No idea what this means, but it caught my eye.
The Amish sincerely attempt to adhere to the Bible’s teaching. If caught in a lie, an Amish church member might hear a minister or bishop rapping on the door, and later find themselves in kneeling confession before the congregation. Of course, the Amish struggle with living a righteous life, as most of us do. But they dwell in communities of fellow believers.
Amish Farmer in Lancaster County
In the Bible there are numerous admonitions to be honest. Here are but a few:
- “The Lord detests lying lips …” Proverbs 12:22 (NIV)
- “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue …” Proverbs 6:16 ( NKJV)
- One of my favorites is Matthew 5:37, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ be ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (NKJV)
What do you think? Is honesty always the best policy? Several times recently people have asked, “How are you?” and I answered, “Fine.” Which was basically true, but not completely honest. I sometimes fudge just a bit to spare the person’s sensibility. Do they really want to be burdened with 30 minutes of information?
What about White Lies? Do you think they can be an act of kindness? I’m not above fudging the truth, but I’m not smart enough to continue the charade. My memory isn’t that good; each lie hangs like a stone around my neck. Conversely, I’d rather people were honest with me. I like to know where I stand — on solid ground even if barefoot.
Many lies have catastrophic results, while some are of little consequence. Or are they? Are we lying when we tell our children about the Tooth Fairy? Yet, when I ask my doctor for a prognosis I expect the absolute truth. No need to inquire if I’m having a bad-hair day.
Aisle of temptation.
How can you tell if someone’s lying to you? If you’re a parent, have siblings, a teacher, practice medicine or are in law enforcement, you may be an expert at watching body gestures.
Has this whole country become so politically correct that we are no longer honest with our friends and neighbors? Or ourselves? I think about the Amish. Would you be more likely to believe an Amish church member over an English person (non-Amish)?
Amish-made potholder from Lancaster County
Please leave a short comment to enter to win this lovely Amish-made potholder and a copy of one signed book from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy. USA and Canada. Winner has three days to respond. Chosen at random.
Good luck, everyone, and thanks for visiting my blog!
Hi Kate, On the subject of lying, I totally despise someone lying to me. I say treat someone the way you want to be treated. On a good note, I have read some of yr books, would love a chance to win one.
Thanks for writing, Linda! I’m not crazy about being lied to either. Good luck in the giveaway!
Would love to win, Going to look on my local library’s web site and see if they have any of your books. Always looking for more Amish books
Thanks for visiting my blog, Joanne! I love it when people request that their library orders my books! And thank you for entering the giveaway! Good luck.
What a beautiful potholder. Would love to win one of your books. Love reading, and have a lot of time to read since I am retired. Wishing you God’s best of blessings on your writing ministry. Thank you for sharing your God given gift.
I appreciate your kind words of encouragement very much, Juanita! Thank you for writing and entering the giveaway!
It is super important to tell the truth. God expects us to and He does not choose us to be phony people. It is hard to believe someone when they once lie to you, or even several times. I don’t like calling someone a liar even though I am sure they are not being truthful. So many times I have trusted the Lord to bring all truth to the surface. It really works. Had someone run out to the car and admit I did it, I did it, please forgive me. I did forgive him but no more dating him again. Since many years ago I pray asking the Lord to bring all truth to the surface.
Thanks, Juanita!
I have learn to love amish books and can’t wait to find some of your at our library
. I think everyone tells a few little white lies but no one really should and we should try our hardest to keep from it.
I hope you find some of my books at your library, and, who knows, maybe even win this contest, Marcia! Thanks for entering!
Would love to win the potholder and book ,can’t find very many in the library.
Thanks for entering the contest, Barbara! Good luck! PS: Please ask your library to order my books.
I love watching I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show. My husband tells me I’m always relating things from those shows to real life, so here goes. I think about the episode where Ricky bets Lucy she can’t tell the truth for a whole 24 hours. She takes him up on it and then realizes she has a women’s bridge date the next afternoon. She tells the truth when asked questions even if it’s insulting to the person it’s asked about. Then she states it’s rather refreshing to tell the truth.
I know I fudge sometimes when someone asks me do I like their new hairdo or their new outfit. No one wants to hear you say that’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen, even if it’s the gospel truth.
