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.

There is a reward waiting at the top

     With the busyness of the end of a school year on our shoulders, a long Memorial Day weekend was just what the doctor ordered!  On Monday, we loaded up the family and headed to the mountains for a picnic and some hiking.  Of course, we received the normal mixed reaction from the kids, with some really excited, and others making it clear that they prefer the great indoors.  But, once we got past the "You are going, and you are having fun whether you like it or not!" speech, all was well.
      After a lengthy drive on a dirt road, through the woods, we arrived at our trail head.  This particular trail was only about a mile in length, but uphill the entire way, and very steep at the end.  There were lots of rocks and washed out areas that made it even more challenging, and I must admit that I had to stop a few times for a breather.  The legs are older and carrying a bigger load than they used to!  There were a few times when one of the kids would question why we were doing this, and what was in it for them.  In their minds, the hill, rocks, and mud were not worth it.  But, Gayle and I knew that there was a reward for us at the top, so we kept encouraging them to plug away.  And then, it happened...
     We decided it would be fun to take our dog, Lucy, on this trip.  Lucy loves to go for walks, and is extra pumped about being in the woods with her people.  Her ancient animal heritage comes through in situations like this (which is great, because sometimes I wonder if she even remembers that she is a dog when she is sitting on the couch watching a movie with the kids).    I had Lucy on a leash about 7-8 feet in front of me, when we rounded a turn in the trail.  As my eyes came around the curve, I saw the dog straddling a long, dark object on the path.  Immediately, I knew it was a snake, and my first reaction was to pull back hard on the leash.  Unfortunately for Lucy, she is only 20 lbs, so my jerk sent her flying through the air in reverse, like a giant yo-yo.
     Stretched out across the path was a rattlesnake.  It laid motionless as if we were not there, and somehow chose not to bite the dog that had just stepped all over it. The snake was about 3 1/2 feet

This guy gave us quite a scare!

long, and showed up clearly on the dirt path, blocking our way through.  Of course, we all took turns looking at it, before getting a long stick to prod it away from us.  I assumed that once I poked it a few times, it would flee from us.  Interestingly, when I pushed it off the path, it immediately turned to come back, as if it was intentionally hindering our progress toward the goal of the top of the mountain.  At this time, several of the family members began to question the whole expedition.  Isn't this a sign that we should turn back?  What if there are more dangers ahead?  The car seems much safer!

     Eventually, I was able to keep the stick on the head of the rattler so that it would not come any closer, while we all passed through.  Everyone hugged Lucy and told her how happy we were that she was not dead.  Of course, she never knew the difference, and was happy to continue to lead the way to the top. 
     As we scaled the rocky path, which seemed to become almost vertical at the end.  As my heart was pounding, and my lungs heaving, all of a sudden, the tree line cleared, and we were on top of the world!  Without the mountain or trees to block it, there was a cool breeze which brought immediate relief to the weary travelers.  We all chose large boulders to sit on, and we just soaked in the reward of the incredible scenery.  God really is amazing, isn't He?  At the end of the day, it was all worth it.  The complaining, the dusty road, the rocky trail, the steep climbing, and yes, even the snake.  When we reached the point of successful completion, and realized that God rewards those who persevere, the satisfaction was...well...satisfying.

My graduating senior symbolically looking toward her future

     I know that the duration of a school year can be much like a hike up a mountain.  We begin with a goal in mind, and an excitement about reaching it.  But, we quickly find that there are all sorts of obstacles and difficulties along the way, sometimes even some "rattlesnakes".  However, once we get to these final few days of a school year, I am always reminded that it is worth it.  The kids are worth it.  The families are worth it.  Jesus is worth it.
     On Friday, we will send the next batch of HCA graduates into the world.  Some are more prepared than others.  Some will make wise decisions from day one.  Others will step on some snakes and trip on some rocks before getting to the top.  But, the faithful training that they have received from parents and teachers, grounded in scripture, will have its desired effect on each life, just as God has promised us.  God's word is life to the dying, and refreshment for the weary.  And, at the end of the day, Christ is our reward.

