My wife and I have begun a journey to find out about us. We completed a DNA test through 23 and Me to find out about our genetic composition. After a long wait, we finally received the test results back and we are ready to share them. For more information about why we took the test, click here!
J and T
From the results that we received, there were a few surprises, a few inaccuracies in our family’s oral histories and few unanswered questions. Let’s get to the results.
First of all, my overall results were
Jay’s overall DNA results!
Not a big surprise there. It is inline with what I was thinking it would be. However, when the European data was broken down into more specific regions of the continent, I was hit with our first surprise.
According to the results, I am only 64.6% French/German. Forever, my family has claimed to be 100% German, with no other ethnicities in the mix. But according to this, I am also 10.5% Scandinavian, 8.4% British/Irish; and 1.8% Eastern European. But what does this mean?? According to 23 and Me, it means that most likely I had a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent who was 100% French/German and lived between the time period of 1880 and 1940. That part I knew. In the genealogical research that I had done previously, I found that my great-great grandparents were born in Germany. Further, 23 and Me stated that I most likely had a 2nd, 3rd or 4th great-grandparent from Britain/Ireland and Scandinavia, in the time period of 1760 to 1850. And a 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th great-grandparent who was born in Eastern Europe, which could be the Ukraine, Russia, Poland and Hungary. I had not completed the genealogical search prior to 1840, so it is possible that with further research I will be able uncover who these non-German family members would have been.
Please note that the way that the test is set up, 23 and Me places French and German DNA into the same category because that area of Europe is same geographical location. 23 and Me is advancing its scientific testing, so in the coming months there will be more specific geographic locations in my test results. When those results are released, we will let you know.
And now for my wife. We could not wait to receive her results because we had not completed her genealogical research, so we did not know what to expect. Her overall results stated the following.
JT’s overall results
With 73.8% West African, it means most likely a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent was born in West Africa between 1880 and 1940. This would make sense and there is no doubt about that information. Now for the surprises that we found. My wife was told that one of her great-grandparents on her mother’s side was of European descent. Based on the results of 22% European and specifically 7.2% British/Irish, there is good possibility she had a grandparent, great-grandparent or 2nd great-grandparent born in Britain/Ireland between 1850 and 1910. That would verify the family’s claim; but it is now time to start that research to see if we can find that person. The family also stated that she had a great-grandmother who was a Native American. However, according to 23 and Me, it is a likely the Native American ancestor was a 3rd, 4th or 5th great-grandparent born between 1700 and 1820; which would have been much earlier than the family had suggested. The test results further suggest that there is also a 3rd, 4th or 5th great-grandparent from Scandinavia who was born between 1700 and 1820. And a 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th great grand-parent who came from Southeast Asia, Iberia, Central/South Africa, France/Germany, and Oceania. My wife was surprised to learned that she had a such a diverse DNA background. This was all new information that she had not heard from her family. We With the enhanced results that are coming, it will be good to get a more specific location to these broad areas and to learn more about where her family lived at.
23 and Me provides you with so much more information that just these statistics. We are going through all the information now and processing what it all means. We will share more about the specifics as we understand them more fully. Also, we share our own personal thoughts about what these means to us. Stay tuned!
PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST is coming to a theater near you on Friday, March 23rd. Just in time for the Easter Season. The movie examines the life of Paul, portrayed by James Faulkner, who in his latter years holds on to what he believes despite being tortured from all sides. And how Luke, a physician and Paul’s friend, played by Jim Caviezel, wants to recount in his writings how a person can truly be changed and then convey that message to the early church. This is a dangerous time for the new followers of Christ. Paul wonders if the word is getting out and if it is still important what he has to say.
Take a look a the film trailer below:
As Christians, we are noted for being quick to judge and condemning if a person is not on high of a pedestal as we think they should be. We have to realize that no one is beyond God’s mercy. “For we all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.” Romans 3:23 Paul, early in his life, hated Christians. Paul became a dramatically changed man, who is a key figure in fighting for Christianity and ended up writing a majority of the New Testament. Before we cast the first stone, we have to look at ourselves in the mirror. “Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?” Luke 6:41 (ESV)
Paul, portrayed by James Faulkner
This is such an important film to see in these days and times. Even while in prison, Paul sang God’s praises and some of his most loving writings came to be during this time.
Behind the Story
I am looking forward to seeing this movie with my husband. It is on our must-see list and I believe that it should be on yours as well. And you and a loved one might be able to see the movie for free. Bubbling With Elegance And Grace is collaborating with LEV3L Digital to give one person two free tickets to see the movie.
To enter the giveaway, you only need to do two simple tasks.
1) Leave a comment below about the movie
2) Share this article on your favorite social media outlet to get the word out about the film.
The giveaway begins now and will run until midnight (Central Time) on Monday, March 19th. the winner will be announcement on Tuesday, March 20th.
When working with a limited budget, remodeling or renovating your home might seem like an impossible feat. But, with a little creativity, and the willingness to undertake some DIY tasks yourself, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, there are many simple tasks you can do, which are cost-efficient, and will instantly give your home that much needed face-lift it hasn’t seen in so long.
