Message from Dan Stauffer, Jr/Sr High Math Teacher

"When I think of God's goodness to me and my family, I reflect back to a difficult experience that began on July 4, 2000. At the time I was living with my wife and two children in a remote part of Africa, just beginning a translation of the Bible for the Songhai people. On that particular Tuesday afternoon my wife lost her ability to respond and communicate clearly; she had contracted malaria. Being thousands of miles from a modern hospital this was quite frightening. What could I do? God had the right people in place, and I was able to arrange an evacuation flight to the capital city (2 days away by car, but only a 3-hour flight). Of course, I "knew" for sure that we would return to our home within a couple of weeks and pick up our ministry where we had left off. However, the doctors in the capital were very concerned. This was not an ordinary case of malaria. It was, in fact, cerebral malaria. Bad news: most people who contract such a severe case of cerebral malaria do not survive. It was evident that the medical help in the capital was not good enough, so we were encouraged to evacuate to Paris. The corporate jet rented to us for this special evacuation belonged to the president of a neighboring country. It carried the whole family to France. A few days later as my wife lay in the hospital dying from parasites in her blood, I received the news that the cost of our evacuation flight had exceeded the insurance by thirty thousand dollars. What could I do? I was losing my wife, and I was tens of thousands of dollars in debt. Again God had the right people in place. The doctors did their work with fantastic skill, and my wife made a full recovery--incredible! Many people who heard about our evacuation debt wanted to contribute and make sure that it would not be a burden to us. Within two to three months we owed nothing--incredible!

God answered our prayers in the way we had hoped. However, today I still have to ask myself: what if I had lost my wife? What if I had worked for years to pay off the debt I had incurred? My life over the past eleven years would have been a lot different. It seems I would have been so devastated. I need to remind myself that even if God had not used the doctors to heal my wife and blessed me with contributions from faithful supporters to meet my financial need He always leads me through what is ultimately best for my life. In spite of my lack of understanding, God always does what is right--He never makes mistakes. That's the assurance I want to face the experiences I have in my life...experiences that seem to turn out right and those that I think should have had a different conclusion."

Message from Mark Ruiz, Fifth Grade Teacher

Knowing your Students

"He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace." Proverbs 11:12

Why does a person despise his neighbor? He lacks wisdom and understanding of his neighbor. Lack of knowledge about another often leads to unwise and unjust criticism.

A wise teacher knows his/her students. They don’t just know their names, but also knows them. The teacher knows their home life, knows their strengths and weaknesses, the teacher also knows their likes and dislikes, and he/she knows their capabilities and those areas in which they struggle. This knowledge causes the teacher to refrain from criticism or unrealistic expectations.

The unwise teacher may know these facts, but doesn’t take them into account when dealing with the student. Though the teacher may only despise the ways of the student, the student may think the teacher despises him.

Do you know the background of your students--- their home situations ( are the parents unsaved, is she/he being raised by grandparents, are the parents divorced)? Do you know their hot buttons that which will encourage them to give 100%? Do you relate to their interests ( sports, cars, art, music, etc.) and encourage them, and do you use these as illustrations in teaching? Do you seek to understand why they are always late, why they don’t do their homework, or why their mind wanders in class? Perhaps a family fight the night before kept them up until midnight.

It's easy to despise problem students, but the wise teacher will take the time to get to know and understand why they behave as they do.

Message from Jamie Ross, Kindergarten Teacher

“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.”
Psalm 17:8 NAS

I had something different in mind, but my mother emailed a treasure to me that I want ever so much to share with you:

‘Excuse me, Are you Jesus?’

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night’s dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table, which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.

ALL BUT ONE!!!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.

He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
He was glad he did.

The sixteen-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.

The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.

When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, “Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?” She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, “I hope we didn’t spoil your day too badly.”

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, “Mister…” He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, “Are you Jesus?”

He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul; “Are you Jesus?” Do people mistake you for Jesus? That’s our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.

If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It’s actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.

You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
Author-Doug Lawrence

Message from Michele Reyman, Cafeteria Manager

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Trees have specific season for dormancy – a time when the tree appears to be inactive and not growing. This season of rest comes immediately prior to a season of rapid and accelerated growth. During dormancy, the cells and tissues within the tree are being repaired and built up. This activity is invisible to the eye.

