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Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

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Ndukaku Okereke

9624 Valley Mills Lane

Dallas, TX 75227

214-460-0029

Email: ubaokereke@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a position in the journalism industry

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point; Excellent oral and written communication skills: Flexible and adaptable to working environment; Intermediate experience in Adobe Creative Suite

EDUCATION

Master of Journalism                                                                             May 2014 (expected)

University of North Texas                                                                         Denton, TX

Bachelor of Arts                                                                                                May 2011

Texas Southern University                                                                                    Houston, TX

WORK EXPERIENCE

June 2012 – TSU Office of Recruitment, Dallas, TX

Volunteer

·       Answered customer questions and provided information and guidance

·       Greeted every new and transfer student with enthusiasm and energy

·       Helped double number of new applicants from Fall 2011 semester

May 2012- Current – Dallas County Dept. of HHS, Dallas, Texas 

Election Worker

·       Maintained an active awareness of the election and voting rules and assisted voters as needed

·       Handled all voter concerns in a proactive, positive manner

·       Recognized for high voter turnout during Texas primary election

September 2011 - February 2012 – Regal Magazine, Houston, Texas

Freelance Writer

·       Covered and wrote sports stories of HBCU athletics

·       Increased readership by 10% in five month span

·       Integrated social media platforms to disseminate news to readers across the country

August 2008 - May 2011 – TSU Herald Newspaper, Houston, Texas

Sports Editor

·       Reported on all Texas Southern sports and athletic events

·       Utilized media methods to research story ideas and validation of sources

·       Social Media Correspondent for 25^th annual HABJ Awards Banquet

ASSOCIATIONS /AFFILIATIONS

Member Texas Southern University Alumni Association, Dallas Chapter

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My Career Goals: Long and Short Term

My immediate short-term goal upon graduating from UNT is to join the Peace Corps and do work overseas. I see a growing need of helping our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world who aren't fortunate of the amenities we Americans take for granted. 

Once I complete my service with the Peace Corps, I will pursue a career within the U.S. Department of State as a Civil Service Officer then transition to become a Foreign Service Officer or a Foreign Service Specialist.

My interest in this came from an informational on careers with the State Department the school held back in September. I truly believe this is the career path for me. Coupled with my future courses in international mass communications, social media and IT, I will be equipped to become an asset to the State Department and make a positive impact on the world.

I'm glad that I chose UNT for graduate school because it gave me a chance to reset my life and figure out what I want to do on this Earth. I am really learning a lot about the field of journalism that I didn't in my undergrad days and know that i don't have to necessarily become a traditional journalist working for a newspaper or cable news station.

I believe there is a need for international journalism because there are plenty stories in other parts of the world that go untold or under reported. I know I can fill that role and the Mayborn Graduate Institute will prepare me for that next step.

Al Roker give account of Sandy's destruction

Hurricane Sandy disrupts election campaigns, closes stock market

President Obama urged residents on the East Coast Monday to heed evacuation orders in lieu of Hurricane Sandy. The storm is expected to make landfall late tonight into Tuesday. States ranging from South Carolina to Maine have taken precaution by shutting down major roads and places of attraction. The stock market closed on Monday and will re-open possibly on Wednesday. Traders have gone the electronic route to keep trading stocks and commodities.  Below are videos related to the story.

A Dream Deferred: BET's 106 & Park winners revealed

Over the past three months or so, Black Entertainment Television (BET) put out a search for the next host of their music video show "106 & Park."

It was reported earlier this summer that the current hosts Terrence J and Rocsi would be leaving the show to pursue other interests. Thus, hundreds of people from across the country posted videos on BET.com showcasing their talent in hopes of making their dreams come true.

Alas, it was announced on Monday that BET revealed the winners of the 106 VJ search. The new hosts included established rapper and actor Bow Wow.  Wait. Timeout. Flag on the play.

