Friday, September 23, 2011

Difference in Lifestyle

The decision to leave the Amish was one of the hardest decisions we ever made in our life. Knowing that it would shatter relationships and tear our families apart. But knowing that we weren't free continue in our new found faith if we were to remain Amish sealed the decision for us and we left. We have never regretted making that decision.

Other than no longer attending the Amish church and now owning a vehicle our life continued much the same. Though we were no longer bound by the Amish rules our changes were much more gradual than some people who leave the Amish. Since I had made a lot of new clothes to go on vacation only two months earlier we saw no reason why we had to throw all of those away and immediately change what we wear. As they wore out or were outgrown we changed our wardrobe which by now doesn't contain anything Amish.

The quality of lifestyle does not have to change because of technology. Having family as your number one priority does not change simply because you now drive around in a vehicle instead of in a buggy. A simple more carefree life is not based on how you eat, what you wear, or what you use to get your work done. The quality of life depends much more on a heart condition rather than a pocessions condition. Taking time to enjoy the little moments, being content with what you have instead of always reaching for bigger better things, enjoying working and playing with your children and basically doing everything side by side, not thinking that you deserve the best of everything, not holding on to grudges, the list could go on for a long time.

Leaving the Amish did not change who we were or our basic home life, but it did give us the freedom to grow in our faith and being able to follow where God leads.

19 comments:

  1. "freedom-faith-following"....

    Also: faithful (Father God)
    friend (of Jesus)
    family (of believers)
    forever (in Kingdom of God)

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  2. This was an incredible post. I love all of your posts, but this is by far my favorite.

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  3. Thank you for this post, you put it very well. It is this that I tried to tell our family that the changes did not change who we are but gave us the freedom from fear of works not adding up enough to get us into heaven. Salvation is an unmerited gift not based on works, the freedom from such a gift is worth all the trials and struggles with making the change to such. God bless your journey.
    Mrs. J.

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  4. It has been such a privilege to follow your story of the journey. Thank you so much.

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  5. That was well said and I totally agree. We all make the choices in how we live our lives and I think when you were Amish your choices were fewer. However, you're still doing simple things but it's a choice now and we can all simplify if we just choose to. What a great post this was - as usual. ♥ By the way, I just read the previous post and I didn't read the comments but maybe you could have one day a week or month that's a question/answer day or something?

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  6. Amen... I totally agree. Thank you for saying that.

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  7. I, too, agree that possessions do not make for a happy life. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  8. I, myself was very slow in making changes. Even now after 15 years I don't have a toaster or microwave. I simply don't want them because I can live well without them.

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  9. Beautifully put. I love reading all your blog posts and hope that you will keep doing so; I'm sure you have so many more stories to tell.

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  10. I read your blog faithfully. I admire some of the Amish teachings and yet I am not Amish at all. I was raised Wesleyan but I attend wherever I am fed spiritually and can give back to others. I'm reading a book called Amish Peace and we just took a short vacation to Kidron, Ohio and surrounding area. Had a wonderful few days. Your honesty is refreshing. Thank you for letting us in on your life. I am working to change mine in several positive ways. Like less computer time and almost no tv, things that I think will help me have more devotional time and a better focus on the important things in life.

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  11. I have so enjoyed following your journey, and rejoice in the choice your family made to follow God where He led, and continues to lead you. Bless you!

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  12. Amen ,Sister well said, praise the Lord

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  13. I love your thoughts on this post, thanks for sharing them!

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment. I love hearing your thoughts.