Dormancy is one of the most important periods in the life cycle of the tree. It is how a tree becomes fit for the later demands of adding new wood to its structure and bearing its fruit.

The benefits of dormancy apply to people as well. There is a mistaken notion that to be effective we must always be active. But people also have seasons in their lives when God is preparing them for what lies ahead.

Not knowing the future ourselves, we often have to come to a deep trust in God during times when nothing seems to be happening in our lives. Inactivity must not be equated with non-productivity – God has to work in our hearts to prepare us for our destiny.

We need to humble ourselves before Him and realize we didn’t create ourselves. We can’t know fully what it is we will need in our future. Dormant times call for us to wait on the Lord and trust Him to do his work in our hearts. We can rest assured He is preparing us for something great, in His timing and according to His purpose.

As a Christian, I have seasons as well. There are many times I feel like a tree in dormancy. I put my faith in the Lord to work in me and strengthen me to become strong and fruitful, as the tree.

(Selection taken from “Tea Time with God”)

Message from Janet Preston, Bookkeeper

My daughter has been struggling for the last two years with anxiety and a mood disorder. She sometimes wonders why God allowed this to happen to her, but she never questions his faithfulness to her. She has been my inspiration and God is using her to teach me new things. She wrote this poem and I wanted to share it with all of you.

How Can You Love Me?
By Abby Preston

How can a girl like me,
Be loved so deep and dearly?

My daughter do not think such,
For you know that I love you very much.

But I mess up in every way,
I mess up differently every day.

I know of all the sins you have done,
But you'll always be my little one.

I do not deserve your love,
Or your care from high above.

My son died for you,
To show you that my love is true.

Please forgive me of my sins,
That are piled up in bins and bins.

My girl since day one you have been,
Loved by me and forgiven.

Message from Kristin Ornoski, Development

As I planned for my devotion I came across one of my favorite devotion books “When I’m on My Knees” and found something that I needed to be reminded of. I hope that it gives you comfort and peace as well! Have a Blessed and Fantastic Day!!


Through Life’s Changes

Thank You, Father, for always being with me, not only now but for eternity. You were here before the earth and galaxies were formed. I marvel at how You have no beginning or end.

Life changes through the years, but You do not. You remain the same yesterday, today, and through all the tomorrows to come. Even though You never change, You perceive every season of my life. Thank You, Lord, for taking time to know everything about me and for caring for my insignificant (yet important to me) needs.

Everything that is good and perfect comes from You, O Lord and Creator. How great are Your fullness and wonder. You shine on my life day and night with no shadow of turning away. Thank You for keeping the promises You gave in Your Word. You never forsake, You never fail. You are truth, You are life.

When I go through life’s changes, I sometimes find myself getting way off base. But you snatch me from destructive situations. Thank You for being here. At times I can’t see why things happen the way they do. But You know, and You are still here. Thank You for being patient with me. Thank You for how Your compassion and love never fail.

I’m growing in my walk with You. Because of all You teach me, I’m learning to give my joys, my worries, my disappointments, my goals, and dreams. They are all in Your sure hands. Lord, You are first now in everything I do and plan.

What a comfort to know You will live forever and ever, and that I can always be with You. You have promised to always be my God, and keep me Your child. Through eternity, I cling to You, the Rock of my salvation. I shall never fear, for You are with me. You are first, last, always, my God and my dearest Friend.

By Anita Corrine Donhue

Message from Andi O'Dell, Junior High Teacher

Keep going; don’t quit…

This is a portion of the book, Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, by Chuck Swindoll.

Paderewski, the famous composer-pianist, was scheduled to perform at a great concert hall in America. Present in the audience that evening was a mother with her fidgety nine-year-old son. Weary of waiting, he squirmed constantly in his seat. His mother was hoping the concert would encourage her son to practice the piano more.

As she turned to talk with friends, her son could not stay seated any longer. He slipped away from her side, strangely drawn to the ebony concert grand on the huge, brightly lit stage. Without much notice from the sophisticated audience, the boy sat down at the stool, staring wide-eyed at the black and white keys. He placed his small, trembling fingers in the right location and began to play “chopsticks.” The roar of the crowd was hushed as hundreds of frowning faces turned in his direction. Irritated, they began to shout:

“Get that boy away from there!”
“Who’d bring a kid that young in here?”
“Somebody stop him!”

