What Do You Know? and "The Contest"
I've been doing some straightening and organizing in the room I call my home office. Funny how paper seems to multiply no matter how much you try to restrain it...
I have learned so much about the Amish from visits to Lancaster, Pa., and Pinecraft, Florida, and from new friends I've made. I've bought countless books and printed out information found on the Internet. I've tried to contain the printed information and books but it's certainly taking over a portion of the office.
As I was working in here on that project, it occurred to me that while I've learned so much, there is so much more to learn because while there are basic beliefs and traditions and so on, there is no one "Amish" -- things like dress and rules and some language can vary from community to community.
One of our editors once said that we must be careful writing about the Amish because some of our readers are so knowledgable about them. These readers are often frequent visitors to Amish communities, love buying all types of books about them -- not just fiction -- and even try to emulate the Amish sense of community, spirituality, and desire to live simply.
The contest to win a book by each of us here on AmishHearts.com is open until March 1. So I decided to ask you: What is your favorite thing you've learned about the Amish from your travels or books you've read? Write a comment to enter the contest and share with us, won't you?
Looking forward to reading your comments here!
Barbara
I have learned so much about the Amish from visits to Lancaster, Pa., and Pinecraft, Florida, and from new friends I've made. I've bought countless books and printed out information found on the Internet. I've tried to contain the printed information and books but it's certainly taking over a portion of the office.
As I was working in here on that project, it occurred to me that while I've learned so much, there is so much more to learn because while there are basic beliefs and traditions and so on, there is no one "Amish" -- things like dress and rules and some language can vary from community to community.
One of our editors once said that we must be careful writing about the Amish because some of our readers are so knowledgable about them. These readers are often frequent visitors to Amish communities, love buying all types of books about them -- not just fiction -- and even try to emulate the Amish sense of community, spirituality, and desire to live simply.
The contest to win a book by each of us here on AmishHearts.com is open until March 1. So I decided to ask you: What is your favorite thing you've learned about the Amish from your travels or books you've read? Write a comment to enter the contest and share with us, won't you?
Looking forward to reading your comments here!
Barbara
Posted by Barbara Cameron at 2/11/2010 9:59 PM 
Categories: An Amish Gathering, Amish facts
Tags: Amish fiction
Categories: An Amish Gathering, Amish facts
Tags: Amish fiction
The basis of your book, An Amish Christmas, is my favorite thing I've learned about the Amish. They worship and gather together as family on First Christmas--making the Lord the center of Christmas, with singing and praising. Then having Second Christmas, where they gathered together as family and exchanged simple gifts. This is a book I will cherish.
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Just a few things that I have learned from reading about the Amish (I would love to visit them) is the fact that they are so dedicated to the reading of their Bibles, their forgiveness of wrongs that are done to them, the fact that they do not want their pictures taken,doing their chores and work without complaining, how they will all pitch in and help their friends and neighbors until the work is done, and last but certainly not least, the simplicity of their lives and having respect for each other, especially their elders. I really admire them for this.
It is my desire to someday visit with them. Through reading the many books that I have read has left me with a sense of closeness to them that I cannot explain.
Thanks to authors like you girls, I have become a great fan of Amish culture.
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That they are without vanity. I'm reading a book about the Amish now, Love Finds You In Paradise Pennsylvania by Loree Lough and a comment in the book refers to not offering to much praise on a quilt made by an Amish quilter or the quilter will make one for you as a gift.
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I've learned that the Amish are just plain people like we are. Their lifestyle might be different but they're still just people!
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Good Morning Barbara, I Love the fantastic Faith they have and the forgiveness that they have I love reading about them and I also love the Bible quotes in the books I read,
I would also love to win the contest, keep up the Great writing and I wait patiently for a new book to come out
Gods Blessing to you and yours
Lois
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I find it very interesting that in Lancaster, the Amish all worship in homes alternate Sundays. In Ontario, we have a group who have church buildings and worship there every week. I also learned that the women's caps vary- number of pleats, brims, color of ribbons (white or black)- some hang in front , some behind the head. BUT- their faith is always evident!!
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The one thing that I have learned about the Amish through my reading is that there are so many things I admire about the Amish. The one thing that really stands out though is their faith in the Lord. They also love their families so much unless someone is shunned though. I would love to go to Lancaster, PA someday and I hope to do just that. I live in Oklahoma, just west of OKC and we don't see Amish here. There is a community north of Tulsa I believe.
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I guess what I have learned the most is that simplier things in life really matter -- whether it be spending time with family or just enjoying the world around us. The Amish can just take a walk and seem to really take in all that God has given all of us to enjoy. We "Englishers" need to slow down and do that too! God Bless all of you! Really enjoy your books!
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I love to read about the Amish, I love to go in areas where they live as I am just fascinated by their life style and how happy they seem to be even though I wonder about not having all the conveniences of life as we see it and let it is a way of life and they all seem to have adapted to it and are happy. They have lovely farms, horses and children.
Just a very interesting way of life and I am totally fascinated with it all and always love to be in the area where I see them and hear the clip clop of the horses as I did when in Shipsehwana this spring and summer and going back next weekend.
Betty Ann
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The one thing that I think that I have learned is that the Amish lead a simple life that is full. I could not imagine working and living the way they do, but can appreciate their way of life. I would love to incorporate some of their lifestyle into mine but it seems my life is out of control. Sometimes I wish I could just stop and smell the roses but there always seems something needs to be done....laundry, dishes, supper, kid's bath, homework...does it ever end. I think the Amish do a lot more than me but without all the pressures we put on ourselves.
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My favorite thing is how the grandparents live so close with the family in the Dawdi house. I love that concept.
