Author: torimatlock
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Through the Fog
By: Claire Ryan One morning, when I still lived with my grandparents, I woke up to a thick layer of fog. Pawpaw pointed outside. “You’ll need to be extra careful today.” He said I nodded and sat across from Pawpaw. Sometimes we’d sit quietly, sometimes we’d converse. But he always…
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Suicide Survivor
By: Sarah Sargent Suicide and self-harm are more than just a topic for a popular Netflix show. For this Shine blog, I decided to do a Q & A with a suicide attempt survivor. Because if statistics are right, you or at least one of your closest five friends has…
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Suicide Survivor
By: Sarah Sargent If you have ever attended a Shine event you know we don’t shy away from difficult topics. This month’s blog is no different. Before we get started take a couple deep breaths and try to lower your blood pressure as much as possible. For the next few…
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Lonely But Not Alone
By: Lainey and Ansley Batts 2020 was a lonely year. Social distancing and cancelled events meant building friendships was a challenge. It was a reminder that relationships take time and effort. We recognize all of this when we talk about growing friendships with the people around us, but those same…
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Filling Our Spiritual Cup
By: Ana Batts I opened the drawer that sits under my coffee maker. Nothing. An empty drawer. The coffee pods were gone. My cup was empty. Panic set in. How could I face my day with an empty cup?!? That quiet moment standing there contemplating the possibility of a $5…
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Always Growing
By: Hannah Gorrell In Matthew 7, we are cautioned to observe the fruits grown by all people. Matthew writes we should beware of those who come graciously disguised but are deceitful having intentions to harm. We should know these imposters, he says, based on their fruit. This concept seems abstract,…
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Equipping the Next Generation
By: Casey Pontious We teach them to use utensils, cushion their falls when they’re learning to walk, help them as they develop social skills, practice driving before taking their license test, and help them prepare for adulthood. These are just a few of the things we, as parents and caretakers,…
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Preparing For Battle
By: Casey Pontious I was minding my own business putting laundry away when all of a sudden I felt the hit. Then another and another. I was taking on rapid fire and had nowhere to hide. Folded clothes in my hands were hardly shielding me. Nerf bullets came zooming at…
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Mental Health
By: Caitlin Hayes Mental health is a topic familiar to many of us. Maybe you yourself or someone you know deals with depression and/or anxiety. The more that life goes on, the more depression and anxiety seem to exist in people. It is important to remember that there are two…
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Be Encourages, Not Doubters
By: Callie Milling As parents and youth workers, we often find ourselves surrounded by teens that we love. We cheer them on, pray for them, and encourage them. We’re their biggest fans, believing in them and supporting them as they take on life’s challenges. We want what’s best for them,…
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