Stop by to learn about the latest release from Susan Lantz Simpson, Lizzie's Heart. Read my review, and enter to win a print copy of the book. (US ONLY)
Showing posts with label #Amish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Amish. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
"The Farm Stand" by Amy Clipston ... and a GIVEAWAY!
Stop by to learn about this new release and enter to win one (1) of three (3) print copies (US ONLY). Click here.
Friday, April 24, 2020
"Pockets of Promise" by Laurie Stroup Smith ... and a GIVEAWAY! (blog tour)
I'm participating in the blog tour for Laurie Stroup Smith's debut novel, "Pockets of Promise." Stop on by to learn about the book, read my review, and enter the tour-wide giveaway!
Friday, March 20, 2020
First Line Friday
Happy Friday! It's time for First Line Friday, hosted by Hoarding Books.
It's time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today on First Line Friday, I'm featuring the latest release from The Crow's Call by Wanda E. Brunstetter.
And the first line is ...
An April wind's flurry sent swirls of dust into the air and across the yard.
About the book...
When Vernon King, his son, and son-in-law are involved in a terrible accident, three women are left to cope with their deaths, as they become the sole providers of the family they have left. The women's only income must come from the family greenhouse, but someone seems to be trying to force them out of business.
Amy King has just lost her father and brother, and her mother needs her to help run the family's greenhouse. It doesn't seem fair to ask her to leave a job she loves when there is still a sister and brother to help. But Sylvia is also grieving for her husband while left to raise two children, and Henry, just out of school, is saddled with all the jobs his father and older brother used to do. As Amy assumes her new role, she also asks Jared Riehl to put their courtship on hold. When things become even more stressful at the greenhouse, will Amy crumble under the pressure?
Let me know the first line of the book closest to you and then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating.
If you're a blogger or just a social media-er, we'd love for you to join us, too!
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
"The Amish Teacher's Dilemma" by Patricia Davids
Stop by my new site to learn about The Amish Teacher's Dilemma by Patricia Davids.
Friday, January 3, 2020
"Rosanna's Gift" by Susan Lantz Simpson ... and a GIVEAWAY!
Susan has agreed to give away a print copy of this book. (US ONLY)You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends January 10, 2020. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.)
The story behind the story...
I have
always been interested in the Amish and their way of life. I remember going to
the local Amish farmers’ market with my mother when I was very small. I was
totally fascinated even then.
Over the
years my interest increased, and I did a lot of reading and research. When
delving into my own family history, I discovered that, way back, my ancestors
might very well have been Plain. Maybe my interest was something innate!
I’ve written
stories ever since I could hold a pencil, and I remember talking to my mother
about writing an Amish story before any such books were ever on the market.
Those ideas must have been germinating over the years.
My work in
community health sometimes involves children in foster care. Some of our local
Mennonites serve as foster families; hence, the idea of having a Plain young
woman take on the care of an infant was born.
I have read
many Amish stories but never came across any set in Southern Maryland where we
have Amish and Mennonite communities. I wanted to set my novels (six previous
books in addition to Rosanna’s Gift) here in this very different, rural
location.
My goal in
all my writing is to entertain and to encourage. I want readers to enjoy my
stories, maybe pick up some new information, and take away a message of hope
along with the knowledge of God’s love. I pray I have accomplished these goals.
My review...
I’ve read and enjoyed books by this author in the past, and
this one was no exception. The cover is welcoming, and it’s a great match for
the story.
Rosanna is a strong heroine, and I found the secondary
characters to be well-developed, as well. Emma was enjoyable. She’s Rosanna’s
best friend, and she does what everyone needs from a friend: provides honest
insight, along with some laughter. Rosanna’s family, particularly her brothers
and sisters, had realistic interactions. The author has a way with words that
makes the reader feel a true part of the story. Through her characters, she
also demonstrates that people are the same in many ways, whether Amish or Englisch.
And it was hard not to love Mollie!
