition or safety) to sustain us, while simultaneously evading danger lurking in the darkness. We’re busy. We’re focused. We don’t even know that we’re wet….
It is my great honor and joy to introduce Makoto Fujimura, an internationally acclaimed artist, speaker, writer, and founder of the International Arts Movement, to the Story Warren family. Mako is sacrificially generous with both his time and tremendous gifting. When I asked him if he’d be willing to write a brief introductory note to you, he responded…
A few days ago, our family went to a drive-in theater and watched a double-feature under the stars. It was a fun time with friends and a first for our kids. The movies were Planes and Monsters University. I’m no movie reviewer (as you shall see), but the contrast between the two movies was fascinating….
Is there a gap between your good intentions and your actions (or lack thereof)? Do you want to live boldly out of faith, yet struggle with what it means to protect and provide for your family in the process? Are you able to see the hand of Providence in the midst of what feels like…
Note: I received a review copy of this title from the authors. As an undergraduate, I studied literature, immersing myself in the tortuous metaphors of John Donne, the heartrending tragedies of Shakespeare, and the philosophical piety of Dostoevsky. I love how a talented author can make my heart sing with only twenty-six letters and a…
“No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally – and often far more – worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond.” C.S. Lewis We want our children to become lovers of great books. We know we need a plan, but where do we start? I…
If trees were tall and grasses short, As in some crazy tale, If here and there a sea were blue Beyond the breaking pale, If a fixed fire hung in the air To warm me one day through, If deep green hair grew on great hills, I know what I should do. In dark I…
