Chris Tomlin and Open House

"...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

Eternity will actually even sound better!

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. 

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?

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.

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!

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.

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

The one message that I deliver to our students over and over is this: "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?  Can anyone see a difference in you?"  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. 

 

The Day We Turned the Corner

"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." - James 5:16

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. 

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. 

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."

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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:

All hail the power of Jesus' name!
let angels prostrate fall;
bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all.

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. 

These "angels" are falling prostrate before Jesus

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. 


    

Christmas Night

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It’s Christmas night.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the grin of the policeman as he drives his paddy wagon full of presents to the orphanage. 
In the twinkle in the eyes of the Taiwanese waiter as he tells of his upcoming Christmas trip to see his children. 
In the emotion of the father who is too thankful to finish the dinner table prayer.
He’s in the tears of the mother as she welcomes home her son from overseas.
He’s in the heart of the man who spent Christmas morning on skid row giving away cold baloney sandwiches and warm wishes.
And he’s in the solemn silence of the crowd of shopping mall shoppers as the elementary school chorus sings “Away in a Manger.”
Emmanuel. He is with us. God came near.

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.

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?

It Began in a Manger
Published by Word Publishing
© 1995 by Max Lucado

Giving Thanks

“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."
                                      
―William Bradford (1590-1657) Governor of Plymouth Colony


Here are some photos of the inaugural HCA Thanksgiving Feast. 
What an awesome evening with 800 of my best friends! 


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. 

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. 

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. 














I pray you have a wonderful celebration of giving thanks this week!

Happy Birthday To Me

Yep, you heard it right.  Today is my birthday.  Actually, there are many celebrating birthdays today.  Just at HCA, we have three students and at least one other parent aging a year today.  I also saw on Google that John Lennon's 74th birthday would have been today (for all you Beatles fans out there), as well as North Carolina 's American Idol winner, Scotty McReery's 21st. Unfortunately, as hard as I tried, I could not find a famous person in history whom anyone would recognize (i.e. King Peter I of Cyprus). 

Birthdays are funny things.  When you are younger, you can't wait to age another year, and to be "king for the day".  I remember being somewhat depressed on October 10 each year, knowing that I had another 364 days until the next time to score attention and presents on the same day.  I also remember lying to girls during my teen years to make them think I was a year older than I really was (yes, even Mr. Robinson has a devious sin nature).  But the older I get, the more this day either becomes like any other on the calendar, or becomes a reminder of the shortened time I have left to accomplish a million unfinished goals in my life.  Honestly, I don't know how I feel about birthdays any more.  I still get some attention from family and friends, but its just not the same as when I was 11 years old.  Part of me just wants them to go away. 

In my dozen or so trips to Haiti, it was interesting to find out that hardly anyone there celebrates birthdays.  There are many reasons for this, but the main one is that a birthday celebration is primarily a western custom.  Most Haitians have never been taught that their birthday is an important day to remember, so it just falls through the cracks.  As a matter of fact, many Haitians have no idea how old they are, let alone what date their birthday falls on.  While most never have to address this vacancy, some end up with a need to have a birth date so that they can get an official birth certificate (to obtain a passport, open a bank account, etc.).  When this arises, they simply find a family member who was alive when they were born.  That person goes to the government office, says something like, "Well, let's see...it seems that you were born in the spring about the time of that big rain in the late '70's.  Probably mid-April...let's say April 18th!"  All of a sudden, this becomes the person's official birth date (still no party, though).

These days, whenever my kids ask me what I want for my birthday, I always answer in the same way: "I just want a hug".  I really mean that too!  With all honesty, a big hug from my kids would make the day great.  But, they can't accept the simplicity of that, so I still get T-shirts, tools, and snacks, for which I am thankful.  I guess they are thinking, "What a rotten birthday that would be if all I got was a hug!", so they reason that I must be lying about my hidden feelings on the subject.  The best news is that tonight, we will have a great meal together as a family, and tomorrow night, my girls come home from college for fall break.  Those times will make my birthday a worthy celebration.