The prose is beautiful, and the pace is mostly steady throughout.
There were a few lulls in the story, but things balanced out overall. Relationships
develop at a realistic pace. A key theme is trusting that God knows best, even
when His timing is different than our own.
“ The Lord Gott’s plan might be totally different from
ours, but you can be sure He has a plan for you.”
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t
required to leave a positive review.
About Susan...
Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing
stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She
has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten
others. Her love of words and books led her to earn a degree in
English/Education. She has taught students from Prekindergarten to high school
and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a
degree in nursing and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She
writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle-grade
novel (Ginger and the Bully) in
addition to her inspirational romances. She was a finalist in the OCW Cascade
fiction contest. She lives in Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful
daughters. She is a member of ACFW and Maryland Christian Writers Group. When
she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.
Where to find Susan online...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sunday, September 15, 2019
"An Amish Christmas Bakery" by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin
This charming novella collection is just in time for the upcoming holiday season. It releases on October 1, 2019. You can get your copy here.
Q & A with Amy Clipston...
Q: Congrats on the new novella collection. I've read it and really enjoyed it. Since this novella is one in which Alyssa works in a bakery, what's a baked good that just has to be in your house at Christmas?
A: My mom and I like to make cookies and cheesecake. I also love her lemon pound cake. Yum!
Q: All of those sound really yummy! In your story, "Cookies and Cheer," Alyssa came up with an incredible idea for a display. Have you ever seen a display like hers?
A: My mom and I brainstormed Christmas story ideas, and together we came up with the bakery display. I hope readers enjoy reading about it as much as I enjoyed writing about it.
Q: Did any of your own Christmas traditions get written into this novella?
A: The only tradition I included was writing Christmas cards, which the Amish do. I love to send out Christmas cards every year. Lately, I have ordered cards with cats on them. What a surprise, right? I send them out to friends and family members, and I always include a family photo that we had taken that year, along with the boys' school photos. I already have decided what photo to include in this year's card.
Q: We send out cards. It's fun to receive them. One final question. Do you have a favorite Christmas movie that you make sure to watch every year?
A: Yes! We always watch "Die Hard" (the first one, of course). It's been a tradition for many years. It was one of my father's favorite movies, and it always brings back happy memories. In fact, my son Matt and I pretty much know the lines by heart, and we like to quote them during the movie. (I'm sure that's annoying to the other watchers!)
Thanks so much for stopping by, Amy. I'm sure my readers will enjoy learning a bit more about your and the novella.
My review...
This is a charming novella collection, perfect for the upcoming holiday season. (I read this in the middle of summer, and it was a welcome, though brief, reprieve from the summer heat and humidity.) All four authors are well-known in Christian fiction for creating strong characters, charming settings, and heartwarming scenes, and this collection is no exception. All of the stories are wonderfully detailed, and the authors do a great job of making the reader feel a part of the story. The stories help the reader remember the true reason for the season. I enjoyed the discussion questions, as well, which would make this a nice book to use for a book club. If you're looking for a book that's a sweet, quick read and easy to fit into a busy schedule, this is one to check out.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Be sure to check out the Facebook party!
Thursday, September 12, 2019
"The Amish Christmas Matchmaker" by Vannetta Chapman ... and a GIVEAWAY! (JustReads blog tour)
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Amish Christmas Matchmaker by Vannetta Chapman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Amish Christmas Matchmaker
Series: Indiana Amish Brides #4
Author: Vannetta Chapman
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: September 1, 2019
Genre: Inspirational Amish Fiction
She’ll find him a wife for Christmas…
Which of these Indiana Amish Brides is next?
With her wedding business thriving, Annie Kauffmann could never leave her beloved Amish community.
So when handsome Amish cowboy Levi Lapp tries to convince her father to move the family to Texas, she must put a stop to it.
If Annie finds Levi a wife, he might forget his dream of moving…but can she keep from falling for him herself?
