A Life of Joy by Amy Clipston

Yesterday I finished reading the 4th book in the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series, and now I have to wait for the 5th and last book to be released. I'm just glad I only have to wait a few weeks and not a few months.

Some may not be aware, but I love reading Amish Fiction (found in Christian Romance in bookstores).

I just discovered Amy Clipston, and I'm so glad I did. I really enjoy her style of writing, and how she truly brings to life the Kauffman family and make you really wish you were at least their friend, if not family.

Something I've learned since reading these novels is that there are Catholic Communities that live almost the same as the Amish do. They dress the same, but I do think they have electricity. I'm sure there are many differences, but they dress like Amish. I've often wondered if I would be willing to join such a community...

I'm still thinking about it...

Let my soul, O Lord

Let my soul, O Lord, be sensible of its happiness. Let it, in the silence of all worldly cares, taste and enjoy the sweetness of Thy presence.

~found in The Roman Missal (1962)

Vanity of Vanities

For a while now Paul has been reading two pages a day of "My Imitation of Christ" by Thomas `a Kempis, and as of last night so am I.

I used to read a couple of pages a night a few years ago, but for some reason I stopped. The thing that's great about My Imitation of Christ is that in every chapter there will be something that either speaks to you or you just needed read at that moment.

I highly recommend having a copy of My Imitation of Christ on your nightstand or by your favorite seat on the sofa. I also recommend getting THIS VERSION, I say that because there are copies out there where the language is easier to read, but I think it actually takes something away from that which you are reading.

In Last night Chapter:

“Vanity of Vanities, and all is vanity” [ECCLES. 1, 2] except to love God and serve Him alone. This is the highest wisdom, by despising the world to tend to heavenly kingdoms.

It is vanity, therefore, to seek after riches which must perish and to trust in them.

It is vanity also to be ambitious of honors, and to raise one’s self t to a high station.

It is vanity to follow the lusts of the flesh and to desire that for which thout must afterwards be grievously punished.

It is vanity to wish for a long life and to take little care of leading a good life.

It is vanity to love that which passeth with all speed and not to hasten thither where ever-lasting joy remaineth.

Often remember that proverb: “The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor is the ear filled with hearing.” [ECCLES 1,8]

Study, therefore, to withdraw thy heart from the love of visible things, and to turn thyself to things invisible. For they that follow their sensuality defile their conscience and lose the grace of God.