Shaping Families

Enjoying Leisure

“Leisure time is that which is left over after work, after school, after taking care of the maintenances of life. If we don’t use it, we lose it.” – Evan Oswald

Evan Oswald believes passionately that most people in North American culture do not take enough time to relax, unwind, or engage in true leisure or recreation. Many of us would do well to take a look at how we can re-create ourselves and our families through leisure.

Listen - Transcript - Study Guide

Frog Hollow

Sam Heatwole

Frog Hollow would be a lot bigger if it was ironed out flat. Texans brag about big. But our neighbors in the hollows of the Appalachians swear there’s more land in the mountains of the Virginias than a crow can fly over in Texas.

Christians and Postmodern Leisure by Evan Oswald. Published by Evan Oswald. The author studies various cultural activities and trends that influence the use of leisure: work, modern leisure, the Bible and leisure time, libraries, Sundays, workaholism, burnout, gambling, movies and electronic entertainment, aging, health and more. It would be useful for a study group in small group, camps, retreats or classes. The book can be purchased by writing to the author: $13.75 plus shipping and handling ($17.00 total).

Or, write to Evan for a free brochure about the book: Evan Oswald, 6620 W. Butler Dr. #49, Glendale AZ 85302. Or email: ecoswald11@gmail.com    

WEBSITES: Mennonite Camping Association website, contains links to various Mennonite and other Christian campgrounds, along with the philosophy behind Christian camping/retreats and how such facilities and experiences can assist in the healthy pursuit of leisure.

Glencroft Retirement Community where Evan Oswald and his wife, Eileen live, with ample opportunities for leisure and meaningful volunteering and activities. Evan and Eileen can be seen speaking about their experiences in the video introducing Glencroft on the home page.

Hesston College where Evan Oswald taught and worked in the Physical Education and Athletic Department; where a baseball field was named in his honor.

BOOKS: Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives, Wayne Mueller, Bantam, 2000.

Leisure: A Spiritual Need, by Leonard Doohan, Ave Maria Press, 1990.

So Little Time for Leisure

Burton Buller

I knocked on an Amish family's door this afternoon at 3 o'clock. Mother, father and the three boys were all inside. The boys had just arrived home from school.

Next week we’ll begin a two-part series talking to Dr. Brian Kelley, a researcher and chair of the psychology department at Bridgewater College (Bridgewater, Va.) about his work in the area of how drinking and drugs are especially harmful to the development of adolescent brains. It is the second most important period of time (after the prenatal period) for brain growth. He is also a father and church youth group leader with practical experience with kids.

Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls

This is a recipe Lois Priest got from a weekly newssheet her son brought home from school his kindergarten year. These are soft and not sticky like popcorn balls made from corn syrup. Lois says, "We love them! They make a great lunchbox or after-school treat."

• Shaping Families Update - February 18
• Shaping Families Update - February 11
• Shaping Families Update - February 4
• Shaping Families Update - January 28

The Shaping Families free offer from this week’s program is no longer available. Visit our online store at www.MennoMedia.org/store if you would like to purchase the item offered. Some items are not offered on the store.