I’ve seen every I Love Lucy several times, Gail! Still funny. Telling the truth is very difficult. My husband just asked me if I liked his new hair cut. Fortunately I did. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
A reputation for honesty is a precious thing–one lie can destroy a reputation for life! Be truthful in all things! That way you don’t have to remember the original lie, and all the lies that follow! I will tell people when something is my opinion, or my view point…
Good for you, MS! I appreciate straight-forward people. No guessing what’s on their minds. Thanks for entering the contest. Good luck!
I think reading stories about the Amish makes us want to be closer to God and want to strive to be more like him ,even when we fall short of his glory .. The Amish inspire me to look at life with a positive attitude even in devastating situations , and authors like you take people like us into a different world so I feel we are blessed …
I agree with you, Tammy. The Amish are an inspiration and I have learned so much from them. I love stepping into their world when I write. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Lying never solves anything. Have a wonderful day!
That’s the truth, Deborah! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Hope you have a wonderful day too!
I love that verse about letting your yes be yes and your no be no. I try never to promise or give my word about anything unless I know for sure I can follow through. I try not to ever lie (or fudge as many say), but like everyone else – it’s not easy. Especially when the truth will hurt someone. I want people to be able to trust my word. We are all a work in progress, so we press on.
Sounds and looks like a wonderful prize. Thanks for the chance.
Thanks for your insightful comment, Pat! I agree, being honest is not easy. We all are a work in progress. Good luck in the giveaway!
I must admit I am guilty of the ‘fine’ or ‘ok’ lie when asked how I am. I have Multiple Sclerosis and I really detest the look on someones face if I tell them the truth. I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me 🙁 I feel guilty every time….
Barb in PEI
It’s not just the feeling sorry part, Barb. People tend to barrage an ill person with advice or questions that are none of their business. I wonder how to answer people when they say “How are you?” when you’re not fine. I’ll have to give that more thought. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I do agree that honesty is the best policy, but it can be a hard line to follow. I also agree that it’s not necessarily what you say but how you say it that counts most. We do need to be considerate of other people’s feelings.
I agree, we do need to be considerate of other people’s feelings, Nancy! And how a person answers a question is very important if said with good intentions and kindness. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
That potholder has my name on it and I love your books. Hoping to win!!!!!!!!!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Karen! Good luck!
I have a special place in my heart for the Amish .i would treasure the potholder and would love beyond words the signed book!
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Michelle! I’d be delighted if you owned one of my signed books. Good luck!
If you ever get to our neck of the woods, near Shipshewana Indiana I would love to show you around. Growing up my parents hired young Amish girls as our babysitters. They lives with us through the week and a few times we got to stay at their homes. Fun times.
Marlene, that sound like fun times! Thanks for the lovely invitation. And thank you for entering the giveaway!
So enjoy your books and would love to win your contest. I too appreciate honesty and strive to be truthful, but I too am guilty many times of little white lies.
Thanks for letting me know you enjoy my books, Donna! I’m really trying not to tell any white lies, but I’ve probably been guilty of one myself today without even knowing it. Good luck in the giveaway!
That is a very pretty potholder and I would love to win it.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Sharon! Good luck!
Beautiful potholder! Thank you for the opportunity to win these items!
I’m guilty of the “I’m fine” white lie…I suffer from chronic migraines & sinus headaches but don’t want to burden folks with that info on a regular basis. No harm intended. So, “I’m fine”, Smile & carry on!
I can certainly understand your “I’m fine” answer, Karen. I have a girlfriend who suffers from migraines and she’s often bombarded with advice. It’s not easy to keep up a smiling face when you’re head is aching. Since I’ve never suffered from them I can’t even imagine the pain. But I pray for her often. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love the potholder. I go to quilting classes every Thursday and really enjoy it. Thanks for a chance,
Quilting classes sound fun, Kathy! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
The potholder is lovely and would really enjoy the book. It is a wonderful thing to base our lives on honesty and truth.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Nora! It is indeed wonderful to base our lives on honesty and truth. I’d be delighted if you read one of my books. I hope you can soon. Good luck!
I believe honesty is the best policy. With that said, even though a lie is a lie sometimes you just gotta as in ‘how do you like my hair’….oh, nice! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I know better than to ask someone how they like my hair, Linda! Sometimes I’m amazed when people complement it and I think it looks frizzy. Hum, are they being honest or just nice. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love the beauty of Amish craftsmanship. I would love to win this pot holder.
