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?

Life is full of decision making, and sometimes we know that the choices we make are the right ones. Other times we look back and feel as if a choice we made was a mistake. I have found that when it comes to making a choice about something, it’s always best if I take the time to pray about it first before making a final decision. Sometimes there is also an advantage of talking with someone you trust and getting their advice. Weighing the pros and cons is also helpful, but the fact is, once we’ve made a decision, there is no way we can know for sure how things will work out once we’ve made our choice. The important thing is how we deal with our choices even if we feel they were not thought through properly. Even a wrong choice can work for our good if we pray about it and ask the Lord to use it for His good.

How about you? Have you made any choices that you later regretted? How did you make the best of those decisions, and perhaps, even learn from them?