Anne Wilson - Gaining Strength In The Face of Tragedy

 #AnneWilson #AnneWilsonMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

I'm a fairly new fan of Anne Wilson's.  A few months ago I was listening to music on Facebook Watch while I was cooking breakfast and this new voice popped up. It immediately caught my attention. A new voice and a song I had never heard. The song was My Jesus. Anne's voice is unique as are her songs. I am an eclectic kind of music lover. I listen to many genres across many decades. Among those is faith based music, songs I grew up hearing as well as songs that touch my heart. My Jesus was a song that caught my attention right away and I wanted to know the story behind it. It wasn't long before I found a video of Anne talking about the tragedy that was a turning point in her life.

Anne has talked about having aspirations to work for NASA from a very young age. When she was only 15 she faced a heartache many of us can't imagine - her older brother was killed in an automobile accident. In those hours and days following that devastating news, as she and her family were processing it and trying plan the funeral, music and her faith in God played a huge part in altering the course of her life. Although she had played piano, she had never performed in public. She found the strength to play and sing for the first time at her brothers funeral. That is a strength I can not even imagine! Born from the tragedy was a complete turn from the direction she thought she was going, to a couple of years of writing,  recording, connecting with others who would be instrumental along the way and producing a record-breaking album. Among the achievements thus far:

Anne Wilson is the first female solo artist debut single to reach #1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart

The debut single and title track “My Jesus” was the longest #1 single on Billboard’s Christian Air-play chart of 2021 at 7 weeks total

“My Jesus” was nominated for a 2022 Billboard Music Award for “Top Christian Song” . The awards will broadcast live coast-to-coast on May 15 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on NBC. It will also stream live on Peacock.

“My Jesus” Hit #1 on Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 and #19 on the Rolling Stone Top 25 Trending charts

Anne Wilson was featured as Billboard’s October 2021 Chartbreaker Artist in their 21 Under 21 issue

The album features 15 tracks 

1. Prelude (Scatter)

2. Scatter

3. My Jesus

4.  Devil

5. Sunday Sermons

6. Hey Girl

7. This House

8. Mansions

9. Mamas (with Hillary Scott)

10. No Place Like Home

11. God Thing

12. That’s What We Need

13. Something About That Name

14. Closer To God

15. My Jesus (feat. Crowder)

From the opening notes of the Prelude, the drum beats of Scatter, the soul stirring words of My Jesus, the reminiscence of the impactful days of being in church when young in Sunday Sermons, all the way through the closing strains of Closer To God, Anne Wilson's album is an upbeat, soul stirring reflection of her faith, a witness statement that we are not alone, even during difficult moments. I encourage you to check out the My Jesus album. You can stream or purchase it at many of the popular sites.

You can also enter to win an autographed copy of the album by entering on the Rafflecopter below! No purchase is necessary and the giveaway is in no way sponsored or connected to Facebook, Twitter, or any other site/page. Enter now! The Giveaway ends at 12:00 AM on May 6th, 2022

                                                             a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE:  Many thanks to Universal Music Group for providing a sample of the product for this review. 

Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Standing For Your Health While You Work

It's been a really strange time for many people. In he blink of an eye, many who worked long hours in an office, suddenly found themselves trying to do their work from home. People were rearranging their spaces at home, adjusting their schedules around home, family, child care, even grocery shopping and toilet paper became things to worry about. 

Now that business is opening back up, many will return to their offices, some will opt to continue to work and school from home. Either choice likely means long hours of sitting at a desk or table, staring at a computer screen. It has long been known that sitting for long periods of time can have serious health implications. Circulation issues, blood clots and diabetes complications are just a few things that can be detrimentally affected by sitting.

Taking breaks helps, but many feel they don't have the time to stops working to move around. A standing desk is an answer for many. I received this Adjustable Standing Desk to try and I found it to be a great solution to sitting down for too long.  

The desk comes pre-assembled and is ready to use right out of the box. I was able to handle the desk on my own without any problem. It isn't terribly heavy, however it is a bit bulky and moving it and lifting it onto a surface may be a two person job for some.

There are handles on each side that you use to adjust the desk height up and down. It moves very smoothly and you can move it to a comfortable level for your height. 

