Category: Writing

All things denote that there is God. From the air around us to the tip of the heavens, we know that there is a Supreme Being that created all things. While there are people who do not believe in God, some are still fascinated and enjoying the great things that God had created. There are many things that will manifest that people believed in God. These manifestations include prayer, worship, and meditation as well as pondering on spiritual things and living life itself in the proper way.
Prayer is a communication between men and God. It is a channel of which all communications directed to God persists as time goes by. It is also a means by which men obtain peace in mind. It is a gesture that men depend on God in whatever situation life may give. Prayer is also considered as a secret solace from all forms of danger and calamities. It is a reassuring act that defies all fears for a trembling and distressed man. Prayer is also a measure of one’s faith in God. It is evidence that we love and revere God in our everyday living. In line with that, prayer is a prelude to meditation. Since meditation and prayer are the two most powerful armor of mankind against temptations and hardships, we must know how to develop those things within our selves.
We know that men are nothing without God. Even those who do not believe in God have a positive question in their hearts and minds that there must be someone who brought them on earth’s journey. That means every person must learn how to pray and be prayerful at all times. It is absurd to love ourselves when we do not love the very being that gave us life and breath. If the Creator would decide to take back our life, we cannot do anything but to obey. The same truth is the reason why we cannot love forever all material things we had in life since we cannot bring it upon death. It is a sad reality and we must face it with courage and diligence.
At this juncture we need to distinguish prayer and meditation. An author named Head mentioned that there three stages of prayer (Head, 2008). The three stages of prayer include vocal prayer, meditative, and contemplative prayer (Head, 2008). Vocal prayer is obviously the simplest prayer since if can be done by means of talking, singing and even writing and then reading the prayer. Meditative prayer is a prayer that is more focused (Head, 2008). On the other hand, contemplative prayer is a pleading from the heart that seeks to venture God’s presence (Head, 2008). All this things proves that men worshipped God in myriad ways.
We are more concerned of the meaning and difference of prayer and meditation. As mentioned earlier, these are widely used by people as a means to communicate God. Meditation is more formal than prayer. Meditation seeks a more secluded and secret area while prayer can be anywhere. Meditation can only be done when there is silence all around the area of the person who seeks to communicate with God. On the other hand, prayer can be done when riding a car, doing household chores, when there is earthquake, before and after going to sleep, before and after eating and all other instances when a person prays from her heart vocally for blessings and guidance.
Another thing is that, the things that are asked and prayed for in prayer and meditation differ from each other. In case of prayer, a person can virtually ask what is needed at the moment may it be good health, blessings, protection, guidance, healing, comfort and other general things to ask. In meditation, only specific things can be focused on. Since meditation is a prayer from the heart to reach out to God, there is a need to ask only very specific and vital things. A variation of things asked at a given time may be difficult to focus on in prayer. Thus, a petition or pleading to God for important specific things can only be done in meditation.
Examples of things asked during meditation are repentance for criminal acts like murder and homicide, prolonging the life of a dying person, self or soul-searching activities, asking for peace when being persecuted and other heavy aspects of living life. There is urgency and weight on things being asked in meditation compared to prayer. Meditation is done in the most solemn way since the answer of the petition being asked from God is really needed. For example, a dying person treated in the hospital due to accident may be healed through very sincere meditation. In this situation, prayer is not enough since it is between life and death.
Moreover, the time to ask things from God for meditation and prayer is different. In prayer, it could be done anytime as long as the person is willing to communicate to God. It can be done during the day or the evening and even when the person had just awaked from a bad dream. Prayer can also be done in school hours and in war time. On the other hand, meditation can only be done in a specific time of a day. It cannot be done anytime. This is because of its more solemn characteristic.
Prayer and meditation also differ in the way it is arranged by the faithful person. In prayer, a prayerful person usually assigned time for prayer. It could be before and after meals, before and after sleeping at night and or while going to work or school. In the case of meditation, it is more planned by the person who wants to meditate. The planning includes lace to meditate, what to eat before meditation, what to wear while meditating and as to how many minutes to be used for the activity. Since the characteristic of prayer is more general and available anytime, there is no need to do planning before it can be done. Being prayerful just becomes a second nature for a faithful individual.
Prayer and meditation differ also as to its effects on the life of every individual. Prayer can only comfort an individual who felt distressed and problematic in a given situation while meditations can sooth and empower an individual who had been deeply wounded. The frailties of a person can be vanished by meditation while prayer can only give peace of mind. When strength is at issue, the individual can truly find it when meditation is performed sincerely. Although prayer can also soften a heart, meditation can do more to heal a broken heart.
There are instances in life that the answers of our prayers depend on us. For example, I was able to emotionally hurt someone because of my pride. I literally slap the face of someone who shouted at me during a fight. Because my actions are negative and unrighteous, I felt remorseful, guilty and sad for the rest of my day. I wanted peace of mind. Since my heart longs for the love of God through his example of forgiveness, I seek Him in prayer. I tried to pray and later on meditate since praying is not enough. Until such time that I decided to meet the person I had hurt and ask forgiveness for what I had done. Had it not for my decision to ask forgiveness, I would not have gained peace in my heart. My decision is an act of obedience when God answered my prayer through a commandment to forgive and love my enemies. That is how prayer and meditation being related with each other.
Although the two means of communicating God are different, it walks hand in hand for the benefit of mankind. Prayer and meditation are the best means to combat weaknesses of a person like pride, jealousy, hatred, remorse, guilt and ill-feelings against another. We must not forget that the answers of our prayers are founded on the nature of God that is being humble, virtuous, forgiving and merciful, and loving. Hence, we cannot avoid the possibility that the answer of our prayers and meditations require our sincere efforts to follow God. It is only up to us on how we utilize our natural inclination to seek God in our hearts and meditate for His guidance, protection and limitless understanding.
Meditation is central to a person’s religion when the doctrines and principles of his church is built on focus and solemnity. There are other people whose religion does not require meditation often while others requires them a lot. It varies from the origin of the religion to the way people embraced it for years. For example, the Catholics mix prayer and meditation in order to communicate with God while a Buddhist needs to meditate often to exercise faith. Personally, I do not always meditate when activities and events of the day do not require me to do so. I always meditate when major goals are set and huge decisions are to be raised.
Finally, there are many reasons why we need to pray. There are problems along the way that cannot be solved by man alone. There is always a longing for individuals to secure miracles in every problems encountered in life. By practicing both prayer and meditation, nothing is wasted. It will help us develop self-confidence and strength in life. Our Creator knows our needs and situations since He made us to live. We only need to knock at His door through sincere and faithful prayer and meditation. We may not see God in this life, but the way we become is a proof that He exists.
References
Head, M. L. United Methodist Church GBGM. (2008). Finding God in Meditation and Contemplation. Retrieved July 21, 2008, from http://gbgm-umc. org/response/articles/meditation.html.

