Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 116

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day 2013

[image error]Today is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. I wrote in detail about fibromyalgia awareness and my experience with fibromyalgia last year. I have experienced the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia for more than 30 years.

Yet, fibromyalgia is an invisible disease—the pain can’t be seen. Often people think someone with fibromyalgia is lazy or a hypochondriac. Let’s make fibromyalgia visible. 

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day 2013 was first posted on May 12, 2013 at 12:51 am.
©2012 "Lillie Ammann, Writer & Editor". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this 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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10 Days of Prayer: Ascension to Pentecost 2013

[image error]On the liturgical calendar of the church, today is Ascension Day, commemorating the day Jesus ascended into Heaven. Before He left them, Jesus told His disciples to stay in Jerusalem, and He would send the Holy Spirit to them. The disciples stayed in Jerusalem and prayed for the next ten days, until the day of Pentecost. At that time the Holy Spirit came down, appearing like tongues of fire over the disciples. Peter preached to the crowd, and each person heard the words in his own language, and three thousand people were baptized that day.

The Global Day of Prayer is Pentecost Sunday, May 19th. On that day, Christians around the world will come together in repentance and prayer. Like the disciples who prayed continuously from  Jesus’ Ascension to the day of Pentecost, believers will pray for the ten days leading up to the Global Day of Prayer. If you would like to pray with a specific focus for each day, download the 10 Day Prayer Guide and join Christians everywhere in praying for the nations of the world.

O LORD, we beseech thee, mercifully hear our prayers, and spare all those who confess their sins unto thee; that they, whose consciences by sin are accused, by thy merciful pardon may be absolved; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O MOST mighty God, and merciful Father, who hast compassion upon all men, and who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his sin, and be saved; Mercifully forgive us our trespasses; receive and comfort us, who are grieved and wearied with the burden of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy; to thee only it appertaineth to forgive sins. Spare us therefore, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed; enter not into judgment with thy servants; but so turn thine anger from us, who meekly acknowledge our transgressions, and truly repent us of our faults, and so make haste to help us in this world, that we may ever live with thee in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

TURN thou us, O good Lord, and so shall we be turned. Be favourable, O Lord, Be favourable to thy people, Who turn to thee in weeping, fasting, and praying. For thou art a merciful God, Full of compassion, Long-suffering, and of great pity. Thou sparest when we deserve punishment, And in thy wrath thinkest upon mercy. Spare thy people, good Lord, spare them, And let not thine heritage be brought to confusion. Hear us, O Lord, for thy mercy is great, And after the multitude of thy mercies look upon us; Through the merits and mediation of thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O GOD, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive; Receive our humble petitions; and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us; for the honour of Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

 

10 Days of Prayer: Ascension to Pentecost 2013 was first posted on May 9, 2013 at 12:24 am.
©2012 "Lillie Ammann, Writer & Editor". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this 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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Stroke Awareness Month and Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month

I have written a lot about stroke during previous . Having had a stroke myself more than twenty years ago, I want everyone to know the symptoms of stroke. The quicker someone receives treatment, the more likely they are to make a good recovery.

My earlier posts cover a great deal about stroke, both my personal experience as well as links to other sites:

May Is Stroke Awareness Month
National Stroke Awareness Month: My Stroke – the Beginning
National Stroke Awareness Month: My Stroke – The Next Three Days
National Stroke Awareness Month: My Stroke – the Aftermath
National Stroke Awareness Month: Stroke Risk Factors and Symptoms
Stroke Awareness Month 2011
Twenty Years Ago Today…

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May is also National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. I have not posted about this previously. Generally, I write about causes that are close to my heart, often because I have personal experience. And this year, I have come to have personal experience with asthma and allergy. I’ve been diagnosed with asthma as well as a number of allergies—not only trees and grasses but also food allergies, to oats and  bananas and a dozen or so of my favorite foods. I was surprised to be diagnosed with asthma at my age, as I had thought that asthma usually began in childhood. However, it can occur anytime.

I was glad to see that my hometown of San Antonio is now #24 on the allergy capitals list, down from #9 last year. Either we have fewer allergens this year or other cities have more. The situation is better for me as far as asthma triggers go—San Antonio is #66, down from #12 last year.

Asthma creates a huge impact on our society. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America:

Every day in America:

44,000 people have an asthma attack.
36,000 kids miss school due to asthma.
27,000 adults miss work due to asthma.
4,700 people visit the emergency room due to asthma.
1,200 people are admitted to the hospital due to asthma.
9 people die from asthma.

I’m still learning about asthma and allergies, so I won’t try to educate you on asthma. However, I do encourage you to visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to learn more.

