Amish Hearts

Mothering Must Tells

2012-02-03T14:59:09Z

From the Amish to the Englisch, there are certain mothering must tells that every mother should reiterate to their child...these may vary from mom to mom and child to child, but in general, my mothering must tells came from my great-grandmother. She died in her nineties; I was there for her last hour. But, throughout my life times with her, she made statements...simple sentences that had a profound effect on my growing up and upon the moral center that developed in my life. The things she said were based on the life of Christ, but in application, not theory. I'd say that the Number One Must Tell that she told me was : "IT"S NEVER TOO LATE TO TELL THE TRUTH." Sounds simple, even simplistic, right? So do most of Christ's teachings---so simple a child can get them, so deep an adult can get lost in them. But, it's never too late to tell the truth is one hundred percent tried, tested, and works as I have found in my life over and over again. But here's the thing--the Bible says that "The truth shall set you free." And it does, but that doesn't mean that everything winds up pretty and clean. The truth is messy, painful, and never, ever, relative. Most people don't have time to tell the truth because it produces accountability--people respond with anger, tears, frustration, and you have to deal with it, but in the end, you're free. So, mothers...tell your kids over and over and over..."It's Never Too Late to Tell the Truth." (My college age son frequently tells us the truth...about highschool...sigh)

The Amish Do Not Care What Others Think of Them

2012-01-27T16:23:36Z

A friend posed the question at brunch the other day..."How do you stop caring what others think of you?" Tough question. Tough answer. It's a fact that everyone is concerned with what others think; it's especially difficult if you're a vibrant Christian. But the answer to the question lies in learning another question: How Do I Start Caring What God Thinks of Me? Every time the urge to feel shame, regret, or the desire to keep up appearances emerges, we have to learn to reframe our perception. Adam and Eve cared what God thought of them--they were naked and ashamed. Sad, but true. Satan, the Accuser, loves when we are so worried or preoccupied about PEOPLE'S perceptions that we forget about the only One who really matters. Now, you might say..."Oh, God knows all about me; he knows how awful I am. I'm comfortable with Him." That's nice, but why do we devalue this unconditional love by putting even a stranger's perception of us above God? Noted serial killer, Ted Bundy, supposedly accepted Christ before his execution and gave interviews about the many women he killed and what they had in common...they were all young, beautiful, and he said something very interesting--"They were each very concerned with being polite, helpful, and good." He had a fake cast for his leg and would lure women by asking for their help, or tell them that his son or dog was lost, and would they help....He said that if these women would have been less concerned with what a handsome stranger thought of them by their saying no, he would not have killed them. His sick game would have ceased to be fun. So what does this mean when applied to the peer, the teacher, the adult, or boss that you're supposed to care about in their perceptions? It means that if you focus on caring about what God thinks first, you may find yourself in some situations where you might be considered rude, absent,and snotty, but you will be unassaulted on the deepest level that really matters. So, ask yourself....How DO I Start Caring What God Thinks of Me? Be willing to be a fool for Christ and your life will be filled with abundance.

Amish questions answered!

2012-01-25T13:07:15Z

Many of you may be familiar with Erik Wesner--he runs the very popular Amish America blog and is the author of Success Made Simple about Amish business practices. Erik solicited questions from his readers and answered some of the here. Erik has extensive knowledge of the Amish, and he has traveled the country and stayed with Amish families in different districts. His answers are interesting and dispel a few myths that are floating around about the Amish. If you're not a regular follower of his blog, I highly recommend it.

'Til next time,

Kathleen

Amish are using washing machines and 'spinners'

2012-01-23T13:46:42Z

Happy Monday Everyone!

Barbie, my friend in Lancaster County who used to be Amish, told me a story recently. She said that lots of the Amish folks were purchasing washing machines, running them with diesel, and only using the 'Spin' cycle. Barbie said that the clothes are so wet from the wringer machines that drying is difficult when it's freezing outside--when you have to hang the clothes around the house to dry. So, they are using regular washing machines--but only the 'Spin' cycle. "They think using the other cycles would be to luxurious," Barbie said.

Then my fabulous assistant, Janet, found this article that explains. Apparently, they are also buying the 'Spinner' washing machines for this purpose.

http://amishamerica.com/amish-electric-washers/

So, what do you think? Is this a 'gray area'? The bishop seems to approve...

Hope you all have a blessed week!
Beth

Up and Down

2012-01-23T02:47:42Z

I hope everyone had a good week last week. The weather here in Florida has been amazingly gorgeous...much milder than last winter.

