Photo by Elisabeth Wales on Unsplash At the advice of some readers following a recent post concerning anger, I've been delving into the book "Playful Parenting" by Lawrence J. Cohen this past week. One of the types of play he suggests is a simple role reversal, where the child gets to play at being the … Continue reading Role Reversal
Category: Relationships
Motherhood School
I had to write sentences yesterday. There was what felt like an epic battle of wills involving much screaming (that high-pitched kind), crying, refusing to cooperate, etcetera. And I just lost it. I am not proud of myself. I hit. I yelled. All while saying, "you need to calm down and control yourself." Ironic but … Continue reading Motherhood School
Looking Inward
It's the holiday season. No doubt about it with lights going up and Christmas music on the radio non-stop. Photo by Tim Bish on Unsplash I'm not complaining. This year, I'm ready for the cheer to last a good, long time. In fact, to break up the monotony of staying home most of the summer, … Continue reading Looking Inward
Death and Life
Only in the time of a global pandemic would we experience a funeral such as the one I write about here. The family had said good-bye and buried their beloved one morning in a small, private service. Friends were invited to visit the graveside in a "drive-through" memorial that same evening, keeping inside their vehicles, … Continue reading Death and Life
Blessed are the Holders
by Sherah-Leigh Gerber Blessed are the Holders Oh to be a child again To have lap to crawl into when the world overwhelms To have someone gently rub my back as I drift into sleep But I am the holder The lap and the back rubber Offering whispers of peace How about Legos? A … Continue reading Blessed are the Holders
Poem for a moment* (first draft)
Children paint at the kitchen table a rooster crows in the chicken shed the bathroom fan hums, and the wood stove cools front door slams open and shut boots stomping in and out on the urgent business of a childhood day I sit in front of this computer willing inspiration to set my fingers typing … Continue reading Poem for a moment* (first draft)
Guest Post: “Memory Stories”
Announcing our first guest post written by Aldine Musser! Aldine attends Crossroads Mennonite Church in Timberville, VA along with her husband Jim. She comes from a background in education and church ministry, currently serving as a conference minister for part of the Northern District of Virginia Mennonite Conference. Thanks for sharing these insights with us, … Continue reading Guest Post: “Memory Stories”
Pain and Beauty
As the days get longer, our family often spends the hour(s) after supper working, playing, and enjoying the outdoors. The heat of the sun becomes screened by the trees on the mountain to the west, and though it is not dark yet the air is much cooler and pleasanter. I was puttering about in my … Continue reading Pain and Beauty
Queen for a Day
We celebrated a birthday in our family recently. In the weeks and days leading up to it there was the usual discussion of what kind of cake the birthday child wanted, what we would have for dinner, any special activities we would do that day, etc. It ended up being a full day, with a … Continue reading Queen for a Day
Mennonite Women of Virginia 