The Amish are very devout in their faith. They believe in the literal interpretation and application of Scripture as the Word of God. They take seriously the Biblical commands to separate themselves from the things of the world. They believe worldliness can keep them from being close to God, and can introduce influences that could be destructive to their communities and to their way of life.
Since I was a teenager I’ve been fascinated with the Amish lifestyle – the “plain” way. I’ve read novels set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvannia, home of the oldest Amish settlement in the United States. I’ve thought about what it would be like to be Amish, with their lifestyle and culture serving to separate them from the “worldly influences of our modern society.”
My favorite books written about these fascinating people are penned by New York’s best-selling author, Beverly Lewis. Beverly grew up in Lancaster County, in the heart of Amish country and has been writing since she was nine years old. Having grown up surrounded by the Amish and Mennonites of Pennsylvannia, Lewis has always had a genuine interest and appreciation for the “Plain folk.” She has a fabulous way of weaving her Christian faith throughout her stories, leaving me feeling encouraged and uplifted even while living “in the world.”
Reading books about the Amish leaves me longing somewhat for a simpler life. A life with less disctractions. A life with family as the center of every thing. A life where faith is not something to be taken lightly.
Then I realize that God has me where I am for a reason, attempting (and sometimes floundering) to live a life glorifying to Him. Living in the world, but not of it.
If you’d like to learn more about the Amish way of life, visit 800padutch.com, or visit beverlylewis.com for authentic Amish recipes.
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I completely agree that God is very involved in each of our lives… it’s just up to us to recognize that! Thanks for being an uplifting and helpful part of mine! I love your blog and I appreciate the fun things you do and share! You are great!
I live close to Lancaster county. I can tell you it truly is a fascinating culture! Sometimes I dream of converting. The women are so strong, physically, spiritually, it’s amazing.
I’ve also been fascinated for as long as I can remember. Have you read “Plain Truth” by Jodi Picoult? I think you’d love it…She lived for several weeks with an Amish family-which is usually unheard of! It’s a great story and you learn about the culture as you read it.
I love Beverly Lewis books. They are some of my favorites. It was especially fun for me, since that is where my dad was raised, and I know a lot of the places she talks about. MMMmm. Makes me hungry for Shoe Fly Pie!!!
Yes, I agree with you about the Amish lifestyle looking rather nice at times, so simple and uncomplicated by things of this world. I am a Pastor’s wife, and find it difficult to live in this world, but not being “conformed” to the world, like you said. It is a fine line, and I struggle at times finding the right balance.
I am just grateful that God is a loving, merciful, and forgiving Father!
I’m totally fascinated by them also and I think we can all learn a thing or two from them. Have you seen the movie, “Saving Sarah Cain” based on one of Beverly Lewis’s book? It was a great movie that made me cry.
Are you my twin??? I use to go to Lancaster all of the time seeing it is near where I live. Now we get so caught up in our life the way we are that I forget it is so close. I remember wishing I was a amish girl growing up being less distracted by worldly junk……good thing I wasn’t cause we wouldnt have our blogs nor have I ever met you.
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terry´s last [type] ..for the win