Toads and Diamonds: Lessons from a Fairy Tale
- Corrie Ann
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Some of the great life lessons come from fairy tales. Recently, one fairy tale has consumed my thoughts. It is not a grand epic with a hero on a journey. It is not a story about the prince finding the princess. It is a story that is simple enough for the youngest child to understand.
Once upon a time, there were two sisters. One was filled with good things in her heart and she showed kindness. The fairy enchanted every word she spoke so that flowers and pearls and diamonds fell from her lips. Her step-sister, however, treated the fairy with rudeness because she had filled her heart with selfishness and arrogance. The woman curses her with snakes and frogs coming out of her mouth every time she speaks. Get the full version HERE.
The question that has hounded me is: what am I filling up my mind with? That will come out when I am tired or am weary or irritated. Recently, I stopped to admire some beautiful homes as we were driving. My son said, "Why are you always looking at beauty all of the time?" If we fill our hearts and souls with beauty, then perhaps only the diamonds and pearls of beautiful, encouraging words or a friendly smile will come to the brim when irritations abound or fatigue sets in. While I do my share of "venting" and "complaining," I have found that most of the time, it never really changes things and doesn't make me the world around me really better. What changes the "mood of the moment" is sharing a story together or talking about ideas that help us make sense of the moment.
This is one reason why our Brandy Hall Bookshoppe community is so passionate about giving people things to talk about with each other that is about the real pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. There are two things we have to share that can help in building conversations with your family and friends.
Enjoy the fairy tale about the two sisters. Keep scrolling to get the full version below. Perhaps read it around the dinner table, bedtime, or your favorite place to sit and talk together!
Join our Friday Book Club as part of our FREE Members Only site where you can post and discuss things on a private blog. On Fridays at NOON we will meet and talk about the story of the week in person. Click the date below to REGISTER so you get your FREE pdf and Zoom link.
Whatever you do this week, may your soul be so full of good things that pearls and diamonds come out!
NEW BOOK!
"Miracles: A Preliminary Study"
C. S. Lewis uses the mind to explain the unexplainable, miracles in every day life.
This book is helpful for anyone who doubts miracles, believes in miracles, or who wants to understand more than just "by faith."
$4
NEW BOOK!
"The World's Great Letters"
M. Lincoln Schuster collects letters from famous people throughout history, such as letters between Alexander the Great and King Darius III, Agrippina, Nero's Mother pleads for her life, Christopher Columbus reports his impressions of America, Michelangelo negotiates terms with the Pope, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh bids farewell before he expects to be executed, etc.
This book is great for readers interested in history, people, and great stories across time.
$9
NEW BOOK:
"Bulfinch's Mythology"
Thomas Bulfinch explains myths from a wide variety of cultures. He shares the story, the meaning behind the story, and how the story informs literature and other public discussions.
This is a great book for anyone who wants to understand the stories behind modern stories and any student of great literature of all ages.
$50 with free shipping (selling on Abe Books for $65+shipping)
Starting on June 20th, we will be reading short fairy tales written by George MacDonald in the late 1800s. This book club will discuss stories that are easy to read but still have a lot to talk about for all ages of readers. We are starting with "A Giant's Heart." It is a short, easy read with deep thoughts like -
Should you always tell the truth?
If you could hide your heart anywhere, where would you hide it?
This is FREE of charge - Please register to get your Zoom link!
Enjoy your FREE copy of "Toads and Diamonds" - A family fairy tale from the classic Blue Fairy Book.
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