Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 49

Advent 2017

Tomorrow is the first day of Advent, a time of penitence and preparation for the coming of Christ. We are preparing to celebrate Christmas, the time when our Lord and Savior came to earth as a tiny and helpless baby.

We remember the coming of Christ into our own hearts when we accepted Him as our Savior.

And we look forward to Christ coming again to earth, this time in power and glory. Will we be ready?

Every day during Advent, I will post a short devotion. You can also download a free PDF that includes the devotionals for Advent, Christmas–including the Twelve Days of Christmas, and Epiphany.

Each year I follow a plan of Scripture reading during Advent. I journal a few thoughts and a prayer. The devotions I’m posting this year are my personal meditations from last year. I pray they are meaningful to you and help you to prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in all His manifestations.

ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen. ~ Collect for Advent from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer

Finding God in the Everyday Booksigning

[image error] My new devotional book, Finding God in the Everyday,[image error]is available now, the perfect time for Christmas giving.

The book includes ninety devotionals based on experiences in my own life. I wrote previously about how God called me to write this book. I’ve been blessed to have some wonderful endorsements from people who read an advance copy of the book. My wish is that you and everyone who reads it will see God’s hand in your own lives.

If you’re in the San Antonio area, you are invited to join me and two of my Christian author friends at a booksigning on Sunday, December 10th, 3:00 – 6:00 PM, at Jim’s at Blanco and Loop 1604.  Download a flyer with more information. Not only can you find some great books for yourself, but you can also get some very special Christmas gifts for believers: Christian books personally autographed by the authors and inscribed to the recipient.

Free Devotions for Advent and Beyond

Each year during Advent, I select a Scripture reading plan. I write down my thoughts as I meditate on the verses, then write a prayer. The following year, I post those devotions on my blog for each day of Advent, Christmas Day, the Twelve Days of Christmas, and Epiphany.

This year, I have created a PDF with all the devotions in a single printer-friendly file. You can print on standard letter-size paper; if you print double-sided, the document will take thirteen sheets of paper. If you want the PDF file to print or to read on any device, download the free devotional. Or visit the blog every day to read that day’s meditation.

Blessed Thanksgiving 2017

O MOST merciful Father, who hast blessed the labours of the husbandman in the returns of the fruits of the earth; We give thee humble and hearty thanks for this thy bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness to us, that our land may still yield her increase, to thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ 1928 Book of Common Prayer

I Love to Write Day & Writing Months

November 15 is I Love to Write Day. It’s a day to celebrate the love of writing by writing. You can a poem or an essay, a letter or a blog post, a journal entry or a chapter of a book—or whatever it is that you love to write!

Maybe you want a family history or a personal memoir. November is both Family Stories Month and National Life Writing Month.

During Family Stories Month, you are encouraged to share your family stories. Tell stories about yourself and your ancestors to your kids and grandkids. Remind siblings of shared memories to pass down to future generations. Spend time talking as a family and sharing favorite memories. Or start to write your memoir or family history.

National Life Writing Month is designed for you to get your memoir started—maybe even finished—quickly. But you don’t have to write fast. You can use this month as a motivation to get started. Take your time and write at your own pace.

I’m a firm believer that everyone should leave a legacy for future generations. I helped my mother and my mother-in-law tell their stories. I compiled their stories into loose-leaf notebooks for family members. Although the audience is small, their stories are treasured by children, grandchildren, and later generations. Your story doesn’t have to be published to be valuable.

If you would like to write a memoir or family history but don’t know where to start, download my free ebook—Preserving Memories: How to Write a Family History. Whether you’re seeking to publish a book or simply to share memories with family members and friends, this guide will help you tell your story.

And I’ve taken my own advice. In addition to the stories I’ve shared in this blog, I have told my personal and family stories in two books: Jack Stories, a collection of anecdotes about my husband as told by loved ones, and Finding God in the Everyday, a Christian devotional filled with stories of my own life, which will be available very soon.

I love working with authors to tell their family stories. I can advise you, edit you work, and help you through the process—whether you plan to self-publish a paperback book or simply collect stories in a binder for your family. Preserve those precious memories!

Veterans Day

O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; and bless all who have served their country in every branch of the military; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ adapted from 1928 Book of Common Prayer

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Lord God Almighty, we lift Your persecuted church to You in prayer. Give to each of one of our brothers and sisters under persecution boldness to proclaim Your Word in the face of persecution. Endue them with the endurance and strength to stand firm under affliction, and deepen their faith. Let them feel Your loving arms around them, giving them comfort and peace in the midst of their sufferings. Bring awareness to those who do not fear persecution. Put it in their hearts to pray and advocate for persecuted believers. Motivate them to support organizations and ministries that care for persecuted Christians and serve the persecuted church. Grow Your church, Lord, and strengthen her amid persecution. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, now and forever. Amen.

National Authors Day

November 1 is National Authors Day, celebrating authors and the books they write.  

Write a fan letter to your favorite author or spend some time enjoying his or her book. Or buy a new book, rewarding the author and giving yourself a treat at the same time!

You can discover some wonderful books and authors by visiting my book pages. You’ll find not only my books, but also the books of many authors I have helped edit and publish their books. I only work on books I enjoy, and I hope you will like them as much as I do.

Clergy Appreciation Day

The second Sunday in October is Clergy Appreciation Day. 

I appreciate my clergy every day, but I don’t tell them often enough. Today is a time to say “Thank you” to my current clergy (Father Isaac Rehberg, Father Barry Kowald, and Father Marcus Tinajero at All Saints Anglican Church) and all the pastors and priests who have been important in my life since childhood.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the clergy who proclaim Your Word, administer Your sacraments, and minister to Your people. We pray especially for the pastors and priests who have impacted us and helped us in our spiritual journey. Give them wisdom, courage, and strength to know and to do Your will. Lift them up when they are discouraged, strengthen them when they are weak, defend them from attacks of the enemy, and shower them and their families with Your blessings. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/gregorydean

Book Writing & Publishing Workshop

Cedric Fisher, publisher of San Antonio’s INFLUENCE Magazine, and I are giving a workshop on writing and publishing a book over two sessions (October 10 and November 14, 2017).

You should attend if:

You have an idea for a book but need help getting started
You’ve started a book but don’t know the next step
You want to build your business/professional credibility with a published book

The first session will cover writing. We will talk about categories and genres of books (nonfiction, fiction, and children’s/young adults), as well as the process of writing a book. Participants will draft the purpose or theme and premise of their book in the workshop.

The second session will cover publishing. We will overview traditional publishing, small press and regional publishing, and subsidy/vanity publishing, and we will outline what is involved in indie/self-publishing.

You may attend one or both sessions. The cost is $30 for a single session or $50 for both sessions if paid in advance.

I love help beginning writers fulfill their writing and publishing dreams.

Download flyer.