Disconnect to Connect

On Friday’s I stay off social media to connect with God. I began doing this a few weeks ago and noticed that when I wasn't checking my phone or concerned with what anyone else was doing, God continually dropped things in my spirit and spoke to me in ways He's likely been waiting to do without the interference of social media in my life. God may be trying to get through to you too. Can you hear Him? I enjoy social media but I want all of my readers to know that while you’re scrolling through social media and see really great photos and different milestones in other peoples’ lives, understand there are always things happening that you cannot see. The people you think or perceive to have wonderful lives also have battles, challenges, and struggles that don’t always make it (and truthfully shouldn’t) to their social media accounts. The couple who are new homeowners could be struggling with their mortgage payments, the woman posting cute pictures of her newborn baby could be up all night, every night, trying to adjust to life with a baby who has a demanding eating and sleeping schedule, the recent college graduate could be anxious about finding employment in an economy that has little to no job openings in sight, the friend that just went on a vacation might be struggling financially, the co-worker who got a new promotion could have anxiety so intense they can barely sleep through the night, the couple that just got engaged might be questioning if they’re really in love or about to ruin their life, the girl who takes stunning photos may struggle with constant doubts and insecurities, the couple who takes cute selfies may fight and argue a lot and be on the verge of a split, and the person you think “has it all” may very well have every material item and opportunity you could imagine, but is so miserable, empty, and unhappy you’d never know they’re truly lonely and chasing the wind -- see Ecclesiastes 2:11. There’s always something happening behind closed doors that you cannot see. Consider limiting the amount of time you spend on social media and instead, spend that time with the Lord. Disconnect to Connect with Him. He’s worth it.

A Year Of Being Ghosted

Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. I’ve been ghosted by every guy I’ve met within the past two years. About six to be exact. · The first guy pursued me and then got shady whenever I asked him about what he did for a living and where he lived. When he started dodging and avoiding questions, wouldn’t initiate dates, and slowly stopped keeping in touch with me altogether, eventually, all communication ceased. · The second guy was someone I met through a family member. He was super cool, very smart, handsome, and funny, but didn’t want to be in a relationship and acted like he didn’t want to be seen with me publicly. When we had plans to meet for an outing, he didn’t show up, and then texted me about a week later with an apology. We chilled at my place a few times, had a few phone conversations, and exchanged occasional texts, but eventually he stopped responding to me

Teacher Table Talk: When Parents Attack

As an English teacher, a core belief I’ve held close since the beginning of my career has been the importance of relationship building. I believe that if great relationships between teachers, students, and parents are established at the beginning of the school year, everything else will fall into place. Authentically modeling, practicing, and establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships within my classroom has been the bridge for effective communication, solid classroom management, and creating a safe and effective learning environment that fits each of my student’s needs. And though I’ve seen and experienced the benefits of great relationship building, unfortunately, there have been times when some students and parents have not been receptive or interested in my efforts to establish connections that would best serve all parties involved. I’ve also noticed and shared spaces with other educators, school counselors, and administrators who’ve experienced the same. And

How To Respond To A Nasty Email

Technology has made many people bold, rude, and incredibly messy. Often to the point where some may hide behind words they’ve typed instead of verbally communicating a message they want to convey. Such can be the case when it comes to sending emails. Ah, emails. You know what they are. Electronic messages that can be quickly drafted, sent, and misinterpreted (because you can’t always interpret tones or emotions through them). Which is why it’s key to know how to respond to nasty emails if they should ever come your way – especially in the workplace. As a working professional, there have been plenty of times when a coworker or superior sent an email my way that was petty, mad disrespectful, and unprofessional. And before I learned how to properly utilize email etiquette, my first instinct would always be to clap back. I just felt the need to respond and to communicate that I wouldn’t allow anyone, no matter who they were, to disrespect me. And while I haven’t taken things too far

Making Waves