It’s raining. It has been raining for a while now—like most of each day for the whole week. We’re, um, wet. But—and here’s my favorite part—we’ve also had cool weather, which after a week of nearly 100º feels amazing. I’ll accept the humidity and the water drops on my glasses if I don’t feel like I’m in Hades!

Around the Web

Suspension of Disbelief

Loren Warnemuende meditates on the ways suspending our disbelief can show us what is real.

• Last week, I hopped on a plane and flew to Michigan, where I joined up with my sister Carrie to help represent Bandersnatch Books at the Realm Makers Conference Expo. I’ve been flying on planes since I was little—our family jetted to the other side of the world when I was five, and there have been plenty of flights since. As a child, I loved to fly, and I took the airplane rides completely for granted. I had no concerns about their airworthiness. The older I’ve gotten, though, the more I have to shut off part of my brain each time I enter an airplane, particularly at takeoff. 
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How to Help and Strengthen Your People

Mindy Ferguson shares from a space of experience.

• It was a busy Sunday morning.
  I arrived at church a little earlier than usual, parked my car in the far corner of the parking lot, and hurried into the building. After grabbing my name badge, I quickly became preoccupied with setting up the registration booth for an upcoming event.
  A dear friend and sister-in-Christ walked hurriedly through the foyer where I was working as she rushed to her own Sunday morning volunteer post.
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The Wind Blows Where It Will

Sharon Rockwell considers the movement of the Spirit.

• On our most recent road trip we spent a couple of days at the Grand Canyon. It had been years since we were last there, but we were still amazed at the wonder of God’s creation while viewing the deep canyons and rock formations carved by the Colorado River. Because school was not yet out, we were able to drive through the park at our leisure to take in the beauty of the landscape. At one particular spot, we were in awe at how the wind moved across the canyon. Far in the distance we could hear the winds picking up somewhere to our left. Then a minute or two later, the wind would rustle the trees right in front of us before moving further to our right. For a moment we could feel the wind, and just as fast as it came, it would leave us, only to start again somewhere to the left side of the canyon. 
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The Giver by Lois Lowry

Valen at Redeemed Reader reviews a classic.

• I spent the week with my family in the desert of the Trans-Pecos, a ruggedly beautiful part of far west Texas. Paisano Baptist Encampment was founded in July of 1915, and in August of the following year, George Truett, renowned pastor of First Baptist Dallas, preached the first camp sermon standing in the back of a wooden wagon. The history of the camp Is long and interesting. Many great pastors, hymn writers, and musicians are a part of the story, along with thousands of regular Christian families who have walked the dusty pathways of what can only be described as a spiritual sanctuary in the middle of a dry, cactus-filled landscape.
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Around the Warren

Welcome The Green Writer Show!

Kelly Keller tells us more about The Green Writer Show!

• In case you missed it: this past Friday, we dropped the first three episodes of our new podcast, The Green Writer Show. This new show will concentrate on encouraging the young writers among us—those who are just getting going, or those who make writing a regular part of their lives.
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King Arthur and the Giant of Mont Saint Michel

Zach Franzen tells a tale—will illustrations!

• A giant walked with mighty legs into a town on England’s coast.  He used his mighty arms to crush the men who challenged him. 
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Something to Do with Your Kids

Who needs some August activity ideas? As you’re getting back toward school, maybe these will keep you busy.

Something to Watch

They were gobsmacked by biscuits and gravy, but do they know their American presidents?

Thanks for reading. We’re on your side. 

–The Story Warren Team

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Carolyn Clare Givens

Carolyn Clare Givens is a displaced Northerner exploring the foreign ways of the South. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her literary cat, Lord Peter Wimsey. She's the author of The King's Messenger and Rosefire and in her free time helps run Bandersnatch Books.

You can find her at carolyncgivens.com or on Facebook or Instagram at @carolyncgivens.

Latest posts by Carolyn Clare Givens (see all)

• Beauty for All - January 5, 2026
• The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 38 - October 11, 2025
• The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 37 - October 4, 2025