Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 157

Sixth Friday in Lent 2011

Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." ~ Luke 12:37-40 (ESV)

Maranatha, Lord Jesus! May You find me ready for You on Your return. Amen.

Related Posts:Fourth Thursday in Lent 2011Fifth Monday in Lent 2011First Friday in Lent 2011Fourth Wednesday in Lent 2011Third Thursday in Lent 2011Powered by Contextual Related PostsSixth Friday in Lent 2011 was first posted on April 15, 2011 at 12:09 am.
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Sixth Thursday in Lent 2011

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all—so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Remember Lot's wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left." ~ Luke 17:26-36 (ESV)

Heavenly Father, I want to be among the chosen when Jesus returns. Guide me by the Holy Spirit so I will be taken and not left behind. And please guide Jack in the same way. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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Guest Post from Mariana Ashley: Freelancer Etiquette When It Comes to Criticism

Like it or not, criticism is a part of the freelancing profession. Every freelance writer will come across someone who is not happy with their work at least once during the span of their career, though knowing that it is inevitable does not make the situation any easier to stomach. This is why all freelancers should have an idea of how to properly handle criticism, whether it is given from an anonymous reader or from a client.

Knowing the fundamentals of freelancer etiquette when it comes to criticism can make the entire episode much easier to manage, and it can also showcase to others including possible future clients that the freelancer is mature and respectful, and therefore someone worth working with.

Do not take criticism too personally.

It is easy to see why criticism can be so hurtful, as many freelance writers exert a tremendous amount of effort into putting together well-researched and well-written pieces. However, keep in mind to not take any criticism too personally, even if you do feel attached to the piece you have written. After all, when you work with clients such as individuals or publications, you are essentially writing a piece for them and not solely for yourself. This means that the client does have a right to look over your work and offer their opinion on it, whether it is a positive one or not. Likewise, whenever you publish anything, there is bound to be someone who does not like it due to the sheer number of differences between readers. Do not become too caught up in what some people have to say about your work and let it get under your skin.

Vent your frustrations privately.

When you do feel frustrated by criticism, release your frustrations privately. Talk about it with your close friends and family, but never attack your client or air your grievances to the public. After all, a future client could be watching or reading what you have to say, so you want to present yourself as someone who is professional, not bitter. If you behave unprofessionally online or through another public forum, you risk losing future project opportunities.

If you do address your critics, do so in a calm and collected manner.

There is nothing wrong with reaching out to your critics. In fact, it could even be a great learning experience if they have notes on what they think could have improved your writing. Just make sure that if you do send a message to your critics to do so politely and calmly. It may even be a good idea to wait for a day before responding to allow yourself sufficient time to detach emotionally from the criticism. Remain professional, and address your concerns in a rational manner without resorting to personal attacks or foul language. Perhaps you feel that a client unjustly mistreated your piece, or that a reader missed the entire point of one of your articles, but you should still take the higher ground. Chances are that if you approach a critic respectfully, you will receive a respectful response in return. Even if you do not receive a respectful response, you will have the advantage of remaining professional while the critic is cast in a negative light for reacting poorly.

Do not draw unnecessary attention to pointless criticism or blatant disrespect.

Hopefully, no freelancer will ever have to work for a client who is insulting, but if you do find yourself in that situation, do not add fuel to the fire. Respectfully thank the client for their time, retract the article if you need to, and disengage yourself from that individual or publication. If you feel that your case was particularly mistreated, it could be a good idea to report the critic's behavior to the publication's human resources department so that they may handle the situation. On the other hand, if you notice a particularly unfounded and disrespectful insult from a reader in your e-mail inbox or on a website, simply ignore it. You do not need to draw any more attention to that individual, as he or she has nothing of value to offer and is only interested in making you aggravated.

It is undoubtedly difficult to deal with criticism, but if you focus only on what is being said and not how it is being said, you could gain valuable insight into what makes your writing work and what holds it back. In addition, it is imperative to remain professional no matter what and to ignore those who just want to get a few personal jabs at you. This way, your readers and future clients will know that you handle criticism and praise respectfully and admirably, making you a better candidate for future freelance writing projects.

By-line:

Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online college. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.

