“A father is tender and kind to his children. In the same way, the LORD is tender and kind to those who have respect for Him.”
- Psalm 103:13
When our kids were little, I loved to watch Dave build Legos with them on the floor or compose hilarious songs at the piano for each of our three J's (Julie, Janie and Jonathan). Dave had several nicknames for each child (and for me, as well).
He dove for pennies with them at the local pool, and in the wintertime made snow creatures in the front yard for all to see. He taught our children not to fear “owies”—they were “buddies,” he told them as he wiped away their tears—and he gave names to each new chicken pox that popped out on the kids' bodies, much to their amazement. That Christmas, he helped me take care of all three children when they came down with the pox, one kid every few days! I even wrote a funny children's book, The Chicken Pox Panic, inspired by that very interesting Christmas!
My husband has always been patient and kind, and not just around our children, but around pets, too. Currently, our grand-pups get very excited to see Dave coming to visit, knowing they'll get lots of attention and possibly a treat.
Dave enjoyed making ordinary days extra special back when we started homeschooling our twins. During recess, he taught them all of his fancy basketball moves, as well as how to ride bikes and to skate. He taught Julie piano, coaching her through the city-wide Sonatina Festival where she won a beautiful trophy.
He encouraged Janie and Jon to develop their artistic skills, and drilled them on consonant and vowel sounds every day after their special school, teaching them to read way past the level of comprehension their tutor said they would be capable of learning. He also taught Julie the multiplication tables by linking to memorable (and comical) things, and she remembers all the fun involved to this very day. No drudgery in our house when it came to math!
One of Dave's favorite things to do was to play tricks on the kids, making Easter and Christmas all the more exciting by hiding goodie baskets (think chocolate bunnies!) and Christmas stockings in the most unexpected places.
My husband's tender heart toward our three Js, and Ariel, our granddaughter, is a reflection of the heavenly Father's love for us all.
During this month of Father's Day, and always, I'm grateful for Dave's exceptionally caring ways and his devotion and love for God and for our family.
I pray you have special memories surrounding the fathers in your life, dear friend.
With blessings and gratitude,
Beverly Lewis
The draft for my September 2022 novel is humming along beautifully, (may I say that?) and I'm excited to reveal the title later this summer. Stay tuned! I’m also excited to say that The Beginning is on track and on its way to the printer, ready for release day on September 7. I hope you’re looking forward to it as much as I am!
You will be so delighted with my new "Plain Pals" line of Amish Cheer cards (secure website: www.amishcheer.com) coming later this month. The Amish children from Old Windmill Farm in Lancaster County, PA featured are just adorable, you'll fall in love with them, too! Our Father’s Day card is perfect for this season as well.
Thanks for making these cards an encouragement to your family and friends—we appreciate your business!
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’”
- Proverbs 31:28-29
I’ll never forget my mother’s “green thumb” and her fondness for growing all types of flowers—roses, sweet peas, golden yarrow, pansies and baby’s breath to name a few. She and Daddy sold these beauties to the local florists to the astonishment of our relatives and friends…until they stepped foot into my parents’ lavish garden and understood why.
My mother’s love of flowers and gardens influenced my sister, Barbara, and me. And her love for family did, too. She relished our get-togethers and eagerly looked forward to each and every birthday, Memorial Day and Fourth of July…and all the holidays in between.
My mother’s love for God spilled over into my own young life on a daily basis: during family worship, after school when she read to my sister and me from the Bible, and while singing and playing the piano at home, even composing her own praise songs.
When I was six-years-old and wanted to invite Jesus into my heart but was too shy that Sunday to walk to the front and kneel with the others, it was my mother who encouraged me and said she would go with me. (I’d fibbed and said I was sleepy but had been crying during the sermon, so she knew the Holy Spirit was drawing me.) All these years later, I still remember pouring out my sinful heart to the Savior, intent on living each day for Him from that day forward.
My mother has been with the Lord now for fifteen years this summer, but her sweet spirit lives on in my memory—the way she would tear up at the hearing (or the singing) of certain gospel songs, such as “His Eye is On the Sparrow,” or her responsive nature in worship at church, camp meetings or revival meetings; and her clear soprano voice blending with mine and Barbara’s as we sang trios on Daddy’s weekly radio broadcast or specials in church.
