Running a Soil Test—Tilling the Soil of the Heart
getting my hands dirty and nurturing plants. That early exposure grew into a genuine love for working the land. Just a few weeks ago, I found myself back outside, preparing to tackle the weeds that had taken over my yard. I bought some weed and feed, eager to see results. But in my rush to mark something off my list, I skipped a crucial step: I didn’t run a soil test first. That simple oversight reminded me of something far more important than lawn care.
in need of testing—it’s in need of tilling.
Tilling up the soil means breaking up hardened places in our hearts. It means turning over bitterness, clearing away distractions, and creating space for something new to grow.
But tilling isn’t the only lesson we find in Scripture about soil. In Leviticus 25, God told the Israelites to let the land rest every seventh year—a sabbath for the soil. It was a time of
restoration, not just for the earth, but for the people’s trust in God’s provision. There’s a time to work the land, and there’s a time to let it lie fallow. The same is true in life. Some seasons call for action; others call for stillness. Both are necessary for growth.
Whether you're in a season of spiritual tilling or divine rest, I encourage you to take time and run a soil test
on your heart. Ask yourself:
What’s growing here?
What needs to be uprooted?
What needs to be fed?
Just as I learned from my yard and flower garden, the condition of the soil determines the strength of what grows. And the same is true for faith. All that you need is a mustard seed. Whoo! Whoo! Until next time! All aboard!
Working in the yard and tending flowers has always been one of my favorite ways to relax.
But if I’m honest, I didn’t exactly choose this hobby—it chose
me. My mother made sure I learned the value of yard work early in life. She had me engaged in relocating monkey grass, teaching me the importance of
It reminded me of a parable from the Bible—the parable of the sower, found in Matthew 13. In that story, Jesus explains how the condition of our hearts is like soil. Some hearts are rocky, some are choked by thorns, some are hardpacked and unyielding, but some are fertile and ready to receive God’s Word. In a very real way, God performs the first spiritual soil test, always checking to see what kind of ground He’s working with in us.
And occasionally, the soil isn’t just
Stop by our new location at 712 S. Tate St., Corinth, Mississippi, or contact me, Jerry W. Porter, at (662) 643-6842, or visit us on Facebook to get more information on this ministry. If you wish to make a donation to this ministry, it would be greatly appreciated. Please use the Cash App at $SuitsYouToo or mail your donation to PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835.
AUGUST BIBLE TRIVIA
1. What prophet’s voice did the returned Jewish exiles obey?
2. What prophet mentions a voice crying in the wilderness?
3. Who heard the divine voice telling him to eat unclean animals?
4. What king heard God’s voice just as he was boasting about how great Babylon was?
5. Who heard the voice of God as he watched four mysterious creatures flying under a crystal dome?
6. Who recognized Peter’s voice after he was miraculously delivered from prison?
7. According to Isaiah, what noble person will not lift up is voice in the streets?
8. According to Paul, what language did the divine voice use on the Damascus road?
9. What king called to Daniel I an anguished voice?
10. Which epistle mentions the voice of Balaam’s donkey?
Send in your answers to the following Bible Trivia Questions and take a chance at winning a complimentary bible from the Community News Flash. Random drawing will be held monthly and contestant can only win twice within a 6 month period.
July Answers
1. Jeremiah (48:28)
2. The east (Isaiah 46:11)
3. Ezekiel (31:6)
4. Jeremiah (12:9)
5. Eagles (Isaiah 40:31)
6. The stork (Jeremiah 8:7)
7. Ruth (2:10)
8. Job (19:21)
9. Micah (5:2)
10. Peter (Matthew 16;16)
11. Paul (Acts 26:13)
12. Jesus (Revelation 3:19)
13. Moses (Deuteromony 33:29)
14. Miriam (Exodus 15:21)
15. Peter (Luke 12:41)
16. Isaiah (40:3)
17. Jeremiah (31:27)
18. Phillip (Acts 8:30)
19. Peter (Acts 8:20)
20. Stephen (Acts 7:52)
The Sun Will
Rise Tomorrow
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not lifemorethanfood,andthebody more than clothes?”