The desk has a roomy surface area that accommodates your work tools. The top area can fit two monitors and there is a lower keyboard platform so you can work ergonomically to prevent pain to your hands and wrists. he frame is sturdy metal and there are rubber feet to prevent damage to surfaces. 

 Over the years and long before we were made to lock down, the ever increasing use of computers to do our jobs, health issues were a concern. The increased risks of blood clots, circulation problems, heart problems, increased issues for diabetics and weight gain are results of sitting and being sedentary. Being able to move and stand up can benefit you in many ways. The Standing Desk is comfortable to use and for many, it is an affordable way to improve your work area in a way that benefits your health while maintaining a continuous work flow. You can check this one out over on the Kyasi website.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Disclaimer: The Happy Clown With A Frown received a product to facilitate this review. No oher compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own based on my usage of the product. 

Don't Fear The Fingerprints with Trinova Stainless Steel Cleaner

<a href="https://www.tomoson.com?code=TOP209eace25bc1033ecc9f83b92d77d9b8" rel="nofollow" style="display: none;"></a>

sponsored post

Stainless Steel Cleaner

Do you ever look at certain colors or surfaces and you first thought goes to how well dirt or fingerprints would show up on that?  I know I do.. Dark colored and white cars, outdoor surfaces, wall paints, light colored counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Several years ago when stainless started becoming a an option, our son was still little and I would cringe at the thought of the messy smudges that would have presented. Not that our solid white one was any better! A couple years ago though my mother-in-law got a new fridge and she got it in stainless. As luck would have it, I now have a stainless counter ice maker as well as a mini fridge. I have since learned that with just a little care, stainless isn't so bad! 

 I was honored to be chosen to give Trinova Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish a try. I have tried a few of their other products and have been very impressed, so I had fairly high expectations for this product. It has exceeded them. With the word "polish" in the name I wasn't sure if it would require more elbow power or if there would be extra steps in the process. 

Nope. This is almost as easy as it can get. When you first get it, you do have to insert the sprayer into the bottle since it is shipped unattached to prevent the product from leaking. There is a large 14 " x 14" microfiber cloth included so right out of the package, you're pretty much ready to spray and go. 

The first thing I noticed was that the cleaner doesn't smell bad. It's actually a pleasant scent that doesn't irritate or make you want to hold your breath and run from the room as soon as you're finished. It sprays very easily and a little goes a long way. That's great because the bottle is 16 ounces and it should last for a lot of cleaning.

The microfiber cloth is a great size and you don't have to worry about not being able to hang onto it and it doesn't roll up under your hand like smaller cloths. The size also allows you to clean and buff the surface without needing a second cloth to finish up, unless you're dealing with a REALLY dirty surface and it were to get too saturated. :o 

The cleaner cleans away dirt, grease, smudges and marks from the surface and leaves it polished and shiny without steaks. I love that for the ice maker! Sometimes when removing the basket, Water drips down the side and I miss it  until it's a dry streaky line. 

We have a stainless steel grill so I think my husband will like how easy this is to use too. You can find Trinova Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish as well as their other products on Amazon and on their website.  

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Disclosure: The Happy Clown With A Frown was provided with the product mentioned above for the purpose of testing. No other compensation was received. The opinions stated are my own and are based on my usage of the product.


<a href="https://www.tomoson.com?code=BOTTOM209eace25bc1033ecc9f83b92d77d9b8" rel="nofollow" style="display: none;"></a>

The Hardest Moment I've Ever Faced As A Mom

I keep looking at the clock. The hours and minutes keep ticking by and I am powerless to stop them. Each tick of the hands brings us closer to the moment when we have to let our son go. We knew this moment would come but it is SO much harder than I thought it would be. Just thinking of it makes me start weeping all over again. He enlisted in the Army last year while still a Senior in high school so it's not like it was a sudden surprise. I have known. But now the actual day has arrived and I am not okay. I am SO incredibly proud of him, but I am going to miss him SO  much!!

I keep looking at his baby photos, his toddler years, elementary school, thinking of the high school moments, the crazy things we had to deal with for the last several months.... and I can't believe it has been all crammed into 18 years. 