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook
EXCERPT
Annie stepped into the coolness of the house.
Though it was September, the temperatures had remained warm, and the cool living
room was a relief after her bike ride from town. Her father and Levi Lapp were
in the kitchen, which would work perfectly. She straightened her apron, made
sure her kapp
wasn’t askew and walked into the kitchen as if she had no idea she was interrupting.
She aimed for a casual stride but stumbled when
she spied the man in a cowboy hat. A cowboy hat? She shook her head as if that
would clear up what she was seeing.
“Annie. I’m glad you’re home. I want you to meet
Levi…Levi Lapp.”
“Hello.”
Levi tipped the cowboy hat, revealing blond hair
that curled at his collar. “Howdy, ma’am.”
Howdy, ma’am?
Had she fallen asleep and landed in a Western? “I’m
Annie.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“And you, as well. I was just fetching two glasses
of lemonade. Don’t let me interrupt…”
“Levi’s from Pennsylvania—the Lancaster Plain
community.”
“Ya? I imagine
it’s cooler there.” She didn’t care about the weather in Pennsylvania, but she
couldn’t exactly ask about the hat.
“It was cooler when I left. Now Texas, where I
plan to go, it’s still much warmer. They have days in the 80s right through
November.”
“Texas?” Annie had pulled two glasses from the
cabinet. At the mention of Texas she turned toward Levi, holding the glasses
and trying to remember what she was going to do with them.
He wasn’t ugly exactly, only odd looking because of
the hat. He seemed to be tall and on the thin side, had a healthy tan and broad
shoulders. His blue eyes twinkled as if he understood her confusion and was
enjoying it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CONNECT WITH VANNETTA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a copy of The Amish Christmas Matchmaker (print or digital), a quilted Amish mug mat, a woven Amish mug mat, and $10 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule on this tour shown below. Giveaway begins at midnight September 9, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 16, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid.
For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
"The Tinderbox" by Beverly Lewis ... and a GIVEAWAY!
To celebrate the release of Beverly's latest book, her publisher has agreed to give away a print copy of the book (US only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends June 20, 2019). If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and and pass your information along. Good luck!
Q: More than two decades have passed since your first Amish novel, The Shunning, was published, establishing what became an extraordinarily popular new genre of fiction. What have the years since taught you?
A: Creating stories set in Amish country has been such a source of delight! This journey has taught me the importance of meticulous research and shown me just how universal some subjects truly are—love and loss, the need for hope, friendship, faith, and family. My constant prayer as a writer is to lift the spirit and stir the heart. I think this approach allows readers from all walks of life to relate to my Plain characters, however cloistered and unalike they may initially seem.
Q: The Tinderbox is your newest novel. Tell us a bit about it.
A: With her parents’ twentieth anniversary approaching, eighteen-year-old Sylvia Miller finds her father’s cherished brass tinderbox left unlocked. Against her better judgment, she opens the heirloom, not realizing that what she is about to discover will alter everything for her close-knit Old Order Amish family. As a long-kept secret emerges into the light of day, can the Millers find a way forward through the turmoil to a place of forgiveness?
A: At its core, The Tinderbox is a story about a secret that should never have been kept, and the damage done when the truth finally comes out. The importance of honesty and trustworthiness cannot be overstated—they’re foundational to every relationship, and ignoring that can bring a world of hurt to others. Fortunately, God’s grace and forgiveness provide a means of restoration, but it may take time and patience before we see the healing we hope for, and even then, it might not look like what we envisioned. God always has a better plan!
Q. With your fondness for writing, you must have another new project in the works right now. Can you reveal anything about that?