After 45 trips around the sun, I have come to the following conclusions (bear with me as I reflect):

• Investments are good, as long as they are prioritized correctly.  Specifically, a wise investment in marriage, family, and children will pay eternal dividends.  The thing about time passing, is that there are no redo's.  Once you have passed your 10th wedding anniversary, or your child's 8th birthday, you can't go back, fix it, and do it better.  These things deserve priority attention from day one, because once the time passes, it is gone. 
• Raising children is the hardest task you will ever perform.  On a related note, nothing gets permanent marker out of suede leather.
• Stuff is just stuff (as is money).  Things are necessary on many levels, but they are also the greatest hindrance to eternal investments.  When given the choice between earning a bonus paycheck at the office or spending time with the kids, take the kids. My dad passed away when I was 30.  I have such rich memories of this amazing man. He left me virtually nothing of monetary value, but for my first 18 years of life, he was there to help me walk through every mountain and valley.  I wouldn't trade a hundred 401K's for that time we spent together. 
• Working with kids and their parents every day is the most unpredictable job ever.  You just never know where your conversations might end up.  I love it.
• Education is important, but not the end all of success.  At HCA, we have a pretty strenuous academic program, but I am the first to tell you that it is of no value without a Biblical Worldview connected to it.  When the world tells you that the right college will make all the difference for your child's future, be sure to check the scripture reference on that advice.  There are other things that are more important.  This is coming from a school administrator with two kids in a good college, by the way.
• I don't like coconut, salmon patties, or okra.  Sorry, they are just not good.  I will eat virtually anything else.
• An effective daily walk with Christ will fix 99.9% of your problems.  Try it.
• The greatest regret I have in life is how I treated my mom when I was 15-20 years old.  She deserved better than that.  After all, she gave me everything she had every day of her life.  Dads, don't let your son (or daughter) mistreat your wife.  Protect her at all cost. 
• I love my wife, and should show her more appreciation than I do.
• Carolina basketball > Duke Basketball.  Face it.
• Every day is to be savored and met with joy.  This is an area of failure for me virtually every minute of every day.  But, on the few occasions that I do meet this directive, it makes all the difference. 

I could go on, but these are the things that quickly popped in my head in the moment.  Thanks to all of you for making my birthday a great one (even if you had no idea).  The quality of folks that surround me each day is gift enough.  God bless.

19 Kids (years) and Counting

Many of you may be familiar with the TLC show, “19 Kids and Counting”, which is a reality show about Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 10 boys and 9 girls (all who have ‘J’ names).  I have only seen the show once myself (I guess I have been hardened to the curiosity of bunches of kids living under one roof), but it is somewhat of a national phenomenon, and an indicator of our modern times, where we are entertained by those who are different than us.  Whether we watch with amazement over a family of 21, or with  judgment over our own ideas of the appropriate size of a family, or just to veg on the couch for an hour over a “clean” slot on national television, there is no doubting the fact that the show has been a hit. 

In the show, we see a family, who could not possibly function effectively due to their enormous size, function effectively.  The kids are well mannered and all help around the house with good attitudes.  This is a family who takes “family” and “faith” very seriously, visible by the interaction, Bible study, and family prayer times that we witness on the show.  In today’s world of seeking self and personal conveniences, it is refreshing to know that there are still some people who place other’s needs before their own, and who point their kids to Christ, through Biblical Parenting (on TV no less).

In no way am I endorsing this show, or even the Duggar family.  I don’t know them, and like I said, I have only seen the show once.  But, the title and content are ironic to me, because they indirectly link to HCA, not just because there are several large families in our school, and not just because we emphasize traditional family and biblical values.  You see, on September 5, 1995, Hickory Christian Academy opened its doors to students for the very first time.  This week is exactly 19 years since that initial event (“19 Years and Counting”).  An even greater connection is the fact that the first student body that year consisted of 19 students in K4, Kindergarten, and 1^st grade.  So, the title of the TV show, “19 Kids and Counting” fits perfectly into the history of HCA.  Today, with 474 students seated in classrooms, I can often feel like Jim Bob Duggar, wondering where we are going to put all these young ‘uns!

