Mennonite Girls in a Modern World

07/12/2023

It’s a pretty exciting week around here as my book launches into the world officially this Friday!

If you have ever wondered what it means to be a ‘help meet’ as is described in Genesis 2, then this book is for you ☺️.

For years I struggled to understand what this term meant for me as a woman. Growing up in a Mennonite home, I was taught women should be silent, passive, and submissive. Their sole responsibility to serve men while being sweet and pretty. Their highest calling to be a mother and a wife.

As I grew in my understanding of Scripture and came to see God’s heart for me, I struggled to accept this version of womanhood. Not only did it not align with God’s Word, it was a recipe for abuse.

In Scripture we see that it is possible to be a woman of strong conviction and integrity and still honour God. It begins with understanding His identity for us - an identity He bestowed to every woman in the Garden - and that is to be an Ezer Kenegdo.

I pray this book challenges and encourages you to embrace the identity which God specifically designed for you. Writing it has been an honour and a joy ☺️

You can use this link to pre-order your copy today. I will have a few author copies available if you’re local ☺️

https://www.amazon.com/dp/064596963X

03/05/2022

EPISODE 100!!

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a good season in your life. A hard season, yes. A boring season, 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 want to stay in touch, you can find us here:

Maria
Melanie .e.salte
Deanna

Hope you stay in touch! 💗

28/04/2022

Episode 99!!!

We are almost there! On this week’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.

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?

Then you won’t want to miss this history lesson!

19/04/2022

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.
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You can access all our episodes on our website by clicking the link in our profile or by finding us on your favourite podcast app!

14/04/2022

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.

We know health is a highly personal choice; this episode isn’t meant to persuade but to inform and understand our culture better.

We hope it has given a bit of food for thought.
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11/04/2022

This is a hard post to write.

But after considerable prayer and thought, I have come to the realization that it’s time to wrap up this adventure in podcasting…..at least for now.

We’ve often taken a summer break on this podcast, but when we wrap up this season, it will be for an unspecified - possibly indefinite - length of time.

In the next several weeks, we will countdown to our 100th and final episode.

It is bittersweet (I will possibly cry in all remaining episodes), but seasons aren’t meant to last forever. We look forward to sharing our remaining episodes with you and trust they will encourage and edify you!

Thank you for all the love, encouragement and support throughout the last 3 years - serving you has been a joy!

15/03/2022

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.

*Click the link in our profile to listen or find us on iTunes and Spotify!

08/03/2022

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.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000553275672

‎Show Mennonite Girls in a Modern World, Ep Lessons From the Wilderness - Mar 8, 2022

01/03/2022

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.

What surprised you in today’s episode?

23/02/2022

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, the mysteries of God, and even a surprising connection to Mennonite history.

Click on the link below to listen!

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000551855785

‎Show Mennonite Girls in a Modern World, Ep What Is Progressive Christianity? - Feb 22, 2022

16/02/2022

Mennonite Girls in a Modern World is now on YouTube!

Friend, would you help us spread the word by sharing this post and subscribing? We would be most grateful!

https://youtu.be/5hf8KmZFW4w

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 othe...

10/02/2022

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?

Did you grow up believing being a mom was the highest calling?
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You can listen to the full episode by clicking the link below:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000550445704

27/01/2022

“Sometimes we want two things that cannot coexist.” - Dr. Henry Cloud

Sometimes we try so hard to hang on to both worlds not realizing this is what makes us stuck.

I can’t move forward in my writing and stay quiet.

I can’t grow and change and cling to the status quo.

I can’t live a life of adventure and stay in my comfort zone.

I can’t heal and ignore the wounds of my past.

I can’t have freedom and make others happy.

When I let go of one, then I can have the other. Learning to let go is hard but necessary.

18/01/2022

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.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000548208272

‎Show Mennonite Girls in a Modern World, Ep Bringing the Gospel to the Old Colony Mennonites - Jan. 18, 2022

03/01/2022

What a year!

We are so thankful to our guests and listeners who make this show possible! God has been so gracious to us this last year, and we look forward to serving you in the New Year!

Maybe your favourite episode didn’t make the list. If so, we’d love to know which one it was!

07/12/2021

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 us on iTunes or click the link below to order your copy of Joselyn’s book!

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000544185450

https://www.joselynandthekitchen.com/books

07/12/2021

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.
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Click the link in our profile to listen to the episode or to order Joselyn’s cookbook.

Or find us on your favourite podcast app!

30/11/2021

On today’s episode, Melanie and Maria sit down for our first part in our ‘Ask Us Anything’ series.

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.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000543479499

23/11/2021

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.***

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000542805221

16/11/2021

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.
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Click the link below to listen!

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000542071598

09/11/2021

NEW EPISODE!

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.

How is Jesus calling you to follow Him today?

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000541214327

02/11/2021

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?

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000540480020

27/10/2021

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 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.

Today, 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.

Click on the link to listen:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000539735422

19/10/2021

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.

Click the link to listen:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000539031902

12/10/2021

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 genuine worship and thanksgiving.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000538341599

05/10/2021

Do you struggle with feelings of insecurity? Maybe the better question 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?

What has helped you root out insecurity?

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You can click on the link to listen or find us on your favourite podcast platform.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000537585533

28/09/2021

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.

How has Romans 14 challenged you to be gracious?
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You can listen to our episode by clicking the link below:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000536841698

21/09/2021

🎉🎉WE ARE BACK!!🎉🎉

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.

What has changed for you this season?

Here’s the link to listen:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000536115665

18/05/2021

LAST EPISODE OF SEASON 2!!

How is it possible that we have reached the end of the season already?!

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!



https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000522132784

30/03/2021

*NEW EPISODE!*

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 will appreciate Arlene’s wisdom, insight, and humour as well as her obvious love for the Word of God.
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Unfortunately, due to technical issues, we are not able to load this episode to our website.

But....

You can still listen on iTunes or Spotify!!! Hurray!

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mennonite-girls-in-a-modern-world/id1481935366?i=1000514989547