https://www.geoguessr.comThe 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
“Make Your Own Life Bigger” by Gladys Hunt
It’s a rare thing for me to share two pieces from the same writer in a single week, but there’s some really great stuff in this series of previously unpublished posts at Redeemed Reader by the author of Honey for a Child’s Heart. In this one, Gladys Hunt sings the praises of public libraries.
- Your own experience with the library–or lack of it–may be the biggest hindrance to getting your children to the library. That is to say, parents may be scared of libraries, too. Where do you begin to look?
It helps if you have some titles in mind when you go into a children’s library—or any library. You need some ideas.
“Building a Child’s Personal Library” by Gladys Hunt
- After enthusiastic praise of libraries, should anyone bother to buy books?
How many books should a child own?
A library book is a wonderful discovery, a taste treat to be enjoyed. But a borrowed book always has a different emotional hold on a child than a book that is “my very own.”
Every family needs a shelf or special place for children’s books. You will know—or your child will tell you—when a book should be one you just have to own.
A Reason for Our Hope: The Role of Fairy Stories in Christian Apologetics
Nicole Howe reminds us of the value of fairy stories in being able to give a reason for the hope we have.
- One of the objectives of Christian apologetics is to heed Peter’s instruction to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”[1]Within the field of apologetics, much attention is often placed on the word “reason,” bringing to mind ideas of philosophical arguments, logical explanations, and scientific claims. After all, the word “apologetics” comes from the word “apologia,” which means “defense.” This word easily stirs up images of a courtroom and the stern face of a judge whose primary role is to deliver a verdict based on a presentation of facts. Because of this imagery, we might walk away from Peter’s instruction assuming our primary duty is to build a case for Christianity based on factual evidence alone.
Lawnmower Parents Are the New Helicopter Parents & We Are Not Here for It
- Recently, I was called down to the main office in the middle of my planning period. I needed to pick up an item that a parent dropped off for their child. Thinking it was something like an inhaler or money for dinner, I was happy to go retrieve it.
When I got to the front office, the parent was holding out a S’well bottle for me. You know, one of those 17-ounce insulated water bottles, barely bigger than a regular bottle of water.
“Hi, sorry,” the parent said sheepishly. He was in a suit, clearly headed to work (or something work-like). “Remy kept texting me that she needed it. I texted back, Don’t they have water fountains at your school?, but I guess she just had to have it out of the bottle.”
Around the Warren
Faith and Butterfly Wings
Mark T. Collins reminds us of the importance of childlike faith.
- A few years back, my son and I decided on a special mission. We were determined to move a rock from our yard to a permanent location down by the creek. However, the rock was not as light as I had remembered it. Actually, I could only roll it, and there was no way I would be able to roll it a quarter of a mile down the road and into the creek. Special mission thwarted. I gazed over the flower bed and into the backyard and remembered I needed to terminate some volunteer Mimosa tree seedlings. New mission accepted. My son wanted to follow me, although by now he was upset we were not going to the creek.
Discovering the Gnomes of the Cheese Forest
James Witmer reviews Ken Priebe’s new book of poetry, Gnomes of the Cheese Forest.
- My first opportunity to read Ken Priebe’s Gnomes of the Cheese Forest and Other Poems was in preparation for this review, and I found myself forced to read it alone at the end of a long day. That’s hardly a fair reading for an illustrated collection of children’s poetry, but I grimly powered ahead because I’d promised Ken a review.
The titular poem was first, and I smiled as I read it. The second poem, “Come to the Feast,” was a pleasantly-pitched thinker. Then came “Thimble-Smith, Thorax, and Thedd”—and I smirked.
By the time I got through “Solomon the Smackle-Bat,” “The Wimzy,” and “The Cricket Watcher,” I was snickering.
Something to Do with Your Kids
My town will likely get dumped on this weekend with rain from Hurricane Florence–they’re calling for 8-10″ at the moment. I live at the top of a hill, so I told my neighbors down the street (at the bottom of the hill, backing up to the creek) that they were welcome to come over for a hurricane party. I don’t know if you’re in the path of the rain, but if not, you can save this list of rainy day activities for another weekend.
And Something to Watch
This delightful animated short film gives a little look into the joy of giving: Joy Story
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 15 - May 3, 2025
- The Warren & The World Vol 14 - April 26, 2025
- The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 13 - April 19, 2025
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