So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.  For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and the trees of the field will clap their hands.  - Isaiah 55:11-12
    
Thanks for your partnership in Christian education this year.  There are so many awesome things happening at HCA right now, that I am so excited to share with you.  Stay tuned for an update in the near future!

Thirsty People and their Cracked Pots

As Spring approaches (I am still holding out hope that it is really coming), we are in that transition time for a school, where we live two years at once.  Simultaneously, we still have nine weeks of class remaining on the 2013-2014 year, but are eagerly working on the details of 2014-2015. 

Last week, we closed out our re-enrollment for current families, with over 95% choosing to re-enroll their children for next year.  This is great news for school stability and future planning, and a reminder of God's continued hand of provision for HCA.  However, as many of you know, the larger we grow, the more pitfalls we will encounter along the way.  When you crowd nearly 300 families (over 1000 people) into an organization, there is a ton of human nature to monitor, including my own. 

Hickory Christian Academy is a lot of things to a lot of people, and people choose HCA for a multitude of reasons.  Some choose to leave for many different reasons as well.  Such is the nature of a private school, and of a community of humans with needs at large.  The only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain.  However, regardless of the varying degrees of personalities, desires, and intentions from within our membership, and regardless of how many students we serve, and regardless of how big the school property becomes, we must keep the "main thing" the main thing. 

This year has certainly carried its share of trials and challenges.  To some extent, these come when you let your guard down, and become satisfied, which we are all guilty of at times.  But, scripture is clear to tell us that trials are blessings from God which produce endurance in the faith, resulting in perfection and completion, where we lack nothing (James 1:2-4).  God has a desire for perfect, unhindered fellowship with his people.  Our sins get us off course, which lead to trials (places we don't want to stay very long) which cause us to reverse direction to find the path again. 

In other words, if this school really does belong to the Lord (which is what we have been saying for 19 years), then He wants to run it the way He wants to run it.  When we throw 1000 people in the mix, who all have their own plans and preferences, we often expect God to change his mind, and agree with each of us simultaneously.  Not likely. 

As God has molded me over the past several months, one message has been clear: Be careful not to leave your first love (Rev. 2:4) while pursuing your own goals and dreams.  We are members of the largest private school in the history of the Unifour area of North Carolina.  We have been phenomenally successful in college acceptance rates.  We have been a leader in representing Christ to the community through athletics, field trips, and other public activities.  We have been a very effective alternative to government education.  I am very careful to write these things, because while they are true, the credit must be laid at the feet of Jesus.  We have accomplished nothing apart from Him (John 15:5). 

So, moving forward, what is the plan?  Where do we go from here?  Last Sunday at church, my pastor shared scripture with us that was unfamiliar to me, but hit me like a ton of bricks.  In Jeremiah, 2:12-13, God says, "Be appalled, O heavens, at this, and shudder, be very desolate," declares the Lord.  "For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water." 

So, here is the picture...God has provided an endless supply of living water; water that will provide joy, peace, success, and life eternal.  We can have all we want.  We can drink it until we are filled.  It will never dry up, it will never be soured, it will never be contaminated.  It provides all our needs.  Why in the world would we stop drinking from this fountain?  The only answer would be our own stinking pride.  Starting with me, we all have a pride issue to deal with.  We all have an innate voice which tells us that maybe our plan is a little better than God's.  Maybe, we really are self sufficient after all.  Maybe life is more enjoyable outside of God's grip. 

So, we leave the fountain of living water, and head out to find our own spring of "happiness".  This spring might be financial success.  Another spring might grant us the right college choice for our kids.  Yet another seems to offer solutions to relationship problems.  The tempting choices are endless.  The problem is that instead of standing under the endless waterfall of God's blessings with our mouth open, we instead carry cisterns to the springs offered by the world to find satisfaction them.   Unfortunately, these cisterns leak.

