march issue nabj

8/14/2019 March Issue NABJ

1/15

The NABJ

Showcase

Volume I, Issue V March Is

The National Association of Black Journalists strive to inform and entertain all

students of the University of Georgia through the talents and skills of ourmembers

News

Entertainment

Features

Opinions

pg 2

pg 8

pg 5

pg 12

Editor In Chief

Writers

Copy Editors

Lilly [email protected]

*Denver Blackwell *Crissinda Ponder*Amanda Dixon *Shamar Toms-Anthony*Krystle Drew *Nicollette Higgs *Jessica

Washington *Jessica Watson*Naria Williams

*Amanda Dixon *Krystle

*Bianka Huling *Brittney H*Crissinda Ponder *Jessica W


2/15

Deaths from Driving

! DistractionsGlancing at a touch screen or smart

phone at the wrong time can put one in a world ofinescapable trouble.

Take Riccardo Blas Rivas II of Naples, Florida for example. According toNaplesNews.com, on May 23, 2009, Rivas was driving over 70 mph in a 45 mph zone

when he failed to stop at a red light. He caused an eight-vehicle crash, killing 32-year-old mother,Tracy Cate.

Cell phone records show that Rivas had been texting a friend moments before the crash. Only 17 at the time of his arresRivas was charged with vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony, and seven first-degree misdemeanor counts of reckless drivih property damage.

This is only one of many instances where distracted driving has completely altered peoples lives., what exactly is distracted driving? On the official U.S. Government Web site for distracted driving, Distraction.gov, distracted dies to anything that takes your eyes off the road for more than two seconds, takes your hands off the steering wheel, or interruptsoncentration while driving.

At the close of 2008, nearly 6,000 people died on U.S. roadways in accidents that involved distracted driving. While cell phost one distraction, texting while driving includes a mixture of visual, manual and cognitive distractions that increases hazards andntially deadly.

In fact, according to a recent study conducted by University of Utah psychologists, individuals who text message while operacle are six times more likely to crash than those who do not text while driving.

The federal government has taken measures to reduce this risk in some areas.n Oct. 1, 2009 President Obama signed Executive Order 13513, Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging While Driving.er prohibits all federal employees from text messaging while operating government vehicles, operating privately owned vehiclesvernment business, and using government issued electronic equipment such as cellphones, ipods, etc.

On a local level, the state of Georgia prohibits bus drivers from using cell phones, but there is no statewide ban for all driversorgia General Assembly is currently considering House Bill 938. According to the Assemblys website, Legis.ga.gov, if House Bassed without amendment, it would prohibit the use of wireless telecommunication devices for sending or receiving text message

operating a motor vehicle. Drivers could fined anywhere from $5

$100 and have two pplaced on their

drivers licens

by Crissinda Ponder


3/15

Beware of

Diabetes Every March, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) celebrates diabetes awareness

and the fourth Tuesday of the month is Diabetes Alert Day. On this day, communitiesacross the nation educate those who are overweight, physically inactive, or over the age of 4years about the dangers of the chronic disease.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and greatly affects collegestudents. According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2007, 23.5 million or 10.7% ofall people 20 years or older have diabetes. Although there are many diagnoses throughout thyear, there are still reportedly thousands of young adults that are unaware that they may alsobe victims of this fatal disease.

Complications from type 2 diabetes are a result of the body either ignoring or refusing

to produce insulin, which is essential as the bodys source of energy. Such complications can lead tolindness, glaucoma, and an even more serious chronic disease, such as heart disease, if not treated in a

timely manner.The American Diabetes Association also explains that 3.7 million, or 14.7% of all African

Americans aged 20 years or older have diabetes. Unfortunately, diabetes disproportionately affects thelack population. This fact results from a lack of physical activity and a lifestyle of habitual

consumption of unhealthy foods.The purpose of Diabetes Alert Day, which we will celebrate on March 23rd,

is not only to inform young people about the dangers of diabetes, but also toducate those with nonchalant attitudes about possible symptoms of thedisease.

Occasionally, type 2 diabetes does not have any symptoms at all.However, family medical history can predict anindividuals chance of developing the disease.Overweight people are at a greater risk regardlessof genetics.