I do too, Roberta! Amish craftsmanship is marvelous. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Love reading Amish novels. In fact, that is about all I read these days, and especially LOVE when there are 3-5 in a series! On these gray, sometimes rainy or foggy days here in the Northwest, I always try to keep a few books that I have not read…. It is harder to read in the summer when it is nice outside! Would LOVE to be a winner in your contest! Thank you, and Blessings to you!
I love reading Amish novels too, C.J! I can’t go to bed at night without reading, no matter where I am. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
LOVE Amish Novels….in fact I rarely read anything else these days.
Here, in the NW, I love to read a good book on cold, foggy or rainy winter days,
I HATE LIES! I always told my kids when they were growing up, to never lie to me! If they did something wrong, they would be punished,….BUT if they lied about something that they had done… I WOULD find out and the punishment would double! Once I am lied to, it is really hard to ever trust that person again! One lie usually calls for another.
Blessings to you as you endure some of this not-so-pleasant weather! Would not trade the NW for any other place that I have been, though, and at least we do not have tornadoes to worry about, or unending blizzards! !
I’m in the PNW too, C. J. We certainly had some nasty weather on Sunday, which reminded me of Connecticut and New Jersey. When my sons were caught in a lie, they’d owe me an hours worth of work w/o pay. They were hard-working, anyway, but I’d pay them for their time on tough gardening projects. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
That potholder is so pretty. I would use it as a wall hanging. I love reading Amish stories and visiting “Amish Country” since I live close to Holmes Co. (Ohio)
Thanks.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Marsha! What fun living close to Holmes County. Good luck!
I also tend to gloss over how I am feeling by replying that ” I’m fine” or “I am well”. I also try to use discretion when answering some questions so technically, by omission, I am lying. And yet, I pray to be a truthful person!! To answer your question, I believe that people of all beliefs and all cultures struggle with total truth.
I think I fit in your category, Connie! I wish to be an honest person, but don’t feel everyone needs to know my private business. So I omit. I’m not sure all cultures strive for total truth. An interesting thought. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Hey Kate , I love to read about the Amish and their ways . I always told my daughter to tell the truth no matter what . I cannot stand someone to lie to me and they know they are . Sometimes you can tell if they are lying then sometimes you can’t . I love the pot holder , it is beautiful log cabin pattern .
Would love to win . Thanks
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Elizabeth! It is quite amazing when someone lies to you and you both know it. And yet, often the liar gets away with it. Good luck to you!
I love reading Amish fiction. I love their lifestyle. Keep up the wonderful writing. Would so love to win this prize!
God Bless,
Cheryl Baranski
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Cheryl! God bless you!
I will be going to an Amish Quilt Show and Sale in a few weeks. Will let you know what I find.
Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
Oh, that sounds like so much fun, Janet! Do let me know what you find, please. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love reading any Amish books I can get my hands on. The potholder is beautiful, love the colors!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Tabitha! I love the potholder’s colors too. Good luck!
I’m working on the “white lies” part…when asked how I am and I’m not feeling well..”Blessed”, as in sickness or health I am blessed. It is hard, but I just picture my son’s confused look when I do tell a white lie.
Thanks for your comment, Cynthia! “Blessed” is a terrific response. I’m going to try it. Good luck in the giveaway!
I would absolutely believe an Amish person over an “Englischer”. I remember something that I had heard, although I don’t remember when or where. “How do you know the person is lying?” Because (s)he spoke.”
I’d love to win the contest. 🙂
Thanks for writing, Lisa! An insightful comment. If I’m not lying right now, I have in the past, or will in the future. Good luck in the giveaway!
I’m fascinated by the Amish way of life! Being a direct German descendent of the Volga Germans in Russia, I am very familiar with how the Amish do things. While my family was not Amish that I can find, we do things much like the Amish, just with modern technology. I’d love to be Amish! I’d give up this rat race any day!
How interesting, Jodi! I’m sure you’re not alone in wanting to give up the rat-race. Something that’s helped me is taking news fasts. And writing. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Love, Love, Love the Amish and their way of life. I love reading the books as well.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Angea! Good luck!
Dearest Kate,
On 1/20, I posted a long winded comment and it is still showing as, ” awaiting moderation”, is there something wrong with my comment? I don’t think that I said anything deragatory or anything that was inappropriate in it. Please let me know as I think that it made some really good or nice points! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win and have a blessed day!
Oh, no! So sorry! I just found it! A very good comment, Frances! Thanks!
