Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 132

When One Door Closes

Our home helper Betsy and I have been cleaning closets and cabinets. Today I came across a journal entry I had written in late 1996, shortly after we sold our interior landscape business. What I wrote back then was a good reminder for me, and I hope it speaks to you also.

Here is an excerpt from that journal entry:

I’ve been to a Christian writers meeting listening to a program on journaling. I’ve been journal writing but I haven’t used my journal as a means of talking to God. Most of my talking to God seems to be thinking about things. Even if I don’t say a formal prayer, I’m seeking guidance. And I believe I’ve received guidance in my life.

Every time one door closes, another opens. Sometimes when life seems the darkest, I’ve found the greatest blessings. When I was molested in the retail store, it was a horrible experience. Yet it led to a change in my life–closing the store and going into the plantscape business.

Now I believe I was led to change course again. We were very fortunate –read blessed–to sell the company for the amount of money we got. I believe that was God saying we’re doing the right thing.

Even the stroke led to blessings. I’ve always wanted to write, but who knows if I would have ever had the courage to try. But the stroke brought me face-to-face with my own mortality. I realized that if I wanted to write “someday,” someday was here.

Even though I wrote this sixteen years ago, it’s still true. I had started writing my novel not long before this journal entry. Since then, I’ve published three novels and several short how-to ebooks. I love editing and helping authors publish their books. I plan on doing this for a long time to come.

Have you ever looked back in an old journal or read something you’ve written a decade or two earlier? How did you feel about it? Did you like what you’d said or have you changed your thoughts and beliefs since then?

photo credit: nicksarebi

Related Posts:If You Don’t Vote, You Can’t ComplainHappy New Year 2012!Mother’s Day 2012Father’s Day 2012Happy Valentine’s Day 2012Powered by Contextual Related PostsWhen One Door Closes was first posted on August 15, 2012 at 9:32 pm.
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God’s Protection and Answered Prayer

Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while know that Jack and I do our grocery shopping at Walmart in the wee hours of the morning. A few weeks ago Jack had an episode of low blood sugar, got dizzy, fell down, and strained his back. He’s been spending most of his time sitting in his chair in front of the TV with a heating pad on his back. We’ve made the trip to the store every couple of weeks instead of every week, and Jack has stayed in the car while I shopped.

Last night, he suggested I go shopping without him. I definitely didn’t want to be out alone after midnight and told him I would wait and go during the day if I had to go by myself. He decided to go with me but sit in the car again. After I finished and loaded the groceries in the car, a man walking to his car shouted at us and pointed to the right front side of the van. He said there was gas leaking from our car.

God had been protecting Jack. Although he smelled gasoline, he didn’t know it was coming from our car. He sat in the car smoking while gasoline puddled on the ground.

We didn’t realize how bad the leak was, so Jack headed for home. At the first intersection, the car backfired several times and stopped. Jack managed to get it running again, but he could barely keep the car moving. On declines, it went about 25 miles per hour; on inclines, it would slow to less than 10 miles per hour. If I had been alone, I would not have been able to keep the car running at all, and I would have been in a panic out  alone in the wee hours of the morning with a car that wouldn’t run. The little nudge I had not to go alone had to be the Holy Spirit warning me.

Jack is an excellent driver, and he kept the car moving. At 2 AM, there were few cars on the road, and Jack ran red lights rather than taking the risk that the car wouldn’t start again if he stopped. My jobs were watching to be sure there no the cars in the way and to pray.

All the way home, I prayed, “Lord, please, just get us home and get the car in the garage” and “Thank you, Lord, that you will get us home safely.”

The car sputtered and stopped several times, but each time Jack got it going again. About a block and a half from our home, the van came to a stop, and it seemed that it might not move again. Jack kept trying and I kept praying and soon we were underway again. As we approached our house, I continued to ask God to get us safely parked the garage. Our driveway  has a steep incline, but the van made it up the hill and into the garage.

Thanks to God that we had started out with a full tank of gas. About an eighth of the tank leaked out in the six-mile, thirty-minute trip home.

This morning Jack called the car dealership and arranged for the van to be towed to the shop for repair. He told the wrecker dispatcher that he would move the car from the garage to the street. However, when he tried to start the car, it wouldn’t start. The tow truck driver had to push the van out to the street to load on the truck.

