Being Classy: Advice for Guys (a guest post)

Today's guest-post is from my good friend Noah. Below is a picture of Noah being classy during his graduation photo shoot. 

In today's culture something we are lacking is class. Many people do

not know how to handle themselves with dignity and classiness. Fear

not. I have compiled a list of classy traits you can adopt and bring

your social status to the next level. and have some fun too.

10. Know your style: if you don't care how you look, you should. Get

advice from a friend. Find out what you look good in, and stick with

it, but don't be afraid to experiment. DO NOT be obsessed with clothes

all the time. This is an irritation to most people. Find balance. I

found it helpful to pick a friend with similar taste and ask "would

THEY wear this?"

9. Hygiene (nailed that spelling the first time *self five* ): This I

shouldn't have to even say, but many people do not take care of there

general composure. D-E-O-D-E-R-A-N-T.

=P don't be a germaphobe thought. and be relaxed too. walking around

with a comb in your pocket 24/7 just makes you "that guy".

8. Manners: This will score you major class points with anyone. P's

and Q's will open doors, makes friends, and look good on your resume.

7. Be outgoing. It is very unclassy to sit in a corner, put on some

obnoxious music, and say nothing to anyone. There ARE times for that.

I know I have them. But don't make it a habit. This is the single

biggest key to making new friends and keeping old ones. They're just

as nervous or even more nervous than you are.

6. Two Words: Bow Tie. ALWAY classy. Bow Ties are COOL. get a REAL one

if you know how;  if you don't..........learn how. Man points here. ;)

5. Get a suit. Or a tux. or just a button up and tie. Looking classy

in classy gear is essential to your repertoire (extra tip: use big

words). Second hand works if you don't have money lying around. I sure

don't. Choose wisely, but dare to be different...but no camo suits

please D:

4. R-E-S-P-E-C-T: There was a SONG about this. Learn it. It's catchy.

Listening to people is always a good start. If you don't agree with

them, don't start a fistfight. Talk to them, or even just say nothing.

Just remember: they have a whole life you have never seen. You don't

know their circumstances or life situations. Don't be judgmental. but

do learn to draw the line at stupidity.

3. Know your boundaries: A person's business is theirs. Don't stick

your face in it. If someone tells you something in confidence. NEVER

TELL SOMEONE ELSE WITHOUT THEIR PERMISSION . Not cool man. Not cool.

2. Have fun being classy. It IS fun. Make it fun. and relax too. Don't

be stiff. That isn't fun

1. RESPECT YO LADY FRIENDS. SINGLE, MOST IMPORTANT POINT: (ladies,

respect your dude friend too). If you wouldn't say it to your sister

or mother, don't say it to someone else. Be confident. that's someones

WIFE someday. He will find you. and he will kill you :{

Bonus: beards are classy. Keep them that way.

More camping fun!

Okay, I first just want to brag about my amazing Mommy! She's had so much fun posting about Winslow and our camping adventures on her blog! I really think y'all would like them!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

 Day 9

So check them out! My boring little post can wait! ;~D

I do have a few highlights that I want to share with you!

We built a tepee! Well actually we built 3 big ones and few small ones.

That was our first big one! ^^^ It was nice and roomy, but full of flaws.

So we built this one with the sticks from the first one.

I made another one for taller people, but we never got a picture of it.

I love this picture of my family! <3 Each of our personalities are showing!

We also got to visit a cave called Kunjamuk (pronounced cage-munk).

Doesn't it look like something from the LOTR books? I'm reading those while I'm up here.  :~) My sisters on the other hand associated it with The Secret Hideout with the Sugar Creek Gang.

Yesterday we got to see the high peaks of the ADK from an overlook!!!! I could stare at the mountains for hours...........sigh................

So pretty! So if you want to see Mt. Marcy, the highest mountain in New York, it's the middle bump on the farthest right cluster of mountains!

Aren't they sweet? They are getting too big!

I love this picture!

Well, we still have a few days of fun, so I'm off to enjoy them!!!