During March, the American DiabetesAssociation encourages everyone regardless ofage, race, or gender to ask questions regarding

heir lifestyles and determine whether they are atrisk for this deadly disease. In 2006, it was reportedhat diabetes was the seventh leading cause of deathn the U.S. This social problem can only worsen asong as people ignore the seriousness of living with

he disease. The American Diabetes Associationrovides an online test for those who are

uspicious of their status. Visithttp://www.diabetes.org/ for more detailsegarding the symptoms, diagnosis, andeatment of diabetes.

by Jessica Washington
http://www.diabetes.org/http://www.diabetes.org/http://www.diabetes.org/


4/15

Countdown toAlternative

Spring Break!The countdown to Spring Break begins the moment second semester kicks off. Strategic planning takeplace as students prepare to pack up and venture across the country to the hottest party cities. While manyhead to the hot spots, more and more students are finding satisfaction in alternative spring breaks. Couldyou trade in a week long party for community service? Since 1994, over 1,500 students from the UniversityGeorgia have participated in the Alternative Spring Break program and traveled across the Southeast toparticipate in meaningful service projects that benefit the communities in which they work.

The Alternative Spring Break program is a service offered through The Center for Leadership &Service whose mission is to, engage University of Georgia students in an affordable weeklong substance frexperiential service learning project thatencourages an understanding of pressing social issues in a significant way. Everyone is eligible to get involv

by visitingthe Alternative Spring Break Office in Georgia Hall, Tate Student Center, or by calling706-583-0830.Applications are accepted throughout fall semesters, but due to high demand, some studenare placed on waiting lists as the deadlines approach. $140 (divided into one payment of $80 and a seco

payment of $60) covers all expenses.Students sign up to perform short-term projects for commun

agencies and to learn about issues such as poverty, racism,homelessness, healthcare, and the environment. Total immersion isthe goal as students are asked to commit 40 hours of service

work while living in the communities they are serving.In Orlando, we helped the Orlando Day Nursery in

Downtown Orlando [] we really got the feel of living in

poverty, and that's what I reallyenjoyed about it. The main premise of the trip was to help

children who experience poverty everyday in theirlives, and it was wonderful to experience it for the

week! said Wendell Scott, a sophomore at the Univerof Georgia.

When another participant was asked about timpact this experience had, he answered: This is aonce in a lifetime experience that you should not paup as a college student and it is also a touch of the

real world that we as college students don't get to seUGAs Alternative Spring Break progra

s linked through the national non-profit organization BreAway whose mission is, to train, assist and connect

campuses and communities in promoting quality alternatbreak programs that inspire lifelong active citizenship. T

growth accelerated in the mid 2000s, and has beenattributed to two factors: the institutionalization of volunteer

service as an integral part of the college experience, and theoverwhelming interest in service work along the Gulf Coast in theaftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For more information, v

"http://alternativebreaks.org/"http://alternativebreaks.oor

by Naria Williams
http://alternativebreaks.org/http://alternativebreaks.org/http://alternativebreaks.org/http://alternativebreaks.org/http://alternativebreaks.org/http://alternativebreaks.org/


5/15

Just when you thought therewas not another way to get

involved on campus, anotherorganization appears to enhancestudents time here at UGA. TheContemporary Media Society (CMS)is a new student-run organizationof campus, an extension of theArt-X: Expanded Forms program

affiliated with the Lamar DoddSchool of Art.

Various students come from allparts of campus, including but not

limited to: Lamar Dodd Schoolf Art, Grady College of Journalism and Terry Collegef Business. The organization offers a wide rangeof possibilities for all students to get involvedand find where they can best use theirskills. The best way for students to do

this is through the three committeesoffered within the organization.

The first committee is one that plansseveral workshops for the organization. Thiscommittee is solely responsible for preparing

ctivities in which students can come to learn thens and outs of several programs, including:hotoshop, Flash GarageBand and InDesign.

Members of this committee do not necessarilyave to possess the skills of any particular program,ut that is definitely a bonus. Students within this comm-tee will be responsible for contacting experts and host-

ng the workshops put on by CMS. The second committees public relations and blogging.

Through this committee, peers are responsible forromoting events that are put on within the organizationhrough social media sites such as Facebook, MySpaceand Twitter and through flyers/posters to be distributed aroundcampus. The third committee is the 6x6 Media Arts Competition at

ine. This committee will be responsible for setting up and cleaning upr the competition as well as publicizing the event on campus. The day

f the 6x6 Competition, students involved in this committee will assist wherever theyre needed.

This organization is all about exploring the world of art and digital media andhow they have become closely related in our society today. Students who chooseto participate in this organization will gain new insights and have a chance

to express their talents as well.CMS also has a point system that they will be implementing

or their members. Members gain points by coming to meetings,making flyers and attending events. While it has not yet beendisclosed as to what the prize will be for the top point earners, itwas said that it will be an exclusive event that they will only bellowed to attend.

