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Top 10 Ways to Spend Your Summer

staff — 2013-05-22T13:09:55-06:00

School’s out. Summer break is here. Now the question becomes, “How am I going to spend my summer?” Whether your goal is to take on a part-time job, relax, or be adventurous, these 10 ways to spend your summer are worth considering. (Note: Some of these require some advance planning.)

1. Advance a nonprofit’s mission. Invest in both your career and your community by interning with a charity. Pair your education with what a group needs most — whether that’s marketing, accounting, engineering, or business skills.

2. Do scientific research — in Antarctica. Assist with one of many scientific studies ranging from tropical ecosystems to cyberstructure through Research Experiences for Undergraduates, even if you aren’t keen on arctic exploration.

3. Teach English in Tanzania. Support a local school, go on a safari, and then cap your summer with a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro.

4. Be a V.I.P. with the National Park Service. Volunteers-in-Parks lead nature walks, patrol beaches, give historical presentations in period costumes, build fences, paint buildings, and more.

5. Take a whirlwind tour of Europe. Visit 12 cities in 10 countries over 35 days as part of a summer program like Wake Forest’s EuroTour.

6. Train for a triathlon. You don’t have to aim for Ironman to get the health benefits of triathlon training. Check your community events or organize a race among friends.

7. Cycle alongside a soldier. Sign up for Soldier Ride (sr.woundedwarriorproject.org), a cycling event in cities across the U.S. that empowers wounded warriors to heal from physical and mental injuries.

8. Be a theme park character. If you can sing, dance, walk on stilts, juggle, or otherwise entertain large audiences of small people, apply to work as your favorite amusement park character.

9. Work on a ranch. While saddling horses and wrangling steer might not be transferable skills, the vistas in Jackson Hole, Wyo., or Whitefish, Mont., will expand any city slicker’s sense of awe and wonder.

10. Be a tourist in your own hometown. Take a few friends along to all the places where visitors experience the local culture and heritage — like historic sites, museums, live music venues, and homegrown eateries.

Free Pin and Facebook Timeline Cover Art

Adam York — 2013-05-17T13:31:29-06:00

It’s Free Art Friday! Today’s free art is inspired by Matthew 19:26 (ESV): “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Enjoy this quote as a Pinterest pin, an Instagram photo, or Facebook timeline cover photo. Spread the Word to your friends!

(Just right-click and save the photos to the appropriate files on your computer.)

Facebook Timeline Cover Photo

Pinterest Pin or Instagram Photo

6 Meaningful Graduation Gift Ideas

Adam York — 2013-05-15T13:52:05-06:00

It’s that time of year again–graduation. Whether high school or college, most of us know someone who’s graduating and stepping into a new chapter of life. So what do you give that special person to encourage them in their new journey? We have a few solutions. Consider these high school and college graduation gift ideas:

For the High School Grads …

Collegiate Magazine gift subscription–For only $15 and some change, you can have Collegiate magazine sent to your graduate for a whole year! Not only is Collegiate full of biblically-centered feature articles and practical daily advice for the realities of college life, students will also find 13 weeks of expository Bible study within each issue. What better gift can you give someone than a great tool for staying in the Word? No other magazine addresses the whole of a college student’s life – physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. If you’re convinced, visit LifeWay.com/collegiate and choose the gift subscription option.

The Graduate’s Survival Guide–From money topics to life issues, Dave Ramsey’s daughter, Rachel Cruze, offers students a challenging yet practical tool at being prepared for the many college curveballs. Bonus: The more you order, the better the price! See a sample and learn more by clicking HERE.

T-shirt Quilt–High schooler rack up a ton of t-shirts from school events. Rather than toss them, why not repurpose them into a t-shirt quilt? Whether you have a seamstress within reach or if you need to use an online t-shirt quilt company, this is a meaningful gift that will last a lifetime. The trick: somehow stealing away all those t-shirts.

For the College Grads …

Threads Bible studies–From life topics to character studies to books of the Bible, there’s a Threads Bible study that speaks to everyone. Priced between $8 to $10, this is an excellent way to encourage a college graduate to stay focused on God’s plan as they embark on the search for a career or the starting of a family. Check out all the great topics at threadsmedia.com/studies. Bonus: Most titles are now available in digital format from the iTunes bookstore!

Devotional Guides–There are plenty of great devotional options available to place in the hands of college graduates. Consider the popular Jesus Calling by Sarah Young or My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.

Study Bible–The Bible is our guide map for life, so why not place God’s map in the hands of a college graduate. Consider a good study Bible with note space and dig deeper elements. Study Bibles can get pricey, but they’re gifts that will last a lifetime. Suggestions: The HCSB Study Bible or the ESV Study Bible.

Above all, graduates need all your love, support, and encouragement as they face these life-altering stages. Whether it be a tangible gift as these mentioned above, the good ol’ gift of cash, or even the simple gift of prayer, don’t forget the graduates in you life. You can play a major role in helping them find God’s purpose and plan.

FREE Mother’s Day Art

Adam York — 2013-05-09T18:14:21-06:00

Free Art Friday has been brought to you a day early so you can bless your moms, grandmas, or those special women in your lives who have invested in you over the years. Say “Happy Mother’s Day” with a printable card (or Pinterest pin) and a new Mother’s Day-themed Facebook timeline cover photo. Happy Mother’s Day!

(Just right-click and save the photos to the appropriate files on your computer.)

