Live Like the Amish
In an interview I did a few years ago, I was asked to name 5 ways we could live like the Amish. In this journal entry I will list one way, and in subsequent entries list the other four:
Prioritize Faith and Family: We live in an instant culture, especially due to advances in technology. My Amish friends, however, remain deeply connected to their roots and make faith and family their number one priorities. To them, this means saying no to television, phones in their homes, movies, and other things that can often draw attention away from these priorities. Instead, the Amish fill their lives when not working with fellowship, family fun, nature, and God. Some also enjoy traveling, but of course, that means either hiring a driver or taking a bus or train.
Amish children are taught from a young age to put their focus on God and family and not things of the world. The Amish don’t think electricity is sinful, but it can serve as a temptation to have more or do worldly things. We English may not want to get rid of our TV or phones permanently, but we might consider taking a break from technology from time to time.
Have you given up anything or changed the way you do something to become more like the Amish?
I haven’t given up too much Wanda, however the older I get the less I feel like doing all the things I did when I was younger. For example I no longer feel like decorating a lot for the holidays. We have lived in a very big house for the past 33 years. Since we are older we decided to sale our big house and downsize to a senior citizen community. In no time the house was sold and an apartment became available. This meant parting with some family heirlooms and antiques. We’ve had to part with a lot of things we wouldn’t have other wise. Even parted with a lot of clothes and etc so we could fit into this apartment. In a way this is simplifying because we are giving up stuff. We will learn to live without these things. Will it be easy? Not at first. I’m guessing we will take way too much stuff and have to get rid of a lot. Eventually we will be glad we did.
I have given up a lot, I have also step back and let my children spread there wings. I really have to say that was the hardest thing in the world to do. Since I raised them alone. I had a chance to go on a church trip ten years ago and the church was taking us to Amish Country. I wasn’t going to tell anyone, That I didn’t know anything about the Amish. When we arrived in Penn. everything started to fast. The people there were full of life, a simple life. My grandma’s were like this. I had seen them do thing’s like this. Clean home’s, garden’s, canning. Granny even wore bonnet’s. I want there simple life. They even Quilted. I have lived that fast life I don’t like it. When I visited Penn. I seen those people, there faces, they live for the Lord. That’s what we have to look forward to. It’s not easy. Grandma said it wasn’t but we learn to love each other more. I love these books. They have me thinking of the times we had in the past. reminding me of the days we had. The days we shared with each other. I am looking in to my past more. I am a big part German, not kind to Hitler,,he was evil. LOl. God bless you all
I am part German and not kin to Hitler,,,lol. That just didn’t come out right.
I haven’t gave up alot but I have made my life less complicated. I shop for just want I need I started quilting making gifts instead of buying. The TV is not always on.I love how the Amish isall for their home and family they don’t have to have phones TVs in their house to survive. We did go from home line to cell phone one less in the home actually cell phone used mostly for emergency due too my health is not good. But I want the Amish life closer to me so what I am saying life that’s less complicated.
I have downsized my apartment. When I saw what was in my closest, I was amazed to see that I had gotten along fine without these items.
I posted signs in my area that there was free things to anyone who could use them. I didn’t have much left, so I donated the rest.
I have downsized and simplified, also. I have emptied out my paper files, finding lots of things no longer needed. I have tried to minimize my cell phone time, when I could be talking face to face with someone instead. I would love to read book 2! Book 1 was a cliffhanger!
We are downsizing, as retirement comes closer, with having purchased out first home and will be sharing that home with our daughter and granddaughter. We have been getting rid of unnecessary items as we will not have the room/storage for extra items, donation to good causes. I am looking forward to having our daughter and grand living with us, as they are busy, always on the go, and this will keep us active with our grand.
I am going to downsize in my apartment..Getting older I can’t keep up with things like I did when I was younger..I am getting rid of a lot of unnecessary items..If I could I would not have a phone and or a tv..I love some of the ways that they live and would like to try living that way just to see what it is like..I love reading your books because they put me close to the Amish and their lives..Your a great writer and I look forward to reading your monthly journal too..
I like this subject – it’s a very good topic!
We still have DVDs and even some vcr tapes still here to play, and I get some to watch at the library. But twenty years ago, we made the decision to get rid of our cable television. We raised our son to not have it, and we stil don’t want it back. Even now I can go days and never turn the tv on. We also don’t have a cell phone, only a land line. I do love books, but the last few years I have given away over half my personal library., because I felt like it was taking over the house. I kept certain kinds of books, and I have my Amish shelf that I love and keep. There are so many of your books here that I treasure. Iread my Bible every day.
