I’m not Amish. The reason I write about them is because my grandfather was raised “Plain”—one of eleven children on a farm in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The home I grew up in had a flavorful Penn Dutch influence. I admire much about the Plain people, but I don’t think you have to “go Amish” to incorporate some of their principles into your life.
Being Amish is not a lifestyle. Life among the Amish has to do with faith. Faith can’t be squeezed to an hour or two on Sunday morning; it infuses their entire life like a teabag in hot water. What they do and how they do it is rooted in the spiritual question: What is pleasing to God?
The Lesson: To pray about my day’s activities and offer them to God, first, for His purposes. And then trusting interruptions (such as bumping into a chatty friend in the grocery store) or de-railings (those frustrating days when everything goes wrong) to be God-managed.
Cherish your family. A family that works together, grows together. Amish families spend a lot of time together and try to keep their work close to home. Children are valued as gifts from God, wanted and enjoyed. They’re included in all of Amish life—from barn raisings to three-hour church services. An Amish bishop once said, “We don’t prepare our children for the future, we prepare our children for eternity.”
Amish proverb: “Tomorrow’s world will be shaped by what we teach our children today.”
The Lesson: Involving children in chores and activities may not be the most convenient or efficient way to accomplish a task, but the benefits are long lasting. Look for ways to get everybody involved—cook together, sweep out the garage together, set the table together. And have fun while you’re doing it!
Draw a line in the sand. The Amish want to be good stewards of God’s resources—time, money, material goods. They know that convenience comes with a cost. They don’t want to be dependent on outside sources (such as electricity or gas!). Convenience means loss of something valuable. For example, fast food means less nutrition. More stuff means more maintenance. They’re willing to say no.
Amish proverb: “Things that steal our time are usually the easiest to do.”
The Lesson: Technology has its limits. And technology isn’t all good. Evaluate purchases more thoughtfully. Think of where a purchase or an added expense will lead your family. More time together or less? More stress or less? Reframe your view of time and money and goods as God’s resources.
The Lesson: Say less. Prayer more.
Nothing replaces face-to-face visits. Back in the day when telephones emerged on the scene, the Amish bishops made a deliberate decision to keep the telephone out of the house. They didn’t want to interrupt family life. But they drop everything for a face-to-face visit.
Amish proverb: “Use friendship as a drawing account, but don’t forget to make a deposit.”
The Lesson: Strive to make Sunday a different day than other days. A day of rest is important on so many levels—time to worship, time to reflect, time to re-energize. A re-charge your battery day.
I would love to win a copy for my Mom..she is just getting back in to reading at 82 yrs old and she loves Amish stories..thank you for the chance!
Although I am not Amish, I try to live the Amish way… Faith.
Living by God's word inspires me to be thankful for all his blessings. Each day we walk this journey of life together with all that He teaches. I love reading Amish fiction because the characters paint a picture that allow you to loose yourself in this journey. Thank you for considering me for the chance to win one of your inspiring works.
They do have a lot of good points!
I have learned through your books that a simpler way is a better way. I don't need as much stuff as I used to think I did. My Grandmother was not Amish but I learned a lot from her and want to get back to that .
Some of your points really hit home, things I need to work on in my own life. Shaun
Love the 10 things you learned from the Amish.
Especially Honor the Sabbath.
Would love to win your book.
Keep up the wonderful writing.
CherylB1987@hotmail.com
love the amish…would love a book.
amaryhdz90@yahoo.com…would love the book. love the amish.
I would love to receive you book.. I love these stories.. Once you get to know the Amish People, you find they are very much like you and me.. Hard working people.
What words of wisdom. In the process of organizing and downsizing. Again! Planning on putting some of these Amish ways of living into my life.
Great post.The Calling sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Great post and I would love to win this book. Rachel Lepree rlepree@musfiber.com
That was fun to read. Thanks!
Love these (and the Amish Wisdom app that has a new one each day 😉 ). I'd love to win this new book! Thank you for hosting the giveaway.
Thank you for sharing these Amish proverbs. I think they can be applied to all our lives. I am trying to downsize and not have so much “stuff”. I would love to win a copy of your book. Thanks for the chance.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann
Amish proverb: “We live simply so others may simply life.”
My hubby and I have scaled back when it comes to Christmas. Do we really need to go batty looking for that perfect gift? I think hand made gifts that are from the heart are so much better. Love goes into something handmade vs. store bought.
I enjoyed all 10 things that you posted on. Really gets us thinking!