A: The Miller family’s story will continue in The Timepiece, which releases in September 2019. As the only daughter, Sylvia has always held a special place in her Old Order family, one Adeline Pelham jeopardizes when she shows up at the Millers’ Hickory Hollow farm. It isn’t that Adeline means to be a threat, but her very existence is a reminder of the painful secret that has so recently upended the Miller household. And with Sylvia and her mother still struggling to come to terms with that news, this is a challenging time to welcome an outsider—especially this outsider—into their midst. Can God allow something good to come out of the mistakes of the past? Or does Adeline’s arrival mark one too many surprises for the Millers and their Amish community?
Q: Over the many years of your successful writing career, your books have been fixtures on bestseller lists like the New York Times, and to date you have been published in twelve languages. How do you explain the widespread appeal of your fiction?
A: Honestly, only God could have orchestrated all I’ve experienced as a writer. I’m a storyteller at heart, and there are no words to express how touched I am by the opportunity to hear from so many lovely people from around the world. It’s a blessing to have such dedicated reader-friends!
Q: Is there an easy way to keep up-to-date on your current news?
A: There are many great ways for me to stay in touch with my delightful reader-friends! Readers can visit my Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/officialbeverlylewis, or my website, beverlylewis.com, to sign up for my free newsletter. The website also includes book excerpts and trailers, photo galleries, my monthly blog, authentic Amish recipes, and news about upcoming appearances, in particular my Spring 2019 Book Tour, which will take me to library and bookstore events throughout northern Illinois and Wisconsin, April 4 through 11. Touring is always a highlight for me because it gives me an opportunity to meet so many wonderful readers!
My review...
I’ve been a fan of Lewis’s books for years, so I’m always excited
to see she has an upcoming release.
Sylvia Miller decides to peek at her father’s tinderbox’s,
the contents of which her father has kept locked up for years. She had no idea
that doing so would unlock her father’s past and secrets two decades old that
would change her family and her relationship with her father forever.
This book takes the reader through a variety of emotions as
the family and community come to terms with the fact that all they knew to be
true isn’t as it seemed. Yet, through it all, the family’s faith in God and His
promises doesn’t waver. The characters and struggles are realistically drawn.
And the ending provides a cliffhanger that will leave the reader eagerly awaiting
the sequel, The Timepiece, which,
thankfully, comes out in September 2019.
Disclaimer: I received
a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a
positive review.
Amazon purchase link
About Beverly...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Beverly...
Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 11 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spending time with their family You can learn more at http://www.beverlylewis.com/
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Takeover Thursday with Molly Jebber ... and a GIVEAWAY!
Molly is here to share a bit about her latest release, Ellie's Redemption. She has offered to give away a hard copy (US ONLY) of the book. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends February 14, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.) Here's Laurie...
Isn’t it the best to call a friend and chat? I
treasure my friends. My favorite thing about writing is the wonderful readers
I meet through signings, my speaking engagements, and social media through
chats and sharing tidbits about each other. It’s a blessing to meet and have
friends to share with around the world. We trust our best friends. We cry,
laugh, tease, talk, and share our hearts with them. Then we have friends we may
not visit due to distance, but you can pick up right where you left off the minute
you see them. I’m sure you can relate. I’ve made friends with many of you I may
never meet, but I smile when I see your name on Facebook. I feel like we’ve met because of all the
times we’ve posted back and forth and learned so much about each other.
In Ellie, you’ll enjoy how she teases and interacts
with her friends. She’s a strong young woman with flaws, she’s made mistakes,
and she struggles to not express her opinion without a filter, but you love
her. She’s fun, has a big heart, and she’s determined to find love.
It was great fun to write about a bakery filled with
cinnamon-scented air, homemade breads, cakes, cookies, and pies. I got hungry
writing it, and I may have gained a pound or two along the way. When I’d write cinnamon roll or butterscotch
pie, I’d dream about them!
I toured an Amish home, and at the end, Leah had a
long table filled with oatmeal, snickerdoodle, sugar, and molasses cookies. I
had to take one of each. My husband and I devoured those by the end of the day.
The Amish create recipes and make the best food. I’ve provided recipes in the
back of my books for you I enjoy.
