"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." - 1 Chronicles 16:29
Reflection:
Are there certain places that remind you more of God's presence than others? I'm thinking of some of the impressive cathedrals I've visited, where shafts of light shine through colorful stained-glass windows. Perhaps a pipe organ is playing softly in the background, and the sheer beauty of it makes me want to whisper, "Surely, the presence of the Lord is in this place."
Other locations of worship may be less imposing, but nevertheless still indelible in my memory. My father's summer tent meetings at Maple Grove in Lancaster County come to mind. I remember kneeling in the sawdust at the rustic altar, and the feeling of being wrapped in God's love, like Amish Maggie Esh in my novel, The First Love. And there was a lone willow tree in our yard where I asked for the Lord's guidance for all the days of my life, and where I sat and wrote my longish short stories and shared them with my cousin Joyce on weekends when she and her mother visited. Also, as a little girl, I liked to pray while standing in the east-facing window of the bedroom my sister, Barbara, and I shared, asking God every morning, "Is Jesus coming back today?"
There must be special places, besides a church building, where you feel close to our Lord. Perhaps while you walk along a country road, like dear Rhoda Miller does in The Timepiece, or, like Jesus did, on a mountainside. Your special place to worship might be strolling barefoot in the surf at the ocean or in your own kitchen as you cook or bake.
Recently, while our children are home from their school, during the pandemic, we've been spending time out on the deck at sunset, talking about the beauty all around us—and pointing out God's fingerprints on our lives in the midst of the world's present chaos.
The amazing thing really is that we don't have to go anywhere at all to worship our great God, do we? We can offer praise and worship no matter where we may be. And prayer is so needed now, for all of us to come together in a spirit of unity. Remember, He sticks closer than a brother; He is our Comforter, our Counselor, our Strength, and our Song!
I'm also thinking about my dad this month of Father's Day, so very grateful for everything he taught my sister and me about the act of worship, the power of prayer, and being an instrument of peace by reaching out to those who need our Lord Jesus most. le you so desire, in His way and time.
A most wonderful Father's Day to all the dads!
Beverly Lewis
Writing Update:
I'm well into the writing of my Fall 2021 novel, The Beginning, a stand-alone Amish novel set in Hickory Hollow. My upcoming novel, The Stone Wall, is set to go to the printers and is releasing on September 8.
I also post almost every day on my official Facebook page, and I’ve launched a brand new "thank you" card in the Amish Cheer card line with my sister, Barbara. Take a look at amishcheer.com. There's a very special surprise on this one, by the way, and another interesting backstory, too! We're shipping every week, spreading much-needed encouragement and cheer!
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 'There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!'" - Proverbs 31:25-31
Reflection:
In the midst of the seemingly non-stop news cycle of data and concern over COVID-19, I want to step back and reflect on the qualities of a godly woman, particularly a mother very dear to my heart.
When I was growing up, my mother often shared the wisdom that was passed down to her from her own mother, and her grandmothers before her...to me, and to my sister, Barbara. These devout women are an integral part of my spiritual heritage, just as each of us who are mothers and grandmothers strive to be for our own families. They were Christ-followers, indeed. Not perfect by any means, but their focus was the Lord Jesus, and their purpose in life was leading the lost to the "saving grace."
My mother happily shared many things with my sister and me: Her family recipes (I still have the original wooden recipe box her mother gave her—a treasure, indeed!), her love of the old hymns of the church (I have one of her family's hymnals on my grand piano), and her love of nature, particularly flowers, which she and Daddy grew in their large flower gardens. My mother also introduced me to the joy of reading, opening up a whole new world of information and stories that stirred up my own creativity at a young age.
But the greatest things my mother shared were spiritual ones. Intangible, yet mighty, like the gift of discernment and the incredible power of prayer. And the wisdom of hard work and putting others first before oneself. ("Jesus, others, and you...what a wonderful way to spell joy," as the old lyrics go). And the characteristics of respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness, too.
