PYC Videos: “The Worm in the Soda Straw” by 1G
August 29th, 2008
posted by Michael Dattolo
Another PYC video is here! If you missed the previous videos, check out the camp category to see them. Today, dorm 1G presents an amusing rendition of “The Worm in the Soda Straw.”
Qualities of a Real Man
August 29th, 2008
Hi all … in light of my Steel and Velvet post, I thought it might be neat to post this from the archives. ~Adar Kielczewski
By Eric Anderson
A real man …
• Obeys God.
• Has inner strength, character and stability.
• Is self-assured and confident.
• Has purpose, drive and initiative.
• Is intelligent and decisive.
• Practices self-control.
• Is emotionally mature.
• Is law abiding, conscientious and responsible.
• Uses common sense and good judgment.
• Takes charge when necessary.
• Maintains vigor, vitality and good health.
• Demonstrates self-respect, as well as respect for others.
• Appreciates the role of women.
• Abstains from sexual activity until marriage.
PYC Videos: “Who Are We” by Dorm 1B
August 27th, 2008
posted by Michael Dattolo
Counting this one, only four PYC videos remain! If you missed the previous videos, check out the camp category to see them. Today, get pumped up with dorm 1B’s “Who Are We.”
What It Means to be a … Woman
August 27th, 2008
By Stephen Flurry
What are the differences between men and women? What makes a man a real man? Or a woman a real woman? What are “masculine” and “feminine” characteristics?
These questions are very basic and fundamental to each of our lives. Yet many are completely ignorant—confused! And they have no idea that they don’t know. Some actually say the only differences are differences people have made up. In fact, many colleges and now high schools are teaching that most gender characteristics are a matter of choice! That is absolutely false!
God says there are definite differences! Beautiful differences! Differences He designed into men and women when He created each.
In families and in society, God expects men to fulfill a certain role—and women to fill an entirely different role. Knowing what those roles are and how to fulfill them with confidence is absolutely essential to anyone’s true education. It will mean the difference between happiness and frustration—in your friendships, in your career, in your home.
Society has its view about a woman’s role. But what does God say about women? To understand what real femininity is, let’s look at a woman’s role from God’s perspective.
What It Means to be a … Man
August 26th, 2008
By Eric Anderson
We live in a mixed-up world. Whether you’re aware of it or not, two of the most important elements missing from today’s Western civilization are masculine men and feminine women!
This trend started after World War II and has become a huge problem since the 1960s. An identity crisis now plagues our culture. Gender lines are so blurred and jumbled, it’s difficult for many teens to establish and settle into their distinct, God-ordained roles as adults.
It is meaningful that we are created as either male or female. Inborn differences distinguish us from one another—not only physical ones, but also mental and emotional.
What is true masculinity? Some think masculinity means to be loud, obstinate, heartless and unemotional. These, however, are not traits to describe masculinity as God intended men to be.
When Good Grades Are a Shame
August 25th, 2008
by Joel Hilliker
He tries to smile, but his cheeks are hot with shame.
His dad is peering over the rims of his glasses at the report card when a broad smile spreads across his face. “Great job, Daniel,” he says, setting the card down. “I knew you had it in you. Quite an improvement over last quarter!”
“Thanks dad,” Daniel answers.
What is the matter? These are the best grades he’s had in over a year. It should be an occasion to celebrate. But Daniel can’t really enjoy the success.
He knows he doesn’t deserve it.
It had seemed like a good idea at the time. And it worked: He aced his finals, and no one saw him—at least, not that he knows of. It wasn’t hard to pull off.
Cheating had its benefits.
We Saw Petra!
August 24th, 2008
posted by Victor Vejil
Jude and Vienna Flurry in front of the Treasury, along with some camels
Declared to be one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Petra sits quiescently in a basin surrounded by the dry desert mountains of Jordan. Its hundreds of empty caves and rock-hewn structures are remnants of an abandoned ancient city now turned major tourist attraction.
Brent Nagetgaal and I had the opportunity to return to Petra during the first weekend of August. We made the short trip with the Flurry family and the Jerusalem project’s latest addition, Richard Palmer. Arriving at Petra on a Friday afternoon, we hurriedly checked into a hotel close to the entrance of the park, dropped off our luggage, and headed into Petra.
TE Bio: Moses
August 22nd, 2008
posted by Philip Nice
Moses, in 300 words or less!
Moses: general, judge, writer and spiritual leader. Born approximately 1400 B.C. in Egypt of the Israelite tribe of Levi, he escaped a death warrant from the Egyptian pharaoh issued against male Hebrew babies when his mother placed him in a waterproof basket in the Nile River, where he was later discovered by the pharaoh’s daughter.
Subsequently, the young Hebrew was raised as part of the royal family of the nation of Egypt: the most powerful military and strongest cultural influence of the period. He also became a proficient general in the Egyptian army. In about 1360 B.C., at age 40, Moses killed an Egyptian for attacking a Hebrew slave. He then fled Egypt and became a shepherd in Midian.
PYC Videos: “PYC Soundtrack” by Dorm 4G
August 21st, 2008
posted by Michael Dattolo
Yet another PYC video! If you missed the previous videos, check out the camp category to see them. A little background to this video for those who were not at camp: The “green sloth” and “grey squirrel” were little song-and-dance routines campers had to perform if they were caught entering the dining hall without a smile. This video will finally show you exactly what those dances looked like! Enjoy 4G’s “PYC Soundtrack!”
Appreciating Your Gifts From God
August 21st, 2008
by David Blondeau
Tubby, my beloved pet
Tubby was such a joy to have around. He had long fur around his neck resembling a mane that appeared reddish-silver in the sunlight. He was black, with two white patches of fur, one on his chest and the other on his belly. He had wide paws with long fur between his toes, which we would often hold with a hand as we talked to him—he didn’t mind at all. He had a wide, black nose that he would use to nuzzle with when held close. If he was walking past and I rubbed his shoulders he would always get down and roll over, so that I could pet his chest and belly, and scratch him under the chin. To relax, oftentimes he would stretch himself out on the floor (legs, too), resembling Superman in flight. When we would meet him in the hallway or when we came home, he would come up to us and affectionately rub up against our legs. He never minded getting picked up, and oftentimes spent the night sleeping with or near one of us.
Tubby hadn’t been feeling well for a few days. We thought he had a hairball. But when he ceased eating and drinking and lost the strength and energy to move around, we began to suspect worse. Finally, my dad and sister took him to the vet, where we were informed his kidneys were shutting down. He was dying, and in pain. The cost of the treatment to save him was well above what we could afford, so my dad had only two choices: let him slowly die in pain, or have him put down. Making the obvious choice any caring person would, he had Tubby put down. And so that day, June 26, was seared into my memory.