tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25921612666855878652024-02-19T04:51:01.367-05:00Principal PerspectiveTracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-21055568349482289262023-12-08T12:19:00.001-05:002023-12-08T12:19:56.346-05:00Celebrating Progress!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-1Q3PBVuBDF_MT5x8JiUI1bsCzzaZPcf8fGN0ulsvB2hhyGHy8kUUUm5Xa6qMHvuWs0SUUO57Bo41svz5M2jkE4Ite4ED_ZL7nJW45kko7o9O4awZn9iiIkOI0lL0kcsUP_rA2a8iwNRZl1y9xwSdET6LAcD21DgqL0G_aJTj25exIOaF8NNdPDhxt2r/s3696/Grammar%20Kids%20at%20new%20high%20school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1601" data-original-width="3696" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-1Q3PBVuBDF_MT5x8JiUI1bsCzzaZPcf8fGN0ulsvB2hhyGHy8kUUUm5Xa6qMHvuWs0SUUO57Bo41svz5M2jkE4Ite4ED_ZL7nJW45kko7o9O4awZn9iiIkOI0lL0kcsUP_rA2a8iwNRZl1y9xwSdET6LAcD21DgqL0G_aJTj25exIOaF8NNdPDhxt2r/w640-h278/Grammar%20Kids%20at%20new%20high%20school.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future HCA high schoolers celebrating their new space</td></tr></tbody></table><br />25 years after I first set foot on the campus of HCA as a 29 year old parent of a student in the newly-created TK class, it is hard to describe the journey from then to now. With growth always comes the challenge of maintaining the standards of excellence we have established. We have never been perfect, and never will be, but we have always had Godly, wonderful teachers, parents, and board members who have pushed us, prayed for us, and challenged us to be the best school option in this area. The bigger you get, the harder that is to manage, but I believe we have been able to do just that - to have a school that combines the highest level academic experience with an authentic Christian culture, partnering with the best parents in the area. It's an amazing formula that continues to produce amazing results. <div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt0HLQZHxQXrJ0PEsuweEttzoOZ8382gaQN09FvHhWV8oopyvQRX6U27Jur2xa0LeTEsE6bS-Ahf9Dn1fi6WzJGEM0jqPZ-MHtnHolkbKDIXq4jAQW1OCUOJOVIWrlt_HkJGtgsbsQkieAtXTtL_WwACkOD_frNP19t9P6SflmgSqKPExlxbzIVoIIDRg/s1600/Soccer%20Field%20with%20High%20School%20Students.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt0HLQZHxQXrJ0PEsuweEttzoOZ8382gaQN09FvHhWV8oopyvQRX6U27Jur2xa0LeTEsE6bS-Ahf9Dn1fi6WzJGEM0jqPZ-MHtnHolkbKDIXq4jAQW1OCUOJOVIWrlt_HkJGtgsbsQkieAtXTtL_WwACkOD_frNP19t9P6SflmgSqKPExlxbzIVoIIDRg/s320/Soccer%20Field%20with%20High%20School%20Students.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High School Students on the new field</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>As you pass by the property today, you will quickly see that the vision continues to develop. One year ago, we purchased 7 acres of land next door with the dream of a new space for our high school families to enjoy, while freeing up areas on the current campus for the yearly addition of new classrooms. Last year was a capital campaign, this year is fruit from our labors and gifts. As we watch the new facility going up one brick and stud at a time, I can't help remembering back to the dozens of people who prayed for modular units, begged for more Sunday School classrooms, set up an entire school every Monday morning and broke it back down each Friday afternoon, and dreamed that we might one day have a graduate who goes to college, or a soccer team that wins a trophy. Those folks were not just living for their own children back then, but for your children a few decades later (who were not even born yet).</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21Wqjr_VOPYZD2uTg7-pUrtjUL4cAV432w-JkaeM7WAv6WLbkMk2DCBb0Vwv3SD1vMSaK2HjJYYYxpO4GxZGquAD-p_nD4NfOnV1dFr96CkbjMCLkgK1IXnjuxfASufveEfUw6vQ6fQtBuaUd17y_xNTX7y9aJ333bDZx2irgl8Xo6Voak112Q2tyW4Dq/s4000/20230831_162525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21Wqjr_VOPYZD2uTg7-pUrtjUL4cAV432w-JkaeM7WAv6WLbkMk2DCBb0Vwv3SD1vMSaK2HjJYYYxpO4GxZGquAD-p_nD4NfOnV1dFr96CkbjMCLkgK1IXnjuxfASufveEfUw6vQ6fQtBuaUd17y_xNTX7y9aJ333bDZx2irgl8Xo6Voak112Q2tyW4Dq/s320/20230831_162525.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First home game in September</td></tr></tbody></table><b>What is the timeline?</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>While the next stage of school development has taken a little longer than we had hoped, there is great excitement building as we see things coming together. Our beautiful new turf soccer field was completed in August, giving our team the best home field anywhere around. Now, the new facility is nearing completion, which will provide the best high school academic experience for our students as well. This is all not to mention the shiny new asphalt parking lot that will save your car's suspension beginning next fall!
Just before Thanksgiving break, I met with our contractors and received an updated timeline on finalizing our new high school. We are now scheduled for completion in late March. At that time, we will relocate our high school students to make room for renovations on the current facility to create bigger rooms for our 3rd - 5th grade teachers in the fall. A year from now, we will repeat that process for 2nd grade and lower. As I said earlier, in between, we will pave the gravel lot (June, 2024). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rck1Ad5PxbgV9QgpzS8Tatg-WXF8QiRVXbMIYbIZPiDErDqq_tbOETa5KUIsvyUOdIvfZ6nlrNx6hkP7QwBMTxgGuEofpehyphenhyphen1lx9Z6nglCwLIaNwj48JJPbC66aIBdKDGoIJ3O175DtaN3Ka103NiV-hraFQJVrL1aqW0BImOLlnc63o15HO3JKFzpeJ/s4000/20230831_173502(0).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rck1Ad5PxbgV9QgpzS8Tatg-WXF8QiRVXbMIYbIZPiDErDqq_tbOETa5KUIsvyUOdIvfZ6nlrNx6hkP7QwBMTxgGuEofpehyphenhyphen1lx9Z6nglCwLIaNwj48JJPbC66aIBdKDGoIJ3O175DtaN3Ka103NiV-hraFQJVrL1aqW0BImOLlnc63o15HO3JKFzpeJ/w200-h150/20230831_173502(0).jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>How much is this costing our school?</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>As we discussed last year, the total cost of this project is around $4 Million. This includes the purchase of the land, the creation of a turf soccer field, the construction of a new high school, the renovation of current classrooms, and paving the parking lot. During our capital campaign last year, we receive over $3.2 Million in pledges, so we are just under $1 Million short of the goal. Focus has been shifted to construction this year, but at some point, we will revisit the remaining financial need to try to finish the project debt free after the three year pledges are all received. If you did not have an opportunity to contribute to the project last year, we still need you! Please let me know if you want to discuss. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58Ep-JxbtaZAssIfj_cPIf_1jbLquAC861YkS6bH8wq1Shg7SDRGOLVsaUsBCzD54yOggpOxLfTwOvPXOdNBYBOFPQ2STNch75OHE4APagf-t18iCGEyI1xfSxD1OOatudqvkXwoGsKRamfwNfInziFKWN2nTSumX6vXWZ6qacSAiIzUKs5493rY4evPq/s4000/20231207_151456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58Ep-JxbtaZAssIfj_cPIf_1jbLquAC861YkS6bH8wq1Shg7SDRGOLVsaUsBCzD54yOggpOxLfTwOvPXOdNBYBOFPQ2STNch75OHE4APagf-t18iCGEyI1xfSxD1OOatudqvkXwoGsKRamfwNfInziFKWN2nTSumX6vXWZ6qacSAiIzUKs5493rY4evPq/s320/20231207_151456.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back entry</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b>What will this provide in future growth needs?</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>Our school currently has about 520 students. Most of our grades have two classrooms per grade, but we have begun the process of adding a third classroom, which has grown through 3rd grade this year, and will continue to climb up through the school over the next 9 years. At that time, we will likely enroll between 650-700 students, which will probably be our long term landing spot. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>What is the community impact?</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>While we have heard from those in our community who lament the loss of a public soccer field, a playground, a pottery class or who get frustrated with our traffic line every afternoon, the big picture is that young people are being trained to think, develop wisdom and discernment, become a positive influence on an increasingly negative culture, and be well-prepared to not only go to college, but be good moms and dads, community leaders and promote biblical worldview in the darkness. I heard someone recently say that what we are doing today is not for our children, but for their grandchildren. As a fellow parent, it is often difficult for me to see beyond my own household at times, but we all need to understand that as our society continues to decline, the importance of what we are doing here becomes increasingly critical. What will American culture look like in 30 years? We need to prepare for that, even if it is not in the forefront of our minds today. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjD1UTMPJbWB3sbkRg9XKt-WMp9D4JkZP9G4E3bU1UYjdKSZWy-HkTyxq1SOAlKXfUV6UDeKWxJJx8PeBJC3hXPpxP8V7py1q4sBhAnbK-ZTV0iFNThDEU5qkBI9monXbU0duMoeR8s9Xv04724I-1z5KohovRlV8vJtYkkhH3FMiYKSCbAoMqObi22Or/s4000/20231130_131721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjD1UTMPJbWB3sbkRg9XKt-WMp9D4JkZP9G4E3bU1UYjdKSZWy-HkTyxq1SOAlKXfUV6UDeKWxJJx8PeBJC3hXPpxP8V7py1q4sBhAnbK-ZTV0iFNThDEU5qkBI9monXbU0duMoeR8s9Xv04724I-1z5KohovRlV8vJtYkkhH3FMiYKSCbAoMqObi22Or/s320/20231130_131721.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of construction from the field</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Why should I care?</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>As I just mentioned, the world our children and grandchildren will grow up in will continue to change at least as much as we have seen changes in our world over the past few decades. HCA provides a few things that will equip our kids to thrive in that difficult future. First and foremost, our kids need biblical worldview. When newscasters and politicians are raging over endless topics, Christians should always ask the question of what God's Word says about these things, and pointing our children to that. This is beyond political parties. Every day on our campus, every viewpoint and every lesson are grounded in Biblical truth (the only real source of truth). Secondly, a Classical education will train our students to learn to reason, discern, debate, and discuss. Make no mistake that modern education primarily teaches memorization of facts through standardized testing. Those who have been raised on decades of memorization are now leading our culture into chaos, because they were not equipped to think and process and because they have only a secular definition of truth. We need to think well beyond high school and college. What will this type of education produce in our children when they are 30, 40, 50 years old? There is so much at stake, and we need to train up reinforcements for tomorrow's world. Finally, the Christian community at HCA is unparalleled. 350 families raising their children together for a common purpose is such a beautiful thing. The only thing greater would be 500 families doing the same thing. There is amazing strength in numbers, and a difficult world to raise kids is just a little easier when we do it together. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy the ride HCA! The best is yet to come!</div></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL6c5ZtdB5Tqz_I5PXHaBnomxUO8YtHr7VOCNMbS6t3BJlbq0ZuVkNLjXjY-yZ3-z5sM38ngiVp3SEJIh6OZVqo24oeU-Qs9BLFMXN9ahFP84DQiC-MGLUXJ8r62LUd142pQfUkrAPnClPYcYuFDsUsTj2OSmIYDynBaSdvxJUsW3SoI7tjWWC2lXQuCG/s4000/20231130_131214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL6c5ZtdB5Tqz_I5PXHaBnomxUO8YtHr7VOCNMbS6t3BJlbq0ZuVkNLjXjY-yZ3-z5sM38ngiVp3SEJIh6OZVqo24oeU-Qs9BLFMXN9ahFP84DQiC-MGLUXJ8r62LUd142pQfUkrAPnClPYcYuFDsUsTj2OSmIYDynBaSdvxJUsW3SoI7tjWWC2lXQuCG/w300-h400/20231130_131214.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future high school breezeway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpe3o43NgE1nsBhkOEyH5O-2tk-X7thA9g6_VjHaM6RyXPeyXlItVwlSSYW4Ib-iYmJzge6BQ8NE-5k2ML8ONJWd9pFXQvkY5UE-V0mQPeoFmEpwIiLm2UZGkb_iT3IEkuttHbbRN0nsHFpLQXjpb5lmjoGqH23TAQDyx8aaCUnbG1YFWNeNUjacxOHEM/s4000/20231130_131548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpe3o43NgE1nsBhkOEyH5O-2tk-X7thA9g6_VjHaM6RyXPeyXlItVwlSSYW4Ib-iYmJzge6BQ8NE-5k2ML8ONJWd9pFXQvkY5UE-V0mQPeoFmEpwIiLm2UZGkb_iT3IEkuttHbbRN0nsHFpLQXjpb5lmjoGqH23TAQDyx8aaCUnbG1YFWNeNUjacxOHEM/w240-h320/20231130_131548.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallway between the old and new</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQQPBQABfX_yAy2pldUhZ3vu7b3KIh79XAdQTEERT0a8gB6Y-0YMJWZvL3OdzkSEOzSASxIjjfnyh05r02vIhWZQPc4XiHuo94uQVhvpUuCxe32RUelr99QVgIXj_nlP2lekVbIaPM4-DMqeRSfjFH-ewA-NX74CZ8QYYAGnJbhOeebdCBHyPMNmMbALE/s4000/20231207_151346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQQPBQABfX_yAy2pldUhZ3vu7b3KIh79XAdQTEERT0a8gB6Y-0YMJWZvL3OdzkSEOzSASxIjjfnyh05r02vIhWZQPc4XiHuo94uQVhvpUuCxe32RUelr99QVgIXj_nlP2lekVbIaPM4-DMqeRSfjFH-ewA-NX74CZ8QYYAGnJbhOeebdCBHyPMNmMbALE/w320-h240/20231207_151346.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arched walkway for a classical look</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4bSGQvIBZ_lwJLU6vTRBqkJ51vgKZbUFQSODsBRewoE6RLFH1ycp6B88zQ12t-cke0MkTbH3rqBdympwI575GFVwBAWUXBzYz2YrN0wnAG2iukKkyS3aSUl546lcCfiiQqPIJgqnHpWHtpl98Jow9IKYLWF4HZUbvdnrA_SDzjBrr6ALkSVKSBs722TN/s4000/20231207_151713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4bSGQvIBZ_lwJLU6vTRBqkJ51vgKZbUFQSODsBRewoE6RLFH1ycp6B88zQ12t-cke0MkTbH3rqBdympwI575GFVwBAWUXBzYz2YrN0wnAG2iukKkyS3aSUl546lcCfiiQqPIJgqnHpWHtpl98Jow9IKYLWF4HZUbvdnrA_SDzjBrr6ALkSVKSBs722TN/w240-h320/20231207_151713.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plumbing in place for the bathroom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTp0fvvaoPJhnCexua6aJsZ9fT4YR7EvFnna2Mvhxhw0RZp4KUehXU8dtjIEmPIEZgdhmpsevA1t-tooyMHTybRGPmXpz8GntCuiIUPxCCcbLkbet8wJ9Z_IxN5R1D6EiGVAVx1Afas9Aon1uZN1xgGQpBqAx14SuUTqC1dU-pBN1d7JQ6hlk29bs1raY/s4000/20231207_151734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTp0fvvaoPJhnCexua6aJsZ9fT4YR7EvFnna2Mvhxhw0RZp4KUehXU8dtjIEmPIEZgdhmpsevA1t-tooyMHTybRGPmXpz8GntCuiIUPxCCcbLkbet8wJ9Z_IxN5R1D6EiGVAVx1Afas9Aon1uZN1xgGQpBqAx14SuUTqC1dU-pBN1d7JQ6hlk29bs1raY/w320-h240/20231207_151734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two classrooms and a gathering area planned for this space</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-13724304844727406762023-08-09T09:38:00.003-04:002023-08-09T09:44:54.399-04:00The First Day of School<p><b>First Day of School</b></p><p><i>Today I hurry off to school, </i></p><p><i>To work and learn and play. </i></p><p><i>I'm in a brand new grade this year,</i></p><p><i>What a happy day!</i></p><p>- Author Unknown</p><p><br /></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiopail0eQQylYI3HeTeoJ0bujH1JdzymuBnwBRYZGL4NDty7lVcqJfTcPH8BS40iasi-2B0Sq6dgUUENCqyhrXMWB-TqbgEzujNZ2pW0p6AVrepP7w0KnT3P5v6ZXq7zwtK-aqoAHcr9TJCkLRWhxRMgWV9A7tfJnmqPjotVPJFg9EbJpfObi_Hy3Tcb3/s2174/First%20Grade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2174" data-original-width="1477" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiopail0eQQylYI3HeTeoJ0bujH1JdzymuBnwBRYZGL4NDty7lVcqJfTcPH8BS40iasi-2B0Sq6dgUUENCqyhrXMWB-TqbgEzujNZ2pW0p6AVrepP7w0KnT3P5v6ZXq7zwtK-aqoAHcr9TJCkLRWhxRMgWV9A7tfJnmqPjotVPJFg9EbJpfObi_Hy3Tcb3/w136-h200/First%20Grade.jpg" width="136" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first grade pic</td></tr></tbody></table>When you actually add them all up, I am entering my 45th year of school, as a student, teacher, and administrator. 45 first days of school. Hard to fathom that is even possible. <br /></p><p>To some extent, they all run together, but each one certainly has its own story to tell. 12 years ago, I created this blog that I called "Principal Perspective", with the intent of sharing the fleeting thoughts in my brain with the folks God had placed in my life at HCA. My very first post ever was about the first day of school in 2010, but written on the first day of school in 2011, when the building shook from a surprise Hickory earthquake (I suppose all earthquakes are a somewhat of a surprise). Here is the link: <a href="http://hcaknights.blogspot.com/2011/08/first-day-of-school.html">http://hcaknights.blogspot.com/2011/08/first-day-of-school.html</a></p><p>As I think back over my life, being a "school guy" for most of it has its advantages and disadvantages. But one of the great perks to being a "school guy" is a fresh start each August, which builds another new experience for that following school year. Whatever didn't go well last year is in the past, and we get a chance to clean it up and move on and whatever did go well, can go again, but be improved upon. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkt3hm1q9LkSP8iJ-LTDOFJQHMEZfGhFBOBp3bV1NKGFiUxJOq6SaWWnWlrywRzsBbWwvaFVZSukVKEMJnAzoWJ-4lHJxqLDfBCvPuhpU_7RKn6gQxZySxPeZqYoA9fn4dZ71ph1e6v6dxChSavhl8m7HPqYVRIPEHSrOdzFlGng2Gq1IztW_wJIssHJm/s4000/Johnson%20Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkt3hm1q9LkSP8iJ-LTDOFJQHMEZfGhFBOBp3bV1NKGFiUxJOq6SaWWnWlrywRzsBbWwvaFVZSukVKEMJnAzoWJ-4lHJxqLDfBCvPuhpU_7RKn6gQxZySxPeZqYoA9fn4dZ71ph1e6v6dxChSavhl8m7HPqYVRIPEHSrOdzFlGng2Gq1IztW_wJIssHJm/s320/Johnson%20Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Johnson family starting a new year at HCA</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Each first day of school is a significant milestone in a child's life. I remember buying school supplies, writing my name in all my notebooks, and vowing to be much more neat and organized this year (I continue to go through that same process today!). Unfortunately, within a few weeks, I was back to my old self. But, even with that track record, it was always exciting to get a new start. There were always a few new kids in the class, a different teacher, and a new outlook on life. </p><p>It was a joy to see all the kids and parents taking pictures this morning, celebrating (some with tears) the next step in the parent/child relationship. Today, Gayle and I sent our youngest of six children to his final first day of school. Levi is a senior! Our oldest daughter began in the very first Transitional Kindergarten class back in 1999, so we are tying the bow on 24 consecutive years of sending our kids to HCA. What a blessing to our family!