I have downsized quite a bit. Being a senior know there are a lot of things I don’t need.
I have downsized as well. I gave many items to the Salvation Army. I only kept what I actually need and vowed that when I bring anything else into my home it will only be something I truly need.
I am coming to the time in my life when I really realize ‘STUFF’ is not important. Only what we do for God will count in the end. I admire the Amish for their dedication to family and God’s will. Got to start giving some of this stuff to someone who needs it.
We have come to the point Wanda where we grow alot of vegis and donate them. We never allow tech at the table if husbands phone rings it just rings we eat dinner and we don’t buy alot of “stuff” extra not needed things . I would rather donate that amount to the church which we go to every Sunday we have a few friends there that we have made. Not only that my husband for the 1st time signed up for a mens group which he really needed to go to and it helped a little i think as he has friends at church that he talks to and don;t sit near us so while i go in front as we arrive to church early i do the rosary with a few other people he spends his time with the friends he has made in the group and that has helped our marriage!
I really enjoyed this journal entry of yours, Mrs. Wanda! I have often thought of being more like the Amish in certain areas, and this really helped me! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I look forward to your future entries. 🙂
Thank you Wanda for always capturing the Amish way. I attempt to live simpler and read more.
In spite of modern technology, there is a time and place for it all. There are some evenings that my husband and I enjoy just talking about our work day after dinner as well as just reading. Sometimes the TV never makes it on! I have joined a weekly Bible study throughout the school year and immensely enjoy spending time reading and studying God’s word awaiting the day when we as Christians will be in our forever home.
Having lived very near an Amish area made me appreciate their simple life style so much more. The electronics I have at hand, like the clothes dryer, I have put aside in preferances to hanging wash on the line. I had forgotten how wonderful air-dry ed sheets smell! TV, turned off and time is spent reading or having quality family time. If someone doesn’t live near any Amish areas, reading Wandas’ books can teach you a whole lot! I know I have learned more than I ever knew before.
I have downsized and it has made my life a lot easier. This is a very interesting topic. Thank you for writing on it.
I cannot honestly say that I have given up anything to be like the Amish. As I sit here at my computer tapping out this response, I can look around and see a lot of clutter I need to clear out. However, if I stop to take time to do that, it will take time that I could be enjoying a good book. So I keep reading. When my wife and I pass on, there will be a lot of junk for them to donate, throw away, or use. There will also be a lot of books for them to read when things slow down for them.
My husband and I have all but given up television and movies; we prefer quiet evenings at home reading. Amish stories are one type of literature I really enjoy reading since the focus is on God and family. Thank you for all your contributions to this body of literature.
I haven’t given anything up, but when I do watch tv I only watch certain channels. The shows today are horrible. I like Hallmark channel since it only shows old sitcoms and holsome shows like Little House On The Prairie and The Waltons. My son, however, is getting rid of his xbox. He’s finding out about being in the work force. He is 16 and I’m very proud of his decision. He also will be without his phone or any electronics for a week in July when he goes on his 2nd mission trip to Mexico.
It took a while but I finally realized that “stuff” is not the answer to happiness. God and family are the most” important factors” in one’s life. I’m working on downsizing the first and making the most important factors my number one priority.
I’ve got to do some serious de cluttering this summer. I’ve been incapacitated this past year with a broken leg and a total knee replacement. I’m praying this summer I will feel more like getting down to some serious cleaning.
My husband and I enjoy camping and do that when we can, we keep our grandson right now during the week, but plan to do more when he starts school in another year.
We Lived last summer in Russel Creek TN outside Lobelville in an Old Order Mennonite Community with no electricity and no phone, no tv and it was like heaven to not have those things to distract you.
Linda
Run barefoot. Started decluttering the house, we never use. Enjoying more family time. Enjoying the little things God has created.
It seems downsizing is the thing to do. We did just that. Cleaning out the attic was a real challenge but in the end it was a very good thing to do. My son and my daughter got into the act also. They saw things from childhood and went “down memory lane” with me. Realizing all this stuff is just stuff and remembering the stories behind all of it was very rewarding. So glad it is May 1….tonight I will be reading #3 and, I am sure, looking forward to #4.
No, I haven’t given up anything, but I do realize I have collected way too much “stuff,” and not buying as much anymore. I do admire the Amish and think their way of life is great! I love reading about them.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Susan in NC
I retired a year ago and threw a bunch of things out. It wasn’t Amish inspired, but keeping the collection of things to a minimum is my goal just as the Amish do. I’m watching less and less TV too.