Let me get this straight. So people across the nation sacrificed their time and money to "audition" to be the next VJ and you give the job to Bow Wow? Why not choose someone who actually wants to make a career out of being on TV and using this opportunity to launch they career?

According to my sources, there will be four co-hosts to interact with the audience and play the rundown of videos.

Just because someone has "celebrity status" or fame doesn't mean they are host-material. Samuel L. Jackson hosting the 2012 BET Awards is a prime example.

BET should have just cancelled the show because it has gone downhill since Free and AJ left. In addition, why would one want to work for a network that doesn't put African-Americans in a positive light?

However, I pray and hope that the people who didn't get selected to be a VJ on 106 use their video to get bigger and better opportunities.

Grad School Life: Orientation

Today was orientation for new graduate students at the University of North Texas. The event as a whole had its laughs and its boredom. However, I was able to indulge in priceless information that will help me to become the best graduate student I can be.

My next orientation session is with the Mayborn School of Journalism on Tuesday and classes begin on Thursday. I am very excited and nervous about my first semester at UNT. I pray that God will bless me with more than enough resources to pass this first year with flying colors. I look forward to all of the new experiences in this new chapter of my life.

My only concern was that I wished to already have a good job to combat the cost of commuting to and from Denton or that I made enough money to live on campus.

It's official. I'm a UNT grad student.

The Grad School Life: New Beginnings

In one week, I will begin my graduate schooling at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. I can't express how excited I am about all of the new experiences and challenges I will have pursuing this Master of Journalism degree.

I know for a fact God Almighty will connect me with the right people to accomplish His plan for my life.

I recently found out that I became a sports writer for the North Texas Daily (shameless plug, follow @NTDaily) and the first staff meeting was today and tomorrow. The mood was rather enlightening as I met most of the staff and my section editor, Josh. He seems pretty laid-back.

My journey for the next two years or so will be one of the best of my life. I believe it will give me the opportunity to break some habits and create new ones so that I can be the best journalist God wants me to be upon graduation.

Keep up with my grad school journey with the hashtag #gradschoollife on twitter @ubathediplomat.

My goal is to start at a local paper like the Dallas Morning News and work my way up. My dream job is to cover sports for ESPN or other sports media sites. God willing, I will cover a Summer Olympic Games or a major sporting event.

I firmly declare that God will fulfill every need of mine and my heart's desires. I will need many prayer warriors.

Orientation is on Saturday.

Daily Devotion: Patience: Our Gift of Service

Read | Colossians 3:12-13

When troubled or in pain, we turn to people who will listen patiently to our cries of distress. But I wonder how often we seek to be the person who gently steps up to share a hurting friend's burden for as long as it lasts?

Paul encouraged believers to "put on" a heart of compassion, kindness, and patience. In other words, we don't come from the womb pre-equipped with these traits. Rather, we receive on-the-job training in imitating Christ as we bear with and forgive one another. The Holy Spirit is more than willing to instruct us in the proper ways to grow spiritual fruit. The Lord then provides opportunities for us to try out our newly developed skills.

We tend to classify patience rather narrowly as "waiting." That's certainly part of the definition, but so are concepts like endurance, perseverance, and persistence. When we're relating to others as Paul challenged us to do, we are not simply waiting for them to become better versions of themselves. We are enduring their hardship alongside them or persisting in our attempts to offer aid. We're caring, listening, and serving however we can. In a world that insists on doing everything quickly, patience is an amazing gift to give another person.

By placing patience on the list of spiritual fruit, God indicated that every believer could develop this trait. Whatever additional gifts and talents you possess, patience is an attribute that you can put on. Practice it for the glory of God and as a way to serve your fellow man.

Daily Devotion: How to Hold On

Read | Psalm 37:5-7

Job was a man who certainly knew trouble and temptation, and yet he boldly claimed, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). That is commitment. Job had lost his children, his fortune, and his health, but he refused to abandon faith in God. The stricken man was determined to hold on because he trusted the Lord to do right.