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ur0a9pNXtrQ_wUguC6rsM7vMLxdW_3e8UkcFMrJe676w8oNgXuLEJdxTG8U_k9wwW2IPraCR805kQHmw1kPwom6jAiiov1O4uSsl6h7ooRoyMu-GF0sMCQM52RwzKCiYZRC_kVhLl5nbtLOvkwbSWkP-EvbbjdMOKotK6DWnK9RQAlDPHGfU_JZhlCo7/s1131/Levi%20first%20day%20of%20senior%20year.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ur0a9pNXtrQ_wUguC6rsM7vMLxdW_3e8UkcFMrJe676w8oNgXuLEJdxTG8U_k9wwW2IPraCR805kQHmw1kPwom6jAiiov1O4uSsl6h7ooRoyMu-GF0sMCQM52RwzKCiYZRC_kVhLl5nbtLOvkwbSWkP-EvbbjdMOKotK6DWnK9RQAlDPHGfU_JZhlCo7/s320/Levi%20first%20day%20of%20senior%20year.jpg"/></a></div></p><p>For 24 years, our children have been challenged and have grown academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. They are all in good places in their young adulthood now, in large part due to loving, supportive teachers who were rooted in truth and who helped us hold our kids accountable, knowing we needed all the help we could get! I am super excited for each of your children to have a similar blessing this year. We are humbled to serve you this year. Welcome back!</p>Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-36392586210401035722023-05-31T12:25:00.002-04:002023-05-31T12:34:16.257-04:00Mrs. Peeler's 25th AnniversaryWe have all been in gatherings over the years where someone was honored for something they did. Sometimes in those events, the person being honored had a specific personal impact on SOME of the individuals in attendance. But, rarely do you honor someone who had an impact on EVERYONE in attendance. However, such is the case with Connie Peeler at HCA. <div><br /></div><div>Having joined the school in the fall of 1998 as a kindergarten teacher, Connie quickly displayed her passion for the hearts and minds of young children, including my own daughter, Sydney, who was in Connie's kindergarten class in 2001-2002. Mrs. Peeler simply wants her students to know Jesus, love one another well, display discernment, and develop the heart and mind of Christ to become adults who will also make a difference in the lives they touch. </div><div><br /></div><div>Connie's drive for excellence in what she did, the respect she held on campus from parents and teachers, as well as her understanding of Classical education, led us to hire her as the Grammar School Principal in the fall of 2006, where she continues to serve to this day. When our accreditation team visited campus last fall, they were quickly impressed to recommend Mrs. Peeler present her skills at the national conference this summer, as other school could learn from her leadership. </div><div><br /></div><div>To say that Connie has had an impact on HCA is a massive understatement. She has been the foundation for our Grammar School, and a stable rock upon which the success and growth of the entire school has been built. Of course, Connie would deny that, which is part of what makes her so special to this place. To do something so well with such humility is an example to all of us who claim to be believers in Christ. For, after all, isn't that the standard that Jesus Himself set two thousand years ago? <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wnnb5reBUd0njXhtQBfVpIB3gNrNDepAGs4a4sVuaqa8ZzdCGxF85kz7V2Uq0P53c5iAzFAlTqbWa5aWHDiDEBPt03qUtBIxNXvSEJc4-Mhw6pfMUFjg7YKgCSEUDZ-uqavBpxtbQMnEiwtW4ZT89dInRqzJwwUVDI4LxB9uHXV0UfdQ1gMYwd6Vpw/s3362/Connie%20Peeler%2025th%20anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3362" data-original-width="1891" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wnnb5reBUd0njXhtQBfVpIB3gNrNDepAGs4a4sVuaqa8ZzdCGxF85kz7V2Uq0P53c5iAzFAlTqbWa5aWHDiDEBPt03qUtBIxNXvSEJc4-Mhw6pfMUFjg7YKgCSEUDZ-uqavBpxtbQMnEiwtW4ZT89dInRqzJwwUVDI4LxB9uHXV0UfdQ1gMYwd6Vpw/s320/Connie%20Peeler%2025th%20anniversary.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More than 500 cards from the HCA family!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As Mrs. Peeler completes 25 years at HCA this Spring, please join me in celebrating a life well-lived, and a job well done. Thousands of young lives have been pointed to the Lord, and strengthened for success because of her endless hours of devotion to them. The Proverbs 31 woman is often celebrated as the example for biblical womanhood. As I read it, these two verses stand out and make me think of Connie Peeler: </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. - Prov. 31:25-26 </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>If you are a student, Mrs. Peeler simply loved you. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are a parent, Mrs. Peeler partnered with you in the growth of your children. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are a teacher, Mrs. Peeler led with wisdom and grace. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are me, Mrs. Peeler has been an unwavering friend, a partner in ministry, and a true servant to our mission at HCA.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Mrs. Peeler for your faithfulness to the students and families at Hickory Christian Academy! Congratulations for 25 years of excellent service to the Lord! We wouldn't be who we are without you!</div>Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-58867829667139565402023-01-03T16:16:00.000-05:002023-01-03T16:16:19.696-05:00Waiting on the Lord<p><i>The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord. - Lamentations 3:25-26</i></p><p>For the past 28 years, Hickory Christian Academy has been defined in many ways. We are a Classical school. The only one in our area. This means that we have rejected the modern educational model of rote memorization, and maintained the centuries-old method of training young minds to think for themselves. Around 85% of our graduates attend 4 year universities straight out of high school, with most others doing a community college first. This is an impressive academic statistic for any school in today's world, and can also lead to community identity as well. Sometimes we even are defined by athletics, when we happen to have championship years, like our girls soccer team has seen recently. But, in my 23 years with HCA, my main desire is that we would be seen as an authentic Christian school community. </p><p>For those who have been believers for a long time, you know that true Christianity is not an easy life. Trusting in a God you cannot physically see is challenging, especially when dealing with humans each day whom you can see (and hear). In the effort to be authentic in our Christian faith at school, we have never claimed to be sinless or perfect in any way. Instead, we believe we are a collection of flawed, sin-stained individuals who are actively and collectively seeking a Savior. That is what we do each day on campus...we study academics to develop our understanding of the world and humanity, with the end goal of knowing the one who can point us to truth. And, we do believe that absolute truth exists, as clearly stated in God's word to us and in the incarnation of His Son. (John 17:17, 14:6)</p><p>But, even as those who make every attempt to hear from the Lord and understand His will, life can be frustrating. We all have an impatient nature to want what we want, right now. It starts immediately from the womb, and never ceases. Sometimes our wants are purely selfish (a certain vacation, a particular home or car, as much money as our neighbor, etc.), and other times our wants are seemingly good things (healing from sickness, enough money to pay the power bill, reconciliation with a family member) that just don't seem to be happening for reasons unknown to us. </p><p>A Sunday School teacher once told me that God has three answers to our questions, "Yes", "No", and "Not Yet". While the "yes" answer is always satisfying, and is the one that we like to post about on social media, the other two answers can confound us, especially as we become adults who feel we have matured to the point where we can be granted our requests without challenge. But, from a spiritual standpoint, we have to remember that we are God's <i><u>children</u> </i>and He is our <i><u>Father</u>. </i></p><p>When my teenage kids ask if they can go to a party because everyone else is going, I might say "yes" and I might say "no", based on the facts I know about the party and about my child. I might also say, "not yet", if I don't feel my child has the maturity to handle these situations well, but in a year, they may gain that trust. Regardless of what my answer is, it is always grounded in unconditional love for my child to do what is in their best interest. Might they get angry if I say "no"? Of course. But, the fact is they have not gained the life experience to know what is best for them quite yet. So, they need a father (or mother, as the case may be). It is just as difficult for that teenager to trust his father at that moment in time as it is for God's children to trust His answers, but in both cases, a loving father has chosen to provide for and to protect his child, whether they understand that or not. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ovjvHOH1qXd8mPzHgdQiOYu_C9w5zdoolyiq1gABBnq78cegTFJkmk4GaWj4892KauEc5hryXohi0Se8mIS6T6ytreVG05vs7-DY-RNwAstpQW5O0PpIlMVGKw4ObcKIw1O6ZgJyOE6dX6HdDEa45wNdGtxA1ZVKia6WdVtvu2vMnFOfQJWDkOu96g/s1172/HCA%20Faculty%202006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1172" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ovjvHOH1qXd8mPzHgdQiOYu_C9w5zdoolyiq1gABBnq78cegTFJkmk4GaWj4892KauEc5hryXohi0Se8mIS6T6ytreVG05vs7-DY-RNwAstpQW5O0PpIlMVGKw4ObcKIw1O6ZgJyOE6dX6HdDEa45wNdGtxA1ZVKia6WdVtvu2vMnFOfQJWDkOu96g/s320/HCA%20Faculty%202006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">HCA Employees in the fall of 2006. You may<br />still see a few familiar faces!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />In November, 2006, Hickory Christian Academy moved onto the campus we now enjoy. We had 278 students at that time, spread over three church campuses in town. While we had desired to move years before, God's timing was perfect, and the space was exactly what we needed. However, we knew the growth was likely to continue, and we continued to pray for God to provide what we needed for the long term. The easy solution seemed to be the building next door at the city park. The location and size were ideal. But, all conversations with the city about this property were quickly shut down. It seemed God had clearly answered "no". </p><p>In the fall of 2013, our enrollment had increased to 414 students, and we were again out of space. Simultaneously, God had blessed Hickory Bible Church with growth and a new campus across town. The church moved in September the next year, just in time for HCA to fill what is now our middle school building (as well as full use of the chapel building). This gave us what we needed for the near future, but again, we believed that the growth would continue. Since then, we have increased to about 520 students, again in need of solutions for space. In the meantime, multiple school boards have painstakingly looked into land and property opportunities. We have literally entertained a half dozen possibilities, but nothing ever fully developed. All the while, we continued to ask about the property next door. Literally a few times per year for 15 years we asked the question, and continued to get the same answer. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJLFIxg67qNDyZTo_nDGZsazaFMBwgbmJ4q-9zwNniEnrfStIealVjRBTpBQToVgJSMpoIa3d1IgKfKUay-Cte2uRytPvCzwMXB_0ujrVqj-YKAN_Tbjvx0gKXzb8I-7ZKUQuBrpdu3NxOrMkWMNmdvP3szPNlDLLvSsaDGkNHLv6iZkCikInpPv_YQ/s4608/closing%20on%20the%20new%20property.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJLFIxg67qNDyZTo_nDGZsazaFMBwgbmJ4q-9zwNniEnrfStIealVjRBTpBQToVgJSMpoIa3d1IgKfKUay-Cte2uRytPvCzwMXB_0ujrVqj-YKAN_Tbjvx0gKXzb8I-7ZKUQuBrpdu3NxOrMkWMNmdvP3szPNlDLLvSsaDGkNHLv6iZkCikInpPv_YQ/s320/closing%20on%20the%20new%20property.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Current Board Chairman, Justin Query, <br />and I celebrating closing on the new property!</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Fortunately, while the answer from the city was "no", the answer from God was "not yet". He knew what we needed, and He knew exactly when we would have to have it. In each recent year we have examined our current space and had doubts that we could make it work, but every year there was a solution. It wasn't until now that the viable solutions have vanished. We are truly packed out in every classroom and the interest in our school continues to increase. So, in His perfect timing and according to His will, it took 15 years to purchase the property next door. But, on December 20, 2022, we finally closed on the deal and took ownership. <br /></p><p>There is still a ton of work to do to get this new property ready for HCA to grow into, but even though it was often painful and frustrating to wait, I am thankful that God chose to hold off on us paying for a new property, power bill, extra employees, etc. until we were ready. He waited until we were debt free before we took on this new project. He waited until we had enough families in the school to stand a chance of a successful capital campaign. So, while we didn't get what we wanted exactly when we wanted it, we now have what we need in much better shape as a school than if He had given it to us way back then. </p><p>I am sharing this as a celebration of God's continued provision for our school, and I am sharing this because many of us have things in our lives that we want right now, and the Lord does not seem to be listening. As children, sometimes we just have to trust our Father, even when it doesn't make sense in our own minds. </p><p><i>I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. - Psalm 27:13-14</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-57100114041250458722021-12-15T13:47:00.000-05:002021-12-15T13:47:10.923-05:00O Holy Night<p> <i>Infinite, and an infant. Eternal, and yet born of a woman. Almighty, and yet hanging on a woman's breast. Supporting a universe, and yet needing to be carried in a mother's arms. King of angels, and yet the reputed son of Joseph. Heir of all things, and yet the carpenter's despised son. Oh, the wonder of Christmas!"</i></p><p><i>-Charles Spurgeon</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Those of us who have been Christians
for a long time tend to use some special words in an all-to-familiar fashion at
times, because after decades of hearing them in church, we can become numb to
the meaning and significance. "Holy" is such a word. At Christmas, when we
hear 'O Holy Night' or 'Silent Night, Holy Night', we often just hold our
candle and run through the verses, so we can get to the family
dinner. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But, the word 'Holy' is
special. It deserves more attention. Literally, 'Holy' means
"set apart". When we say God is holy, we are literally saying
He is set apart. He is not only different that you and I, but He is
different than anything ever created or imagined. On a plane and in a lane of His own. Inconceivable to the human mind. We get a glimpse of
this in the sixth chapter of Isaiah, where we look into the throne room of God
in heaven, surrounded by angels who are constantly crying out, "Holy, Holy,
Holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory!"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM0EIlNUOnhHFU1suw0eAbTKl3Tk1sG_WjKXDO99TCjVfMpkv7ke8mlVQd3iJv34bvHhGkYzBaK9yvPsBBPOGIX6u3I5SG-jaj1p1UNPcOwKG2n-A_nJ1b-TXKyXerFXbj00YNvN6EGktmwYDGzfhWWkUYBOhDPTdVYSW9Ej253OEttFOYgXCp7woDkQ=s477" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="477" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM0EIlNUOnhHFU1suw0eAbTKl3Tk1sG_WjKXDO99TCjVfMpkv7ke8mlVQd3iJv34bvHhGkYzBaK9yvPsBBPOGIX6u3I5SG-jaj1p1UNPcOwKG2n-A_nJ1b-TXKyXerFXbj00YNvN6EGktmwYDGzfhWWkUYBOhDPTdVYSW9Ej253OEttFOYgXCp7woDkQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />A similar scene is described in
Revelation 4, where scripture says the angels "day and night, do not cease
to say, 'Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is,
and who is to come." Think about that. Since the beginning of
time, there has never been a moment where God is not hearing the words 'Holy,
Holy, Holy'. Literally, these angels are acknowledging that there is
something very very different about the Lord. He cannot be adequately
described or put in a 'box', so they just keep saying "Set apart, Set
apart, Set apart." Not like us. Beyond our
understanding. Holy. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christmas is a prime moment for us
to honor the significance of this term, which is why it is included in so
many songs of the season, as well as other hymns throughout the rest of the
year (i.e. Holy, Holy, Holy). The events of the nativity are holy
indeed. Never before, and never since has anything like this
unfolded. God Himself became a helpless infant. The Word became
flesh and dwelt among us. When this happened, the angels Isaiah saw in
heaven came down to earth to continue the celebration of God's holiness - <i>And
suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among
men with whom He is pleased.'</i> - Luke 2:13-14. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The next two weeks are full of fun
stuff. Lights, trees, presents, gatherings, time off of school and
work. I tell students all the time that we take one day off for George
Washington (President's Day), and one day off for Martin Luther King, Jr., and
one day off for the birthday of our nation on July 4. But, for Jesus, we
take two weeks off! It is that special, that different, that holy.