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Hi and thanks for your email of AmishHearts. I look forward to opening it up first thing among all the other mail that came in that day.
You ask what is my favorite thing I have learned from the Amish by observation or reading . There is much desirable so,it's tough say just one.
In many ways of the Amish, they are my plumb line. The Amish cause me to recognize within my character, areas I am weak and need to improve. When the focus is Amish women, I become more energized in my daily routine. They strengthen me to view the most basic tasks with a greater ferver and it brings joy in seeking to please God and my family. I become more determined to keep on keeping on.
The Amish give me a fresh perspective on ordinary living like no other.
Primarily however, I am moved by their dispositions.
I know I am a loud person who is impatient waiting for another to finish speaking, so I can say what's on my mind! I don't like that trait about myself. Therefore, the one single thing I 'adore' about Amish people is that generally,they are soft spoken, patient, and a gentle mannered people...not blabber-guts like myself.
I am drawn to what can perfect me. The Amish are my example of the Fruit of the Spirit fulfilled.
Happy Valentine's!
Jan-Lynn
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I have seen the Amish in Ohio, Pennsylvania, IL and Indiana. I know in my earlier years that I took pictures of them but since reading the novels about the Amish I realize they do not want their pictures taken which I would never have known if I hadn't read it in the books. The Amish are just like different nationalities of people, they have their customs. I seen some Mennonites in Shopko after Christmas getting/buying different things and they are amazing people, yet you hate to stare at them because of the type of people they are.
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Just made an entry then read the others submitted. They cause me to wonder...what the Amish think about what we English think about them!?
Does anybody have any answer?
Do they like scratch their heads in bewilderment at our comments and perplexed at how we are smitten by them and wonder why? Are they taken aback there are websites such as these with them as the subject matter. Are they amused there are enormous amounts of novels and resources going around and drawings to win books about them?
One time with a young Amish lady riding in the passenger seat of my car, as she was our tour guide in our nearby Amish community, I asked her a dumb thing of which I am embarassed to repeat here..but I asked her, "Do you like being Amish?"
She merely said "Yes. It's all I know."
I am grateful they are quick to forgive, because I needed forgiveness for that blunder!
My point is they probably don't see why we(I) nearly trip all over myself when around them for my fasination is unquenchable!
Jan-Lynn
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Hi Barbara,
My husband and I travel to Lancaster, PA twice a year from our home in Massachusetts. It is such a tranquil place to visit. I find their way of life very refreshing, we seem to take too much time running around each day, never truly enjoying the day. Their work ethic and dedication to not only their family, but the community is remarkable. They may keep to themselves, but they are very friendly when you speak with them. We should emulate them, by enjoying each day we have on the earth.
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Hi Barbara,
I really love the Amish because they are a peaceful and non-violent people. They help one another and are very family-oriented. I'm a people watcher and I could watch them all day working in the fields, gardens and barn and also, watch the children play in their yard and working along side their siblings and parents. I would love to sit in the background and watch everything during a barn-raising.
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I admire that part of the reason they don't want electricity in their homes is because if you end up having a TV, computer, etc., it interferes with "family time" (just one of their reasons). I've been thinking of this quite a bit. We just got our power back on, after being without it for 29 hours because of a snow storm here--in Texas of all places!!! Anyway, last evening we sat down at the dining room table, lit several candles & actually played some board games together as a family! It was wonderful! Now our power is back & what are we doing? One is in the livingroom looking at the big screen TV, one is on her laptop, I'm here in another room on the desktop 'puter! So, even though the house was cold because of no power, I have some warm memories to "ponder in my heart"!
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I just love the sinple life the Amish live. I think they are so close to their family and to God.I love the peace that they have.They have a desire to help one another.They make such beautiful quilts and furniture by hand.Their food is delicious.They are so talented.We all need to slow down and lead a simplier life and enjoy our blessings.
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I was born and raised in Lancaster. Pa., but spent most of my spare time in Lancster County with relatives. The Amish I got to know were always ready to help a neighbor whether being Amish or not. II've seen a farmers barn destroyed by fire and the next weekend his Amish neighbors as well as others were there to rebuild it. They welcome neighbors with baked goods and look out for each other. This you don't find living in row homes in the city anymore.
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By reading Amish fiction and visiting Holmes County, Ohio ,I have learned that the Amish faith surpasses all that most of us know. The eldest members have lots of wisdom to pass down to family and friends. The children know that the family must work together to get chores accomplished and that back talk is not tolerated. The sacrifices that the Amish women give each day is amazing. They do it with a smile on their faces and love in their hearts. The Amish do face death of loved ones, babies and friends as we do. Accidents do happen with serious injuries and the community rallies around the families.
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I just love all things about the Amish, especially the simple life and the logical outlook on life (If you never had it, or used it, how can you miss it---such as with TV/radio/cell phones) or if you accept this or this, where do you stop---you become accustomed to it and will accept more and more. I try to live by following their wisdom.
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I've been reading quite a few novels about the Amish lately. I've enjoyed reading about character qualities such as their willingness to help others, visiting each other's homes, living a quieter lifestyle, praying and turning to God for wisdom, everyone working hard to benefit the family, etc.
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Since I was raised Amish I haven't really "learned" anything from books I have read about the culture. There are things that I wish wouldn't have had to be sacrificed when we left. I will always have fond memories of growing up the way I did, but I still wouldn't want to return to the Amish.
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I love the Amish stories. I am so attracted to them, their way of life, community, but not to their shunnings and rumphschringe (?), and not to their belief that it is prideful to know one is saved. Thanks for doing this site and your writings. The characters become like family to me. I want to ask a question: do the Amish read your stories? Thanks again, Donna Ratliff
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