A prayer partner like no other, if my mother said she would pray for me, or others, she would actually spend time intentionally doing so. Her faith in the power of prayer was as strong as her love for God and His people. She was a confidante and friend to many women in our church, and knew how to encourage others with her words and in practical ways.
Once again, this Mother’s Day, I will miss her dearly, but I will also thank our Lord for a godly mother and dad who walked the path of divine grace during all their years of pastoral and missionary work. And who also encouraged their two daughters to love and live for God as wives and mothers, and grandmothers.
Blessings from my heart…to yours.
Beverly Lewis
After reviewing the Final Pages (galleys) for The Beginning, releasing September 7, 2021, I’ve returned to writing the first draft of my 2022 novel, the title reveal coming soon! Also, I’m thrilled to be getting caught up on fan mail to all of you—snail mail, Facebook, etc. Thanks so much for your patience!
My Amish Cheer card line (www.amishcheer.com) has expanded with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards…and five brand-new summertime birthday cards, debuting May 6 on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/officialbeverlylewis/.
“He is not here; for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
- Matthew 28:6
Imagine being there with Mary Magdalene and the other women that long-ago morning, the day that changed the history of the world. Imagine mistaking Jesus for a gardener, so grief-stricken and preoccupied with the sorrowful task ahead. Imagine Jesus, the Resurrected Savior, calling Mary by name. And then witnessing the promise of Easter burst forth on Mary’s face as she recognized her risen Lord!
What did Mary and the other women want to do first? What do we want to do after experiencing Christ’s incredible love? Let’s ponder that for a moment. Why would we want to keep such amazing joy to ourselves?
Oh, to think that He alone extends unmerited mercy and grace, and calls us by name. Out of the blackness of despair and death came life everlasting. Our hearts sing anew.
This Easter season, may we share the Good News to all who will listen. He is alive and lives eternally, praying to the Father for us, as we answer the call to make a difference in this world.
A most blessed Easter to you, dear friend!
Beverly Lewis
I’m thrilled to be writing the first draft of my stand-alone Amish novel for Fall 2022 currently, while awaiting the Final Pages (last read-through) for The Beginning, releasing September 7, 2021.
My Amish Cheer card line (www.amishcheer.com) is expanding with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards, as well as Summer Birthday cards. See the exciting reveal April 8 on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/officialbeverlylewis/.
“You, LORD, are all I have, and You give me all I need; my future is in Your hands."
- Psalm 16:5
Sometimes my mind races at night, and I’m tempted to worry about Covid-related concerns or the state of our world. But I am quite relieved that we don’t have to fret about tomorrow. Why?
Because God is already there.
During this month of coming spring, what if we paid closer attention to the promises of Jesus…and to His wise leading? What if we totally followed Him, regardless of our own whims and wishes, or the news and social media? What if we actively looked for new beginnings, abandoning the negative and pushing ahead for the glory of God?
We could do all of the above, right?
And, too, we could commit ourselves to daily prayer, offering our praise and worship, for He lives in our praises. (God inhabits, dwells and is enthroned in our praises, according to Psalm 22:3).
Spring reminds us that after the dark, cold and seclusion of winter, there is the promise of extended light and warmth…and nature’s beckoning.
I’m so eager for the crocuses to burst forth into bloom, for the robin’s return, and for the soil to soften and the planting to begin, aren’t you?
Let’s soak up not only the additional springtime sunlight, but also the beauty and characteristics of our dear Lord Jesus, and radiate His love and encouragement to broken hearts all around us.
Blessings abundant,
Beverly Lewis
With great delight, I unveil the NEW Amish Cheer cards - ready for Easter giving! They depict springtime joy and God’s creation. My backstory will give you a peek inside the age-old Easter traditions of the Lancaster County Amish, and the scripture verse will lift your heart (and your recipients'). Order here between now and March 28: www.amishcheer.com
As for my writing, I’ve been formulating the synopsis for my Fall 2022 novel, also a standalone set in Lancaster County Amish farmland. Yes, I'm working that far ahead. 😊