When I visit Amish communities, I never tire of the
horses pulling the buggies. I’m amazed at the detail in their quilts and
bonnets and many other dry goods. I’ve learned so much about baking, cooking,
cleaning tips, and more from them. Charm, Ohio captured my heart. I loved this
town. I had to write about it. I hope you’ll enjoy this story as it takes you
to Charm and into Ellie’s life.
Visit my website and see where I’ll be speaking. I’d
love to meet you in person or visit Facebook and keep in touch and enter
contests. Thank you, Leslie, for having me visit here today!!
Ellie’s Redemption blurb:
The comforting aroma of fresh baked-and-buttered bread. The hearty spice of cinnamon-oatmeal bars and hot coffee. In 1912 Ohio, The Amish Charm Bakers is the sweet sustaining center of a faith-abiding town built on peace, forgiveness--and ever-surprising love...
Ellie Graber couldn't be happier working at Amish Charm--and making good on a precious chance to reunite with her Amish community. Grief over her mother's death made her rebel and try the Englisher world, but now she's home to start again. And quiet, thoughtful Joel Wenger is one of the few willing to understand her as their unexpected friendship develops into something much more...
But no matter how hard Ellie tries, Joel's mother resolutely refuses to approve of her--much less accept her as a potential daughter-in-law. And as painful misunderstandings and a beautiful rival for Joel's affections threaten to separate the couple for good, can they bridge the gap between distrust and faith to secure a lifetime of love?
My review...
This is the second book in the “Amish Charm Bakery” series,
though it could be read as a standalone.
Ellie cares for Joel but she must deal with his mother, who
believes the rumors she hears through the Amish grapevine about Ellie. Will his
mother succeed in keeping the young couple apart?
It’s easy to root for and connect with Ellie. This is a
sweet romance with well-developed characters. Themes of forgiveness and faith
are evident. A yummy oatmeal cookie recipe, as well as a Dutch/German glossary,
is included. Jebber’s writing draws the reader in to her
stores, making them feel a part of the community. This is a great addition to a charming series, and I look forward to reading the next installment. Fans of Amish fiction will
want to check out this book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t
required to leave a positive review.
About Molly...
Molly Jebber is an award-winning
author of Amish Historical Romance. Her latest book, ELLIE’S REDEMPTION, is the
second book in her Amish Charm Bakery Series and releases January 29, 2019. Molly’s
books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, featured in
video on Naples News and Romantic Times. Her books have received widespread
media attention throughout the US. She’s a touring speaker for Women’s
Christian Connection, other women’s organizations, and she offers presentations
on writing and the Amish. She says the most rewarding part about writing
stories is meeting wonderful readers who become friends through social media
and at her speaking events. Please visit her website: http://www.mollyjebber.com for a
full list of her books (and options stores to buy them), speaking events and
recipes.
She loves God, her family, and friends. She says yes to
swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to
coconut, onions, and skydiving!
Where you can find Molly online...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sunday, February 3, 2019
"The Forgiving Jar" by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Back cover copy...
What would happen if you found out someone has been impersonating you?
Sara Murray has never met her mother's parents and was surprised to learn after her death that they were Amish living in Pennsylvania. When she is finally able to make the trip to meet them, she is shocked to learn someone else has been living with them and pretending to be Sara. Sara can't understand how quickly her grandparents are willing to forgive the impostor.
Secrets and deceit seem to follow Sara, and she is so tired of it. Though soon she meets Brad Fuller who is visiting her grandparents during Christmas; even he sees to pull away from her, not being totally honest.
Struggling, Sara finds an old canning jar hidden in the barn that is full of encouraging prayers. Can Sara find a way to forgive the past and move on to building new relationships?
My review...
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, so I was
excited to read this one, and I found it to be just as enjoyable.
