Catching bugs with the Amish

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

I work a boring job, long 12 hour shifts in a military communications centre, and weekends are very quiet. As a result I have lots of time to think...to ponder, question and wonder. Here's a thought that just started rattling around in my addled little human brain.

Does anyone remember the awe and wonder they experienced as a child catching an insect? I remember being fascinated with the Praying Mantis, the angular body, the wings, their serated knife like claws. Although it wasn't a consideration at the time, now I cannot fathom the absolute perfection and design of this incredible creation. And this is just one example. Like us the Praying Mantis exists in a beautifully complex world....along with millions of other wonderful creations.

Its impossible to pinpoint a precise moment when this child like wonder stopped taking place, I'm sure it was something of a process. But if I did have to pick one moment I guess the Christmas when I was 11 would be as good as any. That Christmas Santa in his infinite wisdom decided I had been good enough for my holy grail of presents, Matel Electronic Football. Its nothing by today's standards but when I was eleven it was the most amazing toy imaginable. I controlled one dark red blip and had to navigate my way through (I think) five dimmer blips across the football field shaped screen, if you made it over 10 yards it looped back...a tackle resulted in a whistle like noise, a touchdown or field goal brought an electronic cheer like song. Oh Rapture....I jumped up and down like a monkey screaming "I GOT IT, I GOT IT....I CAN'T BELIEVE I GOT IT".

For anyone still reading who's wondering "what the heck is this stupid game" here's a short youtube video of it in action:

So what does this have to do with the Amish? Nothing really, and maybe everything. I don't know much about the Amish, aside from the fact that the old order sects turn away from almost all modern conveyances and technology. I visited St. Jacob's Ontario where there is a large Mennonite community, and they have 'old order' types who also live a life that harkens back to the 19th century. Horse and buggies, no TVs or other entertainment...no electronics of any kind actually I don't believe.

I went to the Mennonite information centre there and it was explained that the common view of "if it twern't in the Bible we don't use it" is not the reason for them shunning modern conveniences. Its not that modern technology isn't in the Bible, nor that technology is "the devil".....it was explained that our modern world leads us away from God, and that our mechanized and electronic creations lead us to putting ourselves on an equal footing with God in our eyes.

Hard to argue with that line of thinking.....I'm not saying everyone worships technology, but our society sure does. How many people want the latest smart TV, the newest Cell Phone, the most up to date Tablet, FitBit....or whatever. Consumerism defines the culture of the broader western world in its entirety.

I don't have any answers. I couldn't imagine living like one of these old order denominations. But I do have a lot of respect for them and I can't help but think they're more in awe of the beauty of God's creation than I am.

 

[Ghoti2]

Small world!!! I was also in a Comm Center. And my dream game was electric football. But, being a lot older tham\n you, THIS is what my mouth watered for"

 

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

Hilarious, I had that game too, a few years before Matel Electronic football....but not as ornate a version, I recall there being a little foam football that you would place in the arm of the player you wanted carrying the ball, and then you just hoped it went reasonably straight.

 

[Ghoti2]

I never got one...…… All I could do was wish and hope for years, until my dreams turned elsewhere.

 

[IFOLLOWHIM]

I work a boring job, long 12 hour shifts in a military communications centre, and weekends are very quiet. As a result I have lots of time to think...to ponder, question and wonder. Here's a thought that just started rattling around in my addled little human brain.

Does anyone remember the awe and wonder they experienced as a child catching an insect? I remember being fascinated with the Praying Mantis, the angular body, the wings, their serated knife like claws. Although it wasn't a consideration at the time, now I cannot fathom the absolute perfection and design of this incredible creation. And this is just one example. Like us the Praying Mantis exists in a beautifully complex world....along with millions of other wonderful creations.