My goal for this year is to learn simple Pennsylvania Dutch phrases. It could be useful since I live near Pinecraft, FL. in the winter.
We do not have cable in our home. We have christian DVDs that we watch at times, but honestly we don’t miss it. I am personally trying to pull back from social media as it just tends to become so drama filled. I personally want to focus more on God and my family than what is going on with everyone else through social media and such. I so enjoy reading about the Amish and their simple life. It just intrigues me. I would love to win a copy of your book! Thanks for offering this opportunity!
Hello, Wanda! I have tried and am still trying to implement any way of life close to the Amish that I can. I don’t watch much TV at all but when I do, I make sure they are good wholesome movies that at any time any one of my grandchildren could come in and watch! I read daily and I try to make time each day at least once if not twice to sit and read my Bible and do my bible study. I think it is very important to keep that close intimate relationship with God, especially in order to give up things of the world. I do spend as much quality time with my family as I possibly can. I also over the last couple of years have greatly improved sending cards and notes by mail. I find it amazing at how few people still do this. I love to receive cards in the mail but even more than that I love hearing how receiving mail for no reason can change the course of someone’s day! I have also been practicing better ways to being frugal by making more homemade foods and also making my own laundry detergent and such as that. I look forward to reading your second book as much as I always look forward to anything new you have out! Thanks for always doing your best to implement a more simple life into our crazy busy lives!
Good Morning Wanda,
I, too, am very much in the present world….seems like I have one foot here and the other in the other. I have have a very strong belief in God and my Church, I enjoy sewing…albeit on an electric machine. I love reading Amish stories very much on my Kindle. I love having my family around and doing various things with them. I love reading of the simple faith filled lives of the Amish. They seem to be an amazing group….I especially love reading about them. God bless you and Beverly Lewis and all the authors of Amish writings for taking me away!!
My husband had a stroke in January and we have refocused a lot on being more in Gods Word and sharing how God has blessed us through this journey. God’s healing grace has seen us through. We are taking time to recover and showing our loved ones how thankful we are for all their love and support. Sharing meals with neighbors and taking the time to sit and visit. Thanking God for His wonderful Grace.
I have started giving away items to my family and getting up some items to donate to charity. I still have a long way to go. I do not want to give up any modern conveniences because I enjoy the Internet, TV, electricity, running water, telephone, auto, etc. Family is important to me and there is joy in spending time with my family.
Just living the simple life and having a veggie garden and raising chickens..love the Amsh way of life…I make blankets, scarfs and pillows…
I love raising a garden and I love reading about the Amish Love all your books Wanda would love to win these!
Despite a hectic life and demands of working full-time, challenged further by raising our autistic son, we always make time as a family for hiking and picnics on the weekends. Being out in nature helps us not only feel closer to God but gives our autistic son a sense of accomplishment when he climbs a mountain! TV certainly has its place, but we feel better as parents filling his life with opportunities to see beauty, breathe in pure air, and enjoy delicious and nutritious foods in the great outdoors. Everything just tastes better when eaten outside. We all look forward to our special time together as a family! 🙂
In the summer and fall months, nothing warms my heart more than enjoying the fruits of the season! Nothing says summer like going to the local PYO berry farms and returning home with enough berries for pies and jam. I love putting on bluegrass gospel and singing while baking and canning! I enjoy entering my jams in the agricultural fairs, and giving some away as gifts. Makes me feel good to keep a time-honored tradition like canning alive. Canning summer fruits and enjoying them all winter just warms my heart, nourishes the body and spirit! I also enjoy freezing summer beans and other freezable veggies and throwing them in winter soups and stews. Fall means pumpkin and apple-picking, and more pies, breads, etc. I take pride in rendering my own fresh pumpkin puree from my used Halloween decorations rather than using store-bought canned in my Thanksgiving pies, and my family tastes the difference as well! Just one large pumpkin makes enough puree for 2 pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving and many loaves of pumpkin bread that I give away to friends and family for Christmas! I learned to can and bake and makes special Polish dishes like pierogies and kruschiki from my mother, who learned from her mother, who learned from her mother, etc. Keeping these traditions alive keeps me in touch with my roots! 🙂
I do not have television by choice. I listen to Christian radio in my house and car. Further, I have daily Bible devotionals and keep the Sabbath, the seventh day as Jesus commanded. Also I’m a vegetarian. I appreciate the Amish restaurant in Sarasota, FL.
