The Warren & the World is Story Warren’s weekly newsletter, providing a round-up of our favorite things from around the web as well as a review of what was on our site over the past week. We’re glad you’re here!
Around the Web:
What to Do If Your Child’s First Love Is . . . Art
I expect that the readers of the Warren & the World are not necessarily the same parents who are worried about their children wanting to enter art careers. However, Jerry Cianciolo’s Wall Street Journal column on the subject is quite interesting, even if you’re not worried about it. Statistics show that the job market is not so bleak as you might think, and the job satisfaction rates are much higher than anyone expected.
- Nearly every month there’s a news story or magazine article proclaiming the high-paying careers ofthe future. They are usually in fields such as biomedicine, nanotechnology, systems analysis and robotics. The pay sometimes touches six figures for entry-level positions.For young men and women interested in science, technology, engineering or math, the so-called STEM subjects, the future appears bright. But what’s a parent to do, aside from gulp, when his child’s first love is . . . art?It’s not a concern in middle school and high school. That’s the time to bask in your offspring’s talent at recitals, theater productions, dance ensembles or art exhibitions. But as admissions season opens and one digs earnestly into the Fiske Guide to Colleges, the parental attitude shifts from “You’re so wonderfully talented” to “Talent’s a great thing, but how’re you going to make a living?”
The unsubtle message for the emerging artist is “playtime’s over.”
When Doubt Is More than Just a Season
Lore Ferguson writes at her.meneutics about the struggles of the dark seasons in life. It’s easy to say the quick fix words, “You’ll be fine. It will get better.”
- Christian culture has groomed me to believe that as sure as spring, summer, autumn, and winter, my spiritual life operates in seasons. Elation. Joy. Discouragement. Fear. Worship. Obedience. Death. Life. During extended times of doubt, someone is always ready to tell me, “This is just a season; wait it out!”But are they right?
How to Eliminate 99% of the Paper Piles in Your Home
It might be time for spring cleaning in your home. You’re feeling the urge to purge your house of school papers and bills that have piled up over the course of the winter. But on the other hand, if you’re anything like me, you think about the fact that the piles will just return and you get discouraged in the task. Crystal Paine over at Money Saving Mom has some really practical suggestions for getting on top of the paper piling up.
- Recently, one of my friends who comes over to our house frequently commented about how she can’t figure out how we don’t have pile of paper anywhere. She wanted to know how on earth I accomplish that and what systems I have in place to maintain that.At first, I told her I wasn’t sure; I just didn’t like piles so we didn’t have them. But being the analytical person I am, I spent some time thinking about it over the next few days.
Are there systems I have that I just don’t realize I have? Are there things I do on a regular basis to tame the pile monster?
Momlationships: We All Need Them
It’s a somewhat ridiculous word, but the idea of “momlationships”—that is, relationships between moms, is definitely a pressing one for many moms. Connecting with others is always a desire. Melanie Dale writes at Today’s Christian Woman about the challenge of building true relationships over play dates.
- Finding mom friends is kind of like dating. You put yourself out there and boldly set forth into a land of relational awkwardness—and not everyone is going to like you. It’s a simple, albeit brutal, reality. I, for example, know I am not everyone’s favorite cup of dark roast coffee. Many “momlationships” will never extend past chitchat at the bus stop.But some—the mighty few—will make it through, and it is for those brave few that we soldier on through a land of relational awkwardness.You’ve been there, right? You try to make small talk with other moms during your children’s shared activities (like music class or swimming lessons). This stage is all about making a connection. If you toss out a movie quote or tell a cute story about your kid, you’re hoping for at least a polite smile and a courtesy laugh.
Around the Warren:
The Gift of Fear
Guest poster Josh Bishop writes about childhood fear, where it comes from and what its value is.
- C.S. Lewis insisted that “an ordinary child… wants to be a little frightened.”It’s true, I think. Our children want to be scared. And a bit of fear isn’t just pleasurable; I’m convinced it’s actually a good thing. But whatever we think of fear, and however we try to tame it, we have to start by admitting that it’s simply there.Theologian Russell Moore has written that this natural fear is given by God.
“…Imagination encircles the world.”
Paul Boekell’s graphic art. (I like to think he was inspired by my video about Pluto last week to go with the outer space perspective.) Words from Albert Einstein.
Read-Aloud Maven Sarah Mackenzie on Transitioning From Picture Books to Chapter Books & Novels
Sarah Mackenzie, host of the fantastic Read-Aloud Revival, is one of our favorite people that we’ve gotten to know this past year. Sam Smith introduces her and this particular episode of her podcast,
- This is just fantastic. If you aren’t a subscriber to the Read-Aloud Revival, then get on it. (On iTunes or Stitcher.) In this episode Sarah moves from being the one with the brilliant questions to the one with the excellent presentation.As with everything from the author of Teaching From a State of Rest, this pod is winsome, inviting, helpful, and clear. It’s also pretty short. If you have littles and you want help guiding them through this exciting transition, then give this a listen.
Something to Do with Your Kids:
We’re big fans of Sally Lloyd-Jones’ Jesus Storybook Bible here at Story Warren. I expect you’ve heard about it before. If, perchance, you’re looking for new ways to engage with the book, check out this fantastic list of hands-on activities to go with each story. Learn more.
And Something to Watch
I know Frozen has been overdone for far too long, but I dare even the most jaded parent to disdain this duo of siblings dueling over the piano through this Frozen medley.
Thank you for reading. We’re on your side.
You can find her at carolyncgivens.com or on Facebook or Instagram at @carolyncgivens.
- The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 2 - January 18, 2025
- The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 1 - January 11, 2025
- The Warren & The World Vol 12, Issue 45 - December 21, 2024
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