Its impossible to pinpoint a precise moment when this child like wonder stopped taking place, I'm sure it was something of a process. But if I did have to pick one moment I guess the Christmas when I was 11 would be as good as any. That Christmas Santa in his infinite wisdom decided I had been good enough for my holy grail of presents, Matel Electronic Football. Its nothing by today's standards but when I was eleven it was the most amazing toy imaginable. I controlled one dark red blip and had to navigate my way through (I think) five dimmer blips across the football field shaped screen, if you made it over 10 yards it looped back...a tackle resulted in a whistle like noise, a touchdown or field goal brought an electronic cheer like song. Oh Rapture....I jumped up and down like a monkey screaming "I GOT IT, I GOT IT....I CAN'T BELIEVE I GOT IT".

For anyone still reading who's wondering "what the heck is this stupid game" here's a short youtube video of it in action:

So what does this have to do with the Amish? Nothing really, and maybe everything. I don't know much about the Amish, aside from the fact that the old order sects turn away from almost all modern conveyances and technology. I visited St. Jacob's Ontario where there is a large Mennonite community, and they have 'old order' types who also live a life that harkens back to the 19th century. Horse and buggies, no TVs or other entertainment...no electronics of any kind actually I don't believe.

I went to the Mennonite information centre there and it was explained that the common view of "if it twern't in the Bible we don't use it" is not the reason for them shunning modern conveniences. Its not that modern technology isn't in the Bible, nor that technology is "the devil".....it was explained that our modern world leads us away from God, and that our mechanized and electronic creations lead us to putting ourselves on an equal footing with God in our eyes.

Hard to argue with that line of thinking.....I'm not saying everyone worships technology, but our society sure does. How many people want the latest smart TV, the newest Cell Phone, the most up to date Tablet, FitBit....or whatever. Consumerism defines the culture of the broader western world in its entirety.

I don't have any answers. I couldn't imagine living like one of these old order denominations. But I do have a lot of respect for them and I can't help but think they're more in awe of the beauty of God's creation than I am.

How absolutely beautiful is your thought!
The simplicity of God,so simple a child can find it!
It is not in the fancy today's " Christian " terminology slinging but if "Whosoever will......."

Thank you, I had given up on here thinking no one recognized how " BEAUTIFUL are the feet of those who carry the gospel

You have made my heart warm with this beautiful wonderful insight!💖💖💖💖💖💖

 

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

I never got one...…… All I could do was wish and hope for years, until my dreams turned elsewhere.

The one we got was picked up at a garage sale when I was 9 or 10.....we didn't even have a rule book, I didn't know you could pass with that little contraption thing, I don't recall us having one of those. I'm Canadian, so the table top hockey game (or on the floor) with the levers you pulled and twisted to move the players was the game. Just like this:

When we were all much older my dad found an old Munroe table top hockey game, the kind he had played as a kid...he cleaned and fixed it up and got it working again....my brother has it now but he told me its been broken a few times, the springs and moving parts are so old.

 

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

How absolutely beautiful is your thought!
The simplicity of God,so simple a child can find it!
It is not in the fancy today's " Christian " terminology slinging but if "Whosoever will......."

Thank you, I had given up on here thinking no one recognized how " BEAUTIFUL are the feet of those who carry the gospel

You have made my heart warm with this beautiful wonderful insight!💖💖💖💖💖💖

Thanks for bringing it back IFOLLOWHIM.....notice how GHOTI's post got me going down nostalgia lane....and reveling in memories of games and contraptions from years past, when I started this post with the intention of reminding myself to focus on God's creation, all of it.

Just compare the complexity of even the most advanced gaming system to the complexity of this:

 

[shittim]

Was down in Amish country near here just today, an area so full of love, joy, peace, etc.
Love them very much, they really are G-d's own from what I see.

 

[dcontroversal]

I work a boring job, long 12 hour shifts in a military communications centre, and weekends are very quiet. As a result I have lots of time to think...to ponder, question and wonder. Here's a thought that just started rattling around in my addled little human brain.

Does anyone remember the awe and wonder they experienced as a child catching an insect? I remember being fascinated with the Praying Mantis, the angular body, the wings, their serated knife like claws. Although it wasn't a consideration at the time, now I cannot fathom the absolute perfection and design of this incredible creation. And this is just one example. Like us the Praying Mantis exists in a beautifully complex world....along with millions of other wonderful creations.

