I’ve been sitting in my little, rainy corner of the US this week watching so many who are facing extreme cold and lots of snow. For those who are facing power and water outages, and cold like you’ve never known, we’re praying for your safety and warmth. If you’re safe and warm, but feeling stir crazy, we hope these pieces and resources are an encouragement this week.

Around the Web

Don’t Fill Every Open Moment with Content

If you find yourself filled with the busy-ness of every day, this Lenten season may be an opportunity for you to reset. Some good thoughts here from Brett McCracken on allowing stillness.

• When I’m waiting in line to order my drink at a coffee shop, my automatic instinct is to grab for my phone. Not to do anything necessary, of course; just to scroll aimlessly for the minute or two before it’s my turn to order. Maybe I can catch a few tweets, headlines, or Instagram stories. 
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3 Ways to Teach Your Family Community Instead of Individualism

Community is something that we know we value, but it can be hard to instill as a value into our families. 

• How many times have you seen a refrigerator magnet, t-shirt, or bumper sticker printed with the expression, “follow your dreams?” This type of motivational rhetoric can be found in nearly any decor department and greeting card aisle you come across.
  Full disclosure: As I write, my back is supported by a decorative pillow in my guest room with the phrase, “dream big, big dreams” written in flowery script.
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Why Your Kids Love Graphic Novels

Sarah Mackenzie at Read Aloud Revival is diving into the world of graphic novels.

• Graphic novels … they sometimes make us a little nervous, right? As parents, we worry if they have any value.
  In this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, I’m joined by the RAR Team, and we’re talking all things graphic novels.
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How to Thrive in a Digital Age

Andy and Amy Crouch, the father/daughter authors of The Tech-Wise Family and My Tech-Wise Life, will be speaking at two online interactive events about the ideas behind their work on March 4. As you navigate technology with your family, these are great resources. Register for the free sessions today.

• The pandemic has only exacerbated our use of technology. We count our digital devices as constant companions. And at what expense? Perhaps you’ve shared a meal with your spouse or a friend in silence, while fixated on your phones. Or as a family you find yourselves hanging out in far corners of the house, each engrossed in a game, video, work or online shopping.  
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ICYMI – Help Bring New Art to Life

Last week, we introduced a Slugs & Bugs Slugstarter campaign and a Kickstarter for Rosefire by Carolyn Clare Givens. There’s still time to back both projects.

• Back the Slugstarter from Slugs & Bugs
• Back Rosefire from Bandersnatch Books

Around the Warren

Imagination Matters

Christine Norvell reminds us how imagination is integral to the quality of our lives.

• What if our imagination was stunted, having never really grown?
  I admit I haven’t considered this idea before. Call me naïve, but I supposed everyone had an active imagination whether sluggish or bustling.
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Finding the Gospel in The Velveteen Rabbit

Hannah Abrahamson takes a look at a classic.

• I’ve read quite a few books that have made me cry.
  (Here are the books I can immediately recall, although I know there are many more: The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien; Love You Forever by Robert Munsch; An Island Story by H.E. Marshall, specifically “The Story of St. Alban”; The Warden and the Wolf King by Andrew Peterson; and James Herriot’s Treasury for Children, “The Christmas Kitten.”)
  Today I added The Velveteen Rabbit to the list. 
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Something to Do with Your Kids

If you’re stuck inside with February weather, you might be looking for some new activities. Here’s some suggestions for you.

Something to Watch

Of the things I miss due the pandemic, live music is one of the biggest. I just came across a video in my Facebook memories of the time I saw Scott Mulvahill at a house concert. I don’t have a good video of that to share with you, but this Tiny Desk concert gives you a little sense of it. Enjoy.

Thanks for reading. We’re on your side. 

–The Story Warren Team