A World With No iPhones...Would It Be A Better World?
By Brian Keith Shrewsbury As a gymnastics coach in today’s technology-driven world, I face the unique challenge of capturing and maintaining children’s attention. With tablets, iPhones, and video games so readily available, it can be difficult to compete with the constant stimulation these devices provide. I often hear my students ask, “Are we done? Can I go get my phone? Can I see your phone, please?” At times, it feels discouraging to realize that all the knowledge and skills I want to share must be delivered in brief moments—almost like commercials between the main event of their lives, which seems to be spent online. It can be disheartening to see children so invested in their digital worlds that the real world around them feels less important or even “fake” by comparison. The skills I teach sometimes seem to hold little relevance for them, and their focus can be fleeting. However, there are moments when I do manage to capture their imaginations. When this happens, the children light up with excitement and begin to understand the joy of accomplishment. They experience the fun of being present, working hard, and achieving something new. When children start to feel the sense of achievement and challenge that comes with sports—and when they see their friends working on skills alongside them—they become transformed. They are suddenly full of energy, excitement, and wonder. These moments, although sometimes brief, are incredibly rewarding and show the true value of what we do as coaches. Of course, the pull of the digital world is strong. When conversations turn to online entertainment, it’s easy for students to become distracted and lose focus, bonding over their shared experiences in the virtual world. To help maintain a positive and productive environment, I have found it necessary to ban iPhones and tablets during practice. I am also careful about how and when I use my own phone around the kids, ensuring that my actions set a good example. Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic. Every time I see a child’s face light up with pride after mastering a new skill, I am reminded of the lasting impact that real-world experiences can have. My goal is to help my students discover the joy, confidence, and sense of accomplishment that comes from being present, working hard, and connecting with others in person. In a world full of digital distractions, these moments matter more than ever. Our Christian Family Values: The Heart of Our Business
By Coach Brian Keith Shrewsbury At MGA Gymnastics we believe that a business is more than just a place to buy products or services—it’s a community built on trust, care, and purpose. As a Christian family-run business, our faith inspires us to hold ourselves to the highest standards, not just in what we do, but in how we do it. We want to share with you the values that guide every decision, interaction, and service we provide. Honesty We promise to always tell the truth and keep our word. Whether it’s a product recommendation or a service commitment, you can trust that we will be open and transparent with you. Integrity Doing the right thing matters to us, even when no one is watching. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our actions match our words. Respect Every person who walks through our doors—customers, employees, or partners—is treated with kindness and dignity. We value your opinions, your time, and your trust. Cleanliness A welcoming environment matters. We keep our business, products, and workspaces neat, clean, and inviting, so you always feel comfortable and cared for. Professionalism From how we dress to how we serve, professionalism is a cornerstone of our business. We act responsibly and strive to provide excellent service at all times. Service Our faith teaches us to put others first. We look for ways to help, support, and serve our customers and our community, going the extra mile whenever we can. Generosity We believe in sharing our blessings. Whether it’s supporting local charities, giving back to those in need, or simply offering a helping hand, generosity is at the heart of what we do. Humility We know we’re not perfect. We admit our mistakes, learn from them, and value everyone’s contribution—customers and team members alike. Faith Above all, we strive to honor God in everything we do. Our actions and attitudes are guided by our Christian beliefs, and we hope you feel that difference every time you interact with us. Thank you for being part of our community. We are grateful for your trust and support, and we are committed to serving you with the same love, respect, and care that our faith calls us to show. If you ever have questions about our philosophy or how we do business, please ask—we’re always happy to share. MGA Gymnastics Family Kids Addicted to their Online World
By Brian Keith Shrewsbury As a gymnastics coach in today’s technology-driven world, I face the unique challenge of capturing and maintaining children’s attention. With tablets, iPhones, and video games so readily available, it can be difficult to compete with the constant stimulation these devices provide. I often hear my students ask, “Are we done? Can I go get my phone? Can I see your phone, please?” At times, it feels discouraging to realize that all the knowledge and skills I want to share must be delivered in brief moments—almost like commercials between the main event of their lives, which seems to be spent online. It can be disheartening to see children so invested in their digital worlds that the real world around them feels less important or even “fake” by comparison. The skills I teach sometimes seem to hold little relevance for them, and their focus can be fleeting. However, there are moments when I do manage to capture their imaginations. When this happens, the children light up with excitement and begin to understand the joy of accomplishment. They experience the fun of being present, working hard, and achieving something new. When children start to feel the sense of achievement and challenge that comes with sports—and when they see their friends working on skills alongside them—they become transformed. They are suddenly full of energy, excitement, and wonder. These moments, although sometimes brief, are incredibly rewarding and show the true value of what we do as coaches. Of course, the pull of the digital world is strong. When conversations turn to online entertainment, it’s easy for students to become distracted and lose focus, bonding over their shared experiences in the virtual world. To help maintain a positive and productive environment, I have found it necessary to ban iPhones and tablets during practice. I am also careful about how and when I use my own phone around the kids, ensuring that my actions set a good example. Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic. Every time I see a child’s face light up with pride after mastering a new skill, I am reminded of the lasting impact that real-world experiences can have. My goal is to help my students discover the joy, confidence, and sense of accomplishment that comes from being present, working hard, and connecting with others in person. In a world full of digital distractions, these moments matter more than ever. Color me and bring me to your teacher. Or you can post on our Facebook page with your mom or dad's help. Do not forget to Print Your name.
![]() Good Morning: Be Blessed and Be Happy By Brian Keith Shrewsbury Good morning! I hope this message finds you well. While it’s easy to say, “Be blessed and be happy,” it can be much harder to actually maintain that mindset throughout the day. Whether or not it truly is a good morning often depends on how well you slept or if you spent the night with worries on your mind. Recognizing Our Blessings Being blessed is something we can all depend on, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Sometimes, we may not see the blessings in our lives because we don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes—how God is fighting our battles and keeping our lives on track each day. It’s important to remember that not all blessings are obvious, but they are always present. Setting Expectations and Practicing Gratitude One way to start the day on a positive note is to set your expectations at a reasonable level. Begin each morning by thanking God for the things He has blessed you with. This simple act of gratitude can help shift your perspective and set a grateful tone for the rest of your day. Choosing Happiness Happiness is an emotion—a state of being that we have the power to control. We can choose to be happy, or we can choose to focus on what makes us unhappy. Our state of mind is the key factor that determines how our day unfolds. The Power of Prayer Finally, don’t forget to pray and ask God for guidance, solutions, and the help you need. He is always listening, and He knows your needs even before you ask. Prayer isn’t just about asking for things; it’s about staying connected, grateful, and centered throughout the day. It helps prevent us from getting caught up in feelings of want, need, or frustration. So, with all that said: Good morning. Be blessed, and choose happiness today. Remember to pray, stay grateful, and trust that you are never alone in facing life’s challenges. |