Unwavering commitment to trust the Lord in all situations is a cornerstone of unshakable faith. From the vantage point of that foundation, we can focus our eyes upon God alone. It is easy to be distracted by circumstances and allow them to dictate our emotions. But if that's the case, then when life is good, we're happy; when times are tough, we're frustrated; and when hardship pours in, we're downright miserable and looking for escape.

Unlike Job, we are fortunate to have Scripture, which reveals God's nature and promises. And it is a wise believer who claims those promises when enduring hardship. For His Word tells us that our Father is always good, always just, always faithful, and always trustworthy. When we take our eyes off the whirl of day-to-day activity and concentrate on honoring Him and following in His way, we find a consistent peace that carries us through both plenty and poverty.

In order to hold on to God through any trial or temptation, commit to trust and follow Him all of your days. Lay claim to His promises: The unchanging Lord and Savior (Heb. 13:8) is committed to caring for you in all circumstances (1 Peter 5:7) and will never leave or forsake you (Heb. 13:5).

Daily Devotion: Self-Inflicted Adversity

Read | Psalm 119:65-72

The difficulties we face originate from one of three sources. Some are sent to us by the Lord to test our faith, others are the result of Satan's attacks, and still others are due to our own sinful choices.

As you consider these three causes, which type is the hardest for you to bear? I think most of us would say the last one, because we have nobody to blame but ourselves and it seems as if no good can possibly result. After all, the Word of God says that we will reap what we have sown (Gal. 6:7), so we see nothing ahead except a painful harvest.

What this kind of thinking fails to take into account is the Lord's redemptive abilities. Although He never promises to remove all the consequences of sin, He can use our failures to teach us to fear Him, hate evil, and walk in obedience. The difficult lessons we learn can also become our protection from sin in the future. Having suffered the pain of going our own way, we're more likely not to take that path again.

God's arrows of affliction are sharp and painful so He can get our attention. He won't let His beloved children get away with sin because He knows it robs us of blessings, opportunities, and even character refinement.

As painful as your situation may be, thank your heavenly Father that He cares enough to send out His loving discipline. Now it's up to you. How will you respond to His warning? When we learn from experience, the scars of sin can lead us to restoration and a renewed intimacy with God.

Me, Myself, and Depression

This post is dedicated to those who fight this depression daily but don't have the courage to speak out about it.

Many people, for the most part, see me as a guy who is sarcastic and sociable at times. However, a lot of people never realized the pain and anguish that lived inside me. However, no one really knows what it is like to be me.

See, growing up in a Nigerian household, (I'm Nigerian, by the way) was very different from the typical American household. I couldn't do a whole lot as a kid. I mainly played with my siblings. I didn't have many friends. I remember kids calling me "African Booty Scratcher" and how it made me feel. I felt as if I didn't belong

It got worse in the seventh grade and begin to snowball once I entered college. My depression got so bad, I indulged in minor marijuana and alcohol use. I felt that if I did these things then the pain would go away.

I felt as if my life was not going to get any better and I began to have suicidal thoughts day after day. I actually contemplated committing suicide. I had a suicide plan and everything. I was going to drive my car to the very top of the parking garage at school and jump off of the roof.

I ended up talking to the school counselor and was hospitalized for a week in 2009. I believe that whole week was the avenue God used to heal me.

I still cope with depression long after my release from the hospital. In fact, I made a commitment to live my life in an optimistic manner despite my current troubles and struggles. I now read my Bible daily and I have come to terms with my depression and decided it will not define me.

I thank God for giving me the gift of the pen because writing basically saved my life.

Mental illness, especially depression, is prevalent in the Black community. We need to confront this issue before it causes the death of a loved one.

Daily Devotion: A Barometer for Spiritual Growth

Read | 1 Corinthians 13:11-13

Since our Father wants us to mature in the faith, we should stop periodically and examine our lives to see if we're making progress in this area. Physical growth is fairly easy to evaluate--all you need is a tape measure. But how can you tell if you're growing spiritually? Let's begin by considering how children develop.

