This is an example of an article that has the sticky attribute set. It should show up first in the list. The image on the right is the featured image of the post. You can put more images into a post in the editor, but the featured image gets used when making lists of posts. 

For a sticky post, we bring you, sticky buns.

Images really liven up a page. Even if you do not have a completely relevant picture to use, try browsing Flickr's Creative Commons images or buy some stock images to add visual interest to your pages and posts.