In my upcoming novel, The Restoration, the third book of the Prairie State Friends series, Priscilla Herschberger finds herself pursued by Elam, a childhood friend from her community. David, an outsider, raised in the modern world, also takes an interest in Priscilla. Elam would do almost anything to convince Priscilla that David would never fit into the Amish way. When flames of jealousy rage out of control, Priscilla must decide if she will forgive the person who has hurtfully wronged her.

As the year 2016 begins, many people will make one or more New Year’s resolutions. For some, it might involve forgiveness. In Matthew 6:14 (NIV) it says: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Wouldn’t this New Year be a good opportunity to forgive someone who has hurt you by something they have said or done?

When we forgive those who have wronged us, our relationship is often strengthened, or a new friendship can take place. How has someone hurting you affected your life. If you forgave that person, how did it make you feel?

The Amish use no instruments to accompany their singing during church, yet whenever I hear them lift their voices in song I know they’re offering praises to God. Many of the hymns in the Amish Ausbund, as well as those hymns found in other denomination’s church hymnals, were written to help us understand the beliefs and suffering of those who wrote the hymns of old. These songs are a reminder of the songwriter’s faith, and were often written during times of suffering, although many of the hymns are songs of praise.
God likes it when we praise Him. In Luke 19:40 Jesus told the Pharisees who had rebuked the people for praising Him, that if the people didn’t praise Him, the stones would cry out. Songs that glorify God can reach the deepest level of our hearts. What better way for us to praise God than through singing songs of praise?
One of my favorite hymns is The Old Rugged Cross. What are some of your favorite hymns? In what way do the words of the hymns speak to your heart? The next time you sing a hymn try to visualize the time period it was written, and the condition in which the writer of the hymn lived. Think about the praise it offers to God when we sing songs to Him. Think about the joy it brings to you.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of the importance of being thankful. The trials we face on our earthly journey can sometimes tear us down, make us feel depressed, and cause negative thinking. Ephesians 5:20 reminds us to give thanks in all things unto God. While we may not feel thankful for the trials we face, we can offer thanks for the knowledge that God is always with us, helping us, and guiding us every day. He hears our prayers and understands our pain.
Negative thinking tears a person down, but giving praise, honor and thanks to the Lord lifts our spirits. Despite any unpleasant situations we may face, there is always something to be thankful for.
Today, as I sit at my computer, looking out my office window, I am thankful for the much-needed rain we have received this week. I’m also thankful for my family, whom I love so dearly. Most of all, I’m thankful that God loves me and always hears my prayers. What are you thankful for today?