During one of our visits to an Amish schoolhouse in Indiana, my husband made some twisty balloon animals for the children. Since Richard has been blowing up balloons for a good many years, his lungs are strong and he rarely uses a pump. The children were impressed at how easy he made it look, and several of the boys wanted to try blowing up a balloon. After a few attempts, all except one of the red-faced boys gave up. The determined boy had a bit more patience than the others. He continued trying to blow up the balloon, until he ran out of air and passed out for a few seconds. Undaunted, and unhurt, he picked himself up and continued blowing until his balloon was fully inflated.
Seeing the patience of this young boy made me think of how easily some people give up when they’re faced with a challenge. Sometimes we give up praying because we don’t receive an answer quickly enough. God wants us to wait patiently for Him, and He wants us to pray and continually seek to do His will.
Are you faced with a challenge today that seems un-daunting? Ask the Lord for the courage and strength to keep going. Ask Him for an attitude of patience as you wait for answers from Him.

I’m often asked how I knew I wanted to become an author. It all began when I was in the second grade and my teacher asked the class to draw a picture of a moth. Knowing I couldn’t draw well, I wrote a about a poem to go with my picture. After class my teacher called me up to her desk and pointing to the poem, she said, “Wanda, I think you have a talent for writing.” From that moment on, a seed was planted. It wasn’t until I was married and my two children were in school that I became serious about writing. After taking a writing course for short stories and articles, I submitted my first story, which was eventually published with a Mennonite Sunday school children’s take-home paper. For the next several years I wrote stories, articles, poems, and puppet plays published with numerous Christian publishers. Then, after taking another writing course, I submitted my first novel, “A Merry Heart,” to Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents Bookclub and it was accepted. Since that time I have written more than 60 books, which includes novels, novellas, devotionals, cookbooks, and children’s books. I enjoy using my ability to write and consider it to be a ministry, as I often hear from readers that something they have read in one of my books has helped them through a difficult time or helped them in some way. I believe that everyone has been blessed with a special talent or gift. What talent do you have and how are you using it to serve the Lord?

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?