“If we tell Him our sins, He is faithful and we can depend on Him to forgive us of our sins. He will make our lives clean from all sin.”
~ 1 John 1:9, NLV
If you live near a Plain community, you may know that the process begins at the tip-top of each room, moving down, much as the preparation for hosting house church takes place. Even ceilings and walls are cleaned, then windows—inside and out—as well as window shades (and curtains if they are permitted), which are taken down and washed, then hung out to dry. All the furniture is cleaned, and so are the interiors of kitchen cupboards and cabinets, and pantry shelves. Imagine removing 1,000 canning jars for thistask!
People often remark that the windows in Amish homes are always sparkling clean. Well, just mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and voila!—you, too, can have the best window cleaner, with a little added elbow grease, of course. Being thrifty, as the Amish are, doesn’t this make perfect sense?
But without workers, there can be no harvesting. Amish families and communities gather willingly, even eagerly, to help. In the same way, those who know and walk with our Savior, Jesus, gladly offer time and energy for the spiritual harvest by sharing about His grace and unfailing love, daily living in a way that demonstrates that truth and love to our corner of the world. A well-kept house, neat and tidy, isn’t the only important thing in this life, however. Nothing compares to the importance of having a clean heart.
When I was a little girl, my father often reminded my sister, Barbara, and me that it was important to ask the Lord to forgive the things we did wrong at the end of each day. So, when we were ready for bedtime prayers, Barbara and I always first forgave each other for whatever we may have said or done. (We weren't always the perfect little preacher’s daughters, however!) And once that was done, sometimes with tears, we bowed our heads and asked our heavenly Father to wash our hearts white and clean.
During this shining month of October, as we revel in watching nature’s pallet change from green to gold, red, and orange, may we open our hearts for divine cleaning by the simple act of confession and asking for God’s merciful grace and forgiveness.
Blessings for autumn and always,
—Beverly Lewis
1) My beautiful, updated cookbook releases today! And the Facebook Launch Party takes place this evening at 7:00 CT on my Facebook page. I hope you'll join in all the celebration and fun. And if you don't have a copy yet, you can find it anywhere books are sold, including these locations:
Baker Book House (30% Off + Free Shipping)
2) My review/edit of The Christmas House pre-galleys is complete and soon the copy editor will take a look. It won't be too long before I see Final Pages. So, I cannot wait for you to hear more about this sweet and enlightening Christmas tale set in Hickory Hollow Amish country, with Ella Mae Zook making several appearances, as well.
3) My brand new Pastor's Appreciation card is now available. "Path of Light" is truly ideal for this special month to honor our church leaders and can be ordered at: www.amishcheer.com
4) Thanks very much for your continued interest in my writing life and Amish tidbits, as well as my exciting Amish cookbook and next year's Christmas book...and the handcrafted Amish-themed cards my sister, Barbara, and I enjoy making to bless others and spread cheer.