Matthew 6:25 NIV
Why do we worry about minor problems when the sun is still shining, rain waters the earth, and the world goes on exactly as it should? Our personal problems may seem hugely important and overwhelming, but in the grand scheme of things our problems are irrelevant. The sun will continue to rise and set, the earth will revolve around the sun, and your problems will be unnoticed by everybody on the planet except yourself, and perhaps a few others who are closely related to you. It helps to sometimes go outside and look up at the sky to realize just how miniscule we
are. Especially at night, when we can see the stars and realize that the universe is huge beyond imagination, we begin to sense how unimportant our problems are. Consider also that our lives are a brief span, a veritable knife’s edge between the infinite time before our births and the equally boundless time to come after our deaths. When viewed this way, our problems seem to melt away into the infinite ocean of time and space.
– Christopher Simon
Financial Tips for Women
for building wealth and holding onto it:
• Be proactive about potential health issues. Understand the price tag involved for care and adjust your budget accordingly. Have disability insurance to replace income should a medical condition sideline you, and a life insurance plan in place before a serious diagnosis to secure an affordable policy.
• Select a health insurance plan that meets your needs.
• Establish an emergency fund.
Jonah and the Worm
“And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twentythousandpeoplewhocannot tell their right hand from their left— and also many animals?”
Jonah 4:11 NIV
A(StatePoint) Women face unique financial challenges, such as career breaks for caregiving and gender wealth gaps.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals are offering insights into some of these challenges, along with tips to help women build wealth and achieve financial independence.
The Challenges
Wealth gap: Across all workers nationwide, women were typically paid 75 cents for every dollar paid to a man in 2023, a figure that’s held steady for decades. Given this persistent wage gap, it’s no surprise that the TIAA Institute finds that women have 30% less in retirement income than men, a big issue considering that American women live 5.8 years longer on average.
Caregiving roles: Women are often the primary caretaker to children and other family members, such as elderly parents, and are more likely than men to take time off from work to fulfill this role. This can
impact long-term savings, professional advancement opportunities and Social Security benefits.
Health issues: While no one likes to imagine getting sick or feeling unwell, the unfortunate reality is that 1 in 8 American women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Other women’s health conditions, while not life-threatening, can also be costly to manage. Menopause, for example, associated with more than 100 symptoms, costs U.S. women $26.6 billion annually in medical expenses and lost work, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Financial abuse:
Financial abuse is a common form of domestic abuse whereby a member of the household seizes control over another’s financial resources. While financial abuse transcends socioeconomic boundaries, the majority of victims are women.
The Solutions
So how can women overcome these challenges? Here are several strategies
• Diversify your income streams.
• Begin investing in a well-diversified portfolio as early as possible.
• Build retirement savings by paying yourself first with each paycheck, maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged accounts.
• Create an estate plan to ensure your wishes will be met should you not have the capacity to speak for yourself.
• Educate yourself on finance and investing through workshops, books or by consulting with a CFP® professional.
• Reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support if you’re experiencing financial abuse.
To find a CFP® professional who can help you take these steps and work with you to overcome the unique challenges you face, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.
Understanding the financial challenges you could face and the solutions to overcome them can help you pave the way to a secure future.
