Anthem Lights

 Anthem lights are one of my and my daughters favorite bands so writing about them was so easy to do

My absolute favorite song  is the wedding Medley If I ever got married again I would def use this medley as I am walking down the aisle. 

Another favorite is 10,000 reason - when my strength is failing, I want to be sure that I am praising and worshiping like never before in my life. My friend who passed had this at her funeral and it was so powerful. 

One of my absolute favorite songs in the christian world is "How Great Thou Art" and they sing it so powerfully. 

 I would like to share that coming very soon is an animated series for kids or adults which is a new venture for Pure flix.  Check back here to this blog very soon for more details on the animated series and also a giveaway for a 3 month subscription to Pure flix. 

 #AnthemLightsMIN

 #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

 #PureFlix

Sons of Thunder

Combat vet Simon motorcycles across the country, working odd jobs, helping those God puts in his path, and trying to atone for past sins in a biker club.

Simon is an inspiration because after all he went thru he still found the strength to keep going  and he is always asking everyone he meets "Do You Know Jesus", as people are today some would scowl or give him a weird look but he would keep asking. 

Little recap of each episode: 

Episode 1: Mi Casa Es Su Casa — Simon prevents cartel soldiers from kidnapping a local rancher’s son.
Episode 2: The Blind Fighting the Blind — Simon’s new boss has a temper that threatens to destroy his family and his marriage.
Episode 3: Hunter Hunted — After hitting a deer with his motorcycle, Simon is given a place to stay by a woman who’s game ranch is plagued by poachers.
Episode 4: Time and Chance — When Simon’s bike is stolen, the only way for him to get it back is in a poker game.
Episode 5: Deep Water — Simon runs out of money and gets a job with a widowed boat captain, taking clients out into the gulf to catch fish.
Episode 6: Brother’s Keeper Part 1 — When Simon’s bike breaks down, he’s forced to repair it at a shop owned by the sleazy president of a local biker club.
Episode 6: Brother’s Keeper Part 2 — Simon continues work at the bike shop. But when his old club rolls into town, Simon has to let go and move on, or confront his past.

After my Christmas trip was cancelled due to covid restrictions, I knew I would need something to occupy me and so I binge watched this and could not get enough.  I am thrilled that a new spin off show called " Sons of Thunder: Redemption" and I cannot wait til this one is out so I can binge this one. 

Here  is how you can watch it #SonsOfThunderMIN

Moving House As A Family: Things To Consider'

 Moving house is always a big deal as there’s just so much that you need to think about and consider. The truth is that the process of moving house can be a huge deal, as it’s such a complex process, from deciding where you’re going to move to and finding a house that fits your family’s needs as well as your budget, to the process of actually packing up your current home, there’s a lot to think about and take into account. 

When you’re moving house as a family, it becomes even more stressful than moving house on your own, because there’s just so much more that you need to think about and consider as it’s no longer just you anymore - there’s a lot more to think about and take into account when moving house. 

Photo source: Pixabay

Wondering what steps you can take to make the process a smoother one - and what you need to think about and consider? Below is a guide to everything that you need to know to make moving house with a family in tow a little easier and less stressful. 

Check out the area 

When it comes to moving house with your family in tow, there’s a lot more to think about than simply choosing a new home for yourself, especially when it comes to the area in which you’re going to move to. Naturally, you want (and need) to choose an area that is going to be a good fit for your family and offers a range of essential amenities - read more online about specific areas to understand if they’re going to be the right fit for you and your family. Don’t rush into choosing an area - always take the time to learn as much as you possibly can about the area as you can, to make sure that it’s right for your family.  A community that employs homeless encampment cleanup services to maintain public spaces and support local well-being, as one example, is often a good choice—reflecting a commitment to cleanliness, safety, and proactive community care.

Find the right property for your family 

The next step is to take the time to think about what kind of property you and your family want and need. Ask yourself: why are you leaving your current home? What is it that your current home doesn’t have that you wish it had to offer you - more space, a bigger family area, a better location? Think about why you’re leaving your current home when selecting potential properties to move to, so that you’re able to find a home that is a better fit for you. 

Reduce the stress of moving 

The process of moving can be rather stressful, which is why it’s important that you take steps to remove that stress. This means thinking about the steps that you can take to make moving house less stressful for everyone, such as saging a house , doing all of the packing as early as possible to avoid a last-minute rush, and hiring a professional moving service to deal with the actual process of moving. It’s also worth thinking about color coding your boxes, so that the local removalists can easily identify where each box should go, and when you arrive at your new home, it’s easier to unpack everything.

The process of moving house can be exceedingly stressful, but if you take the right approach, it doesn’t have to be. 

