On two occasions this week, two individuals I spoke with commented that they wished so many things weren’t connected to technology. They both stated that they would enjoy living a simpler life, the way the Amish and other Plain groups do.

While we can’t all leave our modern way of life and live exactly like my Amish friends do, we can take the time to slow down and focus on some of the important things in life. For the next few months in my journal entries I want to share with you some simple living tips you can try if you want to experience some of the same things the Amish do in their everyday lives.

Tip 1: The Amish don’t normally have electricity in their homes, so they do not own televisions, computers or anything else that might pull them into the outside world through technology. Their time is occupied, among other things, with caring for their livestock, doing chores, cooking, sewing, making craft items, spending quality time with family, and playing indoor or outdoor games. So if you want a simpler life, why not try turning off the TV, and getting away from your cell phone and computer for a few hours each day? Alternately, you could go outdoors and spend time in nature, listen to the birds, enjoy the beauty of flowers and trees, and feel the soft breeze against you face.

Spending time outside helps me feel connected to God, and it’s a great place to pray and do daily devotions. Indoors, it’s nice to read a good book, put a puzzle together, play a game, engage in a craft, or visit with family and friends.

What are some things you enjoy doing that don’t require electricity or modern technology?

On February 22, 2023, our daughter, Lorine, had a massive stroke. I immediately reached out to our church prayer chain, several friends, all our relatives, and my dear reader fans. Our family could feel the power of prayer going up for our daughter, and a sense of peace filled our hearts as she continued to improve. Today, a little over a year from the date she had stroke, our daughter is back teaching fulltime. Although Lorine is still doing some therapy and needs continued prayer, we are thankful for the amazing progress she’s made.

More recently, our granddaughter, Jinell, due to pregnancy complications, gave birth to her baby 6 weeks early. This took place just one year after Lorine’s (her mother) stroke. Jinell was very sick, and her baby girl, Kira, weighed only 3 ½ lbs. Once again, I reached out to others for prayer. I’m happy to say that Jinell is doing better and both she and the baby have been discharged from the hospital and are now at home with Jinell’s husband (the baby’s grateful father.)

Most definitely, I believe in the power of prayer. How about you? Have you recently received an answer to prayer that made you realize just how powerful a prayer request can be? Or maybe you are in need of prayer right now. If so, would you please share that request with me so that I, and others who read this post, can pray for you?

Have you ever wondered why it’s easier to give a gift or help someone than it is to receive a gift or accept help from another person?

I think sometimes we believe that when someone gives us a gift or does something nice for us, we owe them something and must respond by giving in return. The truth is, we may not always be able to give something back to someone who has blessed us with a gift of some kind.

The things we do for other people will bring us a blessing too. We can look for opportunities to bless a friend, relative, or someone we don’t know personally. I believe that through giving, even during our greatest need, we will receive back in blessings whatever we have given.

Have you blessed someone recently? Has someone blessed you?