So, today and always, I am thankful for a mother who loved God and her family, above all else—my dear and gracious mother, Jane, gone to be with the Lord fourteen years ago this summer. I miss her, yes, but her legacy lingers on, influencing her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone who knew her.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are mothers—biological and adoptive. And to those whose hearts ache every, single day to cradle your child in your arms, I was once in that very place, yearning, waiting, and praying earnestly, until my grieving heart was at long last blessed by the amazing gift of adoption. At this moment, I'm asking our Lord Jesus to surround you with His tender love and comfort, and grant you the miracle you so desire, in His way and time.
With blessings and love,
Beverly Lewis
Writing Update:
At this writing, I have completed the final review of my September 2020 novel, The Stone Wall, already deep into the writing of my Fall 2021 novel, The Beginning, a stand-alone set in beloved Hickory Hollow, PA.
Also, my Amish Cheer cards are bringing, yes, cheer, and encouragement to many, and we've shipped to 20 states, so far. These Amish-related cards are winging their way to moms and grandmothers for Mother's Day, May 10—a wunnerbaar-gut gift idea! See more about them at amishcheer.com.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Reflection:
I'm thinking of you today, dear friend, wondering if you might need a big dose of comfort.
Is this quarantine making you nervous, stir-crazy, or just plain fearful? Have you received startling news of a layoff or, worse, the end of your longtime career? Do you wonder if this will ever stop?
If you find yourself taking deep breaths after watching the news or hearing the latest update on COVID-19, then, like me, you're ready to pull the plug and occupy your mind with something else. Something uplifting; something that brings you much needed peace.
We know without a doubt that our heavenly Father Himself is our main source of joy, and the salvation and grace He offers are, as well. That's a given. Hundreds of God's promises are another source of comfort and hope in these crazy, troubled times.
Yes, we acknowledge these things in our heads, don't we? But do we turn to Him with our hearts in our desperation, or do we try to figure things out on our own?
During this season of dire hardship for so many, let's not forget Whose arms are open wide to us. He is absolutely our adoring, caring and comforting heavenly Father. And never will He turn His back on us, even in the darkest hours when news of dreaded illness, terminations of employment, or loss of family members and friends shatter our emotions. Our life in Christ brings true joy, despite great sadness and sudden disappointment. He alone is our comfort today and every day...for always.
Repeat His name softly when you're most frightened in the wee hours of night, ask Him to surround you with divine peace each and every morning. He is there with you, walking this painful path, carrying us in some cases.
Remember that the Lord who exploded out of the tomb—Victor over death, hell and the grave—is also the tender Shepherd of our souls. As never before, let's embrace the joy of His resurrection together, and in it find comfort.
He is risen, indeed!
Prayerfully,
Beverly Lewis
Writing Update:
I've completed the pre-galleys for The Stone Wall, coming September 8, while also writing the first draft of my Fall 2021 novel.
My Amish Cheer cards are still shipping, and now is a good time to stock up on these very special cards I've created with my artist-sister, Barbara. So many people in your life, and circle of friends, are hurting, so a unique card like this will surely bring cheer and delight. See more here: amishcheer.com.
Remember: blessing others brings joy to our own hearts!
"I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." - Isaiah 64:4
Reflection:
It’s far too easy to fall into the worry trap, isn’t it? We get so caught up in family concerns, health issues, political frustration, and more. But we know in our hearts, and from past experience, that it is our sovereign Lord who can always be counted on to carry us through the difficult, even challenging, times of our lives. Our trust and dependence upon Him is essential. And through it all, we learn to understand the plights and sufferings of others, as well, becoming a willing channel for blessing, which is why we’re here…to make a difference!
Wishing you an inspiring month ahead,
Beverly Lewis
Writing Update:
I’m awaiting the arrival of pre-galleys for my September novel, The Stone Wall, while writing the first draft of my Fall 2021 book…and while launching my “Amish Cheer” line of creative, 3-D cards with my artist sister, Barbara. These cards are connected to my Amish novels and research, and were created specifically to be a blessing to the giver and to the recipient! You can take a look at all of the cards at amishcheer.com!