I hope you are having a wonderful week. It’s been bitterly cold here in the Show Me State. I hope you are staying warm and enjoying a good book. I have been reading Time Management Magic by Lee Cockerell, who recently spoke at a reception at our church.
Have you ever wondered about who you are and why you are who you are? Have you ever thought about what makes you, you? If you could find out more about your parents, your grandparents and your ancestors; would you do it? If you could take a test that would tell you more about your ethnic makeup, would you be curious to find out the results?
Taking a Journey To Find Out Where We Came From
For a while now, my wife and I have been asking these questions and curious to know more about us. We wanted to know more about the wonderfully unique attributes that God used to make us. We had been hearing advertisements on TV and online about DNA tests that can help answer these questions. To be honest, I was quite skeptical of them from the beginning; but my wife wanted to take the test anyway. After asking colleagues about it, and doing some of my own research, I decided that it would be worthwhile. So, my wife and I decided to take a journey – a journey to find out where we came from.
Of the many companies out there, I decided to use the testing service from 23 and Me. From my research, 23 and Me offered the most comprehensive results and provided the most details. With this test, it will break down your DNA into ethnic percentages; telling you how much of DNA is from a specific region or area of the world. The results and reactions that I had seen from the people who took the test were amazing and made me a believer.
23 and Me uses your own saliva to analyze your DNA
Why Take The Test
For my wife and I, we have very different reasons for taking the test. Yes, we both wanted to know more about where our ancestors came from; but it was much more to it.
Me I previously researched my family and traced my them back to the 1850s when they migrated from Germany. Looking at the family tree, all of my ancestors from that point to now where from Germany. I wanted to know if the scientific research matched the genealogical research. I wanted to know with more certainty if this was accurate or if there were other ethnicities in this mix. I had not researched the family prior to the 1850s, so I didn’t know if other ethnicities were in the mix prior to that time. I have always said that my family was German; but now would I have to add other groups into that. Also, in my line of work as a historical researcher, I help people doing their own genealogical research. I wanted to be give my opinion of the testing if anyone would ask me.
My Wife I just wanted to learn more about my family pure and simple.I first started looking into Ancestry. However, my hubby told me that 23 and Me had a special running during Thanksgiving so we decided to test it out. I have heard some history from family members that I had a Native American great-grandmother and a half-white, half-black Grandfather on my mother’s side, but not sure what region. I know very little about my father’s side of the family. Other than that, I have little known information about my family heritage. I am curious to see what the results will say when I get the percentages back.
We started the journey back in November. We submitted our salvia test and we should be getting the results back anytime now. When we do, we post the results and our reaction. Let us if you have taken the same test or a similar one. Were the results what you were expecting? What did you learn from it?
Borrowing money seems like it’s just a natural part of life these days. Where it used to be considered a last resort, now most of us just factor debt into our monthly finances. The cost of living is going up but our income isn’t going up at the same rate so there’s often a shortfall that needs to be made up with borrowing. But are we too quick to borrow money? If there’s something that we need to buy, we’ll often just reach for the credit card without thinking about whether we actually need to spend that money. We’ll take out a student loan for college even though we have a job and can pay for it. There are some circumstances where it is sensible to borrow, but others where it just isn’t necessary. So, how do you know which it is?
Do You Need To Make The Purchase? This is the first question you should be asking yourself. If you are borrowing money because the boiler is broken and you can’t afford to fix it right now, that’s fine. You need heating and hot water so borrowing money for it is fine. However, if you’re spending the money on a new car or a vacation, you don’t desperately need those things. You can still buy that stuff, just put it off for a few months and actually save up the money. That way, you aren’t paying all of that expensive interest on top.
Can You Get A Good Rate? Speaking of interest rates, how high are they on the loan that you want to take out? If you’ve got a poor credit score, you’ll only get accepted for loans that have a high interest rate on them. That’s just going to get you into more financial trouble. If that’s you, look at how to improve credit score and try to make some changes. Once you’ve increased your score, you’ll be able to borrow that money at a much more affordable rate.
Have You Got Savings? A lot of people make the mistake of borrowing instead of using their savings because they think that, as long as they’ve got savings, they’re doing well financially. The thing is, if you borrow money and then start paying loads of interest on it, you’ll have less money to put aside in your savings anyway. It’s far more sensible to use your savings for whatever urgent purchase you need and then top it up again later on. You won’t have debts hanging over you and you don’t risk getting yourself into serious financial trouble by taking out lots of loans.
Can You Make Cutbacks? If you find that you’re borrowing and using credit cards every month just to make ends meet, you’ve got a problem somewhere; you’ve got more going out than coming in. Finding a job that pays more money is one solution, but the obvious thing to do is just spend less money. People will often tell you that they absolutely can’t afford to make cutbacks but this is rarely true. If you tracked every single penny that you spent for a month, you’d be surprised at just how much you’re wasting on stuff you just don’t need to buy. Cut those purchases out and you might find that you don’t need to borrow any money.
There are certain times when borrowing is the right thing to do, but make sure you answer these 4 questions before you do.
Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his 89th birthday.