During chapel this week, Mrs. Peeler did a beautiful job of connecting this year’s school verse with our anniversary celebration.  “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” – Phil. 3:14.  Toward the end of 1994, when Debbie Bolch and Karen Johnson received the word from God to begin a Christian school, they had no idea of the final result  of that vision.  They simply knew that they were to open the doors to a brand new school, and then let God take it from there.  They pressed on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.  To be clear, the prize is the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  The prize is not large student population, new buildings, scholarships to elite colleges, nor championship sports programs.  The prize is the calling.

For each of us who call ourselves “Christians”, we have received a calling from God through the grace given to us in His Son, Jesus Christ.  The privilege is not in our own accomplishments nor any prestige or glory that comes from the world.  The prize is having received sufficient grace from a loving God, who has allowed us to serve Him by serving His children each and every day at HCA.  We don’t want to become famous or highly acclaimed by man.  We just want to faithfully serve our Savior, and to bring Him glory, and to be satisfied in that upward calling. 

The thing that many of our families might miss in this message is that we are ALL in on this calling.  The calling did not end with Debbie and Karen.  Neither does it stop with our school board, administration nor teaching staff.  Every person who works at HCA, every person who learns at HCA, and every person who drops off a child at HCA is part of this calling.  This is much more than a safe-haven from the things of the world, where kids can learn quality academics.  HCA has the vision and potential to alter the culture of Hickory, North Carolina by investing in a remnant of families who still place Jesus as their top priority.  Eventually, our kids will grow up, and intelligently take what they have gained at HCA to share with their kids, friends, and neighbors, who will in turn do the same in the next generation.  The world is rejecting Christ in almost every direction.  We are a body who can stand firm, and actually fight to change the course of this community. 

Over the next 12 months, you will see more and more regarding our 20^th year of school (2014-2015) at Hickory Christian Academy.  We are excited about celebrating this milestone with each of you, and we are planning several unique things during the year to recognize this accomplishment.  Having been here for 14 of the 20 years, I can tell you that it has never been easy, nor will it ever be.  But, the satisfaction of knowing that we are fulfilling a divine calling that has passed through many people, and now through an entire generation makes it all worthwhile.

Teachers, moms and dads, administration, board members, alumni, and current students, you are ALL making a difference for the kingdom of God through this school, and in our community.  Thank you for your faithfulness which has gotten us this far, and thank the Lord for His magnificent grace, now “19 years and counting.” 

Happy Birthday HCA!

 

 



(Below are a few pictures from the "old days" when we were still at Highland Baptist Church.  Check to see if you recognize any faces...)

 

 

Lunch Time

Having Fun



There are a few still remaining...

Chapel

Current Building Under Construction in 2006

Christmas Concert

 

God's Mission of Grace

Grace is a word that is often used, and misused, in our Christian society.  Most of the time, our church definition is "unmerited favor from God".  In other words, my individual sin condition, from birth, and by choice, is so grossly repulsive to a holy God, that there is no way I should ever deserve His favor.  And, yet, His great love for me, shown through the violent sacrifice of His only Son, outweighs the burden of my rebellion, and gains me favor, where there should have been wrath.  This is a good working definition, consistent with HCA's Biblical worldview. 

Where we have misused the term "grace" over the years has been in our tendency to redefine it to mean, "don't judge me" or "let me just be whomever I choose".  These terms are usually followed by the phrase, "Jesus never judged anyone.  He just loved them".  We see evidence that supports this type of statement in John 12:47, where Jesus says, "If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world."  John 3:17 similarly states that Jesus' mission to earth was not one of judgment, but of salvation. 

So, is it true that Jesus was a "be your own person and feel free to live life however you wish" type of guy?  Not so fast.  While getting caught up in what Jesus did not come to do, we can miss the whole point of why He did come.  He came to save the people of the world from the snare of our own sins, which had caused an impassible gulf between God and man.  He says this over and over in the gospel narratives.  He came because He is our only hope.  No other plan would work, and we surely couldn't save ourselves.  A quick 30  minute newscast is evidence enough that left to ourselves, we are a mess.  Jesus came to rescue us from our sins before we were judged for them.