lmost everybody knows the story of Jonah and the whale, which the Bible says is a “great fish” rather than a whale, but do you know the story of Jonah and the worm? The story of Jonah is simple but profound. Jonah was ordered by God to go to Nineveh and preach against it for its wickedness, but instead he fled on a ship bound for Tarshish. When God caused a great storm at sea—caused by Jonah’s disobedience—the mariners threw Jonah overboard and he was swallowed by a great fish. After praying to God from the belly of the fish, the fish vomited Jonah onto dry land. Jonah then goes to Nineveh and prophesies its destruction, after which they repent, proclaim a fast, and put on sackcloth. When God saw their repentance, he showed mercy and relented from the destruction he had planned. Jonah’s reaction to God’s mercy is surprising: “But it
displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry.” (Jonah 4:1) Jonah even goes so far as to ask God to take his life. Jonah then leaves the city and builds a shelter to sit in the shade so that he might see what will become of Nineveh. God causes a plant to grow to give shade to Jonah’s head, for which Jonah is grateful. But the next morning God “provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered.” (Jonah 4:7) And when the sun beat on Jonah’s head, he grew faint and again wished for his own death. While Jonah’s reaction may seem extreme, isn’t this what we often do when faced with minor suffering? A minor upset becomes a catastrophe that seemingly “ruins everything” and we are driven to despair. Take heart and don’t fret over these minor upsets.
(c) Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock via Getty Images Plus
NEWS FLASH Kids Zone
My kitchen garden contains long, vibrant green vines containing beautiful, edible, yellow flowers. The blossoms precede an abundant crop of summer squash. Summer squash are members of the gourd family and include zucchini, cocozelle, yellow squash (crooked and straight) and pattypan, also called scalloped and scaloppini.
Summer squash is available year-round, but are best from May through July. They should be harvested when the rind is tender and the flesh is sweet. To select the perfect summer squash at the grocery store, look for ones that are medium-sized, with shiny, unblemished, slightly tender rinds.
Abundance of Squash Inspires Creativity
The larger ones may be fibrous with hard rinds and seeds. The smaller ones may not have developed much flavor.
Summer squash is very fragile and should be handled with care, as small punctures and drops of water will lead to decay. They should be stored in the vegetable bin of the refrigerator, unwashed and in a perforated plastic bag, for no more than three to five days. Wash the squash immediately before cooking.
Squash can be frozen, but it will be soft, making it more suitable for dishes like casseroles where crispness isn't important. To prepare squash for freezing, cut off both ends and cut it into cubes or slices. Blanch for 2 minutes in hot water. You also can freeze grated summer squash.
Summer squash is low in calories, but the nutrients are in the peel, so never peel summer squash. Squash is a good source of
vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, copper, folate, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B1, B2 and B6, calcium, zinc, niacin and protein.
Squash is deliciously versatile and can be prepared in casseroles, as croquettes, stir-fried, stuffed, baked, boiled or as the "crust" for this recipe for Sneaky Squash Pizza.
SNEAKY SQUASH PIZZA
This squash-based pizza "crust" tastes great and is good for you. The pumpkin puree in the tomato sauce provides a boost of beta-carotene and fiber. You can
add 2 or 3 ounces of sliced pepperoni, if desired, but this all-veggie version is delicious. Any leftover sauce can be used on pasta, refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for three months.
Squash Crust:
3 cups grated zucchini
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 Eggland's Best eggs, well-beaten
1/2 cup flour
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper Sauce:
1 cup canned, unseasoned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup no-salt-added tomato
sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping:
1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper
2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1. Generously oil a 9-by-13inch baking pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Preheat oven to 450 F. Put grated zucchini in a colander and press out as much excess liquid as possible. You can also roll the grated zucchini tightly in a clean dishtowel and twist it to wring out any excess water to ensure a crisper crust.
2. Put the zucchini in a mixing bowl. Add beaten eggs, flour, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Mix well and spread mixture evenly in baking pan. Bake in 450 F oven for 8 minutes.
3. Remove baking pan with zucchini crust from oven, and reduce temperature to 350 F. Using a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, sugar and the ground nutmeg until well-combined. Spread sauce evenly over baked zucchini crust.
4. Combine onions and bell peppers and sprinkle vegetables over the sauce. Arrange sliced tomatoes on top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and Italian seasoning. Drizzle the cheeses with remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Bake at 350 F, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Makes 6 servings.