Facebook Timeline Cover Photo

Mother’s Day printable card (or Pinterest pin)

Why Less Is More in Social Media

Adam York — 2013-05-02T12:23:52-06:00

Sharing is good. Or at least that’s what we were taught growing up, right? As kids, we were encouraged to share our toys, our time on the swing, and our Goldfish snacks. (If you have siblings, you can definitely affirm the value of sharing.)

But sharing takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to the wide world of social media. It’s fascinating that, as children, we grasped so tightly to what we considered valuable. We wanted to share only when and with whom it was comfortable. But now, as technology-driven individuals, it seems there’s an unhealthy comfort in sharing the most intimate details of our lives with the world.

Sure, there will be many thoughts, feelings, and moments in life worth of sharing. But before you open the feeling floodgates online, consider a little user discretion. Here are a few important factors to help you set some solid boundaries in the world of technology.

ANGER MANAGEMENT

We all love the opportunity to vent. And venting can be a healthy thing. However, social media is not the best venue for releasing steam. Always consider whose eyes are watching your feed. Without even thinking, you could scar or damage relationships. You can even lose your job because of this. When someone makes you angry, the best plan of action is to pray for the person. And trust me, you’ll be humbled in the process.

HOW TO LOSE A GUY (OR GIRL) IN 10 DAYS

We can all admit to having butterflies in the stomach for that special crush. But do yourself a favor and don’t make it any more awkward for them by posting your feelings for all to see. If you can’t hold back the giddiness, I suggest sending a direct message.

ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING

For the girls especially, babysitting can be a great way to make some extra cash as a student. But always throw caution to the wind when posting photos, videos, or comments about your babysitting adventures. Families tend to check up on potential sitters by watching their posts. And nothing could be more humiliating than losing a job (of any kind) because of a Facebook post or tweet.

CRAZY, STUPID LOVE

Relationships. Oh, how we love to be in the know about who’s dating who, who broke up, and who’s in a “complicated” situation. But this subject is one that could use a lot of discretion. Before you boldly announce your relationship status to the world, make sure you’re ready (and that you’re not gonna break up next week).

MIRROR, MIRROR

Pictures are fun to look at on social media sites, but there’s nothing more stereotypical to poke fun at than self-photography via bathroom mirror. (Guys, this one seems to be the hardest one for you to grasp.) When it comes to posting photos of yourself, user discretion is definitely advised.

THE NOTEBOOK

Remember when Facebook statuses were short and (sometimes) sweet? Somewhere along the way, we’ve turned the simple 140-character-or-less tweet-style status update into incredibly long journal entries that often expose way too much information to the average reader. Not only should you be careful about journaling too much personal information to the masses, but also consider starting a blog for those long-winded status updates.

EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE

This one is for those guilty of posting controversial messages. Before you get overly bold with your political opinions, spiritual convictions, or feelings about sensitive topics, pause and think about who might be easily hurt or offended in your audience. Typically, no one will be converted to your way of thinking via public rant. Once again, consider using a blog or having real-life conversations about these topics. Your stance will often be best received that way.

MEAN GIRLS (OR GUYS)

Let’s be honest: No one is a fan of catty, mean-spirited attitudes–especially online. When you get those urges to publicly poke fun at someone on the Web, remember the Golden Rule.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA

Late night Web chats are common. But just like in the movies, creepy behavior can emerge in the darkness. Be very cautious in the conversations you engage in, especially with someone you don’t know well. If a chat conversation makes you uncomfortable, make a quick exit.

Whatever you do via social media, never throw caution to the wind. Use discretion, be wise, and make every opportunity to encourage others with your words and speech (Colossians 4:6).

Adam York is the editor of Collegiate magazine. A native of historic Jamestown, Tenn., he served in full-time student ministry for five years after graduating from Belmont University. A Master of Christian Studies graduate from Union University, Adam enjoys using his training and talent on the Threads team. Among his many loves are music, travel, and blogging. Adam and his wife, Kathryn, reside in Franklin, Tenn. Follow his blog at adamdyork.wordpress.com.

Free Art Friday: Facebook Timeline Cover Photo

Adam York — 2013-04-26T12:46:33-06:00

It’s Free Art Friday! Today’s free art is inspired by Matt Chandler’s words: “We rejoice in our hope, not in our circumstances.”

Enjoy this quote as a Facebook timeline cover photo. And spread the word to your friends!

(Just right-click and save the photos to the appropriate files on your computer.)

GIVEAWAY WINNER SELECTED!!

Amber Vaden — 2013-04-19T15:22:33-06:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Bible Studies for Life giveaway this week! Click here to see who won!

Enter to win by midnight TONIGHT! We’re Giving Away Free Bible Study for a Year :)

Amber Vaden — 2013-04-18T12:50:35-06:00

This week only! @LifeWay is giving away free Bible study material for a year. Click here to learn more. @BibleMeetsLife #smallgroups

Bible Study Giveaway Ends TOMORROW // Thurs. April 18th

Amber Vaden — 2013-04-17T17:23:55-06:00

You can win Bible Studies for Life for an entire year plus an iPad mini! How? Find out here. Hurry! You only have until Thursday to enter!

Bible Studies for Life giveaway continues // THIS week only!

Amber Vaden — 2013-04-16T13:32:18-06:00

Click here to learn how you can win Bible Studies for Life for an entire year plus an iPad mini. Hurry! You only have until Thursday to enter!