It's been an interesting week here. First, let me say thank you to everyone who wrote to say they're praying for my mom. She was doing badly in the hospital and the doctor recommended hospice. They sent her back "home" to the nursing home she's lived in for four years and she's improved a lot and was even taking part in "happy hour" a few days later (yes, they let the residents have a drink if dr. okays it). She was having a great time on Friday and looked like she didn't want to be interrupted when I stopped by for a quick visit. Earlier in the week her 89 1/2 year old twin got a friend to drive her over for a visit. We've been trying to get them together since the last time I drove Mom to her sister's house for their birthday. The week has sure been up and down!

I'm keeping this short because with all the above I have a lot to catch up on.

There were a lot of great charities mentioned last week in response to my question. Marian Hull is the winner of the Advance Reader Copy of Her Restless Heart, Book 1 of the new Stitches in Time series coming out in March. I'll have another contest next week for readers to win another copy.

Have a great week!

Barbara

Marian Hull

Un Glenna Grumma Man

2012-01-18T14:05:59Z

In one of my Amish reference books I found the nursery rhyme "A Little Crooked Man" translated into Dietsch. I thought it was pretty interesting. As you can see its not quite German, and since Pennsylvania Dutch isn't a written language it doesn't follow the rules for high German, mainly capitalizing nouns. However, in school the kids do learn German since the Bibles are written in that language. This nursery rhyme is also a little different than I remember--is the Amish version (in English) familiar to you?

Un Glenna Grumma Man

Is vor un Glenna grumma man

Er lauft un grumma mile

Un fint un grumma cent Uff un Glenna grumma pile

Er kauft un grumma katz

See funkt un glay grum micely

Se vonna all zumma

In a glay grum hicely

A Little Crooked Man

There was a little crooked man

He walked a crooked mile

Found a crooked sixpense upon a crooked stile

He bought a crooked cat

She caught a crooked mouse

And they all lived together

In a little crooked house

'Til next time,

Kathleen

Why I Write Amish Fiction

2012-01-16T21:35:47Z

Happy Monday! I'm hard at work finishing two books. I'm putting the finishing touches on book #3 in the Land of Canaan series--His Love Endures Forever, and I'm also working on my story in An Amish Kitchen--A Recipe For Hope. An Amish Kitchen is a novella collection with three tales by me, Kelly Long, and Amy Clipston.

The following is a video tape my publisher made. I explain a little bit about why I write Amish fiction--and Christian fiction, in general. Hope you enjoy!

Ever Been to an Auction?

2012-01-16T04:04:11Z

It's that time again -- time to attend a fun auction and help a worthy cause.

Before there was an earthquake the Amish and Mennonites volunteered goods and helped raise money to alleviate poverty and suffering in Haiti. There are a number of such auctions in Amish communities around the country but the one I'd like to talk about here happens in Sarasota, Florida, at the fairgrounds. This year is the 15th annual auction and it's next weekend on January 21.

Go to www.floridahba.com and check out the photos of last year's auction. You'll see that a great time was had by all.

I wrote about the auction in the second book of the Stitches in Time series. The first book in the series -- Her Restless Heart -- is out late next month.

In honor of the release of the book, I'm holding a contest for an Advance Reader copy of Her Restless Heart on AmishHearts.com Just drop a comment there and tell me about your favorite charity or charity event. The winner will be announced next weekend at AmishHearts.com

On a personal note, would you please pray for my 89 year old mother who's not doing well? She's one of my biggest fans, talking about my books to anyone who'll listen at her nursing home.

Blessings,

Barbara

Weariness

2012-01-11T16:12:00Z

· And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

I love this verse. Its a great reminder for those days when we feel we're on the hamster wheel, not getting anywhere and wearing ourselves out as we endlessly spin around. It's not always easy to follow God's will. Not because God demands too much of us, but because the course isn't a straight, flat line. There are obstacles to jump over. Hills to climb. Curves to navigate. Valleys to claw out of. Mountains to scale. We have periods of ease, periods of struggle, and periods of great difficulty. But through all of it God's promise holds true--we shall reap (our reward in heaven) as long as we remain strong. Where do we find that strength? Through Jesus.

