Wanda E. Brunstetter - The Simple Life: Gift Edition

2006 by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Print ISBN 978-1-60260-220-5

eBook Edition:

Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978-1-62836-501-6

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All Pennsylvania Dutch words are taken from the Revised Pennsylvania German Dictionary found in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. NIV . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Cover image: Doyle Yoder Photography

Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks.com

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To all my Amish friends who have helped me gain a better understanding of the simple life.

H ave you ever felt like your life is too busy? Have you ever stressed over thingsfeeling the pressure to keep up with the Joneses or perhaps wanting instead to downsize and be rid of the clutter? Have you ever imagined a simpler life, full of the blessings of family, friends, and faith?

Who hasnt?

Its for everyone who has longed for a less stressful, more peaceful existence that The Simple Life was written. Based on stories of our Amish friends, these sixty devotionals provide practical and thought-provoking ideas on living a more satisfying life.

The Amish are a group of people who, due to the religious persecution they suffered in Europe, relocated to America in the early 1700s. There are now more than 130,000 Amish living in various communities throughout the United States and Canada.

Their interpretation of scripture leads the Amish to live simply, without many of the modern conveniences the English (non-Amish) people take for grantedthings like automobiles, electricity, and other helpful technologies. Dressing plainly, helping neighbors, cooking for ones family, pulling weeds in the gardenthese common experiences of the Amish are often foreign to our fast-paced modern society.

Many English people desire a slower-paced life, which allows more time with family and friends and spends less of itself on possessions. As an author of Amish novels, I often hear comments from readers expressing a wish to slow down and live a more simple life.

Perhaps we can learn a few lessons from the Amish. Yet one need not wear plain clothes or drive a horse and buggy to find a simpler life. Quietness and peacefulness are really a matter of the heart.

Within the pages of this book, you will find sixty true-to-life Amish stories accompanied by inspirational thoughtsyoull even find some delicious recipes popular with the Amish! It is my hope that each reading will give you an intriguing glimpse into the Amish culturebut more importantly, help you discover a sense of peace and joy and a desire to live life a little more simply... and a little closer to God.

WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

HEBREWS 13:2

A re you sure your Amish friends wont mind us stopping by? Rick asked Wayne as they drove onto a graveled driveway.

Ricks wife, Eileen, nodded. We feel funny about dropping in unannounced.

Wayne turned off the cars engine. Ive known Eli for some time. Im sure he and Joanna will be pleased to meet our friends.

Joanna and Eli have always been hospitable to me, Waynes wife, Karen, added.

As they left the car and strolled past an Amish buggy parked near the barn, Eileens apprehension rose. Would this Amish couple really welcome people they had never met?

When they entered the expansive yard, Eileen noticed two children romping in the nearby creek. The tow-headed boys dark trousers were rolled to the knees, and blue cotton shirttails peeked around tan suspenders. The little girl didnt seem to care that the hem of her long blue dress was getting wet, while she giggled and flicked water with her bare toes.

A young Amish woman wearing a dark green dress with a black cape and apron stepped out the back door. A tall Amish man with reddish blond hair and matching beard followed. Wayne made the introductions, explaining that Rick and Eileen were visiting from the state of Washington.

Welcome, Joanna said, motioning to the picnic table. Would you care to sit awhile?

Maybe youd like a glass of iced tea, Eli offered with a friendly grin.

For the next hour, the three couples sat at the picnic table, visiting, watching the children play, and savoring the pleasant taste of cool mint tea.

When it was time to go, Eileen shook Joannas hand and said, Thank you for your hospitality. Weve enjoyed our visit.

Youre welcome, Joanna replied.

As they drove away, Eileen reflected on their time spent with the Amish family. She felt like they had made some new friends. Would I have been as pleasant and hospitable if uninvited guests had showed up at my house? How many times have I put off writing a letter or phoning a friend because I was too busy? When was the last time I entertained strangers?

Hospitality seems easier when we are with family and friends, but God reminds us to entertain those outside our familiar circle. In Mark 9:41, we are reminded that Jesus said, For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. Whether it be a cup of water or a glass of iced tea, God is pleased when we show hospitality. After all, for some people, our friendship and hospitality may be the only Jesus they will ever see.