Would love to win a copy of, The Calling. I love your books and have been a fan of yours for a long time.
Blessings!
Judy B
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for this great article!!Love to win your book!!!Shelia Hall sheliarha64@yahoo.com
Thank you for sharing. We could all learn a lesson from these proverbs. I would love to win a copy of your book.
susanmsj at msn dot com
Thanks for this lovely giveaway and great post. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Lots to learn from the Amish. Would love to win this book.
Loved the lessons from the Amish. Will read them over & over as a reminder. Thanks for the opportunity to win…Linda
dmcfarl101(at)juno(dot)com
What a wonderful article!! I can remember when Pennsylvania had “Blue Laws”. Stores were not opened on Sundays. People spent more time with family. We also went “visiting” relatives snd friends on Sundays. I really miss those days!!
Elaine
tinkerbell2by2@gmail.com
That's wonderful that she is still reading! You are entered into the drawing. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Suzanne did a wonderful job of touching on that. I'm not Amish either, but admire many of the ways they live. Thank you for visiting today!
The Amish have always known what is important in life. That is why I respect them, and why I love reading books about the Amish. Thank you for an opportunity to win. oldtymer70@verizon.net
Beautifully put Leah, thank you for visiting today and leaving a comment. Your name has been added to the hat. : )
Yes, they do, I took away several myself. Thank you Nancy for stopping by today!
Deb, I think you hit the nail on the head. My grandmother taught me how to recycle before it was a word. Thank you for stopping by today. Your comment brought back sweet memories of my grandmother.
Thank you Shaun for stopping by today!
Thank you Cheryl for stopping by and you have been added to the drawing!
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for Suzanne. I have your name for the drawing too.
Hi Cindy, so nice of you to stop by and leave a comment today. I agree, anyone that grows their own food, builds their own homes, are very hard working people. I have your name for the drawing!
Hi Martha, We just finished downsizing ourselves and it was great! I'm with you on needing to do a bit more of organizing though. Thank you for stopping by and I'll add you to the drawing.
Hi Emma, I can't wait to get my copy as well. Thank you for stopping by today and you are definitely in the drawing.
Thank you Rachel for visiting today, I have your name in the drawing as well!
You said it, got you entered into the drawing! Thank you for visiting today.
Hello Hillary, and thank you for visiting today! The Amish Wisdom app sounded so cool to me too. I've got your name entered.
Hi Maryann, Downsizing is work, but well worth it! I called a newly wed couple to come get boxes of household goods during our last move and they were as excited to get it as I was to give it. Thank you for visiting, I have your name in the drawing!
Wow that is so cool I've talked to lots of Amish, but never knew this. We have some Amish that live not to far from were I live, such warm loving people
Hi Judy,
Thank you for visiting today. We scaled back this Christmas too and didn't hurt the Christmas Spirit at all. I think the real Christmas has become lost in all the commercials. Glad others out there think the same, I have you entered for the drawing!
Hello Shelia,
Thank you so much for visiting today and I have you entered into the drawing!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for visiting and I have you entered into the drawing!
Thank you for stopping by, I have you entered into the drawing!
Hello Sherry,
Thank you for visiting today, I have entered your name into the drawing!
Hi Linda,
Suzanne's list would make a great poster for the refrigerator so the whole family could learn a few lessons. Thank you for visiting today, your name will go into the drawing.
Hi Elaine,
I remember those too in Mississippi! I miss those days too. Thank you for visiting today, I have entered your name into the drawing.
I absolutely loved what you wrote in your list! Just reading it was spiritual reading for me and I so appreciate it. I never knew all of that. I would love to win this contest and thank you for offering it. You are an excellent author. Mary Lou K
flowersmarylou85@gmail.com
Thank you for visiting today and I have entered you into the drawing!
Hi Kathleen,
Thank you for visiting today and so glad you enjoyed Suzanne's post. I have you entered into the drawing for her book.
Wish I could have these Amish ideas and lessons on a chart that I could read everyday. I know I fall very short on these, but would do much better if I'd strive to think more about these.
Hello Mary Lou,
Thank you so much for visiting today and leaving your comment for Suzanne! I have your name entered into the drawing.
Donna,
We think on the same wave length, I thought the same thing. We need a poster. Maybe someone creative will put one together for us. Thank you for visiting today. I have your name entered for the drawing.
The Amish Proverbs are so true!!! I cannot wait to read The Calling.
