"Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom."
~ Psalm 90:12
In many ways, September is the new January. If you think about it, September offers us a chance to start over--a new school term, back to work after vacation, more time to tackle the goals we haven’t accomplished so far this year, or to start a fitness plan to trim up and slim down. Some of us make schedules for blogging or outlining a new book; others create spreadsheets for their company's goals or for the upcoming Christmas season.
Toward the end of this month, my Amish friends will be picking apples for baking, saucing and snacking. The women will be cleaning the house from top to bottom, tending to a variety of colorful mums, and sewing new dresses, capes, and aprons. The men will be busy with a third cutting of hay, baling and storing it for the winter.
Novelists like me build our work week around daily writing goals and deadlines, slipping in time to rest and reflect after completing another manuscript. Aside from writing, I also plan ahead for fall housecleaning and window washing, sort through closets, organize my office, and make gift and card lists for a head start on the holidays. As always, I also set aside precious time with the Lord each morning and/or evening.
Our Lord Jesus is the Giver of second chances. With great mercy, He picks us up in our frailty and discouragement. He extends forgiveness when we fail to follow His ways. And He mends our broken hearts and whispers divine peace.
In this month of autumn's amazing advent, I'm delighted for the release of my newest novel, The Orchard, set in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania—the heart of Amish farmland—during the Vietnam War. This story may be the most ambitious of my career to date, and I hope you are inspired and blessed by it.
If you don’t already have a copy set aside, you may still pre-order at these retailer links before September 6:
Thanks for your wonderful support and encouragement!
Wishing you a blessed autumn,
—Beverly Lewis
1) DON'T MISS my Online Launch Party, Tuesday, September, 6 at 7 Central Daylight Time. Exciting things will be happening, as well as giveaways, and I can't wait to join you there.
HERE'S THE link if you'd like to sign up: https://www.facebook.com/events/1992233670968364
2) DISCOUNT FOR MINISTRY: If you participate in your church's card ministry to shut-ins, I would be happy to offer a generous discount for my handmade, Amish-themed greeting cards.
Inquire at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
