Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 114
July 22, 2013
Thanks to Commenters Second Quarter 2013
Thank you to the 58 commenters who left 104 comments in April, May, and June. 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 (12 comments)
Sarah
Eye Cream HQ
Major Contributor (9 comments)
Lee
Lee Evans on Amazon
Outstanding Contributors (5-7 comments)
Shaun Chatman
n/a
Sally Ferguson
Sally’s Words
Important Contributors (2-4 comments)
Alok
NikalaAspire
Christopher Roberts
AboutMe/Christopher Roberts
Bishop Dennis Campbell
Life in the Scriptures
Christopher Roberts
Christopher Roberts on Google+
Dawn Colclasure
DMC Writer
Gel
Churchgoers
Jan McClintock
Night Owl Sites
Danilo
Danilo Petrozzi
Simon
YoutTube Clean Up Your Mac
Significant Contributors
abiodum
Lively Jobs Nigeria
Alex Zokaei
iClear Studios
Annie
Hyptalk
Brian
Abonnet Sammenligning
Bryan
BW-Anlaeg
Chris
Optimeez
Christina Bazenti
IncViews
Christopher
Philosophy and Thoughts
Doris Plaster
Hold My Hand
Ejaz
Apex Digitalz
Gary
Orlando Magic Kingdom Rentals
Holly Marie
n/a
Jackson Hall
ABC Recipes from France
James
Mother’s Day 2013
Jerry Wayne
n/a
Joe
Joe Fayner
Jonas Jensen
Cykel Holder
Joshua Tilghman
The Spirit of the Scriptures
Kaitlyn
Another Same Teenage Blog
Kalle
Computer Team
Karen Swim
Words for Hire
Kate
n/a
Keryan
Cosmeticopedia
kimek
Smak Indii
Kirsten
Therapy Austin
Lars
Tapet Kunst
lee henry
Sample Leave Application
Lilisa Pysalo
Fundraising Services
Lisa
Getting It Write for You
Lisabeth
Englestedet
Maja
Modern Salons
Manus
Irish Car Ferries
Marina Silliker
n/a
Michael
Christian Lingua
Navesha
Big Indian Wedding
Neveah Brown
Hi-Tech For All
olivia bennett
Akita no Dog
Rob Jansen
Jansen Real Estate Team
Samuel Medina
Online Dating Doctor
Sara Howard
English Thesis Archives
Sofie
BilligEl
Steve
n/a
Steve
Churchill/McKenzie Group
Tom
Disaster Preparedness Kit
July 16, 2013
How Does Everyone Know So Much?
There’s no question that I have strong opinions and freely express them. You can see how many posts I’ve written about abortion, and you will find posts here about a number of other causes I’m passionate about.
However, while our personal foundational beliefs color our opinions, I try to advocate for causes that are based on Biblical truth and/or scientific evidence. I can find plenty of support for my pro-life position in the Bible, and science has now proven that fetuses are living human beings who can feel pain. So there are valid reasons for my strong opposition to abortion.
The reaction to the George Zimmerman trial has stunned me. Some people whom I highly respect are convinced the trial was a miscarriage of justice and “the system failed.” Other people whom I equally respect believe the verdict was just and the system worked. It seems that individual opinions are based on whether or not they agree with the verdict. Those who believe Zimmerman was guilty post links to articles depicting Trayvon Martin as an innocent child, an honor student, killed for his race and to articles about the depth of racism in this country, with this case as one example. Those who believe Zimmerman was not guilty post links to articles about Zimmerman’s voting for Obama for president and tutoring black students and to articles showing how the seemingly innocent items Martin was carrying could be used to create a drug his autopsy showed he had used often enough to cause damage to his body.
The one way I don’t think the system worked in this case is that the media and politicians all had opinions that they didn’t hesitate to express. Gone are the days when the media reported unbiased news—today media reports “news” with a slant depending on its personal political stance. Politicians got involved, either indirectly by expressing opinions that Martin was murdered because he was a black kid walking in a white neighborhood or directly on a local level by inserting themselves into the case in inappropriate ways.
Now let me say that I was an earlier signer of the petition for an investigation into this case. Everything I read indicated that Martin’s parents had not been notified of his death in a timely manner, and there were certainly questions about what happened. I wanted Martin’s family to receive justice for their son. I had no preconceived ideas of what that investigation would reveal—that was the purpose of the investigation: to find out what happened and follow up with legal action, if appropriate.
