I have spent much of my life pleading with God to show me "His perfect will" for me, to guide me on the path that He would have me take. The issue of direction has caused great, well-intentioned, turmoil in my heart.
And I've been wrong.
The question to ask is this: what is God's will for us? It is not a temporal situation, such as which college we attend or what house we live in. Does He care about those things? Of course. Does He have a course of action that He would like us to take? Probably so.
But what, then, is His ultimate purpose, His will that He is constantly working in us? It is that our lives may bring glory to Him. That's it.
So often we desperately seek His will in the temporal sense. Where do I send my kids to school? Where do I go to school? What job do I take? What is my major? Etc, etc. But what we often fail to realize, what I have failed to realize, is that all of that simply doesn't matter. God cares about it, yes. He has a hand in it, yes. But it is not for us to strive to "discover God's will" for our lives. It's very plain in His word: seek Him. That's all I need. As long as my heart is serving God, as long as my soul is honoring Him, then I am walking in His will, regardless of what occupation I possess.
Matthew 6:32-34: "For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
21 September 2009
31 August 2009
Explanation
After much procrastination, good intention and wasted thoughts, I have decided to start posting again.
It's not because I think I'm particularly eloquent or even that anybody will even read these posts, but I compose essays and thoughts in my head and I think it's a shame to waste those sacred thoughts that come to us when we're mowing the lawn, doing the dishes or taking a shower. Those are often the best thoughts most worth keeping.
I deleted my other blog so now this one will not be strictly journalism material. Part of this reason is because I've changed a lot since my last post. For one thing, I'm not going to be a journalist anymore (God willing...). I believe my calling is something different, though what that is, I have yet to discover. All that to say that the posts on this blog will not be "reporting" so much as thoughts on current issues, theology, writing and life in general.
I won't bore you with the "today at school..." stuff because 1) I don't like reading other people's journals 2) I wouldn't post my journal online and 3) it's annoying to all parties involved.
Thanks,
Sarah
It's not because I think I'm particularly eloquent or even that anybody will even read these posts, but I compose essays and thoughts in my head and I think it's a shame to waste those sacred thoughts that come to us when we're mowing the lawn, doing the dishes or taking a shower. Those are often the best thoughts most worth keeping.
I deleted my other blog so now this one will not be strictly journalism material. Part of this reason is because I've changed a lot since my last post. For one thing, I'm not going to be a journalist anymore (God willing...). I believe my calling is something different, though what that is, I have yet to discover. All that to say that the posts on this blog will not be "reporting" so much as thoughts on current issues, theology, writing and life in general.
I won't bore you with the "today at school..." stuff because 1) I don't like reading other people's journals 2) I wouldn't post my journal online and 3) it's annoying to all parties involved.
Thanks,
Sarah
05 November 2008
The Greatest Hope
Hordes of people roared their approval of the President Elect last night. Senator Barak Obama, with his wife and two daughters, walked to the front of the platform, smiling. He waved to the thousands of people who's eyes shone with the promise of his campaign: hope. He is the first black President Elect.
Despite our election of a man who's ideals are far from those of our Founding Fathers, I know that God is still God. He is still in control and I truly believe that His will has been done. God, sovereign, omnipotent, holy, king, has a plan that is being worked out as we speak.
And that, my friends, is the greatest hope of all.
17 April 2008
Tehcnially Speaking Article #5
Note: Senator Hillary Clinton came to speak at Forsyth Tech, the school I attend (oh boy!). They assigned me to do the article on her, even though they know I'm strongly against Hillary. This article is straight reporting. It says what happened, who was there, when it was, all that fun stuff. I in no way endorse Hillary or even like her (even if I did like her before, after this meeting, I really didn't like her at all!). So this is what I did - we're not supposed to have bias (or at least let our bias show). So I'm wondering how I did with that - keeping my sass to a minimum.
Raise Hill!
Senator Hillary Clinton speaks at Forysth Tech
“Raise Hill!” screamed one of the hand-made signs at the front of the auditorium. Senator Hillary Clinton was scheduled to speak at Forsyth Tech’s West Campus in the auditorium t 5:30 to discuss her economic plan.
She was an hour and twenty-two minutes late, however. The crowd of approximately 800 people grew restless as they waited for the Senator to arrive. They waved signs of all varieties, both hand made and professional. Cheers erupted several times from both sides of the auditorium. Chatter filled the room and echoed off the high ceiling and concrete walls. As time wore on, spectators left to return with sodas and snacks from the snack machines in the hall outside the auditorium. They were restless.
Of course, the people had a right to be restless, even frustrated. Some supporters had been standing in line since 2:00 in the afternoon or earlier. By 4:00, the line wrapped almost halfway around the building. The line began to trickle in past heavy security at around 5:00 in the evening.
