During a recent radio interview, I talked about some ways we can simplify our lives and try living a little more like the Amish do. Here are a few suggestions:

The Amish travel mostly by horse and buggy. They also walk many places, and some ride bikes or scooters. Whenever I ride in an Amish buggy I notice so many things around me. Why not take a leisurely walk in the country, or even a stroll around your neighborhood? It’s amazing how many things you’ll see when you walk instead of ride in a car. The fresh air and exercise is good for you, too.

At every Amish gathering I’ve been to, there has been a lot of visiting going on. For the Amish, simple living involves spending time with their family and friends. Try visiting with a friend or family member, without the distraction of TV or radio in the background. You’ll be surprised at how much more enjoyable the conversation will be.

One thing I’ve noticed about most of my Amish friends is that they like to read. Many have often said that they enjoy reading because it takes them to places they’ve not been able to visit. Reading is also a good way to relax. When you read one of my novels, I hope you will allow yourself to be drawn into the lives of my Amish characters.

What are some things from the Amish way of life that you have incorporated in your own life?

A few days ago, I received an email from the husband of one of my readers, informing me that his wife had passed away a month ago. She had won a contest to have lunch with me about a year ago, and he wanted to thank me for taking the time to make her day special. Little did I know on the day we shared conversation over lunch, that she was ill and would soon be leaving her earthly home. Had I known, I might have spent even more time with her. Had I known, maybe there would have been more I could have said.

Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing when we or a loved one will pass on. However, we can, and should, live each day as though it’s our last, making the most of each moment and living each day to the fullest. None of us wants to live with regrets, wishing we had said or done something for or with a friend or family member. Instead of taking people for granted, I want to show all the love I can to my family, friends, and everyone God sends my way.

As a song in my church hymn book says, “Make me a blessing. . . Make me a blessing. . . Make me a blessing to someone today.” Is there someone you need to bless? Has someone blessed you in a special way?

Last Sunday my husband preached a sermon entitled, “Finding Your Purpose.” He spoke about how as a child he wondered what his purpose was here on earth. I believe most people have asked that question at one time or another, as we all want to feel that our lives have meaning and that we are serving a purpose. The Bible teaches that man’s purpose is to worship God and serve Him. That includes witnessing to others and helping out whenever there is a need.

Everyone has something they are good at, and when we use our talents to serve God, we can be a blessing to others. I love the opportunity to minister to my readers through my books, and I always feel blessed when someone writes or emails me saying that something they read in one of my books has touched their life in a special way or helped them through a difficult time.

Please share your story of how God has used your talent to help someone, or if you have been helped or blessed by reading one of my books, please share that, too. Hearing that my readers are being blessed by my books reminds me to keep using my abilities for Him. I thank God for the purpose He has given me to bless others through the words He lays on my heart.