During one of our visits with Amish friends, I observed their children playing together. They weren’t bored and didn’t complain because there was nothing to do. They found enjoyment in simple things like reading, playing a game of ball, petting their dog, riding their bicycles, swinging, and swimming in the pond. They didn’t need a computer or some electronic game in order to have fun. They laughed and talked together and didn’t send text messages in order to communicate.
In our fast-paced electronic age many “English” people don’t take the time to enjoy the simple things life has to offer. We rush from place to place, hurry to complete our tasks, and find that our lives are full of stress and worry. We’ve become exhausted and discontent because we don’t spend enough quality time with our family and friends. Many people strive so hard to get ahead that they don’t see what’s right beside them. Material things don’t bring true happiness, nor do they bring lasting contentment. When we look around at the beauty God created, and find joy in being with those we love, our discontent fades and appreciation sets in.
What are some things you do that bring contentment? Are your children or grandchildren doing things that require electricity or batteries, or do they play simply, much like Amish children do? How can we help the youth of today find contentment in simple things?

In my upcoming novel, The Blessing, Heidi Troyer is faced with an unexpected disappointment. In order to cope, she chooses to teach another cooking class, which she hopes will help to take her mind off the situation.

Life is full of disappointments, but with God’s help we can navigate our way through them. Sometimes the things that disappoint us can turn out to be a blessing.

A favorite verse, found in Psalm 147:3 says: “God healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

What are some ways you deal with disappointments? How do you keep from letting them pull you down?

In my co-authored upcoming novel, The Farmers’ Market Mishap, Elma is faced with some difficult decisions. The love of a man tugs her in one direction, but her responsibilities to her sister, as well as her grandparents’ store, pull her in another, making it difficult to choose.

Sometimes, when we are faced with a decision that could not only affect our life, but someone else’s, we sacrifice our own needs. Other times we might follow our heart, but then live with guilt, believing that we have let one of our friends or family members down.

Have you ever been faced with a decision that could affect someone else’s life, and wondered if it would be better to do what you think is best for them, rather than follow your own desires? What are some things we can do to help us make right decisions when it might affect someone else’s life, as well as our own? When it is it alright to make a sacrifice for others, and when is be okay for us to do what we feel is best for ourselves?