Even the secular schools and organizations will shut down for multiple days at
Christmas, and although they would never admit it, if it were not due to the
significance of this particular occasion, they would just do the one day
holiday and move on as well. Christmas is holy. It is set
apart. It is different. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As we all make our way to various
locations next week to celebrate the holiday, I hope, in the midst of all the
Santas, trees, lights, tinsel, shopping, movies, etc., that we can keep ample
focus on the holiness of our Savior, and this amazing event we observe in
December on His behalf. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas
celebration this year. Jesus is worthy of our praise!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Who among us will celebrate Christmas correctly? Whoever finally lays down all power, all honor, all reputation, all vanity, all arrogance, all individualism beside the manger; whoever remains lowly and lets God alone be high; whoever looks at the child in the manger and sees the glory of God precisely in his lowliness.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>- Dietrich Bonhoeffer</i></span></p>Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-89137690331196722932021-10-13T09:52:00.001-04:002021-10-13T10:07:08.318-04:00Thank You CardThere are a few people throughout life who have a special impact on us, beyond the normal routines of life. Obviously, our parents, spouse, and other family members fall in this category, along with certain close lifelong friends. But, then you also have other folks who display such consistent examples of character, faith, integrity, etc. that they influence you without really even trying. Erin Sipe was one of those people for me. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIg76KxS8yxwYA-4DJxIYuS2zukO9JOQETeEI081pBN5cBnvs1z0zCYdeMO8x8l1TKlyq2g_QrnWpOCrGoZY0vmx6AcuJwyQ8Cl5eMQaGkBV0zLbc8WEbe6YnC_6hyphenhyphen-DDXYzktnfZE8nrm/s800/0435.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIg76KxS8yxwYA-4DJxIYuS2zukO9JOQETeEI081pBN5cBnvs1z0zCYdeMO8x8l1TKlyq2g_QrnWpOCrGoZY0vmx6AcuJwyQ8Cl5eMQaGkBV0zLbc8WEbe6YnC_6hyphenhyphen-DDXYzktnfZE8nrm/s200/0435.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div> In a world of self-indulgence, entitlement, and constant demands for our "rights", Erin was a bright light of selflessness, kindness, and sacrifice. She was one of the hardest working teachers I have ever seen, but never asked for anything from me other than a classroom and students. It was her sanctuary where she felt at home, at peace, and full of joy. Other than God and her family, Erin's greatest treasure was to love, teach, and influence the next generation. She simply thrived as an educator, and her students loved every minute of her class; certainly not because they loved the selected novels or papers to write, but because they loved the one who was loving them first. They knew that Erin's purpose in their lives was far more than passing the test on The Great Gatsby. She cared about them. What was in the Great Gatsby that could lead her students to understand God in a deeper way? What life lessons were there in that book that might bring them joy and success in life? Her students knew that they were her personal focus, far more than the curriculum.</div><div><br />
When we hired Erin to teach at HCA, six years into a 10 year battle with cancer, we knew we would likely face this moment in time. Erin was very candid about that as well, almost to a fault, always trying to protect the school and me from undue stress. But when you get one of those special people in life, you take it, even if it carries risk, and even if it is for a short time. She taught two of my own children, and I am forever grateful for the influence she had on them during that time. </div><div><br /></div><div> Monday night, when I knew Erin's time was at its end, my wife and I were on a walk, and I asked her, "What stands out to you about Erin?" Gayle mentioned five or six things that everyone who knew Erin would agree with, but the very first thing she said struck me, and has stuck with me this past few days. When asked what stood out to her, Gayle said, "Erin always hand wrote Thank You Cards". At first, I thought this was a minor thing, but the more I think about it, this truly defines who Erin was. </div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L9TFfSL4QjVH2bhLUaV5qpFxYaZyO4qvVwhacaceTvk7MSHOA-mQP9rH_XTMYlgLEnWA2hGLPSflg8R8LIekV1nHqYV5eciuHtN12TBGdatHS_2COSZzOTm49X_fjtr-Q1Kj1nm-xnYc/s2048/Erin+sipe+leading+faculty+devotion.JPG" style="clear: right; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L9TFfSL4QjVH2bhLUaV5qpFxYaZyO4qvVwhacaceTvk7MSHOA-mQP9rH_XTMYlgLEnWA2hGLPSflg8R8LIekV1nHqYV5eciuHtN12TBGdatHS_2COSZzOTm49X_fjtr-Q1Kj1nm-xnYc/s320/Erin+sipe+leading+faculty+devotion.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin leading morning faculty devotion</td></tr></tbody></table> Someone who hand-writes Thank You Cards in 2021 has some unique qualities. It would be so easy to do what we all have become accustomed to do these days, and just text my "thank you" to someone. Or maybe email. But, to take a couple days to go to the store, pick out the right cards, find a pen in the drawer, use cursive handwriting you learned back in school, lick the envelopes, buy stamps, and put it in the mailbox displays more than thanks. This is someone who is so intentional in showing kindness and gratitude that she refused to rush through it. And, when you recieve that card in the mail, there is little doubt that you have someone on the other end who loves you. This is not just going through the motions. It is deliberate in its personal touch, a truly rare thing in today's world.
<div><br /></div>
So, as I take the quick route and electronically type my words, I just want to say Thank You to Erin Sipe for showing me how to endure a trial as a believer in Jesus. You never complained, even though you had more reason to do so than anyone reading this today. In the midst of stage four cancer, you loved my kids more than you loved yourself, and you taught them eternal truths far more valuable than any high school novel could reveal. You also loved Hickory Christian Academy, teaching through a pandemic while going through chemotherapy and other treatments, all the while knowing it could threaten your life. But, the beauty that we all saw was that your life was never your own. you knew you had been bought with the matchless grace of God, and so your desire was that the rest of us would see what you already knew - life is not about protecting, but about giving (a lesson you learned from Jesus Himself). Thank you for giving yourself to our school, our families, and our students for these four years. You are already greatly missed, and you will always be loved and treasured at HCA.</div>Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-27906154198936180962021-09-23T12:17:00.008-04:002021-09-24T08:24:38.712-04:00The Return of Chapel<p> Some Classical Christian Schools have chapel, others do not because of the constant integration of scripture into the daily school environment. At HCA, Chapel has been a long-standing, integral part of our weekly routine. </p><p>For 26 years, our inter-denominational Christian school has invited parents and pastors to present a Biblical worldview lesson from the truths of scripture to our students each week. The tangible benefits of this are obvious. I love hearing multiple people from differing Christian backgrounds (who have become one Christian family at HCA) speaking on the impact that Jesus has on their lives, and on the things He is teaching them. It is so important that the adults in our children's lives display an authenticity of their Christian walk to the kids. And, weekly, that is what we try to share with our students at Chapel. </p><p>Life is hard. If we pretend that being a Christian erases all of the hurt, anguish, frustration, and fear, our children will feel like they are failing when they experience the same things. But, when we tell them that, even as adult Christians, we struggle with life, it helps them see the reality of their own issues, and further, when we explain that the steadfastness of the Lord is our rock to lean on, we reveal that even when we are six feet tall, we cannot truly succeed in life apart from a relationship with God. </p><p>Last school year, as everything was unusual, we stopped our normal chapel services. While we had to do what we had to do in the covid year, the impact on the school was real. Without the weekly gathering of believers, we all felt a void that transferred into fears and frustrations that may have been alleviated to some extent by the truth reminders from the Holy Bible - God's Word. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1GbkPQbsGsDjhNbSZMDTOrDh_emY6n1igZQu7nVYRldgqWa81qbwGYkLRX4NqnaFPNXCWggEdUc9hv7AtqCx64pqzh70n2lyorrXhvdd98m4HAyGs2fdVZ-vD8atCWrt7gr7EsD_SxHV/s2048/Grammar+Chapel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1GbkPQbsGsDjhNbSZMDTOrDh_emY6n1igZQu7nVYRldgqWa81qbwGYkLRX4NqnaFPNXCWggEdUc9hv7AtqCx64pqzh70n2lyorrXhvdd98m4HAyGs2fdVZ-vD8atCWrt7gr7EsD_SxHV/s320/Grammar+Chapel.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motions with the school verse song</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We were all so excited to be able to start up chapel services again last week. Mrs. Peeler started off the Grammar grades with our school verse (John 16:33), and the reminder that we can find peace in troubled times because Jesus has overcome the world. Yesterday, Pam Starnes shared with our students that they all have eternal worth as Children of God, even when it doesn't feel that way. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjESzOtAYdrX0Y_8AS884QwSW24f8KfV8V1bGJIEq3_bH9cafVrpkCHU5gibR6-MU48-eWW6TcIy-gHLZn3LCo6EuB1IoE5jDpiTz69fbCp6KabDFMrBJTxHoMGRLqkCt9b9EwgmhUtr7g/s2048/Praise+Team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjESzOtAYdrX0Y_8AS884QwSW24f8KfV8V1bGJIEq3_bH9cafVrpkCHU5gibR6-MU48-eWW6TcIy-gHLZn3LCo6EuB1IoE5jDpiTz69fbCp6KabDFMrBJTxHoMGRLqkCt9b9EwgmhUtr7g/w200-h150/Praise+Team.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High School Praise Team leading worship</td></tr></tbody></table>In the upper grades chapel, Dan Tarr shared from James chapter one about how believers should be set apart from the world in how we handle trials. James tells us that we should find joy in our trials because they solidify our faith and point us back to the Savior, who is the real source of joy and contentment. <br /></p><p>As God would have it, both chapels were full of wonderful reminders for the crazy times in which we live. I am sharing all of this today simply to celebrate the fact that we are able to slowly get back to the real mission and vision of HCA, and we are already seeing a difference. </p><p><br /></p>Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-47644012279523965182021-06-02T09:44:00.000-04:002021-06-02T09:44:01.450-04:00Congratulations HCA Class of 2021<p> Most of the time at HCA you hear me talk about spiritual growth, cultural issues, and the benefits of classical methodology. Although they are primary reasons people look for schools, I rarely highlight test scores or athletics because of the fear of "selling out" to the things that are popular in the world over the things that God has pointed to in scripture as eternally beneficial. Jesus himself is the one who said, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?" The pursuit of "success" by the world's definition has always been a trap for our flesh, and HCA has historically tried to steer away from those secular values, to point students toward eternal things. </p><p>However, the truth is that our students are getting the best academic education in the area as well, and sometimes, even the best sports experience, as evidenced by the girls 2021 soccer state championship. MaxPreps ranked our girls as the #8 overall soccer team in the state, including all public and private schools of all sizes. That's a big accomplishment for a high school of 145 people!</p><p>But, where I want to briefly focus is on the academic accomplishments of our most recent graduates, the HCA class of 2021. I am going here because, by not hyper-focusing on academic achievement, we may have led folks to wonder how we compare with other schools in this area. So, using Friday night's graduates as evidence, here is the product that just left HCA:</p><p>Of the 30 graduates in the class of 2021, one is entering the US Navy, one is going on the mission field, and one is joining a family owned business right away. The other 27 are entering college in the fall. These 27 students received 105 total college acceptance letters to 42 different colleges including:<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVGWWb8ElvL99nJFjEmTjpBDYVGyUWR0NkYzt8VeOkFQq9issktiUdoc452IrMWzmONsWrKURn9jdiNH5j90jKBNWFff2e7vY1N0WsLjixtm1oyJq_4FulaeUHM5J7avZeTFAjdd4JP1j/s2048/2021+Casual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVGWWb8ElvL99nJFjEmTjpBDYVGyUWR0NkYzt8VeOkFQq9issktiUdoc452IrMWzmONsWrKURn9jdiNH5j90jKBNWFff2e7vY1N0WsLjixtm1oyJq_4FulaeUHM5J7avZeTFAjdd4JP1j/s320/2021+Casual.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">HCA Class of 2021</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Alabama, Appalachian State, Auburn, Belmont, Berry College, Campbell, The Citadel, Clemson, CVCC, East Carolina, Florida State, Florida, Fordham, Furman, Gardner Webb, Georgia, High Point, King University, Lenoir Rhyne, Liberty, LSU, Montreat, NC State, North Greenville, Ohio State, Pembroke, Radford, South Carolina, South Florida, Tennessee, UConn, UNC, UNC Asheville, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, UNC Wilmington, Virginia, Virginia Tech, VMI, Wake Forest, Western Carolina, Wingate.</p><p>In addition these 27 graduates accumulated $2.6 Million in scholarship offers for their four years of college. Yes, you heard that right ... $2.6 Million. Now, that is offers, not accepted scholarships, but regardless, it is an amazing accomplishment. The bottom line is that graduates from Hickory Christian Academy are getting into their colleges of choice, and most are being offered money to come. </p><p>Now, back to my normal mantra. These 30 graduates are simply amazing young adults who are defined by kindness, servanthood, and friendship, as well as many who have a tangible pursuit of Christ in their lives. Since they have been trained to think for themselves, and to communicate intelligently and effectively, each will be well prepared to enter the secular world of universities and other social pressures with a Biblical Worldview and a strong foundation. Pray for these wonderful young people. Most have been at HCA since Kindergarten, and it has been an amazing privilege to see them grow into this moment in time where they will now be influencers of the culture they enter. </p>Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-2397888140568729752021-04-30T12:49:00.000-04:002021-04-30T12:49:08.849-04:00Can it really be 20 years?On May 1, 2001, an idealistic young man walked into Hickory Christian Academy, on his first day of work, with a dream of making a difference. 20 years later, here I sit, still talking about it!<div><br /></div><div>I remember that first day included my first chapel service where the students were able to vote on the school mascot, as formal athletics were going to begin in the fall. They excitedly picked "Knights" as they represented defenders of the faith. At the end of that day, we had a faculty meeting where I was formally introduced to the teachers and staff, including one kindergarten teacher named Connie Peeler. You may have heard of her. </div><div><br /></div><div>The school was split between two campuses, using Highland Baptist Church for PreK through 3rd grade, and First Baptist Church for 4th - 7th grades. Around 170 students total. I had been hired specifically to help develop grades 8 - 12 over the next five years, to make sure those kids would be noticed and ready for college, if they chose to go, to begin athletics as an extra-curricular for our students, to develop Classical methodologies for our upcoming Rhetoric grades, and most of all, to point young people to the cross of Jesus Christ, as the culture around them was beginning to crumble. Tangibly, my job was setting up and breaking down classrooms every week, as we were sharing space with two (eventually three) churches. That helps explain why they hired a young man for the job.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had been specifically trained as an educator, and had several years of classroom experience, so I felt confident and ready for my new responsibilities. As long as I was following expectations set by someone else, and not the lead guy, I was excited to serve. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRI5GvWhm2OWvIJZrNMjruHQ07LRz4mkQVBCrcGcWs-3qPdzUy5qyctQb8jb9O0Fu5SdOP_GbI83uIy8Fci5M3Ax7Wvs0d1IFJNdZfeoek7v3EAebTugCYjCEYe17lQdz1yn7XE9g7-Htu/s2048/my+first+day+at+HCA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1673" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRI5GvWhm2OWvIJZrNMjruHQ07LRz4mkQVBCrcGcWs-3qPdzUy5qyctQb8jb9O0Fu5SdOP_GbI83uIy8Fci5M3Ax7Wvs0d1IFJNdZfeoek7v3EAebTugCYjCEYe17lQdz1yn7XE9g7-Htu/s320/my+first+day+at+HCA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My yearbook picture from 2001.<br />I still have that tie!</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Well, 6 weeks later...</div><div><br /></div><div>The board met with me to inform me that there was going to be an administrative change, and that I would be the interim Headmaster until we figured out what to do long term. Gulp!</div><div><br /></div><div>20 years to the day later, God has blessed us with a $7 Million campus, virtually no debt, about 500 students, a faculty and staff of 70 amazing people, and 360 alumni who were introduced to a daily interaction with the Lord at school, in order to prepare them to face a mostly secular world. </div><div><br /></div><div>This year (2020-2021), we began the process of adding a third classroom per grade in Kindergarten, which will lead to further growth over the next 10 years, and a greater impact on the Christian culture of Hickory, NC. </div><div><br /></div><div>I continue to believe that Classical education is the greatest way to train our young people to discern what is true, good, and beautiful in this world, and to defend against all the imposters of those virtues. If all our kids do is memorize stuff for a standardized test in order to impress a college acceptance committee, we will lose the fight for their minds and our future. They are worth more effort that that. I continue to believe that the cross of Christ is the only hope we have, and in today's world, if that is not emphasized to our young people on a daily basis, the future is in trouble, not only for them, but for our culture as a whole. </div><div><br /></div><div>The past 20 years have been amazingly difficult, but defending the souls and minds of our children can never have a price too high to pay, and I am honored to have been a small part of that. The 20 years have also been incredibly rewarding, not only in the daily interactions with thousands of precious children and parents, but also now as I see alumni in their 20's and 30's with children of their own - Young parents who are planting the same seeds in their own homes as they had growing up at HCA, and at least seven of them who have returned to put their kids back in the same classrooms they grew up in back in the day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Hickory Christian Academy for welcoming in and tolerating a young guy who honestly didn't know what he was doing, encouraging me throughout each year, and raising your children alongside of mine for two decades. I could not ask for a better collection of people to influence my kids that what we have had. Kristen was in Kindergarten in my first year, and is now completing her 4th year on the mission field in Haiti. Sydney was in PreK that first year, and is now a 2nd grade teacher at a Classical Christian School in Nashville. Amy and Sam are finishing college this year, and Julia and Levi (who were not born the day I started at HCA) are in our high school, and beginning to make their life plans. HCA has formed me and my family much more than I could have ever formed it. Every minute was totally worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Monday, I will begin the first day of my second 20 years. I am so excited to see what God has in store!</div><div><br /></div>Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-19866007164298602092020-09-03T15:49:00.000-04:002020-09-03T15:49:20.007-04:00Happy Birthday HCA!<p>In the fall of 1994, God provided a vision to two young moms
at Highland Baptist Church to begin a school for their children, and for the kids
of other dedicated believers in the community.
Desiring their kids simultaneously have a strong spiritual foundation as
well as a strong academic environment, they were discouraged by the lack of choices,
and followed the Lord’s lead to begin Hickory Christian Academy. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_aayJ-9O1hwrWqynssPSh5tTOH4nEwZ3QNlL1NsWmkNdX2tzkLuLYkWO23GPIzQyRDYlKdaRnB4JIeWIWLwjjiLlH_IIBwatze8YT8i8ga6y4jBelyromWVNliR_LiWiQYpwYiBnZOOO/s2187/HCA+Original+Students.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="2187" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_aayJ-9O1hwrWqynssPSh5tTOH4nEwZ3QNlL1NsWmkNdX2tzkLuLYkWO23GPIzQyRDYlKdaRnB4JIeWIWLwjjiLlH_IIBwatze8YT8i8ga6y4jBelyromWVNliR_LiWiQYpwYiBnZOOO/w625-h239/HCA+Original+Students.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>On September 5, 1995, HCA opened its doors to 19
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four children entered Mrs.
