Story Warren

Kindling Imagination for Kingdom Anticipation

The Warren & the World Vol 7, Issue 44

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From time to time, the articles and posts that cross my path in the course of a week—the ones that make it to my “Warren & the World Fodder” saved link list—are all of a theme and I only realize it when I sit down to sift through them for selection. This week the theme falls in the space between “welcome” and “home.” Some might call it “rest.”

Around the Web

In the House of Tom Bombadil – An Unexpected Blessing

Michael J. Tinker decides *not* to skip the Tom Bombadil section of The Fellowship of the Ring this time around, and walks away deeply encouraged.

  • The time comes in life when one thinks ‘now is the time to read Lord of the Rings, cover to cover’. You find that comfy armchair, brew a pot of leaf tea, light the fire and settle down with Part I, ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’. 
    All is going well. You’re surprised at how old Frodo is when he starts his journey, but there’s adventure, danger, 2nd breakfast, laughter and intrigue. 
    Then there’s Tom Bombadil.
    Read more

I Want to Be That House

Liz Nieman dreams of being the house where the kids–and their friends–feel welcome.

  • For as long as I can remember our house has been one with an open door policy.
    Long before kids were ever even thought of, friends gathered here more often than not and you never knew when someone would pop in.
    Admittedly, it was my husband who created this feeling in our home and it was one I had to adjust to when we got together.
    But the older my children get the more I realize just how much I want to be THAT house.
    Read more

Hutchmoot 2019: Thursday Night Meal Introduction

John Cal reading his essay on the meal before dinner at Hutchmoot is a thing of legend, and the first night’s is always a story of welcome. His words are a reminder of the beauty that exists when everyone is welcome to bring all of who they are to the table.

  • I watched them as they filed into the room for dinner. They arrived scared and excited, full of glee and trepidation, faces washed and in Sunday best. By the hundreds they came, bags packed and off long bus rides, and plane rides, or driven up the mountain by their equally nervous parents.
    These eager summer campers were met by counselors, horse wranglers, and water ski instructors, maintenance guys, campfire musicians, mountain bikers, laundry girls, and even office staff. They gathered in the lodge cafeteria around rectangular folding tables to share a meal, their first meal together.
    Read more

The Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}

The folks at Redeemed Reader recommend Rabbit Room Press’s new edition of The Light Princess.

  • The story of The Light Princess is familiar to many: a king and queen think they are unable to have children. Finally, the queen has a daughter, and a christening celebration is planned. Unfortunately, someone is left out of the invitations by accident; the king’s sister, Princess Makemnoit, angrily attends the christening anyway and casts a spell on the tiny infant. Sound familiar? If you are thinking of Sleeping Beauty, rest assured that the two stories differ wildly from this point hence.
    Read more
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Around the Warren

The Story Goes On

James D. Witmer asks why we read sad stories.

  • Babe is a children’s novel about a pig who becomes a sheep dog. Pig. Sheep-pig! Despite this deeply philosophical foundation, it’s a funny, enjoyable tale. In the last third of the book, there is a scene where wild dogs break in and worry the flock of sheep, killing an old ewe who was one of Babe’s dearest friends.
    Read more

The Power of Story: A Review of Slugs & Bugs Books

Carolyn Leiloglou takes us beyond the music to Randall Goodgame’s Slugs & Bugs books.

  • Our family has long enjoyed Randall Goodgame’s Slugs & Bugs albums, and even though my older kids have outgrown asking for them, you might still overhear my 14-year old singing “Tractor Tractor” on occasion. What makes those albums so appealing is Goodgame’s ability to draw kids in with his just-right balance of silliness and sincerity, laughter and lesson.
    Goodgame’s heart for children shines through whenever he talks about Slugs & Bugs. On a recent episode of The Habit Podcast with Jonathan Rogers, Goodgame spoke about writing for children, saying, “Children just want to know the truth. . .whether you are being silly or being serious, they just want you to be simple and be sincere.” 
    Read more

Something to Do with Your Kids

Advent is always a great opportunity to make a tradition of special readings each day or a particular gift. My sister’s kids open one piece of a nativity creche every day leading up to Christmas and read verses that come along with it. If you’re looking for a new tradition, the folks over at She Reads Truth have some great Advent resources for kids and grown ups, including a gorgeous calendar.

Something to Watch

I may have spent many hours of my life reading Buzzfeed listicles about the awesomeness of corgis. They’re just really cute dogs. Especially these little guys who we get to watch explore the world for the first time.

Thanks for reading. We’re on your side.

-The Story Warren Team

Carolyn Clare Givens
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