The 6 Phases Of Addiction Recovery

 

The process of recovering from a medical condition that's been eating you alive is not easy. If you're anyone eager to learn, do the research first. You might even turn to Google and type "What does it mean to be sober?" or "What are the phases of recovery?" The most straightforward way to sum things up would be to say that it is a big decision and demands a massive lifestyle change.

However, a life free from addiction may feel like a long shot for someone who is in recovery or considering addiction treatment services. But once you are ready to stop using such harmful substances, you will have to go through a few phases of addiction recovery. It is essential to understand these phases aren't just a 'fling.' They were identified by SAD researchers Carlo DiClemente and James Prochaska. Each of these phases will encourage you or a loved one to foster a positive change and help create a more defined path towards recovery.

So without further ado, let's take a closer look at the six phases of recovery and what each stage entails.

So without further ado, let's take a closer look at the six phases of recovery and what each stage entails.

Phase 1: Treatment initiation

When you seek help from a professional rehabilitation program, such as the program offered here at Honey Lake Clinic, you enter the first phase of your regeneration - treatment initiation. In the early days of your rehab, you will have mixed feelings about indefinitely abstaining from your drug of choice. You may also believe your issue is not as severe as others. Be cautious of this attitude. In the early recovery phases, hesitation and denial can be your worst enemies.
 

At this point in treatment, the goal is to assist patients in deciding to participate in treatment activities and recognize that abstinence is the primary objective. Change may appear intimidating to someone contemplating or in this phase of recovery. However, long-term recovery is possible. Facilities such as the Fusion Recovery Centers offer a series of personalized treatments suitable for all addiction levels.  Furthermore, a patient's substance abuse history will help during this phase. The treatment program will work with the patient to cultivate a plan.

Phase 2: Pre-contemplation 

People are uninterested in seeking help during the pre-contemplative phase of change because they are not considering the need for change. At this point, an addict is likely to become defensive and rationalize their substance use. When working with patients in the pre-contemplative phase, the recovery team assists them in moving towards contemplation by shifting their emphasis on control. This involves helping them become more mindful of the actual penalties of their addiction. The treatment team will also employ psychosocial interventions to assist the patient in contemplating the possibility of a transformation.

Phase 3: Contemplation

Patients in the contemplative phase are aware of the personal implications of their addiction and spend time reflecting on it. At this point, an addict may be open to discussing the impact of their addiction. Still, they are hesitant to make a change. The treatment team will continue to use motivational interviewing techniques to assist the patient in envisioning new options for their life and potential steps to gain freedom from active addiction during the contemplative phase.

Phase 4: Preparation

During the preparation phase, the person's vitality grows, making realistic plans for their recovery. This can include them promising to stay abstinent or even entering rehab. This phase is all about preparing for recovery and devising a strategy to achieve it. The person can progress to the next stage by selecting a specific day, month, or year. They may have mixed emotions about making these arrangements. Still, once they commit to taking action, the next step usually goes quite comfortably.

Phase 5: Action

At this point, real change – that is, a behavioral change – begins. Many addicts start the action phase in a residential or detox treatment center, where medical professionals guide them through the early stages of recovery. At this phase, a patient will seek treatment for the underlying causes of their addiction. Individual and group therapy help people apprehend addiction and themselves better. In contrast, alternative or complementary therapies encourage holistic wellness and aid in recovery. The action phase will also provide patients with healthy, proactive coping strategies for dealing with triggers and stress, allowing them to progress through the last stage without relapse.

Phase 6: Maintenance & termination

Every change requires time and dedication to maintain. A person begins to adjust to their new substance-free lifestyle during the maintenance and termination phase. As patients regain control of their lives, reverting to old habits becomes less of a threat. After maintenance, the ultimate goal is termination. A person with substance use disorder no longer perceives their substance of choice as a threat. At this point, they are comfortable and confident living a life free of addiction.

Conclusion

Safe to say, addiction recovery is a lengthy process that demands commitment and changes in many aspects of a person's life. These six phases of recovery can help people with substance abuse disorders find the motivation to change their habits, learn the benefits of recovery, and be on their way to becoming a new person. It is also essential to know you are free just because you've gone through the phases of recovery. Like heart disease or diabetes, addiction is a chronic condition that demands continuous control. To develop a thorough aftercare plan, go to AA meetings, build a support network, discover some new hobbies, or do anything that keeps you away from a relapse.