Bathroom – Before the renovations
One simple way to recreate your home is a fresh coat of paint. Let the kids choose the colours they like and paint their bedrooms. Work with your family to paint the interior, do minor touchup and detail work throughout the home, and do detail work where there are chips/cracks in the painting throughout your home. If you don’t want to paint the exterior, pressure washing will do wonders to your home’s exterior; and, it will run a fraction of the price. If you would like to know the cost of a a certain job then I would recommend visiting yourjobcost.co.uk.
Consider simple changes like replacing knobs on cabinets in the kitchen. Upgrade the vanity in the bathroom with a new mirror you find in a second-hand (used) shop locally. Refinish your cabinets by painting them or replacing the interior wood-panel with glass mirrors. You can easily look up quick videos and guides (on a site like Youtube) which will give you step by step instructions on performing these tasks.
If you are unsure on doing certain changes in your kitchen I would recommend getting in touch with a local tradesman who can help you and assist you in what you are doing. They might even be able to tell you a few cheaper alternatives to what you are planning on doing.
No matter how much you have to spend, these are a few simple and quick fixes anyone can do (regardless of whether or not you know the difference between a Phillips head or straight-head screwdriver) when upgrading the home on a budget. If nothing else, it is a great way to bring the family together.
Are you getting your annual check-ups with your primary care doctor?
I cannot stress the importance of going to the doctor every year for blood work and regular examination.
You may have many excuses for not going; but I am here to tell you that your health is more important. The following infographic by hims shows the recommended health exams by age group. The earlier in your life that you start, the better you will be.
You may say, “I don’t have time!” Well, I say, “You have to make the time.” You make the time for the other important things in your life. Whether it is work-related issues, or personal things, you plan for them. If you want to take a vacation, you plan for it months in advance. The same effort should go into your health. Decide when you want to get the examination, make the appointment and put it in your calendar. In my experience, the appointment lasted less than one hour. Your health is worth one hour of your time!
You may say, “I don’t like going to doctors.” Well, I say, “It is much easier to go to a doctor when you are well; instead of going when you are sick and needing care.” The point of an annual examination is to establish a record of your health and to see how it has changed from year to year. If you wait until later in life to go to a doctor, he or she will not have any basis for the symptoms or know where you have come from.
You may, say, “I don’t have the money to do it.” Well, I say, “Most insurances will cover an annual examination to you at no cost.” Check with your insurance company, and see what is covered and what the total cost will be to you. If you don’t have insurance, check with local doctors and clinic to see what the actual cost would be and if they accept any kind of payment plans.
When it comes down to it, your health is the most important thing in your life. If you don’t have your health, you cannot enjoy life. For me, it is a personal thing. My father passed away from lung cancer when he was only 54 years old. He was not one to go the doctor, even when he was sick. When he found out that he had cancer, the tumor in his lung was already the size of a softball. Had he gone to the doctor more regularly, I believe that the cancer and the tumor would have been found sooner. And his chances of beating the disease would have been much higher.
Because of this tragic story with my father, I had found a primary care doctor for my annual check. I was determined not to let this same thing happen to me. The doctor I had was very good and encouraged check-ups. However, he retired and his replacement had a completely different philosophy. I would go in for my appointment, and he would wonder why I was there. On several occasions, he told me that he didn’t want to see me until I was fifty. Something about that didn’t seem right. So, I decided to find another doctor. It was a challenge finding one, but ultimately I was able to find a doctor who agreed that annual check-up was not only important, but a necessity.
So men, I challenge you!
This is a call to action.
Find a primary care doctor!
Make that appointment!
Get that examination!
A leather jacket is always in style and can be versatile and a work horse in the wardrobe. I have had this vintage striped leather jacket by celebrity fashion designer, Bradley Bayou for several years. It has been a great asset in my closet. I remember that when I bought it from QVC, it was on clearance and at a great price. I purchased it because I thought it was so different and cutting-edge cool. I wore it today going to church. I paired it with a black turtleneck from Macy’s, Isaac Mizrahi cuff pant, and Clarks ankle boots. I have not been fond of my hips; even though I work out every week. However, now I am thanking God for my hips and every inch of my body. You have to love yourself before you can love anyone else.
In the picture below I accessorized all the key pieces together without looking like I tried to hard. You know, I just woke up like this.
Bradley Bayou Leather Jacket
I like to have fun, but I am also showing how slimming the jacket is. It is soft and pliable; and is the perfect addition to any chic outfit . The horizontal stripe across the top does not widen the body; but it is actually is very slenderizing.
As an alternative I can dress this leather jacket for a night out with a wedge or embroidered boot, or high heel pump. It would also be great paired with jeans and boots for a more casual look. No matter how you style it, it will kick up your outfit to a higher level.
Bradley Bayou knows how to dress and flatter a woman’s body. His book The Science of Sexy: Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure with the Style System that Works for Every Shape and Size offers many great tips and ideas for all women. He does not design clothes as much anymore; but he is now designing beautiful homes. Take a look at his website, https://bradleybayou.com. I am happy to own a few of his pieces to wear and enjoy.
Maybe one day he can design my second home.
If you have a favorite leather jacket, let me know about it in the comments section below. How do you style it? Do you go more casual, more dressy, or somewhere in between?
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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