Mennonite Girls in a Modern World

It's never easy to say goodbye to a good season in your life. A hard season, yes. A boring seasons, adios. But when you have experienced the goodness of God, it can be hard to walk away into the unknown. Today is our last podcast episode. On one hand, we celebrate releasing our 100th episode, and on the other hand, we are sad it's the end of the road. But we are learning it's okay to experience those emotions at the same time! We want to thank you, our listener, for being a part of this journey. Your support through your prayers and encouragement was a gift, and we were blessed to be a part of your life. We pray God continues to show you his love and kindness. If you would like to stay in touch, you can find us in the places listed below: Maria at When Walls Tumble or on Instagram. Melanie at Only One Thing podcast and Instagram. Deanna at her website and Instagram. Hope you will stay in touch!

Have you ever wondered about the Mennonite connection to Ukraine?  Or where the term Old Colony began? Or the place Catherine the Great plays in Mennonite history? On today's episode, Maria sits down for the last time to talk with author, Tina Siemens, about the migration to Ukraine, and how we came to settle in this land which wove its way into our history and into our hearts. To learn more about Tina and her book 'Seminole', click here.  

If you grew up in a home or church which didn't teach about the Holy Spirit, you may find yourself struggling to understand the important role He plays in your life. What exactly does the Holy Spirit do? How does it make a difference in our lives? In this episode, Maria and Melanie discuss 8 functions of the Holy Spirit and how living surrendered to His work in our lives leads to a fruit we cannot manufacture on our own. With only 3 more episodes to go, this is the last time Melanie and Maria dive into a theological discussion with Biblical truths which both convict and encourage. Fore more information, you can always find us on Facebook, Instagram, or email us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com

How do Mennonites view life and death? Why have so many Mennonites resisted the mandates, restrictions, and vaccines that were implemented during Covid-19? The pandemic has created a division among families, friends and churches over views on health measures and best practices. How do we bridge the gap and rebuild relationships?  Today on the show, Maria and Deanna explore why so many Mennonites struggle to trust government authorities, and how their view on life, safety, and death have played a role in accepting or rejecting modern medical practices.  For more information, you can always find us on Instagram, Facebook, or by emailing us at mennonitgirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com

It has been a difficult few years with Covid-19 changing our lives as we know it, but is it possible, even in the middle of a pandemic, for God to bring blessings? On today's show, Joyce Ford, shares the unexpected gifts God gave her during covid after the intial disappointment and change of plans. While it may be diffiult to believe that God cares about us in the middle of lost plans and dreams, understanding His heart and recognizing His goodness help us to see beyond the surface and give us hope for a future.  

Today on the show, author and counsellor Jennifer Holmes shares her own journey with mental health after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and how it led to a ministry serving and counselling others who struggle. How do we process difficult truths about ourselves particularly when some within the church do not extend grace or understanding but use the Bible to wound rather than to heal? If you are struggling with your mental health, it's important to reach out to talk to someone safe. There is hope. To find more of Jen, you can visit her on her website or find her on Instagram.  

What is legalism and where does legalism come from? What motivates a heart to embrace legalism? These are just a few of the questions Melanie and Maria answer on today's episode in Part 2 of a series designed to look at the way the Gospel is often divided into truth versus grace rather than viewing them as a equal parts of a larger picture.  You can listen to Part 1: What is Progressive Christianity, Episode 90. How can we follow Jesus in a world that's constantly pulling at us to embrace the extremes? How do we stay true to the heart of the Gospel? Whether you've grown up in a Mennonite home or in a home that embraced legalism, our hope is you will find the freedom that comes from embracing the hope that is found in Christ Jesus.    

Do you love your body?  Or do you struggle to accept the body God gave you with all its quirks and flaws? On today's episode, Deanna and Maria share the struggles they've faced in accepting their bodies, their journey to being emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy, and why it matters to our children. You can always find us on Instagram, Facebook. or by emailing us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com  

Wilderness seasons are a part of every day life, and we can't escape them. So how can we use them to our advantage? What lessons can we glean for our future use? On today's episode, Maria Dyck is joined by guest, Christina Derksen, to talk about how God led her through her own wilderness seasons and provided for her in unexpected ways. If you are experiencing a dry season in your life, we hope you are strengthened and encouraged by this episode. You can visit Christina at her online bookstore here.