Throwback Tuesday: Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball, beloved from America's favorite show, I Love Lucy! Everyone loves her quirky style of acting that's still enjoyable to this day! She was the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu, which produced many popular shows including Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. Desilu eventually merged with Paramount Pictures in 1967.

The above clip from one of the I Love Lucy episodes, has to be my favorite scene ever!

Science Saturday: Ants, June Bugs, and Cassiopeia

Ants, June Bugs, and Cassiopeia: not much in common. Though they are all unique in their own way.

(My Dad took this last night :~)

A few interesting things:

• Ants are a close relative of bees and wasps.
• Some of the common Ants in the New England have herds of aphids. They "milk" the aphids for a substance called "Honeydew".
• Ants of the same colony never fight. But if there is another colony or species they will fight over slaves, food or territory.
• Adult June Bugs feed mostly on leaves. They've been found on oaks, elms, ashes, walnuts, and more. Different subspecies prefer different types of trees.
• There are 4 stages of the June Bug: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. Eggs, larva, and pupa stay underground for almost a year.
• They are also known as June Beetles, May Bugs, and May Beetles. 
• Cassiopeia is near the Big Dipper in the night sky.
• She is named after a Greek Myth. The myth itself is rather depressing, in case you want to know.
• She is shaped in a "W"!

Learning in Ecuador

 Today's guest post is from a friend that went on a mission's trip to Ecuador. My friend wrote this in her journal while she was there.

Monday, July 6, 2014

I can't believe I'm leaving Ecuador tomorrow. This has been one of the best trips ever. I love the children, the workers the people, but we have to leave tomorrow morning. Something I've learned from this trip is that God will provide, but in his time. I was super stressed out, thinking about me and N needing to get the money, then when A and K joined I got even more worried and with L on top of that, I just didn't know how we would ever get the money to go. Then I got worried that our planes wouldn't make it, we wouldn't be able to get in due to our passports not working, and all the other little things like making sure each and every one of our 17 suitcases got into Quito fine.

But God has sen us through it all. Even the language barrier, the feeling of being left out it was all fine. God worked it out and I had no reason to worry about anything at all. A has been the animation, K has been the laughter, and L, God bless you girlie, she's been the nurse who has helped each and every one of us girls who have gotten sick. God knew that I would need each and every girl on this trip, for the encouragement, the love, the joy and the friendship they have given me over the past seven days.

I'm glad I came. While I can see myself working at an orphanage like this one in the future, I know that God wants me home right now and I'm alright with that. All I need to do right now is trust him, knowing he is going to provide, but in his time and his way. All I need to do is pick up the rocks and let him do the rest....okay, so maybe I do need to keep up with him, letting him work in my life and not hardening it or turning away from him. God is good and enough, my all in everything I do. He's never going to leave me or forsake me, nor will he ever pretend to be someone he is not. God is good all the time and I can take comfort in that.

You know, before I left Sunday last week, I was having an emotional time. I wasn't eating well, I was nervous (of course) and worried and then people started giving us hugs telling us goodbye and that's when the tears came. Then during worship I just couldn't sing. But M, (love you girlie!) tossed me a note that said, “Hebrew 13:5­6 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be contend with what you have because God has said, 'never will I leave you, never will I forsake you' so we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.What can man do to me?'”

God as never left me. He never turned his back on me, he's been right here, by my side, helping me even as I think I'm alone. It's such an encouragement especially as I feel a little left out, or alone, I can remind myself that God will never leave me. He's had his hand on me, on this trip, the whole time and I've seen him work through us girl, especially myself, through this trip. It's such a blessing and I'm really, really, really glad I came to Ecuador and didn't let my selfishness or sadness stop me from disobeying God.

­- H

Camping!

Hey y'all! We're currently camping in the lovely ADK! :~D

(Winslow and I waiting for some iced teas for our ride up)

We had some car trouble on the way up, but we did get to see some stunning clouds!

Despite that, we've still enjoyed our time so far! We've brought books and games. I'm really really really enjoying my new book (see above picture). Jules Verne is the best sci-fi author! 