Compare and contrast the societies of West Africa, Europe, and the Americas at the time when Christopher Columbus made his first voyage to America in 1492.
How were they different? How were they similar? Why was there a conflict when these cultures interacted? What can we in the 21st century learn about cross-cultural interaction from the experiences of these societies over 500 years ago?

Instructions
You are required to attend a co-curricular activity or watch a documentary related to American politics, then write a report. Either choice (activity or film) is acceptable, so long as it is related to U.S. politics and your instructor approves it. You must contact the instructor no later than two weeks before the paper is due to obtain his/her approval. Here are some examples of what would work:
Watch a documentary, series episode, televised political debate, or movie related to a topic in our class. Some examples include an episode of “House of Cards” (Netflix subscription required), a live parliamentary debate in the House or Senate via C-SPAN, or the PBS documentary “Trump’s Takeover” (free on PBS);
Based on your selection, write a 2 ½ – 3 page (650-1,000 words) report that includes:
a summary of the co-curricular activity or documentary,
how it relates to this class, and
how you feel about it.
This assignment is 100 points, so it carries a substantive weight of about 20% of your final grade. Keep the following guidelines in mind to avoid having points deducted from your work:
CategoryGuidelines
Activity Cho
The co-curricular activity or documentary has to do with either a topic we learned in our cour
at least two weeks before the paper’s due date.
Minimum Word/Page Count-
No fewer than 650 words (2 ½ pages)
Maximum Word/Page Count-
No more than 1,000 words (3 pages)
Format-
1” margins
12 pt. Times New roman Font (or Palatino Linotype)
Double-spaced (no extra spaces between paragraphs)
Summarizing, Quoting, or Paraphrasing-
You should use your own words to summarize your experience. If you choose to quote or paraphrase someone else’s work, however, you must give proper credit to your source(s). Visit Purdue OWL: Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing for instructions on how to do this properly. Referencing someone else’s work also requires that you
select a citation format
– APA, MLA, or Chicago – and use that format consistently throughout your report.
Final Report-
Submit the Final Co-curricular Activity Writing Challenge in the corresponding Assignments dropbox. The report will be run through Turnitin, a plagiarism detection software. Visit the Academic Honesty section of the syllabus for our plagiarism policy. Your work
must
be a product of your own efforts. It cannot be identical or similar to another student’s paper.

