Ruby likes to send out an annual letter to family and friends. We assume most of them would like a refresher course on how we look, so we include a picture of ourselves. Read it all
Christmas
God in Rags
Unwed mama, miracle son, step-father bonding, journey begun
Little town
country girl
born to carry
heaven’s pearl.
Visiting angel
shocking news
servant’s heart
much to muse.
Cruel rejection
whispers abound
baby bump
talk of town.
Parental pain
what is true?
fiance blamed
search for clues.
Country boy
madly in love
broken heart
betrayal because?
Sleepless nights
dying inside
countless tears
loss of bride. Read it all
How to Get Past the Baby Stuff at Christmas
Begin by imagining a different way of celebrating your own birthday...
You probably already had your birthday this year. I did, but one of my life-long, faithful friends still hasn’t had his birthday. Imagine yours is yet to come.
To celebrate your birthday, we will hang up pictures of you in your crib — to show we know who this is all about, you know. Generally, though, we will disregard you in favor of other festive and seasonal activities. If anyone gets around to remembering you, it will be to reminisce about your birth and baby days. And gifts? We will give each other gifts we think we would enjoy. Maybe we will think to give you a baby rattle or a teddy bear. You would probably say “bah humbug” on birthdays, at least yours. Read it all
What Is Christmas to Me?
My notes for a five-minute segment at the Hopewell Mennonite Church Christmas Program
Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the church
There was no tree a shinin’
Not a willow, not a fir, not a birch.
I don’t know the rest of the poem, but let me tell you more of what Christmas means to me… Read it all
I Got a Little Christmas Treasure
I am so taken by it and tickled with it!
Check out these three photos and tell me if this isn’t just one of the neatest things to get for Christmas.
I don’t know what this “watering can” is made of. But I can tell it isn’t stone, metal, or plastic. Read it all
Roth Male Octet: For Unto Us a Child Is Born
Just in time for Christmas, a reminder of the Great Gift of God
I’m happy and pleased (and proud in a good way, I hope) to present to you the a cappella Roth Male Octet, competently headed by our son Andy: Read it all
At the Roth Christmas Meal
A bunch of Roth tribespeople. And a honorary Roth. And a...
For our main Christmas Day meal here — my parents, my sister and husband, my niece and husband, my aunt, and my first brother-in-law (whom I hereby designate an honorary Roth).
And nine of my little flock.
And one candidate. 
But seven missing. 🙁 Read it all