'Til next time,

Kathleen

Ode to Teaching

2012-01-06T14:42:58Z

Whether you're in a one room Amish schoolhouse, or a an overcrowded classroom with kids sitting on the heaters, being a teacher is no easy job. In truth, if you're doing it, it's a calling. The Bible cites teaching as a spiritual gift, and while some of you, may recall certain notorious teachers with less favor, the truth is in the Word and is thus hallowed. When I first started teaching, I hadn't been trained yet in my proper fitting age group and found myself surrounded by those little ones that some teachers were born to love. I, however; struggled to find the liking of the job--the love I could get, but the liking, of runny noses, block strewn play areas, parental programs, high-pitched bickering and the questioning of my own sanity, all made for tough work days. Still, I learned. Then, older students and the sanctified teacher's lounge, where I felt like I was back in high school and couldn't find a seat, always furtively eating my lunch while trying to avoid the eye of my special education supervisor...the baleful eye I might add of someone who had been teaching since they had inkwells...I felt bad for her but she scared me nonetheless. Still, I learned. I thought that I was simply not teacher-born, was too old for the game but still needed to play, and would just have to learn to exalt in days that passed like the clumping of mud. Then I went back to college and got an English Teaching degree. Aha! Magical moment. I discovered high school. Others shuddered. I reveled. I could take the sarcasm, lack of interest, occasional boredom and the drama of interclass dynamics...it was all okay. I wasn't seeing anything new, not in truth, but the students were alive to me. They debated, argued, refuted, and I learned. They pleaded, promised, bargained, and I learned. They laughed, played, and...they learned. I knew joy...truly. Then, I became a writer... God called me, and that is a different post entirely.
Merry Christmas Teachers and Writers,
Kelly Long

Recipe for Happiness!

2012-01-05T13:28:55Z

· W Recipe for Happiness: 2 heaping cups of patience

2 hearts full of love

1 dash of laughter

2 hands full of generosity

1 head full of understanding

1 T courtesy

Mix well with humility. Sprinkle generously with kindness and plenty of faith. Spread over a life-time. Serve to family, friends, and strangers.

In Colorado for My 50th B-day and 'Book Cover Shoot'!

2012-01-03T16:07:02Z

Wow! So much excitement! I've been in Bailey, Colorado with Hubby and friends since Thursday. Sherry and Tim live in a gorgeous house on the top of a mountain. We celebrated New Years down the mountain with some friends of theirs, watched a beautiful snowfall, ate WAY too much (both Tim and Sherry are GREAT cooks!), and this morning I woke up early to see an amazing sunrise.

Yesterday, I was able to attend the photo shoot for book #3 in my Land of Canaan series--His Love Endures Forever. I've actually been working on the book while I'm here, and I hope to finish it tomorrow. The cover shoot was amazing, and only God could have pulled off the coordination of this event! My cover model for His Love Endures Forever is my best friend's daughter--Christie. Many of you have heard me talk about my lifelong soulmate and friend, Renee'. Christie is her beautiful daughter and she is 'Danielle' on my cover. It was an AWESOME time watching the shoot. And much thanks to John and Nan Hamilton for making our time with them so great!

Today, we are off to Breckenridge to celebrate my 50th Birthday! Can't wait!! But before we head out, I wanted to share some pics of our time here in Colorado and the photo shoot yesterday. BIG thanks to my publishing team at Thomas Nelson for helping to coordinate the shoot also!

Patrick and I enjoying Colorado and each other! I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have Patrick as my husband.

And check out our super cool snowman!

Here's Nan Hamilton getting Christie ready for the photo shoot.

Here is me with our photographer, John Hamilton. GREAT guy! And he looks like Harrison Ford, lol.

Another pic of Nan getting Christie ready to be 'Danielle' on the cover.

Nan was fantastic!

Patrick and our friend Sherry waiting patiently for things to get started at the photo shoot.

Christie and me at the shoot. This is a dream come true to have Christie on the cover. I've known her since she was born! Love her so much!

Final touches!

Christie doing her thing!

So! We're off to Breckenridge! Hope you are all having a blessed, wonderful New Year! xoxo

Peace!
Beth

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T02:51:07Z

I hope this has been a good year for you and you are looking forward to another one!

I can get so busy that big dates creep up on me...on Friday evening, my daughter, grandson, and I went to dinner. The hostess asked us if we had plans for the next night. I looked at her blankly and asked what was happening then. Duh! My daughter wasn't surprised. She knows what a busy last few weeks I've had...anyway, I usually enjoy quiet New Year's Eves so this one isn't likely to be different. I'm disappointed that I forgot so I won't get to pig out on spinach and artichoke dip with chips and Diet Coke but maybe I'm unconsciously starting a New Year diet? Or, at least, a resolution to eat healthier? Maybe not. One of the dogs is about to be invited to go with me to get a Diet Coke and ice cream sunday at the local drivethrough to compensate.