I wasn’t surprised. After all, I had not asked God for the car to start again. I had asked Him to get us home and safely in the garage. That’s exactly what He did!

photo credit: Mark-Hobbs

Related Posts:A “Good Samaritan” MomentNot-So-Random Acts of KindnessHealing Miracles: Part 1—Why Am I Surprised?A Tale of Two Companies: the Worst and the BestHappy 44th Anniversary to Us!Powered by Contextual Related PostsGod’s Protection and Answered Prayer was first posted on August 10, 2012 at 11:01 pm.
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Make a Micro-Loan for Free

[image error]Kiva is a great charity that makes micro-loans to entrepreneurs around the world. The loans are funded by donors, and when the loan is repaid, the donor can use the funds to make another loan or withdraw the money. I have loaned the same $25 over and over again.

Currently a sponsor is offering a free trial so you can loan the sponsor;s money and see how Kiva works. Kiva always gives you the opportunity to do a lot of good with a small investment. Now you can do good without putting up any of your own money, Naturally, the repayment will go to the sponsor and not to you, but by that time you’ll probably be ready to make your own donation.I hope you’ll take advantage of this generous offer to give Kiva a try.

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Texas, My Home

If you live in Texas like I do, you’ll recognize the scenes and music. If you don’t live in Texas … you can see what you’re missing!

Related Posts:Hallelujah!Video: I Saw God Today, George StraitIndependence Day: God Bless the USAWho Am I?How Great Thou ArtPowered by Contextual Related PostsTexas, My Home was first posted on July 31, 2012 at 12:48 am.
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Not-So-Random Acts of Kindness

We often hear about rude people, unhelpful staff members in business, and negative individuals. But I’ve been noticing recently that more often than not people are polite, staff members in businesses I frequent are helpful, and individuals I encounter are positive.

Many people practice random acts of kindness, but Jack and I are often the recipients of  acts of kindness that are not random at all. The people who perform these kind acts do them regularly, not randomly. I want to express my appreciation for all the acts of kindness that people do for us.

Here are some recent examples (in no particular order):

Vicki, the cashier at WalMart, loaded my groceries in a shopping cart rather than in the basket of the scooter I was using, took the groceries to the car, and transferred them from the cart to my car.
Every time she sees that I have a deposit slip made out, our home helper Betsy volunteers to go to my bank on her way home to make a deposit to save me a trip.
Peter, a friend who is a plumber came over to help us get a bi-fold door back on track … and brought dinner as well.
Elizabeth, the secretary at our church, calls us weekly to check up on us.
Our priest, Father Chip, brings Communion to our home since we aren’t able to attend church regularly.
A nurse at our doctor’s office, Victoria, brings a chair into her cubby so I can sit while she’s taking Jack’s vital signs.
Both our physician’s assistant, Carly, and the home health nurse, Eddie, write out prescriptions for us to keep at home to help Jack remember their instructions.
When my computer was infected with a virus over the weekend, Rainer, our computer tech, came to my office on Saturday afternoon to pick up the computer and take it to his shop to start running scans so I could have it back Monday morning so I could meet a deadline.
Jan, my associate, checked my email daily while I was recovering from surgery.
Several people, including my client Shawne, our friend Peter, and fellow parishioners Tracy and Christie, brought meals to us following my surgery.
My sister Nancy went with me to surgery and stayed with us several nights during my recovery to help, in addition to bringing food and helping us whenever she visits.
Jack’s brother David stayed with Jack while I was in surgery and  helps us whenever we need assistance.

These are just a few examples off the top of my head–I know I have not remembered everything.

My vow is to do more acts of kindness for others and especially to notice and appreciate the acts of kindness others do for us.

Have you experienced or performed random or not-so-random acts of kindness lately?

photo credit: mrsdkrebs

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The Whys, Wherefores, and How-tos of Guest Posts

About once a month, you’ll see a guest post here. I enjoy publishing guest posts because it gives my readers and me an opportunity to learn something new or to discover a different perspective.

The guest bloggers benefit by getting a link or two to their own blog or website, as well as exposure to an entirely different audience.

It’s easy to see that a guest post that provides valuable information that readers want to know can benefit both the guest poster and the blog owner. However, guest posts that don’t benefit the blog readers are a waste of time for everyone.

I frequently receive emails from bloggers wanting to submit a guest post and have established guidelines to help bloggers submit a proposal for a guest post that will interest me enough to invite the requester to submit a post.

