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Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Lessons learned from the Amish ~ and a Giveaway!

A person can’t study someone else’s culture and traditions without their own life being impacted. After interviewing, researching, and writing about the Amish in my novels, I found my own life impacted by these simple, God-fearing people. Since we Englishers love lists, here are five things I’ve learned from them that will be helpful during this health crisis.

1. Slow down. Whether driving, talking, or eating dinner, a person finds more enjoyment if they slow down. You’ll still finish what you need to on any given day. Whoever said “haste makes waste” knew what he or she was talking about.

2. Make do with less. An Amish woman’s entire wardrobe hangs on bedroom hooks or can be folded into one or two dresser drawers. English women often buy because it’s too good a bargain to pass up. Shop with a list of what you need and purchase nothing else, no matter how great the price.

3. Don’t compare yourself to others. There is little competition in the Amish world. We will always find someone smarter, prettier, richer, or more talented than us. If we dwell on them, we will never to content and never rise to our personal best.

4. Don’t over-plan life. The best opportunities come up spur-of-the-moment. If we map out our entire future—or try to—we’ll miss the valuable chances God drops into our path.

5. Trust God in all matters. As a Christian, I have witnessed his awesome power to change lives. The Amish demonstrate their faith and trust each day. Although I might not be ready to give up health insurance, I am ready to put God in charge of this pandemic and stop worrying about the future.

Let us all pledge to worry less and pray more during these difficult times. Remember, readers, we are not alone.

Two of my favorite books, Abigail’s New Hope and A Marriage for Meghan, are currently on sale for 1.99 at all e-book outlets.

Abigail’s New Hope at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PYDZE0?notRedirectToSDP=1&ref_=dbs_mng_calw_0&storeType=ebooks

A Marriage for Meghan (The Wayne County Series Book 2)A Marriage for Meghan at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Meghan-Wayne-County-Book-ebook/dp/B005KN9QUW/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=A+Marriage+for+Meghan&qid=1585426632&sr=8-2

If you leave me a comment, you’ll be entered in a drawing for two signed Amish novels, An Amish Sweet Shop and A Little Bit of Charm.
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50 comments:

  1. Susie-QApril 1, 2020 at 5:30 AM

    I wonder how the Amish are faring during this COVID-19 pandemic. I'm praying that they are safe in their more rural settings.

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    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 8:47 AM

      I've been wondering the same thing, Suzie. I think the Amish in Holmes County are still congregating. So remember them in your prayers.

      Delete
  2. Robin in NCApril 1, 2020 at 5:37 AM

    The Amish have some very smart approaches to life. Stay safe!
    RW620 AT aol DOT com

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    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 8:48 AM

      yes, they do, robin, but unfortunately they're still congregating in Holmes County Ohio.

      Delete
  3. Kay GarrettApril 1, 2020 at 5:55 AM

    Love reading the Amish genre partly because it gives one a time to stop and remember what is important and how to strive to live a better life. The five lessons listed are great suggestions at any time, but now that our country is in just upheaval, they are things we all need to remember and implement into our lives. Thank you for the reminder.

    Appreciate the heads up on two more great books I would love to read and have been added to my TBR list.

    Thank you for the awesome opportunity to win not one but two great Amish books! Shared and hoping to be the very fortunate one selected.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 8:49 AM

      Thank you, Kay, for all your kind words and for leaving me a comment on Suspense Sisters!!

      Delete
  4. AnonymousApril 1, 2020 at 5:57 AM

    I like your list and thing it has great ideas for these times. Thank you.
    Theresa Norris
    weceno at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 8:50 AM

      Thank you, Theresa, for leaving me a comment on Suspense Sisters. And I'm happy to let you know You're my lucky winner of two Amish Fiction books. I will contact you via email for your mailing address. congratulations

      Delete
  5. DebbyApril 1, 2020 at 7:03 AM

    I enjoy the Amish books. Thanks for this. Now I have more to get.
    debby236 at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:20 AM

      thanks for leaving me a comment. be Safe during this crazy times.

      Delete
  6. Wendy NewcombApril 1, 2020 at 8:24 AM

    I really enjoy your books Mary and thought I had read these books but cannot find 'proof' that I have, lol, so I would feel blessed to win a copy of each, thank you for the chance.

    wfnren at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:21 AM

      thanks, wendy, for your kind words and for leaving me a comment.

      Delete
  7. Gail H.April 1, 2020 at 10:17 AM

    Very good suggestions for now and the future. Amish books are one of my favorites. I’ve read so many different Amish authors. Thanks for the giveaway.
    tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:21 AM

      Thanks, Gail, for leaving me a comment and being a Suspense Sisters reader!!