HCA provides an opportunity to fill many cisterns.  We can provide a safe environment for your child, shielding them from many of the frightening things they might encounter in this world.  We can challenge them with quality academics to strengthen their minds for the future.  We can introduce them to the college of their choice.  We can place them on a competitive athletic team, or a debate team, or a Model UN team, or in a quality chorus or drama program to broaden their horizons.  We can teach them manners, structure, and rules.  There are so many great things that kids and families can gain from placing their kids in school here.  But as good and rewarding as these things might be, none of them will last for eternity, and none are even guaranteed to bring success in the short term. 

Let me put it this way, suppose a child is a high school valedictorian, starting quarterback on the football team, and possesses a charisma and magnetic personality that wows audiences who hear him speak, act, or sing.  Let's say that all this earns him a full scholarship to the elite college of his choice, where he continues to excel, and earn a degree in a high-paying field.  After school, he is quickly offered a position in a big-time company, marries the former Miss America, and lives in a lake front mansion with his three well-behaved children.  What's not to admire about that?  Shouldn't he (and his parents) be thrilled and satisfied?  Absolutely, except for the fact that all that success will eventually leak from the cistern.  There is no guarantee that any of these things will last.  As a matter of fact, we are guaranteed that they won't (I Cor. 3:10-14). 

Over time, the star athlete will become old and fat (as will Miss America).  His brilliant mind will begin to fade, his children will misbehave (trust me), and his money will be divvied out to others when he dies.  All the cisterns that he filled in life (or that mom and dad filled for him) are cracked, and will finally dry out completely at the end of his time.  This is not to mention the fact that he spent his whole life trying to fill these cisterns back up in an effort to maintain his unquenchable desires.  The more cisterns he tries to fill, the heavier the burden becomes, until he ends up carrying a load that is ridiculously heavy, when all along God's stream is flowing for anyone to drink with free hands and no burdens to bear.   

As much as this school has to offer, if it doesn't consistently offer Jesus to our children first and foremost, then it just becomes another stream where we fill broken cisterns as we try to manage the trials of life.  That's why, from day one, we have been committed to an authentic Christian education.  Sometimes we fail in this effort, while other times we succeed.  But the focus continues to be the same.  So, how will HCA handle its rapid growth?  On our knees.  What is the plan of action for growing the school from where it stands now to the next phase?  Listening to, and following God's lead.  What is the ultimate goal for a graduate of HCA?  To know the Lord personally, and to develop the passion to follow Him faithfully wherever He leads.  But, will my kid learn quality math, science, literature, and history?  Yes, but with the understanding that these are leaky cisterns on their own, apart from the grace of Jesus Christ. 

I guess it all boils down to this question...Do we really believe the Bible?  If God says that His endless supply of living water is all we need for an abundant life, are we going to be willing to drop the broken water pot for a lifetime of drinking from the fountain?  (John 4:28-29)  I am saying all this to say that as HCA transitions to the next year of school, we are refocusing our attention on that which got us here in the first place.  While everyone else might be searching for the latest educational trends, the most fashionable marketing tools, and the approval of men in general, we are going to continue to be satisfied in going against the grain and toward a life of holiness, because that is what Christ did. 

The fountain is flowing, and I don't know about you, but I am thrilled that my sons and daughters get to grab a swallow as they pass through.  HCA certainly has a long way to go, but don't worry about getting weary, because there is plenty of water to drink. 

Abundantly Beyond

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory.  -  Eph. 3:20-21a

In a previous blog, I highligted the journey the school has made from nomadic borrowers to proud property owners.  Most of you are especially aware of the events over the past seven years, and in particular, the changes since last school year.  But, just in case,let me recap...

Seven years ago, HCA did not own a bulding of its own.  We did own a tract of land, but it was across town, and we ended up selling it for a loss, so let's go on the assumption that seven years ago, we owned nothing of value, other than desks, chairs, a few computers, and a bus.  Since then, in a seven year period, the school has obtained 15 acres of land and three large buildings, which comprise the campus you enjoy today.  The total value of these properties is over $7 Million, of which we only still owe about $1.2 Million. 

