Bouncing Back Memories
Published May 2015: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Bouncing Back Memories
It was a grueling game of one-on-one basketball. The ball swooshed into the basket once and then twice and even though the rebounds bounced on a driveway instead of a court, the sound of the crowd cheering and chanting could be heard. Except, it wasn’t a crowd. It was a 40-year old mom pretending thousands of fans were cheering her on as she gained points on her 14-year old son who for 30 minutes, gave her his time, his laughter, his competitive spirit and a rigorous workout. Continue reading
The Parent SOS
Published February 2015: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
The Parent SOS
From the time I was a child, I was taught to work hard. This work ethic that was ingrained in me from the start has given me many opportunities to excel at multiple jobs. I’m a go-getter, a type “A” organizer and a loyal employee. I learned this from my mom who tirelessly worked two or three jobs at a time to put food on the table and expected my sisters and me to work just as hard at school, around the house and at our part-time jobs as teenagers. Continue reading
Once a Parent, Always a Parent
Published November 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Once a Parent, Always a Parent
Once my children reached teenage status, I was entered into a whirlwind journey that I can clearly admit that I was not prepared for. It’s no secret that teenagers can be moody, more opinionated or even combative and know-it-all human beings seeking more freedom. I knew all of this. What I wasn’t prepared for was the loneliness I would feel when they reached this stage of independence. Continue reading
Raising Informed Kids
Published November 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Raising Informed Kids
Although it may seem like as parents, we have it all together and have prepared our children for every situation, there are times when we realize that something has slipped through the cracks. I remember the shock I felt when my children told me that they believed everything on the Internet was true or when they spouted off inaccuracies about presidential candidates because that’s what they were told by a friend. Continue reading
The Perfect Plan
Published October 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
The Perfect Plan
On a daily basis, I catch myself repeating the word “perfect” over and over again. When a meeting or plan is finalized, I respond with “That’s perfect.” When my children leave in the morning with beds made and rooms ‘somewhat’ picked up, I tell them “That’s perfect.” As my students arrive on time for class or club meetings, I reiterate how “perfect” it is. Continue reading
The Harsh Truth: Trusting the Right Words
Published October 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
The Harsh Truth: Trusting the Right Words
The truth hurts. I’ve often thought that this popular phrase was overused and too much of a cliché, but the more I parent and teach students, the more I’ve realized that nothing is closer to the truth. Continue reading
Worries From Home
Published September 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Worries From Home
Being away from home is never easy as a single mom. Before I leave for a work trip, I have to coordinate care for my children, including rides to practices and social activities, while also arranging for someone to keep an eye on my home and my high-maintenance dog. Continue reading
Making a Life Instead of a Living
Published September 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Making a Life Instead of a Living
I’m not too proud to admit that I’m a workaholic. When I’m not grading student papers or compiling paperwork for the student newspaper on campus, I’m actively writing for publications. There is not one aspect of any of these jobs that I dislike and I feel very fortunate to have the job or jobs that I do have. Continue reading
Looking into the Future: Faith and Freedom
Published August 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Looking into the Future: Faith and Freedom
Each year, on the first day of school, I make my children line up outside so I can take their picture. As they get older, they groan and moan about this tradition, but after some prodding, they line up on the back deck in front of the large cherry apple tree and smile for a few seconds so I can capture the moment. Continue reading
Re-Launching the Idle Faith
Published August 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Re-Launching the Idle Faith
As summer winds to a close, I often jokingly say that I’m counting the days until school starts while mediating arguments and dealing with restless teenagers. As a teacher, I love the fact that I get to stay home with my kids during the summer. We stay busy with day trips, dance and football practices and jaunts to my sister’s pool, but at times, it seems that the kids are restless when a day of “there’s nothing on the calendar” arrives.
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and professor, freelance writer, author and mom. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, this site, focused on writing, reflecting and teaching, offers a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration, as well as my published stories on just about every possible topic.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. You can also pick up my new book “Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family” now available. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter, or grab tips for Screen-Free Fun on our Facebook page. Comments are welcome!
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 