Its impossible to pinpoint a precise moment when this child like wonder stopped taking place, I'm sure it was something of a process. But if I did have to pick one moment I guess the Christmas when I was 11 would be as good as any. That Christmas Santa in his infinite wisdom decided I had been good enough for my holy grail of presents, Matel Electronic Football. Its nothing by today's standards but when I was eleven it was the most amazing toy imaginable. I controlled one dark red blip and had to navigate my way through (I think) five dimmer blips across the football field shaped screen, if you made it over 10 yards it looped back...a tackle resulted in a whistle like noise, a touchdown or field goal brought an electronic cheer like song. Oh Rapture....I jumped up and down like a monkey screaming "I GOT IT, I GOT IT....I CAN'T BELIEVE I GOT IT".

For anyone still reading who's wondering "what the heck is this stupid game" here's a short youtube video of it in action:

So what does this have to do with the Amish? Nothing really, and maybe everything. I don't know much about the Amish, aside from the fact that the old order sects turn away from almost all modern conveyances and technology. I visited St. Jacob's Ontario where there is a large Mennonite community, and they have 'old order' types who also live a life that harkens back to the 19th century. Horse and buggies, no TVs or other entertainment...no electronics of any kind actually I don't believe.

I went to the Mennonite information centre there and it was explained that the common view of "if it twern't in the Bible we don't use it" is not the reason for them shunning modern conveniences. Its not that modern technology isn't in the Bible, nor that technology is "the devil".....it was explained that our modern world leads us away from God, and that our mechanized and electronic creations lead us to putting ourselves on an equal footing with God in our eyes.

Hard to argue with that line of thinking.....I'm not saying everyone worships technology, but our society sure does. How many people want the latest smart TV, the newest Cell Phone, the most up to date Tablet, FitBit....or whatever. Consumerism defines the culture of the broader western world in its entirety.

I don't have any answers. I couldn't imagine living like one of these old order denominations. But I do have a lot of respect for them and I can't help but think they're more in awe of the beauty of God's creation than I am.

I had a game like that and burned it up because of the speed at which I could play it...........yeah, society, technology, time constraints etc. is stealing alot of our time when it comes to pondering God and his intelligence/creation.

 

[shittim]

Distractions, there are so many and increasingly distractions to keep us from having our minds "stayed on Him" as we are required.

 

[morefaithrequired]

I work a boring job, long 12 hour shifts in a military communications centre, and weekends are very quiet. As a result I have lots of time to think...to ponder, question and wonder. Here's a thought that just started rattling around in my addled little human brain.

Does anyone remember the awe and wonder they experienced as a child catching an insect? I remember being fascinated with the Praying Mantis, the angular body, the wings, their serated knife like claws. Although it wasn't a consideration at the time, now I cannot fathom the absolute perfection and design of this incredible creation. And this is just one example. Like us the Praying Mantis exists in a beautifully complex world....along with millions of other wonderful creations.

Its impossible to pinpoint a precise moment when this child like wonder stopped taking place, I'm sure it was something of a process. But if I did have to pick one moment I guess the Christmas when I was 11 would be as good as any. That Christmas Santa in his infinite wisdom decided I had been good enough for my holy grail of presents, Matel Electronic Football. Its nothing by today's standards but when I was eleven it was the most amazing toy imaginable. I controlled one dark red blip and had to navigate my way through (I think) five dimmer blips across the football field shaped screen, if you made it over 10 yards it looped back...a tackle resulted in a whistle like noise, a touchdown or field goal brought an electronic cheer like song. Oh Rapture....I jumped up and down like a monkey screaming "I GOT IT, I GOT IT....I CAN'T BELIEVE I GOT IT".

For anyone still reading who's wondering "what the heck is this stupid game" here's a short youtube video of it in action:

So what does this have to do with the Amish? Nothing really, and maybe everything. I don't know much about the Amish, aside from the fact that the old order sects turn away from almost all modern conveyances and technology. I visited St. Jacob's Ontario where there is a large Mennonite community, and they have 'old order' types who also live a life that harkens back to the 19th century. Horse and buggies, no TVs or other entertainment...no electronics of any kind actually I don't believe.

