"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!
"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'" – Jeremiah 31:3
Reflection:
Ah, to be chosen and loved unconditionally—to be forever loved!
Our heavenly Father woos us, the Great Lover. He alone offers the kind of love we yearn for...the love we were created to receive and embrace.
This month, the so-called month of love, let us remember and open our hearts to this most amazing love-gift, each day as we rise, never forgetting that He is with us, our very breath. Then, in return, let’s give our hearts unreservedly to God in constant adoration and amazement. And gratitude.
Blessings abundant,
Beverly Lewis
Writing Update: I have completed my revisions for The Stone Wall, releasing September 8, 2020 and am currently creating the synopsis for my novel set in Hickory Hollow for Fall 2021.
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.... And the one sitting on the throne said, 'Look, I am making everything new!' and then he said to me, 'Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.' And he also said, 'It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.'" – Revelation 21:1-2, 5-7
Reflection:
Just think, this world with all its struggles, heartache, and trials will have passed away when the new heaven and the new earth appear. What a joy to know that our Savior and Lord—the Lamb of God—will be continually present with us, His people, dwelling with us on that day. We have much to look forward to, dear friend, when Christ makes all things new!
I wish you a happy new month, new decade and...New Year 2020.
Let's look forward to what good things God has planned for us, together as His emissaries on this earth.
Blessings abundant,
Beverly Lewis
Writing Update: I'm wrapping up revisions for The Stone Wall, releasing on September 8, 2020. The cover is currently being designed, as well!
"In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!’ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father, David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." – Luke 1:26-33
Reflection:
Have you ever been fearful about something God was prompting you to do? Something He was clearly calling you to?
In Mary’s case, she knew well the prophetic promise that the Messiah was coming. But she certainly didn’t know when, or by what means, the Lord of heaven and earth would accomplish that promise. So, when the angel informed her that she would be the one to conceive and bear the longed-for Christ-Child, she was “greatly troubled,” as in terrified.
We, like Mary, also long for the promises of God to be fulfilled in our lives, and in the lives of our family and friends, don’t we? We wait with hope, praying and yearning… looking ahead with expectation. And, yes, we are often afraid.
But remember what Mary’s journey revealed: The God of the universe—our loving heavenly Father—was with her. Emmanuel, God with us!
This Advent Season, if we are tempted to fear, we can remember that God “is working in” us, giving us “the desire and the power to do what pleases Him,” and we can completely trust in that…for always.
Wishing you an inspiring and memorable Christmas!
Beverly Lewis