We were talking about talking animals, the type that talk in Narnia. To think that a horse or a fawn or a messianic lion for that matter would not only have a mind of its own, but actually express it in one way or another is something that speaks to the child in us, or, at […]
If you could ask the Master anything, but anything … Read More »
(The UCU Standard – Friday, November 1, 2013)
MUKONO, UGANDA ✦ Suicide is a shabby and shameful business, something that nice people don’t get mixed up in, yet here they are, two suicides in our university family, two young people who in separate incidents have left us with nothing but a disturbing ‘good-bye.’
The Light of the World in the darkness of hell Read More »
Friends can be funny. Just when you think you know the sort of friend that is best for your kids, along comes someone unexpected in a clown outfit. I’m thinking of Moses, the sort of character I’ll have to help you imagine. Think leaning back, way back, on his hot-rod chopper, so far back that
Motorcycle Man is one cool friend Read More »
It was late and I was at Liz’s bedside. It was dark. A quiet moment. Her eyes were more closed than open, but she noticed me. ‘Why did you come back?’ she asked. ‘To give you the blessing,’ I said. And I did, the one that I say most nights to the three kids, one
How to bless (and curse) the children Read More »
‘Daddy, Daddy!’ It’s Jon. He’s really excited. He’s harvested his potatoes. ‘Look at this one. It’s as big as the ones you see on the shelves in the store!’ He stands at the edge of his garden and holds up a potato. I wouldn’t say it’s huge. But it’s not small either. Not like the
Jon, my son, Mister Potato Head Read More »
It was early morning and you were crying. We were all in a mad rash heading out the door for school. ‘What’s the matter?’ I asked. ‘I’m not telling you,’ you said. And I thought that was fine, either way, telling me or not. Some things aren’t always meant to be shared at moment’s notice. But my dear Liz, just
Almighty Dad and our tears in his bottle Read More »
The pressure is on for me to tell Hannah, our youngest, about the Birds and the Bees. It all started with Sexy Lady. No, Justin Bieber. Okay, all I can remember is Jon, in his eloquence and wisdom, was talking about the difference between women and ladies. This is how the discussion goes on the drive home
Women, ladies and Sexy Lady. Hannah, don’t ask. Read More »
It’s bedtime. The issue of Catholics and Protestants comes up, like we just dropped into the 16th century. That moves to Mennonites. The kids want to know what Mennonites are all about. We have a Mennonite name and heritage. (You know Friese, Frieselandt, Froese etc.) I figure it’s a good time to share some family pride (in
We’re Mennonite. Which way to Switzerland? Read More »
