Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 109

Scripture for Saturday after the Second Sunday in Advent

Luke 1:39-45 (ESV)

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Heavenly Father, we find it almost as amazing that Elizabeth became pregnant long after her child-bearing years had ended as that Mary became pregnant as a virgin. You used ordinary women—one a teenager and the other an old woman—to bear Your Son and the messenger sent to proclaim him. You wanted to get our attention and make us understand the importance of these two births. Help us You believe and understand what You have done for us and the whole world. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Scripture for Friday after the Second Sunday in Advent

Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Lord  God, we read this Scripture and we are amazed at Mary’s response. She was a young girl, a virgin, who knew her reputation would be ruined when she was seen to be pregnant before marriage. She knew her betrothed would probably refuse to marry her, thinking she had been unfaithful to him. She knew that life for a disgraced single mother would be extremely difficult. Yet without hesitation, she said she was the Lord’s servant—willing to do what You asked of her. Give us that faith—that trust in You that makes us willing—even eager—to do whatever You ask, regardless of the consequences. Let it be so with us, Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Scripture for Thursday after the Second Sunday in Advent

Luke 2:1-4 (ESV)

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David.

Heavenly Father, we expect You to work through might and miracles, but often You work through the secular world. You planned for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem, and You used a secular governor to decree that everyone had to go to their ancestral homes to register for a tax. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to comply with the governor’s decree, and as result, Your plan was fulfilled and Jesus was born in the city of David. Thank You for Your wonderful plans. Help us to recognize Your hand in world and secular events. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Books Make Great Christmas Gifts

In my last post (other than devotionals), I invited you to shop at Lil Country Store. The store has many one-of-a-kind gifts that your loved ones will appreciate. I’m doing all my shopping for adults in the store this year. Although we’re trying to find unusual toys, we don’t have much for kids this year.

Another great option for Christmas giving is books. There’s nothing I enjoy more than reading, and even though I keep my Kindle full of books, I can never have too many. If you have someone in your life who is an avid reader, you couldn’t give them a better gifts than a book or a gift certificate for a book store.

There are many great book available in print and digital formats in every genre imaginable. Here are some suggestions from among my own and client books. Of course, choosing books is very subjective—you (or your gift recipients) may have completely different tastes than I do. However, if you enjoy reading my blog, you will likely enjoy the books I write, edit, and read. Be sure to check out more favorite books on my books page. You’ll find historical fiction, children’s books, writing help, inspiration, and how-to advice on several different subjects.

If you’re looking for a gift for a reader, I hope you’ll consider one of these books:

Jack Stories: Favorite Memories of Jack Jordan Ammann Jr is the book of my heart because it’s about the love of my life. Although I compiled this primarily for friends and family, people who enjoy humor and uplifting stories will enjoy this book even if they didn’t know Jack.
Dream or Destiny is for readers who prefer romance and/or mystery without a lot of graphic sex and violence.
Help! What Do I Do Now? Caring for Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s by Nancy Nicholson (LBSW with personal and professional experience with Alzheimer’s) is filled with practical tips and advice for caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Although it is especially helpful for beginning caregivers, all will find encouragement and valuable information.
God, I’ve Got a Problem by Ben Ferguson gives Biblical answers to life’s questions in a comfortable, conversational style.
Base Jumping: The Vagabond Life of a Military Brat by William Willis will resonate with military brats and those who grew up in the simpler days of the author’s youth.

You can also read reviews of every book I’ve read in the last couple of years on Goodreads. The books are broken down by category, so if you’re shopping for someone who likes romance or mystery or Christian living, you can find a list of the books in that category linked to my reviews. Usually my reviews are short–since I post them on Goodreads and Amazon where blurbs are already available, I don’t summarize the story. Instead I try to describe what I liked and what I didn’t like. Even if I don’t like a book, I usually try to say who I think might like it. Although there are a few genres I generally don’t read, you will find that I have eclectic tastes, and I read a variety of books.

Do you like to give or receive books? Do you have recommendations for books that make great Christmas gifts?

© Depositphotos.com/Romul-2009.

Scripture for Wednesday after the Second Sunday in Advent

Matthew 1:22-25 (ESV)

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Lord, Your plan is so amazing. For thousands of years before Jesus was born, You already had planned exactly how He would come into the world, what His name would be, and what He would for mankind to save us from our sins. Your timing is not our timing—what seems like a very long time to us is but a blink of Your eye. Help us to understand and remember this in our own lives. When we call on You and feel that You are slow to answer, remind us that we are on human time, and You are on eternal time. Guide us to be like Joseph—doing all that You want us to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

photo by:


KitAy

Scripture for Tuesday after the Second Sunday in Advent

Matthew 1:1-17 (ESV)

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram] 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king.

