Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 160

Third Thursday in Lent 2011

He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?' He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So the servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' But he said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'" ~ Matthew 13:24-30 (ESV)

Lord, You tell us that all of us will be gathered into the harvest when You return. The wheat—those who love You and follow You—will join You in Heaven forever. The weeds—those who do not accept Jesus with their whole heart and mind and soul—will be thrown into outer darkness. Touch my heart, Lord, and make me Yours forever. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Posts:Second Tuesday in Lent 2011Second Monday in Lent 2011Second Thursday in LentSecond Friday in Lent 2011Second Saturday in Lent 2011Powered by Contextual Related PostsThird Thursday in Lent 2011 was first posted on March 24, 2011 at 12:45 am.
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Third Wednesday in Lent 2011

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' So the last will be first, and the first last." ~ Matthew 20:1-16 (ESV)

Lord, I love that Jesus searches for the lost sheep and rejoices over the one more than the 99 who weren't lost. But when I read this parable, I realize that someone who accepts the Lord moments before the end receives the same reward as those of us who have loved and served Him all our lives. That doesn't seem fair, just as it doesn't seem fair that the master paid all the laborers the same, whether they worked all day or one hour. Help me not begrudge Your generosity. Help me to rejoice that the sinner who is saved on his deathbed will enjoy life in Heaven with You for eternity just as I will. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Related Posts:Scripture for the Fourth Monday in LentScripture for the Fourth Saturday in LentSecond Wednesday in Lent 2011Scripture for the Third Sunday in LentScripture for the Fifth Friday in LentPowered by Contextual Related PostsThird Wednesday in Lent 2011 was first posted on March 23, 2011 at 12:16 am.
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Second Tuesday in Lent 2011

And he said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." ~ Mark 4:26-29 (ESV)

Heavenly Father, I don't understand how seeds grow into plants and produce food for us to eat. I don't understand how Your Kingdom grows, but I do understand that the seed has to be scattered before it grows, and the seed of Your Word has to be scattered before it grows into Your Kingdom. Help me to live my life in such a way that it is seed for Your Kingdom. Empower me by the Holy Spirit to speak the words others need to hear. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Related Posts:Second Monday in Lent 2011First Monday in Lent 2011Second Friday in Lent 2011Scripture for the Fourth Wednesday in LentSecond Wednesday in Lent 2011Powered by Contextual Related PostsSecond Tuesday in Lent 2011 was first posted on March 22, 2011 at 12:42 am.
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Second Monday in Lent 2011

Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: "Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold." And he said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." ~ Mark 4:1-9 (ESV)

Lord, open my ears to hear, my eyes to see, and my heart to receive the truth of Your Word. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Posts:Scripture for the First Monday in LentScripture for the Second Sunday in LentSecond Wednesday in Lent 2011First Saturday in Lent 2011Scripture for the First Saturday in AdventPowered by Contextual Related PostsSecond Monday in Lent 2011 was first posted on March 21, 2011 at 3:46 am.
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Thanks to February 2011 Commenters

 


Thank you to the 118 commenters who left 173 comments in February. Your comments extended the conversation and added value and interest, and I enjoyed replying to every one of them.

Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters.


 


Top Contributor (8 comments)


Christopher  Roberts
Christopher Roberts


 


Major Contributors (5 comments)


Dawn Colclasure
Dawn Colclasure Blog


don
Painted Desert Realty & Las Vegas Realty


Mia
SBP


 


Outstanding Contributors (3-4 comments)


Dominique
4 Walls and a View


Jonny
Extreme Workout Plans


Kat 
n/a


Kyle
Finally Fast Blog


Tim
Sarasota Pro Wash


Tom de Lounge
Woo Techno


Paul
My Great Guide


Rozzy
Ask Bargains


Sensei Matt Klein
Fun affordable self defense karate for kids, 10/17


 


Significant Contributors (2 comments)


Andrew Heaton
Good Honest Dollar


Arvind Ranabhat
Malus Herald


Christopher  Roberts
Christopher Roberts' Technology Blog


Dave
Jet Express Carpet Cleaning


Joe Rosales
Chords for Guitars


John
Starting Your At Home Business


Matt Keegan
Matt's Musings


Mike Rodney
Olympus Recorder


Pia
Scented Candle Store


Rebecca
Cyprotels


Samantha Bangayan
What Little Things?


