"...Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
~ Ephesians 4:32
Recently, I've sadly come to realize how very divided we are in our churches when it comes to differing points of view. The chasm of discourse is deep and wide and as sharply split as our country. Yet, we who are in Christ have been knitted together in God’s great love. What would it look like if we could set aside our differences like gracious and loving brothers and sisters do, growing together in a family?
As Ephesians four says, we must do so by being kind. When we demonstrate kindness, we encourage one another. And don’t we, each of us, appreciate an uplifting comment from time to time? Don’t we sometimes need it? Kindness increases empathy and compassion, and often improves one’s mood. I’ve read that it can even reduce blood pressure! Isn’t that amazing?
My Amish friends are excellent examples of kindness. Amish folk are hospitable and generous; they freely give of their time and resources—and money—to assist other church members in times of need. (Because of biannual almsgiving, they don’t even need health insurance. What a beautiful thing!) But they show that same kindness to outsiders who do not share their old ways or traditions. Last year, a group of sixty-two Amish constructed twelve tiny homes in North Carolina to help families who lost their houses in Hurricane Helene. And all out of the kindness of their hearts. In fact, Amish folk are often the very first to offer help after a tornado or a flood in states far from their own homes and farms.
Now, I’m not suggesting we all become Amish, but through these actions and others, they seek to live lives that reflect the Fruit of the Spirit and that live up to these words in Ephesians. Kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness can certainly go a long way in quelling strife between two opposing sides. I pray we might all practice this essential instruction from this verse. What if we tried doing so for one week, then one month, and so on? What if we made it a habit?
Thinking of others and their feelings shows maturity in Christ. Abiding together in unity is a blessing for any church community or country, whether we see eye to eye or not. It is precious in God’s sight.
In Christ,
—Beverly Lewis
1) Time is flying by and very soon The Christmas House will release on September 2nd. If you haven't preordered and would like to receive 40% off the retail price, as well as free shipping in the US, you have until September 1 to cash in on this amazing savings, friends!
Baker Book House (40% off and free US shipping through September 1)
There are also other retailer outlets, if you wish. Here are a few of them:
2)I hope you're enjoying summertime outings and some delicious food, while making new memories with family and friends. And spreading kindness, too! Thanks very much for your thoughtful and enthusiastic remarks about my writing, as well--always a lovely encouragement!
“Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens! Praise Him from the skies!
Praise Him, all His angels! Praise Him, all the armies of heaven!
Praise Him, sun and moon! Praise Him, all you twinkling stars!
Praise Him, skies above! Praise Him, vapors high above the clouds!
Let every created thing give praise to the LORD, for He issued His command and they came into being.”
~ Psalm 148:1-5
After accomplishing domestic chores, my Amish friends and I like to sit under a shade tree to watch and listen to the sights and sounds of summer, especially when all of nature seems to sing praises to God—bees busily hum and collect nectar, robins sing their distinctive melodies, and breezes push softly through tree branches and the bushes below. Sitting quietly with Bibles open on our laps, the sky still light at day’s end, we can soak in the tranquility while reading Psalm 148 and other soothing verses—a very good way to unwind.
Amish and Mennonite families, as well as others, often plan large family reunions for the month of July, reconnecting and sharing the joy of seeing new babies and the youngsters growing “like weeds.” While it is less frequent among the Amish, many Mennonite families also plan Fourth-of-July celebrations on the farm, preferring that to crowded gatherings in the city.
Whatever your particular plans might be for this warm and sunny month, I hope you can make some time to just stop and drink in the beauty surrounding you. After all, God placed it there for our enjoyment, as well as to give us the peace we often need in these troubled times. And spending moments in nature while reflecting on God’s Word is a true blessing indeed.
I wish you happiness, too, for this month of celebration as we give thanks for our country’s freedoms.
Blessings and gratitude,
—Beverly Lewis
1) Thanks for your glowing remarks about the cover for The Christmas House. I agree, it is exceptionally beautiful. One of my readers even said the cover alone is worth the price of the book! Here are the retailers where you can preorder:
Baker Book House (40% off and free US shipping through September 1)
2) I've been enjoying the summer weather here (the near constant rains have finally stopped!), while relaxing on our deck, walking and/or hiking around the beautiful trails near and far, or picnicking at Dave's and my favorite spots, embracing the peaceful landscape of foothills and lakes. And also thinking ahead to a possible new story idea, as God leads. Thanks very much for your keen interest in my writings, my research, and my daily life...and your prayers. I appreciate you so much!