The story continues to follow Michelle and Sara, who’s now
returned to stay with her grandparents. Therefore, it would be quite helpful to
read the books in order. Characters are realistic, though Sara does come across
as a bit annoying at times with her tendency to hold on to her jealousy and
anger. I enjoyed watching each girl go through struggles and insecurities on
their way to becoming who God designed them to be. There is a bit of romance along
the way. While there were a couple twists, some parts were a bit predictable. However,
it was a sweet, relatively quick read overall. I look forward to reading the
next book in the series.
On another note, I’m looking forward to trying the two
included recipes (Sara’s Pumpkin Bread and Mary Ruth’s Turkey Vegetable Soup.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t
required to leave a positive review.
Saturday, October 20, 2018
"A Gathering of Sisters" by Darla Weaver (Read with Audra blog tour)
An
interview with Darla Weaver,
Author
of Gathering of Sisters
Once a week Darla Weaver hitches
up her spirited mare, bundles her children into the buggy, and drives six miles
to the farm where she grew up. There she gathers with her four sisters and
their children for a day with their mother. In Gathering of Sisters: A Year with My Old Order Mennonite Family (Herald
Press), Weaver writes about her horse-and-buggy Mennonite family and the weekly
women’s gatherings that keep them connected. On warm days, the children play
and fish and build houses of hay in the barn. In the winter, everyone stays
close to the woodstove, with puzzles and games and crocheting. No matter the
weather, the Tuesday get-togethers of this Old Order Mennonite family keep them
grounded and centered in their love for God and for each other, even when
raising an occasional loving but knowing eyebrow at each other.
The rest of the week is full of
laundry, and errands, and work that never ends. But Tuesday is about being
sisters, daughters, and mothers.
There were five of us sisters, growing up together with our
four little brothers in the white farmhouse our parents built. The nine of us
kept this five-bedroom house brimming with life, and crowded with both
happiness and some inevitable sadness. We did a lot of living and a lot of
learning in that house.
And then we all grew up.
I was the first to leave. On a warm and sunshiny day in
September 2000, after the leaves on the lofty silver maples had faded from
summer-green and before they wore brightly flaming autumn shades, I was married
to Laverne Weaver. It was the first wedding in that mellowing white house we
all called home. Four more were to follow in the next several years. Except for
my youngest brother, we’ve all left home. Most of us live close, but one
brother lives in Alaska.
Q: Why did
you decide to make an effort to get together once a week?
That left
Tuesdays. Tuesday really was the perfect in-between sort of day to spend with
Mom and my sisters. On Tuesday the five us sisters still come home. We pack up
the children—all eighteen of them during summer vacation—and head to the farm.
We go
early. I drive my spirited little mare, Charlotte, and she trots briskly along
the six miles of winding country roads. Regina and Ida Mae live much closer.
They married brothers, and their homes are directly across the fields from Dad
and Mom’s farm. They usually bike, with children’s noses pressed against the
bright mesh of the carts they tow behind their bicycles. Or they walk, pushing
strollers over the back fields and up the lane. And Emily and Amanda, who also
married brothers and live in neighboring houses about five miles away, come
together with everyone crammed into one carriage.
Q: Do all
the kids enjoy Tuesdays as well?
The children love Tuesdays. On warm days they play on the slide
and the swings in the cool shade of the silver maples, jump on the trampoline,
run through their grandpa’s three greenhouses, ride along on the wagon going to
the fields where produce by the bushels and bins is hauled to the packing shed.
They build hay houses in the barn and explore the creek. The boys take poles
and hooks and bait and spend hours fishing and playing in the small creek that
flows beneath the lane and through the thickets beside the pasture fence. They
catch dozens of tiny blue gills and northern creek chubbs, most of which they
release back into the water hole, a deep pool that yawns at the mouth of a
large culvert, to be caught again next week. They work too, at mowing lawn,
raking, lugging flower pots around, or anything else that Grandma needs them to
do, but most often Tuesdays on Grandpa’s farm are play days.
Q: What do
you do when you are all gathered together?