Desires: Have you noticed that your childhood toys no longer interest you? The maturing process changes our desires in the spiritual realm too. When we're growing, the world's pleasures lose their appeal, while our hunger for God and His Word increases. We are eager to be with Him and share with others how He's working in our lives.

Understanding: When you were young, your perception of the world was very limited. In the same way, we lack spiritual understanding when we're new believers. But in time, we begin to see life from God’s perspective. Trials and temptations become opportunities for growth, and service for the Lord becomes an honor instead of a burden.

Selflessness: The most obvious sign of a toddler's immaturity is his selfishness. He wants his way, and he wants it now! Hopefully that is no longer characteristic of you. A mature believer is submissive to the Lord, willing to wait, and more concerned about others than himself.

How are you doing in these three areas of growth? Maybe it's time to let go of a few childish ways in order to grow into a mature believer. The greatest evidence of maturity is love. When the Lord and other people have first place in our hearts, it's then that we're most like Jesus.

Daily Devotion: Are you a threat to Satan?

Read | 1 John 4:4-6

Scripture records two occasions when Satan asked God for permission to test a believer. The Devil attempted to break the faith first of Job (1:6-12) and then of Peter (Luke 22:31-34). Jesus warned that Satan wanted to "sift" the disciple like wheat--shaking his faith in the way a farmer separates wheat kernels from debris.

 The Enemy hoped that Peter would fall away like chaff. But both attacks ultimately failed, and the men came through with faith restored and strengthened by the Lord. However, at the time of trial, each found himself attacked in the most vulnerable area of his heart.

Is your life making an impact worth talking about? Are you serving God in such a way as to make Satan feel threatened? If not, you don't need a major attack for your faith to suffer greatly. Instead of being alert and recognizing the battle at stake, you will be lulled into uselessness like a frog in water heating gradually to a boil.

But when you grow spiritually--rejecting lies and taking hold of the wholeness that is yours in Christ--you threaten the work of the Evil One. The Lord calls on you to extend His love to specific people because you have just the right knowledge, story, or temperament to reach them. And when you do, you reclaim stolen territory for His kingdom.

You may think you're not important, but the Lord knows your true value. As His beloved child and friend, you have an important part in His plan for eternity. Satan fears you when you recognize this truth. Fight back and rely on God's Spirit--greater is He who is within you!

Daily Devotion: God uses the Wicked

Read | Genesis 37-39

When we don't understand what God is doing or why, His ways can seem perplexing. The times when ungodly people seem to triumph over the righteous make us scratch our heads and wonder why the Lord doesn't intervene. But the truth is, He oftenuses the wicked to accomplish His purpose.

Joseph faced one hard-hearted individual after another during his years in exile. His brothers shipped him off to Egypt. His boss's wife accused him of an unspeakable crime. And even those he helped, like Pharaoh's cupbearer, forgot about him (Gen. 40:23). The actions (or seeming inactions) of God make little sense at this point.

But once the story of Joseph's life was written in full, it was clear that everyone who harmed or neglected the young man contributed to God's plan. The Lord used numerous people across several years to bring a humbled young Hebrew unexpectedly to power at the right moment to spare his family--who were the Messiah's ancestors--from the effects of famine.

In our circumstances, we can see God's actions only from the limited vantage point of our humanness. We experience the events He has allowed or caused but can't discern what He is thinking. Often the Lord's goals and purposes are hidden from us until His plans come to fruition.

God is sovereign over all the earth. We may wonder at the strange or even terrifying turns our lives take, but we can be certain that He is in control and at work. The wicked may triumph for a season, but the final, eternal victory belongs to Christ and His righteous followers.

