Not Quite Amish

Autumn Outreach

Autumn Outreach

My daughter used to get on my last nerve by the last day of summer. I think this phenomena is actually God’s kindness to mothers, easing the pain of separation with the joy of independence (hers and mine!). We both looked forward to going back to school. But then I...

read more
Cheese Pies {for sharing!}

Cheese Pies {for sharing!}

I'm privileged to live a short drive away from Holmes County, Ohio, where tourist flock to visit genuine Amish farms and businesses. There are also many Amish families living near my community in Lancaster, Ohio – not to be confused with Pennsylvania Dutch country in...

read more
May Day Ideas for Your Neighbors

May Day Ideas for Your Neighbors

If you’ve been feeling conflicted and convicted about Christ’s #2 command to love your neighbor—guilty, even—spring is just the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Springtime calls us outside to greet our neighbors after a long winter’s nap! My friend, Sandy, shared...

read more
Neighbors by the Numbers

Neighbors by the Numbers

One of the reasons we hesitate to meet our neighbors is the big unknown. What are they like? Will they like me? Will they be friends or foes? Your neighbors’ homes are about the same size, value and style as yours—but the conversations inside those homes may be very...

read more
When I’m Squeezed, a Little Bit of Amy Oozes Out

When I’m Squeezed, a Little Bit of Amy Oozes Out

I got squeezed, and it wasn’t pretty. My feelings were hut and my feathers were ruffled; I was offended and angry. Hateful words of retaliation and blame oozed from my lips. Resentment seeped from every pore, and bitterness slimed the rest of my day. Ugh. When life...

read more
My Holy Dog

My Holy Dog

A high school graduation gift from my parents, my Bible was simply engraved "Amy Lynn" because they knew my maiden name would someday change. I quickly dashed their hopes that I would love its words and embrace their Writer. Its leather was uncreased, its pages were...

read more
I’m too busy to be too busy for God

I’m too busy to be too busy for God

I’m busy, busy—dreadfully busy. . .  Most of us are busy, even the Amish. Personally, I’m grateful to be busy putting loads of store-bought clothes in my front-loading washer instead of hand-washing handmade frocks that hang on the line. But there’s something...

read more
Dreams Coming True: Guest Post for Suzanne Woods Fisher

Dreams Coming True: Guest Post for Suzanne Woods Fisher

If you're interested in the logistical side of ministry with a few miracles thrown in for good measure, please visit my guest blog post at Suzanne Woods Fisher's website. She asked me to share about the beginnings of the Neighborhood Cafe, what to do when enthusiasm...

read more
I Just Live Here

I Just Live Here

The glass factory is the second largest employer in the entire county. Or it was. Until it closed. But me? I’m unaffected. I just live here. I don’t work there.

read more
How to Score at Your Neighborhood Yard Sale

How to Score at Your Neighborhood Yard Sale

It’s a long awaited day in my neighborhood: Neighborhood Yard Sale day! I make it a point to stop at as many neighborhood yard sales as I can, even if I’m not in the market for the baby strollers or lawn tools they have prominently displayed by the curb. I’m much more...

read more

Looking for hope? Read an excerpt now!

You'll also receive a beautiful collection of printable cards that will fill your cup with refreshing hope! 

Thank you! Check your email for your free downloads.