I went to the Mennonite information centre there and it was explained that the common view of "if it twern't in the Bible we don't use it" is not the reason for them shunning modern conveniences. Its not that modern technology isn't in the Bible, nor that technology is "the devil".....it was explained that our modern world leads us away from God, and that our mechanized and electronic creations lead us to putting ourselves on an equal footing with God in our eyes.

Hard to argue with that line of thinking.....I'm not saying everyone worships technology, but our society sure does. How many people want the latest smart TV, the newest Cell Phone, the most up to date Tablet, FitBit....or whatever. Consumerism defines the culture of the broader western world in its entirety.

I don't have any answers. I couldn't imagine living like one of these old order denominations. But I do have a lot of respect for them and I can't help but think they're more in awe of the beauty of God's creation than I am.

you got blogging ability. nice friendly style.
just write like this every day.

 

[morefaithrequired]

its good for us to write. get our thoughts down where we can see them. sometimes our thoughts are childish or dumb or cliched. especially cliched. look at that tired old negative thinking.
i write because I need to write for my sanity.
just occasionally i say something useful to myself and others. and fresh too. The gems come and its worth waiting for them.

 

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

its good for us to write. get our thoughts down where we can see them. sometimes our thoughts are childish or dumb or cliched. especially cliched. look at that tired old negative thinking.
i write because I need to write for my sanity.
just occasionally i say something useful to myself and others. and fresh too. The gems come and its worth waiting for them.

Amen brother, this is why I write as well, it helps to take the ideas floating around in my brain and organize them into a somewhat logical manner, although sometimes they come out every bit as jumbled as they were in my brain. I love reading the reactions, which can lead to further revelations.

 

[shittim]

Chuck Swindoll said "thoughts disentangle themselves, through the lips and over the fingertips".

 

[Lanolin]

I think the Bible says love not the world or the things in it.
1 John 2:15

'things' being man made creations.

They cannot compare to what God has made. I suggest getting out more and appreciating nature, including the insects. Lots of people seem to hate insects, and use all sorts of insecticides, but God has us look closer. He tells us to look to the ant who is very busy and doesnt have a boss, but still goes about its business.

see Proverbs 6:6-11

 

[christian74]

Catching bugs with the Amish...?...what is this all about...(*few minutes later... blown away by op's thought and writing)

 

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

I think the Bible says love not the world or the things in it.
1 John 2:15

'things' being man made creations.

They cannot compare to what God has made. I suggest getting out more and appreciating nature, including the insects. Lots of people seem to hate insects, and use all sorts of insecticides, but God has us look closer. He tells us to look to the ant who is very busy and doesnt have a boss, but still goes about its business.

see Proverbs 6:6-11

My wife suffers from mental health issues, and on a recent visit to her doctor I saw an article posted to a bulletin board that was reporting on studies that show walking in nature has enormous benefits when it comes to improving mental health. I've tried to find it on-line without success, but this article has a lot o the same information:

https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/mental-health-benefits-outdoors/

My wife's health team has told me they'll try and get me a copy of the one on their bulletin board, it set out a specific amount of time that seems to have measurable and proven benefit, but I can't remember the amount of time cited. It said something like 90 minutes spent in nature every two weeks was shown to have enormous benefits....and that it didn't matter if that was 90 minutes all at once or if it was broken up into 2, 3 or even 4 or 5 segments...so long as the 90 minutes was achieved over the 2 weeks. But again, I don't precisely remember the time component, I'm just using 90 minutes every 2 weeks as an example.

Blessings

 

[morefaithrequired]

that is a brilliant thread/blog title by the way. I might steal that idea. of mix and match topics I mean

 

[morefaithrequired]

It said something like 90 minutes spent in nature every two weeks was shown to have enormous benefits

I wonder if visiting a city park with my dog counts. one park in particular , I forget Im living in a city

 

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

that is a brilliant thread/blog title by the way. I might steal that idea. of mix and match topics I mean

Thanks, I loved christian74's reply about being intrigued "what's this all about", and then enjoying what I posted. I like it when something is not what it appears to be.