The Warren & the World Vol 5, Issue 45

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

Easy Thanksgiving Journal for the Whole Family

Rachel Schmoyer shares their family tradition of a Thanksgiving Journal they keep from year to year.

Packed away in my tote of fall decorations is a little brown blank book that came from the dollar store. Warmth spreads through my heart when I flip open the cover and see handprints, doodles, and scrawled words inside.
Each year for the past 11 years our family has taken some time on Thanksgiving Day to write or draw what we are thankful for. Each family member gets one page. Even the babies and toddlers participate by having their hand traced. Then either my husband or I jot down a few things the little one is really into at the moment.

Reflections On Having Consumed in One Hour a Meal Prepared Over Two Days

As we enter Thanksgiving week, this piece from the Circe Institute from last year on the feast days that interrupt Ordinary Time is a great reflection.

t is the day after Thanksgiving, and a few days till Advent. Over the next few weeks, all our learning and living will take place in the context of bustle and anticipation, joy and solemnity, fasting and feasting. This merits some reflection.
Most days we trip along doing more or less the same thing, trying to be more or less virtuous, hoping, by nightfall, to be more or less happy. The church calendar names these days “Ordinary Time,” and they are lovely; only dulled senses and a blunted soul find pattern uncreative and predictability boring.
But we are, in fact, those whose senses are dull and souls blunt.

The Biggest Story ABC by Kevin DeYoung

Redeemed Reader recommends a new board book by Kevin DeYoung.

Two years ago, Kevin DeYoung published The Biggest Story, a picture book for early-elementary grades with striking illustrations by Don Clark. The two have teamed up again for a book aimed at an even younger audience.

That Time I Thought I Was Generous

Maeve Gerboth explores what happens when you open your life to others.

Two years ago I invited a stranger to live with us. It was a normal Saturday, and our paths crossed unexpectedly. Well, so I thought. Our conversation began at the surface but took a turn, she didn’t have to say much for me to notice the layers beneath her joyful façade.
Suddenly I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit. I tried to ignore it’s prompting, but it hijacked the conversation, “If you’re ever in need of a place to live, give me a call okay? We’ve got a spare bedroom. You’d be welcome to stay.”

Around the Warren

Helping Children Step Into the Scene

Scott James shares how he and his wife aim to awake their children’s imaginations to Scripture.

My wife and I are trying to help our children become more empathetic. Practically speaking, this means we’re raising them to put their vivid imaginations to good use when considering what someone else is going through. Step into their shoes; imagine what things look like from their perspective. By doing this, we are not merely trying to reduce the number of sibling fights in our home (though we are most certainly trying to do that). Our hope is that they will grow in charity, patience, and compassion for all people—in short, that they will learn to love others well.

Rodents, Romans, and Chiaroscuro: Why We Love The Tale of Despereaux

Alyssa Ramsey recommends Kate DiCamillo’s novel.

Let me tell you a few things you already know:
Sometimes light and darkness take up residence in the same heart.
Sometimes those who love the light the most find themselves plunged into the deepest darkness.
And sometimes even those capable of the darkest deeds find themselves drawn into the light.
To all such souls, I heartily recommend The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo.

Something to Do with Your Kids

As you go through this week leading up to Thanksgiving, Rachel Wojo has a great compilation of passages focused on giving thanks for your family’s meditation.