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Spend enough time with the Amish, as authobsr Suzanne Woods Fisher has, and you’ll hear them repeat a catchy turn of phrase or short words of wisdom, like “Good character like good soup is usually homemade,” or “Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.” Suspended in these phrases are age-old lessons about how to live wisely and please God. Reiterated day after day, the proverbs are learned by heart and help guide the lives of the Amish, reminding them of what’s truly important.

 

Fisher has spent a great deal of time with the Amish and has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People, which she shares in her new book, Amish Proverbs.

 

These proverbs cover all aspects of life, from finances to faith to family, as well as overcoming life’s frustrations. Serving as teaching tools and maxims for practical living, they’re not just for the Amish. Proverbs help point us all toward wisdom, toward good judgment, toward God’s teachings. They’re for anyone who seeks God’s wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

 

Some of the proverbs that readers will find in Amish Proverbs include:

o “It is better to give others a piece of your heart than a piece of your mind.”

o “You are only poor when you want more than you have.”

o “A child can read a parent’s character before he can read the alphabet.”

o “Bibles that are coming apart usually belong to people who are not.”

o “Those who fear the future are likely to fumble the present.”

o “Kissing wears out, cooking don’t.”

o “If you sense your faith is unraveling, go back to where you dropped the thread of obedience.”

o “You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough.”

o “A smile is a curve that can straighten out a lot of things.”

 

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with readers through life’s joys and sorrows and bring some of the Amish wisdom to everyday life.

 

With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

 

ISLAND BREEZES

 

Until I read this book, I didn’t realize just how many of the sayings I heard at home were Amish proverbs. You might recognize one of these four from the “Money” chapter.

 

“You get what you pay for.”

“A full purse never lacks friends.”

 

“If you’re careful with your pennies, the dollars will take care

of themselves.”

 

“Thoughts are tax free.”

 

When I was growing up, we had a couple Pennsylvania Dutch proverbs hanging in the breakfast room. I only remember one of them, but I think that’s because it played out over and over during my life.

 

“The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.”

 

I will be giving away a copy of this book on August 31, 2010. If you would like a chance to win this book, leave a comment with one of your favorite sayings. I’m sorry, but I will have to limit this to the U.S. and Canada only.

 

***Special thanks to Donna Hausler of Revell Books for sending me a review copy***

 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California.

 

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.  They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

 

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For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

Tags: Amish, Author - Suzanne Woods Fisher, Inspiration, Proverbs
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