We've gone to the beach a couple times which has been a LOT of fun! We've also gone fishing, to playgrounds, and more!

T-Bug is really enjoying herself this year! :~)

The sunset last night was beautiful!

My Mom has posted more about our adventures on her blog:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Off to enjoy some lunch and then go swimming! Wahoo! 

Throwback Tuesday: Betty Ford

Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Ford was the wife of Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States. Betty, from a young age, loved to dance. When she was 15, she started teaching popular dance steps to kids. When she graduated from high school, she considered going to NYC, but her mother refused. So she spent 2 summers at the Bennington School of Dance in Vermont. There she studied under Martha Graham, and finally moved to NYC. Eventually she returned home, and organized her own dance groups.

Science Saturday: Bees, Wasps, Hornets, and Inchworms!

A wasp nest from last year!

The irony about these topics, is I got a bee/wasp/hornet sting on Wednesday. I guess it was good timing for this post! ;~)

Anyways, a few interesting facts! :~)

• A bee is not a wasp, a wasp is not always a hornet, but hornets are wasps. (A tongue twister indeed!)
• Bees are hairier and rounder than wasps, which tend to be slimmer and smoother.
• Wasps and hornets tend to make nests while bees usually live in trees, man-made hives, or underground (depending on the type.)
• Inchworms have 2 defense systems to prevent from them being eaten. One is blending in with the tree, and if that doesn't work, they can repel from the tree out of reach. When the danger has passed, they climb back up to where they were before.
• They are the caterpillars of the Geometer Moths.
• Inchworms don't have the same number of legs as the average caterpillar.

"Inchworm" with Danny Kaye in "Hans Christian Anderson"

"Inchworm" with Danny Kaye with "The Muppet Show" 

His Feet - A Poem

Today's guest post is from my lovely friend Natalie. She wrote this poem, and graciously let me share it with you all!

His Feet

By: Natalie Knodel :-D

I will only see his feet

Yes...that is all I'll see

I will not see His hands, His arms,

His eye's looking down at me

Not His scars, not His mouth

No...just His feet

I will not see his hands,

His strong yet gentle hands

The hands that touched the untouchable

That flipped the selling stands

The hands that gave sight, the wiped the leper's spots

That broke the holy bread

The ones that calmed the storm,

That blessed the children's heads

No...it's his feet that will be first seen

As my Lord and Savior stands before me

I will not see his arms

The one's that paid the price

The one's that were outstretched on the cross

That put up without a fight

I will not see His eyes, 

Whatever color they may be

The eyes that see all my faults

But still chooses to see me

I will not see his scars

From the nails on his wrists

Or the puncture in his side,

 or the scars from the whips

I will not see his mouth

His mouth that preached the word

The one that spoke of soon to come

Making sure that all had heard

The one that spoke, "Follow me"

Or, "Pick up your mat and walk"

The one that spoke in parables,

Or said, "Lazarus come out"

The one that casted out demons

Who set the captives free

The one who shouted... "IT IS FINISHED!"

...But this is not what I'll see

First and only, first only see Jesus' feet 

When I first see him

I won't be able to stand

I'll fall flat on my face

Trembling with head in hands

Then slowly I'll open my eyes

And that's when I'll understand

Exactly what his feet represent

And how they help unfold his plan

 I'll see the feet that walked the earth

To show how much he cared

The feet that walked on water

And were washed by Mary's hair.

Then slowly, very slowly

He'll bring me to my feet

Then and only then, I'll see his hands, his arms, his scars, his mouth

And obviously his feet.

I'll look into his eyes

And hear him softly

"Welcome home my child"

"You are home to stay"

Reading

The best part of summer is reading.

The best part of reading is when it's a good book.

The best part of a good book is when you can climb right in!

Slow during the Rush

Sometimes we're in such a rush, we forget about those around us.

Today I got up, ate breakfast, and went to work within an hour's time.

Rush, rush, rush.

When I got home, it was time for our tea party.

Time slowed.

We (my sisters and I) all dressed up in our "fancy" clothes, made some tea, put some snacks on fancy plates, and enjoyed ourselves immensely.

