"Seems strange to see the daffodils and hyacinths blooming," I told my cousin last evening. "Everything is so normal outside. It's just inside where everything is crazy." Lorelle and I were on a walk together, which is still legal in our part of Pennsylvania. We kept a safe distance. (Being a stoic Mennonite makes some things easy.) We commiserated about libraries being shut down. Then Lorelle told me how her plans to volunteer overseas hadn't worked out. "Then the covonavirus … [Read more...] about A Springtime Like No Other Springtimes
Faith
Reprint: A Visit to the Umsiedler People
For my post this week, I decided to share an article I wrote in 2015 about a visit to Germany. I went there to attend the wedding of a friend, and learned about a church group with an interesting history. This article was published in 2015 in a magazine titled the Anabaptist Forum (reprinted with permission). It's written with history lovers in mind. If I was writing it again today, I might change a few things, but I decided simply to republish the original and insert some photos. A … [Read more...] about Reprint: A Visit to the Umsiedler People
Seashine Pictures
While looking up the word seashore, I found a new word by accident: seashine. According to Merriam-Webster, seashine means "the shine of the sea, especially the light reflected off the sea." I'm going to Florida for the first time in a few days, where we hope to enjoy both sunshine and seashine at the seashore. Thinking about going there inspired me to share some of my sea pictures in a blog post with you all. (Plus, I really don't have time to write a long post this week!) Except for … [Read more...] about Seashine Pictures
Teaching Zacchaeus, Reading Tactics, and Reflections
"Do you love money?" Jasper asked me as I tucked a dollar bill into my bag— the same dollar he had asked me for a few seconds earlier. Children's questions can put you in an awkward spot. This happened just last Thursday. I was substituting for another teacher in a kids' Bible club that I used to help with weekly. When I was a regular volunteer, I would sometimes teach Bible stories and object lessons, or keep things organized with the children. Last year, I decided it was time to move … [Read more...] about Teaching Zacchaeus, Reading Tactics, and Reflections
Christmas Caroling in Washington, D.C.
"We're looking for individuals willing to make a joyful noise " reads the email written by a pastor in Baltimore. "...Here are a few more details and a list of songs for our 10th annual Washington Mennonite Chorus on December 15th." Wonder if we're going to sing the song that goes "There is no peace on earth ...For hate is strong and mocks the song, Of peace on earth, good will to men". But the line about anyone "willing to make a joyful noise" is enough for me, and so Sunday evening, … [Read more...] about Christmas Caroling in Washington, D.C.