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“As surely as I live,” says the Lord,

“every knee will bend to me,

and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.” 

Romans 14:11 New Living Translation

Ground Cherry Pie

We just returned home from spending an evening with our good friends, Earl and Arlene Sauder – and I forgot my camera!

After dinner at Yoder’s in New Holland, we went to their home, where Arlene presented Cerwin with this Ground Cherry Pie. 

Thanks, Arlene.  It is delicious!  (Cerwin did allow me to have a slice.  )

For those who wonder what a Ground Cherry is, I found this information on the Internet.

This is not actually a cherry, but rather a small ground tomato. The fruits were recorded in horticultural literature as early as 1837 in Pennsylvania and are still common today at roadside stands in late summer. Because of their high pectin count, they can be used for preserves, pies, over ice cream or in fresh fruit salads.

A ground cherry is a small orange fruit similar in size and shape to a cherry tomato. The fruit is covered in papery husk. Flavor is a pleasant, unique tomato /pineapple like blend. The ground cherry is very similar to the cape gooseberry, both having similar, but unique flavors.

(I will return to our European trip tomorrow.)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
      do not depend on your own understanding. 

Proverbs 3:5 New Living Translation

Brethren Heritage Tour

Tuesday afternoon, July 29, and Wednesday morning, July 30

Featuring

Wittenberg

Wittenberg (officially named Lutherstadt Wittenberg) is the German city most associated with Martin Luther (1483-1546), leader of the German Reformation.

 We enjoyed visiting this pretty city, with narrow streets…

 …many lined with shops and restaurants.

 The city is full of history – especially concerning the Reformation.

 Castle Church (Schlosskirche)
On the door of this church, in 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses against the sale of indulgences – and launched the Reformation.

 The church contains the tombs of Luther, Melanchthon and Frederick the Wise.

 City Church (Stadtkirche St Marien)
In this twin-towered Gothic church, Luther preached the Reformation, was married (1525) and baptized his six children. Cranach’s huge Reformation altarpiece features scenes of Christ and Luther.

 I liked this memorial.  History can never be covered – as it will always bubble up somewhere.

 Lutherhalle (Luther House & Museum)
The house where Luther and his family lived is well-preserved and full of Reformation relics, including Luther’s desk, his pulpit, and first editions of his books.

 It was here that we met Katharina Von Bora – wife of Martin Luther.

 Katharina became Martin Luther’s wife after escaping from a convent with eleven other nuns. She was a devoted wife to Luther, who referred to her as “my lord Katie” and together they had six children, four of whom lived to be adults.

She was a wonderful manager of the household, despite limited funds and a large number of guests. She grew vegetables, bought a farm to raise cattle and chickens and brewed beer.  

 Their living quarters.

 The twin towers of City Church is a beautiful sight at night .  This photo was taken from our motel window.

Be careful.

Don’t let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the Lord and serve and worship other gods.

Deuteronomy 11:16 New International Version

Brethren Heritage Tour

Tuesday, July 29

Featuring

Cecilenhof Palace

I read the short note in our guide book:  We stop in Potsdam for a visit to Cecilienhof, where Truman, Churchill, and Stalin negotiated the post-WWII agreement that shaped European history for four decades…

…but did not expect this visit to be as interesting as it was.

To start with, the grounds and buildings are beautiful.

The entrance.

In order to disguise the actual size of the palace, with its 176 rooms, individual building elements were cleverly grouped around several courtyards.

I did not realize that we could not take interior photos, so this one and the next were taken before a kind and gracious “keeper of the palace” asked me to not take pictures.

The Potsdam Conference was held here from July 16 to August 2, 1945.  (I was one-and-a-half years old)  

In short, the goals of the conference included the establishment of post-war order, peace treaties issues, and countering the effects of war.

I found it interesting how the men chose or were given rooms.  Stalin wanted a room with two doors – so he had an exit door if needed.  They couldn’t agree on who should enter the conference room first, middle, and last, so it was decided they would enter three different doors at the same time.

 The Berlin Wall ran through the palace yard – in the area where the people are standing – meaning those in the building had no view of the river.

 We left Cecilenhof with new insights on a historical event that happened in our lifetime.

I pray that all goes well for you.

I hope that you are as strong in body,

as I know you are in spirit.

3 John 1:2 Contemporary English Version

Brethren Heritage Tour

Monday, July 28 – Afternoon and Evening

Featuring

Berlin Sites

Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.

Colossians 3:15 New Living Translation

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This verse came to mind as I read today’s entry from www.xanga.com/junglewife.

She wrote an interesting article on Dave Clapper’s funeral, Papuan funeral traditions, and his wife, Beth’s, peaceful strength through it all.

Brethren Heritage Tour

Monday, July 28 – Berlin

Featuring

Plotzensee Prison and Memorial Center