Recently someone sent me a letter, urging me to pray about the contents and think about changing my ways. "What in the world does this even mean?" I thought in bewilderment as I read the letter. It was full of Bible verses and vague interpretations. I had no idea what to make of it, other …
Category: Family and Friends
Being raised Amish-Mennonite, and what it taught me
Recently a friend asked if I would write about some of the good things I've experienced from my heritage. I thought about it for a while, because describing the Amish-Mennonite way of life is much more complicated than it may seem at first glance. Amish and Mennonite denominations have huge variations among their congregations. Even …
Continue reading Being raised Amish-Mennonite, and what it taught me
Writing, and better things
I'm slowly working on writing a post about being raised Amish Mennonite* and what it taught me. It's been an interesting subject to think about, especially after five years of living outside an Amish Mennonite community. Spoiler alert: I'm still very Amish-y. But writing is hard to get done these days, with a precious and …
Small Town Church
As our gray Ford Expedition pulled onto the road this morning, we caught a glimpse of our neighbor's blue Expedition speeding down a side street. "He's racing us!" Will said, laughing, finding his own shortcuts to take. We hurled down a back alley only to lose the race by a few seconds. But we all …
Giving Thanks
One of my favorite Thanksgiving songs has a verse in it that always grabs my heart. I thank Thee, too, that all our joy is touched with pain. That shadows fall on brightest hours, that thorns remain. So that earth's bliss may be our guide, and not our chain. -From My God I Thank Thee …
Why I Write
One of the best parts about blogging is the emails I receive from readers. I always feel honored to be allowed a peek into their hearts and lives. So many good friendships have been forged through these online connections. Occasionally I get feedback that could be helpful to improving the blog. One such email this …
The great grocery guilt monster
Have you ever noticed how women often talk about their grocery shopping and food preparation? Lady A is an expert at couponing, and tells glowing stories about getting a cart full of groceries and six bottles of Tide detergent for two dollars. Lady B talks about eating nothing but rice and beans and whatever she …
Deafness, and the goodness of God
The past few months have been so overwhelming I have found it almost impossible to write. I remember once reading that how women respond to the intensity of childbirth tends to be very much like they respond to other big events in their lives--some women feel the need to turn outward with their emotions and …
God’s ways
A few weeks ago, Will and I drove our family to Kentucky to see my parents. I forgot just how good it felt to be home, where the smell of my mother's fresh whole wheat bread welcomed us and wrapped around us comfortingly. I walked through my mother's garden with her, enjoying her presence and …
Why I don’t teach my children unquestioning obedience, Part 2 of 2
Mostly I avoid getting involved in discussions about parenting, because opinions are a dime a dozen although dearly held and too often used to hurt people. Parenting is the hardest job I've ever done, and one that unfortunately receives more judgment than grace from many. However, recently a friend emailed me about a child-training boot-camp …
Continue reading Why I don’t teach my children unquestioning obedience, Part 2 of 2
arabah rejoice 