“Don’t you say, ‘In four more months the harvest will be here’? I’m telling you to look and see that the fields are ready to be harvested.”
—John 4:35 (God’s Word Translation)
Happy autumn season from my house…to yours!
Does the scent of wood smoke and pumpkin pie make you smile? Does it bring back delicious memories of childhood?
Back in Lancaster County Amish country the harvest is in full swing. Soon, apples will be pressed for cider, and snitz pie will appear on long, trestle tables in many Plain farmhouses, at farmers' markets, and all around the county. Ah, the harvest!
When I think of this particular fall, I will always remember your generosity and thoughtfulness during my recent book tour to Pennsylvania, and one stop in Maryland. You are the most wonderful fans ever! Thanks, truly, for the royal welcome I received at every stop along the way. (See tour pictures posted here.)
Presently, I’m settled in at home again and happily “polishing pages” for my spring novel, The Love Letters (available March 24, 2015). We had our first sighting of snow atop Pikes Peak, which possibly means a brisk autumn. But my heart is warm, indeed, with God’s love, while I finish up the editorial process. All for my amazing reader-friends!
May God bless you with His abundant peace, comfort, healing, joy, and His great and amazing grace. And then, let's use those beautiful gifts to bless others...a harvest of divine compassion and love and caring.
Blessings,
Beverly Lewis
"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well."
—3 John 1:2 (NIV)
We sometimes overlook our good health, don't we? Not until we come down with a summer flu, or fall and break a wrist, or something alters our usually healthy state, do we realize what we typically take for granted.
Isn't that the way most of life is, as well? When things are unruffled, going smoothly, we may not be as aware of God's hand of provision in our lives. And our soul can languish. Our body and soul require constant attention and care. Talking to the Lord each day and reading His Word are two obvious ways to feed our souls. Singing hymns and spiritual songs lift our spirits, too. Sharing the goodness of God with others, as an encouragement, is also vital to a healthy soul. And thinking on good, wholesome, and lovely things, as well.
I've been looking forward to my upcoming Fall 2014 Book Tour to Pennsylvania (with one stop in Maryland), and I'm reminded that the Lord gave me a rich spiritual heritage. And I am truly thankful. Going home to Lancaster County is always a joyful time, a time of reflection, of remembering the grace of God in my life and work--of growing up in a minister's home, being taught the Scriptures at an early age, seeing the Fruit of the Spirit lived out before my eyes each day by my parents, and, best of all, answering my Savior's call at the age of six.
I'm eager to meet you during this special tour, if you live near or in the area. I'll share the stories of God's providence and Amish lore.
So thankful for your prayers for each other, and for my writing ministry.
Blessings,
Beverly Lewis
"I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of them."
—Psalm 139:14
Just think, our heavenly Father will never compare you with anyone else. Never! You are uniquely talented and gifted in His eyes; special in every way. Why? Because He has created you, and only you, to answer the sacred calling upon your life. Be encouraged on your life's journey and work. Let's not delay in answering His call--time is of the essence!
Blessings abundant!
- Bev Lewis
"Our fathers' God, to thee,
—S.F. Smith, 1832, lyrics to the patriotic hymn: "My Country, 'Tis of Thee"
Author of liberty,
To thee we sing:
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by thy might,
Great God, our King."
Happy Fourth, dear reader-friends!
Did you grow up singing this song in grade school, perhaps? And standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, as well as saying the "Lord's Prayer"? I certainly did, and loved that my classmates and I learned all the verses to this amazingly rich hymn of our country.
What a joyful, happy day to celebrate all that God has done in our beautiful country, America...for more than two hundred years! He led our great-great-great-grandfathers and grandmothers to come to this shining land, yearning for the freedom to live their lives as they pleased, and to worship freely, as well.
Are you proud to be an American--one nation, under God?
My family and I wish you and yours a most inspiring Fourth!
- Bev Lewis