Backstage, the master overheard the sounds out front and quickly put together in his mind what was happening. Hurriedly, he grabbed his coat and rushed toward the stage. Without one word of announcement he stooped over behind the boy, reached around both sides, and began to improvise a countermelody to harmonize with and enhance “chopsticks.” As the two of them played together, Paderewski kept whispering in the boy’s ear:
Keep going. Don’t quit, son. Keep on playing…don’t stop…don’t quit.

And so it is with us. We work on our “projects” which seem about as significant as “chopsticks” in a concert hall. And about the time we are ready to give it up. Along comes the Master, who leans over and whispers:
Now keep going; don’t quit. Keep on…don’t stop; don’t quit, as He improvises on our behalf, providing just the right touch at just the right moment.

Therefore…be steadfast, immovable…your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

May we all feel God’s “right touch” at just the right moment!

Message from Judy Nunez, Admin. Assistant Elementary Campus

Investing in the Future…

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Matthew 6:20

We have been entrusted with resources---time, ability, opportunity---and we decide how to use them. Our challenge is to see those resources as an opportunity to invest long-term. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” is how Jesus put it in Matthew 6:20. Those protected treasures cannot be destroyed not taken away, Jesus assures us.

Think of your resources: talent, time, knowledge. These are temporal and limited. But if you invest them with an eye toward eternity, these temporary things can have enduring impact. What is your focus? Now or forever? Invest in the future. It will not only have an eternal impact, but it will also change the way you view life each day.
The richest people on earth are those who invest their lives in heaven.

----Taken from Our Daily Bread

Thank you for investing your lives in the students at Phoenix Christian …you will be richly rewarded.

Message from Karla Mungillo, Third Grade Teacher

James 1:19

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

Before saying something that you may regret remember this: T-H-I-N-K

T ---- Are the words I'm about to speak TRUE

H---- Are the words HELPFUL

I---- Are the words INSPIRING/ENCOURAGING

N---Are my words NECESSARY

K---Are my words KIND

Sometimes opening your mouth can ruin everything (Prov. 13:3) So before saying anything make sure they will help the other person. The only way to get closer to others is by loving them with tender hearts (1 Peter 3:8) and we can do this by getting closer to God. Sometimes words are just not necessary! Maybe all someone needs is a hug (and a starbucks) which would say more to that person than your words ever could.

Message from Margarita Llanes, Spanish Teacher

On Happiness

Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm
and our intelligence aglow. Work without joy
shall be as nothing. Resolve to keep happy,
and your joy and you shall form an invincible
host against difficulties.

The reason why God permitted me to lose both
sight and hearing seems clear now-that through
me He might cleave a rock, unbroken before and let
quickening streams flow through other lives deso-
late as my own once was. I am content.

Helen Keller, 1967.

Message from Lois Leader, High School Teacher

I am going to use my blog space to make a shameless pitch (some pun intended) for a hymnal that is well worth owning. Actually, the term “Psalter” would be better. The title is “The Book of Psalms for Singing” and it is published by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. The Psalms are set to familiar hymn tunes and are easy to memorize through music. This is not really surprising, since their purpose was originally to be sung.

Here is a sample of Psalm 46 set to the tune of “A Mighty Fortress is our God”:

God is our refuge and our strength,
A present help in our distress.
We will not therefore be afraid
Tho’ all the earth should be removed.
Tho’ mountains great be hurled
Into the ocean’s depths,
Tho’ seas may roar and foam,
And billows shake the shore,
Tho’ mountains tremble at their power.

As a side note, this particular Psalm is a blast to sign! Anyway, I highly recommend this Psalter as a devotional tool. It is, of course, available on Amazon.

