This article was originally published through Convivium magazine. It's the time of year that green beer, Guinness and whiskey flow, bagpipe-filled parades line the streets and the Chicago River runs green. St. Patrick's Day has become an iconic celebration of the Irish country and culture. But while we don silly hats and pinch those who … Continue reading Seriously Celebrating St. Patrick
This article was originally published with Convivium Magazine. I've never observed Lent before. Sure, I've thought about it, considered it, made movement towards it, but never actually done it. I've often felt unsatisfied with the Easter season. As though my observance of it was lacking in something. Surely there can be no greater celebration … Continue reading Bringing Lent Home
This article was originally published by Convivium. If I were to have been one of the 12 disciples, I think I would've been James or John. It may seem arrogant to claim similarity to two of Jesus' closest disciples, but I have always resonated with the nickname he gave them: Sons of Thunder. It was … Continue reading The Real Zeal Deal
This article was originally published with Faith Counts. Hanukkah. Kwanza. Ramadan. Diwali. Christmas. Celebration is a core aspect of spirituality. The things we celebrate reveal a piece of who we are, a piece of what we value and believe in the most. Life requires celebration – times of joy and rest. The modern rituals surrounding … Continue reading The Spirituality of Celebration
This article was originally published with Convivium Magazine. O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Through quiet towns, spoken words and silent thoughts, a single prayer moved through the heart of a nation. Come, Emmanuel. Ransom your captive Israel. Ransom mourning, … Continue reading God With Us
This article was originally published with Convivium magazine. I distinctly remember as a very young child curling up in my pink Disney “Aristocats” pajamas while my mom read me the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I loved the story and I loved Snow White. I imagined living in a tiny cottage in … Continue reading Faith Over Fear
This article was originally published with Convivium Magazine. In my experience, the quieter you get, the louder things around you are. Have you ever noticed how many sounds swirl around us at any given moment? Right now I can hear the footsteps of our landlords above us, our favourite TV show playing in the … Continue reading Called Up By Silence
Faith, family and food. The holy trinity of Mennonite culture. And it all comes together once a year, in what can only be described as the social event of the season. It’s a weekend long, million dollar, global relief work fundraiser.The MCC Sale. It's the day you run into everyone you've ever known. The people … Continue reading A Future of 10,000 Villages
The sun blazed down with scorching heat the day I stood at the Wailing Wall. The slight breeze was a God send in the 40-degree weather, and my long layers of clothing felt stifling. I adjusted my scarf, ensuring my neckline was respectfully covered. My friend and I stood close, trying to engage individually … Continue reading Lament
Words are a funny thing, aren't they? They have incredible power, both to build up and to tear down. Through the centuries, words are often one of the few things that endure as a society rises and falls, grows and changes. I have always been fascinated by words. Great writers can take simple, ordinary words … Continue reading Reflections