Author, Tina Siemens, returns to the podcast to share Part 2 of our Mennonite History Series and discuss what drove the Mennonites to settle in Poland. Mennonites had several important migrations throughout their history, and every migration shaped and formed the culture as we know it today. From persecution, overcoming hardships, Teutonic knights and Gold Vodka, it's a story of a people determined to move wherever they could to worship freely and live at peace. You can always find us on Facebook, Instagram, or email us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com  

What is a Progressive Christian? Maybe you've heard that term before and wondered what it meant and why it matters. If we are going to have a true understanding of who God is, engage our culture, and teach the next generation, it helps to know the language being used and the ideas behind the language. So today on the podcast, Maria and Melanie share what they have learned as they navigate the world of truth, grace, and the mysteries of God. Resources used in this episode: 8 Points of Progressive Christianity

Is it possible for a person to be a narcissist and a Christian? How does someone become a narcissist and can they ever change? On today's episode, Maria explores this question to try and get a better understanding of the complicated relationships we face in our lives with those who may be labelled as a narcissist.  Resources listed in this episode: Surviving Narcissism with Dr. Les Carter How Should A Christian Respond to a Narcissist? by David Servant How to Handle a Narcissist by Dr. Phil

Mennonite and Christian culture, in general, tend to put a high value on motherhood to the extent that it's easy to believe that there is no higher calling than being a mother. But what if that's not true? Today, Maria and Deanna take a look at Genesis 2 and the calling God gave to Eve in the garden. How might it look differently than we imagined? Resources mentioned in the episode: Theology of Work: God Created Woman as an Ezer An Explanation of 1 Timothy 2:15

It's been a signifcant week in Canada as the Freedom Convoy continues to make headlines around the world. Mennonites have traditionally shied away from politics and activism, but the last few years, have become much more vocal. But as always, it can be a delicate affair to balance the line between living our Christian convictions and mixing church and state. On today's episode, Maria shares an important event in Mennonite/Anabaptist history - the Munster Rebellion - and the lessons we can learn from its mistakes just as Menno Simons did. May we be wise in the days ahead. Resources used for this epsiode: Munster Rebellion Menno Simons Jan Van Leyden

Do you struggle to pray? You know that it's important and yet, it's so difficult to make the effort? If so, you are not alone. On today's episode, Melanie Salte shares with Maria what God has been teaching her about prayer in her life. What is prayer? How do we know when God is speaking to us? On one hand, it's easy to feel convicted because we know we should make prayer a priority, but on the other hand, talking about prayer inspires because it's really difficult to talk about God and not want to give thanks. Melanie is the host of Only One Thing, and you can listen to her episodes here.  

When you think of Old Colony Mennonites, what comes to mind? For many, it conjures up scenes of tranquility and peace as this group of Mennonites reject all forms of worldliness. From their horse driven carriages and lack of electricity to their humble dresses and head coverings, Old Colony Mennonites seek to live simply and quietly away from the chaos of the world. But things aren't always as they seem.... For others, the Old Colony represents a harsh, legalistic world where there is great spiritual darkness and many abuses. On today's episode, Maria Dyck is joined by Neta Friesen who works alongside her husband, Diedrich, to bring the Old Colony Mennonites an understanding of the Gospel which gives life and freedom. For more information on their ministry, you can visit their website here.    

Does God want us to be happy? Have you ever asked yourself that question? On today's show, Maria Dyck is joined by Melanie Salte and returning co-host, Deanna Friesen, to reflect on the past year, prepare our hearts for a New Year and answer the question - does God care if we are happy? Maybe you already know the answer or maybe it will surprise you, but either way, we hope it encourages you as we begin a New Year of learning to follow Jesus.