"God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day."
~ Genesis 1:31
When I was a young girl, my father instilled in me a love for nature. Often a warm feeling of inspiration came over me as I admired Dad’s fruit trees and rose bushes, the soil mulched neatly around each one.
Dad had also experienced a deep connection with God while cultivating the family cornfield in his youth. Those reflective times, as well as times delving into God’s Word, eventually led him to open his heart to the Savior. After high school graduation, Dad enrolled in Bible college and, later, in seminary. Afterward, he planted churches for the next fifty years as a lead pastor, including the church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where I was born and grew up.
Because of my dad, I, too, learned to look for the handprints of God in all of creation, observing the intricacy in a Passion flower as its blooms unfolded or the multicolored hydrangeas in our large yard near Amish farmland.
Curious, one day I asked my mother if Dad might be creating his sermons in his mind while planting or harvesting his organic vegetable garden. (Long before organic produce was even popular!) She smiled and nodded, agreeing that there was something very special, indeed, about Dad’s time spent gardening. During the day—even after supper before twilight—when he wasn’t reading the Bible or outlining his sermons, he seemed to be walking with God in the stillness of the maturing lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, squash, and snap peas. And later in life, Dad grew specimen flowers specifically to supply the local florists.
During this month of June and Father’s Day, I miss Dad for many reasons, among them his joyful countenance whenever he was describing a “new” type of produce, such as the cabbage he’d eaten during a mission trip to Beijing, China--Napa cabbage, rich in vitamins A, B3, iron and copper, and also lower in sodium than regular cabbage. And oh, the variety of colorful peonies Dad grew during his retirement years with my mother’s help. Row upon row of the frilly, flamboyant flowers graced their backyard.
Yes, Dad loved God’s creation, as well as God’s people. He was instrumental in leading many, many souls to Christ over the years, including mine.
Abundant blessings!
—Beverly Lewis
1) Thanks for the many delightful comments regarding The Beverly Lewis Amish Heritage Cookbook, 20th Anniversary Edition. I'm so thrilled you're trying new-to-you recipes--even some families made dried corn casserole for Easter dinner. A high honor!
2) Dave and I are enjoying the warmer days of late spring here, where there is seemingly daily weather changes--70 degrees one day, then sleet and snow the next. The lilac bushes around town are almost ready to burst forth with blossoms, and spring housecleaning is nearly over. Thanks, as always, for your kind remarks about my books (back list, as well as my upcoming The Christmas House, releasing September 2nd). And...a very happy Father's Day to all the dads!
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."
~ Proverbs 31:26
In our breakfast nook, there is a plaque given to me by our daughter Julie. It says simply, Home is where your mom is.
I cherish the meaning—her heart and mine are bound together in love, no matter where we may be, one from the other. Thankfully, Julie lives just a few minutes from us. :)
As a young girl, my best friend was my mother. I remember listening to her at the piano as she sang and played hymns and other songs. One of my favorites started like this: “Let’s be true to Jesus, though a thousand voices from the world may call.”
My mother also composed songs of her own and taught them to our church congregation, where Dad was the pastor. But far more important to my mother than musical talent was her faith. She encouraged my sister, Barbara, and me to live for Jesus all of our lives, and to trust in His will and way.
This Mother’s Day, eighteen years now since her Homegoing, I am still so grateful for her and Dad’s prayers and godly instruction, knowing that their heavenly Home will one day be mine, too, and we will never have to part.
“Let’s be true to Jesus” still rings in my memory, and I pray its message will soften your heart, as well.
Blessings for this month of honoring mothers, and always,
—Beverly Lewis
1) If you'd like to preorder my September book, The Christmas House, you may do so at these links:
Baker Book House (40% off and free US shipping through September 1)
2) Barbara and I have created this lovely "Quilted Hello" card from the all-occasion selection. Order yours at: www.amishcheer.com.
3) I pray each mother, mother-to-be, and mother figure who reads this blog enjoys a most blessed Mother’s Day and delightful springtime!