Perspectives on the Evolution of Technology
Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English spelling and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be four (4) pages in length; refer to the “Assignment Format” page for specific format requirements.
“Approaches to Measuring Technological Progress.” relying solely on the material in your course, use your own words to write a short
compare-and-contrast
essay that defines and explains three distinct perspectives on the evolution of technology.
As you write, imagine you are talking to a friend who has no knowledge of this topic. In short, write the way you speak, using a conversational tone. Also, try to alternate short sentences and longer sentences to make your writing more readable.
Be sure to create a title and cite yourself as the author. For example:
A Comparison of Three Perspectives on the Evolution of Technology
o Paragraph 1 is your lead paragraph. It will contain an overview of what you have to say in comparing and contrasting the perspectives of Gerhard Lenski, Leslie White, and Alvin Toffler with respect to the evolution of technology.
o Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4, are your body paragraphs.
§ In your essay, use paragraph 2 to describe the perspective of Gerhard Lenski.
§ In paragraph 3, you’ll write about the perspective of Leslie White.
§ In paragraph 4, you’ll describe and discuss the perspective of Alvin Toffler.
o Paragraph 5 is your summary and conclusion. Here, you’ll compare the three perspectives to show how they are, or may be, similar. You’ll contrast the three perspectives to describe how they’re different. You’ll end this process–and your essay–by expressing your view as to which of these theorists (one or more) offer the most useful insights into the evolution of technology, in your opinion.
It’s permissible to use direct quotes from your reading, but don’t use too many. One to three such quotes should be your limit. Be sure to put a direct quote in quotation marks. For example: According to Smith, “Carbon dioxide is both our friend and our enemy.”
Begin by writing a first draft. Then, edit and rework your material to make it clear and concise. After you have reached a final draft, proofread the essay one last time to locate and correct grammar and spelling errors.

Community Profile Worksheet for _______ (municipality)
Your Name ______________________________ Phone ________________ Email_____________________
Please provide information about your community.
List major geographic features in your community:
List number of Population Concentrations (including special facilities)
a. Group homes:
b. Large apartment buildings:
c. Schools:
e. Other (stadiums, concert halls, amusement parks, fairgrounds, correctional facilities, nursing homes,
special events/festivals, other special populations or large crowd assembly areas):
Describe Significant Population Shifts (location, dates, times/seasons of shifts, extent of shifts)
a. Daily:
b. Weekly:
c. Seasonal:
List assets of Important or Critical Public or Private Facilities
a. Police precincts:
b. Fire stations:
c. Public work yards:
d. Pumping stations:
e. Community shelters:
f. Community medical facilities, hospitals:
g. Large commercial and industrial complexes:

