The Garden and the Glen

 

A beautiful story about finding a solution to a problem can be found in The Garden and the Glen. A buckeye tree stands on a farm with yellow flowers that bloom in spring. A buckeye tree is home to hundreds of yellow butterflies. A selfish yellow butterfly wants to take over the Queen's kingdom when she becomes sick, and turn everything yellow. Everything other than yellow was evicted from the beautiful garden. There was a brilliant blue butterfly who was forced out of the garden. As she flew, she came to a clearing with a pond. Fish, frogs, a bunny, a squirrel, a family of deer, and some beautiful orange daylilies were all there. Each of them described being forced out of the garden as well. Blue butterfly studied her friends. Each of them stood out because of their colors, shapes, and sizes. This is what makes them all unique. The story highlights the importance of diversity by showing how each creature's unique characteristics contribute to the beauty and richness of the world around them. When the garden is dominated by a single color, its vibrancy is lost, underscoring that true beauty lies in the variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. By embracing diversity, the characters learn that their differences are strengths that can create a harmonious and thriving environment. It was their differences that made them beautiful. "We belong! We don't have to blend in to belong." You are now able to reach beyond yourself and help your friends, despite your differences. That's what makes belonging so special. In order to cope with fear, we hide or try to blend in. It means you do not need to change; you are accepted and welcome as you are. Empathy plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging among the diverse characters in the story. By understanding and appreciating each other's unique experiences and perspectives, the characters are able to connect on a deeper level, despite their differences. This mutual understanding allows them to build a community where everyone feels valued and accepted, reinforcing the idea that empathy is essential for creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Whenever you belong, you are never alone. There is an urgent need for the Queen to find the healing flower. The Queen was loved by the flower kingdom. As a result, they decided to help. In order to release the medicine flower's scent, the snapdragons told the daisies, the daisies told the buttercups, and the buttercups told the roses. When the blue butterfly fluttered her wings, the Queen interpreted this as a signal to come. The Queen confronted the evil yellow butterfly and forced him out of the garden for good. The daylily who befriended and protected the blue butterfly was the flower of healing. As a result of the Queen's healing, harmony in the garden was restored. It was through communication, friendship, and healing that the garden was saved and peace was restored.

 

Gaylord Ice

 

Sisters

 

Jane Austen's Bookself

Jane Austen's Bookself is a very informative read. "Austen's canonical status is so unassailable that she's not just included in the great novelists: she tops it." Austen's bookself included authors such as Frances Burney, Ann Radcliffe, Charlotte Lennox, Hannah More, Charlotte Smith, Elizabeth Inchbald, Hester Piozzi, and Maria Edgeworth. The majority of Austen's reading and writing took place during a period when women published more novels than men. These authors are part of what is called the "Great Forgetting". The "Great Forgetting" refers to the historical oversight and marginalization of these women writers who were once popular and influential in their time. Despite their significant contributions to literature, their works were largely ignored or forgotten as literary canons were established, often favoring male authors. This has led to a lack of recognition for their impact on the literary landscape of the period. In her writing, Austen drew inspiration from these female writers. As a list, the "classics" constitute the canon. Male authors have traditionally dominated literary canons, often receiving more critical attention and scholarly analysis than their female counterparts. While female authors like Austen have achieved recognition, many others remain overlooked despite their significant contributions to the literary world. This disparity highlights the ongoing need to reevaluate and expand the canon to include diverse voices and perspectives from both genders.The influence of these female writers is evident in Austen's nuanced exploration of social norms, gender roles, and domestic life. Their works provided her with a rich tapestry of themes and narrative techniques, which she adeptly wove into her own novels. By building on their foundations, Austen was able to critique and satirize the society of her time with a sharpness and wit that has secured her lasting legacy.

The book discusses the following authors and how they contributed to Austen's writings.

