QUIET RETREAT

As we pulled into the driveway at this Amish home, we passed this elderly Amish lady. She was walking like nobody's business. I waved and she waved back. I couldn't help but wonder what her day had been like so far, and what she had to do when she returned home. The lady that we visited that day was busy washing clothes when we pulled in. The front of her dress was wet to her shoes. She dried her hands on her plain but handy apron. As many of you know by now, if you've visited here very often. You know that my heart longs for the quiet and tranquil life of the Amish. The gentle, safe haven and gentleness that my heart absorbs hungrily while I'm in their presence, is a pleasant treasure that is savored. I am happy for my little get-away cabin, when feeling overwhelmed it is the perfect place to come home to. I think I'll go there now, to my quiet retreat.

AND TIME STOOD STILL

Such a picture of tranquility, peace, and time standing still but for only a second. I can't explain how the Amish people and their lives draw my heart toward the peace and quiet that surrounds them. If I had no kids left at home, I would surely learn more of their lifestyle. Living it is one thing I know. But for them it is the most natural thing in the world, just like our lives are for us. But as I stay in my cabin, in the dark of night, with oil lamps and candles burning. The quiet that surrounds me except for maybe the sweet song of the nightingale, I feel whole, and at peace with my soul. It has really been eye opening for me. I have really gotten to know myself, and who I am and what I'm about. And I'm learning more everyday. I'm thankful for my little get-away cabin, and the primitive lifestyle that I have chosen to live there. My mind wanders to things that really matter. In the quietness, my spirit hears the music that nature plays and the song that fills my soul is one of depth, lyrics that speak of family, love, Jesus Christ, and all things that matter. In the quietness I can hear the song well, it's not stifled by phones, tv, alarms, the things that steal away time and peace of mind. Thank you Lord, for the song that sings to my soul.

My day with the Amish

Ok, I've never tried to take pictures of rugs before, lol. So I tried to take them where at least the woven pattern could be seen. We really enjoyed our visit to see the Amish. We usually go every Saturday to visit and buy goods. I love looking at their big barns and windmill. Sheep and cows and chickens and geese and turkeys, roaming around, busy with their own farm ways. I have goats, but would love to have some sheep. This Amish community have slowly switched from Wool sheep to a newer breed of "hair" sheep. Very interesting I thought. The wool market just wasn't bringing enough money and they were lucky to break even. The hair sheep are a meat market and they are doing very well with these. As my husband and I were looking at rugs, we watched two small boys make their way to the barn. Directly here they came with broadbrim felt hats in hand, each hat full and spilling over with brown eggs. It was picturesque. Another day with the Amish. I'm looking forward to next week.

1Peter 3:4 Adorned with a gentle and quiet spirit

Amish life. Oh how my heart longs for the quiet life that the plain people live. My heart, heavy with worry that the outside world pours onto it. Threatening complete drowning in worries. Worries for my children's future, worries of my regretful past mistakes. Wanting to make sure my kids have what they want, and not just what they need, more worry.
The Amish, protected from the drug war that threatens to bring down our beloved children, to steal the very life breath from their precious bodies. Protected from the, "keep up with the jones's" mentality.
Such a peaceful life they live. No raising of their voices to get their opinion across to spouse or child. But a gentle and quiet spirit, one that leaves whom ever may be in their presence with a sense of calm and peacefulness.
Oh that the whole world would be Amish. What a tranquil world it would be. I realize we don't have to be Amish to be adorned with such a spirit of tranquility, but my goodness, how we can learn from them.