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
Scarcity. But….three things.
Over at A Pair of Pink Shoes, Maggie writes about the fear of missing moments with our kids, and the joy of cherishing them.
- An insufficient supply of something.
I can’t stand that word. It gives me anxiety. And I need more anxiety like…..
(can’t even think of a good comparison here, because that’s how much I don’t need more.)
I was driving Crosby home from swimming lessons today and we always take the back route on the way home from swimming lessons so we can see the horses and I caught a glimpse of him in the rearview mirror. He was quiet, because he’s always quiet after swimming, eating a sucker, and the wind was blowing his hair because his window was down; better to see the horses like that, and I just had this overwhelming swell of panic about him…..and Georgia too……
Finding Rest
- It is dark. Early morning dark but even the earliest light has not crept to the horizon yet. I am sitting under the patter of raindrops on the porch roof, birds chirping their pre-dawn song, the hush of rain beating the leaves like a soft percussion in the background. It is nothing but sounds in the dark. My own symphony to keep my quiet.
And it has been quiet. The kind of quiet that maybe was needed, from all the sounds of life and connectivity and work. So I’ve been thinking about rest. The kind that empties you of your burdens and fills you up to head out and face them again. The rain washes over me this morning and I revel in the calming comfort of these earthy sounds that somehow bring their own kind of restoring to our bodies that too are made from the dust. I sit with the rain and the morning symphony and thank God for all this good he has made.
The Taste of Strawberries: Tolkien’s Imagination of the Good
- Near the end of The Return of the King movie, while Frodo and Sam are making the arduous climb up Mount Doom to destroy the ring once and for all, their strength fails and they stop climbing. Sam claws himself over to Frodo, takes him in his arms, and asks him this poignant question:
Do you remember the Shire, Mr. Frodo? It’ll be spring soon, and the orchards will be in blossom; and the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket; and they’ll be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields; and eating the first of the strawberries with cream. Do you remember the taste of strawberries?
30 First Chapter Books for Kids: Series about Boys
Over at What Do We Do All Day, Erica has a great book list of book series about boys for early chapter book readers.
- First chapter books, or what I also like to call, “early chapter books” are books for kids ages 6-10. This is a tricky age to target because it is also the age when kids are first learning to read. So one 6 year old may be ready for chapter books, but his classmate may not yet be reading at all. Both scenarios are absolutely normal. In fact I had one of each!
Around the Warren
Happy Independence Day (From a Brit?)
We’ve got a post from our friend Sally Lloyd-Jones on what Independence Day means for a British-American like her.
- The independence being celebrated today is, of course, independence from the likes of me (Brits). Excuse me but first of all, what is a Brit doing posting on Independence Day? I know. It’s terribly cheeky but I didn’t do it I was pushed Sam made me do it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way and know it’s all his fault (and where you should direct all complaints)…
When I first came to the States, I visited a revolutionary battle site and saw their film and was shocked to realize half way through that I was the enemy. I’d never thought of myself that way. (I’m not sure any Brit has to be honest. I mean we drink tea—how bad can we be?)
Vision for Children
Liz Cottrill recommends Vision for Children, the Role of Living Books on Moral Development, a talk now available as a video online.
- IRemember the first time you held your baby? Remember the overwhelming realization of your responsibility for this life? If changing diapers and teaching baseball were all there is to parenting, we wouldn’t tremble. Feed, clothe, and shelter—no problem, but direct their moral development, set their heart toward God, this is a terrifying responsibility.
Something to Do with Your Kids
Sometimes it’s simpler to just get dinner made, but it’s a lot of fun to include your kids into the meal preparation. These Sloppy Joes Pinwheels are a great, kid-friendly option for family meal prep.
And Something to Watch
The Rescued Film Project is a labor of love that preserves images from undeveloped film from the 1930s to 1990s. This short film tells the story of the rescue of 31 rolls taken by a soldier during WWII.
Thank you for reading. We’re on your side.
- The Warren & The World Vol 12, Issue 39 - November 9, 2024
- The Warren & The World Vol 12, Issue 38 - November 2, 2024
- The Warren & The World Vol 12, Issue 37 - October 26, 2024
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