Terry
Barber-osophy


 


Important Contributors


Adrian Swieboda
Internet TV to TV


ahlal
carthoster.com


Alan Bradley
Discover the Secret of Making Beats


Alex 
Bus Singapore Kuala Lumpur


Alex
The Cottages on Government Way


Alex Warren
2 Medicure


Alexia
Learn French Easy


Allison Palmer
Declutter Your Home


Anna
Raymond Chevrolet Kia


annette
Laser Hair Removal Cost


Anthony
Fast Towing


Anthony
Walking Dead 411


Arthur Williams
Home Built Generators


Bill Tillman
n/a


Billy
Container Crew


Brent
Arthouse 42


Brian
The Home Cart


Brianna Fox
Zimbi


Brooke
The Bluestocking Guide


Cherry
Cherry Solutions


Christopher  Roberts
Christopher Roberts' Philosophy Blog


Christy Etheredge
Secrets of Making Beats


Crispin
Gumball Machines


Dave
Sturm Law


Drew
Article Brew Blog


elayne
Lord of the Rings Tour


Fred
PQ Works


Gabriel Sharpe
Guitar for Beginners


George
DS Photographers


George
Webmaster Talk Forums


George Anderson
Tissot-T-Touch


Hannah Crum
Kambucha Kamp


Henry
On Point Consulting


Irene
Skinny Guy Build Muscle


Ivin
Authopublisher


Jack J. Willing
Berendsen


James
Alea Hotel


James Moore
Car Cover Blog


Janet
Janet Kaderli


Jason
Meiji Electric


Jerrod
n/a


Joanna
ToPrice


JoBeth
Simply Puerto Rico Vacations


Joey
Nassau Buyers


John C.
Comm Discussion


jon
VennerCorp


Jonathan D.
My Marriage Prep


Juan
Prime Choice Auto Parts


Julia
Green Tent


Karen Alaniz
Write Now


Karen Swim
Words for Hire


Karl Gustav
HYIP Data


Kelly Toro
Pregnancy Stretch Mark Cream


Kevin
Weight Losing Diets


Kim
Mamann Frankel Sandaluk LLP


Kim Sorenson
Next Level Marketing


Kylie
Fisker of Orange County


Laura Spencer
Writing Thoughts


Leng
Bobby Jones Golf


Lisa
Getting It Write for You


Michael
Bingo Promotion


Michael
Freelance Writer University Review


Michelle
Classic Photographers


Mike
Chester Racecourse Hospitality


Mike 
Fizz Giz Soda Maker


Mitchell
Echo Limousine


Nabil
Nabillionaire


nikos takis
Rhodes Market


Peter
Best Body Detoxify


Preben Hansen
Dot Vision


Rachel
Princess Festival


Richie
Carpet Cleaning West Covina


Rick
Diet Quick Weight Loss


Robert Path
n/a


Ronnica
Ignorant Historian


Russell Davison
RussellDavison.com


Ryan
Jango SMTP


Sally Ferguson
Sally's Words


Sarah
Adiamor


Scott Truman
iPad2 Blog


Sean
Medical Assistant Programs


Sean
R.N.A. Locksmith


Shaun
Cadouri Perfecte


Simon 
northern monkey creative media


Simon Payne
Watch NBA Live


Steve
Human Growth Hormone HGH


Steve Gordon
Creative Carpet Repair


sunitasam.sam
Free Desktop Wallpapers


Suse
Astrolight


Tommy
Technology Spot


Tonya
On Point Consulting


Tricia Gomez
Confessions of a Green Living Addict


Wu
MicroscopeNet



Related Posts:Thanks to January 2011 CommentersThanks to November 2010 CommentersThanks to December 2010 CommentersThanks to October 2010 CommentersIf only this quiz represented my complete knowledge of the BiblePowered by Contextual Related PostsThanks to February 2011 Commenters was first posted on March 21, 2011 at 12:30 am.
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Second Sunday in Lent 2011

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon." But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying out after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." And he answered, "It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly. ~ Matthew 15:21-28

Heavenly Father, how easy it is to give up in discouragement when prayer isn't answered immediately. Give me the faith of the Canaanite woman that I will persist in calling upon You in faith. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Related Posts:First Sunday in Lent 2011Scripture for the Fourth Tuesday in LentScripture for the Fourth Friday in LentScripture for the Sixth Wednesday in LentScripture for the Fifth Sunday in LentPowered by Contextual Related PostsSecond Sunday in Lent 2011 was first posted on March 20, 2011 at 12:07 am.
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Indie Authors Relief Fund – Helping Japan

We've all seen the devastation in Japan, but dramatic before and after photos show it even more powerfully than just looking at the after alone. Looking at those pictures will surely make you want to help.

Now you can get great deals on books and book-related items and 100% of the auction proceeds will be donated to Red Cross International, earmarked for Japan earthquake and tsunami disaster relief. You will find the auction at Indie Authors Relief Fund. Check out what's available and bid on the items of your choice. Even if you've already donated to disaster relief for Japan, you can help even more while you acquire books and other items donated by indie authors.

If you're an author, I hope you consider donating as well. If you're a reader, I hope you'll bid on the items that appeal to you.

Here are the links to my donations:

Bundle of Romance E-Books

Bundle of How-To E-Books

Two hours of resume-writing services

One hour of manuscript editing or publishing consultation

And whether you donate, bid, or neither, please keep the people of Japan in your prayers.