If youre proactive, email the CMS President, Dara Porter atHYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected] more information about this new organization. If youre lookingor an eye opening experience then come out to the next CMS

event to see what they are all about!

Behind the

Scenes: ThContemporaMediaSociety

by Jessica Watson
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


6/15

ce its announcement a few weeks ago, the Apple iPad has been causing quitetir in the tech world. The question on everybodys mind is: Why would I need it?

Why Wouldnt iWant it?

There is no multi-tasking,which means a user can onlyrun one app at a time. Thiscould be incredibly annoying,especially if a person istrying to use their Pandora

internet radio app and surfthe web, or write a paperin iLife at the same time.

It also suffers from alack of Adobe Flashsupport, much like theiPhone and iPodtouch and will hinder

access to a few keywebsites.

eing at UGA, with a campus thise, portability is key. The iPad isper light, super portable, and isatively cheap. With modelsnging from $400 (16 gigs) to $6002 gigs), its reasonably priced forst about any college student. Withnew iPad version of Applesfe10, taking notes and

mpleting quick assignments one go should be a breeze! Even fore most unproductive students, thepp Store will keep any studentcupied with over 150,000 apps.ne of the biggest selling points toudents is that Apple has signedcrative deals with almost all majorxtbook publishers to convert theirxtbooks to iPad compatiblebooks.

hy Would iWant it?

It plays music, it plays movies, it has e-mail

and web functionality...it is essentially alarge iPod Touch. It works over Wi-Fi andyou can purchase an optional prepaid$30 monthly unlimited data plan throughAT&T. Not only does it run currentiPhone Apps, but it also ushers in anew branch of iPad specific appsaccessible through Apples iTunesApp Store. If you have an iPhone,you know the possibilities areendless.

What Does It Do?

he super sleek 9.7 inch table-yle multimedia device weighs aere 1.5 pounds. Its said to bee bridge between themartphone and the averagensumer laptop. It uses an on-reen keyboard and features

pples unique 30-pin docknnector, a 35mm headphoneck, Bluetooth capability and Wi-..all with a whopping 10 hourttery life (standby).

hat Is it?

iWantan iPadby Denver Blackwell


7/15

Type to enter text

Big Ben Says to ComeSee HIm: Study Abroad

It is time for another class. You have tried your best to be on time and avoid

tardiness. However, when you arrive, you learn that the first 10 minutes of lecturebe used to let someone talk and hand out flyers about traveling abroad. Why doprofessors give their lecture time for studying abroad information? Is it really thatbeneficial or an important opportunity? Dr. Kaplen Trivedi, the director of the UGAOxford program insists that it is.

It is one of the best things a student can do while at this university, he says. at Oxford allows some of the top students from the University of Georgia to conneprofessors at a top university in England. When asked why study abroad programbeneficial to college students in particular, Dr. Trivedi pointed out that college yearsabout experience and because students in college are already open to new places,cultures, and experiences, a college student might be able to get more out of this during those years than at another point in their life.

The University of Georgia offers a variety of programs for students to study abThere are over 90 study abroad and exchange programs available to university stuA few programs include in Tanzania, Japan, and even Antarctica. But other factors play a part in students discussion to participate in the programs. Kimberly Green, sophomore at the University of Georgia, said she feels money is more the issue. M

students associate traveling abroad with high expenses, Green said.Dr Trivedi illustrates how this can be a slight misconception.Students look at the program individually and think wow, this costs x amount

money, I cannot afford that. But what they have to think of is not the total cost of program individually, but the net cost between the study abroad program and studat UGA. Whether a student is at UGA or somewhere abroad, they are going to havpay for basic housing and meals.

There are various scholarships made available by organizations that can helpstudents pay for these extra expenses.

The University of Georgias efforts to encourage students to study abroad areevident. The university hosts study abroad fairs every academic school year to raisawareness about the opportunities as well as sponsor several study abroad scholarincluding UGA program specific scholarships (which are described on the UGA studabroad website).

Adetinpo Thomas, a second year drama major, traveled abroad to Cortonathis past summer and had only positive things to report.

Easily the best summer of my lifeThere are these little nuances about otcultures that we dont notice until we go somewhere else. Like every Sunday nightCortona, people walk their pure bred dogs through town.

