“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
~ Matthew 6:13-36
Reflections:
On Thanksgiving Day for as long as I remember, we spend time around the table sharing what each of us is most thankful for. Perhaps you do that, too, with your family.
Years ago, close to a Thanksgiving when I was a young girl, my pastor-father and two other men from our church set out on horseback in the middle of a serious blizzard after learning that one of the church families was snowed in. Dad promptly gathered up basic food items and made the rather daunting trek down into a deep hollow in Rawlinsville, Pennsylvania, to get to the family of five, asking God for divine protection all the way through the bitter wind and heavy snow.
I remember my mother praying for the safe arrival and return home of Dad and his fellow brethren. “God knows all of their needs,” she assured my little sister, Barbara, and me as we stood at the window peering out at the brutal storm.
Hours passed. More than half that day inched by until nightfall was at hand. I shivered just thinking of the cold, cumbersome horseback journey in all that snow.
But our prayers continued.
And God answered! How happy and thankful we were when Dad returned home safely, telling all about the rigorous trip and the visit that had greatly blessed the snowbound family. It was something the family talked about for years to come.
Just as He has promised us in the verses above, our heavenly Father saw, knew, and provided for that precious family while also taking care of Dad and the other men.
This Thanksgiving, what if we went out of our way to bless others with food and otherwise, perhaps even in a sacrificial way? Indeed, we would please the Lord in doing so and spread His love, as well.
Blessings for this month and always, dear friends,
~ Beverly Lewis
Updates:
1) If you haven't purchased your copy or copies of The Beverly Lewis Amish Heritage Cookbook, 20th Anniversary Edition, for birthday or Christmas gift-giving, here are the retailer links for your convenience. Many of the Amish recipes in this cookbook had never been written down, let alone published, so it is a true gem of a collection. Great for passing down through the generations in your own family. And all royalties go to Christian Aid Ministries in Berlin, OH.
Baker Book House (30% Off + Free Shipping)
2) I'm getting so excited about my next fiction work, coming early Fall 2025: The Christmas House, set in Amish Hickory Hollow in the heart of Lancaster County Amish country. I am waiting for the proofreaders' comments presently, while looking forward to showing you the book cover as soon as it's ready!
3) Please watch my Facebook posts for my brand new Amish Cheer Thanksgiving card for 2024. You're going to love it!
4) Thanks very much for your wonderful enthusiasm for my writing, dear friends. Your interest means so much to me!
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