Sunday, September 21, 2008

Back to the Basics

**Continue to keep Susannah and her parents in your prayers. They are prepared for travel in the next 24 hours - God is so good. Their site is linked below:) **
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"The proper perspective creates within us a spirit of reaching outside of ourselves with joy and enthusiasm. ~ Luci Swindoll

This weekend, Daddybug had plans to help one of my former youth leaders and his son. Our friend's son, a Marine, just re-upped for three more years. He will be relocated the beginning of 2009 and his home needs to be sale-ready. They road-tripped to his current location and stayed for the weekend, working into the wee hours. I am so thrilled God presented him with this opportunity.

In the meantime, I was busy considering. Considering how busy we have been in this new school year. It felt like time for some downtime. I convinced my parents to join the girls and I for a day trip to Amish country. It was wonderful. We have been many times before but somehow, this weekend, it was rich in the joy of a child.

We took a buggy ride and the girls were invited to sit with the driver, Caleb. He and his father run this particular buggy business, his father was Amish as a child, and he left to pursue his own dreams. Caleb said they live very much like the Amish except with a big screen TV and cell phones:) He said the values are still there and the expectations are unwaivering.

I noticed that instead of Mc*Cain and Ob*ama signs, the lawns were littered with signs of hope, scripture and love. I noticed that kids were outside working their produce stands but stepped away to play ball, ride their bikes and chase one another, things we rarely see in our busy little towns. I noticed the manner in which the young people addressed their elders, whether they knew them or not. I noticed the peace. I noticed the pace, steady and hard, not frenetic or panicky. I noticed the people. They smiled and virtually everyone we encountered commented or touched Emily's red curls and asked her about her sister.

More importantly, my children noticed. It is important to know how others live, to see people in their element and discover those things you can bring back to your own life. Perspective cannot be gained living within the boxes we create for ourselves. Perspective must be gained by taking time to enjoy one another, to teach one another, to observe together. I returned from our day renewed, recharged and really thankful.


Waiting for their Buggy Ride


On the buggy - not the easiest angle to get their smiling faces!


Caleb


Emily begged for a pony ride


So, Hannah did as well:)


Milking the "cow"


How you do dat Em?


See, I do it too! I millded de cowwwww!


Set 'em up...


ROLLL......


YESS! Emily LOVED the corn bowling!


Hannah had a different strategy in mind...




That's our Hannah!

18 comments:

Kate said...

I love these pictures! My favorite has to be the pumpkin/corn cob bowling set up....how much fun was that???

It looks like a wonderful, restorative day was had by all...just what Mama ordered!!

Happy Monday!!

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

Beautiful post, Heather! Your girls look so fall-ish. Very pretty.

I loved the sentiment of your post. I remember when I would be in Lancaster and Amish country thinking that it would be so much more uncomplicated having that style of living. It would be challenging but imagine how much happier we'd be if we weren't burdened by stuff and things...

Love you~
Lis

Denise C said...

OH what a fabulous time you all had in Amish country! I want to take Chelsi there someday....I love all thing attributes that you wrote about them...they truly are a very special people!
They surely do have their priorities in correct order...they enjoy the simple things in life...that are pure and true blessings!
Thank you for "taking us along" on this wonderful weekend adventure....I had so much fun.....as I always do when I "visit" you, my sweet friend!!!
Hugs and Love to you and the sweet little bugs!!!
~Denise

Beth said...

OK my dear - your "perspective" statement should be in a book of quotations! You have such way with words...each new sentence makes your friends beg for more. I have never seen the corn bowling idea, how FUN. It looks like you just had a wonderful, well-deserved, rewarding time.

Have a great week! - Beth

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

What a great day in Amish country....you are so right...it is so different and just the kind of place you need to go to unwind from the everyday life we know!!

The corn cob bowling looks like so much fun...especially Hannah style...love it...that is my speed!!

The girls look adorable...as always!

Enjoy your week!

Lisa

mommy24treasures said...

oh that trip sounds simply wonderful! I can just imagine how serene and peaceful it must have been.
Yes... the girls do seem to have the perfect attire for the day:)

Sharon Sloan said...

OK, I love the picture of Hannah with her hands on her hips! And I love her strategy!

Em is so cute with the "yes" picture!

Wow...so glad you enjoyed this gorgeous weather out in the simple life of the Amish!

Like a breath of fresh air!

Love you!
Sharon

prechrswife said...

What a neat, fun day! Love Hannah's bowling technique. :-)

Anonymous said...

Oh I LOVE what the girls are wearing!! Heather, so cute! The Amish have always facinated me! I very much want to visit them someday. This sounds lovely!

DiJo said...

Hi!
Praise God for Susannah!!!! What a blessing to be a witness to their journey!!!

I love the photos of the girls from their fun day! Tell Em I want those boots!!!! The photo of Hannah with her hands on her hips, tells it all!!!! Ruby's favorite new phrase, "NO WAY!!"

Love,
Diana

Lori said...

What a fun day! I love the pumpkin bowling, I've never seen that!! lol
The girls look adorable!

sheryl said...

What great pictures! It sounds like your weekend was perfect and FUN! There really is so much our society can learn from the Amish people and their way of living. You are such a great mommy to instill these lessons in Hannah & Emily. BTW, I LOVE that song - Simple Things on your playlist. It fits perfectly as I am looking through all of your photos. I hope you and the girls are having a fabulous week. We are LOVING the first days of fall and cooler weather here!

Hugs,
Sheryl

The Byrd's Nest said...

They both look so so so beautiful in that green!!!!

You know I am infatuated with the Amish people. I think the life they live is so humble and real. I have never seen them here in Texas but I am intrigued by them and their lifestyle. Hmmmmm.....I think that's what God had intended for people to think about us Christians huh???

Linette said...

These pictures are great Heather!
And corn bowling...oh my goodness-our Hannah would love that. :)
I think we need to visit Amish country soon!!

Love Being A Nonny said...

Where did you get the green corduroy jumper, shirt and striped tights???!!
conoil@yahoo.com
angela

Kristy said...

First thing I love the pictures of the girls they are just beautiful!! That red hair is just priceless and gorgeous. Second, I would absolutely love to visit Amish country, and last I love your header it is just so pretty.

have a great weekend.

Love, Kristy

Sheri said...

What a wonderful day you had with the girls. I think I could learn a few things from the Amish lifestyle. Oh to have less busyness in our life. There are days when I'd like to get rid of all the technology -- but them I couldn't blog!! :)

Angie said...

Oh what a fun day it must've been. The pictures are great!
Sometimes I wish we were Amish so that our lives were more slow-paced, peaceful and less stressful. Sounds like I need to do some simplifying..doesn't it?
Glad you had a good time.

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