Family Life, in print since 1968, is one of the most widely-read Amish publications (circulation for 2010 was a reported 31,000). You won’t find Family Life in all Amish homes, but you will in many, if not a majority of Amish households. One of the most interesting parts of the periodical is a regular feature called “The Problem Corner”. It’s essentially an advice column where…
If you were looking for Amish fiction in, say 2002 or 2004, your choice would have been limited to a handful of selections, most by Beverly Lewis or Wanda Brunstetter. Today, you can have your pick of over 60 authors, and well over 250 titles. In the opening pages of Thrill of the Chaste: The Allure of Amish Romance Novels, Valerie Weaver-Zercher describes the rapid…
Returning to the Rules of a Godly Life devotional, from Part Two (“Words”), rule # 11: You cannot have disputes and divisions with fellow humans and still have peace with God. If you love God, you must also love your fellow men, because God has commanded it. Short and sweet, but one of the hardest to take to heart? ~ Some Amish observe Easter Monday…
A good, comfortable seat is nothing to sneeze at. The more so since we sit so much nowadays, be it for work, in the car, or just using a computer. I’ve lately been contemplating a new swivel chair for my desk. The one I’m sitting on as I write this post is a bit thin on the cushion. My back lets me know about this…
Pinecraft in Sarasota, Florida is a place where Amish and Mennonites like to congregate in the colder months. If you’re Amish and traveling to Pinecraft, there’s a good chance you’ll hop on a bus such as that operated by Pioneer Trails. The company makes regular runs from Ohio and Indiana from September to July. For Pennsylvanians, Elite Coach provides service from January to March. Heading…
Amish in Hardin County, Ohio are embroiled in an outhouse controversy that’s been percolating for the past year (more details here). Amish are balking at requirements that new homes have a “proper well”, paid waste removal, and septic system. Common practice in this community is to spread outhouse waste on the fields. Health and environmental concerns are the reasons given for enforcement. Interestingly, old homes…
Valerie Weaver-Zercher delves into that question in her new book Thrill of the Chaste: The Allure of Amish Romance Novels. Romance is a genre traditionally popular with women, as is Christian inspirational fiction. So it’s no surprise to learn that most readers of Amish fiction books are female. But what about the men? In Thrill of the Chaste, Valerie shares evidence of male interest in Amish…
Though they’re known to put in long hours, Amish life is not all work. Today’s question for Pennsylvania Amishman John Stoltzfus: What kind of things do Amish do for fun? John’s answer follows. Do you enjoy any of these pastimes? This is a very interesting question, however first I needed to look up the description of “fun” -enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure. Entertainment or amusements…
Lately I’ve noticed a recurring theme across Amish America correspondence. Amish are known as “Plain People”, but given the many different Amish groups, what does “being Plain” actually mean? Is there a litmus test for Plainness? For example: Is it based on width of hat brim, or style of prayer covering? Should your lawn be full of weeds, or is having a flower garden okay?…
Mark Curtis let me take a few photos of his two-seater buggy while in Ohio last month. We took this to supper on the night I arrived. Very chilly that evening, so the extra-thick blanket you see below came in handy. I don’t know how many people you could fit in one this size (brings to mind the stunts with clowns cramming into a VW…