Although the guidelines are specific for my blog, you may find them useful if you want to guest post on other blogs or if you want to accept guest posts on your own blog.

Here are some of my best tips for submitting a request to guest post:

Posts should be on a topic relevant to the particular blog. That seems so obvious, I shouldn’t need to mention it. Unfortunately, I get requests all the time from people who want to post about their subject matter that is nothing I cover on this blog. In my guidelines, I list the kinds of topics that are appropriate here. You should familiarize yourself with the blog you’re requesting to guest post so you know what is appropriate and likely to be of interest.
Also understand the readership of the blog so that not only the topic, but also the tone of the guest post fits well with other posts in the blog. If the blog is business-like and professional, don’t submit a casual, chatty post.  If the readership is young and hip, your writing style should be suitable for those readers.
When you approach the blogger, make it easy for her by using a subject line that lets her know what your message is about—”Request to Guest Post,” or “Proposal for Guest Post,” for example.
Don’t tell a professional writer or blogger that you can provide with good, free content and she won’t have to write anything. If I didn’t enjoy writing blog posts, I wouldn’t do it. And I hope my readers are getting good content from my writing, so “good, free content” isn’t enough to appeal to me. Some people sound like they’re doing me a big favor by offering to write a guest post. Certainly a good guest post will benefit me … but it also benefit the writer.
Indicate how your post will be useful to the blog readers and why you are the best person to write it. “I notice that you often post information on caring for houseplants on your blog, but I haven’t seen anything about orchids. My hobby is growing orchids, and I have won several awards. I would like to share the five most important things you need to do to make the blooms last.”
Offer to show up on the day the post appears to respond to comments. Some of my guest bloggers miss out on some valuable feedback because they don’t come back to answer questions or reply to comments.
If you have more than one topic that you think would be a good match for the blog, let the blogger know so she can decide which is best for her audience.
When the blogger approves your guest post, write the best piece you possibly can. After all, you’re guest posting to get exposure for your own blog. You want it to be great exposure of your very best work!
Expect that the blogger will edit the post—especially if she’s a professional editor! I will never make significant changes to a submission without returning it to the writer for review, but I will make minor corrections and style changes so the post fits my blog.
Follow the submission instructions. If the blogger requests a special email subject line or asks your post to meet certain criteria, do what she asks. You’ll definitely increase your chances of having your guest post accepted.

If you are a blogger who accepts guest posts, what other guidelines do you have for guest posters?

If you want to submit a guest posts to anther blog, what do you think is most important in gaining the blogger’s interest?

photo credit: aaron_anderer

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Guest Post: How to Get Over Writer’s Block by Christine Kane

Tax Day, Wednesdays, long lines, bumper-to-bumper traffic are just a few things most people prefer not to deal with. Everyone has their own pet peeve and a less-than-thrilling activity that gets under their skin. For writers, go ahead and add writer’s block to that list. It’s that moment where you have hit a wall and your words seems to be sitting on your tongue and like a cranky child, those words refuse to listen. You know what you want to say but you can’t. It is the most frustrating and irritating feeling, so many thoughts and so few words. Before you face plant your keyboard, here are a few tricks to get around that pesky little block:

Stop what you are doing. Immediately. Step away from the computer. Take a break; you may need just a five-minute break or a whole day’s worth. If you feel yourself getting frustrated and hitting that block, remember to just walk away.
Work on a different task. Whether you have some house chores, work emails, or online shopping to attend to, do so. Getting your mind off of your current project will relieve that stress.
Read something. Doesn’t matter what kind of writer you are, whether you write short stories or funny blogs, find something else to read. Read your favorite blogger or your favorite author. This can help trigger some ideas and thoughts.
Get creative. Writing is an art form, whether or not your mom agrees with you. Use that block to channel your other creative juices. Paint, color, design—you never know what will inspire you!
Take a shower. Literally. How many times have you had that perfect idea pop in your head during your bath time? Get squeaky clean and relax your body, which in return will relax your brain.
Work out. Release those endorphins and shed a few pounds. Something as simple as a 30-minute walk can get your blood going and those positive feelings flowing.

The key to handling writer’s block is to take a deep breath, walk away, and relax. Forcing yourself to write will never bring good words together. Accept it. Writer’s block is a hazard of your occupation; it comes with the job title. Don’t beat yourself up over that little block; just give it a little time and voilà! You will be back to wordsmithing in no time. Good luck and happy writing!