Ennis’ 1<sup>st</sup> grade, Five kids were in Mrs. Huffine’s Kindergarten
class, and Mrs. Ragan had 10 in her K4 class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, all of a sudden, HCA was off and running!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The original Mission Statement, which we
still adhere to today, was written as “Equipping children today to become God’s
leaders tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">25 years later, as the school hovers around 500 students and
40 teachers, a lot has changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
our own campus, students through 12<sup>th</sup> grade, over 325 alumni (seven
of whom now have their kids back at HCA as current students).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have student athletes, a daily lunch
program, hundreds of college graduates, an alumni association, and a community
footprint where we are respected and appreciated as a beneficial asset to the
Catawba Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But, the mission has not changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our desire was, and is, to produce Christian
leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That does not necessarily mean
that every student becomes a boss, but rather that they become steadfast in
their faith, unwavering in their commitment to Jesus through a combination of
true biblical worldview (Christian) and training of the mind (Classical).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon graduation, an HCA student will be a
combination of spiritual and intellectual strength, making them difference
makers for the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSk97TxSxEGCZJMhnQoITmWc1AhOhS5GKxmAsYcx9eSEWJYtSwjR3XsOV69rQ960_BZSxYgF4fYi4ZmB9SHKLQpQPk9SWppGdqBOz_X-rf3ckuO8KxDuiACdEwE2ptSZwRCa5TKg8ZLwX8/s862/HCA+with+uniforms+for+the+first+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="862" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSk97TxSxEGCZJMhnQoITmWc1AhOhS5GKxmAsYcx9eSEWJYtSwjR3XsOV69rQ960_BZSxYgF4fYi4ZmB9SHKLQpQPk9SWppGdqBOz_X-rf3ckuO8KxDuiACdEwE2ptSZwRCa5TKg8ZLwX8/s320/HCA+with+uniforms+for+the+first+time.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From year two. Wearing uniforms for the first time!</td></tr></tbody></table>I don’t know exactly what Karen Johnson and Debbie Bolch had
in mind when they founded the school 25 years ago, but I do know that something
beautiful has emerged from their prayers and obedience, and every one of us
benefits from that today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any time you
do something significant, you will encounter resistance, rough patches, and
fears (including this year for sure), but when you receive the reward, it is
all worth the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As Hickory Christian Academy celebrates 25 years of Classical
Christian education, I invite you all to be a part of the celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, we cannot hold a large gathering,
but maybe soon we will be able to do something a little more formal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then, let me simply say THANK YOU to
all who have played a part in the success of this school, from founders to
teachers to board members to parents and students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, let me just say <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Happy Birthday HCA!</b> to each of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, wherever you are, and however you choose, please join me in
celebrating God’s faithfulness to our precious school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Whether you have been with us for 25 years, or just a couple weeks, you are now part of a very special story, and we are excited to rejoice over this milestone, and the ones to come, alongside each of you.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-43039612760287135322020-02-14T14:34:00.000-05:002020-02-14T15:07:27.299-05:00Rejoice in the wife of your youthGayle and I have been married for 27 1/2 years. July 11, 1992 was a scorching hot day in Hickory, and I was wearing a tuxedo. Normally, that would put me in a crabby mood, but on that particular day, I didn't bother to think about the drops of sweat dripping down my back, or my lack of oxygen. Rather, I was focused on the moment in time that would shape my future, and everything about me from that day forward. I was a mature 22 year old, or so I believed at the time. I had just graduated college, and landed a job teaching high school math and physics, making a whopping $19,000/year, which, fresh out of college, seemed like a million bucks to me. We had arranged a honeymoon through a timeshare tour agreement in Florida and the Bahamas, bought a plane ticket, had the world on a string, and were ready to share life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3IH9JJfNsk95VPGjamRKwxkyLv8VNteCWzE2poCF0XnnQLthCZLPUGKsPByguI5JAOGbhV9H_gVGVvYDHlZWvnya2RgYy-FAFoz1Gv8f6vGEQH7mkB_3yI-i-dnc9udVYYvLcJn090uk/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="890" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3IH9JJfNsk95VPGjamRKwxkyLv8VNteCWzE2poCF0XnnQLthCZLPUGKsPByguI5JAOGbhV9H_gVGVvYDHlZWvnya2RgYy-FAFoz1Gv8f6vGEQH7mkB_3yI-i-dnc9udVYYvLcJn090uk/s320/wedding.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She still looks at me like this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Well, as you know, "life" has many flavors and seasons. Six kids, one son-in-law, four colleges, 20 used cars, aging parents, 5 houses, and a dozen pets later, we have seen a lot, and shared a lot. When two individuals choose to unite in one household, there are many more ramifications to that decision than a glossy-eyed 22 year old can possibly comprehend. It would be nice if we always agreed on everything, but the fact is, we don't. It would be great if we always said kind words to each other, but we fail there as well. It would also be nice if we were both always self-sacrificial, thinking of the other first, but...<br />
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Marriage can be hard, and over the years, Gayle and I often found ourselves co-existing more than celebrating our union. Many times, we were defined more accurately as business partners than husband and wife. After all, there is a BIG household of children to manage, a bank account to watch shrink, and a busy schedule to check off, among a myriad of other things that life throws at each of us.<br />
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But, she stuck it out with me all these years, and put up with my quirks, pride, attitudes, and snoring, and I am so thankful that she did. Because, I cannot imagine a better scenario for my life than to be married to Gayle. She is compassionate, caring, honest and joyful. She is a prayer warrior for our family, and for many of yours as well. She taught me how to love Jesus unconditionally , and continues to do so daily. Marriage is not about being happy every day (repeat that 100 times). Rather, it is about choosing someone to share the daily grind of life with...the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, victories and defeats. It is also a reflection of Christ's relationship with His people (Eph. 5:25), and the sacrificial love which forms that relationship. We have an opportunity every day, just by being married, to show people how much Jesus loves His Church, starting with the people living in our house...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMQEV0kAYn0aq5-w_oavSAEEcwgGmjO9UIr5gaHMLTeE8MtsBbuL2OQfkIo_UUsBK1wI57dw4hZ5ACqTxbbW6TRscIt-HQGbhqTYOPJza4Co7iP_TFvxKQvT5YTfL9mUlJ5ZqLC3pNT8D/s1600/Fam+In+Canada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMQEV0kAYn0aq5-w_oavSAEEcwgGmjO9UIr5gaHMLTeE8MtsBbuL2OQfkIo_UUsBK1wI57dw4hZ5ACqTxbbW6TRscIt-HQGbhqTYOPJza4Co7iP_TFvxKQvT5YTfL9mUlJ5ZqLC3pNT8D/s320/Fam+In+Canada.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two became Nine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So, as I think of my Valentine today, and the legacy we are forming through this spiritual bond God has placed us in, I just want to encourage all of you to rejoice in the wife (or husband) of your youth today (Prov. 5:18). She is worth rejoicing in because she is more than a roommate or business partner. She is a gift from God. She's not perfect, and neither am I, but the One who placed us together is perfect, and therefore we are excited to trust Him with our lives and with our family.<br />
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I love you Gayle. I can't wait to see what the next 27 1/2 years holds for us!<br />
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<br />Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-15284430895617571132019-12-11T15:48:00.000-05:002019-12-11T15:48:49.543-05:00The Word became Flesh<i>And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us... - John 1:14a</i><br />
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I am a big sports fan. I love competition. I love the battle between teams, and the dedication, sacrifice, and teamwork that goes into a successful sports season. Most of my time on the field as a kid was in baseball. My dad was a baseball player, and taught me the beauty of a cognitive game without a clock, that is one-on-one (pitcher vs. batter), while simultaneously team vs. team. I also played basketball, golf, and even a season of soccer in the 6th grade. I wasn't very good at that one, but I could kick pretty far.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6ZL1De-iZTXxNDJR-bI9TuxLcPTMM-RlrYB5eHLhYHo9fINnH1kpkmNhA0S00UMR3RvI9gs3dnzAgjjqhGRQPN5laVvofsJ_DkUGRiQ_HwxkN4LqCTz8c-scSu92G4t9FAboIKyc_NlJ/s1600/replay.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="355" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6ZL1De-iZTXxNDJR-bI9TuxLcPTMM-RlrYB5eHLhYHo9fINnH1kpkmNhA0S00UMR3RvI9gs3dnzAgjjqhGRQPN5laVvofsJ_DkUGRiQ_HwxkN4LqCTz8c-scSu92G4t9FAboIKyc_NlJ/s320/replay.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a>But, in light of that personal draw toward athletics, I must say I HATE the modern phenomenon of instant replay. I am old school to the core. Part of the fun of sports used to be the "can you believe that call!?!" conversations the day after. Now, we spend an extra 30 minutes in every game to review every breath to death just to make sure the call was correct, and eliminate the controversy. I like human umpires and referees overseeing human athletes apart from cameras and computers, even if it is not perfect. The flow of the game was better. The excitement was better. The constant stoppages in today's games just mess it up.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>However, I totally understand the reason we rely on instant replay these days - because it reveals the truth. Did the guy really catch the ball? Let's check the replay. Was his foot on the line? Let's go to the review booth. Did he beat the throw to 1st base? We need to take a look because we want to know the truth, or it will negatively affect the bigger outcome. Hopefully, that is the same attitude we all have in life. What is the truth? How do I find it? Who ultimately has the authority to declare what is true?<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hz3AF6Ike2UI1bvdqopgmlbkRqfnerZdfPlfxXinMaMx1P6wNK4Nek3eRgZQBu53ItcGnzQnmqJGVe2ANcSQGAT0Ba08Y-9EbZnyTxo85xXDuhDdWMoCiWHytm_icu-TT86SlPMjYBOC/s1600/google.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hz3AF6Ike2UI1bvdqopgmlbkRqfnerZdfPlfxXinMaMx1P6wNK4Nek3eRgZQBu53ItcGnzQnmqJGVe2ANcSQGAT0Ba08Y-9EbZnyTxo85xXDuhDdWMoCiWHytm_icu-TT86SlPMjYBOC/s1600/google.jpeg" /></span></a>This is all the more important in today's crazy world of emotionalism, political correctness, and media sensationalism. We are inundated with everyone's opinions on everything. For those of us who are the pre-internet generation (graduated high school before 1995), we can cope with today's world, because we grew up in a time when we were influenced by only a few dozen people (parents, grandparents, teachers, pastors, friends), and still hold those simple values. No one else's opinions really mattered. But, for those who came along afterward, every day of life is filled with thousands of opinions on hundreds of topics. We no longer ask key life questions to our mentors and friends; instead, we "Google" them (and tend to believe whatever pops out of that search, regardless of who wrote it). This is our children's world. <br />
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So, truth is at stake more today than it has ever been, and is watered down at times beyond recognition. How do we know what we are reading is true? How do we know what we are feeling is true? How do we know what we are seeing is true? (There used to be a saying, "seeing is believing", but with Photoshop, virtual reality, and other altering technologies, you just never know anymore).<div>
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In John 17:17, Jesus was praying for His disciples, as well as for all those who would be born after his crucifixion, when He said, "<b><i>Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth</i></b>." To sanctify means to grow in the knowledge and image of God - To become more like Him. When Jesus spoke these words, He was literally saying that to become more like God, we need to have access to the truth. Then, He immediately identifies the source of that truth - The Word. A Robinson Version paraphrase of this verse might read something like this: "<i>Lord, make these people more and more like you each day by reinforcing in them the truths found in your Word</i>." This would be very similar to the overall vision HCA has for its students on campus.<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>So, assuming that Christians reading this blog believe that Jesus speaks absolute truths, we can bank on the fact that God's Word is truth, and can be relied upon for our daily and eternal direction. In the first verse of scripture, we see that "<b><i>In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth</i></b>." God's first recorded words are found in Genesis 1:3, "<i><b>Let there be light</b></i>". God is the only one who can make light out of darkness. This is deeper than just physical lights, like the sun and moon. It also refers to intellectual and spiritual light - the revealing of absolute truth to a dark, confused, lost world. This is why Jesus is referred to as the Light of the World. He didn't just make the sun shine brighter. He illuminated our minds and souls to the truth.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr2-03Qd4Mc6g9ISzPXy1dIbSPJuu6mXjoOlc5S3_FfJnRDoGyRJrX7G9FsVlttrIUMesF6Zub4xe0PSo599iFKamoSaXMVp4D4m79gocYKpzQpJG4g6RiA2vFvq1FBCaw7hMWezZ2sDe/s1600/in+the+beginning.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr2-03Qd4Mc6g9ISzPXy1dIbSPJuu6mXjoOlc5S3_FfJnRDoGyRJrX7G9FsVlttrIUMesF6Zub4xe0PSo599iFKamoSaXMVp4D4m79gocYKpzQpJG4g6RiA2vFvq1FBCaw7hMWezZ2sDe/s1600/in+the+beginning.jpeg" /></span></a></div>
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In those first few verses of the Bible, we see all of creation come into being through words. God spoke light into existence. He spoke the earth, sky, water, plants, birds, and animals into being. Then, he spoke mankind out of the dust of the earth into His image bearers. The words of God were all that existed, and all that was needed.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><br />
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Later, in the first chapter of John, we see it all come together in verses one and fourteen. "<b><i>In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.</i></b>" The Word of God that spoke into existence all life, embodied all truth, and existed from the beginning was born in a feeding trough in Bethlehem around 2000 years ago, and walked the earth just as you and I. To quote the familiar song:</div>
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<i>Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?<br />Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?<br />Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?<br />That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am?</i><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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The truth is simply this: God created the heavens and the earth by speaking them into existence, and then entered the world in the flesh to become the only source of truth for mankind, meaning He is the only hope we have. Everything else is a smokescreen and a distraction, pointing us in other directions. So, as we watch the evening news, and hear about the political circus, the vying for attention and power, and the emotional breakdown of our culture, the simple story of a virgin holding her divine infant under the celebratory watch of angels, shepherds and wise men is indeed cause for joy. A baby born to die for our sins, when we could not save ourselves is Good News of Great Joy for all mankind. <div>
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How do I know this is truth? Let's watch the replay again for the 2000th time. </div>
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<b>"For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."</b> - Luke 2:11</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas!</span></div>
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Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-74128826000167147632019-10-23T15:44:00.002-04:002019-10-23T15:44:46.805-04:00The Way, The Truth, and The LifeEach summer for the past 19 years, I have asked the Lord to provide a focal verse for HCA for that school year. This simple concept has become something that our faculty now annually waits on with eager anticipation. By the time the calendar turns to July, the questions always begin..."<i>Do we have our verse yet? I want to include it in my lessons and correspondence with my students</i>." I love the enthusiasm for placing scripture in a prominent place at school, and for having a spiritual anchor to our daily routines of planning, grading, meeting, disciplining, mentoring, etc. <br />
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John 1:1 says, "<i>In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God</i>." Following that example, HCA chooses to put the Word at the beginning of each year and each day. As we read that verse, we quickly see that the "Word" is not simply a word, but a person. A divine person. He was with God and was God. The fact that God's Word is not only a spoken narrative, but the embodiment of our Savior is paramount in our Christian walk. It would be easy to assume that God is difficult for us to reach because He is God, and we are sinful us. But, when Jesus became the living Word, it was no longer impossible for us to reach God because He had already reached us through His life, death, resurrection, and through the truth of His Word, gracefully placed in the hands of each of His children, now in the form of our Bibles. <br />
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Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "<i>the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."</i><br />
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In the depravity of our flesh, it is critical that we have grace, rescue, accountability, and direction. The Word provides those things. And unlike other ancient documents that need to be dug up, dusted off, and placed in the context of time, our Word is "living and active". The truth of scripture is the same today as it was 2000 years ago, continuing to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Apart from it, we can do nothing (John 15:5)<br />
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Transferring to the present day, as we blankly stare at the ridiculousness of the newscasts about our politics and modern culture, as believers we must stay anchored to the truth of the Word. That is essentially why we do the verse of the year each year. The assault on "words" in our culture is immense. Just think about it. 15 years ago, the definition of certain words was obvious and not up for debate. Words like <i>male, female, marriage, family, love, life, God</i>....These were no-brainers. Everyone knew what they meant, and they were not up for debate. Just a few years later, no one agrees on the definition of any of these words.<br />
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Individual words are now up for debate because THE WORD has been devalued and forgotten. But, regardless of what direction society may choose to go, the truth of scripture is still living and active. The standards and truths within have not changed, nor will they ever change. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that The Word, "<i>Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.</i>" <br />
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In our verse of the year, John 14:6, we hear Jesus say about Himself, "<i>I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me</i>." The real question for all of us is simply whether we believe scripture is really God's spoken word. This is a <i>YES </i>or <i>NO</i> question, without any valid in-between options. If we believe some of it is true, but not all of it, then we relegate the Bible to the hands of so-called "experts" who will tell us which portions we should trust. I'm sure that most who are reading this would agree that scripture is true, but do we really live that out? Or do we try to blend our faith with the world's cultural trends?<br />
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If Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father (and to heaven), and if His words are the ONLY source of truth, and if He is our ONLY path to life (abundant life on earth and eternal life beyond), then why would we pay attention to anything else? Yet, like me, I am sure you all find yourselves caught in this crazy time of angry, entitled, confused people wondering what in the world is going on, and how we ever got here. Of course, the answer to that is in the Word. <br />
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<i>And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. - Romans 1:28-32</i><br />
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So, let me tell you what HCA offers to our community. As a Classical Christian School, we are committed to the training of the whole child; body, mind, soul, and spirit. The people of the culture described in the passage above will tell you that all our woes will be solved through the mechanics of education. They will tell you that SAT scores and AP classes and college acceptances are the way to success for your children. And they will tell you that through the secular education they have created, your child will be enlightened to understand what all those ambiguous definitions really mean. We agree that the training of the mind is critical, and I believe we do that as well as anyone here at HCA. But the most important question to ask yourself is "WHO is training the mind of my children?" Is it the world of people described in Romans chapter one? <br />
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Scripture makes it clear that the training up of children is first and foremost the job of the parents of those children. Unofficially, 80% of what your child ends up believing is on the shoulders of mom and dad. But, who controls that other 20% is a question we should not take lightly. HCA is not perfect, and is made up of very imperfect people who have our own sets of struggles each day. But, what HCA does have is people who believe that God is God, truth is truth, and grace is abundant through Jesus Christ, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. <br />
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While the majority of the world now trains children, based on our feelings and their feelings, and what we perceive to be right and wrong in our minds, HCA will continue to base every bit of our training on the Holy Bible. <br />
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19th century writer and art critic John Ruskin wrote,<br />
<i>The entire object of true education is to make people not merely do the right things, but to enjoy the right things - not merely industrious, but to love industry - not merely learned, but to love knowledge - not merely pure, to to love purity - not merely just, but to hunger and thirst after justice.</i><br />
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As was noted Megan Best's article in the last edition of the Classical Difference magazine, Ruskin's idea of true education implies the existence of a false education. False education only teaches students "how to get through" the academic disciplines (simply to pass the quiz on Friday each week), and fails to mention that there is an opportunity to love the disciplines themselves. True education, or classical Christian education, stretches students' imaginations beyond immediate results and stirs a sense of wonder that endures eternally. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvE8UQi_YWgKMVpMIDZ7PbA5FYW9038JSZxVExECCm4AK3VQvl9YVZBmKw-4WFe9gA0gsMPyxVeToKih1XZ0G2cyjwnGy8DcD5nv-ylUi4PfxYfkHtd3l2L8_mfGHJ63Gbq7lxHZJDq3s6/s1600/high+school+students.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvE8UQi_YWgKMVpMIDZ7PbA5FYW9038JSZxVExECCm4AK3VQvl9YVZBmKw-4WFe9gA0gsMPyxVeToKih1XZ0G2cyjwnGy8DcD5nv-ylUi4PfxYfkHtd3l2L8_mfGHJ63Gbq7lxHZJDq3s6/s320/high+school+students.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We latch onto Jesus' words with regard to Him being the way because core evangelical teaching tells us that Jesus is the only way to heaven each Sunday. We resonate with Him being the truth, because, again, if He is the word, and the word is truth, then He is truth. But, sometimes assigning THE LIFE to Jesus is ambiguous. What exactly does He mean by that? I think it is partially answered in the Ruskin quote. When we get past the basic requirement of obedience of scriptural truths, and begin to LOVE being obedient to scriptural truths, we begin to live the life that Jesus calls "abundant". <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1umtDIwQ9MacsEe4lh5tO_V5f5aafQZdVOGY0ibqkksplF8Y2DgBJoi37Vapd7rdcD4-elKxd3WQd9LfKd2XTZFqvhwHO7f1P1UfofHosZec597-veqpgeQHn9KODAaRPZHtc12sh9qeZ/s1600/grammar+school+students+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1umtDIwQ9MacsEe4lh5tO_V5f5aafQZdVOGY0ibqkksplF8Y2DgBJoi37Vapd7rdcD4-elKxd3WQd9LfKd2XTZFqvhwHO7f1P1UfofHosZec597-veqpgeQHn9KODAaRPZHtc12sh9qeZ/s320/grammar+school+students+2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Hickory Christian Academy is more than the safe place from the world to drop off your kids each morning. It is a place where the authority of the parent is honored, and the truth of scripture is treasured, and the image of God upon each individual is recognized and fostered. When we train up children to be intelligent thinkers and communicators (not just memorizers), and couple that with an understanding of the Savior who shows them the only way to truth and life, we produce young adults who are ready to stand firm in a hostile world. While we admit we are not perfect, and often stumble in our own flesh along the way, I hope that this is the overarching theme you see for your family this school year, and that you find comfort in knowing that we are partnering alongside of you in fighting the assault on truth in the lives of our children each day. <br />
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They are precious in the sight of God, and are capable of so much more than the sorry standards this world has to offer them!<br />
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May God bless you in your journey. One quarter down...let us know if you need anything. Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-24077344347923171652017-12-15T11:02:00.002-05:002017-12-15T11:34:10.420-05:00Prince of Peace<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful
Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -
Isaiah 9:6</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiteItdPXUGNvWOazZWBj-tv109ZQIHhK3_BcQtk6c4WmLvu9nQ7jsJbR3hNaAuMaQRTM0CVImsXkOs9RFyne_UvGf-okktrS0_Jqt6rJcD9m_lKBadG0jcXqCny3sRMYNLTnIUo-XaEcv/s1600/nativity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiteItdPXUGNvWOazZWBj-tv109ZQIHhK3_BcQtk6c4WmLvu9nQ7jsJbR3hNaAuMaQRTM0CVImsXkOs9RFyne_UvGf-okktrS0_Jqt6rJcD9m_lKBadG0jcXqCny3sRMYNLTnIUo-XaEcv/s320/nativity.jpg" width="320" /></a>About 700 years before the baby in the manger, the prophet
Isaiah wrote several passages predicting the events and person of the coming
messiah. The striking similarities in
Isaiah's description and the Nativity story in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke
lead to the obvious conclusion that both are referring to the same baby
Jesus. </div>
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<i>Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign; Behold, a
virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel
(God with us). - Isaiah 7:14</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Isaiah's description not only includes the birth of a
baby boy, but also the life mission and immortal identity of this child. This was no ordinary infant, who grew into an
extraordinary man, with supernatural attributes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Take the title "Wonderful Counselor". The word "wonderful" here literally
means "supernatural". Jesus is
not simply a wonderful counselor according to human terms, the best that money
can buy, but instead He is a counselor with supernatural power. He has the ability to repair what man
cannot. Broken marriages, clinical
depression, rebellious hearts, political strife, and even international
conflict. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The baby in the manger also is given the title of
"Mighty God" and "Everlasting Father". Obviously, Isaiah was speaking on behalf of
the Lord here... or he was completely insane.