I knew I had “hay fever” or “cedar fever” like just about everyone I know. But I had no idea I had allergies to food I ate often, and I certainly didn’t know I had asthma. Since I have been diagnosed and started receiving treatment, I feel much, much better. If you or someone you love exhibits any of the symptoms of asthma (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness), find out if asthma is the problem. You can’t improve the symptoms until you’re diagnosed and treated.

Stroke Awareness Month and Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month was first posted on May 6, 2013 at 9:50 pm.
©2012 "Lillie Ammann, Writer & Editor". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this 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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National Day of Prayer 2013

[image error]Today is the National Day of Prayer, a time to come together in prayer for our nation and its people.

 

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.

National Day of Prayer 2013 was first posted on May 2, 2013 at 5:18 am.
©2012 "Lillie Ammann, Writer & Editor". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this 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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Guest Post from Shaun Chatman: How to Keep Your Blog Updated With Your Smartphone

Blogging from your smart phone is a great way to use extra time spent waiting for buses, trains, and doctor appointments. Use these five tips to learn how to keep your blog updated with your smart phone.

Use Your Time Wisely

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Why jot ideas into a notebook when you can add them directly to your blog? Here are some ways you can use pockets of downtime to update your blog from your phone:

Maintain a happy blog community with quick replies to comments.
Blog during peak times to attract social media sharers.
Edit on the go, so your blog can shine.
Research new ideas and take notes on your phone.
Create blog drafts for new ideas, and let them marinate until later.

Blog by Email 

Sixty eight percent of smart phone users access email on their phone daily. Some of these users also send blog posts by email with Blackberry curve phones, which offer an easy-to-use keyboard. To do the same, sign into your blog, access the settings screen, and activate email posting. You will receive a special email address to send your blog posts to.

Don’t forget to customize your settings if you would like email posts saved as drafts. If not, posts will go live as soon as you send your email.

Find the Right App

Apps are becoming the most common way to post a blog from a smart phone. Blogger, WordPress, Live Journal, and several other blog websites offer smart phone users a variety of blog posting apps. These apps are often a scaled-down version of the real site’s blog engines. And most allow users to easily draft, post, and edit blogs; reply to and manage comments; and post pictures.

Don’t Type It, Say It

Some blog providers, like WordPress, offer the ability to post blogs by voice. Users call into a special number, enter a code and record a message. Like email, bloggers must first activate this feature on their blog and receive the special code to enter when they call.

Users should become familiar with some quirks of talk-to-type programs before using them. Recordings may end if a speaker pauses for too long. For this reason, bloggers should know exactly what they want to say before blogging by phone.

Post Pictures on the Go

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Smart phone cameras are far more advanced than their infant versions. There are also many photo editing apps, like Adobe Photoshop Express, available to turn the ordinary picture into extraordinary. An afternoon photo session in the park can turn into a great blog post before dinner arrives at your local bistro.

Don’t have the perfect picture for your blog saved on your phone? Easy access to the Internet allows you to quickly search for pictures on sites like Flickr.  And posting video blogs that are shot using your smart phone’s camera is yet another way to keep fresh, easily generated content on your blog.

When you blog from your smart phone, you will see your blog the way many of your readers do. When you see what your readers see, you can create easy-to-read posts with great visuals. Use these five tips to blog smarter not harder, and free yourself from your laptop.

Sources:

Smartphone apps for bloggers

Post by Voice

Mobile Blogger

About the Author

Shaun Chatman is a well-published author on many authority sites. He lives in Dunedin, FL, and spends his free time playing with his kids or advising friends on tech, gadgets, finance, and travel.

photos by:


dok1 &

markjhandel

Guest Post from Shaun Chatman: How to Keep Your Blog Updated With Your Smartphone was first posted on April 30, 2013 at 12:25 am.
©2012 "Lillie Ammann, Writer & Editor". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this 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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Killer Work from Home Jobs Free on Sunday

A few months ago, I reviewed Killer Work from Home Jobs by Lee Evans. At that time Lee generously offered the Kindle edition of the book for free for a limited time. Some readers who wanted to download the free book missed out on that opportunity, and Lee is graciously give them another chance. The book will be free at Amazon.com tomorrow, Sunday, April 28th.

Killer Work from Home Jobs Free on Sunday was first posted on April 27, 2013 at 12:10 am.
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Can Traditional Publishing and Indie Publishing Co-Exist?

[image error]It wasn’t long ago that the only way an author could succeed was by going the route of traditional publishing (aka legacy publishing). For the past few years,  self-publishing (aka indie publishing) has provided another avenue for author success. Barry Eisler  suggests that the only thing legacy publishers offer that authors can’t do themselves or outsource is print distribution. An author can hire an editor, a book designer, a cover artist, and anything else needed  to produce a book, but there’s no way an individual author can equal the print distribution system of a traditional publisher. However, with the advent of digital publishing, writers don’t need print distribution to be successful.