Say hello to comfort and style with this gorgeous new sectional from The Furniture Source of Corinth!
• “I love to work in the yard,and I always wash my hands before coming in. I put a bar of soap inside a piece of mesh from a potato sack and tied it with a string. I tied the string to my water faucet outside,and now I can easily wash my hands with soap before coming in. The sack kind of works as a scrubber as well.”— F.A. in Texas
• “When I take the kids to the pool,I bring my cell phone with me. I have started putting it in a zipper-top plastic baggie,and now I don’t have to worry about it getting wet accidentally. I can see through the bag to check messages or the time right out of the pool; there’s no need to dry my hands off.”— Y.W. in Missouri
• “I found a really great fix for my basement stairs. It’s a bright,reflective,nonslip tape. I used a long piece across the end of each riser,and I am much more sure of my footing when going downstairs — especially when carrying a laundry basket. And it’s easier to see where the steps are if the lights are dim.”— N.M. in Ohio
• Here’s a great conversation piece: Get a big,shallow bowl or box,fill it with loose snapshots and set it on your coffee table. People can’t resist photos.
• “I have a sore back,so it’s hard for me to bend down and pull out weeds. I found a way to do this without too much bending. If you have a pair of loppers,all you have to do is cut a section of garden hose into two 1-inch pieces and slit them down the side. Then slip them over the ends of the blades. This way,you can grip the weed without much effort.”— J.K., via e-mail
Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475,Orlando,FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com.
By Samantha Weaver
• Here’s a factoid for all those wage slaves out there:Researchers conducting a comprehensive 25-year study found that more than 90 percent of workers see productivity increases when they take afternoon naps.
• It was American journalist and satirist H.L. Mencken who made the following observation:“The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed — and hence clamorous to be led to safety — by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins,all of them imaginary.”
• If you’re like most Americans,you probably have at least one credit card. It’s a fair bet,though,that you don’t have an American Express Centurion card; it’s extremely elite and offered by invitation only. The service is legendary,though — one cardholder reportedly took a fancy to the horse ridden by Kevin Costner in the film “Dances With Wolves,”so the concierge department tracked down the animal,purchased it and had it delivered to the member’s home in Europe.
• Presidential historians claim that John F. Kennedy was probably the best golfer to occupy the Oval Office.
• In ancient Greece,olive oil was thought to be an effective sunblock.
• The highest fever ever suffered and survived by a human is 115.7 degrees F. It was in Atlanta,in 1980,and the man spent 24 days recovering before he was released from the hospital.
• If you really can’t let go of that lost loved one,call LifeGem. This company offers to create a synthetic diamond from the “carbonized remains” (read:ashes) of deceased people or pets — for the bargain price of about $2,500.
Thought for the Day: “Do not think of knocking out another person’s brains because he differs in opinion from you. It would be as rational to knock yourself on the head because you differ from yourself 10 years ago.”— Horace Mann
4,000 Reasons to Love Bees
(StatePoint) While most people picture the beloved honey bee when they think about bees, North America actually has 4,000 species of native bees, many of which are busy right now.
“Throughout spring and summer, these insects dutifully pollinate crops and wildflowers, playing a vital role in fostering healthy ecosystems,” says Clay Bolt, manager of Pollinator Conservation and Great Plains communications, World Wildlife Fund.
According to Bolt, native bee species are beautifully varied in their appearance, behaviors, feeding habits and habitats.
They can be striped, metallic, fuzzy, thin and rotund, in a spectrum of colors. The world’s smallest species—the Euphorb mini-fairy bee—is only found in southern deserts. At 2 millimeters, it is about as long as a U.S. nickel is thick.