We are so excited to share our Christmas bonus episode with our special guests, Andrew and Deanna Friesen! Deanna has been a co-host on our podcast from the very beginning and recently took some time off to enjoy her new baby boy. Andrew and Deanna work with the Multi-Nation Missions Foundation to develop resources for Low-German speaking Mennonites, including a podcast and a music ministry all in the traditional Plautdietsch language. Today, Andrew is sharing a devotional as well as music from their latest Christmas album. So special to celebrate, not only the gift of Christ in this season, but also the uniqueness of our Mennonite heritage and our love of music. You can find Andrew and Deanna on their website, Instagram, or their Youtube channel.

Welcome to the last official episode of 2021 where Melanie and Maria wrap up Part 2 of our Ask Us Anything series! You asked. We answered, and so today we are talking about: Liturgical worship. Is there a place in our modern world for liturgical worship? How is it connected to our Mennonite culture? Is it possible to enjoy liturgy and avoid legalism? Spiritual warfare. How do we conquer the battle of the minds? What weapons do we have at our disposal? How does Ephesians 6 help us understand the battle we face? What are our favorite hymns and why? As music lovers, it's hard to pin down a favorite hymn, but we tried our best! For more information, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, or by emailing us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com  

When is a kitchen more than a kitchen? When it's filled with love and the smell of your favorite Mennonite food. On today's episode, author Joselyn Schmitt sits down with Maria to talk about the story behind her new book, Mom's Unwritten Recipes, and what inspires her in the kitchen . Plus, Joselyn shares her best tips for new cooks, the secret to great homemade french fries, and a look at how food and hospitality can form the basis of human connection even in the middle of a pandemic. You can find more of Joselyn by visiting her website or Instagram.

On today's episode, Melanie and Maria sit down to answer questions from our listeners. What are some of our favorite Mennonite traditions? What is our biggest regret in life? And what does it look like to be a modern Proverbs 31 woman? While some of the questions proved more challenging than others, we hope you will find the answers both encouraging and insightful. If you would like a chance to ask us anything, you can email us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram. Stay tuned for Part 2 in our Ask Us Anything series!

Mennonites are not immune to abuse. In fact, sometimes in closed communities, abuse can thrive when survivors have no access to help or support. Abuse can happen anywhere, and for those who have suffered, the trauma is real. So how do we process the pain of our experiences and heal? Today on the show, counsellor Tammy Thielman joins Maria to talk about trauma, the after effects of abuse, and why it's important to seek help. In this episode, we ask: What is trauma? How does it differ from PTSD? Why can't we pray it away? ***This is an important but painful subject. Please be aware that this content may be sensitive to some of our listeners.*** For more information, please visit the following links: Diane Langberg Resources Called to Peace Ministries Town And Country Counselling with Tammy Thielman

Do you ever wonder if you own your smart phone or if your smartphone owns you? If so, this episode is for you! On today's episode, Melanie and Maria sit down to talk about smart phone addictions. What causes us to lose ourselves in this digital world? And what steps can we take to take back control of our digital lives? Is it as simple as putting boundaries on our phones, or is there a much deeper issue driving our addiction? Before you get too frustrated and throw away your phone all together, have a listen and be encouraged to know the solution isn't as drastic as you may think.  You can access the resources mentioned in the show by clicking the links below: TechWise Family by Andy Crouch As always, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, or by emailing us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.ca  

What does it look like to follow Jesus year after year? What does it look like to faithfully obey where God leads? God does not desire fancy ministries, but rather, He desires obedience and faithfulness. And sometimes, this leads us to ministries we never imagined ourselves doing! Today on the show, Maria Dyck is joined by Anna Bueckert, a pastor's wife who has spent many years working with her husband to establish churches among the Low-German speaking Mennonites of Southern Alberta. Her life is, as Freidrich Nietzsche described, “a long obedience in the same direction,” and her testimony speaks to the goodness of God who leads and guides us along as we seek to follow Him. You can always find us on either Instagram or Facebook or email us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com  

On today's episode, Maria Dyck talks about living by our convictions. What exactly is a conviction? Why is it Christians are all over the map when it comes to convictions?  Whether we are talking about celebrating Halloween, drinking alcohol, wearing head coverings, or whether or not to take vaccines, Christians have many different perspectives and convictions. How can we make certain our convictions don't cause division within the family of God? And how does the Apostle Paul treat the subject of convictions?  As always, we'd love to hear from you! You can email us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook.    