It isn’t an either/or proposition. Many authors, “hybrid authors,” do both—they have some books with a traditional publisher and self-publish other titles.

Apparently when Barry spoke at a conference and stated what seems self-evident to many of us, he was hit with a lot of unprofessional backlash from people in traditional publishing, especially literary agents. He wrote a post about his experience on Joe Konrath’s blog, and the article has generated an intensive discussion.

I encourage you to read the article and the comments, even though some of the commenters aren’t as polite as my readers are. There are several links to other articles in comments, and I think you will find those interesting, as well. Leave a  comment here to let us know how you feel about traditional publishing compared to self-publishing.

photo by:


Johan Larsson

Can Traditional Publishing and Indie Publishing Co-Exist? was first posted on April 24, 2013 at 12:39 am.
©2012 "Lillie Ammann, Writer & Editor". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this 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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Today is Internet Evangelism Day 2013

[image error]Today is Internet Evangelism Day. I remember when I volunteered to create a website for our church in the late 1990s. At the time our congregation was small and composed mostly of older people. The vestry (the board in charge of managing the non-spiritual aspects of the parish) was skeptical.

One member said, “No one will ever go to a website to find out anything about a church!”

The vestry decided it was acceptable to have a website as long as it didn’t require any money or any time from anyone except me. I agreed to pay for the domain registration and hosting and to provide the labor to create and maintain the site. That first site was just a few pages created in Publisher. Through the years I learned more about web design and updated and expanded the site a number of times. The Wayback Machine has snapshots of the site as far back as 2001.

Even that first little unsophisticated, almost amateur-ish site was effective. For many years, the Internet was the major source of visitors and new members to the parish. We also reached out to people around the world through our prayer ministry and through the extensive information and links to other Christian resources on the site. A few years ago, I had to resign as webmaster to care for my husband, so I don’t have the current statistics, but I’m sure the website is still serving the parish, potential members, and those who need prayer or who want to learn how to become a Christian.

Our parish has grown and we have people of all ages, and many of those individuals are active in social media. We have a public page for All Saints Anglican and several private pages for prayers, slides and material from discipleship classes, and more. Our rector, Father Chip Harper, uses Facebook as a tool for ministry.

The Internet Evangelism Day website states:

The Internet has become a 21st century Roman road, marketplace, theater, backyard fence, and office drinks machine. Web evangelism gives believers opportunities to reach people with the Gospel right where they are, just as Jesus and Paul did. The Web is an open window to the whole world.

The Web’s explosive growth has been remarkable. In ten short years, it jumped from being a minority hobby for computer enthusiasts to a communication medium used by over 1000 million people worldwide. If your visit to this website lasts ten minutes, in that period 460 people will have used the Web for their very first time.

Our church started doing Internet evangelism many years ago, but there is still more we can do. If your church isn’t evangelizing online, maybe it’s time to start.  

Today is Internet Evangelism Day 2013 was first posted on April 21, 2013 at 12:20 am.
©2012 "Lillie Ammann, Writer & Editor". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this 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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Review: Kindle Fire

I’ve used an e-reader since the Rocket ebook in 1999, and I’ve always believed I wanted only an ebook reader with no other features. I don’t get out much, so my computer is convenient for everything else.

When the Kindle first came out, I predicted it would make a huge difference in the epublishing world, and it certainly has. Unlike the early years when ebook authors spent more time explaining what an ebook was than talking about our books, since the release of the first Kindle, ebooks have become wide-spread and recognized by just about everyone.

I’ve had several Kindles and was happy with all of them, but I had recently played around with my brother’s tablet. When my last Kindle died, I decided to replace it with the Kindle Fire HD 7″, Dolby Audio, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, 16 GB – Includes Special Offers. I chose the smaller one because I was concerned about my arthritic hands holding a larger device for long periods. The 7″ is just perfect for me. It’s light enough that I can hold it to read, but the larger screen compared to the Kindle makes for easier reading. I love the color, something I never thought would make a difference to me.

Oddly enough, high on my favorite list is the ability to review a book as soon as I reach the end. I have written reviews of every book I read on Goodreads, but I have seldom put in the extra effort to come to Amazon to write a review. On the Kindle Fire, as soon as I come to the end of a book, a review page pops up so I can review it while it’s fresh on my mind, and I’m reviewing everything I read.

I didn’t realize when I placed my order that the device had special offers. I’ve always thought I would not want to be subject to advertising when I was reading. However, I discovered that the special offers are discreet and no distraction at all. I’ve even found myself going to the special offers page a time or two to see what’s on offer.