How To Save A Significant Amount Of Money On Your Monthly Outgoings

 A family getaway or a more stable bank balance are both worthy goals, but saving money isn't always easy. Saving money sometimes means giving up indulgences like takeout or a night out, and adhering to this new constraint can be challenging. However, there are several really basic yet highly effective ways to save a significant amount of money on your monthly payments. Not only that, but there are also ways that you may even be able to make some extra money to give you a little more to play with; from online surveys, to games that pay real money, the internet is full of opportunities to explore. If, however, you simply want to save some money, take a look at the tips below and start taking those first steps towards better financial management.

https://unsplash.com/photos/tn57JI3CewI 

Educate Yourself About Finances

Unfortunately, managing finance and being good with money isn’t taught in most schools. 
But this is a skill that we can all do with, especially now. It isn’t all bad news though 
because there are tons of free and powerful resources available to anyone. 
For instance, most banks, such as Evolve Bank & Trust, have YouTube channels 
with informative videos for making the most of your cash and being more responsible.

No matter your age, these kinds of videos can help you manage debt, navigate the

banking system and make your money work for you. Taking expensive courses isn’t an

option for everyone, so whether young or older, check these out and help yourself

secure a safer college life and a more secure future.

One of the best things you can do is learn how to budget. From looking at the cost of

utilities like gas, electricity, and American Water to understanding how much it costs to

live with things like groceries and self-care needs. Once you learn how to do this, you can

start to become more financially secure. 

Include the kids in the process.

Why not involve your children in the process of saving money? After all, raising a child is an expensive endeavor. Your kids probably want money for new toys or a weekend outing with pals, so rather than just handing it over, assign them jobs to earn it. In addition to the fact that you won't have had to hire a cleaning service, your home will be spotless.

In order to reduce your energy consumption, you might also consider using a laundry service. Appliances such as your washer and dryer consume a lot of electricity, and it may be more cost-effective to utilize a laundry service rather than doing your own laundry in some cases, particularly for delicate things that require special care when washing.

Treat yourself once a month

Having to give up the things you enjoy in order to save money is a necessary sacrifice. But if you don't appreciate this new phase of your life, you'll likely break and wind up overspending. Like letting yourself a small amount of money for your guilty pleasure will help you avoid spending too much money and ending up back at square one again.

Invest to save

Investing your money might be a necessary step towards making money. This is also true when it comes to saving money! Investing in items such as:

1. Solar panels can help you save a significant amount of money. While initially costly, they pay for themselves eventually. Not only that, but your utility bills will be significantly reduced, particularly during the summer!

2. Greener home appliances like your freezer and hairdryer will dramatically lower your electricity usage. Purchasing energy-efficient home appliances will lower your monthly utility expenditures.

3. A vegetable patch and an intelligent watering system will eliminate the need to purchase expensive organic food from the supermarket, as you will be growing it yourself! You can use a smart irrigation system to aid with all aspects of your garden, so you know it's a good investment.

Purchase supermarket-brand food

We understand that we all have our favorite meals that we can't live without, but do you really need to stick to well-known brands while shopping for food? Many stores sell nearly identical food under their own labels, which are always cheaper than branded names. Consider your typical loaf of bread. Is there a noticeable difference between the two, and if there is, will switching to a different brand have any effect? Purchasing supermarket-branded products will cut your weekly food costs in half!

Develop better financial habits.

It's all well and good to save, but if you're not excellent with money to begin with, there's a risk you'll slip up and fall back into the same rut. That's why it's critical to develop better money habits as soon as possible! Some instances are as follows:

1. Always know how much money you have in your bank. Despite the fact that you may not like the balance, you will be able to detect if something has been removed that shouldn't have been.

2. Cancel any direct debits that aren't being used or that you don't want. Things like magazine subscriptions and gym memberships should not be kept if you do not require/want them.

3. Consider your options carefully before making a significant purchase. After giving it some serious thought, most people realize that they no longer want to spend the money they've saved up.

4. Ask your bank for a better savings account. Higher interest rates, restricted overdrafts, and even difficulty getting funds may result in easier saving and harder spending.

Take a look at your credit score

Finally, pay close attention to your credit score! Many individuals are apprehensive of it because of the language that has been linked with it. Today's credit check firms, on the other hand, have made it easier than ever before for you to access your credit score and work on improving it. Clearscore is a free program that will help you accomplish just that! Not only that, but it will also assist you in making changes that will help you boost your credit score!

A strong credit score equates to sound financial habits, which makes saving money easier than ever.

5 Harmless Brightening Agents For A Healthier-Looking Skin

 

Source

Although it may be hard to admit, how our skin appears and feels can have a drastic effect on our self-esteem and confidence. Skin is the largest organ of the human body, and perhaps the first feature people notice when they meet us.

