One of my nieces used to cup her hands over the enchanting pictures in her storybooks, and carry them invisibly in a finger-cradle to her mother. At that time, my sister-in-law washed dishes by ones and twos in a portable tub, hung laundry to dry, and revolved a simple routine of feeding, delighting, neatening and…
A wonderful painting hangs on the wall of my office. This gift from my lovely wife is a reproduction of Millais’ The Boyhood of Raleigh, and I hope it continues working its way into my heart and imagination. James K. A. Smith summarizes well the story behind this painting (2016, 92): “Sir Walter Raleigh, you…
It’s one thing to read about mountain lions from the comfort of the car, squinting at a faded placard outside of Henry Coe State Park. The plaque made it clear: we were leaving safety. Its topics included “Camping During the Tarantula Migration,” “How To Avoid the Feral Boars,” and “What to Do If You See…
One of my favorite things about summer is when my church begins to get ready for vacation Bible school. It’s something everyone comes together for to create a week-long experience for over one-hundred children. I always sign up for the drama—a play that my friends and I put on for the kids that illustrates, through…
A while back I was reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as part of a writing group. I found myself walking through the wardrobe with a writer’s eyes and picking apart Lewis’ amazing prose. It was definitely a different way to read this familiar story. As I was reading I was continually stuck…
Recently, my kids and I took a trip to our local science museum to see a planetarium show and an IMAX film. The films featured opposite corners of our universe: the planetarium show catapulted us through space to the rusty crags of Mars, while the IMAX special plunged us into caves that glittered like forests…
“‘But do you really mean, sir,’ said Peter, ‘that there could be other worlds—all over the place, just round the corner—like that? ‘Nothing is more probable,’ said the Professor.” C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, ch. 5 I have a passion for Other Worlds. I long for them with an eager appetite,…
When I have a day to myself—when the chores are tolerably done and all my children are at school—I fill a bag with books, a notebook, and my laptop and set off for downtown. I used to look in the shop windows as I walked, at the strings of patio lights and the window displays…
What’s a great story made of? Terrible villains? Shocking twists? Awesome action? No. Not necessarily. A great story is made of this: A main character who wants something so badly they’re willing to go through death – and worse! – to get it. Indiana Jones wants the Ark of the Covenant so badly he’s willing to…
I didn’t read much as a kid. Playing games and romping around outside was more my style. The power of a good book didn’t become apparent to me until 8th grade when I was assigned to read To Kill A Mockingbird. It made me feel things. What? Books can be engaging, amusing and address infuriating…
The scene is a dreary rainy day in Nottingham. The mood is blue and sad, and the voice of the minstrel, Alan-a-Dale, who happens to be a rooster in this Disney version of Robin Hood, is heard as he sings about the hardships and woes of the people being taxed by Prince John. Everyone seems…
As the wife of a surgeon and the mother of young children, I am well-practiced in answering every mom’s favorite question: When will Daddy be home? I am also well-practiced at getting on with life as we wait, with preparing meals and playing games that Dad may not be home in time to share with…