Who looks at a baby and calls him Mighty God? Who predicts a birth of a child, and refers
in advance to this kid as the Everlasting Father? The coming messiah was an event that all the
world anticipated, especially in the nation of Israel. But, even men of royalty from foreign lands traveled hundreds of
miles across the desert to see this little boy, further evidence of the extreme
nature of his identity. The world is a
messy place, with much strife and conflict.
Who can resolve these deep issues?
Only Deity in flesh. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Isaiah's final title for Jesus is "Prince of
Peace". When sin entered the word
in the Garden of Eden, peace between God and man disappeared, and without a
peaceful relationship with God, mankind quickly developed strife with one another
as well (see Cain and Abel). This is why Isaiah's prediction
that the Government will be upon His shoulders is so important. Just look at the world around us. Regardless of whether you are a Democrat or
Republican, Muslim or Jew, or Capitalist or Communist, we have clearly proven
that we cannot govern ourselves in unity and peace. The promise of the Government being on the
shoulders of Jesus is so refreshing, given the venomous relationships between
nations, politicians, and everyday people in our world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All this sounds nice, but what evidence do we have that
Jesus actually brings this kind of counter-culture to our world? An interesting story comes to us under the
title of "The Christmas Truce of 1914". <o:p></o:p></div>
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World War I was probably the most brutal war in the history
of the world. Modern technology had
allowed nations to produce weapons of destruction that were so new on the scene
that no one had had the chance to evaluate their effect, or the morality in
using them. Tanks, submarines, planes,
artillery, mines, machine guns, and chemical weapons were used throughout the
war with devastating results, because there was no defense and no moral
boundary set. Prior wars had been fought
with men facing one another with single shot rifles. All of a sudden, any given battle resulted in
the loss of tens of thousands of lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In four years, over 16 million people died in the Great
War. While this number pales in
comparison to the raw numbers of World War II (you could make an argument that it
was really one long conflict), the brutality of the war, and the way people
died, caused the entire world to stop in horror and consider future
conflict. The Treaty of Versailles and
the Geneva Convention set rules of war regarding chemical weapons, treatment of
prisoners of war, and other boundaries of international conflict, that were
agreed upon by virtually every nation on earth.
In other words, "We know we will have future wars, but when we do,
there needs to be rules set to protect us from going too far." An amazing thought when considering the win-at-all-costs
mentality of war. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mRX1_2l1xVM7ztoF9rb_G8-yFzLnN83unLFqKzR17f9FROY3DV52NSDoeGni_mQ7y3BWx_fd7snbmsMdTNcNfNjVsfW-jASWze43Ar9Zda4lODkTdFxLKzIUHYvCcXQgWJev7qry0HGY/s1600/Christmas+Truce+of+1914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="548" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mRX1_2l1xVM7ztoF9rb_G8-yFzLnN83unLFqKzR17f9FROY3DV52NSDoeGni_mQ7y3BWx_fd7snbmsMdTNcNfNjVsfW-jASWze43Ar9Zda4lODkTdFxLKzIUHYvCcXQgWJev7qry0HGY/s400/Christmas+Truce+of+1914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the midst of this great conflict, on the Western Front in
Belgium and France, an amazing thing took place. After months of shooting, bombing, poisoning,
and killing, opposing troops were holed up in trenches on opposite sides of
"No Man's Land". It was
Christmas Eve, 1914. As night came, and
darkness fell across the battlefield, there began the sound of singing. German troops on one side, and Allied troops
on the other. As each listened to the
Christmas Carols sounding from their enemy, hearts began to soften, and the
realization of a common Savior took precedent.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgEzZ4sudDs9gPZ4NlAja-QBDH4RKyLnNx4puVZ4zHIU3hK6oLLuY2GoY0-hLMaji4O_LZJ9WBeITWubHaNnteMY0PfszV87Wk3Nu0hEw8widfSlN5wZE21_yOdLl0ug_lKn-KKnDBcDC/s1600/234-6-700x438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="699" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgEzZ4sudDs9gPZ4NlAja-QBDH4RKyLnNx4puVZ4zHIU3hK6oLLuY2GoY0-hLMaji4O_LZJ9WBeITWubHaNnteMY0PfszV87Wk3Nu0hEw8widfSlN5wZE21_yOdLl0ug_lKn-KKnDBcDC/s320/234-6-700x438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After hours of back and forth, both sides simultaneously
joined in singing "O Come All Ye Faithful", each in his own
language. The unity of the song brought
heads carefully above the edge of the trench, and exchanges of "Merry
Christmas" in the opposite language to the other side. Eventually over 100,000 men emerged from the
trenches and met between their battle lines to sing hymns, exchange gifts, pose
for pictures, and even play some soccer matches. in this stretch of battlefield, on Christmas
Day 1914, no shots were fired, and the Prince of Peace prevailed. There was an agreement that Christ reigned
supreme over political conflict, and that recognition of His incarnation is
much more important than proving points and gaining power. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I bring this story up to suggest that our society's
avoidance of anything Christian is the root of the problem in America, and around
the world, today. Jesus promised to be
our Prince of Peace. He is identified as
our Wonderful Counselor. And, after all,
since He is Mighty God and Eternal Father, He surely has the power to be what
He claims to be. If warring nations can
lay down mustard gas and machine guns in the name of Christ, why can't
Americans tap into the Savior in our time of need? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Laying our Bibles aside, removing prayer from our kids
routine, and doing what is right in our own eyes has led to disaster. The answer to our conflict is not more
education or reason or dialogue or acquiescence. The solution is the recognition of our true
spiritual enemies and of our own flesh as the sources of our sin, and pointing
ourselves to the only true remedy - a Savior.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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This baby in a manger is much more than a picturesque
Christmas card. He is our Eternal Father
and our Prince of Peace. He is our only
hope. Our future depends on our
faithfulness to that truth. </div>
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Merry Christmas!<o:p></o:p></div>
Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-39432805046988916902017-10-20T16:18:00.001-04:002017-10-20T16:18:56.926-04:00Why Classical Education? (subtitle, "What is wrong with modern education?")"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education" - Mark Twain<br />
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Like anything else these days, it is important that we examine education in light of reality and truth to see what exactly our kids are getting, or not getting. Our culture pushes the term "education" on us so hard, that we cannot help but be influenced by the movement in a major way. We are told that education will be the solution to hatred and prejudice. We are told that education will be the solution to economic hardships. We are told that education will be the gateway to all kinds of bliss and joy. The message is clear: Education will produce happiness, peace, and contentment for individuals and society as a whole. How's that working?<br />
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The fact is that America is the most educated is has ever been, and the most educated nation on earth, at least in spending. The federal government spends $650 Billion on education each year, or about $12,500 per public school student. Those numbers do not reflect additional state funding to boost the amounts even higher. In other words, the cost to put a child through public school each year is significantly higher than the cost of most private schools. And yet, the mantra from Washington and state capitals across the nation is a call to increase spending on education. In order to get the results you want in the classroom, all we need is more money. Is that really a true statement? A 2016 Harris poll revealed that only 31% of Americans would say they are "happy". How can this be, when we are so educated, and constantly promised that education will be our savior?<br />
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Similarly, the federal government, and other large organizations, have dictated how we measure success in our classrooms. Standardized testing has become our end-all-be-all across the board. Someone in Washington DC (or Raleigh, etc.) makes a decision on what is essential for a child in Hickory to learn at a certain age, and creates a test to determine the level of learning success. Teachers are pushed to teach to that test, as their success and reputation, as well as the reputation of the school, directly depend on the scores. The 185 days of interaction with the teacher, and his/her determination of whether a student has successfully traversed the 3rd grade are rendered meaningless in light of that standardized test score. It is no wonder teachers are frustrated. <br />
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Every spring, I interact with teachers, students, and parents, who are overly stressed out about these tests, and rightfully so. A teacher's professional standing is on the line. A student's progression to the next grade is in question. A parent's bragging rights with the neighbors about their child's intellect is in the balance. And, as the children age, the pressure gets greater. We move from, "how does my child measure up to other 3rd graders?" to "Is my child going to be accepted into college?". And after all, a college acceptance to the preferred school is the pinnacle of all parenting, right? (that was sarcasm). <br />
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In reality, when our kids take End of Grade Tests, or the SAT, or the ACT, what are we really learning about our child's education and ability? And do those results match our priorities of what is really important in the development of young people? Before going there, I will reluctantly admit that we are stuck. The state government of North Carolina requires every student in the state to take standardized tests in certain grades. Virtually every college in America requires an SAT or ACT (or both) score for admission, which makes sense on some level, because it is the only consistent number they can measure across thousands of schools. But, the structure of the questioning of these tests is problematic to say the least. At the end of the day, we determine whether our kids can memorize facts and spout them out on a ABCD bubble sheet, but can they reason and think on their own? Can they hold an intelligent conversation? Can they examine a situation to determine right or wrong, without being caught up in the emotion of the moment? Can they write intelligibly? We are producing Trivial Pursuit champions who cannot effectively debate a difficult topic with someone, form an opinion on their own, or present themselves before a group of people, or even in a job interview. <br />
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This is why HCA has chosen Classical Christian education as our modus operandi (Latin pun intended). Classical education is time honored, and proven through the great historical figures of western civilization. From Aristotle to Martin Luther to Thomas Jefferson to CS Lewis to your child, classical education has successfully formed young minds into great thinkers for thousands of years. This is not because it is necessarily harder, but because it is simply more effective. The chanting and memorization of the Grammar Stage, followed by the debate and analysis of the Logic Stage, leading into the eloquence, presentation, and beauty of the Rhetoric Stage produces a well-rounded thinker with potential to contribute to society, far beyond the basic Jeopardy questions for college acceptance. Coupled with a Christian Biblical Worldview, we hope to produce eternity changers with much higher aspirations than report card grades. <br />
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Topics like Latin, Logic, Rhetoric, Western Civilization, and Apologetics stand out in this genre of education at the surface, but deep in the core of a classical education is a heart that is not satisfied with modern educational bubble sheets as its standard of success. God expects so much more when asks us to love Him with all of our minds (Luke 10:27).<br />
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So, as a parent, I must question myself daily. What do I desire in the life of my child? If I am being honest, I would choose righteousness, holiness, character, integrity, common sense, diligence, and joy well before high test scores and degrees. But, do my actions match that priority list? I am not saying that some of those things are not important. They certainly can be, and HCA students consistently score significantly higher than other schools on college entry exams, and typically perform at a higher level than their peers in college classes. But, sacrificing the eternal for the temporal is always foolish, regardless of what the culture around me says. And a quest for truth should always supersede the satisfaction of memorizing the answers long enough to pass Friday's quiz. Wouldn't it be great if we could hold students to a high spiritual standard, character standard, and academic standard simultaneously? <br />
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In the next few months, I hope to highlight some key aspects of a Classical Christian Education with the goal of making sure we are all on the same page, and appreciative of the opportunity our kids have to experience this unique form of education in modern America. From a mile away, HCA can look very much like every other school. We have long dropoff and pickup lines. We host multiple sports teams. We give homework assignments. We learn math, read books, and make science projects. But, there is a difference that I hope you will clearly see as the years go by, because it gets clearer as students get older. My own three children who graduated from HCA have all reported that they were amazed at how much more prepared they were for post high school life than the vast majority of their college peers. Some of that has to do with the way we parent, some with their own unique personalities, but I attribute a great deal of that preparedness to Classical Christian Education. They were ready, not only for college, but for life. There is a difference. <br />
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Stay Tuned... <br />
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<br />Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-82261894254743104822017-09-07T11:34:00.000-04:002017-09-07T11:34:24.979-04:00Finding Beauty in Education<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOcAaACmrzcDhC5A-ra9RgAyjxmYLSoMB9AjLrCRoIsCcFZ2J2ibwJsV1Ws6dwnz-rKEr6hDefd_YTNyKvA0ZnKVW6BFuc7GBTCVhzMJb4jbTrwkthIuYaxOmyBY7jx_g8RorWy6VGctr/s1600/wil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOcAaACmrzcDhC5A-ra9RgAyjxmYLSoMB9AjLrCRoIsCcFZ2J2ibwJsV1Ws6dwnz-rKEr6hDefd_YTNyKvA0ZnKVW6BFuc7GBTCVhzMJb4jbTrwkthIuYaxOmyBY7jx_g8RorWy6VGctr/s1600/wil.JPG" /></a>As 21st Century Americans, we are inundated with information and opinions from all angles, virtually all day, every day. The amount of people who fill our airwaves on television, internet, and social media is too high to count, but make no mistake, they have a tremendous impact on each one of us. Visible folks on the news, in athletics, entertainers, and politicians all want us to know their take on life, and to convince us that we should agree with them, sometimes accompanied by threats of what will happen if we don't. <br />
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An example of this is the change in culture from my childhood to today. When I was a kid, growing up in Virginia and North Carolina, we enjoyed small town culture. We rode bikes, played baseball, went to church, talked with our neighbors, and generally felt secure in our simple existence. We were taught that truth and integrity were more valuable than money and fame. We knew that places like Los Angeles and New York had differing cultures, and that many of our values were foreign to them (and vice versa), but the prevailing sentiment was that they were free to live over there and do as they please, and we would stay here and do the same. Everyone seemed OK with that arrangement at the time. How times have changed.<br />
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With the onset of the internet in the 1990's, the world rapidly got smaller. It is no longer acceptable for people to live in various places with differing beliefs and values in our country. If you are an American, then you should automatically buy into the prevailing culture, as depicted through electronic communication. Whatever the pundits on FoxNews and CNN say, should now be what we all believe. However Justin Timberlake and Taylor Swift view the world should dictate our own viewpoints a well. If Tom Brady or LeBron James say something is important, then if must be important. College professors and politicians have control of the mindset of the future. In other words, we have become a bunch of "yes men" who don't need brains of our own as long as we have famous people to do all our thinking for us. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKduiLHghiAgyfmPpe-6QB535lBPUzMJWJzBVQ1dzQkMj_R3WivMzA8eRm0otldUEUNBSguVjLirv8N1CwzcdTBR6ZgJVj_kSxMXVcTsudNzn246VZ-jvn8FNQXDLdqA_ifMJkwPd58j42/s1600/IMG_6232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKduiLHghiAgyfmPpe-6QB535lBPUzMJWJzBVQ1dzQkMj_R3WivMzA8eRm0otldUEUNBSguVjLirv8N1CwzcdTBR6ZgJVj_kSxMXVcTsudNzn246VZ-jvn8FNQXDLdqA_ifMJkwPd58j42/s320/IMG_6232.JPG" width="213" /></a>In many ways, this is the prime reason for the existence of Hickory Christian Academy. As a Classical Christian School, our core value is that we would produce thinkers, not just memorizers. It is far too easy (and dangerous) for a teacher to simply be handed a textbook to complete, and administer a government test at the end. Even if our kids score perfect scores on those tests, and even if it impresses a college, what have we really gained? All that is proven at that point is that our kids have memorized the educational agenda deemed most important by the politicians we wish were out of office. But, we have been so convinced by the establishment that this is quality education that we just blindly follow the crowd, without asking questions. <br />
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This year's theme at HCA is "Beauty". Our reference comes from Psalm 27:4, which states <i>"One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, <u>to behold the beauty of the Lord</u> and to mediate in His temple."</i><br />
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A few years ago, I wrote an article for a local magazine about our school. I hope that its words reaffirm your desire that your children become thinkers and culture-changers, not just test takers and degree earners. The latter are a dime a dozen these days. We need more of the former, if our core values are to survive the modern storm. <br />
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Beauty in
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<i>See to it that no
one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the
tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather
than according to Christ. – </i>Colossians 2:8<o:p></o:p></div>
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The human brain is an intricately delicate flower. When neglected or poisoned, it wilts away and
dies. But when properly cared for,
nourished, and cultivated, it produces a product so beautiful, that nothing can
compare with its radiance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMjWy6vro2n5RjAhqjzNkUGEBJEuLT1gkeXv9DVjmVG6bP2imfuDOZGeVueMKtVX7IhcoHVywYgVnXzDdVTuZGJNKC17fsPMhmmbiQfvgYr-sEkliotRgsFo0_9gUSS1Fb5J0dz5cu13R/s1600/IMG_6242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMjWy6vro2n5RjAhqjzNkUGEBJEuLT1gkeXv9DVjmVG6bP2imfuDOZGeVueMKtVX7IhcoHVywYgVnXzDdVTuZGJNKC17fsPMhmmbiQfvgYr-sEkliotRgsFo0_9gUSS1Fb5J0dz5cu13R/s320/IMG_6242.JPG" width="320" /></a>As we work with children of all shapes, sizes, colors,
and backgrounds, we see a common theme:
A child’s mind was meant for much more than memorizing facts to spout
out on standardized testing. It was
created to be molded and challenged; to be developed and unfolded; to be
watered, fertilized, grown, and harvested.
