The Warren & the World Vol 4, Issue 26

Our own S.D. Smith is West Virginian through and through, and there are many of us at Story Warren who love that state. You may have seen the news of last week’s floods in the state and the destruction they caused. Sam posted at his site some good information about ways to help.

• AMany of you probably know me as “that guy from West Virginia,” or, “that West Virginia author.” I’m good with that. I love this state so much. As most of you know, we were hit hard by flooding.
  (If you aren’t aware, here’s a story about it. And my own family didn’t see flooding in our town. We are fine.)
  Prayer is needed. This beautiful state is already up against so much.
  If you are interested in helping on top of offering prayers, here is another way you can, even if you’re far away. 

Read more.

Rachel Jankovic examines the missional nature of motherhood.

• There is a good old saying, perhaps only said by my Grandfather, that distance adds intrigue. It is certainly true — just think back to anything that has ever been distant from you that is now near. Your driver’s license. Marriage. Children. Things that used to seem so fascinating, but as they draw near become less mystical and more, well, real.
  This same principle certainly applies to mission fields too. The closer you get to home, the less intriguing the work of sacrifice seems. As someone once said, “Everyone wants to save the world, but no one wants to help Mom with the dishes.” When you are a mother at home with your children, the church is not clamoring for monthly ministry updates.  

Read more.

Around the Warren

If You Find Yourself in the Wrong Story

Guest Allen Howell shares about his new second-favorite book.

• I have a new second favorite children’s book.
  As I’ve shared here at Story Warren, The Napping House by Audrey Wood is my absolute favorite. But there’s now another children’s book that is coming in a close second.
  It’s a book by Mo Willems, an imaginative retelling of a classic tale. His version is called, Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs. Not three bears. Three dinosaurs. You like this book already, don’t you? …I could tell.  

Read more.

Summer Travel Adventures

Liz Cottrill recommends two YA books for boys and girls for summer adventures!

• Are you looking for a book for your young people to have along on vacation, or just to spend the lazy summer days enjoying, but discouraged by the YA offerings?
  Here are a couple I’ve read recently, one for boys, one for girls, but of course both perfectly acceptable for either.

Read more.

Something to Do with Your Kids

This coming weekend is American Independence Day. Some of our readers aren’t from the US, but we’ll invite you to join in the celebration anyway. Here are 12 fun Fourth of July activities for families!

And Something to Watch

Have you ever wondered who owns Antarctica? So did CGP Grey.

Thank you for reading. We’re on your side.