I’m writing this from a hotel room—I have a work retreat for the next couple days and before I do my best to unplug for the weekend, I’m knocking out a Warren & the World. Out my window is the top level of the parking garage next door, with one single vehicle parked on it. I wonder why the driver chose the spot: what is it about this red pick-up truck that led him to say, “I don’t mind the sun beating down on you, but I’m not gonna let another driver near you”? Beyond the pickup is the top of a small mountain, reminding me that past the AC units and battered parking decks with solo cars there is a world of beauty—it really is everywhere.
Around the Web
The Blessings That Come With Forgiveness
Leah Jones meditates on one of our most important traits as Christians.
- “Birds fly. Fish swim. Christians forgive.” My husband made this statement in a sermon on forgiveness a few weeks ago and it resonated with me. With all the authority and confidence that could only be rooted in Scripture, he proceeded to explain how forgiveness is as necessary to the Christian as breathing.
Read more
Christian Faith-Based Children’s Picture Books
Nancy Tupper Ling introduces a few Christian picture books.
- For many of us, Veggie Tales didn’t exist in childhood. Neither did picture books by Max Lucado or Matthew Paul Turner that explore God’s love for us. Thankfully, we now have many more kid-friendly picture books to help young readers grow in their faith. This fall is no exception because seven great Christian faith-based children’s books await!
Read more
The Importance of Embracing Grace in Each Season of Motherhood
Amanda Idleman reminds us that grace is always available.
- Our family is special, or different, I should say. We started our parenting journey with a pretty small box as far as what we expected our future home to look like, and God keeps expanding our picture of what family is in new and unique ways. Parenting has been a journey that has taught me about what it really means to trust God with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Read more
Borrowed Strength
Melissa at Your Mom Has a Blog reminds us where our strength comes from.
- I’ll admit I’ve had some days in the past year and a half when I have said to someone, “I feel like I’ll never be rested again.” I have been bone-tired, weary. Some days it’s more than just sleep deprivation. It’s a type of heaviness that comes from holding too tightly to the things I want to see happen. In short, my desires are weighing me down.
Read more
Around the Warren
The School of Wonder
Helena Sorensen points us to the wonderful world.
- The barred owl was resting on a branch just a stone’s throw from the road. So close. We’ve heard their “whoo-whoo-who-cooks-for-you” call many times in that part of the preserve, but this time the bird was low to the ground and close enough to examine. It was the middle of the day, and the owl was sleepy. Its beak sank into the triple-striped frame of chocolate brown feathers around its face. Languidly, it opened its black marble eyes and blinked at us. It turned its head, swiveling to face the other side of the tree.
Read more
There’s a Monster At the End of This Post: Books That Break the Fourth Wall
Scott James recommends books that break the fourth wall.
- I remember when youngest daughter left some books out on the back porch one day. Sadly, I didn’t find them until after it had rained all night. Hey, it happens. No big deal. But when I gathered them up from the wet table, the ruinous state of one book in particular made my heart break a little. For me to feel that kind of pang over the destruction of a children’s book, you’re probably thinking it must have been an heirloom copy of some classic work of literary genius, but no. It was a simple and rather silly little book—a Little Golden Book, more precisely. Nevertheless, it’s one that holds a place of deep nostalgia for me.
Read more
Something to Do with Your Kids
A drawing game for the whole family that will get you laughing? Yes, please!
Something to Watch
If you’re looking to expand your vocabulary, RobWords has some great options for you.
Thanks for reading. We’re on your side.
–The Story Warren Team
You can find her at carolyncgivens.com or on Facebook or Instagram at @carolyncgivens.
- The Warren & The World Vol 11, Issue 41 - December 9, 2023
- The Warren & The World Vol 11, Issue 40 - December 2, 2023
- The Warren & The World Vol 11, Issue 39 - November 25, 2023
Leave a Reply