We laughed, and chatted about who knows what, yet being together drew us closer.

We slowed time, & created memories.

Was I planning on posting about this little tea party? No...actually it was far from my mind.

When it was over, they all went to play, and I started to clean up.

I picked up the dishes, and left on my fancy dress.

Silky softness rubbed against my bare feet.

The simplicity of the moment.

A simple act of love, a tea party, will be remembered for years.

Slow time; do something simple with those you love.

Treasure time slowed.

Throwback Tuesday: Coco Chanel

 

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, also known as, Coco Chanel, is well known for one of the most popular perfumes, Chanel No. 5. She also started the love and popularity for the LBD (Little Black Dress). It was during the time of the Depression when women wanted affordable fashionable dresses. Coco Chanel created a black dress that was comfortable, stylish, and practical. Women fell in love with it, and they are still in style today. Chanel was a leading woman in fashion and was the only fashion designer in the 

Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century.

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” 
― Coco Chanel

“Elegance comes from being as beautiful inside as outside.” 
― Coco Chanel

“Fashion changes, but style endures.”

― Coco Chanel

Science Saturday: Hummingbirds, Spittlebugs, and Buttercups Galore!

(Pardon the fact they are daisies...though there might be buttercups in the far back left corner....)

"A tiny little spittle bug climbed up a stalk.

He almost reached the top, when he heard someone talk.

A bright little humming bird sang in the sky.

He smiled at her before away she flied.

The tiny little spittle bug enjoyed the flower's scent.

Back down the buttercup he went."

A few interesting things I learned:

• Humming Birds' wings are different than most birds. Their wings don't flap, but move in a figure-eight motion. 
• If a human were to sustain the energy output of a humming bird, they would have to eat 285lbs of hamburger a day. Humming birds eat half their weight in sugar daily. 
• Their tongue is unique in the fact it can reach past the end of their bill. 
• Spittlebugs is the name for the young bugs. The adult bugs are called Froghoppers.
• The spittle is wet and slippery with a consistency of saliva rather than foam. It is made up plant juices from what they eat and glands in their abdomen. They use it to protect themselves.
• The Spittlebugs only have one known predator, a species of wasp that knows tasty things are hidden under the spittle.
• On any given plant, you can easily find Buttercups in every stage of their life. Buds, young flowers, old flowers and flowers turned to seed.
• They can, but rarely self pollinate. They are usually cross-pollinated by tiny insects crawling from one Buttercup to another. Cross pollination is better for the species anyways.
• Buttercups are very common, so many people consider them to be weeds. 

Valuing Life: Beginning to End

Our guest post today is from the lovely Eden. She is 15 years old and enjoys studying God's Word, spending time with family and friends, dancing, singing, and much more! You can visit her blog at:

www.edensevaluations.blogspot.com

Life... the very word brings so many pictures, thoughts, and ideas into my mind.  One of these thoughts would, of course, be my life. I have one amazing family consisting of seven awesome brothers and sisters and two incredible parents.  I also have lots of fun cousins, aunts and uncles, and dear grandparents.

As I look over my family tree, I see a picture of a generational, pro-life family, who has always valued life, from conception to life’s completion.

All of this reminded me of the quippy Dr. Seuss quote, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”* But to me, it seems like something is missing from that quote... something that we are going to discover in just a moment.

Life is defined by the one who created it... God.  Life begins at conception and continues until God decides that time is up.

Sadly, many people today do not believe that life is a precious gift; they don’t seem to understand that life is a blessing from the Lord. Unfortunately, from times past until now, we have seen the destruction and devaluing of human life through abortion, extermination, and euthanasia.

All around us, innocent lives are being purposefully killed and eradicated.

People are deceived and tricked... they do not see that every stage of life, from the womb to the end, is absolutely priceless.  Lisa Wingate quotes, “...Every child, no matter how tiny in the womb, must be welcomed into the world, for each child is a gift of love from God. Therefore, abortion is never the answer, for abortion kills.”* Nobel prize-winning author, Pearl S. Buck says,“Euthanasia is a long, smooth-sounding word, and it conceals its danger as long, smooth words do but the danger is there, nevertheless.”* Just like abortion and extermination, euthanasia is murder as well.

