My father, Elmer S. Yoder, was born 100 years ago, on October 6, 1925. His Amish farming parents, in Somerset County, Pa., would not have had indoor electricity or plumbing. He was born at home, and they drove a horse and buggy to their worship services.

Elmer S. Yoder lived from 1925 to 2007. He was a writer, minister, bishop, churchman, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Read an entry about Elmer that I wrote at gameo.org.

I’m reminded of the phrase from Isaiah 61:3, “beauty from ashes.” This seems to be a metaphorical promise of God to bring transformation, joy, and beauty out of sorrow, pain, and devastation. Outside my office window on this centennial day of Elmer’s birth are a dozen small yellow crocuses in full sunlight bloom. They seem to celebrate the beauty of a life well-lived.

https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Yoder,_Elmer_S._(1925-2007)