I did not follow the trial constantly, and I certainly wasn’t there at the time of the shooting. So I don’t know if the verdict was correct or not. Black, white, Hispanic, adult, teen, or child–none of those things should matter in a court of law. The question is this: “Does the evidence presented in the trial show that defendant committed the illegal act(s) of which he is accused?”
In this case, there was no question that George Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin. The legal questions revolved around the circumstances in which that occurred and whether the killing broke the law. I was not there that night, so I don’t know the exact circumstances. The jurors had to evaluate the evidence they heard and make a determination of whether George Zimmerman committed a crime. Since I wasn’t in the courtroom listening to the evidence, I’m in no position to say whether the jury was right or wrong. However, our justice system works only if we accept jury verdicts, and if we believe they are wrong, work to change the laws or appeal the case. Aggressive or even violent responses only make the situation worse.
Whatever else is true of this case, it was a tragedy for all concerned. The Martin family has lost a beloved son, George Zimmerman is hated and reviled by many and will never have a normal life, and people are rioting and ranting because they disagreed with the verdict.
Thomas Sowell, who is totally brilliant but writes in a way that is easy to read and understand, said in his article “Is This Still America?”
This case looked like something out of “Alice in Wonderland.” Both in the courtroom and in the media, educated and apparently intelligent people repeatedly said things that they seemed sincerely, and even fervently, to believe, but which were unprovable and often even unknowable.
The only real heroes in this trial were the jurors. They showed that this is still America — at least for now — despite politicians who try to cheapen or corrupt the law, as if this were some banana republic. Some are already calling for a federal indictment of George Zimmerman, after he has been acquitted.
Will this still be America then?
O GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (from 1928 Book of Common Prayer)
Here’s a YouTube video with an interesting perspective: Are we black or white before we are Christian?
July 9, 2013
Guest Post from Cameron Von St. James: Becoming a True Partner During My Wife’s Fight with Cancer
I knew that the wedding vows meant in sickness and in health and embraced that promise with all of my heart. I never expected that I’d be taking on that role early on and for a life-threatening reason. On November 21, 2005 a bomb was dropped on my wife, Heather, and I. The holiday season was around the corner. Our precious daughter, Lily, was only three months old and we couldn’t wait to share this magical time with her. Our marriage was still young and life was good with a bright future before us until the doctor delivered a devastating blow. Heather had cancer, a rare and aggressive form known as malignant pleural mesothelioma. The name alone was terrifying. On that day, I found out what it meant to be a caregiver for someone I loved in the battle for her life. Reeling at the news, I had to put myself aside, hold her hand, and be everything that Heather needed to win her fight.
In an instant, our whole world was turned upside down. I instantly became Heather’s support system. While she sat in shock, trying to process the terrifying diagnosis, choices were thrust upon me. The doctor explained what her disease meant and the need for treatment. He started laying out the options: the local university hospital, the regional hospital, or Dr. David Sugarbaker, a doctor who specialized in treating mesothelioma in Boston. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that we needed the best, someone who was an expert in attacking the cancer that had taken hold of my wife. It would mean major upheaval in our lives in order to go long distance to Boston for treatments. However, it also meant the best possible chance to save Heather. She was too shocked and terrified to make the decision so I made it for us, putting the love of my life at the top of my priority list. We were headed to Boston.
The next two months marked a period of total disorder in our lives. Everything was up in the air, nothing was definite, and our routines were non-existent. I had to cut my hours to part time and Heather could not work at all as she concentrated on getting better. That left me to figure out how to juggle our finances, care for Lily, run our household, and attend to all of Heather’s needs. There were many moments when I was terrified, fearful of what might happen, how we would find a way to make ends meet, and dealing with the prospect of a life without Heather. There were times when I was overcome with emotion, face buried in a towel, sobbing on the kitchen floor. It seemed like too much for one man to bear. Then the worst would pass, I’d pick myself up again and take a look at my wife. She was the true warrior and champion, going through a fierce struggle, facing treatments and a disease that was ravaging her body. I never broke down in front of my wife and told myself to be strong for her, no matter how difficult that would be.
We were graced by God with a supportive group of family and friends, people that banded together and helped us at the drop of a hat. They helped us in every way imaginable, from giving us financial assistance to pull us through, to bringing food, to taking rounds with Lily, or simply giving us a shoulder to lean on. I can’t even begin to thank all of the people who stood by us in this time of struggle. My advice to anyone else facing cancer is to accept help when it is given. You are not alone and should never try to bear this crushing burden by yourself. Take the hand that reaches out to you and let someone pick you up. You’ll find it easier to go on.
