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?

The other day I was thinking about the importance of friendship, and how so many of my friends have impacted my life. My first friend, Mark, was our neighbor’s son. He was four and I was five, and we did many things together, including having our first taste of sand from his sandbox. I quickly discovered that putting sand in my mouth was not a good thing. I don’t think my childhood friend liked it either. Mark and I went to school together, and by the time we entered high school we began dating. I remember thinking that he would be the man I would marry someday, but God had a different plan for my life.

I had other friends during my childhood and schooldays, too, and after I married my husband, Richard, we became close to some other married couples who lived in our neighborhood. We established close relationships with several people from our church. We’ve also become friends with several Amish couples and have developed a closeness, even though we live miles apart. We make trips to Amish country as often as we can, to spend quality time with our dear Amish friends. We also write letters, and make phone calls to keep in touch and share prayer requests. Some of our Amish friends have traveled to our home state of Washington to stay with us for several days. What a fun time we had while taking them to see several beautiful sights we have here, like Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound and the Columbia River.

Each time we get together with friends, our relationship becomes stronger. It’s comforting to know that we can share with them and ask for prayer when needed for specific things. I can’t imagine my life without friendships, and it doesn’t matter if we live a different lifestyle or come from different backgrounds. What counts in a true friendship is caring and sharing.

Do you have special friends who have been there when you’ve had a need? What is the best way to make a friendship grow stronger?