The Warren & the World Vol 6, Issue 18

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

Five Ways My Mom Invested the Gospel in Me

At Risen Motherhood, guest Jaquelle Crowe honors the ways her mother poured into her.

Every mother wants a strong relationship with their daughter. Or at least, I think they do. I actually don’t know for certain since I’m not a mother. I’m a daughter who just graduated from her teens last year. What I do know is that my mother wanted a strong relationship with me, and she worked and prayed persistently to get it.
As I look back on my teen years, I loved hanging out with mom. I loved learning from her. I even took her correction pretty well because she exposed my sin truthfully yet tenderly. I loved praying with her, baking with her, going on adventures with her, and reading books with her. What’s more: I still do.
So what’s so special about my mom? It actually isn’t anything particularly special at all. It’s merely two things: she prioritized her relationship with her kids and she relied on the grace of God.

7 Ways to Pray Against Worry

Rachel Wojnarowski offers ways to approach God’s throne when worry strikes.

Once worry strikes, it can be incredibly difficult to stop. I don’t have to tell you this because you’ve experienced it. One small thought of care entered your mind and before long, your brain transformed into full-blown anxious mode. In the Soul Secure Bible reading plan and journal, I emphasize that in order to win over worry, we must catch ourselves choosing that first worried thought before it escalates into a tornado.

The Lifegiving Parent Release

Over at The Rabbit Room, they’ve highlighted a new book by our friends Clay and Sally Clarkson, The Lifegiving Parent.

Modern parenting is a vocation in need of much more than superficial self-help programs—this book fills that need with lasting impact, offering abiding wisdom and true mentorship to tired mothers and fathers.
“In today’s world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and even paralyzed by the constant flow of parenting advice. We’re flooded with so much practical information that we wonder if we’re choosing the right way. And we may be missing the one thing God really wants us to give to our children: His life.”

Spring 2018 Picture Books That Will Make You Laugh

We all need a laugh sometimes and Melissa Taylor has some picture books that will hit the spot.

Next time you’re at the library or bookstore, see if you can find these new picture books — they are hilarious!

Around the Warren

Seeking Stories

Maribeth Bousum writes of the kinds of stories she wants to share with her kids.

As a parent, I find myself constantly looking for a good story to share with my kids. As a reader myself, I am looking for the same. A story that ignites their (and my) sense of wonder and carries their imaginations beyond the momentary pleasure of mindless entertainment. Sometimes finding a worthy tale feels just out of grasp, or worse, not even worth pursuing. The world tells us, “You’re so busy, it doesn’t matter what they read, just make sure to tick off the 20 minutes-a-day box, and go on.” I even find myself fighting the urge to scroll social media “just” one more time instead of picking up a soul-nourishing tale.

You Held My Heart In Your Hands

S.D. Smith tells us what it’s like to put your story out there, and how vulnerable it feels to be brave that way. He also challenges us to give Glenn McCarty’s Tumbleweed Thompson a chance–you can do so today by supporting the Kickstarter!

All an author asks for is a chance. A chance, and the worshipful adulation of millions and the affirmation of our fathers (we have it from our mothers) and skyrocketing sales and awards and parades and magnificent statues looming before grand institutions named in our honor.
We are a modest bunch.
When I wrote The Green Ember, I wanted a chance. I wanted a try-out, to use sports terminology (my go-to way of explaining/understanding the world).

Something to Do with Your Kids

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and the folks at the Artful Parent have a slew of Mother’s Day projects, crafts, and gifts on hand for us.

And Something to Watch

How does a chick get oxygen as it forms in the egg? Not quite as age old a question as which came first, but still worth learning more about in this SkunkBear video.