Friday, March 9, 2012

Ancient Paths

 This morning I was reading in the book of Jeremiah about ancient paths.  We easily lose our way, don't we?  One of the many reasons I keep reading Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson is her continued mention of the "old ways" slipping away until they were gone and almost forgotten.  When I'm reading, I find myself wishing that bobbin lace would remain a way for women to make extra money and that the abandoned cottages would not fall into disrepair and crumble down to nothing but a memory.
 Wouldn't you love to read a book about ancient paths?  I guess that's why I loved Mount Joy (the story/novel about a pilgrimage).
 Yesterday while the students were testing (BIG state tests this week.  YIKES!) I picked up a book about the Amish.  Isn't their life so appealing?  They try to follow the ancient paths, don't they?  Their farms are so beautiful.  
Is the lure of the ancient paths the reason we like to go out walking?  We go. We go out and we look around.  We try to take the road less traveled.  The ancient paths are so different from the world's super highway (all new and inviting).  Shall we travel the narrow road, good pilgrims?  

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lark Rise to Candleford was a favourite book of mine as a child. It really does tell of days and ways no longer part of our lives. It is a personal historical testimont and a very enjoyable and interesting read.

The BBC series was really really terrible and was nothing like it at all. I found it really horrible and very boring.

Elderberry-Rob said...

Such a lovely post today Pompom, I would like to travel an ancient woodland path... we watched a tv series that was filmed in the US about the Amish - I longed for their lifestyle - they are so content and enjoy their work, the programme showed some teenage kids from the UK spending holidays with Amish families to learn about their ways - we enjoyed it SO much. I like the way they grow veg and avoid using unnecessary power. Maybe when I am an old lady and everyone has grown up I will take my husband and join them!

Anonymous said...

Let me come with you on the narrow road, the quiet lane, the small path. Let it be the one that leads to gentle folk, kindred spirits and peaceful homes. Let it be the path that leads to Him, to Life. xxx

Angela said...

Do you know the old hymn 'In Heavenly Love abiding', PomPom? Your lovely post reminded me of that. It speaks of our journey through life, and if we walk with Him, we will always go along the right paths.

But I am not sure I could cope with the Amish lifestyle. I'd miss my PC and my fancy electronic sewing machine. And they won't let women preach either!

blessings x

Farm Girl said...

I think that is why I like old books better than new. New are nice, but the old ones remind me of things that I wish I knew how to do. Like operate a loom. Or make linen from flax.
I watch my DIL spin and I know I need to ask her to teach me. All of those things to call us away from this busy life.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh wow!! Yes Lord I hear you. This is the second time to come across these scriptures today...so I am going to go meditate! Thanks for sharing, for in doing so I am hearing the voice of my Savior.

Oh yes, my son is having those test also...it wears out the kids also!

Blessings to you...have a great weekend

Larkrise garden girl said...

I also love the old crafts and the simple way of life. My daughter learned to do bobbin lace a couple summers ago it was so fun to watch her. I loved the series larkrise to candleford it was such a wonderful show and seeing the Amish in Lancaster was the highlight of my life. You touched on everything I enjoyed, Thanks Cheri

Gigi said...

So well said Pom. Yes, I know I have a longing for the simplicity of the ancient ways. But, on the other hand, I sure do love my mod cons and techy things. I wish I was one of those strong minded folks who could cut myself off and go back to no internet, cable, etc. Idk, could you? Methinks it would be difficult.
G

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Ahhhh, the ancient pilgrim paths. I'm right there alongside you.

Lisa Richards said...

I always thought "the ancient paths" sounded so much more interesting than the modern ones! Yes, we do need to be reminded that we may be slipping too far off of the right path. Thanks for bringing up this scripture.

Have a happy and relaxing weekend!

libbyquilter said...

i was discussing the topic of a simpler life with my daughter the other day and made the comment that i wouldn't mind living a less complicated life. she asked me "would you like to grind your own corn every morning and haul water (that might not be too clean) every time you needed it?" it might be a package deal i suppose . . .

i would like to know how to weave and make my own lace.

i took two walks today. it felt good.

hugs to you Pom Pom
:-)
libbyQ

Kerri said...

Oh I love Lark Rise to Candleford so much! Thanks so much for reminding me about it. I must borrow my Mum's copy again. Something about that book satisfies my soul so deeply, you know? I also admire the Amish. I went to Pennsylvania once when I was 11 years old and I was so enchanted by every Amish person I saw. Maybe it was because I was so in love with Anne of Green Gables at the time and seeing those beautiful Amish children in their old fashioned clothes made me feel like I could slip into Anne's time. Thanks for the inspiration! Sorry I have been absent for so long. I should have more time now!

Attic Clutter said...

Hi Pom
love the post
... the pressed flowers on the book ..love em..
thanks on the video
I like face to face contact once in awhile (:) been fun ..
thanks too on my hair ..as you know hair is one of womens biggest problems (:) lol
HUGS,PATTY

Attic Clutter said...

high ponytail right now, looking all wild and crazy and WHITE! OH no not white~!! get some color girlfriend~!!!(:)LOL
Love the Amish I have a few books and doll of the Amish so gentle & pure a life huh??
thanks on my sheepies and I had a huge willow tree in my back yard growing up too-- We all loved it ~~ hugs...p

magsmcc said...

The road less travelled- that's a very significant poem for me in the litany of weird and wonderful decisions I have taken! Actually I think that's the list I'm going to write this week; you know, I just will! Frances' list is too scary! I have been thinking pilgrim thoughts all this week. So I think I must have met you briefly at some point on the secluded, dappled path this week! I hope we had a hug and a prayer before we both moved on x

Gumbo Lily said...

I'll go walking with you down the narrow path. I'll take you on a cow trail that's out in the middle of nowhere. I think I hear God better when I'm on an old trail all alone.

I loved this post.

Kit said...

I read the Larkrise books and watched the show and loved them both. Such a simpler way of life. I like it, and when ever I want to feel cozy and homey I do some stitching or baking or write some letter. Kit

Catherine said...

Aren't we so blessed Pom Pom to have the choice...we can chose the heart & essence of the simple life & the road less traveled & rest in that, without having to face the grind & disease & heart break of those days gone by. I am so grateful for that golden thread of friendship you mentioned...giving wings to women all around the world; wings, knowledge & inspiration that we would never have alone. I do so love the thought of the ancient paths..they feel like nourishing traditions to me...like chicken soup for the soul. Much love my friend. What a dear photo of 4 happy children : )

The dB family said...

You have been tempting me with Larkrise to Candleford for some time now. I am now adding it to my 'to read' list. I have often thought I was born in the wrong century.

Blessings!
Deborah

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