Born on January 15, 1929, we celebrate and remember King’s work as a civil rights leader. 2018 marks 50 years since his assassination in Memphis.
History Fact: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is the only person not to be president who has been honored with a national holiday.
Interesting Fact:
President Trump signed legislation that elevates the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site to National Historic Park status. The Park will now includes the Prince Hall Masonic Temple, a site that King used as the headquarters for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
On four days in 2018, all National Park Service sites with an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. One of those days is today, Monday, January 15, on his birthday.
Jan. 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
April 21: First Day of National Park Week
Sept. 22: National Public Lands Day
Nov. 11: Veterans Day
Local Connection:
In the video below, people remember when King traveled to St. Louis University in 1964 and gave a speech to the St. Louis community. He inspired them to be better and to do more to help others.
Favorite Quote:
“Faith is taking the first step
even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
This quote is one of my favorites because it reminds me of the scripture that I read everyday.
For we walk by faith,
not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)
Stepping out in faith and believing that God will make a way for us because He already made a way. We only have to have faith that what we are praying for will come to past.
Many of your pals probably talk to you about the joy their mutts bring to their humble abode. You might hear about their silly antics, their hilarious capers and be shown untold numbers of photos of their pooches in the most ridiculous positions every time you catch up for a coffee. Lately, you’ve been thinking that you quite fancy getting in on the action. Although you know you want a hound of sorts, you have no idea what kind and you don’t know where to start when it comes to puppy training or obedience classes. Don’t worry – that will come in time. The love and affection you will end up giving to your new four-legged friend will be repaid to you and then some. Take a look at these reasons why you should no longer put off getting a dog.
Vinny
Dogs Are Good For Your Health If you’re a bit of a couch potato, then welcoming a dog into your home could result in you becoming much more active. You will be spending your days initially chasing after a puppy with never-ending energy before taking your pooch on long leisurely walks across open fields and through beautiful countryside. While you will be walking more than ever, the fresh air and scenery will also help you to de-stress, alleviate any depression and take a break from the pressures of modern life. Some studies even suggest that owning a dog can be beneficial in lowering your blood pressure, cholesterol and your chances of developing heart problems.
Dogs Give You A New Love Our beloved pets give us renewed purpose and a focus in life. Dogs are no different. If you’ve come in from a particularly manic and stressful day at work to be greeted by a creature ridiculously excited to see you, jumping up at your lap and licking your face, you won’t fail to smile. The stresses of your day will melt away, and you can relax with your canine pal.
Jay with Gio
Having a pet to focus your attention means that you will do your utmost to ensure they are well cared for and remain healthy. You’ll feed them the most appropriate diet and take care of their health needs. You will ensure that they have a strict monthly anti-flea regimen and encourage them to take their chewable Heartgard tablet to keep them free from worms. Soon, you’ll be caring for your mutt like you would for your firstborn.
Dogs Are Sociable Most dogs love getting to know the other hounds in the neighbourhood. Because they are such social butterflies, you will find that your social calendar fills up more regularly than ever before. You will meet plenty of like-minded dog walkers on leisurely strolls with your canine buddy. It’s up to you to get talking, arrange some doggy play dates and enjoy spending time with your new circle of dog loving friends.
If you’re thinking of getting a new pet, you should seriously consider the humble hound. A dog will bring you untold levels of unexpected joy and will be your faithful friend through thick and thin.
You’ve finally decided it’s time to pop the question and you want to find the perfect ring to surprise her with. The pressure mounts as you begin to wonder what she’ll like. Then it hits you, you’re actually not so sure and certain of her taste in this realm.
When it comes to something that carries so much value and price, you don’t want to be feeling around in the dark. Therefore, we are going to suggest some top ways you can find out exactly what she likes so your engagement ring choice will tick all the right boxes.
It’s all find and dandy knowing exactly how you are going to propose, the location and exactly how you’re going to do it. If the ring doesn’t tick her boxes, the proposal may go downhill. To start getting a good idea of what you like, it’s a good idea to look into her current jewellery collection. This way you will start seeing common design styles she likes, her favourite coloured stones and so on. Ask yourself as you look through whether her style is more traditional, antique, contemporary or quirky? Maybe she loves her yellow gold or silver.
Question how she reacts to other engagement rings
It’s now or never. One of her friends gets engaged and she makes a comment on the ring. You need to start listening out for key things she likes and dislikes about engagement rings to build a bigger picture of what she will love.
Ask close friends and relatives
Asking the people close to her about her personal jewellery taste will be a good thing to do. It’s important however that you completely trust them to keep your secret. This way you will have a good and accurate picture of her preferences.
Find out her size
You’ll also want to get the correct size on the first hit. It’s best if you steal a ring of hers so you can take it to a sizer to get it accurately measured. This way you’ll get her something that is the perfect fit.
Is she really into any eras?
Maybe she is a big antique jewellery fan and loves wearing or viewing items from historical eras such as Georgian or Victorian times. This might also dictate the style of ring you end up going for.
From the stone’s shape to the final setting, you’ll need to consider and cover all areas before finalising anything. Doing your research beforehand and being a detective can really pay off so you get her an engagement ring she loves.
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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