It's what he's wanted since he was little. He never waived in his desire and commitment to join the military and has steadily worked towards his goal. He had studied and read books. He attended our local Sheriff's Youth Leadership Academy twice and completed two years of JROTC, excelling in all of them. He was a Captain and Company Commander in JROTC, made the Rifle Team as well as being in the Color Guard. Being Captain/Company Commander usually put him in charge and he took his responsibility serious. He put in more volunteer hours than was required for a special recognition on his diploma, was accepted into the National Honor Society as well as the National Technical Honor Society.  All while maintaining mostly A's during his Senior year.  We were proud of him for those achievements in and of themselves. We all got a pleasant surprise in learning that his work paid off in enlisting as well. It meant going in at an elevated rank and pay grade. At graduation from the JROTC program he, along with just 4 other cadets were surprised to be presented with a special award - The Hunley Award, making that evening a little more special.

Enlistment Recognition

And it's all led to this moment. After 18 years, I have to let him go. Just like that. I thought I was ready. Now I'm not so sure. I've always tried to be strong for him so he would know to stand tall and be strong and keep going forward. I was the one mom excited and not crying when he started Kindergarten because I found it so exciting that he was going to get to learn. I keep reminding myself this is similar. He will be "adventure learning" and it's what he's worked towards. But I still can't stop the tears. I am trying to keep it together, but I am definitely not doing a good job this time! 

Make Your Outdoor Space The Place to Be

#ad

#OutdoorTV #OutdoorLiving

Summer time. It's the time for BBQ's, gardening, playing in the pool or sprinkler and getting together with family and friends. What does your idea of outdoor living look like? Is it a tropical paradise with lots of plants? A robust space where the family can play table games? An expansive lawn for rough and tumble play? Or maybe you'd like to bring a little of the indoors outside with you. That can be possible with the SunBrite| Veranda Series Outdoor 4K UHD TVs.

These TVs are weatherproof for full shade and covered outdoor living spaces such as covered patios and screened in porches. The powder-coated, rust-proof, aluminum exterior protects internal components from rain, snow, dust, insects, humidity, and salt air. The large weatherproof media bay makes cable connections easy. It has plenty of storage room for many popular media players, and thick gaskets seal out moisture and the elements. They are up to 50% brighter than indoor TVs for improved viewing in brighter outdoor environments. 

The SunBriteTV Veranda is a family of weatherproof televisions designed specifically for outdoor use. They are engineered to withstand most climates in North America, resisting the harsh effects of rain, snow, dust, insects, and extreme temperatures. 


The SunBriteTV Veranda series is available in 43”, 55”, 65” and 75” sizes so there is a TV to fit almost any space. 

#AllWeatherTV #DigitalSignage

Up the ante for any get together! Family movie night with S'mores by the fire pit, watching the big game with your buddies, cook outs and  celebrations. Whether watching movies, sports, streaming your favorite channels or playing a slideshow for your guests, the SunBriteTV Veranda makes outside the best seat in the house!  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a sponsored post and The Happy Clown With A Frown was compensated in exchange for sharing the information contained herein.

SkyRoll Spinner Wheeled Carry-On Suitcase & Garment Bag Giveaway (1 Winner ~ $299 RV) Ends 12/10

SkyRoll Spinner Wheeled Carry-On Suitcase & Garment Bag Giveaway (1 Winner ~ $299 RV) Ends 12/10 

@SMGurusNetwork @SkyRoll_luggage

Welcome to the Get The SkyRoll Spinner Wheeled Carry-On Suitcase & Garment Bag Giveaway!

1 winner

SkyRoll Spinner

$299.00 rv

Click SEE MORE below to enter!

Cutting The Cord Is Easier Than Ever Before

Sponsored Post

@BestBuy @madebygoogle

I remember when my family got our first set top box that brought us the premium channels like HBO, Showtime and Cinemax. Of course we STILL had to trudge across the room to actually turn the knob to change the channels, but I remember thinking it was so cool to watch full length uncut movies. Over time, technology advanced to large cable boxes sitting on the shelf next to the television set and ginormous satellite dishes littering yards. As time went by the cable boxes and satellites got a little smaller, the TVs got thinner, and DVRs allowed us to record programming to watch later, but it all still kept us tied to miles of wires and limited our options to the TVs the wires were connected to.