      Delete
  8. Lucy Reynolds April 1, 2020 at 11:20 AM

    Great advice. I live rural and love gardening and canning, hanging laundry out on sunny days, but I’m also thankful for my dryer on cold snowy days. Thank you for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:22 AM

      Thanks for some of your own "simple living" ideas. Blessings on you during these dark days!!

      Delete
  9. Lori ParrishApril 1, 2020 at 12:12 PM

    Some great advice! Amish books are my favorite genre. I would love a copy. Thanks for the chance to win you have a beautiful blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:26 AM

      Thanks, Lori, for leaving me a comment and being a Suspense Sisters reader.

      Delete
  10. Beverly Duell-MooreApril 1, 2020 at 12:22 PM

    I'd love to live more simply.

    ReplyDelete
  11. bn100April 1, 2020 at 12:29 PM

    nice covers
    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. diannekcApril 1, 2020 at 12:36 PM

    I really enjoyed the synopsis of both books. I enjoy reading Amish fiction and learning about the Amish way of life.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:27 AM

      thanks so much for dropping by and leaving me a comment.

      Delete
  13. Patricia BradleyApril 1, 2020 at 12:48 PM

    I enjoy Amish books for their simple way of living...makes me think of when I grew up.

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    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:29 AM

      Thanks Patricia!! Always a pleasure to hear from you and see your lovely face!!

      Delete
  14. Diana MontgomeryApril 1, 2020 at 2:46 PM

    Loved thy e blog. Look like great books. joeym11@frontier.com
    Blessings
    Dians

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:28 AM

      Thanks, Diana, for leaving me a comment and being a Suspense Sisters reader.

      Delete
  15. CRYSTALApril 1, 2020 at 3:06 PM

    These are very good points from the Amish. I love reading Amish books.
    I love the book covers and excerpts.
    I would love to read and review paperback versions of these books.
    I look forward to reading these books.
    Hope I Win.
    Full Name: Crystal Stewart
    Email: don(dot)stewart(at)zoominternet(dot)net
    Crystal

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:32 AM

      Thanks, Crystal, for your kind words, and especially for leaving me a comment.

      Delete
  16. Mary PrestonApril 1, 2020 at 4:30 PM

    A thoughtful post thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:31 AM

      thanks, Mary! I'm glad you liked my post. Thanks for leaving me a comment.

      Delete
  17. Karen MinterApril 1, 2020 at 5:41 PM

    All of the lessons you listed are so spot on, especially #5. Thanks for reminding us!

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    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:30 AM

      Thanks Karen, for leaving me a comment and being a Suspense Sisters readers. glad you enjoyed my list.

      Delete
  18. Barb DApril 1, 2020 at 5:55 PM

    Thanks for the lessons on what we can learn from the Amish! Badawson16 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:30 AM

      Thanks, Barb, for being a Suspense Sisters reader and for leaving me a comment.

      Delete
  19. Linda MarieApril 1, 2020 at 6:20 PM

    I would love to learn more about the Amish and their ways.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:41 AM

      They are a fascinating people. Thanks for leaving me a comment.

      Delete
  20. LindaApril 1, 2020 at 7:06 PM

    For every book I read that isn't Amish fiction, I read 3 that are. While we know the Amish are not without challenges similar to ours, their reliance on God and their faith is what keeps me coming back for more. I do wonder how they are dealing with the Covid 19 crisis. Anyone have any info?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:42 AM

      Unfortunately, I saw on the news yesterday that the Amish near me (Holmes County Ohio) are still congregating. Please keep them in your prayers.

      Delete
  21. Diana HardtApril 1, 2020 at 7:54 PM

    I like your list. There are some very interesting thoughts on the list. Thank you for sharing. I like reading Amish books.

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    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:43 AM

      Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you like my list. Thanks for being a Suspense Sisters reader.

      Delete
  22. AmyApril 2, 2020 at 8:51 PM

    I grew up in a community with many Amish people. I miss their influence!

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    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:43 AM

      Thanks so much for leaving me a comment. And thanks for being a Suspense sisters reader.

      Delete
  23. AnonymousApril 3, 2020 at 1:09 PM

    Thank you for sharing these wise thoughts with us. I have always admired the Amish with their deep faith and simple lifestyle.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Maryann

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    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:44 AM

      Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed my list. And thanks for being a Suspense Sisters reader.

      Delete
  24. Linda KishApril 5, 2020 at 4:35 PM

    Those are all very good rules to live by. Thanks for sharing them.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:45 AM

      Thanks for your kind words, Linda. And thanks for being a Suspense Sisters reader.

      Delete
  25. Mary EllisApril 7, 2020 at 9:45 AM

    I was thrilled to see so many comments. Our lucky winner was Theresa Norris. Thanks to everyone who commented.

    ReplyDelete

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