Going Amish

Well, it's FINALLY the end of July- an exceptionally busy month. Hooray! My absence from the world of Blogspot.com is truly founded...and have yet another resolution to do it more often. Not just for readers, but for my own enjoyment. (not as selfish as it sounds.)


SO, I am thus blogging on vacation. Somewhere in Virginia. Near Staunton, I think.


Now, I know why you clicked on this link..."Going Amish:" it's kind of a strange, strong title, no? During our vacation these last seven days, we have visited beautiful and incredible places. Philadelphia, PA: first US capitol, signing of the Declaration of Independence/Constitution, home of many founding fathers, Liberty Bell, Chinese food, Philly Steak 'n' Cheese(s) a plenty, etc.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

China Town, Philadelphia. Home to David's Mai Lai Wah. 

Next stop: Lancaster, PA: home to enumerable Amish families, delicious Dutch food, Sight and Sound Theatre (went to see 'Jonah'), relaxing drives through the country, and more Dutch food. (You get the idea.) Here are a couple of photos from Lancaster to give you an idea...

Amish family working in the fields near their farm. Isn't it lovely?

Through the corn...

It's just so captivating and enchanting...

Amish workers finishing in the fields at sunset.

Now, do you see why it's so lovely? Thought you would. Anyways, 'Going Amish:' here's how it fits in. Nope, I'm not going to start wearing a long, dark colored dresses, aprons, black stockings in summer, and large mesh bonnets. And no, I'm not going to move into a house without electricity, running water, or car. And I'm certainly not going to trade my car for a horse and buggy. But honestly- I'm tired of life (in general) being so complicated, cluttered, and well, complicated! We Americans have so much material 'stuff' that sometimes it's easy to become centered on 'stuff' instead of the important things. That being said, I'm not going Amish. It was just a catchy title. :) But I am planning on stepping back and de-cluttering life when I return home from this vacation. Life is too short to be spending time, energy, and emotion on things that are unimportant or lacking in eternal value. May God help me. 

Ah well, soap-box #1 for today- check. :) 

One last thought from C.S. Lewis: "It remains true that all things are possible with God...but nonsense remains nonsense even when we talk it over with God." Perplexing, no?