When asked if language was a barrier, Thomas explained that it was not.Cortona really embraced UGA and at least one person in every shop spoke Englishwas definitely worth every cent!

With a response like that, it is hard to imagine that going abroad to study lead to anything but a satisfactory experience. Studying abroad allows students to

about different cultures and experience life in other countries all while earning credhours. Seems like a win- win- win situation.

by Krystle Drew

7


8/15

Everyone is looking forward to Spring Break 2010 coming up next week, but

while the warmth and fun of the beach are prominent thoughts in many students head,

the concern of a physical appearance also arises.Several students, mainly young women, are looking for that last quick fix to get their bodies in shape before

putting on that new bathing suit they purchased online solely for this spring break occasion. Unfortunately, ladies an

gents, there are some fads and weight loss tricks that just wont work the way you want. Throw away the diet pills

and stop trying to eat only solely soup and crackers for lunch. Furthermore, stray away from working too hard at the

gym without having an adequate meal, as this could raise your risks of passing out. Its not worth it. The best quick

fixes wont come from the Atkins Diet, regurgitating your food after thinking you ate too much or neglecting anything

with more than 200 calories. Its more about the old rules that youve heard over and over again, but have yet to

believe.

If you want to look excellent in your bathing suit with a week left before Spring Break hits, just follow these

four easy steps:

he worst thing that you

ould do is skip a meal in

der to lose weight. Get small

erving sizes when you go to eat.

ating smaller portions at a slowerte will make you feel just as full as

ating larger portions at a fast rate.

ombine this method with at least 30

inutes of cardio for the next 7 days.

Yes, our

parents were right

when they told us that

fruits and vegetables were good

for us. Try to incorporate fruit or vegetables

with every meal, substituting for french fries

or macaroni and cheese. Fruits andvegetables are good for your body and will

make you healthier overall.

Its important that you

either eat 3 larger meals aday or 6 small meals. Doing this

will keep your metabolism up

which essentially will break

down more fat and therefore

help you to lose weight.

There are several small exercises

that can be done when youre merely

going to class. Skip steps when you

go up the stairs or walk instead of

taking the bus. If youre just sitting in

your room watching the television,

get on the floor during commercialsand do as many crunches/sit ups as

you can.

Combine watching

your portions

and getting in

your cardio:

Eat your fruits

and veggies:Get in mini workouts

throughout the day:

Dont skip

meals:

Ways to Lose Weightfor Spring Break!

by Jessica Watson

These are just a few tips to help, but the best is just to love how you look! Constantly telling yourself

at you dont like the way you look doesnt help you perceive your already perfect image. So with only a

eek left the results wont be extreme, but youll be able to tell if that bikini bottom isnt as tight as

fore and hopefully youll love the wonderful you.


9/15

The month of December is the month for HIV/AIDS awareness, but did you know that

March focuses on HIV/AIDS awareness for women and girls?For pop icons Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga, this issue resulted in a collaboration to promote

AIDS awareness. As the new faces of the VIVA GLAM MAC campaign, they are promoting a new

pstick line that will donate 100 percent of its revenue to the MAC AIDS Fund. The lipstick, priced at $14, is

vailable in two shades that are named after each artist, VIVA GLAM Gaga and VIVA GLAM Cyndi.

Both women are known for their creativity and talent, but behind their eccentric personalities and clothing is a

erious message. GaGa and Lauper made appearances on Good Morning America and The Today Show to infor

iewers on the AIDS epidemic, and to present themselves as strong advocates of safe sex.

Coming from different generations, the two artists represent two age ranges, 17 to 24 and 39 to 60, that have

urprisingly shown an increase in the number of women with HIV/AIDS. Both women hope the lipstick willepresent a feminine bond between mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. In encouraging a connection among a

women, Lauper and Gaga have also formed their own bond. As a child, Gaga was inspired by Laupers musical talen

nd today she has made a name for herself as an innovative musical artist.

During the Good Morning America interview, Gaga discussed the common misconception that AIDS only affect

the gay community. She made it clear that the disease could affect any gender. Lauper also placed emphas

on the lipstick being every womans reminder to always use protection. Robin Roberts,

newscaster of the Today Show, pointed out that it was a good thing for them to be able to

touch on a topic that is frequently avoided in conversation.

While some are critical of Gagas and Laupers unconventional tendencies, the pairingof the two is a great idea and I support their cause. They may constantly choose the path of

nonconformity, but that is what makes them so successful. What truly makes them unique,

however, is their ability to use this success as motivation to donate and give back to those

in need. Their participation in the MAC campaign allows them to send a positive message

to women and girls and to shed light on AIDS as a growing issue around the world.