Different bee species fly at different times—early morning, daytime or night. Many emerge seasonally in spring or summer, while others remain hidden underground for years awaiting summer monsoons. Bees inhabit diverse environments, from cold mountain peaks to beaches. Generalist species visit many flower types, while specialists pollinate only specific flowers. And unlike bumble bees and other hive-dwelling bee species, such as honey bees and stingless bees, over 70% of the world’s bee species are in fact solitary, hardworking moms who quietly nest in overlooked places like decomposing logs and
alongside garden paths.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what is a bee?” you might be surprised to learn that they are vegetarian wasps. However, unlike their wasp relatives, which often feed their young protein in the form of paralyzed insects and the hamburger they might steal from your picnic table, most bees provide their offspring with protein made from pollen mixed with nectar. The mother bee compacts these materials into a pellet and places it within her nest cavity, lays a single egg atop the mixture, then seals the chamber where the young bee will develop entirely without maternal assistance.
How can you help bees?
Sadly, bees face threats to their survival, but there are steps you can take to help protect them.
Bees need healthy, pesticide-free foods throughout their lives. This is one of the greatest gifts you can offer these pollinators, especially because parks and gardens often grow flowers that only bloom during peak summer. By planting a variety of plants that flower from early spring through autumn, the number of native bees and other pollinators visiting your garden will increase exponentially.
“Through small acts of kindness, you can transform the lives of these remarkable creatures, while filling your heart with profound hope and wonder as you witness their delicate yet ongoing care of our shared world,” says Bolt.
The recently celebrated World Bee Day also kicked off World Wildlife Fund’s new “Stories of Hope and Wonder,” an ongoing series that connects people to the wonder of nature and offers hope for a future benefiting both people and wildlife. Each month, “Stories of Hope and Wonder” will feature a different species overcoming some of nature’s toughest obstacles to ensure its survival. To access these stories, visit www.worldwildlife.org/hopeandwonder.
Bees are industrious creatures that are essential to vital food systems and healthy ecosystems. While bees are at risk, individuals can make all the difference in their own backyards.
by Healthy Exchanges
No-Bake Lemon Dessert
If you’re a lemon lover,you’ll certainly love this one.
12 (2 1/2-inch) graham cracker squares
2 (8-ounce) packages Philadelphia fat-free cream cheese
2 (4-serving) packages Jello-O sugar-free instant lemon pudding mix
2/3 cup Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk Powder
3 cups Diet Mountain Dew 1 cup Cool Whip Lite
Evenly arrange 9 graham crackers in a 9-by-9-inch cake pan. In a large bowl,stir cream cheese with a sturdy spoon until soft. Add dry pudding mix,dry milk powder and Diet Mountain Dew. Mix well using a wire whisk. Fold in Cool Whip Lite. Evenly spread filling mixture over graham crackers. Crush remaining 3 graham crackers. Evenly sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into 8 servings.
HINTS:1) A self-seal sandwich bag works great for crushing graham crackers. 2) Good as is or with fresh fruit spooned over top (don’t forget to count the additional calories).
• Each serving equals:198 calories,2g fat,11g protein,34g carbs, 1,260mg sodium,162mg calcium, 0g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges:2 Starch/Carbs,1 Meat; Carb Choices: 2.
Visit Healthy Exchanges at www.healthyexchanges.com,or call toll-free at 1-800-766-8961 for more information about the only national food newsletter for diabetics, heart/cholesterol concerns and healthy weight loss.
Shrimp and Scallop Kabobs
One word of advice:Don’t soak the shellfish in the soy and rice vinegar mixture. The vinegar will firm and “cook”the flesh.
1 pound large shrimp,shelled and deveined,leaving tail part of shell on,if you like
12 ounces large sea scallops
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil
2 tablespoons grated,peeled fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic,crushed with garlic press
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 bunch green onions,cut on diagonal into 3-inch pieces
12 cherry tomatoes
6 long metal skewers
1. Prepare grill. Pull off and discard tough crescent-shaped muscle from each scallop. Pat shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels.
2. In large bowl,combine soy sauce,vinegar,sesame oil,ginger, garlic and brown sugar. Add shrimp and scallops,tossing to coat.