And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, 8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

Heavenly Father, we find skimming through the genealogies in the Bible—all the strange names and begats and father of… Yet we know if they are in Your Word, they are important. We see in the genealogy of Jesus the perfect symmetry of God—fourteen generations between important events in the history of Your people. The Biblical genealogies remind us that You put us in families, and especially during holidays and special occasions, we may be surrounded by loved ones. Help us to truly love our families, honor our forbearers, and care for those in our earthly family and our spiritual family—the Body of Christ. In His name we pray. Amen.

photo by:


KitAy

Scripture for Monday after the Second Sunday in Advent

John 1:9-13 (ESV)

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Lord, open our eyes to Your Light. Open our hearts to recognize Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Keep us as Your children and guide us to live as Your children and reflect Your light to the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

photo by:


KitAy

Scripture for The Second Sunday in Advent

Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (ESV)

2 The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shone.

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

God, the Almighty, thank You for fulfilling this prophecy and sending Your Son, Jesus, the great Light to reveal all the dark places in our lives and cleanse them with justice and righteousness. He is our Wonderful Counselor, our Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. We worship and adore Him, and in His name we pray. Amen.

photo by:


KitAy

Scripture for Saturday after the First Sunday in Advent

Isaiah 11:1-9 (ESV)

1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,

and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,

the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the Spirit of counsel and might,

the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,

or decide disputes by what his ears hear,

4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,

and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;

and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,

and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,

and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

 

6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,

and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,

and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;

and a little child shall lead them.

7 The cow and the bear shall graze;

their young shall lie down together;

and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra,

and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den.

9 They shall not hurt or destroy

in all my holy mountain;

for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord

as the waters cover the sea.

Lord, our God, we look forward to that glorious day when You come again to judge the world and to end our pain and tribulations. When we are with You in eternity, we will experience unity, peace, joy, and love. Help us to have the full knowledge of You and make Your kingdom on earth more like Your Kingdom in Heaven. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, now and forevermore. Amen.

photo by:


KitAy

Christmas at Lil Country Store

As I’ve mentioned before, my sister Nancy and I opened Lil Country Store earlier this year. It’s a convenience store—with sodas and chips, beer and cigarettes—for the oil field workers in the Eagle Ford Shale in south Texas. The store is located six miles west of Dilley, Texas.

It’s also a gift shop with one-of-a-kind gifts, perfect for Christmas gift-giving. We search out vintage collectibles at estate auctions and sales, and we have several artists and crafters who create unusual and beautiful items ranging from large wooden flowers to baby blankets to pens made of deer horns. Several of our talented crafters are willing to take custom orders and create something just for you.

We combine items into unique gift “baskets,” though many are in containers other than baskets. We have baskets with silk scarves and jewelry and home decor in a vintage metal wall mounted mail holder. A handcrafted cedar planter with mirror holds art created with feathers. Remember, these are one-of-a-kind, so specific items may no longer be available, but you’re sure to find several that are perfect for people you want to give special gifts.

One of my favorites is the redneck gourmet gift basket, with redneck goodies such as Spam, jerky, moon pies, and Mountain Dew in a plastic paint can.

For Christmas, we’ve collected an assortment of unusual Christmas decorations and gifts: lace and crocheted angel ornaments; metal, wood, and blown glass ornaments; wall hangings; and Nativity sets.

Visit TheLilCountryStore.com or our Facebook page for more pictures. If you’re in south Texas—San Antonio or Laredo or anywhere in between—I hope you’ll make a visit to the store. If you’re too far to visit the store but see something you’re interested in, email moc.erotsyrtnuoclilehtnull@erots or call 830-391-6868. Although we’re not yet set up for e-commerce, we’ll be happy to ship individual orders upon special request.

Lil Country Store is little, perhaps more aptly described as tiny. But you’ll be amazed at how much Christmas we’ve managed to squeeze into that small space. Although it’s filled with inventory, it’s not crowded with frantic shoppers. You can park near the door and enjoy leisurely shopping, choosing special gifts for special people. And something else that will amaze you: our prices. We look for bargains on great vintage collectibles and handmade items at auctions and estate sales–and we pass those bargains on to you.

Guess you can tell I love our little store and our unique products, and I hope you love it, too!

Giving gifts to our loved ones is symbolic of giving gifts to Christ Jesus on His birthday. Our goal is to help you give the gifts that show your love, not because you spent a lot of money or grabbed the latest fad product, but because you carefully considered the recipient’s personality and interests and selected something that they will truly love.