The recent passing of my dear husband, Richard, has drawn me to the Scriptures to seek comfort from God’s Holy Word. Here is one such verse: “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1). Through all the pain and suffering Richard dealt with, his faith in God never wavered, and mine didn’t either. Richard was ready to exit this earth because he knew when his soul left his earthly body, he would be taken to a new home with Jesus, where pain and suffering does not exist. His faith was strong, right up to the end. Although I, and our family members, will miss Richard very, very much, I have the faith to believe that as a born-again Christian, my dear husband is in a far better place, no longer in pain or bound by this earth. I always believe that someday we will be reunited in heaven.

What strengthens your faith and how have you dealt with the struggles you’ve faced here on earth? Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? If not, in childlike faith, read John 3:16 and insert your name in the place where it says, “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

I am sometimes asked if, while visiting Amish country, it’s all right to take pictures of Amish people, homes, barns, etc.

Some more progressive Amish don’t mind having their pictures taken, but unless they haven’t joined the church yet, they normally won’t pose for a photograph. Most Amish don’t mind people taking pictures of their homes, farms, horses, and buggies. Some of the more conservative Amish don’t want tourists taking pictures of them or anything on their property. It’s always best to ask first before taking pictures, especially if the photos will include Amish people. For pictures of barns, homes, horses, and buggies, it’s usually fine to take pictures as long as you’re not invading anyone’s private property.

Have you ever had someone take a picture of you without your permission? If so, how did it make you feel? What are some reasons we might not want to have our photograph taken?

I often hear from my readers that they enjoy reading my Amish-themed novels, and also the cookbooks with Amish recipes. Many times I am asked what appeals to me about the Amish way of life, and what made me decide to write about the Plain people. For one thing, I was, and still am, drawn to their simple lifestyle and the fact that they don’t put emphasis on worldly things. I also appreciate that my Amish friends put God first, and then their family. But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to their faithfulness to God and family, the Amish people I am privileged to know personally do a lot to help other people. When I’m with our Amish friends I see their family closeness, and my desire to be closer to my own family grows stronger. When I’m visiting our Amish friends I feel calm, relaxed, and closer to God. All of these things are why I write Amish-themed novels that I enjoy sharing with my readers.

How about you? What do you admire about the Amish way of life? What do you enjoy most about reading my books that are set in Amish country and reflect the Plain people’s simple way of living?