__._,_.___

Daily Devotion: Devoted to God

Read | Psalm 62:1-2

Having been saved by faith in Christ, we express our love and gratitude through devotion to Him. Regular Bible study and prayer will be an integral part of our daily lives. In addition, our commitment to the Lord will be revealed through a passion to obey, a spirit of humility, and a servant's heart.

1. Obedience. David sought to obey God all his life. As a shepherd boy, he faithfully tended the animals in his father's fields. While king, he set aside his desire to build the temple and let Solomon lead the effort, as God had commanded. Although David lived imperfectly, his desire was to do what the Lord asked. We see from Jesus' words in John 14:15 that obedience should be our high priority as well: He said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."
2. Humility. After David killed Goliath, the crowds shouted praise about the young man. However, he did not become prideful. Instead, he remained in King Saul's service and waited for God to make him the ruler of Israel. Even as king, he remained humble. He knew that what had been accomplished was because of the Lord's actions and not his own (2 Sam. 7:18).
3. Service. Whether David was a lowly shepherd or a mighty king, his goal was to obey God and serve Him.

This man after God's own heart was devoted to his Lord. He sought to know Him and longed to carry out His will. David's actions reflected His humble attitude of servanthood and his longing to please his heavenly Father. Take steps each day to be sure your life expresses commitment to Jesus.

The Basis for Discernment

Hebrews 4: 12-13

Since spiritual discernment is the ability to see life from God's perspective, it requires that we know how He thinks and acts. 

The Bible is His unchanging, infallible revelation of Himself. However, the Lord doesn't simply give us a list of facts about His character and ways. All throughout the pages of Scripture, He illustrates who He is and how He operates.

Although the Bible is ancient, it's not a dead book. It's alive and as fresh as if He were speaking directly to you. The stories may have taken place centuries ago, but the principles and applications are current and relevant. 

It's our instruction book about how to live. Guidance for decisions and discernment about situations are found from Genesis to Revelation.

God's Word is active and piercing. The words don't simply sit on the page. They penetrate our hearts and judge our thoughts and motives. 

This convicting quality is why some people don't like to read the Bible. But self-discernment is essential if we don't want to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. 

Some Christians live on a surface level, never understanding why they react to situations the way they do. But if we'll approach the Word of God with an open spirit, it will bring to light our hidden motives and reveal unrecognized sins.

Spiritual discernment involves seeing not just our circumstances but also ourselves from God's perspective. Have you learned to embrace the piercing sword of Scripture, or have you avoided doing so because it makes you uncomfortable? Remember, God's Word cuts only so that it can heal.

NCAA lays down punishment hammer toward Penn State

Penn State University learned its fate Monday morning as NCAA president Mark Emmert revealed the penalties it will imposed on the school in a live press conference.

Penn State received a four-year football postseason ban, a $60 million fine and loss of scholarships. Additional penalties include vacation of wins from 1998-2011 and five years probation. The bowl ban is the longest in college football history since Indiana in 1960.

Current Penn State football players will be able to transfer, become immediately eligible at the transfer school of choice and don't have to play as long as they are academically eligible.

The loss of wins will be noted on the late Joe Paterno's record and will immediately make the late Grambling coach Eddie Robinson the winningest coach in Division I history and former Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden the winningest coach in FBS history with 377 wins.

NCAA says that Penn State perpetuated a "football first" culture that must change. On Sunday, construction crews removed the statue of Joe Paterno from outside Beaver Stadium after days of protest.

Penn State has signed an agreement with the NCAA to accept these penalties.

Jerry Sandusky was convicted on 45 of 48 charges in the sex abuse case last month and faces a minimum sentence of 60 years in prison.

Finding the Right Church- Dr. Charles Stanley

It is important for all believers to be joined to a local church body. But how should you select a church? Let’s examine the essential qualities of a Bible-believing fellowship. 

If you do not currently belong to a congregation, use these guidelines as a resource while you search for one. If you are already an active church member, this list can help you evaluate where you attend.

