My fascination with quilts began when my mother gave me the old patchwork quilt her mother had made over 85 years ago. Since my maternal grandmother died 6 years before I was born, I never got to meet her. The only link I had to my grandmother was the patchwork quilt.
As a young girl, I would sit on my mother’s bed and study the quilt. I loved touching the oddly shaped velveteen patches, scattered among the colorful cotton and wool pieces of material.
My mother told me that each patch represented a piece of clothing someone in her family had worn. I used to imagine myself sitting on my grandmother’s lap, with the quilt draped over us. What would she have said to me? How would her hugs have felt?
When my daughter got married, I passed my grandmother’s quilt on to her, and someday she’ll pass it on to one of her daughters. Although none of us has had the privilege of meeting Grandma Thiel, her legacy lives on through her beautiful patchwork quilt.
My love for quilts is evident throughout our home. I have several full-sized Amish quilts, as well as some quilted wall hangings, pillows, table runners, and potholders. Whenever I look at any of these quilted items, I think about the labor of love that went into making them, and it gives me a sense of joy and peace.
I’ve mentioned quilts in several of my books. It’s my hope that after reading one of my quilt-themed novels, my readers will not only gain a better understanding of the Amish way of life, but will realize the effort that goes into the making of a treasured Amish quilt.
Have you been given a family heirloom? What special meaning does it hold for you?

Having visited the Hawaiian Islands several times, and setting my co-authored novel, The Hawaiian Quilt there, I’ve learned how the Hawaiian people have many similarities to my Amish friends. The Hawaiian people I’ve met are deeply spiritual. They also have strong family ties and values. They enjoy nature and spending time outdoors. For the most part, their emphasis is not on worldly things, but appreciating the simple way of life.

Personally, I would rather spend a quiet day at the beach, or outdoors where it’s green and lush, then go shopping at a crowded mall. I get more excited about finding a pretty shell on the sand than buying an new item of clothing or some trinket I don’t really need. I can relate well to people who like the simple things in life that God created for our enjoyment, because that’s where my heart lies as well.

Are there other groups of people who live similar to the Plain People? What are some similarities between you and the Amish?

Every year I receive hundreds of letters and e-mails from readers who say they’ve been influenced in some way by the stories in my books depicting the Amish way of life. In our modern world, where too much emphasis is placed on “things,” many people are searching for something that will offer them a slower pace and help them focus on the important things in life. The Amish and other Plain People have set an example for that, which is why I believe so many people are fascinated with and drawn to their way of life.
Just as the Amish have given us an example for living more simply, every Christian should set an example to the world, showing others a Godly way of life. Letting our light shine so that the world may see our good works will bring glory to God. Remember as you go about your day that you may be the only Jesus some of your friends, neighbors, and family will ever see. What we say and what we do is how we show others that Christ lives in us. We should all want to make a difference in other people’s lives. What are some ways you might set an example for Christianity today?