The presentation should illustrate and explain the Social Penetration Theory as one might experience in the workplace as a Social Worker. You are to
dramatize
,
illustrate
and/or
explain
your theories through an informative, original PowerPoint or other multimedia presentation formats such as Animoto, PowToon, or Prezi. The presentation should be designed to help your classmates understand interpersonal communication principles, so it can entertain while it explains. This project is meant to be a fun way for you to demonstrate your understanding of the general principles we’ve been examining, both in the presentations you produce and in the way you interact in individually with your class. I’ve attached a copy of the first assignment that can be used to help you build this presentation
Annotated Bibliography
Introduction
The process of developing and building a relationship is based on Interpersonal Communication which is a communication process that is best in getting to know the other individual. There are a few theories which come under Interpersonal Communication, and theory which relates to me more is the Social Penetration Theory. Majority of the people have followed the steps which are used in this theory without knowing that it was an actual theory. This theory includes some steps which can be used in getting to know someone. It explains to someone the significance of getting to know someone (West et al., 2010). The steps which are applied in Social Penetration Theory can be applied in the workplace in to knowing a co-worker or a client. The theory is also a tool which can use while working in the social work profession as an expert. As a social worker, it is essential to known clients and knows the best way to talk to them carefully. People give a chance to other people to penetrate their public self in the situations which they disclose their personal information. The sole decision of disclosing information is based on the perceived outcome that the person will be able to gain in disclosing information. When an individual perceives that the cost of disclosing information is more significant than a better outcome, then the likelihood is that the information will not be disclosed. While working as a social worker, Social penetration theory can be applied to achieve the success of treating a patient.
Reference
West, R. L., Turner, L. H., & Zhao, G. (2010). Introducing communication theory: Analysis and application (Vol. 2). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Annotated Bibliography
Source one
Database:
Google Scholar
Search Parameters:
social penetration theory
Link:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1006016113319
Abstract:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1006016113319
Baack, D., Fogliasso, C., & Harris, J. (2000). The personal impact of ethical decisions: A social penetration theory. Journal of Business Ethics, 24(1), 39-49.
This pap reasoning process in which personal standards are eroded. The authors of the article use the social penetration theory in addressing interpersonal ethical issues. The theory brings out the structure of a process through which an individual turns to less popular ethical view. The social penetration theory was developed in order to explain the process of evolution in the interpersonal relationship. These type of relationships change, and they become more profound and trusting through the process of communication. The social penetration theory can be related to the self-disclosure patterns which have reinforcement dynamics over a specific time a client is willing to reveal relevant information.
Source two
Database:
Google Scholar
Search Parameters:
interpersonal theories in society
Link:
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/cyber.2011.0403
Abstract:
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/cyber.2011.0403
Tang, J. H., & Wang, C. C. (2012). Self-disclosure among bloggers: Re-examination of social penetration theory. Cyberpsychology, behavior, and social networking, 15(5), 245-250.
The primary purpose of this paper is to evaluate the kind of topics which are disclosed by various bloggers disclose in their blogs about the real world. The study conducted is based on Social Penetration Theory, and it indicated that different bloggers disclose different information in consideration to their target audience. Through communication theory concepts, this paper determines that online bloggers express themselves to close friends. In the field of social psychology, social penetration theory has a significant role. The basic concept of the theory is to assess interpersonal gains as well as a cost through the interaction with other people. People have layers which collectively form a total personality of their own identity. Individuals do not always disclose their essential information about themselves to other people. Persons maintain protective outer layers which surround a central role in their life. These deeper layers can only be reached through a close relationship.
Source three
Database:
Google Scholar
Search Parameters:
interpersonal communication
Link:
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118540190.wbeic160
Abstract:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781118540190.wbeic160
Carpenter, A., & Greene, K. (2015). Social penetration theory. The international encyclopedia of interpersonal communication, 1-4.
This article discusses the social penetration theory and describes the role of the theory in disclosing relationship as well as focusing on the importance of self-disclosure in the development of relationships. The authors of the article use the original concept for the theory, the onion model, which serves as a structure that describes the process of social penetration. Through the development of relationships, individuals use different interpersonal theories to increase intimacy. The theory uses a progressive process in the development of a relationship. The main question which addressed in the article is how to get to know other people. The experts who work as social workers provide counseling to individuals and makes a connection with those people to try to prove their life. The primary purpose of interpersonal theories is to build relationships and interviewing as it is related to practices in for example a clinical setting.

Share a successful writing experience you have had either at work, in another course, or in your personal life. This posirk. What did you learn from this positive writing experience?
-MUST BE A WELL DEVELOPED PARAGRAPH, 7-10 SENTENCES.

What do you think are the two largest obstacles or challenges preventing effective multi-agency and for intelligence support to homeland security operations?  This question needs to be answered from two perspectives….a strategic one and a tactical one….Are there legal issues that need to be addressed that have not been? Also describe at least two solutions or effective frameworks that are being used (or that can be better employed) to overcome these obstacles and ensure effective inter and intra-agency collaboration for intelligence support to the HSE.  *500 word minimum with citations and references