The only negative is that the battery doesn’t last very long. However, with the Amazon Kindle PowerFast for Accelerated Charging (not included with device, for use with the new Kindle Fire or Kindle Fire HD models), it doesn’t take long to charge the battery.

Another accessory I bought was the Marware Capacitive Stylus for Kindle Fire, Fire HD, and Kindle Paperwhite, Black. Because of a stroke many years ago, I have a small loss of control in my right hand. So using my fingers on a touch device is sometimes a problem, especially when typing something on the keyboard. This stylus eliminates the problem for me and makes it easy to swipe or type.

I think folks like me who have always used a dedicated ereader and never even used a touch screen will be pleasantly surprised with the Kindle Fire, and people who are used to smartphones and tablets will find everything they expect in a device.

Disclaimer: I purchased the Kindle Fire and was not asked to review it. I bought it and reviewed it because I love it. The links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on one of the links and make a purchase at Amazon.com, I will make a few pennies in commission.

Review: Kindle Fire was first posted on April 19, 2013 at 12:36 am.
©2012 "Lillie Ammann, Writer & Editor". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this 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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Thanks to Commenters 1st Qtr 2013

Thank you to the 94 commenters who left 163 comments in January, February, and March. 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 (18)


Sarah
Eye Cream HQ


Major Contributor (10)


Dawn Colclasure
DMC Writer


Outstanding Contributors (7-8)


Christopher Roberts
Google+ Christopher Roberts


Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
Diana Lesire Brandmeyer


Maja
Alls Fashion


Jane
Migration Expert


Lee
Free Job Search Websites


Important Contributors (2-4)


Doris Plaster
Hold My Hand


Japs
NDV Law


Alan Murfee
Bishopgate


Chris
Pinterest: Chris Villanueva


Eric
Snitchim


Jennifer
Hippodamia


Lori
Words on the Page


Steve
Rick Lewis Entertainer


Significant Contributors


Abby
n/a


ajeet
Happy Valentine’s Day 2013


Alex
Kunkel Bus Lines


amely hopes
Shade to Order


Anne
Hoekaniksnelafvallen


Arif
Baltaci


Ben
ESL Groups


Brian
Web Design


coolrick
Cool Web Stuff Guy


Danette
Kids Fashion


Dave
Best Cover Letter Examples


David
Target Audience Online


Deb Sistrunk
Kimchi by Deb


Debra Chapoton
Edge of Escape


Debra Johnson
Live In Nanny


Dyon
Mr Convenience


Edmar
Business Week


Eduardo
Business Week


Edward
Archinect


Edward
Forbes Thought of the Day


Ejaz Alam
AlReyan Group


Felix
Miami Beach Homes for Sale


Garrett
Auto Hangar


Heather
National Institute of Child Care Management


Ian Moore
HSC Business Studies


James Marcus
Bedroom Guardian


Jake
Desire Essays


Jason
Inductive Bible Study


Jenni
Supreme Garcinia Cambogia Review


Johan
Afvallen met Shakes


John
John McDonald on Google+


John
Sporten En Afvallen


Josh
Tattoo SEO


julerose
Churchgoers


Julie
My Writing Paths


Kami
The Family Peace Project


Keith
Glenmore Printing


Kevin
Immigration Lawyers Now


Lancia
Adara


Luice
Park’s Furniture


Mandy
Mandy Essex


Mario Kern
Handy Bausteine


Martin Cooney
Geek and Jock


Mark Cork
Price Compare Hotels


Mark Katavice
Buy Term Papers


Michael
Bookshelves for Sale


Michael
Christian Lingua


Michael
Christian Lingua


Mikaela
Click Catalyst


Mitaka
My Direct Democracy


Mitika
Mitika Shopping


monjour.diu
Technology for Learning


Nadia Barbara
NDIC


Nathan
Tender Touch Moving


Nelson
Care Homes in Norfolk


Paul
Miami Business Blog


Paul
ReMax/Susan Cohen


Peter
Procept Associates


Princess
Miama Blog


Rick
Allegra


Roger
Instant Life Insurance


Ryon
Daz Furniture


Sam
American College of Technology


Sam
WindowTech


Sarah Anne
Medicare Local


Sean Thomas
Teeth Removal


shane watson
Kennedy Healthcare


Shekhar
KBC7 Official Blog


Simon
How to Speed Up Your MAC


Steve
2012 Taxes


Steve
2014 Taxes


Steve
Conveyor Installations


Steve
Excel Toner


Suzanne Baron
n/a


Thomas
Canaan Site Furnishings


Thomas
Vision Designs


Uche Unogu
Onyx Ministry


Vinish Parikh
Let’s Learn Finance



Thanks to Commenters 1st Qtr 2013 was first posted on April 16, 2013 at 12:11 am.
©2012 "Lillie Ammann, Writer & Editor". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this 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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