In my recently released novel, Letters of Trust, Eleanor had a hard time trusting her husband, Vic, because of the lies and excuses he had told her concerning his addiction to alcohol. Eleanor’s first attempt at trying to help Vic was when she went to see their bishop and received counseling from him and his wife. This step gave her the courage to reach out to an organization that might help Eleanor, as well as her husband.

What are some ways a married couple can communicate their feelings without arguing or hurting someone’s feelings? Is it possible for a couple, whose marriage is in trouble, to learn how to trust each other again?

While we may not be able to trust every person we met, the Bible tells us that there is One in whom we can always put our trust. “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” Proverbs 30:5 (NKJV). Isn’t it good to know that God is like a shield to us, and we can put our trust in Him with every detail of our lives?

In my novel, Letters of Trust, Eleanor’s parents had some reservations about her marrying Vic. They’d heard rumors about some of the things he’d been involved with before he joined the church, and were worried that his old habits might resurface.

My husband and I recently celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary, and my thoughts went back to the day we announced to my parents our intention to get married. They weren’t happy about it—not because they’d heard any rumors about Richard’s actions before he’d become a Christian. They were concerned because Richard and I had only known each other a few months. Both my parents and Richard’s parents said that our marriage probably wouldn’t last. We proved them wrong, but it wasn’t because we were trying to make a point. We honestly loved each other, and the most important thing that has kept us together all these years is our commitment to God, and to each other.

Do you think there is ever a time when a parent should speak up or intervene when their grown child wants to marry someone of whom they disapprove? Should the couple marry anyway, in spite of their parents’ disapproval? How can a situation like this be handled in such a way that no one’s feelings are hurt?

In my recent Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook, I mentioned in the introduction that my mother was always frugal when it came to using the food she cooked for more than one meal. Leftover baked meatloaf that we’d eaten for supper became cold meatloaf sandwiches for lunch the following day. Leftovers from chicken dishes became a tasty casserole, or the meat was sliced and used to make sandwiches.

My Amish friends are also prudent when it comes to not being wasteful with the food they prepare for their families. Leftovers are used wisely and a meat dish for supper might end up being used the following day in a tasty soup, potpie, casserole dish, or for sandwiches. On numerous occasions my husband and I have been invited to share in some of those delicious meals at our Amish friends’ homes.

What are some ways you have used leftover food from a supper meal to create something else to eat the following day? Do you have any “no-waste” tips to share?