As the waiting dragged on, Dr. Gary Green, President of Forsyth Tech, stood up to address the audience at approximately 6:05. He thanked several people and Senator Clinton for coming to “dialogue” with the public.
Finally, at 6:52, Senator Hillary Clinton made her appearance. The crowd roared with applause and shouts of support.
She apologized for being so late.
“Especially since Carolina’s playing in half an hour!” she said, laughing. The crowd laughed as well and relaxed. She released the audience to leave if they had to see the game. A few members of the audience took her up on her offer later on.
Senator Clinton did not give a reason for her delay.
“It’s time to get America on the right track,” she said in the beginning of her speech. The speech, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, covered the following issues:
-Pulling out of the war in Afghanistan
-What she plans to accomplish if she becomes President:
- Turn the economy around
-Punish companies that send jobs to other countries
-Remove unfair price
-Advantages of trade
-Place a new emphasis on manufacturing
-Invest in clean renewable energy
-Rebuild America’s highways, bridges, and other transportation means. She plans to use bonds to pay for all of this reconstruction.
-Support science. Or, as Senator Clinton said, “End President Bush’s war on science.”
-Free medical care
-Early education
-Making it easier for students to afford college
-Withdraw the troops in 60 days
-Address problems in caring for our military veterans
Senator Clinton’s words were often drowned out by the crowd’s deafening cheers. As she neared the end of her speech, the Senator promised North Carolinians that she would be faithful to this state.
“Some presidents forget who they work for. I won’t. I want forget North Carolina,” she said.
Senator Clinton’s speech ended quietly, without fanfare or the raucous cheers she rode in on and that punctuated her speech. She smiled, thanked the crowd and walked towards the sectioned off area at the back of the auditorium.
Raise Hill!
Senator Hillary Clinton speaks at Forysth Tech
“Raise Hill!” screamed one of the hand-made signs at the front of the auditorium. Senator Hillary Clinton was scheduled to speak at Forsyth Tech’s West Campus in the auditorium t 5:30 to discuss her economic plan.
She was an hour and twenty-two minutes late, however. The crowd of approximately 800 people grew restless as they waited for the Senator to arrive. They waved signs of all varieties, both hand made and professional. Cheers erupted several times from both sides of the auditorium. Chatter filled the room and echoed off the high ceiling and concrete walls. As time wore on, spectators left to return with sodas and snacks from the snack machines in the hall outside the auditorium. They were restless.
Of course, the people had a right to be restless, even frustrated. Some supporters had been standing in line since 2:00 in the afternoon or earlier. By 4:00, the line wrapped almost halfway around the building. The line began to trickle in past heavy security at around 5:00 in the evening.
As the waiting dragged on, Dr. Gary Green, President of Forsyth Tech, stood up to address the audience at approximately 6:05. He thanked several people and Senator Clinton for coming to “dialogue” with the public.
Finally, at 6:52, Senator Hillary Clinton made her appearance. The crowd roared with applause and shouts of support.
She apologized for being so late.
“Especially since Carolina’s playing in half an hour!” she said, laughing. The crowd laughed as well and relaxed. She released the audience to leave if they had to see the game. A few members of the audience took her up on her offer later on.
Senator Clinton did not give a reason for her delay.
“It’s time to get America on the right track,” she said in the beginning of her speech. The speech, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, covered the following issues:
-Pulling out of the war in Afghanistan
-What she plans to accomplish if she becomes President:
- Turn the economy around
-Punish companies that send jobs to other countries
-Remove unfair price
-Advantages of trade
-Place a new emphasis on manufacturing
-Invest in clean renewable energy
-Rebuild America’s highways, bridges, and other transportation means. She plans to use bonds to pay for all of this reconstruction.
-Support science. Or, as Senator Clinton said, “End President Bush’s war on science.”
-Free medical care
-Early education
-Making it easier for students to afford college
-Withdraw the troops in 60 days
-Address problems in caring for our military veterans
Senator Clinton’s words were often drowned out by the crowd’s deafening cheers. As she neared the end of her speech, the Senator promised North Carolinians that she would be faithful to this state.
“Some presidents forget who they work for. I won’t. I want forget North Carolina,” she said.
Senator Clinton’s speech ended quietly, without fanfare or the raucous cheers she rode in on and that punctuated her speech. She smiled, thanked the crowd and walked towards the sectioned off area at the back of the auditorium.
27 February 2008
Unity or Death
Once, being an American meant something grand. Once, being an American meant being a part of something bigger than yourself, being a part of a greater unit, a country that was rich and bountiful. Any who added their blood and sweat to this soil was considered American because he was here, investing his life in America. He wanted to be an American. This has changed.
