I’ve been part of an ongoing digital conversation for almost a month now. There are 70+ people in the “room”—though only about 20 regularly post videos, hopping into the conversation. But this broad-ranging group have weathered a lot in this month. New houses, new jobs, bad days, good days, homeschooling, COVID-schooling. We’ve shared recommendations for movies, games, music, food, books. We’ve talked about the nitty-gritty details of favorite television shows, and dug deeply into conversations about grief and loss. We’ve cracked jokes and watched our funny pets. Community has a strange face in 2020, but it is community just the same.

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A Conversation with the Cosmos on the Eve of their Departure

Gina Sutphin talks to flowers.

Today I am sitting with the cosmos. It is the eve of their impending demise and we have much to catch up on before they slip away. For months, I have been watchful of their progress. After a few moments of greeting pleasantries, I ask them how they have been and then listen quietly as they begin.
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Catching our Reflections in the Lives of Our Children

Laura Cerberus reflects on what it’s like to have small versions of yourself surrounding you.

Parenting can sometimes feel like living in a funhouse with trick mirrors all around us. In a moment of shock, we look at our children’s lives and see our reflection—and it’s not pretty. The distorted image in the mirror reveals the way the sin of our own hearts and lives has been imitated by our children.
The past months of restrictions have provided me with many of these moments. Without the regular activities that take us out of the house, it’s just me and them—and I’m catching my reflection in discouraging ways.
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3 lovely new picture books for preschoolers

Megan at Redeemed Reader recommends new picture books.

These three books are ideal for sharing and snuggling with a little one.
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Numbering Our Days with Wisdom

Sarah Ivill considers the speed with which days slip through our fingers.

How many people have you heard say, “I just want 2020 to be over?” I’m sure you, like me, have heard several people say this at some point this year. Perhaps you have even said it yourself. But is this what we should be saying? There’s an instructive verse in Psalm 90 that speaks to this very sentiment, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12). If there’s one thing you and I need, it’s wisdom, so I want to look briefly at Psalm 90.
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Origin and Beauty

Andrew Senior shares a poem and a good word.

I wrote this poem for someone who was unhappy with their physical appearance. I wanted to tell them they were beautiful but more than that I wanted to express my belief that the heart was driving their unhappiness, not their appearance.
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Leepike Ridge Plunges Into Adventure

Loren Eaton reviews N.D. Wilson’s first novel.

Normally, I cast around a bit when introducing these book reviews, looking for a snappy opener or a catchy illustration. This time I’m just going to say it plain: It’s hard to imagine a better book for preteen boys than N.D. Wilson’s Leepike Ridge.
All the rowdy, romping joys of boyhood find their place in protagonist Tom Hammond, who lives in a house chained to the pinnacle of a mountain peak.
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