While Jesus' first coming to earth in human flesh was not a mission of judgment, it was a mission of loving correction.  Mankind has lived in falsehoods since creation, believing that we can accomplish great things on our own, regardless of whether God exists or not.  After all, isn't that the mantra of government education these days?  "If you set your mind to do something, there is no limit to what you can accomplish."  And since our school kids are forbidden to hear from God, or to speak with Him, then they must arrive at the conclusion that any great thing they accomplish in life is by their own effort.  In the process, God becomes an irrelevant option that you can take or leave at your own discretion. 

The problem is that while humans are accomplishing their "great things", they are in outright rebellion against their creator (Tower of Babel sound familiar?), Who amazingly sent His Son to die for the penalty of that rebellion.  For believers, Jesus' excruciating death on a cross removes the consequences of our sins.  If there is any truth that we must know, this is it.  Jesus said, "If you continue in my word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31-32).  Jesus' mission was one of setting captives free.  It was a mission of grace. 

So, why is it so important that we accept this grace from the Savior?  I mean, can't everyone choose his own path if it makes him happy?  Absolutely.  However, it is important to understand that while Jesus' first coming was a mission of grace, the second time will be a mission of judgment.  "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead" (2 Tim. 4:1).  This is the same Jesus both times, which emphasizes the nature of our great God.  He is perfectly loving and grace-filled, while simultaneously being a perfectly holy judge of sin.  

You see, God in His infinite foreknowledge and wisdom, was able to see the coming judgment of all humanity.  Because He purposely created mankind for His own glory and for intimate fellowship, He chose to send a Savior before the judgment, Who would share the truth, and Who would offer grace so that we would not have to endure that awful event, and so that we could restore fellowship with our Creator.  It is the greatest display of love the world will ever know.  The sinless for the sinful.  The righteous for the unrighteous.  Free of charge, no strings attached.  Our only hope. 

So, while I do believe that people can do amazing things, I also believe the words of Christ when He said,

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.  Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.    -  John 15:5-9

What I need to realize is that the amazing things that I am capable of doing are all temporary and bear no eternal fruit, unless they are under the grace of my Savior. 

 

At HCA, our goals for children are WAY bigger than a good quality modern academic education.  We are not in the business of "learning" as much as we are in the business of "truth".  After all, if any school has any goals, shouldn't truth be at the top of the list?  Whether the world likes it or not, Jesus is truth (John 14:6).  We can choose to believe this or not, but nothing can change the fact of this statement.  If He is the truth, then whatever we do should be grounded in Him.  Any other "learning" is based on man's own opinions and experiences, which again, were fundamentally flawed from the beginning. 

 

So, as we peruse through the next nine months together, I hope that you see the strong undercurrent of grace at HCA.  Not in slacking off on standards and rules (quite the opposite), but in sharing with students that there is no hope in this world apart from the person of Jesus Christ, and that the true beginning of knowledge is the fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:7).  We don't want our students to just learn lots of stuff that achieves an acceptance letter from a university (nothing inherently wrong with that, by the way).  But, in addition, we want them to learn to bear fruit that will have an impact on the world around them, and that will lead others to the knowledge of the truth of the Savior.  If Jesus really is the only hope for all of humanity, then shouldn't we teach our kids about Him, and have them teach others about Him?  Shouldn't our graduates carry Christ to the college campus, as well as Calculus and Chemistry?  I say 'yes'. And, by the way, while Jesus' earthly mission was not to judge, he was known to tell people to "go and sin no more" on a few occasions, so He did establish a standard by which we should live outside the bonds of sin (John 5:14; 8:11) and in the grace of His marvelous presence. 

 

God has promised good things to those who are called according to His purpose

 

I am so thrilled to begin a new school year.  As we prepared for this year, especially over the past two weeks since our teachers have returned, there has been a presence of the Spirit of God here in a greater manifestation than I have seen in a while.  He is up to something big, and by His wonderful grace, He has allowed you and I to participate in His work this year.  One of the great benefits of grace is "new beginnings".  Ready or not, here we go...

 

 

p.s. - Our entire faculty read a book together this summer that I would like to recommend to every parent reading this blog.  The title is Give them Grace by authors Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson.  Check it out when you get a chance.  It will revolutionize the way you approach Christian parenting.