This remarkable statistic amazes me as I write this, even though I was there to see it all unfold.  I can remember several board meetings back in the day when we all sat around a table and discussed creative ways to make sure we would be able to pay our faculty that month.  At that moment in time (only about 10 years ago), our current campus was no more than a distant dream.  We certainly had more immediate survival needs to address. 

Now, here we sit on a beautiful piece of property in Northwest Hickory, enjoying space that belongs to us, and watching over 450 children receive a Classical Christian education.  I have to admit, there were times when I doubted it could ever happen, and even now, I am not sure exaclty how it did.  One thing I do know for certain is that God has chosen to shed grace on this place, which has truly been a joy to experience first-hand.  Ephesians 3:20 says that God provides for us more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.  That power is obviously the Holy Spirit, but it is interesting to me that Paul points out that His power dwells within us. 

In other words, the Spirit of God is able to do amazing, incomprehensible things through His people.  Many times, we are on the search for a miracle to poof out of a cloud, when the answer actually lies within us: the power of God.  You see, God saves us for His glory (Isaiah 43:25), which means that He plans to use us in God-sized ways which would otherwise be beyond our normal ability level.  God is glorified when humans understand that apart from Him, they can do nothing (John 15:5) AND when they realize that they can do all things through Christ who gives them strength (Phil. 4:13). 

The latest example of this power of God working through people at HCA has unfolded before your eyes this fall.  Every day over the past month, as you round the hairpin turn at the end of the gravel lot, you have watched trees fall, dirt leveled, and a playground rise (navy, gold, and white by the way).  For 19 years, HCA students have played in parking lots all over Hickory.  We have endured asphalt burns, fire lane sign cuts, and curb ankle syndrome (the only documented cases have been HCA kids).  God recently laid it on the heart of a grandparent in the school to do something about this.  So, what you see now is a one-acre field (or at least it will be a field, once we get grass to grow) for kickball and cartwheels, behind a real-deal playground with custom colored big-time equipment for kids to be kids. 

For years, we have been concerned about the fact that our kids have had very little space to run and play, but we really did not have the resources to do anything about it.  The power of the Holy Spirit, working through a family member of HCA students took us beyond anything that we could have thought up on our own, just as the scripture says.  Isn't it reassuring that God is always right?  I am including a few before & after pictures below.  Enjoy the change, and please make sure your children know that we serve a Great Big God, who loves us so much that He even cares about the little details of our lives, and not only meets them, but exceeds them, time and time again. 

(By the way, allow me to express a special "thank you" to the men who came last Thursday to spread mulch until dark.  What a blessing!  Thanks guys.)



The back of the property before

The back of the property now



Playground Before

Playground After




Playground Before

Playground After





The Narrow Path

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by, 

And that has made all the difference.

                                                                                 by Robert Frost (from The Road Not Taken)

The big news on campus this week is the formation of new crosswalks in the parking lot.  When we began using classroom space across the way, we quickly realized that we had unwittingly created some chaos for our parents and other drivers by allowing large swaths of kids to cross at the closest distance between the two points.  While I don't know of any close calls, it did disturb me that moving vehicles and moving humans had the potential to come into contact with one another out there.  So, we decided to add designated paths.

The reasons for this decision are simple and obvious...

• The physical safety of children is of utmost importance.  Why?  Because we love them enough to care about their well-being.    When walkers use the designated crossing areas, drivers know better where to look for potential people. 
• The potential dents and scratches on cars caused by adolescent foot traffic is something we wish to avoid.  Why?  Because we want kids to learn to respect the property of others. 
• Order is always preferred over chaos.  Why?  Because it results in efficiency, meaning you can get more accomplished.  

In Matthew 7:13-14, Scripture tells us to "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.  For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."