Now, looking back at Dr. Seuss’s quote, I would add, “A person’s a person, no matter how small... or big.”  Life is a miracle and a tremendous gift from God. We see this in Psalm 139:14 which says, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” We are knit together in our mother's womb, formed by the very hand and in the image of God Almighty! That is indescribable!!!

We have, are, and will always be in a battle for life.  So in closing, I urge you to continue the fight for the gift of life... to publicize to the world that life is incomparable, and therefore, we must always value it; from beginning to end.

Footnotes:

*“Horton Hears a Who!” By, Dr. Seuss

*www.miamiarch.org

*www.quotes.dictionary.com

A Cry of Roses

Roses are beautiful!

Each one is unique in it's own way.

This is a cry of roses. These roses may not be here next year. These roses are on the property of LeTourneau Christian Center. The camp is celebrating it's 80th anniversary this year. Over the past 2 years (2012-now), they've been trying to raise $850,000 dollars to buy the deed of the property so that they can apply for a grant in order to update and keep the camp going. Right now they have until Dec. 31st to raise this. As of now, they have about $105,000. I ask that you share, give, and pray that they will be able to raise the money to keep this camp going.  I've been to this camp, and the time I've spent there has impacted me to grow in my faith in God.

God's timing is powerful. I have faith that they will have the money in his perfect timing.

Please pray, share, and if you are able to give, please give!

Throwback Tuesday: Catherine Booth

Catherine Booth was the wife of William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army. She was often known as The Mother of the Salvation Army. She became a Christian at a young age, and it is said she read the Bible through 8x by the age of 12. She and her husband began The Christian Mission in 1865 in London's East End. The name was changed 13 years later to what we know now, The Salvation Army.

"I know not what He is about to do with me, but I have given myself entirely into His hands."

Catherine Booth

Science Saturday: Daisies, Fireflies and Viceroys, oh my!

Over the course of the year, I'll be reading through The Beginning Naturalist by Gale Lawrence and A Field Guide to the Familiar also by Gale Lawrence.

This past week I read about Fireflies, the difference between Black-eyed Susans and Daisies, and (impostor Monarch Butterflies) Viceroys. 

A few interesting things I learned: 

• Fireflies are not flies.....they are beetles. 
• The fireflies that fly are males. Most species of female fireflies can not fly.
• The light they produce has no heat. Scientists want to try to develop a light of similar properties. 
• Black-eyed Susans and Daisies are not related. 
• Daisies are from Europe and Asia, while Black-eyed Susans came from Western USA. 
• Black-eyed Susans are biennials, while Daisies are perennials.
• Viceroys survive well because they are almost identical to Monarch Butterflies which tend to poisonous. 
• They stay in the area in which they are born, they do not migrate like Monarchs. 
• Their eggs camouflage well on tips of leaves. 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Our guest post today is from the lovely Neona from The Adventures of a Girl and her Monkey!

“A picture is worth a thousand words.”  How true that statement is! I've always been drawn to photography because you can convey so much with just one picture. It is one of my most enjoyable hobbies. I love capturing a moment. There is so much in God’s creation and I love to savour it all with my camera.

Sometimes you can find yourself in a photo; like you’re right there with the photographer, enjoying the view.

A photograph can perfectly capture a moment of pure bliss.

Beauty that would otherwise be overlooked is presented in all of its splendour.

A photograph can inspire awe.

It can also plant curiosity and amusement.

A photograph can be relaxing.

It can bring a smile to your face.

Sometimes, a photograph can steal your breath away and consume you with wonder.

It can fill you with the sunshine of a lovely day.

A photograph can trigger a multitude of emotions.

There are so many wondrous things to see. I love showing the world what I find and giving them a glimpse into my adventures. There is so much to be found…

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of his hands.” Psalms 19:1

“All of the earth will worship You, and will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name.”  Psalms 66:4