Here it is:
Thanks so much for the opportunity to win! The Quillow!!! I would be honored to win! It is such an awesome gift! I would be so blessed to win! I have been very ill lately and I spend a lot of time in the hospital, and I love to read Amish books the most! So, if I could get a new book to read when I am in the hospital, I would be so happy! A book is smaller than a breadbox and you can get one for less than $20, without a problem! I will not be getting any Christmas gifts this year, unfortunately, but I would definitely ask for books, if I were asked! Reading makes us open to new experiences and takes you far away, to another place in time and can take you away from illness, and sometimes just from life in general, and it is wonderful when a book can do that to you!!! I am not a professional, but I think that when a book can do that, it is a truly great book! And your books can do that! God Bless You and Your Family! Have a wonderful, blessed holiday season!
I think being truthful is a feeling we all should carry in our hearts. It will make your life less stressful and peaceful when all is said and done.
I agree, life does get stressful and complicated when we lie, Bobbe! Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Hi Kate. That is a hard question for I have lots of English that I absolutely believe when they say something. And, it’s hard to believe that the Amish have never lied about anything tho maybe a small one. When a friend ask how I am, I usually say about the same, but could always be worse. Or better than usual. And ever now and then, I feel better than in a long time. My daddy told me when you lead someone to believe something to get around it , it is the same as lying. But, I do believe everyone has told a lie at some point in their life. Maybe I’m wrong. But, I would believe most Amish are truthful. I would love to be your winner but has been ages since I have. Just have to keep trying. Thanks!
Maxie
I like your answers, Maxie! Thanks for hanging in and entering again. Good luck!
Having been a quilter, I can truly appreciate the work that goes into a quilt, potholder, etc. The colors are beautiful. The log cabin square is my pattern. I would love to add to my reading collection as well. Thank you so much for your generosity.
A quilter and a reader, Myrtle! A delightful combination. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I think it’s always best to tell the truth, honesty is the best policy. What a tangled web we weave, when we practice to deceive. It always comes out in the end.
Yes, a tangled web indeed, Sherri! Although, as you said, truth usually surfaces in the end. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I would be more likely to believe a Amish because they have a more religious upbringing than the non amish
Me, too, Sheila! Although they are not perfect they have been taught the importance of honesty since childhood. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Am looking. Forward to reading your books have not read one yet very soon though.
I hope you get a chance to read one of my books soon, Ronda! Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway.
Unfortunately I think because a lot of the lies that we are told by those in the political arena, and others around us continually lie to us, even the proverbial “little white lie” we have become an untrustworthy nation as a whole. It is sad that it only takes one (or two) bad apples to taint the whole basket full. I don’t believe that the Amish are without fault, but they do live by a higher standard as a whole than the non-Amish do.
I agree with you, Cris-Annette! I wonder if politicians know they’re lying to us … They must. I think the Amish, although imperfect as we all are, do strive to live by a higher standard. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Neither one! Only a true friend whom I know well would be someone I trust not to lie. Circumstances, life’s pressures, peers and any number of motives cause anyone to lie, no matter their beliefs.
Thanks for writing, Sharon! When it comes down to it, attempting to be honest is all we can control. And sometimes we even lie to ourselves when we don’t want to face the truth. Good luck in the giveaway!
Would love to win! Thanks!
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Janet!
I think I would have to say it would all depend on the person to me if I believe them or not.This is an awesome giveaway.
Thanks for writing, Jackie! I’ve believed many lies. Later, reality crystalized and I shook my head that I could be so gullible. Good luck in the giveaway!
I still believe in Santa Claus – no lie! I look at Santa as the “Spirit” of Giving and truly believe it is more blessed to give than to receive. That’s why, should I win the book and potholder (which I absolutely love), I would give them to one of my nieces. She loves reading Amish books and would cherish both the potholder and the signed book.
What a darling niece you must have, Linda, who’s got a generous aunt! Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Takes alot of perseverence and patience to live like the Amish do. I give them alot of credit and admire their way of life.
The Amish indeed have perseverence and patience, Mary! I admire them too. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I can always tell when someone is lying to me when they avoid me! No calls, no texts! Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful potholder and one of your books!
Aha, good clues, Tammy! Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
you should always tell the truth. I love the Amish stories and love your books.
I’m delighted you enjoy my books, Dianna! That IS the truth. Thanks for entering the giveaway!