Wanda’s Journal

Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.
James 4:8

One of the most obvious things about the Amish way of life is their desire to yield to God and please Him by the things they say and do. They teach their children to pray before and after each meal. They attend church together and sing songs about God. They give of themselves to others.

While all these things are pleasing to God, what pleases Him more than anything is when we worship Him with our whole heart. This becomes evident when we share the love of God with others through our words and actions.

One thing I’ve noticed after being with our Amish friends is that for them, God comes first, and then their family. It should be every Christian’s desire to please God before we please anyone else. Can you think of some things you’ve done to please God this week? Are there some things you know you ought to do that will please Him, too?

In my devotional book, A Celebration of the Simple Life, I talk about how I love spending time with our Amish friends, and how I enjoy watching them work together as a family unit, as well as with others in their community. Having just visited some of our Amish friends in Illinois, I’m reminded once again what draws me to the Amish and their simply way of life.

A poem I wrote some time ago says it this way: Maintaining a life of simplicity is what the Amish culture is about. We could learn a lot from the Amish, there’s really no doubt. Spending time with others, and helping when there’s a need; focusing on God and following Him with every word and deed. Acquiring things and getting ahead is the focus for many these days. But maintaining a life of simplicity can be accomplished in numerous ways.

What are some ways you can simplify your life today?

The world we live in seems to be obsessed with physical beauty, but that’s not the case with my Amish friends. The women and girls don’t wear makeup, jewelry, or fancy clothes. The men and boys dress plainly as well. Despite their plain dress, I have seen my Amish friend’s inner beauty, which doesn’t come from fancy clothes, makeup, or stylish hairdos.

Inner beauty isn’t something we can create for ourselves, and it can’t be purchased either. True inner beauty comes from God, because He is truly beautiful. It’s His gift to all who believe in and have accepted His Son, Jesus. The beauty of the Lord is a reflection of our Savior’s love.

Have you ever known someone whose face shined brightly with God’s inner beauty? You can see the joy of the Lord in their smile. You can hear God’s love in their voice. You know they have Jesus in their heart by their actions. Their inner beauty is the beauty of the Lord himself.

Here’s a verse of scripture that I’m reflecting on today:

“Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.” Psalm 90:17 (KJV)

Do you see your inner beauty when you look in the mirror? Do you see the beauty of our Lord in someone you know?

As I look out my office window I’m seeing signs of spring in many places throughout our yard. Trees and bushes are budding; early spring flowers are beginning to bloom; the grass is turning green; and the birds are flitting around, seeking food and building nests.

I was thinking about the birds the other day, and noticed that even on rainy or windy days they are still happily chirping and seem quite content. Sometimes it’s hard for us humans to feel contentment when things aren’t going so well. Sometimes we get caught up in worry and could take a lesson from the birds. Here is a poem I wrote some time ago that I’d like to share with you, entitled “The Birds of the Air.”

The birds of the air don’t worry and fret, they don’t complain when it rains and they’re wet. The birds of the air sing a sweet melody; their simple contentment is really the key. Our Father cares for the birds of the air; and He cares for us as we offer a prayer. He provides for the birds with insects and seeds; and He always provides for His children’s needs. There is much we can learn from birds of the air, who don’t worry about what they’re going to wear. If we learn not to worry, fret, and complain, we’ll have nothing to lose and much to gain. If we trust God completely, as the birds of the air, our life will be blessed with His tender care.

Are you feeling a sense of contentment today?

Have you ever cleaned house, washed the dishes, cooked a meal, or done any other chore and felt unappreciated? I think everyone has felt that way at some time—especially mothers.

During visits with some of our Amish friends I’ve noticed that their chores were done without complaint or question. I’m also aware of how the Amish use their time of working to visit with anyone who might be helping them. In fact, their work becomes a time of socializing, making it seem more enjoyable. However, even tasks done alone can be satisfying. Cleaning the house, doing dishes, and washing clothes can be looked upon with a sense of gratification, knowing you’ve done your best.