Related Posts:Building Long-Term Client Relationships – Part 2: Getting StartedSetting Boundaries in Freelance Writing: Just Say No, Re-Negotiate, or Fire the Client?Building Long-Term Client Relationships – Part 1: WhyBuilding Long-Term Client Relationships – Part 6: Nine Tips for SuccessMy Top Picks in the Tips & Tricks Group Writing ProjectPowered by Contextual Related PostsGuest Post from Mariana Ashley: Freelancer Etiquette When It Comes to Criticism was first posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:05 am.
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Sixth Wednesday in Lent 2011

"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept, But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. ~ Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV)

Lord, I am watching for You. Make me ever ready, prepared with all the oil I need. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

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Fifth Tuesday in Lent 2011

And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 18 And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' 20 But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." ~ Luke 12:16-21 (ESV)

Almighty God, may I never lay up treasure for myself but always be rich toward You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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National Library Week

April 10-16, 2011 is National Library Week, sponsored by the American Library Association.

Here's John Grisham talking about the importance of libraries.

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Fifth Monday in Lent 2011

And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." ~ Luke 21:29-36 (ESV)

Maranatha, come quickly, Lord, Jesus, and may You find me ready to stand before You. Amen.

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Passion Sunday 2011

Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." The Jews answered him, "Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?" Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge.  Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, 'If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.' Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?" Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.' But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word.  Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." So the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?"  Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." ~ John 8:46-58 (ESV)

Lord, empower me by the Holy Spirit to keep Your Word so that I spend eternity in Heaven with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Fifth Saturday in Lent 2011

And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." ~ Matthew 18:25-35 (ESV)

Lord God, guide me by Your Holy Spirit to forgive those who hurt me. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, who reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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Absolute Truth vs. Personal Opinion

I felt overwhelmed and called upon a fellow Christian for prayer. She prayed, "Lord, give Lillie discernment to know what You are calling her to do right now—this minute, this hour, this day." I fell asleep praying this prayer, and I woke with this post in my mind.

The United States was founded on the principle that absolute truth exists. The Declaration of Independence says: "We hold these truths to be self-evident…" Truths, not opinions.

Yet the Constitution also gives us freedom of religion and freedom of speech,which means we can choose to believe and express personal opinion that not only isn't absolute truth, but may even be the opposite of absolute truth.

Most people believe as an absolute truth that murder is wrong. A man who kills a store clerk in a robbery, a husband who beats his wife to death because she smiled at another man, a woman who murders the mother of her daughter's cheerleading competitor—these are all considered murderers who have committed crimes—and sins.

However, most people also believe that not all killing is murder. Soldiers can kill enemies fighting against them on the battlefield. Individuals being attacked by assailants with guns or knives are justified in killing the attackers if that is the only way to protect themselves and others.

Then there are the examples that aren't quite so universally accepted. I have consistently called abortion murder, but there are many in this country and around the world who call it simply a woman's choice.

Scripture clearly tells us God creates and knows each individual from the moment of conception. The Bible also tells us what God expects of us.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. ~ Genesis 1:27
Before I was born the Lord called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name. ~ Isaiah 49:1b
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. ~ Jeremiah 1:5a
Your hands have made and fashioned me. ~ Psalm 119:73a
You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth. Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be. ~ Psalm 139:13-16
You shall not murder. ~ Exodus 20:13
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. ~ Jeremiah 29:11
I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. ~ Deuteronomy 30:19b-20

At its core, the question of abortion is this: Do we  believe the absolute truth—the Word of Almighty God, or do we believe the opposite of truth?

Do we believe that the All-Powerful, Omniscient, Omnipresent Creator and Ruler of the Universe knows best or do we believe that we, in our human frailty and sinfulness, know best?

This question applies to all areas of our lives. We are called to make the Lord the center of our lives and to do His will as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.

When I felt overwhelmed, I didn't know what to do next. Too many demands pulled in too many directions. I had to call on God to show me the way. The result is this post—something not even on my long to-do list!

"Choose this day whom you will serve…. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." ~ Joshua 24:15

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Lord, give me discernment to know what You are calling me to do now right now—this minute, this hour, this day. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

photo credit: Robert Brook

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