O GOD, merciful and compassionate, who art ever ready to hear the prayers of those who put their trust in thee; Graciously hearken to us who call upon thee, and grant thy help to the people of Japan in this their need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Related Posts:Prayer for HaitiSupporting Indie AuthorsPrayers for Tucson, AZ VictimsRead an E-Book Week 2011Prayers for Fort HoodPowered by Contextual Related PostsIndie Authors Relief Fund – Helping Japan was first posted on March 19, 2011 at 4:57 pm.
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Second Saturday in Lent 2011

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." ~ Matthew 13:47-50 (ESV)

Heavenly Father, cleanse my heart and lead me to do Your will and manifest Your love in the world and in the end to join You in Heaven for eternity rather than be cast into the fiery furnace. In the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Related Posts:Second Thursday in LentScripture for the Third Thursday in LentSecond Friday in Lent 2011First Friday in Lent 2011Second Wednesday in Lent 2011Powered by Contextual Related PostsSecond Saturday in Lent 2011 was first posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:40 am.
©2011 "Lillie Ammann, Writer & Editor". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this article in your feed reader, then the site is guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact me at lillie@lillieammann.com

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Second Friday in Lent 2011

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." ~ Matthew 13:44-46 (ESV)

Lord, You are the treasure I seek. Let me give up everything earthly and seek only You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Posts:First Monday in Lent 2011Scripture for the Fourth Wednesday in LentScripture for the Third Tuesday in AdventSecond Wednesday in Lent 2011Scripture for the Fourth Thursday in LentPowered by Contextual Related PostsSecond Friday in Lent 2011 was first posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:39 pm.
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Guest Post from Tara Miller: Three Techniques of Journalism That Could Improve Your Blog Writing

Great writing is essential to running a successful blog. When a blog's posts are consistently well-written, readers will be more compelled to return for new posts as well as to look over old ones. Unfortunately, good writing is not something that comes easily to everyone. Writing well can be difficult and confusing, but bloggers who are struggling with their writing skills can adopt some time-tested journalism techniques for guidance on how to create informative and gripping blog posts.

1. The Inverted Pyramid

Writing using the inverted pyramid means that your post should start off with the most important information first and then gradually narrow down to less important details. In journalism, this ensures that the reader gets as much of the important information as possible early on so that even if the reader drops the news story halfway through, they will still have the basic gist of the news piece. In blogging, you can use the same approach by introducing each post with the most important information first and delivering the more unimportant information further down the post. This way, your readers will get a good idea of where your post is headed so that your ideas are more clearly understood.

To successfully create an inverted pyramid style of writing, your first paragraph will have to pack in a lot of information. Strive to answer as many as the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions as comfortably possible within the first two paragraphs. This will give your readers a firm grasp on your post topic. Following that paragraph, you can write on something less essential, such as using that paragraph to set a scene or further explain the post topic. You would end your post with a tidbit that may be entertaining or helpful, but not necessarily essential. Using this model will help you to hone your ideas so that you are more effectively communicating information in each of your posts.

2. Show and Not Tell

Vivid writing can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Journalists often must pack life into their news stories to elevate them from a dull collection of facts to a real news story. One way they turn boring news reports into entertaining reads is by showing and not telling the reader about all of the events that took place. As a blogger, you can use the same writing style to make your posts much more exciting.

Showing and not telling a reader about events means that rather than outright saying that someone was feeling something or doing something, you simply describe exactly how they are behaving so that the reader can see that feeling or action. For example, rather than saying, "Bobby felt guilty about eating all the cookies," you could show your readers Bobby's guilt by saying, "Bobby looked down sullenly and silently wiped the remaining cookie crumbs off his mouth." This way, readers will have a more compelling picture of Bobby's feelings and your piece will be much livelier.

3. Break Up Your Posts

It is difficult for readers to trudge through long blocks of texts, whether it is online of offline. For this reason, most journalists make sure that all of their paragraphs are only a few sentences long before breaking into a new paragraph. Online, bloggers can do the same thing and make their posts easier on the eyes by writing shorter paragraphs and including other visual elements like bulleted lists wherever necessary. A picture or graphic is also a great way to break up text-heavy posts, as it will give readers something else to look at before they return to the text of your post. This retains the reader's visual interest and encourages them to continue reading.

Byline:

This guest post is contributed by Tara Miller, who particularly enjoys writing about psychology degree.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: miller.tara23@gmail.com.

Related Posts:Rules or artistic license?Tips for Better BloggingWhat Do You Think of Weekly/Monthly Roundups, Themes, and Link Love Posts?Editing: Turning Dreck into ProseDouble Whammy: Blast from the Past Meme and Carnival of Circular CommunicationPowered by Contextual Related PostsGuest Post from Tara Miller: Three Techniques of Journalism That Could Improve Your Blog Writing was first posted on March 17, 2011 at 12:49 am.
©2011 "Lillie Ammann, Writer & Editor". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this article in your feed reader, then the site is guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact me at lillie@lillieammann.com

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