Today, people like us are cutting the cord and gaining more freedom in their programming choices. Chromecast is one way people are cutting the cord and achieving that freedom. 

With Chromecast, you  can watch movies, shows, live TV, YouTube, and enjoy photos streaming on your TV from all your family's devices*. You can stream content from your phone to the TV and it works with the apps you already know, use and love. With a certain equipment, you can even start streaming with voice commands**

Cut the cord with Chromecast and explore your content like never before at a price you can afford. Check out Chromecast over at Best Buy: http://bby.me/8mht4

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

*Subscriptions are required to view some content.

** Google Home, Chromecast, and compatible content required to cast to a TV using Google Home.

Web-based services and content require high-speed Internet service. Some services may require a subscription.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Disclosure: While the thoughts expressed here are my own, I was compensated for this post.

BOOK: Step-Parenting With Grace

Blending with others can be challenging. Blending FAMILIES can be challenging times 100! I have not had to navigate this journey in the exact same way since I am married to my high school sweetheart and neither of us was married or widowed before we met. We did however have to learn to be our own family AND blend with each other's families. Later, when my Mother-in-Law remarried, we found our selves trying to blend with her husband as well as HIS whole family. It's safe to say there were some very rocky times as we all tried to find our footing, find our places within each other's lives. It hasn't always been easy by any stretch of the imagination, but through love, patience, and learning to communicate, we have managed to build a family that cares about each other and enjoys our time together.

QMT Summer Windchime Explosion Giveaway

The movement of the air feels every so slight, but as the butterfly floats on the breeze, the chimes sway gently to emit such a lovely song. 

Giveaway Sponsored By:

QMT Windchimes

Hosted By:

Holiday Contest and Sweeps

Co-Host
Beautiful Touches
Do Not Pet
Michigan Savings and More
Java John Z's
The Ministers Wife
My Devotional Thoughts
Networking Witches
Everyday Southwest
Peanut Butter and Whine
Everyday Gizmos Sweeps & Views
Simply Sherryl
MyStyleSpot
The Homespun Chics
Easter Babe's Theory
The Frugal Life
Love Christin
Homejobsbymom
Markesvilleandme
My Silly Little Gang
Views and More
Deliciously Savvy
Bargnhtress

Presents The:

QMT Summer Windchime Explosion
Giveaway

3 -Winners

Holiday Contest and Sweeps along with a great group of fellow blogs have had the
honor to work with QMT to bring you a Summer Knockout Giveaway that will award
three readers whom live in the Continental United States and are 18 years of age and
older to win their very own set of QMT Windchimes.

This giveaway will contain Chimes from their lines such as 29"Arabesque, 36"Corinthian Bells and 36" Lakeshore Melodies totaling a MSRP of $268.94. Let's take a look at these amazing sets of Windchimes that readers could possibly win.

REVIEW: Dr. Jacobs Naturals

I was fortunate to receive a selection of products to try from Dr Jacobs Naturals and I have enjoyed them so much! I received their Almond Honey Castile Soap, Charcoal Castile Soap and a bar or Minty Cucumber Mojito Exfoliating Castile Soap.

The liquid soaps are wonderful. It only takes a little on a washcloth or bath sponge and it leaves my skin clean without feeling stripped. The Honey Almond smells amazballs, so I can't wait to try the other scents!  I have used them to shave with as well and it works fantastic to give me a smooth shave with no nicks or cuts. The bar soap is also good. It lathers well on a washcloth and also cleans without stripping my skin. It's an exfoliating soap, but it is gentle too. It's not too harsh to rub the bar directly on your skin. The scent is light and fresh, not overpowering or strong. 

            

As I work on ridding our home of harmful chemicals, I love it when I find products that help my keep moving in that direction, work well and still excite my senses. Dr Jacobs Natural Castile Soaps are 100% made in the USA of natural ingredients. They contain essential oils and are 100% vegetable based. They are non-GMO, paraben free, sulfate free, gluten free, free of artificial dyes & coloring and cruelty free and vegan. 

Check out all the great "flavors" offered over at www.drjacobsnaturals.com and take advantage of their free shipping offer! Get free shipping with any order totaling over $20. Use code freeship20 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Disclosure: The Happy Clown With A Frown received products to use for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received. The opinions about this product are my own.