PRESIDENT - CADE COGBILL VICE PRESIDENT - SYDNI CAIN SECRETARY - JAYSE TETTENHORST
STUDENT OFFICERS
STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS JEFF PARSLEY 655 CR 4703 • Troup, Texas 75789 903.842.4720 • jparsleygeraniums@earthlink.net
BILL WHITE 277 Billy White Rd • Singer, LA 70660 337.304.0748 • whiteacres55@yahoo.com
Region V
SECRETARY - SUSAN BALDWIN 704 1/2 Southview Circle • Center, Texas 75935 936.590.4330 • regionvsecretary@gmail.com
JOE GLENN KAHLA 612 FM 1747 • Jasper, Texas 75951 409.384.0921 • jgk@mklawyers.com
PRESIDENT- JEFF PARSLEY 655 CR 4703 • TROUP, TX 75789 903-574-3910 • jparsleygeraniums@earthlink.net
22
PERFORMANCE REPORT
Let’s Get Conversational
O
By HARLEY JO PERKINS – Performance Reporter
ur world is advancing in technology at an amazing rate and we are becoming more and more involved in the digital world. Here are some facts that show us just how involved we are in our phones and social medias… · In 2019, teenagers spent 9 hours per day online or on social media · The average teen spends more than 7 hours and 22 minutes on their phones per day · Only 32% of teens say that talking face-to-face is their preferred way of communicating In the warm-up pen or just walking
around, almost every kid has their ear buds in. Not only is it close to impossible to get a conversation in, it creates a very stale atmosphere where no one talks and makes new friends. No one says a kind word or asks how your morning is going because we’re all so focused on the tiny little world in our phone instead of engaging in the one that we are physically a part of. Spending so much time on our phones creates a barrier between you and the people around you. Instead of being on our phones checking out the latest TikTok or listening to the latest album, why don’t we give it a try to talk to the people around us and interact in their lives in a positive way. Let’s stop being social media friends and really get to know one another better than just our Instagram usernames. In Ephesians 5:18-19 the Bible gives the best advice on how we should communicate with one another. “Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.” Face to face communication can be a lot more challenging than being behind a screen but talking to someone and interacting with them is a lot more rewarding for your heart. Being someone’s friend means that we laugh with them and listen to them when their struggling, not just liking their posts. I encourage everyone to really communicate with one another whether you find yourself in the arena or out of the arena. True communication stretches us and grows us into better people. It’s not always easy and it’s not always comfortable, but then again growth and change never is. I hope by simply starting the conversation with “Hey, how are you?” and a smile, you can begin to build real relationships with the people God has placed in your life.