Jane Austen
Frances Burney
Ann Radcliffe
Charlotte Lennox
Hannah More
Charlotte Smith
Elizabeth Inchbald
Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzi
Maria Edgeworth

Emblems of the Infinite King

With imagery and storytelling, Emblems of the Infinite King takes children on a journey to discover who God is and why he made them. Designed for children ages ten and older, this book invites them to learn about God's living word. The book explores themes such as the nature of God's love, the power of faith, and the importance of understanding one's purpose in life. It delves into God's wisdom and compassion, encouraging children to build a personal relationship with their creator. Through engaging narratives, it emphasizes the significance of living a life guided by spiritual principles. Here is a breakdown of the book.

INTRODUCTION: The Gift of the Keys

1. The Throne Room Key: The Doctrine of God

2. The Dust Key: The Doctrine of Humanity

3. The Serpent Key: The Doctrine of Sin

4. The Tomb Key: The Doctrine of Christ

5. The Spirit Key: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

6. The Gavel Key: The Doctrine of Salvation

7. The Temple Key: The Doctrine of the Church

8. The Throne Key: The Doctrine of Last Things

CONCLUSION: Open the Scroll

Systematic Theology is defined as the orderly, rational, and coherent explanation of Christian doctrines. This book takes a narrative approach to telling the grand adventure of the most beautiful song ever written. Through the use of narrative style, complex doctrines are made more understandable for young readers. By using keys as symbolic elements, the story unfolds like a treasure map, where each key unlocks a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Each key in the story represents a fundamental aspect of Christian theology, offering children a tangible way to explore their faith. The Throne Room Key symbolizes God's sovereignty and majesty, inviting readers to contemplate His divine nature. The Dust Key reflects humanity's origin and purpose, encouraging children to ponder their own role in creation. Meanwhile, the Serpent Key illustrates the concept of sin, helping young readers understand the consequences of moral choices and the need for redemption.

I cannot end this review without mentioning Anthony Benedetto's amazing artwork. The artwork perfectly complements the narrative and helps to tell the story. As I flipped through the book, I found myself examining the artwork and reading the accompanying titles that helped to further explain and enrich each image. Anthony Benedetto's artwork is characterized by intricate details, bringing each scene to life with wonder and depth. The detail of the artwork creates a dynamic atmosphere that captures the essence of the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. The illustrations are both imaginative and profound, engaging young readers while providing visual cues that reinforce the book's themes. The artwork serves not only as a visual delight but also as a crucial element in shaping the reader's understanding of the story. Through vivid imagery and expressive details, each illustration provides context and depth, allowing readers to grasp the intricacies of the doctrines being explored. By visually interpreting the narrative, the artwork helps to bridge the gap between abstract theological concepts and tangible experiences, making the story more accessible and meaningful for young audiences.

Check out Emblems of the Infinite King at Crossway books. 

The Biggest Story Family Devotional

There are 104 kid-friendly devotions in The Biggest Story Family Devotional. In each devotional, you will find the following elements. Each devotion is titled and accompanied by a scripture reference. Afterwards, we'll look at the Big Picture. It summarizes important points from the scripture reading and shows the big picture. An animated video retelling is then available using a QR code. The animated video brings the stories to life, capturing young viewers' attention and making biblical narratives more engaging. It provides a visual and dynamic representation that helps children better understand and remember the themes discussed. By combining storytelling with animation, the video enhances the overall learning experience and reinforces the key messages of each devotional. There are five individual Bible readings and family discussion questions after each reading. The purpose of family discussion questions is to encourage meaningful conversations among family members about the themes and messages of each devotional. These questions stimulate critical thinking and personal reflection, allowing children and parents to explore their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. By discussing together, families can deepen their understanding of the scripture and strengthen their spiritual connections with one another. To wrap up the devotional, there is a Gospel Connection summary. An end-of-devotional prayer concludes the devotional.

The following is an example of a devotional.

These devotions provide families with an engaging way to explore faith together through stories and activities. They are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for children, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual values. Additionally, the devotional encourages meaningful conversations between parents and children, strengthening family bonds.