Plain and Simple

When I made the decision to begin blogging, I knew that I wanted it to be about a variety of things that inspire me.  I knew that it would open my eyes to see something in each day.

Perhaps I am more aware now, but I am continually amazed at how I am brought to what insires me.

Today I walked into a country store to find a gift, and I was on inspiration overload.  The store was all country crafts and antiques.  I was drawn to their variety of fabric, as it is unusual, not what one would find in a common fabric store.  I was drawn to several peieces, however I settled on a darling panel and print for a quilt!  This quilt will belong to my first grandbaby, whenever the Lord blesses us with such.  It is very unique and I promise pictures will follow. ( I did not go in the store at all with the idea of trying to make such a quilt)

Ok so I was insired by the fabric, but led to think about those who make quilting look easy and are the "quilt masters", the Amish. 

As my mind often does, I run with thoughts of their way of life and though it is very different, are our desires so different than theirs?

How many of us remember the days when our mothers hung our clothes outside to dry?  How often have you wished you could once again smell the fresh sheets as you climb into bed at night?  Wonderful memories yet a simple time we have let go- it is easier to throw them in the drier, however what have we sacrificed?

I remember as a child walking into our cellar (not basement) to bring up a jar of peaches or pears, or a vegetable that mom had canned.  I remember the long days when she would be canning numerous jars of tomatoes for that homemade spaghetti sauce that would grace our table and fill our bellies come winter.  I remember snapping the beans, and smelling all the spices from canning pickles.  All great memories that I am certain many of you share.  Once again though we have traded that in for what is easier, reaching in the cupboard pulling out a can or jar as needed, now filled with preservatives.  Is it easier? yes it is, however what have we taken from our own children?  WIll they feel warm inside thinking about going to the grocery store and filling our carts with all we need?   

 Our transportation is vastly different than the Amish, but not so different than the travel in the early days.  Why have we moved on?  I understand progress and I know that traveling across country in a buggy is not all that practical, however we could open our eyes more to what we are seeing.

The gentle breezes and hush that comes over you while gazing at an Amish home brings you to where God intended us to be, at home, raising our families, and helping our friends and neighbors.

Are we really so different?