GAGA

over

Makeupby Nicollette Higgs


10/15

Internet:A World of Ideas

Print journalists are running in all

directions in fear of what will become of

their careers. It seems as though news-

papers and magazines are a dying trend

pushed to the side by the exponential

growth of the internet. Even journalists

who use the internet as their primary out-

let have to be quick on their feet. As

intimidating as this task may seem, it is

important to be a jack of all trades

and a master of none in the world of mass

media, especially for future journalists.

NABJs event entitled Convergence

Media was just the place to be for

great information on how to understand

the new world of fast-paced media and how

to take advantage of it. Kiley Dorton, a

graduate assistant of the New Media In-

stitute at Grady, came to give journalism

students tips on how to reap the benefits

of convergence media.

The use of convergence media is not

only helpful, it is essential. The key is to

know how to manipulate it to remain up

to date. Do you already have a Facebook

or Twitter account? Well having both is

your first step. Yes, Facebook

and Twitter are used for social

networking and getting all the

details on what your friends

have been doing, but they

can also be used as self-

marketing tools. Today,

employers are turning to

these sites to look for

potential employees, so be

sure to keep your pages

professional.

Employers also use Google searches to

find employees. This may seem harmless, but

the first 10 results they see should be

positive, not negative. A great way to have

impressive results is blogging. Voice your

opinion or provide an account of the daily

news on blog sites like Weebly and WordPress.

Using these sites can also help you get more

experience with your writing and feel more

comfortable with utilizing online sources.

With these sites, you can create your own

personalized blogs and display your skills and

experience for employers to see.

Digg and Evernote are also effective

sites. While articles posted to Digg can be

rated based on their levels of interesting

content, Evernote can help any future ! ! journalist by offering software and! programs that help organize ! ! information and record notes. The! ! more sites you use to your ! ! ! advantage, the greater ! chance! you have of being noticed for !! ! your work.! ! It also helps to have an! ! ! easily accessible online! ! ! resume. LinkedIn is best in! ! ! p r e s e n t i n g y o u r! ! ! professional skills. It is! ! ! ! similar to Facebook,! ! ! ! b u t i n s t e a d o f! ! ! having friends, you have! ! ! business connections.! ! Potenti al emplo yers can! ! v i e w y o u r p r o f i l e a n d! ! ! lea rn ab out wh at you! ! ! can offer.! ! The future is still! ! ! Bright for journalists! ! ! and the need to stay up to! ! ! date with fast changes is! ! ! greater now more than! ! ! ever.

by Nicollette Higgs

1


11/15

F.Y.I. Spring Break is right around the corner! Dont let the stress of last minute tests andpapers leave you unprepared for an unforgettable week with your closest friends. Lucky foryou, NABJ cares enough to provide a quick checklist of must-haves for your fun in the sun!

No vacation is complete unless you have hundreds of photos as proof of your amazing adventure! Remember

to pack your cameras charger, memorycard and extra batteries, so there is no

excuse for the lack of photo shoots!Facebook is waiting for you. (smile).

There is no better wayto enjoy the sun than to

vibe to the latest music!So while your feet arerelaxed and intertwined

with the sand, you shouldbe relaxing to your favoritejams. Dont forget to

update your music beforedeparture!

Yes, we know sunscreen is design

prevent sunburn. Butumbrellas are amore effective with sun blockage andcome in handy when that unexpectedcloud ruins your tanning session. Also edgy and pack an umbrella tha coordinates with your swims

These necessities are not only availablefor women, but for men too! Theres no

better way to show off your freshlypedicured toes while walking along the

beach. Priced at 2 pairs for $5,these flip flops are a deal that

you could not resist.

5 Things You Must

Bring: Spring BreakOld Navy Flip-Flops

Umbrella

MP3 Player

Trendy Beach Bag

Your Digital Camera!

No one should ever go the beach without a bag carry his/her belonging It is the easiest way to your possessions, and yo do not want any regrets o your road trip back to Ath I recommend a stylish bagthat is large enough to hold a beactowel, sunscreen, camera, and othnecessities.

by Jessica Washington


12/15

Both infuriating and annoying, smash-and-grab burglaries is spreadingroughout the Atlanta area like a new strand of influenza.

A smash-and-grab is a technique used by burglars in which they drivevehicle through a building and steal several items, preferably of greatlue.