Every day
is different, yet every Tuesday follows a predictable pattern that varies with
the seasons. Winter finds us inside, close to the
warmth humming from the woodstove, absorbed in wintertime pursuits which
include card-making, crocheting, sewing, puzzles—jigsaw, crossword, sudoku—and
reading books and magazines. But as soon as spring colors the buds of the
maples with a reddish tinge, we spend more time outside. The greenhouses are
loaded with plants, the flowerbeds full of unfurling perennials, and the grass
is greening in the yard again.
In summer, while the garden and fields burst with produce,
the breezy shade of the front porch calls. It wraps around two sides of the
house and is full of Mom’s potted plants and porch furniture. We sit there to
shell peas, husk corn, or just sip a cold drink and cool off after a warm
stroll through the flowers.
Then autumn echoes through the country, the leaves flame and
fall, and we rake them up—millions of leaves. Where we rake one Tuesday is
covered again by the next, until at last the towering maples stand disrobed of
leaves, their amazing seventy-foot branches a wavering fretwork against a sky
that is sullen with winter once more.
Now
onto some frequently asked questions about life in Mennonite communities.
Q: What does
daily life look like for a Mennonite?
In some ways being a Mennonite is not so different from
being anyone else. We have one life to live, we work to make a living, take
care of our families, make time for the things we enjoy, eat, sleep, pay our
bills and taxes. Some days are better than others as for anyone else.
In other ways it’s vastly different from the culture around
us. Partly in the conservative way we live; perhaps even more in the way we
look at life.
The most important goals for most of us are: Faith in God
and in his Son who died on the cross for sinners; growing into a closer walk
with him; learning to love, serve, and obey his commandments. These beliefs
help shape our lives as we grow older.
Old Order Mennonite life is family-oriented. It centers
around our church, our families, our schools and neighborhoods. It has been
said, “Destroy the home and you destroy the nation,” which has been proved true
in various eras of history. God’s plan for one husband and one wife, working
together to care for their children, is a most important foundation for our
lifestyle.
But, of course, we are far from perfect. Although the
majority of us strive to live lives that demonstrate a faith and love and
steadfastness rooted deep in God and his word—the Bible—we make plenty of
mistakes too. Stumbling and falling and getting up to try again, praying that
God will help us do better tomorrow, is a part of life, too.
Q: Do Old
Order Mennonites believe in the new birth?
Of course. We believe the Bible truth: “Except a man be born
again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
It is when one believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God
that God’s Spirit comes into one’s heart. It is by repenting of and turning
away from our sins that they can be forgiven. It is by faith in God’s power,
and asking in prayer, help us break away from sin’s strongholds. And it is
because of that new birth that we desire to live a life that God can bless and
sanctify.
But those who grow up in Christian homes may not always be
able to pinpoint a certain day or year when their new birth occurred. To say,
“When were you born again?” is a little like asking, “When did you grow up?”
Sometimes there is a specific date to remember. Just as often there isn’t,
because we grew so gradually into the awareness of our need for a personal
Savior.
Was there ever a time I didn’t know and believe that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God who came to die for my sins? If so, I can’t remember
it. I did have to come to the place where I was willing to accept that for
myself, acknowledge all the sin in my life, and turn to God for help and
forgiveness. That day came, gradually. When I asked Christ into my heart to be
Ruler there, it led to more years of growing up, and into what it means to be
one of his disciples.
When I was born physically I still had much to learn. When I
was born again spiritually I had just as much to learn about living a
Christ-centered life. I’m still learning about it. I imagine I’ll be learning
more for as long as I live.
Q: What
could a visitor expect at one of your church services?
Church services last around 2 to 2 ½ hours and are in the
Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, although the Bible reading is done in German. They begin
with everyone singing together. One of the ministers then has a short sermon,
which is followed by silent prayer. Then a second minister explains a chapter
from the New Testament, or part of a chapter that he had selected and studied
previously. Services are closed with an audible prayer, more singing, and the
benediction.