3. Alternately thread shrimp,scallops,green-onion pieces and cherry tomatoes onto skewers. Grill over medium heat,turning skewers occasionally and brushing shrimp and scallops with any remaining soysauce mixture during first half of cooking,until shrimp and scallops are just opaque throughout,6 to 8 minutes. Serves 6.
• Each serving:168 calories,4g total fat (1g saturated),9g total carbohydrate,23g protein,112mg cholesterol,851mg sodium.
For thousands of triple-tested recipes,visit our Web site at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipe finder/.
1. LANGUAGE:What is the meaning of the Latin prefix “demi”?
2. HISTORY:Who wrote the political book “The Prince”during the Renaissance?
3. ASTRONOMY:What phase of the moon is opposite of crescent?
4. LITERATURE:What was the real name of the author who assumed the pen name of George Orwell?
5. ART:What are the three primary colors?
6. MUSIC:What is indicated by the musical notation “estinto”?
7. GEOGRAPHY:What state lies directly east of Utah?
8. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the traditional birthstone for June?
9. MEASUREMENTS:The watt,a unit of electrical power,was named for what famous inventor?
10. ETIQUETTE:Properly speaking,who should host a wedding shower?
Answers
1. Half
2. Niccolo Machiavelli
3. Gibbous
4. Eric Arthur Blair
5. Red,yellow and blue
6. So soft that it can hardly be heard
7. Colorado
8. Pearl
9. James Watt
10. A friend of the bride
1. Name the five major-league teams that have never been in a World Series.
2. How many times did Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg hit 40 or more home runs in a season?
3. Name the first NFL team to reach the Super Bowl as a wild-card playoff entry.
4. How many schools have won at least one NCAA men’s basketball Division I championship?
5. The Buffalo Sabres captured the Presidents’Trophy in 2006-07 for having the NHL’s best regular-season record. How many times have the Sabres won the trophy?
6. Name the last racing organization before Hendrick Motorsports in 2007 to win five NASCAR Cup races in a row.
7. Who lost the most times in the men’s singles final at Wimbledon during the 1990s?
Answers
1. The Colorado Rockies,Seattle Mariners,Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals.
2. Four times (40 in 1937,58 in 1938,41 in 1940 and 44 in 1946).
3. The Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl X after the 1975 season.
4. Florida became the 35th school when it won its first championship in 2006.
5. It was Buffalo’s first time.
6. Petty Enterprises won five consecutive races in 1971.
7. Boris Becker (1990,’91,’95) and Goran Ivanisevic (1992,’94,’98) each lost three times in the finals during the 1990s.
(c) Clay Bolt
Smart Ways to Build Stress Resilience With Tools That Work for You
(StatePoint) Stress is part of every day, especially when you’re juggling deadlines, meetings, and endless to-do lists. And while you can’t always eliminate the pressure, by building the right habits and backing them up with the right tools, you can learn to handle it better.
Thought leaders across companies have chimed in to help readers understand how they deal with stress and how their vocation has shaped their behaviors. Ariann Langsam, vice president of Marketing at Pilot Corporation of America (Pilot Pen), often collaborates with psychologists and wellness experts to explore how small adjustments can make a big difference within her role at Pilot Pen. Here, she shares three simple ways to build stress resilience — and how the right tools can help support your mindset.
1. Write It Out
When you’re about to embark on something that causes you stress, maybe it’s a big presentation at work or a tough
laser-textured barrel that can help regulate restless energy, it’s built to minimize friction — literally and mentally — so you remain in your flowstate.
3. Let Color Work for You
Every Young Adult Needs a Financial
conversation, taking a moment to write down positive affirmations can help calm your nerves. Try phrases like:
• “I’m ready for this.”
• “I’ve done the work.”
• “I am resilient, capable and calm.”