On today's episode, author, Tina Siemens joins Maria to begin a series on Mennonite History. Why learn about Mennonite history? In a world that often feels out like it's racing out of control, it's reassuring to hear stories of courage and faith from our forefathers and realize how little has changed in this world. Perhaps we have more in common with our ancestors than we realize, and perhaps their courage and faith will inspire us to stay faithful when life forces us to take a stand. On today's episode, Tina tells the story of a courageous group of young men and women who dared to risk their lives to live by their convictions and began, what would become, the foundation of the Mennonite faith. You can find Tina on her website or Facebook For more information on Mennonite history, click here.

Trying to discern our calling is difficult enough without lies cluttering our mind and keeping us from fully living the life God intended for us to live. On today's episode, Maria and Melanie continue their conversation about the connection between knowing your identity and walking in your calling. Drawing from the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25, Melanie points out 10 lies we are prone to believe which prevent us from using our gifts. So whether you struggle with knowing your calling, feel unworthy to serve in any way, or have lost your passion to serve, we hope you will find today's show both helpful and encouraging. You can always find us on Facebook, Instagram, or by emailing us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com 

Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving last weekend, and while Thanksgiving is celebrated at different times in different countries, it's the attitude that counts! But what if you are walking a season of grief? What does Thanksgiving look like then? How do we grieve in a Christian culture that often strives to be joyful and positive even when life hurts? When does positivity become toxic? How can we give thanks in a way that is authentic while not devaluing the pain we are experiencing? Join your host, Maria Dyck, for this Thanksgiving Day episode and learn how grief and lament can lead to worship and thanksgiving.  You can always find us on Instagram, Facebook, or email us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com

Do you struggle with feelings of insecurity? Maybe the better to ask is: who doesn't struggle with feeling insecure? While it may be common, it also wrecks havoc on the most important relationships in our lives and leaves us depleted of the joy and strength we need to live from day to day. On today's episode, Melanie and Maria sit down for a deep dive into the topic of insecurity. Where does it come from? How does it affect us? And most importantly, what does Scripture say about it?  

In times of division and conflict, how can we better understand each other? How do we move past our own limited understanding and learn to see from each other's perspective?  On today's episode, Maria dives into the messy conflict of our current pandemic to discuss why this pandemic has affected each one differently, why my truth/your truth fails to provide a real answer to the conflict, and how the Apostle Paul teaches us to be more gracious towards each other.  You can find more of Mennonite Girls in a Modern World on Instagram or Facebook or email us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com

In the first episode of season 3, Melanie and Maria catch up on life at home, life on the podcast, and life in general. What has changed, what has stayed the same, and how do we navigate life when we feel overwhelmed by the changes we face? While some changes are welcomed, others are not, and before we decide all change is bad, we need to look at what Scripture says about it. So whether you are facing a season that stretches out endlessly in front of you, or whether you are facing a storm of changes, we hope you will be encouraged by today's episode. If you want to learn more about us, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram or email us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com

It's the final show of season 2! On today's episode, Maria Dyck, Melanie Salte, and Deanna Friesen, the hosts of Mennonite Girls in a Modern World, sit down to recap the season and talk about the struggles, challenges, and lessons of the past year. From babies to parenting, sickness to health, juggling family responsibilities and school, these 3 women will remind you to look for God's goodness in whatever stage you are in and continue to trust Him no matter where He leads. Enjoy your summer!

