"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."
~ Romans 8:28
"Change is part of life," my mother often said . . . or was that Ella Mae, the Wise Woman of Hickory Hollow? Anyway, I recall that truth and have been pondering it as I write this blog.
Along that line, this past summer has been filled with more changes and adjustments than usual. New glasses (not a big deal, but still some adapting required) and my writing schedule was changed to accommodate the planning of my longtime friend Martha's service, as well as sorting through and selling her home. Dave and I also made the difficult decision to move to a new church, making new friends and keeping the old (one is silver; the other, gold). There was also the necessary purchase of a new car, for which a rocket scientist must have created the so-called “intuitive” technology. Seriously! Just trying to sync my phone to the car's “brain” scrambles mine. In retrospect, how much easier our old (too old) car was. But as we all know, things are constantly being upgraded—cars and phones—and on and on it goes.
Adjusting takes time and energy, especially if you’re not a 20-something or younger. Our granddaughter, for instance, always knows precisely what to do with technology involving cars or phones and streaming services, no instruction manual required.
Indeed, change is a part of life, and it’s challenging—I’ll put it right out there. As I look back over this summer, I also find myself looking heavenward with great gratitude for the steadfastness of our heavenly Father, who is constant and remains the same. Malachi 3:6 reads, “I am the LORD; I change not,” and James 1:17 reminds us that “He is the Father of lights with whom there is no change or variation.” I am so grateful for that truth!
God is also trustworthy. When we don’t understand why certain life-altering changes occur, He can be counted on to know what is best for us. In my brand-new novel, The Heirloom, Ella Mae Zook comes to experience this reality, too, as does her grandniece, Clara, when she comes to visit her in Hickory Hollow. There, Clara discovers what caused Ella Mae to be known as the Wise Woman—the tragedy that took place when Ella Mae was a teenager and other insights—even as Clara seeks the right path forward for her own future.
This month, as our precious children and grandchildren go back to school, we pray they will depend on the Lord as they adjust to the changes that will impact their lives, expected and unexpected. I'm thankful that God goes before us and with us every step of each day. What a wonderful heavenly Father!
Happy September, everyone!
—Beverly Lewis
1) On September 12, the wait for the release of The Heirloom will be over! If you haven't yet preordered, you can still receive the 40% discount and FREE shipping from Baker Book House before the release date.
Pre-Order your copy:
Amazon
Baker Book House
Barnes & Noble
2) To celebrate the end of summer, we're revealing the "Sunflowers and Prayers" card. It's so cheery and the ideal card to lift the heart of someone you love who needs encouragement. Order yours here: http://www.amishcheer.com
3) Thanks for spreading the word of my new release, The Heirloom. It's a stand-alone novel, as well as the prequel to The Shunning. You can enjoy the story even if you haven't read The Shunning and its two sequels, The Confession and The Reckoning, however.