A theory developed by Didier Anzieu called ‘Skin-Ego’ theory describes the science and relation between skin and self-confidence in detail. The theory suggests our skin is a crucial part of our identity. Its health impacts our psyche and self-esteem. People who are comfortable in their skin view themselves and the world in a positive light, radiating a kind of energy that attracts people around them. In contrast, those who lack this self-confidence tend to shy away from social interactions and everyday tasks, fearing judgment and criticism. Thus, giving our skin the attention and care it deserves is necessary for our physical and mental well-being. 

The question remains, how does one devise a skincare routine to make them look and feel good? Especially nowadays when we have tons of skincare products available in the market promising unrealistic results. Not only do these cost a lot, but they also contain harmful ingredients any person would have a hard time pronouncing. To help you initiate your skincare journey on the right foot, we have compiled a list of all-natural and organic ingredients with known skincare benefits. These will undoubtedly give you radiant, healthy-looking skin in no time. 

1. Glutathione

An ingredient that you should keep an eye out for is glutathione. Ranging from its antioxidant properties to its anti-melanogenic effects, the benefits of glutathione are endless. It helps reduce the production of melanin within the skin. Several scientific studies claim it is a wonder drug for skin lightening. Not only does it help combat wrinkles by increasing the skin’s elasticity, but it also reduces dark spots and prevents hyperpigmentation. Glutathione supplements are a wise choice for anyone concerned with skin health and well-being. Since you cannot ingest the chemical orally because of the action of intestinal enzymes, the most reliable way to administer glutathione is through IV supplementation. 

2. Kojic acid 

Another antioxidant that has proven helpful in fighting discoloration and dark spots is a chelation agent derived from several species of fungi called kojic acid. This white crystalline powder is an all-natural and harmless substitute for hydroquinone, a controversial drug in skincare. Its anti-microbial properties allow it to fight off bacterial strains responsible for causing acne and rashes. At the same time, its anti-fungal properties are effective against yeast infections, candidiasis, and athlete’s foot disease caused by ringworm. Several over-the-counter topical creams are containing kojic acid are available in the market and can deliver visible results in a week or two. Doctors may recommend a glycolic acid treatment side by side if the scarring is too dark for better results. 

3. Indian gooseberry

From skin burns to rashes, conventional chemical skin brighteners are known to have damaging effects on the skin in the long run. Research conducted by Dr. Zoe Draelos on extracts from a plant called Phyllanthus Emblica, or more commonly known as Indian Gooseberry, revealed the plant possessed healing properties. These properties were equivalent to or even better than those present in well-known and pricy skin brighteners. By helping the skin retain its natural moisture and protecting it against oxidative stress, Emblica allows the skin to age slowly and gracefully. Its high Vitamin C content combats fine lines and wrinkles by encouraging collagen and elastin production. Indian gooseberry is available in powdered form or as capsules as a dietary supplement. 

4. Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 or niacinamide is a stable vitamin proven to be a valuable ingredient in fighting signs of aging. Vitamin B3 promotes the production of ceramides and elastin, both of which are essential components of the skin’s protective barrier. A strong protective shield allows the skin to defend itself against external irritants and acne-causing bacteria. While the detailed effect of niacinamide on the skin isn’t known, it is evident that it tames down the sebaceous glands in the skin. Thus, regulating oil production and minimizing pore appearance.

Moreover, a study conducted in 2015 showed regular intake of niacinamide could protect against non-melanoma skin cancers. When topically applied, niacinamide converts into NAD – Nicotinamide Adenine Linaclotide. With its free-radical fighting and antioxidant properties, NAD can reverse DNA damage caused by environmental pollution and UV radiation. For visible results, dermatologists recommend using leave-in products like serums, toners, moisturizers, and lotions containing this miraculous vitamin. 

5. Licorice extract

A typical everyday ingredient with more skin benefits than you can imagine is licorice. Licorice root contains a chemical called glycyrrhizin that works miracles against skin inflammation. Not only can it combat redness and itchiness, but it is also effective against persisting skin problems like atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis. Research has also proven licorice has antioxidant properties that guard your skin against sun damage and premature aging. While licorice can be taken as a dietary supplement, using skincare products with licorice root as an active ingredient provide more effective results. 

Conclusion

Mentioned above are a few of the many ingredients which promote healthy and nourished skin. Taking care of your skin and establishing a skincare routine doesn’t necessarily have to be complicated. The key to determining which ingredients and products will work best for you is to know your skin type. From oily and dry to combination and acne-prone skin, all have different requirements that need to be kept in mind. If you aren’t 100% sure, it is worth a quick trip to your local dermatologist. Once you know your skin in detail, you’ll know what ingredients to choose and what to avoid in your everyday regimen. With some consistency and patience, you will see visible results!