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?

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?