Keep It Simple

We recently went to the new Amish Market in Hanover, PA. The first Amish Market I remember in this area was located in Burtonsville. It was close to my work, and I could drop by on my lunch hour. I fell in love with their cheesecake and other delicious delicacies. Jerry loves their ribs!

I've mentioned before of my love of the Amish area of Lancaster, specifically Bird-In-Hand and Intercourse, a few miles northeast of Lancaster. In any store we go to owned by the Amish, I'm never disappointed in the service or the product.

The snap above shows the runner and centerpiece I purchased last year. Their hand work is beautiful. The flowers are my January-February flowers, and I love the combination!

One of my new devotional books for 2014 is Amish Peace. Each devotion shares a small part of the Amish life, which parallels ours closely. From my observance, the Amish are more committed and stringent. Because they deny themselves from modern conveniences, it distinquishes them from others. They remain unique and outside of worldly people and things. That's why they stand out as they do. I daresay that many of us need to deny ourselves and be a people of distinction.

In these later years I've taken a shine to their fabric work. Oh to have an Amish quilt! But they bring in a pretty dollar, so I'll just admire from afar and pick up smaller pieces or of their work. We've purchased pieces of furniture over the years and enjoy their fine craftsmanship.

And of course, their simple way of living especially draws my heart. Through the years I've taken steps to bring simplicity to my life. I think I've learned I don't need everything, and enjoying nature enhances my day-to-day living.

I've not ridden in a buggy yet. Or gone to a working farm and observed their daily work. Maybe I'll get to that one day.

The Amish Market in Hanover, PA is not finished--about 60% complete. They have furniture, linens, candles, bakery, food court, jarred goods, bulk food, pottery, quilts, crafts and more!

If you haven't been to an Amish Market it's definitely worth a visit. Plan to have lunch or dinner there. They're open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The one in Burtonsville moved to Laure, and there Hunt Valley and Germantown also have one. It will be a treat!