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At Hickory Christian Academy, we seek to develop the
entire person, and to create learners who hunger to continue to grow in
knowledge far beyond Friday’s test. We
seek to promote an intellectual curiosity that will increase the quality of a
long life, not just gain them acceptance into college. Most of all, we seek to understand that
Christ is the center of all knowledge and truth. It was He who said, “apart from Me, you can
do nothing.” (John 15:5b), to which Paul added, “I can do all things through
Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).
If the Bible is true, and we really can do all things through Christ,
but nothing apart from Him, why would we separate Jesus from the education of
our children? He is the key to their
success. <o:p></o:p></div>
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HCA strives to educate children through the time-honored
methodology of Classical Christian education.
We integrate instruction in Latin, Logic, and Rhetoric to stimulate the
mind of young learners, and to enhance their understanding of their own English
language, as well as literature, math, science, and history. The methodology of a classical education
changes with the natural changing of the human brain, from a “soaking in” of
information when young, to a topical debate format when adolescents, to a
self-expression environment as young adults.
Education is much more complex than answering A,B,C,D on a bubble
sheet. It is truly the formation of
thought processes that will grow a student into a successful adult who makes a
difference, and who strives to continue to deepen their knowledge of things
that really matter in life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEb0u8lSaKSoFhm2lKHPwVd4j0CWq3Y4myuq3qqOP7sF1nhqtschRdNNqOctoNQYDxVM1ulfWrnI2dE-zEssftX7Y89gcgbZADDJUUgqJXdSocz4FYiHHiAY7o50FPIeUbICo02id2DL4n/s1600/caroline.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEb0u8lSaKSoFhm2lKHPwVd4j0CWq3Y4myuq3qqOP7sF1nhqtschRdNNqOctoNQYDxVM1ulfWrnI2dE-zEssftX7Y89gcgbZADDJUUgqJXdSocz4FYiHHiAY7o50FPIeUbICo02id2DL4n/s1600/caroline.png" /></a>We invite you to explore the Christian community of
Hickory Christian Academy. It is a
community where families seek to partner with one another to protect and
enhance the spiritual walk of our children, challenging them to love the Lord
with all their heart, soul, strength and MIND.
If it truly does take a village to raise a child, this is where it
happens. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have loved what I have seen at school so far in the first few weeks. HCA is more than the place where you drop off your kid at school. It is a community and culture in itself, where kids and families are challenged to address and engage the culture around us, to hold fast to what is right, and to see the Beauty of the Lord in every aspect of our education. We are so honored to serve each of you this year, and to expose a beautiful light in the darkness for our children to follow. </div>
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<br />Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-50314935984263298782016-11-28T16:25:00.000-05:002016-11-28T16:25:16.274-05:00 Fat Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. - James 1:27</em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Likanson is second from the right. <br />There are two children missing from this picture</td></tr>
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As is always the case when I travel to Haiti, I end up in a conversation that is convicting to my American Christianity. For a decade, Gayle and I have supported a particularly poor Haitian family, one that is considered poor even in the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. This is a family of a father, mother, and nine children, ranging in age from 21 years old to 3 year old twins. All eleven of them live in a house that measures less than 150 total square feet, with one bed and a dirt <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside</td></tr>
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floor. Were it not for our meager financial support, they would certainly be facing the threat of starvation. Even with the support, they still have to worry about sickness (they have all had malaria, dengue, and other tropical illnesses), clean water, mudslides, assault, and other issues that rarely cross our minds here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The puppy</td></tr>
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During our trip last week, we were checking out the progress on an expansion to their house, when a puppy happened to walk by. Doing what Americans do, I picked up the puppy, handed it to my son, Sam, and took a picture. After all, who can resist a puppy!? Our Haitian friends watched this with wonder, and the oldest son. Likanson, asked in his broken English, "Do Americans like dogs?". Sam quickly answered, "yes", to which Likanson replied, "Haitians hate dogs". He then added the piercing question, "Are American dogs fat?". Sam answered, "yes, many of them are fat, especially compared with Haitian dogs.". Likanson's face revealed his heart. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dQb-BtYeZrzF3SXKyKu4mKuMIRohBmtZUrYvJlUmGS8k4At0u0yX2ZW4v_dh_izJFQeUPVNegDm41VOPlJ4mULUpE_pz4S2zelUnils9Bq0EO2ubk3zNmIugwfdIPIIh3YZ2i2G_VmBS/s1600/dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dQb-BtYeZrzF3SXKyKu4mKuMIRohBmtZUrYvJlUmGS8k4At0u0yX2ZW4v_dh_izJFQeUPVNegDm41VOPlJ4mULUpE_pz4S2zelUnils9Bq0EO2ubk3zNmIugwfdIPIIh3YZ2i2G_VmBS/s200/dog.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haiti Street Dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As a background to those who have never traveled to a third world nation, dogs are considered pests and scavengers, who compete with the humans for food. They are treated with contempt, and often chased away with sticks or rocks. Most of the dogs we see in Haiti are on top of trash piles, trying to get any morsel of food they can find. In scripture, we see that this battle between man and dogs for food has lasted for thousands of years in poor nations. In Mark 7:27, Jesus says, "<em>Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs</em>."<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6z9440q1qKGRkKZ_zbZj2glbBTnhPGcW9ddTCyGjpQFez78Z2LYQOny5RGW8p-OPwRouQE_xfxRuLBfk3wQVnoOU1Snr0qofpGHp3v4gpHTG2THpZ8l9U9eAGSuIAUWbrVC4BitmC9yS/s1600/haiti+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6z9440q1qKGRkKZ_zbZj2glbBTnhPGcW9ddTCyGjpQFez78Z2LYQOny5RGW8p-OPwRouQE_xfxRuLBfk3wQVnoOU1Snr0qofpGHp3v4gpHTG2THpZ8l9U9eAGSuIAUWbrVC4BitmC9yS/s320/haiti+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School Kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
When Likanson asked about fat American dogs, what he was really thinking was this: "<em>In Haiti, my brothers and sisters are starving. My community cannot find enough food for everyone to share. But, in America, even the dogs have an over-abundance</em>." He holds this view, not as a critique of Americans, but in awe that a nation could possibly be so wealthy that even dogs (detested animals to them) are fat (and often clothed). I do not bring up this story as an accusation toward American animal lovers. I have a spoiled dog myself. Instead, I bring it up to point out the vast economic chasm that exists between America and most of the remaining world. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAxuLbgD8zLs5BQeTdVcAy6CaUfvmGTLStoHt9kA_NsM84dYQ4AlhpsDy_i-KX9uG9Etwo0NAuf7ABdSr6YTs2DPycapGB9ZcFPmptnyJJYOspuVg0CJyphWyOJQj3G3HADsWC-zyTN3c/s1600/Haiti+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAxuLbgD8zLs5BQeTdVcAy6CaUfvmGTLStoHt9kA_NsM84dYQ4AlhpsDy_i-KX9uG9Etwo0NAuf7ABdSr6YTs2DPycapGB9ZcFPmptnyJJYOspuVg0CJyphWyOJQj3G3HADsWC-zyTN3c/s320/Haiti+Girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School Kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before leaving America, I announced our intentions for this trip, especially in light of the devastation left behind from Hurricane Matthew last month. I had scores of people offer donations to help the cause, and ended up receiving over $12,000 in donations. To put that in perspective, with the average Haitian earning around $500 per year, we raised 24 times an average annual salary in 2-3 weeks, without really breaking a sweat! <br />
This takes me to the scripture I led off with at the top of this page.<br />
<br />
In James' epistle, in a single verse, he defines a true, "pure", "undefiled" believer by his actions. In other words, if you claim to be an authentic Christian, there are two characteristics that should define you to the rest of the world, and set you apart from those who are lost. I will discuss them in reverse order. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk6LpIaTwkzV6l0eosfb8NZYWmwWIC5NkETQ_tci_u22DO3qzQOXeE6bmKjH8hmnBXl6OXCS0AX8SymuTJwlfF1ExCEjndpqmETdR2mOwYt-wqhfm70BXp_TdCdo9vqdj4sz9l6XNP_ki/s1600/selfie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk6LpIaTwkzV6l0eosfb8NZYWmwWIC5NkETQ_tci_u22DO3qzQOXeE6bmKjH8hmnBXl6OXCS0AX8SymuTJwlfF1ExCEjndpqmETdR2mOwYt-wqhfm70BXp_TdCdo9vqdj4sz9l6XNP_ki/s320/selfie+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite selfie ever</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol>
<li><em><strong>To keep oneself unstained by the world</strong></em>. We all know that there is an ongoing battle between the spirit and the flesh within each of us. The things that I know I should be doing, I choose not to do, and the things that I know I should not be doing are very appealing to me (Rom. 7:15-17). No amount of trying real hard can get us over this hump. As Paul says in Rom. 7:25-25, "<i>Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord</i>!" Only through Christ's victory over sin and death can we live righteously, but as James points out, once we are saved, we are expected to live apart from the stains of the world. Combining these two scripture passages, we see that in order to display authentic Christianity, our lives should be defined by righteousness, but with an understanding that that righteousness can only come through the power of the Spirit placed in us, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. One thing I would add is that righteousness is defined by God alone, not by man. We tend to add our own asterisk to certain situations so that God's will matches our personal preferences. God's will is defined in God's word. Anything we add or subtract voids the truth because it becomes God's word PLUS my word, based on my interpretation, to accommodate my own flesh. (Rev. 22:18-19)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0dDZ1i1MhQd_wDtH48x1oETbkzlsUCb_c0P76A7kA9874OtHtpuyLqIkvasWCAuZHnB9_FfPnQ4TZKN1lK-_VDU_XhGr5iX4j7-H6O6WFQvth2XCRB_xlWsjTbHNjYEwj0c2uoTsNO1-/s1600/rice+bowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0dDZ1i1MhQd_wDtH48x1oETbkzlsUCb_c0P76A7kA9874OtHtpuyLqIkvasWCAuZHnB9_FfPnQ4TZKN1lK-_VDU_XhGr5iX4j7-H6O6WFQvth2XCRB_xlWsjTbHNjYEwj0c2uoTsNO1-/s200/rice+bowls.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowls of rice and<br />beans bought by our<br />own folks. We had<br />Enough to provide<br />about 20,000 meals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-U3ACJAAjXgQGFDclWWBiYu3bdhnEPe-BnPYe94pFqKUIGpqD5yQJJmrEh7UJ9exVuNOKJX_s07vmHql4nglRq_8Xz97MrvCp8ZxE0I-K1dFqpP8fl4CJKX6KKeYmtZm0D-o5-Qj8Dmx/s1600/little+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-U3ACJAAjXgQGFDclWWBiYu3bdhnEPe-BnPYe94pFqKUIGpqD5yQJJmrEh7UJ9exVuNOKJX_s07vmHql4nglRq_8Xz97MrvCp8ZxE0I-K1dFqpP8fl4CJKX6KKeYmtZm0D-o5-Qj8Dmx/s200/little+girl.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Precious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><b><i>To visit orphans and widows in their distress</i></b>. To understand the magnitude of this statement, one must understand the context of history when this was written. In the first century, women and children did not have the opportunity to work for themselves. The only hope a woman had in those days was to marry the right guy so that he could support her, while she, in turn, provided a home and family for him. If the husband/father died, the widow and her children were immediately in crisis. There was no social security check, no life insurance policy, and no government welfare program. Unless someone came to their rescue, the widow and children were in danger of starvation (I Kings 17:10-12). However, if someone did decide to take care of them, they did so with the understanding that the widow and orphan children had no means to pay them back. The message here is clear. While speaking specifically of widows and orphans, James is instructing us to minister to those who could not possibly return the favor, ultimately in the fashion that Jesus chose to die for each of us, knowing that we can never repay Him. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeo-GlqIKNTlJphoOLK9YeYWQRiUf8tT6FSnHWbWeVGoHe712TkKwWuLDsC-nzNWawk8Hh_SAaysLz7GK0y1c39G85XmYaPaTdvJU-bWmenvK0aKnNyA8_JbJCK3JH5c7pGmO_5SprwdY/s1600/Thanksgiving+in+Haiti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeo-GlqIKNTlJphoOLK9YeYWQRiUf8tT6FSnHWbWeVGoHe712TkKwWuLDsC-nzNWawk8Hh_SAaysLz7GK0y1c39G85XmYaPaTdvJU-bWmenvK0aKnNyA8_JbJCK3JH5c7pGmO_5SprwdY/s320/Thanksgiving+in+Haiti.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving Day, Haiti Style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ol>
<div>
This is why I love going to Haiti, and why many of you love ministering to someone, wherever that may be. It is the opportunity to invest in someone who can never invest in me in the same way. In my American abundance, if I can share just a fraction of that surplus with a child who is starving, what better picture of the gospel message can I display? Our Savior saw our desperate condition here on earth. He saw the sin we fall prey to, the pride we embrace, and the world in which we live, and chose to leave the splendor of Heaven to rescue us. We were literally starving spiritually, and He gave us the bread of life. As Paul put it so eloquently, </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.</i> - Phil. 2:5-8</blockquote>
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</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64qaMMx351AuVKx3CxCgjWcG66yIi0lkMJJLXuPnetnvCMkE6mt9ygdYdsG_rT1G0C9zXZn37I_W6fvbzwhk43THOW5NjUZrEI8yFs1uzIWh6Zy_TtBkYtfywPq0hrfssFz0E2U4Y5AN1/s1600/sam+with+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64qaMMx351AuVKx3CxCgjWcG66yIi0lkMJJLXuPnetnvCMkE6mt9ygdYdsG_rT1G0C9zXZn37I_W6fvbzwhk43THOW5NjUZrEI8yFs1uzIWh6Zy_TtBkYtfywPq0hrfssFz0E2U4Y5AN1/s320/sam+with+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam with Kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In my daily routine at home as a parent, or at school as Headmaster, my desire is that my privileged children would understand the importance of serving others and giving from their surplus. HCA is a blessed people, and it is so easy to get snuggled up in our comfort zone and forget that much of the rest of the world is in crisis. As we pass Thanksgiving and approach Christmas, I challenge you to seek out someone who fits the "widow and orphan" mold and invest in them, expecting nothing in return. As a Christian, that is what God requires of us, along with personal holiness. And, I don't know about you, but as an American, I want to be known for my selfless, sacrificial giving, not for my fat dog. <br />
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Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-52294823790379208122016-05-05T12:41:00.001-04:002016-05-05T12:41:22.458-04:00Generations<em>One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts</em>. - Psalm 145:4<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFoLCyasuo3Wc27_D-Ze9XXxRBQkjU6bnhR8tuH5VLxvYLuU9gKTG_esfx6UCepPlZNcW2JlpuPchtIpvStF8FF3iwOqdwILBibfz1U_xLZgLsOqTSVfOfmJJpU1RNm8AZVInHinj9DiM/s1600/Grandparents+Day+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFoLCyasuo3Wc27_D-Ze9XXxRBQkjU6bnhR8tuH5VLxvYLuU9gKTG_esfx6UCepPlZNcW2JlpuPchtIpvStF8FF3iwOqdwILBibfz1U_xLZgLsOqTSVfOfmJJpU1RNm8AZVInHinj9DiM/s320/Grandparents+Day+2016.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="p">During the past six days, HCA has been able to enjoy the truth of God's plan for generations to carry on the convictions and successes of our past through the youth of our future. Last Friday, we celebrated our annual Grandparents' Day. It was a wonderful event, with over 400 of our grandparents in attendance. I am so grateful for their wisdom and standards in this present life, and for the unconditional love they show their grandchildren. As we reminded them that morning, the Bible says that "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged" (Prov. 17:6). And, make no mistake about it, these grandparents wear their "crowns" with much pride!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKW8NLT0Njkh02UEal9MEkkahU03jifgg095c5CBLOSxSR-Khs6AWnkLCkzyHrSDg8ZLhqq4awl9rwOdy7nad8qk20LHdVfItPS3MOoS3T2MMDAUaIUA3ccUDQmvitRbjiAffplgmV6gJ/s1600/Grandparents+Day+2016+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKW8NLT0Njkh02UEal9MEkkahU03jifgg095c5CBLOSxSR-Khs6AWnkLCkzyHrSDg8ZLhqq4awl9rwOdy7nad8qk20LHdVfItPS3MOoS3T2MMDAUaIUA3ccUDQmvitRbjiAffplgmV6gJ/s320/Grandparents+Day+2016+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>In today's world, we have lost the value of the command to honor our parents, and too often, older folks feel forgotten or taken for granted. I hope that each of our grandparents felt that they were loved and honored last Friday morning, and that they see great worth in the educational environment their grandchildren enjoy each day at HCA. I loved interacting with them, and quickly saw how our current families at HCA got their spiritual depth and high character standards, passed down from the previous generation.<br />
<span class="p"><br />
Six days later, HCA was invited to participate in the Hickory National Day of Prayer event, held on the square downtown. What a blessing it is to live in a nation where prayer and freedom of religion are foundational to our culture! For the past few years, Hickory Christian Academy has been selected to lead the Educational segment of the annual prayer event. Our chapel praise team led worship, we read scripture, and then dozens of students grabbed the microphone to pray for God's mercy and grace to be on our nation, and especially on the younger generation, as they grow into tomorrow's leaders. I was so proud of our students (joined by students from other Christian schools CFA and ROC). I can honestly say that when I was their age, I didn't even know how to pray, so to hear them share their vision, desires, fears, and dreams to the God of the universe, in front of their peers is amazing, to say the least. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOed1AMHmHz5KanSEGqNb9cEE6XkhUQhJ_AgqgL4nOmhW3YjOhr70L-FEooG8mtzFiW0NJQK6IyVHBKFyBZQ5TFcH5Mdk625991JVFM6udnB_3DnCq5BG4U_1rzB1th5jKUmoR6j8uZYFl/s1600/National+Day+of+Prayer+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOed1AMHmHz5KanSEGqNb9cEE6XkhUQhJ_AgqgL4nOmhW3YjOhr70L-FEooG8mtzFiW0NJQK6IyVHBKFyBZQ5TFcH5Mdk625991JVFM6udnB_3DnCq5BG4U_1rzB1th5jKUmoR6j8uZYFl/s400/National+Day+of+Prayer+2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is assumed that there is little to no remnant of Christianity left in our children's generation, but I am refreshed when I spend time with kids who see themselves as the spiritual future of our nation and culture, and I realize that God is still sovereign and on the throne in the hearts of those who seek Him. The parents of these kids deserve much credit for planting the seeds of the gospel in their children's hearts, and I am thankful to have been given a "watering can" at HCA to help these students continue to grow in grace. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWBijuJoUvSpe6eHBSmcIFoe-rY3-6TQDmf1dzE3mr0Iyg5j5Q5DjgcujEvgu2QuFvOyv4NhxRHwfB9tBOmczYhXeGQ2XFb9VNHp_WJgwkhK_s-67qwYeMV1F21EsebUMRCN1bFzQcP9X/s1600/MS+Chapel+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWBijuJoUvSpe6eHBSmcIFoe-rY3-6TQDmf1dzE3mr0Iyg5j5Q5DjgcujEvgu2QuFvOyv4NhxRHwfB9tBOmczYhXeGQ2XFb9VNHp_WJgwkhK_s-67qwYeMV1F21EsebUMRCN1bFzQcP9X/s320/MS+Chapel+2016.jpg" width="320" /></a>When we chose to take our high school students to this event, we cancelled on-campus chapel for that day. Not to be outdone, the middle school students took it upon themselves to hold their own worship and prayer time. I was not in attendance for the middle school chapel, but I heard incredible things about the leadership and heart of these students. Their desire, at 12-14 years old, to worship and pray, even when the school did not formally set them up to do so is a blessing to me, and again, gives me great hope for the future. <br />
<br />
So, I say all this to say that I believe HCA is playing a key role in the spiritual foundation of our little section of North Carolina, and I am proud to be associated with such wonderful young people, parents, teachers, coaches, and staff. Thank you to each of you for the work you put into raising this generation to be the next leaders in our culture. And, thank you for listening to your parents and grandparents, as they shared wisdom and values with you as you were growing up. One generation to the next...that is the way God designed it to be. </span>Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-9358683589606256172016-04-22T16:01:00.003-04:002016-04-27T17:20:53.227-04:00Spirit vs. Flesh<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never
more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to
do [God's] will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of [Jesus]
seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.” <br />
― </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1069006.C_S_Lewis"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "lato";"><span style="font-size: large;">C.S. Lewis</span></span></b></a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2920952"><span id="quote_book_link_8130077"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "lato";"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Screwtape Letters</span></span></b></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
