precious sister and for Jake.
From the present conversation, she knew now that Jonas had indeed invited Leah into his carriage and taken her quite a ways toward home. Sadie couldn't be happier for them, being able to spend time alone today, no matter the subject of conversation.
What Sadie would not reveal to Leah was her momentary disappointment when she'd spotted Eli and Ella Jane sitting across the table from each other at the wedding feast, randomly paired according to age the oldest men and women being seated and served first. She was too aware of the twinkle in Eli's eyes when he smiled, as if Ella were the prettiest woman in the very crowded room.
93-t*-*'
/
&-P
7-
-Cia
-ti* &4-i>- e-
IVIore than anything else, Abram enjoyed reading the Bible aloud id his family. This evening was no exception as Lizzie and the others in his household gathered around him in the kitchen, beneath the i iitle of gaslight. He also planned to pray aloud tonight, having eliminated the former silent prayers of each and every night a good many years ago.
I Truth be told, he drew tremendous joy from his regular reading
1)1 God's Word. Scarcely could he keep his nose out of his old Gerpnan Bible or the English one, as well.
Just this past we^k he'd spoken again with Gid about some of the wondrous things he was learning, cautiously sharing chapter and verse with his preacher son-in-law, though no longer caring what might happen if Gid reported him to the bishop for "studying" cerlain books or chapters that had never been referred to or preached on during his lifetime here in Gobbler's Knob. No, he was willing to lake the chance of being called in by the church brethren if it came id that. But he had been praying, even beseeching the Lord to help him share openly with Gid from the Holy Scriptures. Gid, after all, Intel been showing more signs recently of being interested in seeking otic spiritual truths, just as Abram delighted in his and Lizzie's holy hunger for the Lord God.
After all, the years were flying away. Gne quick look at the grow-
94
ing Abe, and Abram could see his son heading too quickly toward rumschpringe. Was Abe ever mindful of God's mercy and love? Would he receive the great sacrifice of God's one and only Son?
All this and much more weighed utterly on Abram, and he ofttimes found himself contemplating the purpose of his own life even thinking ahead to his days as an old, old man considering all the years he had been the protector of this family.
What will I leave behind for the sake of Christ? Who among my kinfolk will know the love of the Father because of my courage to speak up?
He had a fervent hankering to pass on his beliefs, so following the Bible reading, he closed the Good Book and asked his family to bow their heads while he prayed to their heavenly Father. He paused. "And if any of you want to join in followin' me, that's jusi fine, too."
He was conscious of a deep reverence in the room, a sense of peace and somberness. Raising his voice first in thanksgiving, a deep assurance welled up in him and he went on to utter his few petitions, making his requests known to God, as Philippians chapter four, verse six, had taught him to do.
When he lifted his head, he saw that Lydiann's eyes were glistening, and an hour or so later, when everyone had scattered and headed off to bed, she crept back into the kitchen, pulling a chair up near him.
He wondered why Lydiann had come. What had caused the concern on her face and dread in her eyes?
"Will you pray for me, Dat?" she asked, eyes intent on the Biblehe held on his knee.
His heart went out to her, although he was befuddled as to why she seemed blue, especially with Jake Mast back home. "Jah, I'll pray." He rose to return the Bible to its resting place in the corner cupboard.
"No ... I mean right now."
Taken aback by her urgency, he realized she wanted him to take her seriously here and now. "Are ya feelin' sick?" he asked.
"In my heart, jah. Terribly ill
From the present conversation, she knew now that Jonas had indeed invited Leah into his carriage and taken her quite a ways toward home. Sadie couldn't be happier for them, being able to spend time alone today, no matter the subject of conversation.
What Sadie would not reveal to Leah was her momentary disappointment when she'd spotted Eli and Ella Jane sitting across the table from each other at the wedding feast, randomly paired according to age the oldest men and women being seated and served first. She was too aware of the twinkle in Eli's eyes when he smiled, as if Ella were the prettiest woman in the very crowded room.
93-t*-*'
/
&-P
7-
-Cia
-ti* &4-i>- e-
IVIore than anything else, Abram enjoyed reading the Bible aloud id his family. This evening was no exception as Lizzie and the others in his household gathered around him in the kitchen, beneath the i iitle of gaslight. He also planned to pray aloud tonight, having eliminated the former silent prayers of each and every night a good many years ago.
I Truth be told, he drew tremendous joy from his regular reading
1)1 God's Word. Scarcely could he keep his nose out of his old Gerpnan Bible or the English one, as well.
Just this past we^k he'd spoken again with Gid about some of the wondrous things he was learning, cautiously sharing chapter and verse with his preacher son-in-law, though no longer caring what might happen if Gid reported him to the bishop for "studying" cerlain books or chapters that had never been referred to or preached on during his lifetime here in Gobbler's Knob. No, he was willing to lake the chance of being called in by the church brethren if it came id that. But he had been praying, even beseeching the Lord to help him share openly with Gid from the Holy Scriptures. Gid, after all, Intel been showing more signs recently of being interested in seeking otic spiritual truths, just as Abram delighted in his and Lizzie's holy hunger for the Lord God.
After all, the years were flying away. Gne quick look at the grow-
94
ing Abe, and Abram could see his son heading too quickly toward rumschpringe. Was Abe ever mindful of God's mercy and love? Would he receive the great sacrifice of God's one and only Son?
All this and much more weighed utterly on Abram, and he ofttimes found himself contemplating the purpose of his own life even thinking ahead to his days as an old, old man considering all the years he had been the protector of this family.
What will I leave behind for the sake of Christ? Who among my kinfolk will know the love of the Father because of my courage to speak up?
He had a fervent hankering to pass on his beliefs, so following the Bible reading, he closed the Good Book and asked his family to bow their heads while he prayed to their heavenly Father. He paused. "And if any of you want to join in followin' me, that's jusi fine, too."
He was conscious of a deep reverence in the room, a sense of peace and somberness. Raising his voice first in thanksgiving, a deep assurance welled up in him and he went on to utter his few petitions, making his requests known to God, as Philippians chapter four, verse six, had taught him to do.
When he lifted his head, he saw that Lydiann's eyes were glistening, and an hour or so later, when everyone had scattered and headed off to bed, she crept back into the kitchen, pulling a chair up near him.
He wondered why Lydiann had come. What had caused the concern on her face and dread in her eyes?
"Will you pray for me, Dat?" she asked, eyes intent on the Biblehe held on his knee.
His heart went out to her, although he was befuddled as to why she seemed blue, especially with Jake Mast back home. "Jah, I'll pray." He rose to return the Bible to its resting place in the corner cupboard.
"No ... I mean right now."
Taken aback by her urgency, he realized she wanted him to take her seriously here and now. "Are ya feelin' sick?" he asked.
"In my heart, jah. Terribly ill
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