The problem became more prevalent closely before, after, and duringe recent holiday season. The criminals focus were mainly targeted onthing and department stores and boutiques with high-end fashion items.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, on Jan. 17, 2010, twoash-and-grab burglaries were committed at the Focus Clothing Store inwntown Atlanta and the E-Z Shop Food Mart on Sylvan Road, escapingth $50,000 worth of designer jeans from the clothing store. Fortunately,

e individuals were arrested for committing those crimes. The suspectsnge in age from 14 to 19.Nearly two weeks later on Jan. 30, another smash-and-grab was

ported on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The burglars drove a vehiclerough City Package Store and stole six cases of Hennessy. Nothing else wasported stolen from that particular location and no arrests were made innnection with the crime.

This last one hits a little closer to home for me, being a resident of theuthside of Atlanta.

Around 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 7, six males drove a Dodge Intrepid throughe Macys in Southlake Mall in Morrow,Ga. They stole about $10,000 worthclothing, mainly Polo Ralph Lauren items. Because of the collective effort

Clayton County, Jonesboro and Morrow police, five of the suspects wereptured and the sixth suspect turned himself in.

Its amazing just what lengths people will go to possess those items theyel they could only receive by stealing. Some of these smash-and-grabs haveen committed by a recently noticed gang, 30 Deep. The Atlanta Policepartment believes that 30 Deep originated in the Mechanicsville neighborhood,ht near Turner Field in Atlanta, Ga.It is alleged that the gang has committed numerous commercial burglaries

om Buckhead to Gwinnett County. According to the AJC, the policeo said that these gang members sell drugs andve stolen high-end jeans and expensivectronics.

Its really sad that these things continue to happena regular basis.It will take more collective efforts, like the city

d county police working together in everyrrounding county, to crackdown on these criminals.Of course, these crimes may be looked at as a

sponse to the current recession, but there is anernative to teens and young adults acquiring theterial items they desire: GET A JOB!Yes, every Foot Locker, Kroger or McDonalds

y not be hiring, but go cut someones grass,an someones gutters, or pick up a paperute.

Please and thank you

S m a s h& G r a b

y Crissinda Ponder

1


13/15

Which Team Are

You On?

1


14/15


15/15

Religion has become a trend. I believe the term religion is another socconstruct created to separate and create more inequality and confusion in o

communities. Religion has become leisure, an ask & give relationship, wionly one person giving. There are so many denominations, and differe

beliefs and not enough of sound doctrine. Even in our own collegiate societhere are so many claims of religious people but not nearly enough examplof that religion.

There are so many outlets where religion just doesnt Fit in, especiain a college environment. Its easier to go out to a club on a riday nig

and get drunk, than it is to go to a campus devotional. Its much easier a Saturday night to be impure with your signiFicant other than go to

dating devotional that encourages a spiritual relationship betweeach other. Many think that life is right when you have a good senof whats wrong and whats right. This is not religion, this is simp

morality.I am a disciple, which, in one deFinition, means any follower Christ. I am a Christian. These two terms ARE interchangeab

according to the Bible (Acts 11:26). The Bible is my standard flife. That is my doctrine. Every day I strive to live out Lu9:23 which says, Whoever wants to be my disciple must de

themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. I acareful in my walk by not just acknowledging that Gods gra

is free, but I do my best to have nothing to do with the fruitledeeds of darkness, but rather expose them. (Ephesians 5:11

spend time studying the Word daily and praying. I have nalways had this relationship. I made a decision that I wgoing to learn for myself what was really in the Bible and

not live on traditions or morals. I was challenged by peopwho were really living by the Bible, not claiming belief and being the opposite of what it really is.

Anybody can have a relationship with God. Tquestion is, however, if our relationship is pleasing

his sight. So many do not know what is actually the Bible or what any of it means. I wouencourage people to really study it and Find ou

ind someone who has a relationship with Gthat you admire and that you see is true and n

just another hypocrite, and ask them to stuthe Bible with you.

I am a member of the AtheChurch of Christ and a member of t

Alpha Omega campus ministry. The bo

of disciples has been an encouragemeduring my walk with God and also s u p p o r t i n m y s t r u g g l e s a ntrials. I have not always been disciple. I committed and gave m

life over to God on April 1, 200Church is the believers, the disciple

the followers. My church is my famand it is encouraging to be aroun

people who are striving for tsame goal of salvation. I madedecision to not be like tpeople in 2 Timothy 4:3, bu

HAdkhdudby Amanda Toney

march issue nabj

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