It’s a special time of singing, praying, and worshiping God
together with our congregation, and is full of encouragement and inspiration.
Q: Throughout
most of the country, we would find most businesses open at least part of the
day on Sunday. Would we find any businesses in your community open on Sunday?
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt
though labour and do all thy work” (Exodus 20:8-9).
When Sunday comes around, those of us who own businesses do
close them, and most of our work is put aside. Sunday is kept as a day to go to
church to worship God, then spend it socializing with family and friends. It is
a day to get together for meals, visit families who have a new baby, or just
relax at home.
Sometimes when it’s warm we go fishing or hiking at nearby
state parks or in our own woods. Sometimes we go on picnics or visit the
neighbors. In the evening, the youth group gathers at one of their homes to
play volleyball, sing and eat.
Sunday is set aside for worship, rest, and family time. It’s
refreshing, both spiritually and physically, to have one day each week reserved
for that. Work almost always waits. Worshiping God is first priority, then
being with family.
Q: What kind
of activities are your youth groups involved in?
Most of the young people are part of a structured youth
group that gathers each Sunday evening in one of their homes. If it’s warm they
play volleyball before singing hymns. A snack is served, unless everyone is
invited for supper, then an entire meal is served. This can be quite an
undertaking for the hostess, depending on the size of the group.
While Sunday evening gatherings are a regular thing, there
are sometimes “work bees” during the week, when they get together to help
someone who needs it. They might go to sing at a nursing home, go skating in
winter, fishing in summer, or other upbuilding activities.
The majority of the young people are a part of this group
and are dedicated to serving God. However, the upper teen years can be hard
whether you’re Mennonite or not, and there are always some who drift away and
choose not to live as part of our culture.
Q: Can you
tell us about your private schools?
Parochial schools are a vital part of our neighborhoods.
Three men serve as the school board for each one, and they are in charge of
hiring teachers, handling the financial part of running a school, upkeep of the
building, and any other need that comes up. They serve in three-year terms and
are up for one re-election at the regular yearly community meeting where all
directors and trustees for various things are selected.
Most schoolhouses have two classrooms and two teachers. The
number of children attending each one varies greatly. Parents pay a yearly
tuition which covers the teachers’ pay, books and supplies, and building
repairs.
Most children start first grade in September after their
sixth birthday. They graduate after completing eighth grade.
Each school day starts with a Bible story, reciting the
Lord’s prayer together and singing. Lessons include, but are not limited to,
reading, writing, math, spelling, English, vocabulary, history, geography, some
science and nature study. Curriculum varies a little from school to school and
from one area to the next, but these are the basics.
My review...
Weaver gives the reader an inside look at her family, and
the Plain (Old Order Mennonite) lifestyle, in her latest release. She shares
the time she spent gathering with her sisters on Tuesdays, with each chapter
depicting a different month. The stories are easy to visualize, allowing the
reader to feel a part of the community/family. It’s easy to see that people, in
general, are more alike than they are different. Some parts feel a bit
disjointed, but for someone wanting to learn more about the followers of this
religion, it is informative. Bible verses and even some recipes are included.
(I look forward to trying the German Pizza, page 145, Mock Ham Balls, page 247,
and Walnut Frosties, page 254). There is a section entitled “A Day in the Life
of the Author” which is very information, as is the Appendix, where the author
provides some FAQs about the Old Order Mennonites.
Disclaimer: I received
a complimentary copy as part of the Read with Audra blog tour/from the publisher. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
About the Author
Darla
Weaver is a homemaker,
gardener, writer and Old Order Mennonite living in the hills of southern Ohio.
She is the author of Water My Soul, Many Lighted Windows and Gathering of Sisters. Weaver has written for Family Life, Ladies Journal, Young Companion, and other magazines for Amish and Old Order Mennonite
groups. Before her three children were born she also taught school. Her hobbies
are gardening and writing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)