"Diversity!" has been the rallying cry of America - or so the liberals think. Diversity, they say, will bring us together.
Diversity is tearing us down.
Everywhere, there are 'diversity fairs' and 'cultural awareness' programs. It saturates our schools, permeates the minds of our students, infuses our culture, and, most of all, divides our hearts.
No longer do we look at black people and call them, "American", but "African American", even if the individual has never seen Africa or has no ties whatsoever to Africa. What is wrong with being just an American?
Recognizing that their are different ethinic groups is perfectly all right. It's good, necessary, to realize that we all have different talents, abilities, backgrounds, styles. That's exactly what makes people individuals, not human #8379038.
And of course, it is perfectly all right to carry on traditions from the "old counrty". Traditions are so valuable. Remember your roots, but also establish new roots in America. Be American first, then you can remember what you were. In the name of Diversity, Americans are opening the doors to illegal aliens.
America is taking a good thing, Diversity, and warping it so that it tears apart our nation. So that it causes us to categorize people into different ethnic groups.
As our founding fathers said, United we stand, Divided we fall.
"Diversity!" has been the rallying cry of America - or so the liberals think. Diversity, they say, will bring us together.
Diversity is tearing us down.
Everywhere, there are 'diversity fairs' and 'cultural awareness' programs. It saturates our schools, permeates the minds of our students, infuses our culture, and, most of all, divides our hearts.
No longer do we look at black people and call them, "American", but "African American", even if the individual has never seen Africa or has no ties whatsoever to Africa. What is wrong with being just an American?
Recognizing that their are different ethinic groups is perfectly all right. It's good, necessary, to realize that we all have different talents, abilities, backgrounds, styles. That's exactly what makes people individuals, not human #8379038.
And of course, it is perfectly all right to carry on traditions from the "old counrty". Traditions are so valuable. Remember your roots, but also establish new roots in America. Be American first, then you can remember what you were. In the name of Diversity, Americans are opening the doors to illegal aliens.
America is taking a good thing, Diversity, and warping it so that it tears apart our nation. So that it causes us to categorize people into different ethnic groups.
As our founding fathers said, United we stand, Divided we fall.
Technically Speaking Article #3
This is an article I wrote for the culture section of the newspaper.
A Swinging Alternative
By Sarah Anzivino
The dimly lit ballroom is brimming with couples whirling and dancing to the lively music emanating from the live band playing on the stage. A group of high school boys and girls stand in the corner of the room, laughing and talking. One of the boys has a brown plaid fedora on his head. He takes it off as he bows, grinning to one of the young ladies in a black-and-white polka dot dress. He replaces his hat on his head and leads the young lady to find a place in the swirling mass of dancers. The air is thick with the Big Band music and the lively crowd.
Such is the typical night at one of the Piedmont Swing Dance Society (PSDS) meetings. The PSDS meets on the second and the fourth Saturday nights of every month. The second Saturday meetings are held at the Vintage Theater in Downtown Winston Salem, and the fourth Saturday meetings are held at the Oriental Shrine Club in Greensboro.
Swing dancing is a good alternative to a night at the movie theater. A night dancing to the lively tempo of the live bands is a great way to burn extra calories and meet new people. Most people, however, don’t know how to swing dance. The PSDS has made sure that this stops no one from having an enjoyable time. A free lesson in the basics of swing dancing is offered from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The lesson is taught by real swing-dance coaches. At 8:30, the band strikes up and dancers flood the floor. You don’t need to bring a partner to participate because there are plenty of dancers, experienced and novice alike, that dance with people they don’t know. The dance floor closes at 11:30 pm, but you can leave before then.
The Piedmont Swing Dance Society is a nonprofit organization, and so there is a small entry fee. For Students under 21 and PSDS members, the cost is $8. For non-members, the cost is $10. For more information, you can call the PSDS at (336) 508-9998 or visit their website at www.piedmontswingdance.org.
Before you head out to the movies or spend a night at home, consider joining the people at Piedmont Swing Dance society and learning something new.
A Swinging Alternative
By Sarah Anzivino
The dimly lit ballroom is brimming with couples whirling and dancing to the lively music emanating from the live band playing on the stage. A group of high school boys and girls stand in the corner of the room, laughing and talking. One of the boys has a brown plaid fedora on his head. He takes it off as he bows, grinning to one of the young ladies in a black-and-white polka dot dress. He replaces his hat on his head and leads the young lady to find a place in the swirling mass of dancers. The air is thick with the Big Band music and the lively crowd.