Speaking of dogs...I'm starting the New Year with one less -- the little dog I wrote about recently. We're still at full house numbers...I have an elderly dog with a heart problem who keeps ticking along like the Energizer Bunny, then I adopted a "bonded pair" of Chihuahuas -- Zoe and Lucy -- that had lived together for several years. Then I saw one of those photos of a terrified little Chi at a high kill shelter that was posted on Facebook and asked if anyone could help me get the dog. A woman I didn't even know drove her much of the way up here and I met her and her boyfriend and brought sweet Abby home.

That was it. I thought. Then the rescue that helped me reunite Zoe and Lucy after they were separated and put in two different shelters reminded me that I said I wasn't going to adopt more dogs but would foster one in an emergency. That's how I met one of the sweetest little dogs ever: Amber, a Chi and Jack Russell Terrier mix. She took over not only the end of my bed at night, I'd sometimes catch her sleeping on my pillow before I remembered to take it off the bed in the a.m. She'd look disappointed but after that, most days I'd find a gingerbread stuffed dog toy replacing it when I'd walk in the room. I didn't have the heart to shut the door and deny her the bed after I heard her family lost their home and so then did Amber. I spent a lot of time reassuring a scared little dog who even made herself half-sick taking a ride in the car because she evidently thought she'd end up at the shelter again.

Today, I followed through on my determination to find her a good home with the rescue's help. I thought about keeping Amber but realized that I was feeling overwhelmed at the number of dogs I had...it's not the little bodies -- I had the room. It's not the food -- I can pay for that. But worrying about if they get sick...you know vet bills...When this nice lady returned to see Amber and walked to a nearby counter for a pen for the adoption application, I saw the way she cuddled a dog that still shook with fear away from our house. It was so heartwarming to see the way she was rocking Amber in her arms the way we do a baby. I've already heard that Amber got taken to the beach to go for a run, that Hubby thinks she's cute, and she's fitting in well and "chilling" as she sleeps on a sofa. Amber's new mom thanked me for giving her up. I started to cry when I hugged Amber for the last time outside the adoption event and then watched as she was tucked into a rectangular laundry basket that had a rug in it in the back seat. I hugged the new mom and told her to ignore my tears -- I was sad to lose Amber but so happy to see her get what looked like such a good home. The dog the woman had actually even seemed okay about taking Amber home with him.

I'd say I'm never going to foster again because I discovered I get too attached but while I was there getting Amber at the shelter I stumbled on a tiny Chi puppy being cradled by a slightly older, bigger one in a little cat bed looking like "us against the world." They had been dumped at the shelter by a puppy mill and several of the dogs didn't make it. The've been here about a week and a half, joined by another dog in the same batch of dogs that seemed to need company. They weren't being adopted because the puppy has what looks like a deformed shoulder and the other dog has two deformed feet so he walks on his knees. The third dog is fine and can be adopted out soon. The puppy had sort of good fortune Friday -- he got sick and it turns out he has pneumonia. But while he was there, the x-ray needed to confirm the pneumonia revealed he has a dislocated shoulder that can be operated on and may be as good as new. The vet is tracking down an orthopedic dog vet of all things. I hope to get a grant available from an organization that funds such surgeries for needy dogs. I'll be taking the other dog in soon for an assessment. I'm so hoping to one day see both dogs run in the back yard and go to good homes.

A former student heard I had eight dogs and said, "I think I read that story about an older woman with eight dogs." I told him it's too bad he's too far away to hit for the older woman comment and besides, I appreciated him serving in the military too much to do that anyway.

Both my adult children think I'm a little nutty to have so many dogs and pretty suddenly at that. It just happened in one year. And we never had more than one or two at a time in the past. But the numbers will be reduced soon by the fosters being adopted out after they have their surgeries and unfortunately, Energizer Bunny can't last forever. I'm so grateful I've been able to do this because I have so much love and company from these fur babies as I sit in my little home office and write my books. And I'm just "paying it forward" for all the caring and work others have done to save the dogs I love and am surrounded by now.

I hope you have someone who gives you love each day. And I hope you have a wonderful New Year and are making plans for all the goals and dreams for it.