There is much talk these days about the deterioration of American culture, and so much finger pointing about who is to blame for our current mess, that I thought I would share some things that I believe God has shown me in recent days. It seems that we have become so comfortable with sin in our nation that all lines have been blurred, and all boundaries have been removed. In our race toward "freedoms", we have ended in indulgences. This should not be all that surprising as scripture warns us, <em>"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jer. 17:9)</em> The path of humanity will always continue in a confusing and sinful direction when left to its own volition. Flesh cannot heal flesh. Only Spirit can do that. <br />
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One critical point to make is that Christians need to refocus and decide whom their king really is. Churchgoing people are some of the worst to rely on a government election to fix spiritual issues. It should be a foregone conclusion that none of the current (or past, or present) presidential candidates is the answer to the spiritual freefall in our culture. Neither is any single person, nor group of people, the primary enemy. Again, the Bible is clear on this subject.<br />
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<em>For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. - Eph. 6:12</em></div>
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But, with all the confusion on what is or isn't sin, and what is or isn't acceptable behavior, I find it important to continue to seek scripture for clarity (as opposed to human opinion). Now, before we enter into this conversation, there are some preconceived ideas that must be addressed. First of all, we will go under the assumption that God exists. Second we will assume that the Bible is actually communication from God to all of humanity, spoken through a select few writers, over a span of thousands of years. We are confident that this is true for many reasons, not withstanding the fact that the message over all those years and multiple authors is amazingly consistent and accurate across thousands of recovered ancient documents. </div>
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<em>Please understand that if either of these points is in doubt, then there is no basis for determining sin. If God does not exist, then no one has the ultimate authority to determine what is right or wrong. Lying is sin because God says so. Murder is sin because God says so. Adultery is sin because God says so. If left up to man to determine, one may think adultery to be sin, while another finds it perfectly acceptable. Who is to say which is correct? God is the ultimate authority. Secondly, if the Bible is not an authentic word from God, then our faith has little to stand on. How would we even know that Jesus existed, and what words He spoke? If we cannot take scripture literally, then we are left in the impossible position to determine which parts are figurative or inaccurate, which leads us back to each man's interpretation.</em> </div>
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So, going on our assumption that the Bible is truth. let's look at our current culture in light of scripture. What we see is a rush toward acceptance of any lifestyle or behavior. The argument is often made that, "<em>While I may be committing sin, aren't other things sinful as well? Who is to say that my sin is greater than yours? Doesn't God hate all of them equally? Besides, most of the lists of sins are in the Old Testament anyway, and Jesus freed us up from being held accountable for those in the New Testament, right?</em>"</div>
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There are dozens of dangerous holes in these arguments, but I will point out just a couple. Paul tells us in Romans 6:15-18:</div>
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<em>What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you become obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.</em></div>
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The grace that God has given us through the shed blood of Christ is not to be taken for granted or adulterated in licentiousness. The problem is that most people have no clue of the price that was paid for their sins, so instead of humble thankfulness, we respond with arrogant entitlement. Studying scripture and understanding the nature of our Savior leads one to love Him to the point of complete submission, resulting in righteousness. Having a distant "head knowledge" of Jesus, but no real relationship with Him, often results in a celebration of the flesh, disguised as living in "grace". As Paul tells us in Galatians 5:16-18, </div>
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<em>But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.</em></div>
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Take special note of the phrase, "so that you may not do the things that you please.". We must understand that our flesh (every one of us) craves sin (see Rom. 1:24-32, I Cor. 6:9-10, Gal. 5:19-21, Eph. 5:3-6 to see if you qualify as a sinner). We must also understand that apart from the Spirit's rescue, we are powerless to fight it. Each person on earth is born in sin, and in greater detail, every person has certain sins which are more powerful in their lives than others. Some are born with a special tendency toward bursts of anger, some are born with tendencies toward gossip, some toward lying, some toward sexual sins, and so on. You don't have to think too hard to know which one has you captive. </div>
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A true Biblical Worldview says that I recognize my sin nature, I admit that certain sins (ultimately all of them) hold me captive, and I know that my own sinful flesh (nor the sinful world around me) cannot free me from this addiction, so I surrender myself to Christ, asking Him to rescue me from myself. I also know that even after the blood of Christ covers me, the battle between flesh and spirit will continue to rage within me, but my ultimate desire is to reject the flesh and embrace the spirit. </div>
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It really comes down to that last phrase: <em>embrace the Spirit</em>. We can talk all day about whose sin is worse, and who is hypocritical in their approach to sin (all of us, by the way). Let's face it, when Christians address the sins of the world around them, we have a hard time determining who is really saved sometimes. In the Bible, we see Jesus addressing sinners every day of his ministry in a very patient and loving manner, but still finishing with the phrase, "Go and sin no more". In other words, He exhibited grace, while keeping a standard of holiness. But, <em>we</em> see the sins of our neighbors and we gossip about them, slander them, and belittle them. It is critical that we focus on our own holiness, before pointing out everyone else's sin (Matt. 7:1-5). When we go there, we are not embracing the Spirit, but embracing the flesh instead. <br />
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So, that is what it all boils down to. What are you embracing? The argument over what is defined as sin was over about 2000 years ago. The new testament lists of sinful behavior referenced above are pretty clear. In addition, the question over whether you and I are personally sinners is also very apparent. We are. So, the real issue in each of our lives, and in society as a whole, is our response to our sin problem. Are we embracing the spirit, or are we embracing the flesh? If I know that I am a serial gossip, do I parade that fact around with pride, and ask everyone to love me anyway, even though I might be gossiping about them as well? Or, do I understand that God is offended by that behavior in my life, causing me to repent and desire cleansing that can only come from His great grace and mercy? <br />
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For me personally, I am the greatest sinner I know. I can think of no one else who falls short of God's glory more often than me. However, that fact produces humility and shame in my heart. I don't want to try to defend my sin nature. I want to change. I want to grow in my faith. I want to know my Savior in a deeper, more intimate way. And, I understand that when I hold fast to my sin, I cannot gain in my relationship with God, because, in His holiness, he cannot fellowship with sinful man. If I pridefully embrace my sins, I will never open up the door for Christ to restore me into beautiful fellowship with the Father.<br />
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<em>Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, and you cannot look on wickedness with favor. - Hab. 1:13a</em><br />
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<em>Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith. - Hab. 2:4</em><br />
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In summary, here are some key points:<br />
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1. Humanity is caught in sin. Always has been. Always will be. <br />
2. We should fully expect a world without Christ to act sinfully. It is our nature, like a duck to water or a pig to mud. Anything else would be abnormal.<br />
3. Christians, of all people, should be the leaders in knowing scripture, understanding their own sin nature, grieving their own spiritual failures, and repenting of their behaviors.<br />
4. We all have a choice to embrace flesh or spirit. God asks us to embrace spirit, as defined in His word.<br />
5. The Church's response to the sins of our culture needs to be focused on loving others well, and pointing them to righteousness; not griping, gossiping, and arguing with them, which further alienates the lost world to the church. I agree that truth is at stake here, but you will never win the truth war with bitterness. Let God be angry with sin, and pass judgment as He sees fit. We have been called to truth in love.<br />
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<em>As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ. - Eph. 4:14-15</em><br />
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Our desire at Hickory Christian Academy is to be a true reflection of Jesus Christ, understanding truth, loving a lost world to repentance, and maintaining personal holiness in our daily lives. Each of our sin natures hinders this process, but ultimately, that is what we are embracing.</div>
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Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-15257891242132316852015-12-16T13:17:00.000-05:002015-12-16T14:06:38.145-05:00What Child is This?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week, I had the opportunity to read the Christmas story from the book of Luke to our Transitional Kindergarten class. It was such a fun occasion with these kids, who are so wide-eyed about the world anyway, and especially during Christmas. Their enthusiasm and inquisitive minds about Jesus got me thinking about this old, old story that continues to stay forefront in our world and culture today. <br />
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As you are familiar, the passage transports us into a dark, cold night outside the village of Bethlehem, where shepherds are watching their flocks, when suddenly, out of nowhere, an angel appears to tell them that a child has been born to be their savior, followed by thousands of other angels loudly proclaiming the glory of the situation. What an incredible sight that must have been! The initial, and obvious, response from the shepherds is stated in Luke 2:15-16, "<em>Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us. So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger</em>." After what they had seen, they had no choice but to run to the stable to find out who this child was.<br />
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Some time later, we see wise men, or Magi, from the east receiving news of this new baby in a different way. "<em>Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him</em>." (Matt. 2:2). Their announcement led the political king and the people to also wonder about the situation. "<em>And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him</em>." (Matt. 2:8). This began an intense search, by powerful, wealthy people for a poor peasant couple with a newborn; too poor to have been able to afford a more suitable place for a birth. When has this ever happened before or since, where the powerful and wealthy seek out the poor to "worship"?<br />
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Through these stories, we clearly see that Jerusalem and Bethlehem were all abuzz during this time. It had become apparent that a very special baby had been born; one who was recognized as king by the wise, and as savior to the lowly. As a side note, the fact that the angel chose to specifically call Jesus "Savior" indicates that he came to "save" the people, to whom he was sent, from something. What was he saving them from? How did he have the power and authority to provide this salvation? What would have happened to the people if this "savior" had not been provided them? As we inquire about these things today, they are not new questions. No doubt they were being asked 2000 years ago in the stable as well. <br />
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<a href="https://castyournet.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/jesus-teaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://castyournet.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/jesus-teaching.jpg" width="320" /></a>As Jesus grew into adulthood, and began His ministry, there was even more interest in Him. Matt. 4:24-25 tells us, "<em>The news about Him spread throughout all of Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan."</em> <br />
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<a href="https://500questions.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/pilate-asks-israel-jesus-or-barabbas-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://500questions.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/pilate-asks-israel-jesus-or-barabbas-11.jpg" width="320" /></a>Even at his death, we see the interest in Jesus at fever pitch, with hundreds of people clamoring to get a glimpse of Him, and to see who this person really is. Matt. 27:20, says, "<em>But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death</em>." Throughout his life, Jesus was followed and surrounded by crowds of people. Some followed Him faithfully. Others wanted Him to just go away. Some loved Him. Some hated Him. Some received Him. Others rejected Him. <br />
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Amazingly, 2000 years later, Jesus is still being discussed and argued about. A simple Google search on "Jesus" produces about 600 million websites, dramatically more than modern iconic figures like Barak Obama, Michael Jordan, and Donald Trump. Why is He still the most popular topic of discussion after all these years? Some praise Him. Some ridicule Him. Some follow him faithfully. Others just want Him to go away. Some love Him. Some hate Him. But, what is true of all 600 million of the website creators is that they are still being forced to address the question, "What Child is this?" <br />
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Wars have been waged, and lives have been lost over this little baby, born in a dark stable outside a tiny village. Why isn't the mainstream media arguing about the significance of historical figures such as Alexander the Great, or Isaac Newton, or even George Washington on an almost 24/7 basis? What is it about Jesus that makes each of us have to face the question at some point in our lives, regardless of where we live, who we are, or what we have? <br />
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What Child is this?<br />
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<a href="https://living365withjesus.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/praise12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://living365withjesus.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/praise12.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you are stressed, He is your Prince of Peace. If you are lost or frightened, He is the Good Shepherd. If you need someone to fight on your behalf, He is the Lion of Judah. If you are sad or lonely, He is the Rose of Sharon. If you are sick, He is your great physician. If you need advice, He is a Wonderful Counselor. If you have gotten lost in sin, He is your Redeemer. If you wonder about the meaning and brevity of life, He is the Everlasting Father. If you need spiritual advice or atonement for sin, He is your High Priest. If life is too difficult to bear, He is a Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief. <br />
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In short, He is your Savior. Without Him, you can do nothing, but you can do all things through Him who strengthens you. He is Emmanuel, God with us. <br />
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I am as excited as anyone about the upcoming season of trees, lights, and presents. I love the music, parties, and traditions. But, through it all, we must keep asking ourselves, our children, and our neighbors, "what Child is this?" Through the noise and glitter that has become the modern American Christmas, there still lies this tiny baby in a manger, with all eyes being directed toward Him. 2000 years later, it is still quite apparent that He must be something very special.<br />
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This, this is Christ the King,<br />
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:<br />
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,<br />
The babe, the son of Mary.<br />
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this, who, laid to rest,<br />
On Mary's lap is sleeping?<br />
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,<br />
While shepherds watch are keeping?<br />
This, this is Christ the King,<br />
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:<br />
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,<br />
The babe, the son of Mary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: proxnov-reg; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why lies He in
such mean estate,<br />
Where ox and donkeys are feeding?<br />
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here<br />
The silent Word is pleading.<br />
This, this is Christ the King,<br />
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:<br />
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,<br />
The babe, the son of Mary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: proxnov-reg; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So bring him
incense, gold, and myrrh,<br />
Come, peasant, king, to own him.<br />
The King of kings salvation brings,<br />
Let loving hearts enthrone him.<br />
This, this is Christ the King,<br />
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:<br />
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,<br />
The babe, the son of Mary.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: proxnov-reg; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Merry Christmas!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-87171880800331522622015-08-25T12:58:00.000-04:002015-08-25T12:58:21.108-04:00My, how much you've grown! When I was a kid, one of the things I hated the most was family reunions. Essentially, it boiled down to spending the day with a bunch of old people that my grandmother was convinced I was intimately close with, but in reality, I didn't have a clue who they were. One by one, they would come by and pinch my cheeks, or pat my head, and say, "My, how much you've grown! I remember when you were knee-high to a june bug!". Inevitably, that initial comment would be followed by "I'll bet you have lots of girlfriends, don't you. Are they pretty? Do you tell them you love them?" The worst was my Uncle Claude, who seemed to have a passion for tormenting me about my relationship with girls, while Aunt Geraldine would cackle and laugh in the background. It was agony to a young boy, and caused my brothers and I to desperately ask to get out of all future family events. Of course that request was quickly denied, so the tradition continued until I escaped to college. <br />
Since then, I have realized that all those comments that I hated can really be funneled down into one particular statement: "time flies". What Claude and Geraldine were really saying (whether they knew it or not) is that in what seems like the blink of an eye, an infant grows into a boy, who quickly becomes a young man interested in girls, and before you know it, he is married and producing infants of his own. <br />
As HCA approaches its 20th birthday celebration next week, we have been reminiscing about the early days of the school. Pictures, old jumpers, bumper stickers, and scrapbooks have been coming out of the woodwork in the last few weeks, and as the first day of school has come and gone, I share Geraldine's sentiment with many of our returning students, "My, how they have grown over the summer", coupled with the continued amazement of the overall growth of the school since September 5, 1995. <br />
It has caused me to look at my own house, and lament/celebrate the fact that Gayle and I no longer have any little ones. Our oldest daughter, Kristen, was in the first TK class in the fall of 1999, HCA's fourth year of existence. Sydney soon followed, then Amy, Sam, Julia, and Levi, who just celebrated his 10th birthday. (Levi was born the day before school started in 2005, which made for a pretty crazy week for the Headmaster and wife that year, but that is for a later blog). While preparing the big recognition of Levi moving to double digits last week, we came across a photograph of him being surrounded by his siblings on his day of birth. The older ones decided to recreate that picture for fun. Here it is:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By the way, Levi is wearing the same hat in both pictures. I guess they are pretty stretchy!</td></tr>
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For those of you in the beginning stages of parenting, or putting your child in school for the first time, we are so excited to share the adventure with you! I will be the first to tell you to enjoy every day of the ride. It really does go faster than you can imagine when you are in the middle of changing diapers, packing lunches, or saying 'no' for the thousandth time. Before you know it, they are adults themselves, with plans and dreams of their own. The parenting process is simultaneously painful and fulfilling, and the only keys to success are quality time from you and help from God. <br />
