Have you heard of the Pennsylvania Walking Purchase? I have lived in Pennsylvania nearly my entire life, and I took PA History in high school. I do not remember hearing about the Walking Purchase before this week, when a question came to mind, “How was Pennsylvania land obtained by the English?” I searched that questionContinue reading “The Walking Purchase (aka how indigenous peoples were cheated out of land that became Pennsylvania) and the Third Sabbath – Jubilee, Part 2”
Tag Archives: god
A fitting inscription on the Liberty Bell, but from a “strange” book of the Bible – Jubilee, Part 1
Have you ever visited the Liberty Bell? I have visited the Liberty Bell at least a couple times, but I could not have told you until this week that the bell has an inscription. The thing that I remember the most about the bell is that it was cast by bell makers named Pass andContinue reading “A fitting inscription on the Liberty Bell, but from a “strange” book of the Bible – Jubilee, Part 1″
The conflicted history of American freedom – Jubilee, Preview
What one word comes to mind when you think of the United States of America? As I consider the past 250+ years since our nation’s founding, I propose that the one word that most defines our national project is “freedom.” Consider this famous line from one of our nation’s most important founding documents, the DeclarationContinue reading “The conflicted history of American freedom – Jubilee, Preview”
A few ideas for applying the principle of sabbath, without legalism – Rest & Sabbath, Part 5
This week, I’ve been blogging about sabbath. While the New Testament does not teach that Sunday is the new sabbath day, Jesus teaches the sabbath principle for us in Matthew 11, verses 28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you andContinue reading “A few ideas for applying the principle of sabbath, without legalism – Rest & Sabbath, Part 5”
The joy of giving your business and phone a regular break – Rest & Sabbath, Part 4
This past week I met friends for dinner. They live two hours away, were in town, so we met up for dinner on Tuesday night. We picked out a restaurant that we all liked. A couple hours before we were to meet, I got a text from them saying that they just looked up theContinue reading “The joy of giving your business and phone a regular break – Rest & Sabbath, Part 4”
The gift of sabbath is sometimes very difficult to receive – Rest & Sabbath, Part 3
If you are used to working hard and putting food on your table by working hard, then it can be very difficult to learn to rest. I am not just talking about ancient Israel. I’m talking about American life now. Especially in cultures like the one I live in, Lancaster County. We are work-oriented. Generally-speaking,Continue reading “The gift of sabbath is sometimes very difficult to receive – Rest & Sabbath, Part 3”
What do we do when we come to the end ourselves? – Rest & Sabbath, Part 2
I was outside this past weekend splitting firewood, and a very uncomfortable feeling came over me. The feeling was one part sick in the stomach and another part unsteadiness. I was afraid I was going to faint. I walked inside my house to get a drink of water, closed my eyes, and I saw aContinue reading “What do we do when we come to the end ourselves? – Rest & Sabbath, Part 2”
Playing sports on Sundays, and hunting, is now legal in PA – Rest & Sabbath, Part 1
The headline reads, “Bill that would end Sunday ban on football and baseball passes Pa. House.” Take a guess at what year that headline was published. Believe it or not, 2022. The article goes on to report, “The state House passed a bill Monday [September 19, 2022] that would repeal a…law that makes it illegalContinue reading “Playing sports on Sundays, and hunting, is now legal in PA – Rest & Sabbath, Part 1”
My Amish neighbors and their nonstop leaf blowing – Sabbath, Preview
My Amish neighbors are out there with their loud leaf blower at all hours of the day, blowing every speck of rubbish. Nearly every day. And their blower is loud. Why? They absolutely do not need to do that. Yet they do. I love Lancaster County where I’ve lived all my life. But I haveContinue reading “My Amish neighbors and their nonstop leaf blowing – Sabbath, Preview”
The second movement to bring peace – Jesus’ love and peace, Part 5
As I’m typing this, my wife is at Refreshing Recreation. The program is an effort her organization started to provide a place for local families living in hotels to have a delicious meal and a gym for their kids to play sports and other games. Our school district has so many families living in localContinue reading “The second movement to bring peace – Jesus’ love and peace, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 