If you love history, mystery, and romance, the name 'Julie Klassen' may already be familiar to you. Julie Klassen is a best-selling Christian author and has won several Christy awards for her regency romance novels. On today's episode Maria Dyck sits down to talk with Julie about what it takes to be a best-selling author, the reality of writing a book, how to survive the editing process, and how to stay organized and inspired with each new project.  To find a Julie Klassen novel, you can visit your local Christian bookstore or click the link below: Julie Klassen website    

What is it like to be an outsider? What is it like to marry into a different culture and make your home among people whose language and customs are very different than your own? If you were born and raised in a Mennonite town, you may not realize how many quirks and habits you have grown accustomed to or the many ways your culture has shaped you until someone from the outside arrives. On today's show, Deanna Friesen and her guest, Meaghan Wiebe, talk about the unexpected challenges of being a modern girl in a Mennonite world and give a peek into what it is like to make yourself at home in a closed-knit Mennonite community. 

On Part 2 of our Forgiveness series, Melanie and Maria discuss the 8 ways God's forgiveness is different than our forgiveness, what it means to reconcile, and talk about why reconciliation is not always a good idea. If you have struggled to forgive, this series is sure to encourage you and give you thoughts to ponder as you wrestle through your own forgiveness story. Additional resources: "Learning to Forgive, Part 2" by Maria Dyck  

We talk a lot about forgiveness in Christian circles because we know it’s an important command for us to follow. Even though we know it’s important, we still struggle to do it. But what if our understanding of forgiveness is part of the problem? What if our struggle to forgive is connected to wrong beliefs and a misunderstanding of what true forgiveness looks like? On today's episode, Maria Dyck and Melanie Salte tackle the topic of forgiveness and address some of the common misconceptions of what many think forgiveness is. Additional reading: "Learning to Forgive" by Maria Dyck

Have you ever felt like God was asking too much? That the burden you were asked to carry was too heavy? That life was simply unfair? On today's show, Maria Dyck is joined by Esther Wiebe, author of "Displaced: A Memoir". Esther's memoir is a heartbreaking story of a Mennonite family struggling to stay together in the face of tremendous loss and their dramatic escape from a colony in Bolivia to start a new life in Canada.  You can find Esther's memoir on Amazon by clicking the link below: "Displaced: A Memoir" by Esther Wiebe

We all have emotions, but sometimes they spiral out of control. We are no longer mastering them; they are mastering us. How can we live with our emotions and avoid the two extremes of either burying them or spilling out on those around us? In this episode, Maria and Deanna share how Covid-19 exposed their hidden emotions as well as 5 tips for dealing with emotions when they threaten to overwhelm you. Resources mentioned in this episode: "Negative Emotions" by Alasdair Groves "Beauty of the Impassable God" by Derek Rishmahy (Please note, this article was incorrectly attributed to Kevin DeYoung in the recording)  

Have you ever wanted to study the Bible but not sure where to start? Maybe you feel like you lack the education to really understand it or don't know why you should bother. On today's episode, Bible study writer and teacher, Arlene Bergen joins Maria Dyck to talk about the importance of studying Scripture, what to look for in a theologically-sound Bible study, and a few red flags to be aware of when choosing a study. You can find more of Arlene here as well as find her studies on Amazon.

Live long enough within a church body and you are likely to experience church hurt. How does one heal from this hurt and not lose their faith? How do you know when to stay and when it's time to walk away? On today's episode, Maria Dyck and Melanie Salte talk about their own experiences and share how staying connected to Christ, learning to forgive and draw boundaries can help you navigate this challenging situation. Resources mentioned in this episode: "Help in Overcoming Church Hurt" by Desiring God "7 Steps to Overcoming Church Hurt"

Have you ever considered going to counselling but were too afraid to try? Mennonites tend to be leery of asking for help, particularly from outsiders, so how do we know when it is time to reach out? On today's episode, Maria Dyck is joined by Tammy Thielman, a registered counsellor and social worker who provides trauma-informed counselling to talk about common myths surrounding counselling, the barriers standing in the way, and the importance of early intervention. If you'd like more information about how to find a registered counsellor near you, you can email us at mennonitegirlsinamodernworld@gmail.com