What helps make the planning process go as smoothly as possible? Choosing a pen that feels good in your hand. A smooth-writing tool can make the act of writing feel more soothing and intentional, not like just another task.
2. Use Tools That Keep You in Flow Research shows that when writing feels effortless, your brain is more likely to enter a “flow state” -- that focused zone where ideas click and distractions fade. Whether you’re brainstorming or planning your day, having the right pen can give you the zen focus you need. Take the Pilot G2 Edge, for example. Designed with quick-drying ink, a cushioned grip, and a
Color affects mood more than most people realize. With a little intention, you can use it to shape how you feel throughout the day. For example:
• Pink sparks optimism
• Purple stimulates your creative side
• Blue can boost your productivity
• Green promotes calm and balance
You can apply this concept in small ways, like choosing color-coded pens to match your goals or surrounding yourself with certain hues in your workspace or wardrobe. It’s a simple, visual way to give your brain a gentle nudge in the right direction.
Everyday stress isn’t going away, but with a few mindful habits and the right tools, you can take back a sense of control. For more tips and to explore wellness-focused writing utensils, visit PowerToThePen.com.
“Small changes in your routine can have a surprisingly big impact,” says Langsam. “You might not be able to change what’s coming at you, but you can change how you show up for it.”
(StatePoint) If you’re like many young adults, you’re turning to social media and online influencers for money advice.
According to Experian research, Gen Z and millennials are not going to financial organizations for information or to shop for financial services as a first step. Among those surveyed ages 18-44, the go-to source of information is an internet search, while only about 30% of respondents overall go to a financial services company. Industry experts say that you should be cautious about information found on these channels.
“Learning good financial habits early can set you up for long-term success. It all starts with the right knowledge from trustworthy sources,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of Consumer Education and Advocacy for Experian.
No longer just for credit information, Experian now offers many other tools and features that can help you improve your entire financial life every day. Like a supportive friend, Experian aims to be your BFF -- in this case, your Big Financial Friend -- who you can lean on to improve many facets of your financial life.
Now, the company is shar-
Face student loans headon: Log into your loan servicer’s website to review your balances, interest rates and repayment terms. Missing payments can hurt your credit scores and lead to long-term financial stress, so make it a priority to pay on time, every time. When possible, pay more than the minimum to reduce the total interest you pay over time, and become debt-free faster.
ing these financial tips with young adults:
Start building credit: Credit is a powerful tool that can help open doors, from renting an apartment to buying a car or even landing a job. The key is to use it intentionally. First, consider opening a secured card or credit card and use it for small, manageable purchases like gas or groceries. Then, pay it off in full each month. This helps you build a strong credit history and shows lenders you’re a responsible borrower. If you’ve never had a credit card or loan before, you might not have a credit report yet. At Experian, you can establish an Experian credit report with no history and start building a credit profile right away. Check in on your credit report and credit score: Reviewing your credit reports and credit scores regularly is one of the smartest habits you can have.
Stick to a budget: Budgets are not about restriction. They’re about giving you the ability to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary debt and reach financial goals. You don’t need anything fancy to get started. Use a budgeting app, spreadsheet, or even a notebook to track spending and adjust as needed.
Think ahead: It might feel early to think about retirement or homeownership, but small steps now can make a big difference later. Begin by setting up a savings account, emergency fund, or retirement or brokerage account. Contribute what you can, even if it’s just a little each month, to prepare for the unexpected and get on track for long-term success. Don’t leave free money on the table: When you secure your first post-grad job, take advantage of employee benefits, like 401(k) matching, a health savings account and student loan repayment benefits, to maximize your finances.
Go to trusted sources: Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build a stronger financial foundation, Experian offers tools, education and products designed to help you take control of your financial future. To access these resources, visit experian. com.
“Everyone can benefit from accessing credible financial information, especially young adults just starting to manage their money. Getting educated and using trusted sources will help you make informed financial decisions,” says Griffin.
(c) Kar-Tr / iStock via Getty Images Plus