I haven’t really given up much. I really appreciate this post, it has me thinking!!
When I taught grade 4 language arts to the Amish children near Charm, Ohio, 7 years ago, the students did not use computers. I wanted to use a program to motivate them to read books of their choosing, that were on their reading level. I found a great free online program called Book Adventure through the Sylvan Learning Center. Since the students could not use computers, I printed off the different quizzes for various books that I already had in my collection. I read each book and answered each quiz to form answer keys. I color coded each level of book from level 2 – 8, along with each quiz. I then put each quiz in a plastic sheet cover and put them in large 3 inch ring binders in alphabetical order. I had well over 200 titles for the students to choose from! I read a lot in the summer and would add to the collection so the students would have many choices. I purchased books from garage sales and Goodwill and Once Upon a Child. The students would have monthly goals to read a certain number of books and pass the quiz. I hand graded these and kept a record for each child of what books they had read. This would have been much easier for me if the computer could have been used to grade each one and keep the record for each child of what books they had read. But, doing it this way allowed the Amish children to enjoy the program and gave me the chance to enjoy many children’s books, not just the ones that interested me! Now that I am retired, I volunteer as a quiz maker for the Book Adventure Reading Program online. In this way, I can take a few minutes out of my days to keep current with children;s literature and still help motivate children to read.
Hi, I love your books. How have I changed my life to be more like the Amish? I love they have a simpler way of life and don’t worry as much. I love their faith in God. I can work more in these areas.
Hello,
I unplug by going to visit my Amish minister and his wife. I met them many years ago while having a meal in their home. We became fast friends and I always turn to them spiritual encouragement, wisdom and life lessons. My favorite time to visit is during the winter. The heat stove is always warm and inviting and the coffee is always good!
In general I prefer to live a simpler life.
I try to live simply but compared to the Amish I know I fall short. However, I feel Bible study/reading is very important and make that a priority each day. I do wish I lived closer to family. That is one area the Amish have it right…making family more important than careers. Thank you for the thoughtful post. Linda
I do not own a cell phone and love not being connected to one. Everyone I know owns one and they cannot keep themselves from constantly checking it. It is almost an addition. I prefer to spend the time doing other things such as reading.
The kids must turn off cell phone at meal times. We have gotten away from the laptops and play cards or board games together.
Hi Wanda; My husband and I try to go out lancaster,PA. and talk to the Amish families to learn as much as we can about their life and history.So when we came home we agreed not to watch any T.V. for one day and find some other pleasure to replace the remote and it felt good.If only more people would only enjoy life this way.
your’s truly
Wanda K.
My life has centered more around God, and I have started to live more simply. To say I’m living more simply is hard to describe, but there are things that I have done without, and there are certain things I do now, day to day to make my life simpler, instead of doing things the old way, which was not only stressful, but was the furthest thing from the Amish way as possible. It’s very hard to explain, but after a traumatic experience, I had to stop and regroup with my life, which gave me a new way of looking at life as well as at myself. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
We actually made a huge change for the better. We started going to church again! We decided to join our local congregational church after many years of being inactive Catholics. We feel closer to God and look forward to going to Sunday services again, and enjoying the blessings of being part of a faith community. The people at First Church have been so nice and made us feel so welcome, and assured us there’s a place for our autistic son as well in their church family. We are looking forward to opportunities to serving God in our home, church, and community!
Wanda, your books about young Amish women and men of faith have been such an inspiration and a joy to read, and helped me to realize what’s been missing! 🙂
While I don’t know how much like the Amish I am, I do know that some of their thought process’s on putting God first, and loving and taking care of family and others helps me to stop and think about my priorities and slowing down and seeing that I am taking time for the Lord, to hear His heart and voice and to be there for my family. One must work at doing things Jesus’s way and taking care of our families, to counter the many false ideas our culture throws at us. We need to remember that it is the God of the Bible that created man and women to be a married unit, and with that the family unit. And it was Jesus who created and set up His church, and we need to remember that. These are not man’s ideas that can be changed at man’s whim.
The Amish way of life always fascinates me! I love and own every book that WB writes. I am a Mormon and appreciate the clean story lines and find myself becoming the characters and living the life while engrossed in reading her books. Once I start one I can’t put it down until I’m finished! I got to visit Bird in Hand last spring and drove to other towns and really enjoyed the Amish in the community! Thanks WB for being who you are!
This entry certainly gives food for thought.