by christydistler | Dec 17, 2017 | Advent Conspiracy
On this third Sunday of Advent, the premise we’re embracing is “Give More.” Of course, this may seem a bit contradictory after last week’s premise, “Spend Less.” I’m sure some of you are already wondering, “So how am I supposed to spend less but, at the same time,...
by christydistler | Dec 10, 2017 | Advent Conspiracy
Christmas is often associated with all the good things about it that come to mind: putting up the Christmas tree and decorating the house; eating delicious meals with family and friends; going Christmas caroling; baking holiday cookies; giving and receiving gifts; and...
by christydistler | Dec 3, 2017 | Advent Conspiracy
When we think about Christmas, we often think of gifts—tangible goods wrapped up in festive paper and shiny bows. We enjoy picking out the special somethings that will light up the faces of those we love, and we anticipate receiving gifts from our friends and family....
by christydistler | Nov 29, 2017 | Novel Ramblings
When most people think about worshiping God, they imagine singing—either hymns from hymnals or lyrics projected on a wall. But Colonial Friends (and many Friends even today) worship in silence, not praising the Lord with their lips but listening for His voice with...
by christydistler | Nov 8, 2017 | Faith and Grace
Advent begins on December 3. If you’re looking for a free Advent devotional to use individually or as a family, FaithGateway is offering access to the four-video Because of Bethlehem devotional by Max Lucado. You can register for it here, and you’ll also...
by christydistler | Aug 30, 2017 | Novel Ramblings
When most people hear the term plain people, they generally envision the Amish or conservative Mennonites. But other plain groups (those who dress modestly and with no unnecessary adornments) also exist. Today I’m talking about Quaker plain speech on Colonial...
by christydistler | May 31, 2017 | Novel Ramblings
The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation is a historical museum and working farm located in Ridley Creek State Park in Media (Delaware County), Pennsylvania. The plantation, which was a working farm continuously for over three hundred years, differs from many colonial...
by christydistler | Mar 29, 2017 | Novel Ramblings
Teach me the measure of my days, Thou Maker of my frame; I would survey life’s narrow space, and learn how frail I am. —Isaac Watts, “Teach Me the Measure of My Days” Now colonial Friends (Quakers) neither sang nor participated in any type of music,...
by christydistler | Nov 30, 2016 | Novel Ramblings
The novel I’m currently finishing takes place in 1756, and delves into Pennsylvania’s greatly deteriorating relationship with the province’s Indian tribes, as well as the effort that Philadelphia Quakers put forth to bring about peace. Today I’m talking about...
by christydistler | Aug 31, 2016 | Novel Ramblings
If you’ve lived in the United States for any length of time, chances are you believe that all weddings in this country are officiated—either by a minister, a justice of the peace, or another qualified individual. It’s the law, right? Well . . . no. Today I’m...
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