Story Warren

Kindling Imagination for Kingdom Anticipation

The Warren & the World Vol 7, Issue 43

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Did you read our review of A Year in the Big Old Garden back in February? Josh Bishop wrote: “A Year in the Big Old Garden has several things that commend it. Witmer’s style and voice communicate a joyful whimsy so clearly that I can’t imagine the grin ever leaving his face while writing these (though I suspect it took a lot of work). The stories are moral but not moralizing, and delightful without ever becoming twee.” 

Oh, and the “Witmer” he referenced? Our own James D. Witmer, managing editor extraordinaire. Why am I telling you this? Because James has launched a Kickstarter to fund a PRINT edition of his book and has an AWESOME set of rewards to go along with it. Check it out!

Around the Web

The Secret of Our Hope Lies in the Imagination of Children

Our friend Jennifer Trafton wrote this beautiful piece on the ways a child’s imagination can open our eyes to hope.

  • As a children’s book author and a creative writing teacher for kids, I have the honor — and challenge — of spending my days both digging for the submerged sunrise in myself and basking in the blazing sun of others. It is a perilous adventure at times, fraught with ninja-kicking dei ex machina and discombobulated spelling. Even as I write this, in fact, I am also faced with the daunting task of drawing an imaginary creature that is the composite of strange body part descriptions by twenty kids — including sixty-five multicolored ears, fifteen moldy toes, elbow-macaroni-and-cheese spines, and a tail that has a fair chance of being ranked among the world’s seven wonders.
    Read more

The Fondue Pot Principle

Jonathan Rogers has made up a new principle he’s calling The Fondue Pot Principle, and while, yes, he’s proffering it in the context of writing, it actually is pretty valid for most of your life and relationships.

  • One day I needed a fondue pot. A fondue pot is not something one wants to buy. I have lived over 18,000 days now, and on exactly ONE of those days have I wished I had a fondue pot. But the day in question was that day. So I went to Facebook and put out an all-call for a fondue pot.
    Read more

Nine Names

Have you ever wondered what happened to Susan after the events of The Last Battle? How did she feel, being the only one left. Did she remember what she’d set aside? Jackie Lea Sommers has written a lovely story imagining Susan’s ongoing story.

  • She dreamed often of a lion, tawny gold and glorious, with light that scattered from his mane as if it were born inside of him.  In her dreams, she stood beside him, staring east across a vibrant sea, and when she woke, it was always with the refrain, He has nine names.
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The Grand Miracle Advent Devotion

We’re already looking at Advent coming upon us quickly. If you’re looking for a new Advent devotional for your family, check out this recommendation from “All About Jack: A C.S. Lewis Podcast.”

  • C.S. Lewis and his friends, as well as those who influenced him, viewed the Incarnation with wonder and awe. That’s why the Christian History Institute and the Marion E. Wade Center came together to release a small, but meaningful booklet entitled The Grand Miracle: Daily Reflections for the Season of Advent. It contains 28 devotions written by as many authors that contain a Scripture quotation, as well as a quotation from either C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorthy L. Sayers, George MacDonald, G.K. Chesterton, Charles Williams, Owen Barfield, or Joy Davidman. William O’Flaherty spoke with Dr. Jennifer Woodruff Tait (managing editor of Christian History) about this Advent devotion that can offer an inspiring look at the birth of Christ at any time of the year.
    Read more

Around the Warren

Sidewalk Chalk

Mark T. Collins marvels at his children’s patterns of play. 

  • It is always amazing to me how my kids play with things in cycles. Last week was Ninja Warrior, then it was trampoline. This week, especially the last few days, has been sidewalk chalk. I am not sure what it is about sidewalk chalk that is so enamoring. 
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The Light Princess & A Faerie Wind

Jennifer Trafton introduces us to George MacDonald’s The Light Princess all over again.

  • Something magical happens when the wind blows through a wind chime. A moment before the arrival of that invisible wisp of breath, all is still. The wind chime is motionless and silent. No one would guess that its pendulous form contains the possibility of music.
    Read more

Something to Do with Your Kids

I’m a firm believer that Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays. So whether you’re a stressed out provider of vittles or a relaxed recipient of bounty, here’s some great ways to help your kids celebrate.

Something to Watch

I’m cheating a little with this week’s video–’cause it’s really a song with just the cover art on the video, but it’s such an awesome song (“Nothing Rhymes with Orange” by GiggleRoch) that I just needed to share.

Thanks for reading. We’re on your side. 

-The Story Warren Team

Carolyn Clare Givens
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