Author Bio

This guest post is by Christine Kane from Internet Service Providers. She is a graduate of Communication and Journalism. She enjoys writing about a wide variety of subjects for different blogs. She can be reached via email at: Christi.Kane00 @ gmail.com.

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©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 June 2012 Commenters

Thank you to the 66 commenters who left 97 comments in 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 (7-8 comments)


Maja
Alls Fashion


Jane
Recover Deleted Files


Major Contributors (5-6 comments)


Dawn Colclasure
Dawn Colclasure’s Blog


Carolyn Howard-Johnson
How to Do It Frugally


Outstanding Contributors (2-3 comments)


Brian
Medigap Group


Christopher Roberts
Christopher Roberts


Alexander Kaub
Alexander Kaub


Azam
Fashions Trend


Darlene
Empowermint


Drew Yujs
All About Words Book Editing Services


Leo
Account Salary Info/CPA


Mary
n/a


Matt Keegan
Word Journey


Mercy
Learn How to Make Money Freelancing Online


Sam
Pushkar Tour


Significant Contributors


Abiodun
WikiNairi


Aimee
Aubudhabi Central


Alex
n/a


Alex
Div X Forums


Ash
PANAS GILER!!


Chris
Kopie obrazów


Craig
Riverbend Retreat


David
BK Personal Injury Law


David
Target Audience Online


David Abramson
Excite Steps


Debra Chapoton
Edge of Escape


Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
Author Desire Lesire Brandmeyer


Doris Plaster
Hold My Hand


Elsa
Épilation lumière pulsée


Gerard Chen
Hyggeonkel


Heidi Jenkins
n/a


jack
Best WordPress Hosting


Jack
Principal Technologies


Jack Noel
n/a


James
All Louisiana


James
MLM Lead Specialist


Jane
Migration Expert


Jeremy
Holyrood Hotel


John
Cheap Motor Homes


Justin
All Insurance Directory


Karen Swim
Karen Swim


Kate
n/a


Katie
Saturday Night Jive


Laurent
Où acheter ?


Lexi Ryann
Gout Diet


Lisa Vella
Getting It Write for You


Lita
Savon noir liquide


Lori
Words on the Page


Mark Cork
Price Compare Hotels


Matthew
Chat-MCK


merry
RITM Scenar


Mikael
Hus Plus Have


Olivia
Ventilauer de plafond


Paloma
Pergola Bioclimatique


Paul
Gold Coaster


Sam
Feather Friendly


Shonali
Anniversary Gifts


Simon
How to Speed Up Your Mac


Steve
Markham Office


Steve Harper
Ripple Central


Ted
Part Time Ted


Will
Christian Dating Gateway



Related Posts:National Human Trafficking Awareness DayThanks to May 2012 CommentersThe Taylors Coming to VisitWhat are your prices for writing and editing services … and how much value do you give?Thanks to April 2012 CommentersPowered by Contextual Related PostsThanks to June 2012 Commenters was first posted on July 13, 2012 at 11:04 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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Review: Submission

Submission: Heeding Only His Voice by zeke lam


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Zeke Lam contends that the biggest problem in the Church today is the lack of submission to the will of God. Instead of being transformed by the renewing of their minds, too many Christians are conformed to the world. Even many churches are selective in what parts of the Word of God they believe and practice. Putting personal opinion and desire above God’s Word is idolatry just as much as wooden idols of earlier times. Our purpose in life is to bring glory to God, and we can do that only when we submit our lives to His will. Often we don’t understand why we go through trials and tribulations, but that’s because we don’t see the big picture. And sometimes when we have success, we take the credit for it ourselves when in truth we can do nothing on our own without the help of God.

I highly recommend this book to Christians who want to deepen their relationship with the Lord.





View all my reviews

Disclosure: I received an electronic review copy from the author’s publicist, but that in no way influenced my review.

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Happy Birthday, America!

Today as we celebrate Independence Day, let us remember the sacrifices of our founding fathers and of those who have fought for our freedom throughout our history.

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

Related Posts:Endowed by our Creator …Flag Day and Honor America Days 2011National Day of Prayer 2008National Day of Prayer 2009Remembering 9/11Powered by Contextual Related PostsHappy Birthday, America! was first posted on July 4, 2012 at 12:07 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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