The new path

The core reason that we added crosswalks to the parking lot is that we love the kids here at HCA, and we want what is best for them.  Put simply, we do not want them to get hurt.  Similarly, the reason that God asks us to stay on the narrow path is His great love for each of us.  Just as we didn't add crosswalks to punish the children, God does not place boundaries on our lives out of anger or hatred.  He wants what is best for us.  The life of a Christian essentially boils down to two questions:

1. Is God really good?
2. Is God's Word really true?

You see, if God is really good, AND if His Word is really true, then simple logic tells me that I would be a fool not to follow Him.  God can alter any and all portions of our lives.  This may frighten us at times, but if His Word is true AND if He is good, then I should welcome any interaction with God that I can get.  Why wouldn't I want a perfectly good and true being with unlimited power on my side?

Interestingly, if you look out the front window of the school, you will see students (and parents) who choose to walk outside of the boundaries of the crosswalk.  They know that it is a little more risky to do so, but think that the convenience of a shorter path is worth it.  People love convenience.  We love the things that make our lives easier.  If I can get by with ease, why would I choose work?  Unfortunately, scripture does not promise us that following this narrow path will be easy.  Most of the time, it is contrary to the desires of our flesh.

Sometimes, life can be inconvenient, or just downright hard.  But the narrow path still leads to "life", while the alternative leads to "destruction".  Of course, these verses do not say that you can see the end of the path, they just promise that the reward of life awaits those who choose the narrow way.  This is why it is so important to believe that God is good and true.  I don't know about you, but I will choose life over destruction any day, if I know for certain that those are my only choices. 

Really, this all leads us to the primary reasons HCA exists in the first place.  In a world full of gray areas, we still believe in absolute truth, and we believe that one of those absolutes is that God is good.  As my children grow up, isn't it most important that they would know the truth?  I mean, we don't want them to confuse truth and lies, do we?  We all know where that would lead.  As Jesus said, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?"  Or as Jim Elliott said in 1949, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

Jim Elliott's Actual Journal Entry

We all want to go to heaven, but we need to understand that there is a path to take there.  It doesn't just fall in our lap.  A loving God, who never fails to tell the truth has given us this narrow path to walk.  It will often be unpopular.  It will often be painful.  But the prize of life at the end is worth the effort.  After all Jesus is the reward.

Every day, I am so tempted to divert from the narrow way.  Every day, my flesh makes me wonder if it is all worth it.  Every day it seems a little more uphill.  But, also every day, I understand more and more that this path is not just a parking lot crosswalk that I can edge off without consequence.   This is a tightrope that rewards the brave and determined, but comes at great risk for the wobbly.  I am so glad that God provides the stability we need to cross, and loves us with His everlasting love each step of the way. 

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life;  No one comes to the Father, but through Me." - John 14:6

The Long Road To Independence

When Hickory Christian Academy was founded in 1995, it was founded as an Independent Christian School.  But, that word, "independent" really depends doesn't it?  The truth of the matter is that HCA has never really been completely independent.  While it is a fact that we have never been formally governed by a church, state, or other institution, we have always been in partnership with a local church in some form.  Let's take a look back...

From Fall, 1995 through Spring, 2001 the school operated under the roof of Highland Baptist Church.  These formative years were exciting and groundbreaking, as a brand new cute little school began in a handful of Sunday School classrooms, and eventually modular units outside.  During those first years, Highland blessed us with free rent and room to grow.  I became a parent at HCA in the Fall of 1999, and came to work at the school full time in April of 2001.  We saw so many miracles and blessings from God as the enrollment grew from 19 students to 185 in five years!

With the rapid growth of the school, we were forced to look at other options in the Fall of 2001.  We were blessed to rent extra space at First Baptist Church, which housed our 4th - 8th grades that year, while the Pre - 3rd stayed at Highland.  While the space was a blessing, the logistics of two campuses under one administrator were overwhelming, and we quickly realized that it was tougher than expected to pay rent when we were still tight on cash and used to free space.  The following year saw the only decrease in student population in the school's history, and need to regroup back at Highland. 

