"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and one purpose."—Philippians 2:1-2
I love to meet my reader-friends during my twice-yearly book tours. What a special time to get to know you, see you in person—my sisters and brothers in the Lord—and I count the weeks till we can finally connect.
So, as I pack my bags today, I'm ready to close the door on my quiet home office and travel to the deep South for the upcoming Fall 2016 Book Tour between September 8 and 17, to launch The Wish. This new stand-alone novel is one I fell in love with more than a year ago, when I first started thinking about an Amish girl who yearns for a sister, and to what lengths she's willing to go to bring her home where she belongs. I'll be doing book talks about Leona's compelling story at the library presentations along the tour. Cannot wait!
On another happy note, I've just completed the first draft for my next novel, The Ebb Tide, releasing April 4, 2017. Sallie's love story is one that will resonate with many readers. It continues to linger in my mind, even as I double check the character bio sheet for my editorial staff. A not-to-be-missed story of courage and faith.
Thanks for being the best fans ever!
See you soon!
Beverly Lewis
"For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]."—Ephesians 2:10
Recently, I was going through my father's books, recalling his affinity for the Amplified Bible, (see verse above), which he frequently used in his sermons when I was a young girl, growing up under his pastoral ministry. When I opened this English translation of the Bible the other day, I noticed my mother's handwriting—hers and Dad's names written on the flyleaf—and wondered how either of them might respond to the chaotic upheaval in our world today if they were still living on earth, especially in this heated and intense political landscape in our own country.
I witnessed throughout my life, Dad's interest in steering people toward the positive, the joyful—he loved to encourage believers in their walk of faith, and daily anticipated making friends with those who were yet-to-become-believers, as well. He fully embraced this verse, and often preached about the Great Creator who made us, knows us, and understands our every yearning...and struggles, and our hopes and dreams. He taught us to care for and about each other, to love each other with no strings attached. (It has been two and a half years since his Homegoing, yet his ministry continues in the lives of those who opened their hearts to Christ during Dad's long lifetime.)
It is my prayer that we may grasp the treasure of Ephesians 2:10 and fill our hearts with its truth: Believe it, and act on it, use our God-given abilities to make a difference in our corner of the world for the good. And for the glory of God alone.
Blessings for August!
Beverly Lewis
"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."—Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)
Heaven is our true home, but God calls us to seek the good of the earthly home where He's placed us. As you reflect on the verse above and the moving lyrics below, will you join me in praying for our nation this July 4th weekend?
"America the Beautiful" by Katharine Lee Bates
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern impassion’d stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev’ry gain divine!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
May your summer be full of blessings!
Beverly Lewis
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?” —Jeremiah 32:27
My father was my pastor for all the years I was growing up. He based several sermons on this verse in Jeremiah—an enormous statement from our heavenly Father.
Nearly every Sunday, I took detailed notes…and, not surprisingly, some of Daddy’s ideas and declarations of faith have found their way into my novels.
In turn, I taught my three children to believe this verse, as well. One day, when our fluffy white cock-a-poo, Cuddles, wasn’t his normal lively self, my husband said maybe our pet needed to see the vet for some medical attention. Our little girl, Janie, overheard this and put her faith into action, kneeling next to listless Cuddles. She laid hands on him and prayed that God would heal our puppy-dog.
It wasn’t long before Cuddles was up romping about the house and the yard. All of us were convinced that God had answered Janie’s prayers. It was a remarkable recovery.
To this day, our family goes to the Lord in prayer first for healing or guidance. And it all started with my dear father (and mother), gone now to be with the Lord. This Father’s Day I will remember the many faith-filled sermons my Daddy preached in his little church in Lancaster, PA, as well as “preached” at home by his kind and loving ways and strong belief in the God who cares, sees, and understands.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. And a happy start of summer 2016!
Smiles,
Beverly Lewis