Blessings,

Barbara

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T02:28:38Z

It's here--finally! Merry Christmas!

The month didn't go quickly as it usually does. Maybe that's because it was the first time that I didn't teach in the classroom and have all the frenzied big papers and projects and grading like usual. So the days moved slower.

I also had a particular, rather peculiar situation where scheduling of projects and money were not going smoothly -- I couldn't seem to get things to move and pay on time. When I mentioned my frustration to my grown daughter as we drove around a shopping center parking lot, she pulled over so fast I nearly got a whiplash and reached into her purse for her checkbook. That's my daughter -- intuitive and generous. She was afraid that things were worse than they were and I wasn't saying enough...while slow scheduling and payment DID put a damper on Christmas shopping, I kept telling myself that maybe I was supposed to learn something. After all, we always say it's not about the presents. But if you don't feel comfortable about spending the money the basic gift shopping can be a problem. And I was missing doing the charitable things I like to do this time of year.

Well, things worked out -- they usually do. It's just that I always want God to move faster than He does. But because gift shopping and grocery shopping at the last minute were so draining I just couldn't handle cooking the big traditional dinner at my house. Instead, we went to a nice steak restaurant today (Saturday) and brought a few gifts to open there. Well, I brought a few and my daughter totally overdid things. She just has such a generous heart -- she even bought toys and a bag of favorite treats for my dogs.

My youngest grandson, though, trumped his mommy's gifts. They had one of those temporary stores at his school where the kindergarteners could bring a few dollars and buy inexpensive gifts. The gift he gave me? A pin that says, "I Love My Grandma."

The pin cost a dollar but it's priceless. I cried and kiss and hugged him as I immediately pinned it on. I plan to wear it until it falls apart.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and get to spend some precious time with your family and friends.

Blessings,

Barbara

Beth Wiseman's Contemporary Novel- Need You Now

2011-12-16T17:03:15Z

    Do you love someone who is hurting him or her self? Do you ever feel lonely? Lost? Have you ever moved to a strange place? Had to start a new job? Work with differences beyond your scope of comprehension? Ever wonder if your marriage is all you think it is or wish it could be? Do you understand your kids? Do you ever grasp the faint reality that things are happening beyond your control--in spite of any control you may have had? If you can answer any of these questions or deeper ones about the loneliness of the heart, despair, or loss, well, then this book WILL HELP YOU. Now, this is an odd thing to write in a review of a fiction book...I know I could talk about things in this novel like its stellar prose, spot on dialogue, and a plot that winds you up and sends you reeling both at the same time. But that's not what amazes me about this story. No. In fact, don't read this book if you don't have the courage to see its vibrant reflection in your own life. Don't read it if you don't need change, and don't read it if you aren't ready for help.
    Beth Wiseman is a master storyteller and this work is governed by empathy; a mutuality of accord that removes the barrier of the page, and brings the reader right into her comforting arms, right into His Arms. This empathy says "Hey, Someone else has been there--right there---where you are now and where you think you're alone, and the truth is--you're not." And instead of leaving the reader with more questions than answers, this novel is about communal healing and restoration.
    Need You Now is one of those books that you'll loan to a dozen friends, talk about and muse upon. That's a more than fair enough review for any book you might say, but I know something more...Need You Now will impact lives for change in God's name and make better people out of those it touches. Cheers my friend, Beth! You've given the world a true gift...
Kelly Long

I Love Amish Fiction contest!!!!!!

2011-12-14T12:23:36Z

Yes, this contest deserves all those exclamation marks! If you haven't entered Thomas Nelson's I Love Amish Fiction contest, don't wait a minute longer. By answering a short survey (which will help Thomas Nelson provide better books that you, the readers, want) you'll be entered in a contest to win a free ebook and $10,000. No, I didn't add too many zeroes--that's ten thousand dollars! Who doesn't need ten thousand dollars?

To enter, click here. Good luck! And on behalf of my publisher and myself, thankyouthankyou for purchasing our books, recommending them to your friends, and being in partnership with what we do. You're all awesome! Then again, you already knew that.

'Til next time,

Kathleen

Book Review -- Arms of Love by Kelly Long

2011-12-12T14:04:36Z

The year is 1777. America is in turmoil. And Amish life is far different than today.

It's been a long time since a book has touched me the way that Arms of Love by Kelly Long did. If you are looking for a light, quick read...this isn't it. If you are looking for something that will touch your heart with a renewed sense of your own relationship with God -- look no further. This story brought me to tears several times as I thought about God's role in my life and His plan for me.