From Fall, 2002 through Spring 2004, the entire school was at Highland, continuing to add grades, and trying to find our way in the world of fledgling private schools.  Enrollment began to increase again, which led to a second try for extra space in the fall of 2004.  This time, New Hope Baptist Church graciously gave us four rooms to house our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten classes, again at no cost.  This allowed us to stretch out a little at Highland, where we had agreed to begin to pay a nominal rent for the large amount of space we occupied.  It was about this time when construction on our current school facility began, after a generous space-sharing agreement with the Hickory Community Chapel became reality. 

As construction projects often are, the facility was started and stopped several times over the next year while we prepared for our exit from Highland Baptist Church after 11 years.  Fittingly, we held our very first high school graduation ceremony in Highland's sanctuary as our final farewell.  What a huge day of completion that was!  Needless to say, Highland was essential to the formation of this school, and invested much space and money to help get us started.  We couldn't have done it without their help.

When the construction of the new building was not completed by the beginning of school in 2006, we went back to First Baptist Church and New Hope to borrow space one last time.  They both allowed us to use their facilities until Thanksgiving Break, when were were finally able to make the big move to our current campus.  While we did not spend as much time at FBC and NHBC as other places, they were hugely instrumental in bridging the gap between Highland's and Harvest's campuses.  It was great to see the Body of Christ corporately minister to us through so many different organizations. 

The seven years in which we have partnered with Harvest Bible Chapel (formerly Hickory Community Chapel) have been amazing.  I have been so blessed by the generosity and grace shown us by this body of believers, and I am eternally grateful for the lessons they have taught me on humility, kindness, and grace over the years.  During this partnership, our enrollment has grown from 278 students to 451, a 62% increase.  We have graduated seven classes in this building, and learned to manage our own building and budget...but not completely.  You see, Harvest has contributed significantly to our utility and maintenance costs over the years as we have shared space and property.

As you know, Harvest held its final Sunday morning worship service on this campus on the first day of September.  Beginning today, Hickory Christian Academy truly becomes an independent school for the first time.  We no longer have to worry about double-scheduling, or who owns what, but we also are taking on all of our own expenses and responsibilities.  There is no backup plan now.  We are finally becoming what we have always claimed to be, an Independent Christian School.   In some ways this is a little intimidating, but make no mistake, it is consistent with the original vision from 1995.  The time has come.

As I mentioned in my last blog, we recently sent our oldest daughter off to college.  For the past 18 years, as she got older and more responsible, we noticed that she could handle things on her own.  On the day that she actually left for school, I knew she was ready, but every day since I continue to watch her progress, because she is really not independent until she does independence, not simply when we believe it.  HCA is getting ready to do independence.  We will no longer be mistaken as Harvest Christian School or Highland Baptist Academy.  Are we ready?  The proof is coming in the next few months, and it really does not depend on our own hard work and organization, as much as it depends on the grace of Christ working through us.

Just like my daughter is beginning to learn, independence in human terms is the opposite of independence in spiritual terms.  To be totally free spiritually, you must be a servant to Christ.  Paul tells us, "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." - Col. 3:23-24.  Freedom, in its purest form is found through serving Jesus.  As we embark on this new era in the history of Hickory Christian Academy, we recommit our service to the Lord, and ask Him to grant us true spiritual freedom as a result. 

When Joshua led the people of Israel to the edge of the promised land, God spoke to him these words: "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.  Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go."  I don't know about you, but I want success.  Therefore, let's not turn to the right or the left as we follow Christ into the promised land.  Since His Word is truth, isn't that ultimately what we should be learning in school anyway...the truth? 

The Lord had promised us an Independent Christian School.  Today, He has fulfilled that promise.  I am so excited to see what blessings He provides next.  God bless each of you as we begin this new adventure together. 

Where has the time gone?