This will be the hardest thing you’ve ever dealt with in your life. It’s something beyond your control and bigger than you. You’ll have times when you are angry and afraid. You’ll hate watching someone you love feeling so sick. There will be days when you want to hide. Accept that you are human and you’ll have your bad days. So will your loved one. When those difficult times arise, find someone you can count on to talk to or take a break and recharge. Above all else, hold onto hope. Hope is the greatest weapon you have to fight off despair as a caregiver.
It was a long, uphill journey for Heather and I, with months of mesothelioma surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Seven years later, she is cancer-free. Dealing with cancer stretched us to the limits and taught us how capable we are. You will find you are powerful beyond measure as well if you’re forced to take up this challenge. Never stop fighting for the ones you love, and you’ll see just how much you can accomplish as well.
July 3, 2013
Happy Birthday, USA! Celebrating Fourth of July 2013
God bless America! Enjoy the video of Disney’s Fourth of July fireworks.
July 2, 2013
Grand Opening of Lil Country Store
I’m so excited! Grand opening of Lil Country Store starts Thursday, July 4th. We have so many fun things planned. I’ve been practicing my storytelling. Come hear a story every hour on the half-hour: a horror story of dealing with a couple of them big companies and how Lil Country Store don’t do business like that, how some fancy car place treated wanna-be country boys, how country folks pitch in and help each other in times of trouble, and what happened to the country gal and the city slicker. Ya’ll come now!
June 22, 2013
Guess I Didn’t Have Enough to Do…
[image error]Right now, I have four client books in various stages of editing and publication, with two more lined up to start in the next couple of months. I go to physical therapy twice a week and spend one morning a week in a Bible study. Oh yeah…I’m having some renovation work done around my house, and I’m the treasurer/bookkeeper for a family trust. Apparently that’s not enough to keep me busy, because I just took on a new project.
My sister, Nancy Nicholson, and a business partner, Victoria (Tori) Littlefield, have opened Lil Country Store, a small convenience store that also sells handcrafts, fresh vegetables and watermelons fresh out of the field, and a daily home-cooked lunch. The store is out in the country about a hundred miles from my home, on the farm where I grew up.
Nancy and Tori were just having too much fun, and I started getting excited about it. Luckily for me, I was able to convince them to let me join them in the business. I won’t actually be in the store a lot–generally I will be taking care of the bookkeeping and financial matters, but I plan to get some time out in the country as well.
I’ve been down on the farm this past week making plans and helping Nancy and Tori get ready for the grand opening on July 4th, 5th, and 6th. We’re going to have a lot of fun:
a free hot dog, chips, lemonade or tea, and a slice of watermelon straight from the farm for everyone who comes out to the store between 11 AM and 3 PM on the three days of grand opening
hayrides every half hour, with cups of cattle cubes for children to feed the cattle
redneck games: watermelon seed spitting contest, washer pitching contest, horseshoe throwing contest–1st, 2nd, and 3rd prices for all
door prize drawing every day
storytelling: why we love country folks, how we do/don’t do business, the city slicker and the lil farm gal, appearances can be deceiving
The theme of the store is “convenience coupled with country charm.” The store carries typical convenience store items but doesn’t stop there. Every day there will be a home-cooked lunch available. You can pick up a menu to be sure you’re there for your favorite. We also have items from crafters so you can find original and creative gifts as well, and there will be seasonal produce right off the farm. Now, of course, is watermelon time–perfect for the Fourth of July.
Like our Facebook page and subscribe to our blog to keep up with the latest news. And come on down to the country Thursday through Saturday of the Independence Day holiday to help us celebrate our grand opening.
June 15, 2013
Happy Father’s Day 2013
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers! God bless all fathers and their children of all ages.
Enjoy the video below about thanks to Dad.
June 14, 2013
Flag Day and Honor America Days 2013
Today is Flag Day, honoring the flag of our nation, and the beginning of Honor America Days. Though not well-known, the twenty-one days between Flag Day and Independence Day are designated by Congress as Honor America Days.
(a) Designation.— The 21 days from Flag Day through Independence Day is a period to honor America.
(b) Congressional Declaration.— Congress declares that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (1928 Book of Common Prayer)
The video below shows an interview with a presidential historian with some interesting history about the flag.
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