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And what is success? It is not college acceptance or the high paying dream job. It is not even a great spouse and kids, as great as those things can be. As our school verses state, true success comes a full understanding and knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ, which produces love, unity, encouragement, wisdom, and knowledge. If our kids can walk away from the house in 18 years with all of these things intact, they are in great shape. HCA is humbled to be able to partner with you again this year as we watch our kids grow up together, and as we seek God's help in giving us success. <br />
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<em>"that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." </em><br />
<em> Colossians 2:2-3</em>Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-90815497977522991612015-03-02T14:15:00.002-05:002015-03-02T14:15:40.172-05:00Chris Tomlin and Open House<em>"...we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - I Cor. 15:51b-52</em><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY57gazqPdWx3YR2WNBp4Z2PjLTSKCOa4yitx6m5rWo_FKqD-Llz7qifGQ-6hmhnS9gfuZ3kj8TA5Iq3F3VGUxJ_EY9FuUxNxs5x2cD1pb_SvgI0dccPWX5PMEHVCwE4cw1vNqzGn4r8w4/s1600/chris+tomlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY57gazqPdWx3YR2WNBp4Z2PjLTSKCOa4yitx6m5rWo_FKqD-Llz7qifGQ-6hmhnS9gfuZ3kj8TA5Iq3F3VGUxJ_EY9FuUxNxs5x2cD1pb_SvgI0dccPWX5PMEHVCwE4cw1vNqzGn4r8w4/s1600/chris+tomlin.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eternity will actually even sound better!</td></tr>
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My wife and I were blessed with Chris Tomlin concert tickets last night in Charlotte. It was a great Christian concert. If you ever have a chance to see Chris Tomlin, take it. <br />
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The cool thing about a concert is with all the huge speakers and sound equipment in the coliseum, it is extremely loud, to the point where you really cannot even hear yourself. What that means is that I can sing as passionately and as loudly as possible, and all I can hear is Chris Tomlin's voice. It dawned on me that that is a small glimpse of heaven, where my cruddy earth voice suddenly gets turned into Chris Tomlin's voice, along with thousands of others, singing praises to Jesus. Pretty neat, huh?<br />
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Today was our rescheduled Open House at HCA. We had dozens of prospective families here to see the school. Most of them commented that they had friends or neighbors who are parents at HCA, and they have noticed that there is something different about these families and their children.<br />
<br />
No kidding. I literally had several families tell me that they have seen such differences in the HCA kids in their circle of influence, that they want that type of educational environment for their children as well. One mom serves in a local organization which consists of high school kids from all over the area. A young man in our high school has impressed her so much that she came this morning to enroll her kindergarten child in hopes that she will be as mature, respectful, and responsible as this high school student one day. That is high praise for a teenager!<br />
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All of that to say, "thank you" to all of those who pour so much time and energy into parenting your children the right way. As a parent myself, I am occasionally frustrated by the daily results I see in my kids, when they choose to disobey or make poor decisions. However, remembering that they are still very young, coupled with the fact that they get to grow up with your kids, who are products of families with similar vision for their children, is encouraging. In other words, having partners in Christian parenting is a blessing for my wife and I. It really does take a village to effectively raise a child.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaKBsKr_HM8IUB_F5YSpZkzGU8HaxC6VG2ZZAd69BSSifM8ISAzD9cM-A5Xu3lTO3DtwZNqYSJBbBoLiOprlxPoXBrje1rPRe03NtFhkGUEU4IjjlWcykznWRK8lt9F8C9MOqVP_GfxUB/s1600/concert+lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaKBsKr_HM8IUB_F5YSpZkzGU8HaxC6VG2ZZAd69BSSifM8ISAzD9cM-A5Xu3lTO3DtwZNqYSJBbBoLiOprlxPoXBrje1rPRe03NtFhkGUEU4IjjlWcykznWRK8lt9F8C9MOqVP_GfxUB/s1600/concert+lights.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see <br />
your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.<br />
Matthew 5:16</td></tr>
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<br />
The one message that I deliver to our students over and over is this: "<em>when you are outside of school, whether is be at church, at the mall, or socializing in the neighborhood, do you look different than the rest of the world</em>? <em>Can anyone see a difference in you?"</em> When working with kids, you have to grab any moment of success you can find, and today, I was thrilled to hear of so many stories about our HCA kids truly making a difference in the community, just by living life as they have learned to live it. God meant it when he told us to "train up our children in the way they should go, so that when they are old, they won't depart from it." Keep it up. It is paying off. <br />
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Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-62045261144508371522015-02-06T14:30:00.002-05:002015-02-06T14:30:58.368-05:00The Day We Turned the Corner<em>"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."</em> - James 5:16<br />
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The product you see at Hickory Christian Academy in 2015 is still very much a work in progress. But for those who have been around the school for a long time, the progress we have made over the past two decades is nothing short of amazing. It is so easy to go through the ease of the daily routine today and forget the trials and sacrifices that got us there. I suppose that is somewhat true in any successful organization that started from grass roots, but since HCA is the one I have been assigned, it is the only one I can speak of from experience. <br />
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Last week, we had the privilege of hosting an accreditation team from the Association of Classical Christian Schools. We have been building toward this moment for quite some time, and trying to judge when we would be ready to take the plunge. We finally bit the bullet last year, and began the 18 month process, which culminated in this team visit. <br />
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One of the requirements was to arrange a dinner meeting between the HCA School Board and the ACCS Accreditation team, which was held last Wednesday evening. It was a lovely occasion, with great food and fellowship, followed by a question and answer time. The first question that was asked to our board members was, "Tell us a little bit about yourself, and how you became involved with Hickory Christian Academy."<br />
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Each member took turns recalling their time at HCA. For most, it began as an interest in finding "something better for my child", going through the standard interview process, getting involved by volunteering time in the classroom or in athletics, seeing a difference in their child's life, then becoming a member of the board. Several of the answers were accompanied by tears, including some of the men (sorry guys!). I know the impact that HCA has had on my family and my children, but to hear a group of people, whom I greatly admire, share from the heart how their families have been affected by HCA, was so refreshing and encouraging to me. <br />
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One story in particular, however, stood out to us all. In the spring of 2002, HCA was in its 7th year of existence. We had added grades each year since the founding in 1995, and that year had 8th graders as our oldest students. The job before us was daunting to say the least. We needed to create a high school. What we quickly found out was that the curriculum, availability of quality faculty, scheduling logistics, parental expectations, and raw expenses for high school are on a whole other level than what we were accustomed to. We had committees and passionate people in key positions as we planned for this addition, but the enormity of the task was so much more than expected. <br />
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In addition to the complexity of the process was the fact that we were already struggling with available space and finances in our young school. Back then, we held board meetings almost every week to hold things together. Our board room was in the main hallway of the educational wing of Highland Baptist Church, just across from their small chapel. One evening, our board chairman, Gene Modlin (currently serving his third term), arrived at the meeting with a discouraged look on his face. He said that he just wasn't sure if we could pull this off, and that maybe we should just consider stopping at 8th grade...at least for now. He was displaying what we were all feeling. None of us had created a school before, and everyone was wondering if we had gotten in over our heads. Young people's futures were at stake, and we didn't want to risk them. As we looked around the room at one another, Gene suggested that we go into the chapel to pray. <br />
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This was not your typical "God is great, God is good" type prayer, in which we often find ourselves going through the motions, prior to any type of Christian get-together. We all opened our Bibles, found passages of scripture where God told His people to trust Him and to obey Him, and read them out loud. Then each of us laid face down on the floor (prostrate) to cry out to God (literally crying). For two hours, we prayed, sang, read scripture, and wept. It was the most amazing time of Christian humility before the Lord that I have ever been a part of. And when we were finished, we all were able to look at one another with confidence and say that God has clearly told us to press on. His answer was clear.<br />
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Thirteen years later, we are still pressing on, and reaping the benefits of that special night. It was the moment that defined everything moving forward. I would be lying if I told you that there were no problems after that date, or if I claimed that we have since "arrived" in ANY area of school success. However, what I can say definitively is that this was the day when I truly believed that God was going to do something special here. It was the day when He reminded me that our battle is not against flesh and blood, and that He knew the plans He had for us, even if we were unsure. It was the day when I decided to allow His voice to be louder than all those that were tormenting me inside my own head. The Lord is a God of great strength and promises. Words like, "The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." (Deut. 31:8), brought such peace and eager anticipation to each of us that day. <br />
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Today, the school is in much better shape financially, academically, and structurally. It is easy for us to rest in "our" success, and to forget the spiritual war that was fought to get us to this point. Therefore, I was so excited when God recently reminded me of that special night with not only this accreditation dinner conversation, but also through a music lesson to our youngest students. <br />
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About three weeks ago, Mrs. Johncock was teaching music to our 1st - 3rd graders. She had introduced the hymn, "All hail the power of Jesus' name" to the students, which contains a lot of older words that we don't use that much anymore (royal diadem, sacred throng, etc.), so she was taking time to help them understand what they were singing. The first few lines of that particular hymn go like this:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
All hail the power of Jesus' name!<br />let angels prostrate fall; <br />bring forth the royal diadem,<br />and crown him <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD3">Lord of</span> all.</div>
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As they reviewed these words, Mrs. Johncock had these very young children physically represent what it means for angels to fall prostrate before Jesus. The room was full of little kids stretched out, face down, singing "All hail the power of Jesus' name!". I wasn't there in the classroom, but I saw a picture later that day, and was instantly reminded of how blessed I have been to have worked with adults for 14 years who are willing to lay prostrate before the Lord, and to see that that spiritual humility is still being promoted to our students today. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6rD8RPpFMoUUkArUaTUC6yx6nTjvhNPJjBYksy8Snlb-DtOC5fvO0RzE7tcqbwUnQ6mG3yvWf9-ghPm2cpuS_dTsdtdWTGQ7ArKeAcfF8A6X28Fz61aXW3wNCqBqvY980dzguey0Lle7/s1600/let+angels+prostrate+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6rD8RPpFMoUUkArUaTUC6yx6nTjvhNPJjBYksy8Snlb-DtOC5fvO0RzE7tcqbwUnQ6mG3yvWf9-ghPm2cpuS_dTsdtdWTGQ7ArKeAcfF8A6X28Fz61aXW3wNCqBqvY980dzguey0Lle7/s1600/let+angels+prostrate+fall.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These "angels" are falling prostrate before Jesus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As excited as we all were to receive full accreditation this week, it pales in comparison to the spiritual legacy that is being laid in the hearts and minds of our children by so many faithful servants of God. We are truly blessed. <br />
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Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-20611312073509816602014-12-18T15:12:00.000-05:002014-12-18T15:12:33.628-05:00Christmas Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTjQaieb1ziXGdEdtdoInsBf7E4QUvlJuCEk9D6eCx9KEylBVfO" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTjQaieb1ziXGdEdtdoInsBf7E4QUvlJuCEk9D6eCx9KEylBVfO" width="400" /></a></div>
It’s Christmas night. The house is quiet. Even the crackle is gone from the fireplace. Warm coals issue a lighthouse glow in the darkened den. Stockings hang empty on the mantle. The tree stands naked in the corner. Christmas cards, tinsel, and memories remind Christmas night of Christmas day.<br />
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It’s Christmas night. What a day it has been! Spiced tea. Santa Claus. Cranberry sauce. “Thank you, so much.” “You shouldn’t have!” “Grandma is on the phone.” Knee-deep wrapping paper. “It just fits.” Flashing cameras.<br />
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It’s Christmas night. The girls are in bed. Jenna dreams of her talking Big Bird and clutches her new purse. Andrea sleeps in her new Santa pajamas.<br />
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It’s Christmas night. The tree that only yesterday grew from soil made of gifts, again grows from the Christmas tree stand. Presents are now possessions. Wrapping paper is bagged and in the dumpsite. The dishes are washed and leftover turkey awaits next week’s sandwiches.<br />
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It’s Christmas night. The last of the carolers appeared on the ten o’clock news. The last of the apple pie was eaten by my brother-in-law. And the last of the Christmas albums have been stored away having dutifully performed their annual rendition of chestnuts, white Christmases, and red-nosed reindeer.<br />
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It’s Christmas night.<br />
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The midnight hour has chimed and I should be asleep, but I’m awake. I’m kept awake by one stunning thought. The world was different this week. It was temporarily transformed.<br />
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The magical dust of Christmas glittered on the cheeks of humanity ever so briefly, reminding us of what is worth having and what we were intended to be. We forgot our compulsion with winning, wooing, and warring. We put away our ladders and ledgers, we hung up our stop watches and weapons. We stepped off our racetracks and roller coasters and looked outward toward the star of Bethlehem.<br />
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It’s the season to be jolly because, more than at any other time, we think of him. More than in any other season, his name is on our lips.<br />
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And the result? For a few precious hours our heavenly yearnings intermesh and we become a chorus. A ragtag chorus of longshoremen, Boston lawyers, illegal immigrants, housewives, and a thousand other peculiar persons who are banking that Bethlehem’s mystery is in reality, a reality. “Come and behold him” we sing, stirring even the sleepiest of shepherds and pointing them toward the Christ-child.<br />
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For a few precious hours, he is beheld. Christ the Lord. Those who pass the year without seeing him, suddenly see him. People who have been accustomed to using his name in vain, pause to use it in praise. Eyes, now free of the blinders of self, marvel at his majesty. All of a sudden he’s everywhere.<br />
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In the grin of the policeman as he drives his paddy wagon full of presents to the orphanage. <br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9UIQBk_ggZPK0XewOIDQ5f3ba4qEdrjjZYiG6t25i89cnuNs8" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9UIQBk_ggZPK0XewOIDQ5f3ba4qEdrjjZYiG6t25i89cnuNs8" width="400" /></a>In the twinkle in the eyes of the Taiwanese waiter as he tells of his upcoming Christmas trip to see his children. <br />
In the emotion of the father who is too thankful to finish the dinner table prayer.<br />
He’s in the tears of the mother as she welcomes home her son from overseas.<br />
He’s in the heart of the man who spent Christmas morning on skid row giving away cold baloney sandwiches and warm wishes.<br />
And he’s in the solemn silence of the crowd of shopping mall shoppers as the elementary school chorus sings “Away in a Manger.”<br />
Emmanuel. He is with us. God came near.<br />
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It’s Christmas night. In a few hours the cleanup will begin—lights will come down, trees will be thrown out. Size 36 will be exchanged for size 40, eggnog will be on sale for half-price. Soon life will be normal again. December’s generosity will become January’s payments and the magic will begin to fade.<br />
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But for the moment, the magic is still in the air. Maybe that’s why I’m still awake. I want to savor the spirit just a bit more. I want to pray that those who beheld him today will look for him next August. And I can’t help but linger on one fanciful thought: if he can do so much with such timid prayers lamely offered in December, how much more could he do if we thought of him every day?<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>It Began in a Manger</em><br />
Published by Word Publishing<br />
© 1995 by Max LucadoTracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592161266685587865.post-35442070102326006412014-11-25T10:11:00.000-05:002014-11-25T10:12:11.295-05:00Giving Thanks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDn-VvrVJ7Uo8UJGZHa8bt_WBPdbDmrLaCNYxjEfkkozz8gEc-wFI4y-1yK2PEC1Yh0kTMBOPg1A3GKEyEagaIU4TICftNtlRbMCOW9gQbmaqJ_4SUg7PRhIdMhbtORw-d6wei7jhqZYH/s1600/WP_20141124_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDn-VvrVJ7Uo8UJGZHa8bt_WBPdbDmrLaCNYxjEfkkozz8gEc-wFI4y-1yK2PEC1Yh0kTMBOPg1A3GKEyEagaIU4TICftNtlRbMCOW9gQbmaqJ_4SUg7PRhIdMhbtORw-d6wei7jhqZYH/s1600/WP_20141124_001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><em>“Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and, as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation."</em><br />
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<em>―William Bradford (1590-1657) Governor of Plymouth Colony</em><br />
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Here are some photos of the inaugural HCA Thanksgiving Feast. <br />
What an awesome evening with 800 of my best friends! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziKgwxs6MeBw3BmOtW758lZb9hbpufaTYImnNLU9MpsdzyuytnlhMv7IePXc8NjPnUty1XShPE3tkfOzwhqVCp1U9Ieg3SVd39ZgVhFhFFebKYX4C6gLcjMkTe2_27a7enQ9333W94dyd/s1600/WP_20141124_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziKgwxs6MeBw3BmOtW758lZb9hbpufaTYImnNLU9MpsdzyuytnlhMv7IePXc8NjPnUty1XShPE3tkfOzwhqVCp1U9Ieg3SVd39ZgVhFhFFebKYX4C6gLcjMkTe2_27a7enQ9333W94dyd/s1600/WP_20141124_005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Thank you to everyone who helped plan and provide for this event. Thanks to the faculty for your servant hearts, even when you had other things you could have been doing. Thank you to every HCA family for simply showing up to eat; a simple act promoting unity and fellowship within the school body. <br />
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A school-wide Thanksgiving Feast has been something I have desired to have since the day we moved onto this property 8 years ago, but there has always been a roadblock in getting it done (primarily the lack of a working kitchen until two years ago). Seeing it finally unfold last night was amazing, and certainly helped me refocus on the things I am thankful for. <br />
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So, to everyone reading this, and even to those who are not, Thank You for all you do to love our school, and to make it the special place that it has become. I am blessed to know you. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJ5-a_BmCRxxTt0GkCdLjzh2DxY3Y34xcHfVkGrTxWqAdLwsSK4tu1jWgdqPVxz8GDwlzxvkuVDnNiV65hVnKP3kdYG_rWHA2RyBa-_EIPkfJp6Q5S7Mz3i2aw_ZfA4oVsQMEolcY-mbS/s1600/WP_20141124_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJ5-a_BmCRxxTt0GkCdLjzh2DxY3Y34xcHfVkGrTxWqAdLwsSK4tu1jWgdqPVxz8GDwlzxvkuVDnNiV65hVnKP3kdYG_rWHA2RyBa-_EIPkfJp6Q5S7Mz3i2aw_ZfA4oVsQMEolcY-mbS/s1600/WP_20141124_006.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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I pray you have a wonderful celebration of giving thanks this week!Tracy Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023437873017180703noreply@blogger.com0