Whenever I’m doing a job I’d rather not do, and even if I feel unappreciated, I remind myself what God’s Word says in Colossians 3:23 (KJV): “And whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Maybe the reason my Amish friends don’t complain about the work they are required to do is because they’re doing it as unto the Lord.

Here is my prayer for this week: Lord, as I go about my work, help me remember to do all my chores as if I’m doing them for You.

A few Sundays ago we sang some hymns in church that took me back to my spiritual roots and made me appreciate the people who had written those meaningful hymns. Hardly a sermon is preached during an Amish church service without some mention of the Plain People’s forefathers who offered their lives as martyrs many years ago. I believe remembering what their ancestors went through helps to strengthen their faith.

It’s important for us to remember our religious roots and look to the past when we need a reminder of how Christianity was born. It will make us pause and be thankful for the religious freedom we enjoy in a world so torn. It’s also good to look to the future with faith and anticipation of what God is going to do. Psalm 90:1-2 (NIV) reminds us: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

Is there a special hymn or verse of scripture calling you to remember your spiritual roots? It’s good to reflect on memories with deep meaning that will last. It’s even better to open your heart and let God renew your spirit as you follow Him for the rest of your days.

It seems like there are always so many things to pray about, and my list gets longer and longer. Prayer is really nothing more than making our requests known to God. It’s our duty as Christians to pray – not only for ourselves, but for others as well. I am thankful that I can pray any time of the day or night. I’m also thankful that He always hears my prayers.

I remember once when I was a child and a Sunday school teacher told the class that even though some of our prayers may not be answered in the way we would like, God answers all prayers, according to His will. Sometimes He says yes. Sometimes He says no. Sometimes we just have to wait.

In I Thessalonians 5:17 we are told to pray without ceasing. We should never quit praying, because there is power in prayer. Every time we pray, God hears. When we see Him answering prayers and meeting our needs, our faith is strengthened. Is there someone you should be praying for today? Have you thanked God in advance for answering your prayers?

I recently heard a saying that really touched my heart: “The very best we can give each other is love.” In my devotional book, “A Celebration of the Simple Life,” I mention that people who seek the good of others have an attitude that pleases God. God’s Word commands us to love one another and to love Him with our heart, soul, and mind. Can you imagine how different our world would be if everyone loved God and their fellow humans?

Some time ago I wrote a poem about love that I call, “Loving Attitude.” The first verse goes like this:
Let no bad thoughts toward anyone stay in your mind.
Observe the Golden Rule and to others be kind.
Vow to treat those you meet as you want them to treat you.
Emphasize a caring attitude in all that you do.

Is there something special you can do for someone you love today? What are some ways you can show love to others?

Have you ever tried to do so many things at once that you got confused about what you were doing? The Amish have a word for confusion or becoming mixed-up. It’s called: “Verhuddelt.”

In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives we can get confused if we try to do too much or tackle too many things at one time. I have always been a multi-tasker, but there are times when I mess things up because I’m trying to do too much at one time.

If I don’t put my trust fully in God, pray, and read His Word every day, I can become verhuddelt about spiritual things, too. Yet, whenever I’m confused or make mistakes, I have the assurance that God is always there, and I’m thankful that I can call on Him anytime, day or night, even for the simplest things. If I trust my own judgment, rather than seeking His, I’m likely to become verhuddelt and make poor choices.

God has the answers to all my confusion. In I Corinthians 14:33, I’m reminded that, “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

Are you feeling verhuddelt about anything today? If so, then allow yourself to relax, say a prayer, and let God take control. That’s just what I plan to do.

I’ve never been one to actually make a New Year’s resolution, but there’s something about beginning a new year that compels me to make some changes. Usually these changes come in the form of organization. I don’t like clutter, and when my office, or any room in our house, becomes cluttered, I find it difficult to find things, which becomes frustrating. It’s easier for me to be organized than to spend time looking for things I’ve either misplaced, or that may have become buried under a pile of papers.

One thing I often think about when the new year rolls around is my spiritual life. Do my actions, and not just my words, reflect Jesus Christ? Will others see Him living in me?

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? If so, how will they change your life in the coming year?