Do you like Amish Christian Books?

Would you like to take a peek into their private community?

Join me as I take you for a walk through a day in the life of the Amish in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.

Some will discover new love, one will battle health issues, some will need to forgive, and others will find who they are in Christ. But what binds them all together is their desire to serve God, love their families, and support their community by loving their neighbors, just as God instructs them to do.

If you find yourself in a season where you are looking for ways to slow down and simplify your life, I encourage you to look to the Amish for inspiration. The way they live is no secret. We have everything they have at our fingertips; all we have to do is look for it.
If you find their way of life appealing, there are many things you can do to bring some Amish values into your life.

Practice Gratitude. Being humble is a big step to living a quieter simple life. In today's world, many of us want to be the center of attention; we want to stand out in the crowd and be heard.  Finding peace, and serenity starts with being silent.  Listen to those around you, avoid gossip, stay clear of bragging, and avoid being too showy.

Establish Peace. It may be hard for many of us to find peace in a world full of news, electronics, and the constant connection to the outside world.  But finding ways to add periods of calm to your life should be the ultimate goal every day.  Turn off the TV, practice yoga, learn meditation, read a book, and reject all forms of noise.

Live on Less. How many "things" in your life do you have that add no value? Many of our homes are filled with consumer-driven products that just clutter our spaces. If you start ridding your home of all those things that just take up space and add clutter, you'll find a true freedom from owning less.

Provide for Yourself. Have you ever stopped and thought about what would happen if you couldn't go to the store? Finding ways to live a more self-sufficient lifestyle is a big part of living a simpler life.  Being able to raise vegetables, sew your own clothes, conserve energy, and bake bread are just a few ways to learn to take care of yourself.

Work Hard. Don't be afraid of hard work and take pride in the work you do. Discover the feeling of satisfaction from putting in a hard day's work. Whether you sit at a desk or get your hands dirty, do your best and commend others who do a good job around you.

Be Modest. We all like to look nice and feel good about ourselves but being obsessed with the latest fashion or spending hundreds of dollars on beauty products will only leave you dissatisfied with your true appearance. When choosing your clothing, look for flattering styles that are not too tight, too revealing, or too flashy. Wear comfortable clothes while still stylish and presentable. Keep accessories to a minimum and be as true to your natural appearance as possible.

Appreciate the Outdoors. Add some form of outdoor activity to your life every day.  A walk or a stroll through the park, a few minutes pulling weeds, or a game of catch are just a few ways to restore your mental health and gain an appreciation of the outside world.

Seek Community. Do you know your neighbors? Build relationships with those around you. Gladly lend tools, trade babysitting, and go out of your way to help them in times of need. Many of our neighbors may be lonely and feel isolated, take the time to introduce yourself, and be friendly.

Build Family Ties. In today's modern world, broken families are normal, take a stand, and stop the cycle. Spend time working on your family!  Make a point to sit down for meals together, reach out to elderly family members, and build simple family traditions.

Rely on God. The most important value we can learn from the Amish is to put our faith in the Lord and remember we are not God's children only on Sundays. As we make an effort to slow down, we can hear God's message more clearly. Whether you are at home, in the car, or out shopping, act with compassion, be loving and kind, and put others before yourself.

Changing the way you live starts with YOU!  By making a few of these small changes, you will find yourself slowing down and living a more sustainable life, just like the Amish do.
Enjoy,
Tracy Fredrychowski, Amish Fiction Author