This is not your typical Amish story. It's set in 1777, and fans of historical fiction are going to love it. And of course, Amish fans will have it on their pre-order list. But most importantly, Fans of GOD--no matter your genre preference--will be renewed by the revolution that only God can bring into our lives.

There is a beautiful love story that unfolds within the pages, and the secondary characters add even more depth to this tale. I was vested in the lives of these characters from the first page.

I've talked with Kelly over the past year as she's worked on this book. She went to great lengths to portray the Amish as they were in 1777, seeking help from various professors and scholars. I felt like I was there, amidst the hardships that these people faced. Rich with detail and Kelly's beautiful writing style, there is nothing "fluff" about this book.  But yet the sense of renewal that I felt when I closed the book is still with me.

Basically, how much would you be willing to give up to save someone's soul?



Available for pre-order.

Releasing April 2012.

Hope you all have a blessed week!
Beth

What's Important

2011-12-12T02:24:27Z

This time of year we talk a lot about what's important -- we say it's not about the gifts and Jesus is the reason for the season and Put Christ in Christmas.

But then they make big, long to-do lists and forget that they intended things to be different. They spend too much money and become stressed and don't enjoy a really wonderful time of year and chance to be re-connected to God and Jesus.

I do have a to-do list this December...I am sitting down each day and making a list of what I enjoy this time of year and then I'm picking one of them to do. One day it might be to read a Christmas story, another day, I might listen to a Christmas CD by a favorite singer. I'm determined to add in some new traditions and try some things I haven't done during the holidays before.

I particularly like to do something for charity -- for people or animals who don't have what my slightly spoiled pets and I I have. I feel good circulating some of what God's given me to others.

Yesterday, I sat at an adoption event with a new dog I'm fostering, and reflected on what I've gained from adopting a bunch of Chihuahuas this year. This time I thought I was done adopting and shouldn't take on more so I said I'd foster a dog until it got adopted. Chihuahuas and other little dogs become terrified in a shelter and act out in a way that makes some shelter workers think they are aggressive. This woman at a local shelter saw that I didn't mind working with the dog my daughter affectionately called Jaws when I brought her home. Well, I had Amber (a Chi and Jack Russell mix) on my lap for two hours to show her off and thought about how her family lost their home and so she lost hers -- and a family that evidently loved her because she's sweet, doesn't cower when you pet her as if she'd been abused, and she's a bit plump. I decided we have lots of room at this house and as she's still scared a week after she came here (I think she knew we were there to find her a good home yesterday), she may end up making this her forever home. And before you think I'm being generous, I'm not -- I like the way this little girl thinks I'm wonderful and has bonded with me. Don't we always need someone or something to think we're great?

What do you do to enjoy the holidays? What do you do to help someone else enjoy them? I'd love to know.

P.S. I'd like to help all dogs but I can only have Chihuahuas because of my allergies. I donate to shelters to help other dogs.

Blessings,

Barbara

Connect Me with The Land

2011-12-09T23:02:38Z

Amish Farmers in the 1900's didn't necessarily live with longevity, but they did LIVE...meaning they were connected with the ways and means of existing, to the point of self-sacrifice, denial, and loss. Thinking I'm longing for the simple farm life (I know about Farmville)...no, just longing for the simplicity of knowing what to do, when to do it, and how to do it, pretty much all of the time. The oldest profession is that of gardener...before the curse, Adam tended the garden of Eden..he was a farmer. I long for the knowing that comes with growing...and I need to find that, even in the midst of the city, traffic, strangers, and hurry. God still needs farmers...

Christmas Punch

2011-12-07T14:36:08Z

Here's a quick Amish recipe for Christmas Punch. Personally I don't think punch is just for parties, but that seems to be the only time anyone ever makes it. I might make some this week, just for the fun of it. Do you have a favorite punch recipe? I'm partial to ice cream punches, but anything that has pineapple or pineapple juice gets a thumbs up from me. Enjoy!

Christmas Punch

one package (3 ounces) cherry Jell-O

one can (46 ounces) pineapple juice

one can (12 ounces) frozen orange juice

1/2 cups white sugar

4 cups boiling water

two 2 liter bottles 7-Up

Mix until sugar and Jell-O are dissolved. Freeze overnight. Remove from freezer two hours before serving. Add one and half to 2 quarts 7-Up. Stir. Mrs. Alvin Barkman