Would love to win an Amish book. Try to read as many as I can of the Amish books.
We could all learn from the Amish. In every day and every situation give thanks to the Lord. For there's always a lesson to be learned. I love your books and I hope you keep on writing.
I really like reading the 10 lessons from the Amish. I would really like to win a copy of the “The Calling” I read a lot of excerpts for Suzanne's books. I'm disabled and can't afford to buy her books. I love reading about the Amish and Christian books. Since I became disabled I never get to buy things I would like. Thanks for the lessons and the giveaway!
Donna Harris
We would all do well to take a lesson from the Amish…
Oh, would love to win and read this. I enjoy your books very much!❤️��
Thank you Karen for visiting and leaving a comment!
Thank you for visiting!
Thank you so much for this lovely comment and for visiting my blog today!
So sorry to hear that Donna. Glad you enjoy reading Suzanne's books. Your name has been entered into the drawing!
You are so right Sharon, thank you for stopping by today.
Linda, I have you in the drawing!
I love reading Amish books. That is mostly all I read. I am fascinated with them. They are happy with what God gives them and dont have to keep getting”more”. I love that they value God and family more than anything and make due with what they have.
I love reading Amish. I enjoy how they make God and family most important. I am fascinated with their lifestyle. I enjoy reading your books. Thank you for sharing them with us.
What beautiful things to have learned. I love to read Amish books because they make me want to be a better person! Thank you for sharing your gift of words!
I love, love, love this! Thank you so much! I am going to share it with my facebook friends..hope that is ok.
Love all these reasons to slow and enjoy each other.
Great post,thanks for sharing.I would love to win this book.Thanks for the chance.jackie_ tessnair@yahoo.com
LOVED THIS POST. I'VE BEEN READING BOOKS ABOUT THE AMISH FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS NOW, AND I REALLY ENJOY THEM. LIFE WAS MUCH LESS COMPLICATED FOR THEM. BUT EVEN SO, “THE WORLD” CREEPS IN TO SOMETIMES CONFUSE THE YOUTH. I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE “SERIES NOVELS” SO THAT WE CAN FOLLOW A FAMILY THROUGH SERVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS. I WOULD BE HONORED TO BE ELEGIBLE TO WIN THIS NEWEST BOOK. GAYLELYNN13@HOTMAIL.COM
A lot of good points! I've always admired the Amish!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love reading your books and others about the Amish. There is such a peaceful feeling reading those books compared to others. The 10 things about the Amish is something we should all strive to follow, there is nothing there really that we all couldn't benefit from in our homes and in the world at large. I too would love to have the new book that is coming out. Keep on writing, I will keep on reading. God bless!
I would love to win a copy! I love how the Amish put God, faith and family first. They make those things their priorities. Period. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Hello. Love Suzanne's blog and her books. I know the Amish work very hard and long days, but love the simplicity of their lives. The importance of family to them. Now, it's hard to find a family not ruled by Technology . Can't even get people to make their kids leave their phones or games alone long enough to enjoy family time at the table. And today's kids are not very respectful. They wait around till they are ready to come to table or see what their parents want. Glad I was born in a simpler time and in a poorer family that was rich in love and laughter. Our family time at our dinner table is some of my best memories. Now people would never give these time consuming things up. It seems GOD, our Faith, family are no longer at the top of the list for way too many people. I would love to have a chance to win Suzanne's new book. Thanks, Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
Hi Theresia,
Thank you for visiting and so glad you enjoy reading Suzanne's novels. I have your name entered into the drawing!
What a compliment to Suzanne! I think this above all is what most writers want, to write beautiful things that encourage others to become better. I've entered your name into the drawing!
Yes, Jacqueline, please share as much as you want, that help's Suzanne get the word out about her new book. Thank you so much for visiting!
Thank you for your comment and for stopping by!
Hi Jackie,
I've got your name in the drawing, thanks for visiting!
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. You are so right about the world and how more complex it is now, especially for our youth. I have your name entered into the drawing!
Thank you for your comment Bonnie, I have you entered into the drawing!
Isn't it a wonder at how certain books and authors have a way with fiction that touches your life as if it were a self-help book. I loved how you put that reading Suzanne's books brings you peace. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I have you entered into the drawing!
Hi Kristie,
Well-put! Thank you for visiting today, I will add you to the drawing!
Thank you for your comments Maxie. It is a challenging world to bring up kids these days. I'm like you, thankful for the simple upbringing that I had and they are such sweet memories. I'll add you to the drawing!