Since all Christians do not agree on the same interpretation of Scripture, the first thing we must investigate is the church’s doctrine or fundamental beliefs.

1. Does the church believe the Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God? Do the leaders trust that Scripture is without error, and all of it is useful and necessary in our daily lives (2 Tim. 3:16)? Many professing Christians try to excuse certain miraculous or supernatural passages of the Bible, such as the creation account in Genesis or the final judgment in Revelation. If a church tries to make Scripture more comfortable or understandable by sacrificing a doctrinal truth, then it fails to maintain the integrity of the Word. The Bible is the perfect revelation of God to His people. 
   
2. Does the church believe Jesus is not simply the Son of God but actually God Himself (John 1:1-2, 14)? The deity of Christ is absolutely a fundamental belief of any biblical church. Had Jesus been an ordinary man, He would have been a sinner like the rest of humanity. The penalty for our wrongdoing needed to be paid by someone who’d never sinned. If Christ disobeyed God, then you and I are left to face the full wrath of the Father (Heb. 9:27). 
   
3. Does the church believe Jesus was born of a virgin? If we have faith in God’s Word, then we must trust that it speaks the truth regarding Jesus’ miraculous birth, as recorded in the Gospels (Matt. 1:23-25).
   
4. Does the church believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ? When Jesus left the tomb, He left itphysically. He was not simply a spirit floating around; He was a person—alive and in the flesh (John 20:24-29).
   
5. Does the church believe Jesus is going to return? Scripture is clear that Christ will come back to the earth. He will call His followers home and bring judgment on the ungodly (1 Thess. 4:13-18).
   
6. Does the church believe there will be a future judgment? When Christ returns, He will return as a righteous Judge. At that time, He will separate His people from those who do not know Him. Some churches are not comfortable with this portrayal of the Lord, but it is thoroughly biblical (Matt. 25:31-46).
   
7. Does the church believe there is a literal heaven and hell? This goes along with the truth of the coming judgment. After all, if the “sheep” and “goats” are separated (Matt. 25:31-46), then each group must have a place to go. 
   
8. Does the church believe Jesus went to the cross and died a sacrificial atoning death? This is the most important point of all. The cornerstone of our faith is that Jesus Christ bore the punishment we deserved—we gained the freedom of God’s forgiveness through the Savior’s death and resurrection. This was the price that was necessary to forgive, redeem, reconcile, justify, and conform us to the image of God’s Son. It was also proof that God truly loves us unconditionally, perfectly, and not on the basis of anything we have done (John 3:16; Rom. 5:5-7).

If the church you attend does not accept these things as true, I suggest you leave that fellowship. Why? Because what you believe determines where you will spend eternity and how you will live here on earth. If you think there is no hell, heaven, or judgment, you will most likely live a morally offensive lifestyle. It is impossible to live a godly life unless core doctrines are firmly set in your walk of faith.

Once you get past the doctrine test, you need to ask two more questions of the church. First, is it building your faith? In other words, are you being strengthened in your relationship with God and enabled to understand Scripture? If your answer is “no,” it may be an indication you are not in the right place.

Second, does the church have a ministry to the world? A true Christ-centered fellowship will not be satisfied trying to keep the power of the gospel locked within its four walls, available only to its own members. Rather, a solid biblical church expresses a deep desire to reach the world for Christ, taking the truth to those who have never heard it.

When you follow these three tests—doctrine, faith-building, and missions—they will guide you to a biblical church. If you are already part of a body of believers, then these guidelines will help solidify your understanding of what the church believes. It is a delight to be part of a local group of people who are doctrinally grounded in the Word of God, who love to be edified through Scripture, and who are concerned about a world that does not know their God.

My friend, the Lord is intimately concerned about your church affiliation, and He desires to meet with you in new and exciting ways every time you come to Him in worship. Therefore, don’t settle for simply becoming a church member; instead, recognize your proper place within the growing, vibrant, active body of Jesus Christ.