On Saturday, our oldest daugter left home for college.  She is going to be 5 1/2 hours away from us this year.  Although we know that it is in her (and our) best interest to leave the nest and gain independence, it just feels wrong.  All of a sudden, I am having constant visions of the day we carried her home from the hospital, followed by other milestones of her life along the way.  These are emotions that I have not dealt with before.  I know that this is the normal progression of life, but I can't help but to feel weird about it all.  With that said, I am 100% confident that she is ready.  She is solid in her faith, more responsible than I am in completing tasks on time, and mature beyond her years.  Its all good...but it still feels wrong.

This culminates the busiest summer of my life.  Allow me to recap.  On May 31, the same daughter graduated high school.  Our past year has been a series of "finals".  Her final volleyball game, her final basketball game, her final prom, etc.  It is the perfect blend of excitement and depression as we watch her grow up.  Amazingly, our next child is a senior this year, so we are beginning that process all over again.  A week after graduation, my wife and I took both girls to New York City for a senior/graduation celebration.  It was a great trip, filled with great memories, including watching a window washer dangling from a 50 story building after his scaffolding broke.  It was like a scene from Spiderman!  Fortunately, he was rescued unscathed. 

My girls in Little Italy

While we were away, construction began on the new middle school building at HCA.  Behind the scenes of all these summer events was the work being done on this facility.  As you know, building something is both exciting and time-consuming.  There are many details in a project like this, but we are so blessed to have this space at our disposal this year. 

construction

Soon after returning from our trip, Gayle and I started talking about how the summer might unfold.  Some of our six children are very energetic, and need things to do so that they don't drive their parents crazy           (can I get an 'amen'?).  After some discussion with the boys, we decided to take on the challenge of building our own boat.  While I dabble with woodworking on the side, I have never built anything waterproof before, so this was certainly a new challenge.  After about a month of weekend work, we launched the "3 PALS" (in honor of the boys in the family who worked on it).  She has proven to be a seaworthy (or at least, lakeworthy) vessel, and has even been used for fishing.  Fun times. 

The first fish

At the end of June, we spent two days in Georgia at college orientation.  This is when it started to become real, and we knew that our time was growing short.  But, make no mistake about it, God miracuously provided our needs, and gave us a way to afford college when we truly believed it to be impossible.

Around the 4th of July, we had the opportunity to take a long weekend with both Grandmothers in the mountains.  This was a very relaxing time, and valuable time for our kids to appreciate their grandparents' investment in their lives. Of course, it rained every day, but that really didn't matter in the big scheme of things.  Until the next week, of course, when the school flooded during one of our many deluges this summer (see previous blog).

Our full quiver

The 'filler' weeks contained volleyball camp, softball tournaments, art camp, etc., until our final vacation opportunity at the beach.  My kids absolutely love the beach.  We had the most relaxing time with our family, and really did very little other than just hang out together.  And, amazingly, it did not rain a drop in the entire week we were there. 

This year's HCA Student Council

Upon returning, I took the HCA Student Council to the mountains for our annual school-planning retreat during the first weekend in August.  The next weekend was our first HCA Alumni Associational Cookout.  It was great to see the faces of our former students, and to hear about how God has blessed their lives since high school graduation.  We plan to formalize this group, and to stay in touch with these students who meant so much to the school in the past.  Last Saturday, we were able to welcome the many new families to HCA at our New Family Picnic.  Over 100 folks joined us for a brief orientation to the school, and some great burgers and dogs on the grill. 

Of course, the past week has been spent with our awesome faculty and staff.  I am so amazed at their love for Christ and for our children.  Please do not take for granted how great this staff of people are.  They are the best!  This leads to orientation tonight, and the first day of school in 48 hours (with a trip to take more stuff to college in between). 

Where has the time gone?  While I have been busier than normal, and busier than I would prefer, it really has been a blessed summer break, with much accomplished along the way.  God has shown Himself faithful to our family once again, has provided every need we have, and reminded us that He is truly all we need.  Now, I am ready to remind your kids of the same thing.  Are you ready for school?