Such is the typical night at one of the Piedmont Swing Dance Society (PSDS) meetings. The PSDS meets on the second and the fourth Saturday nights of every month. The second Saturday meetings are held at the Vintage Theater in Downtown Winston Salem, and the fourth Saturday meetings are held at the Oriental Shrine Club in Greensboro.
Swing dancing is a good alternative to a night at the movie theater. A night dancing to the lively tempo of the live bands is a great way to burn extra calories and meet new people. Most people, however, don’t know how to swing dance. The PSDS has made sure that this stops no one from having an enjoyable time. A free lesson in the basics of swing dancing is offered from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The lesson is taught by real swing-dance coaches. At 8:30, the band strikes up and dancers flood the floor. You don’t need to bring a partner to participate because there are plenty of dancers, experienced and novice alike, that dance with people they don’t know. The dance floor closes at 11:30 pm, but you can leave before then.
The Piedmont Swing Dance Society is a nonprofit organization, and so there is a small entry fee. For Students under 21 and PSDS members, the cost is $8. For non-members, the cost is $10. For more information, you can call the PSDS at (336) 508-9998 or visit their website at www.piedmontswingdance.org.
Before you head out to the movies or spend a night at home, consider joining the people at Piedmont Swing Dance society and learning something new.
Tehcnically Speaking Article # 2
Go hard or go home.
These are the words that Josh Chilton lives by. These words were spoken to him by a football coach, and they’ve stuck with him over the years. They’ve helped him through some hard times.
Chilton, a native of Clemmons, North Carolina, coaches Pop Warner football for the team the Broncos. Pop Warner is a league of junior football teams from around Winston-Salem. He also coaches high school basketball at Mt. Tabor Methodist Church. Because of his love of sports, Chilton wants to go into sports communication.
But Chilton is in a wheelchair.
Four years ago, Chilton was driving to his girlfriend’s house the day after Thanksgiving of 2003. It was raining really hard that day, and his car hydroplaned. He lost control of the vehicle and is now partially paralyzed. It is a struggle every day to realize that he can no longer walk. The first eighteen years of his life, Chilton was able to walk. Now, he is confined to a wheelchair.
He has hope of regaining the ability to walk. Five days a week, Chilton has rehab at the Comp Rehab Center sponsored by Baptist Hospital.
Four years is a long time to go without the ability to walk, but Chilton hasn’t given up on life. Perseverance colors his life. Due to the accident, Chilton had to sit out of college for a while. He still thinks that education is one of the most important things in life and hopes to transfer to either Wake Forest University, where his dad works, or to UNC Charlotte, where he already spent a year.
The accident taught Chilton that life is precious. His paralysis hasn’t stopped him from living life to the fullest, from going hard. He wants to coach sports; he coaches sports. He wants to get a college education; he’s getting a college education. He wants to regain his ability to walk; he’s doing everything in his power to do that.
Everyone can learn something from Chilton’s life. Go for what you want. Persevere. Don’t give up. As Chilton says, “If you’re going to do something, don’t do it halfway; just go for it.”
These are the words that Josh Chilton lives by. These words were spoken to him by a football coach, and they’ve stuck with him over the years. They’ve helped him through some hard times.
Chilton, a native of Clemmons, North Carolina, coaches Pop Warner football for the team the Broncos. Pop Warner is a league of junior football teams from around Winston-Salem. He also coaches high school basketball at Mt. Tabor Methodist Church. Because of his love of sports, Chilton wants to go into sports communication.
But Chilton is in a wheelchair.
Four years ago, Chilton was driving to his girlfriend’s house the day after Thanksgiving of 2003. It was raining really hard that day, and his car hydroplaned. He lost control of the vehicle and is now partially paralyzed. It is a struggle every day to realize that he can no longer walk. The first eighteen years of his life, Chilton was able to walk. Now, he is confined to a wheelchair.
He has hope of regaining the ability to walk. Five days a week, Chilton has rehab at the Comp Rehab Center sponsored by Baptist Hospital.
Four years is a long time to go without the ability to walk, but Chilton hasn’t given up on life. Perseverance colors his life. Due to the accident, Chilton had to sit out of college for a while. He still thinks that education is one of the most important things in life and hopes to transfer to either Wake Forest University, where his dad works, or to UNC Charlotte, where he already spent a year.
The accident taught Chilton that life is precious. His paralysis hasn’t stopped him from living life to the fullest, from going hard. He wants to coach sports; he coaches sports. He wants to get a college education; he’s getting a college education. He wants to regain his ability to walk; he’s doing everything in his power to do that.
Everyone can learn something from Chilton’s life. Go for what you want. Persevere. Don’t give up. As Chilton says, “If you’re going to do something, don’t do it halfway; just go for it.”
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