"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers."
~ Philemon 1:4
Who do you run to with your joys and sorrows?
For the past many years, I have been blessed with cherished friendships near and far. My friendship with Martha was one of them. Often, she would call excited to share happy news or whatever was on her mind. I remember vividly the phone conversation about a fluffy puppy she and her husband had fallen in love with—they named him “Muffin,” or “Muffy” for short. The adorable pet liked to perch on the white ottoman in the dining room near the window, waiting for Martha and her husband’s return home.
I, too, enjoyed calling Martha or visiting with her in their beautiful home on the hill. I remember sitting in the breakfast nook overlooking their wide back yard rimmed with a row of newly planted pines, Pikes Peak framed in the windows. There, as young women, Martha and I sipped iced tea or pop and shared our goals and dreams, or things we’d learned from Scripture that week, or laughed over the humorous things that took place at the elementary school where I then taught K-6 general vocal music and 5th-grade creative writing. Martha was the school counselor, and her miniscule, pie-shaped office was directly across the hall from my spacious room built in the round. Between classes, I practiced my piano offertories for church while I waited for students to file in, and sometimes she stood silently in the back of the room, just listening.
From the first day I met Martha, we clicked. Our mutual love for Christ, classical music, and good books were the common bonds, and over time, we became prayer partners—she a newlywed, and I fresh out of college. I noticed almost immediately that Martha had the gift of a listening heart and, like Ella Mae in my Hickory Hollow novels, she rarely offered advice unless it was requested.
As I write this now, I think of Martha’s Homegoing, five months ago to the day, and I am grateful for our longtime friendship. Years ago, she appointed Dave and me to be her co-trustees since she’d had no siblings or children, and her husband was deceased. This week, after returning home from the closing of the sale of her house, I reached for my phone, eager to tell her about my day. Then I froze. “She’s gone,” I whispered, feeling sad all over again.
I had been so accustomed to the habit of sharing with her whatever was happening in my life that I’d forgotten she wasn’t there on the other end of the line. It wasn’t the first time, as I’d caught myself reaching for my phone to call my mother for years after she passed away. Still, the need to talk to Martha as always before was intense. I so longed to be able to tell her that the long weeks of meticulous sorting and cleaning and preparing her house to be listed were finally over, and a wonderful young couple with four darling children would soon make new memories in that beautiful house on the hill.
Sighing, I sat near my writing desk and began to pour out my heart to the One who is always there, our Lord Jesus. The ultimate listening heart, ready to receive our joyful news and our heartfelt cries—our dearest and best friend, “. . . who sticks closer than a brother,” Proverbs 18:24 declares.
During this amber autumn month of October, I look forward to connecting with longtime friends while making new ones and being a good listener like Martha. Like her, I also desire to point the lonely and hurting to our precious Savior and Friend who is unselfish, gracious, and kind. As it says in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Blessings abundant,
—Beverly Lewis
1) By now you may have read The Heirloom and are looking for a Reading Group Guide for your book club. You may find it at this link: https://www.beverlylewis.com/books/reading-group-guides
2) Thanks very much for posting your reviews on Amazon.com, friends. This alerts other fiction readers to the launch of The Heirloom. Also, I'm delighted to read your special online notes sharing with me how Ella Mae’s backstory has touched your own life. Thanks, too, for all who joined me at the Facebook Launch Celebration last month—a very special time!
3) Also, in keeping with Pastor’s Appreciation Month, my sister and I have created a lovely new card to show your gratitude for the church leaders in your life. You may order that card and a variety of others here: http://www.amishcheer.com
"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.
"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.
"In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."
~ Ephesians 3:12
I've often been asked, "Do the Amish celebrate the Fourth of July?" So, it is timely to address that question in this blog.
In general, the Amish don't typically observe the holiday. However, it is up to the individual family as to whether or not they will participate in actually celebrating. Many of my Amish friends do attend parades (especially in Holmes County, Ohio) and some even set off fireworks or watch them from their porches, and/or enjoy a picnic with their family.
Amish businessmen (and women) often will close their shops for the Fourth to have a "vacation" day or even take off the entire week. Others wouldn't think of doing that.
I remember seeing young Amish women tending roadside stands on the Fourth of July, selling donuts and other pastries to help tourists "celebrate" the holiday.
Remember, too, that Pennsylvania Amish adhere more often to tradition (the Old Ways), while Amish in the Midwest are typically more progressive.
Celebrating in a variety of ways can indirectly demonstrate appreciation for America's birthday and the freedoms it affords. But most Amish I know believe they are sojourners on this earth, simply passing through on their way to heaven. So, they do not embrace or get involved with the government or its secular holidays. They do, however, celebrate Thanksgiving, (wedding season in Lancaster County and other Plain communities), Christmas, Second Christmas (only in certain communities) and New Year's Day. Also, it is quite the norm for Amish in a church district to celebrate Good Friday (a day of fasting and prayer), Easter, Easter Monday, Pentecost Sunday, Whitmonday (day after Pentecost) and Ascension Day.
You may certainly have personal experiences with the Amish, regarding the Fourth celebrations, that are similar or different from this blog, which I would love to see. Do feel free to comment on my Facebook page and I'll respond.
Now, I'd like to wish you a very safe and happy celebration of our God-given freedoms this Fourth of July, dear friends!
—Beverly Lewis
1) I'm already promoting The Heirloom and loving it—less than 3 months till release date: September 12.
Pre-Order your copy:
Amazon
Baker Book House
Barnes & Noble
Little by little, I'll continue to share photos and give you more tidbits on what Ella Mae Zook (the Wise Woman) is up to in this heartwarming prequel to The Shunning. (However, you don't have to have read that book and its two sequels to fall happily into the Amish community of Hickory Hollow. The Heirloom can be very much enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.)
2) My sister, Barbara, and I are offering 2 new summertime cards this month: "Strawberry Jam" and "Summer Blessing." These Amish-related cards won't last long, so order yours today at: http://www.amishcheer.com (I love that tire swing, by the way! A reminder of happy, summertime hours of my childhood.)
3) I really appreciate your daily comments on my Facebook page, your lovely remarks (and questions about Amish life) via PMs, and your faithful prayers, especially now as Dave and I prepare my longtime friend's—Martha's—home for sale. You are all so very thoughtful and kind.