Do you find it difficult to parent without feeling like you have to follow the advice of everyone around you? Do you feel pressured by others’ opinions on how to parent? On today's episode, Maria and Deanna talk about the different ways parents face peer pressure, the surprising source of this pressure, the internal struggle of people-pleasing, and the way out of the chaos. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook. Resources listed in the show: "When People are Big and God is Small" by Ed Welch

Do you ever feel like you are stranded in the desert? That life has lost its purpose and joy, and like the Israelites, you are simply killing time? Then this episode is for you! On today's episode, special guest, Aimee Walker, joins Maria Dyck all the way from New Zealand to discuss the heart behind her new book, "But I Flourish: Learning to Thrive in Every Season", and how God taught her it was possible to live abundantly even in a desert. To access our book giveaway on Instagram, click here. (Please note this is a time limited offer)

What does it mean to be a Mennonite? What were some of the early beliefs that changed the lives of our Mennonite forefathers so deeply that they were willing to be burnt at the stake? In our third and final series of Mennonite Theology 101, Melanie and Maria talk about the differing views of baptism, and how Menno Simons came to the belief of 'believer's baptism', and ask the question: has baptism lost its meaning in our modern Mennonite churches? We'd love to hear how this series has impacted you! You can email us here or find us on Instagram or Facebook. Resources for this episode: "A Brief Defense of Infant Baptism" by Kevin DeYoung Menno Simons

As a baby and long before she could remember, Natasha lost her father to cancer. Years later, she would face cancer's long arm again, but this time as a young, pregnant wife watching her husband suffer through this illness. How do you hold on to faith when cancer strikes twice? How do you pray when God doesn't always answer as we wish? Join Maria Dyck and guest, Natasha Klassen in a story of trusting God's goodness in the midst of your worst fears. 

It's February. In the middle of winter. In the middle of a pandemic. How does a mom with young children keep from going crazy?  In today's episode, Maria shares encouragement for the weary mom, while Deanna shares some practical tips from our viewers on how to overcome some of the daily challenges of parenting young children. Resources mentioned in this episode: Journey Through the Psalms by Unshaken Ministries  

Are you a rule follower? Or are you more likely to break rules because you love your freedom? As Christians, we often fall into two categories: either we  tend to embrace legalism (rules), or we tend to embrace freedom (grace). On today's show, Maria Dyck and guest, Nita Funk, discuss the dangers of leaning too far one way or the other, what Scripture tells us about both positions, and how we can learn to live in the tension that exists in the middle.

What does it mean to be a Mennonite? How well do you know your Anabaptist history? And why does it even matter? In today's episode, Melanie and Maria tackle the separation of church and state - a long-held Mennonite belief and discuss how it affects our lives today. What does it mean? How far do we embrace this idea? And what are the modern day implications? Tune in for a little Mennonite history and be challenged to answer the question, "What does a life surrendered to the Lordship of Christ look like?" Resources mentioned in this episode: Anabaptist Essentials by Palmer Becker

Did you know that endometriosis is one of the top 10 most painful diseases? One out of every 10 women struggle with the disease while 9 out of every 10 women with endometriosis consider suicide as a way to escape the excruciating pain. On today's episode, Teya Friesen joins Deanna Friesen to share her story and painful journey with this debilitating disease. A story of suffering but also a story of God's faithfulness and an unexpected miracle.  Resources listed on today's show: No Longer Hysteria: My Chronic Battle with Endometriosis by Teya Friesen

What is God going to do in 2021? In the first episode of the New Year, Maria, Deanna, and Melanie share the lessons they learned in a year full of losses, grief and depression amidst a pandemic, and what God is pressing on their hearts as they head into a New Year. We may not know what God has planned for this year, but we know that He is good and faithful even when life looks nothing like we had hoped it would.  Resources mentioned in this episode: "Hold On" by St. Aldates Worship  

What does a red dragon have to do with Christmas? In the final episode of 2020, Maria shares an article she wrote at a time when the Christmas season was particularly difficult and how an obscure passage in Revelation helped her understand why Christmas isn't meant to be the season of peace and calm. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Joyful Life Magazine