Message from Monique Lara, Preschool Teacher

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

~ Proverbs 3:5, 6

I believe that when we live life and we live for the Lord. Truly how does anyone go by their own understandings if they always end up right back to the Lord for help? We have to put our full trust in The Lord, without him our path ways would be dark and lost. I know each and every day, whether good or bad he is there to lift my spirit and give me comfort inside. We should never forget to thank Him for all his blessings he sends our way. The Lord is Good! He has always guided and will always guide us into His pathway to find the Strength, Trust, Happiness, and Love we all seek.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

~ Romans 8:28

Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent

“Sometimes what we need to cure our fat egos is a strong dose of God:

• Long before a certain visionary ‘discovered’ the earth was round, God sat enthroned above the circle of the earth.
• Long before men were so ‘enlightened,’ God formed the light and the darkness.
• Long before the first billion dollars was invested in exploring space, God’s own hands stretched out the heavens.
• Long before there was a ‘beginning,’ God had already planned the end.

Like Peter on the mount of transfiguration, we’re so caught up in the tabernacles we want to build that we sometimes miss a fresh revelation of God’s glory right before our eyes.” Beth Moore in Breaking Free

This paragraph caught my eye and, in reality, my heart. I was moved by the words of Isaiah 46:9.

“I am God, and there is no other.
I am God, and there is none like me”

Here’s what is so moving to me: this warning from God to get a proper perspective on His character and position brings both clarity of God’s awesome power and comfort through the knowledge of that same great power.

In the times when I get “too big for my britches” and try to do things my way – I need this reminder that this world and this universe is all about the One and Only Jehovah God. Life is all about Him. He is, deservedly so, the Center of the Universe.

But when life and circumstances and the rest flow over us – there is no god greater than our God. We have need of nothing greater than His power and His love.

Message from Darren Johnson, Development Director

“No Fear”

But Moses protested again, 'Look, they won't believe me! They won't do what I tell them. They'll just say, "The LORD never appeared to you."
Exodus 4:1

I think at this point Moses, just like us, was worried about results.

He tells the Lord, "They won't believe me! They won't do what I tell them."

Sometimes we are afraid to step out and do what God calls us to do for fear of failing, or fear of looking like a failure. It is important that we do not become discouraged from stepping out on the adventure God is calling us to. All that we are responsible for is being obedient. The results are God's department!

When Moses worried about results, God referred him to that staff in his hand. God was saying there will be many who will believe when they see what I am doing through you “That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee” Exodus 4:5

Message from Gretchen Janes, Admissions & Development

Psalm 96:1-3

Sing to GOD a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders!

He rolled up his sleeves,
He set things right.
2 God made history with salvation,
He showed the world what he could do.
3 He remembered to love us, a bonus
To his dear family, Israel—indefatigable love.

The whole earth comes to attention.
Look—God's work of salvation!

Psalm 149:1-3
Hallelujah! Sing to GOD a brand-new song,
praise him in the company of all who love him.
Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator,
Zion's children exult in their King.
Let them praise his name in dance;
strike up the band and make great music!
And why? Because GOD delights in his people,
festoons plain folk with salvation garlands

I was blessed with a ticket this past weekend to attend Women of Faith! Patsy Clairmont’s first message spoke to me in a big way. She simply said, “Be still or you may miss the words to your new song!” I don’t want to miss out!

How sad to miss out on your custom song for the day! Every day a new song is written just for each of us. We need to be still and ask Him every morning for the words. Just be still!

Message from Gena Horn, Technolgy & Operations Assistant

Faith--is the Pierless Bridge Supporting what We see Unto the Scene that We do not." -- Emily Elizabeth Dickinson

Blind Faith
One day when a man was skiing in Colorado, he saw some people wearing red vests with the words BLIND SKIER. He thought, "I have a hard enough time skiing with two good eyes, how can they ski successfully with none?" The answer was - they had a guide whose instructions they totally trusted and followed! As the guide skied beside them, he'd tap his ski poles together and assure them he was there. Then he'd say, "Go right! Turn left! Stop! Slow! Skier coming up on your right!"

What a picture. Life is like skiing downhill blind. We can't see even 5 seconds into the future. We can't see the struggles to come or all the other skiers who might run into us, or over us. And those fears are heightened when we recall how often we've been blindsided by circumstances we didn't see coming. Humanly speaking it leaves the strongest of us feeling vulnerable. And that's when we must place our confidence in the God who never changes and never fails. Here's what He has to say to you today: "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths. I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them" (Is 42:16 N1V).

What is it that gets you through the unfamiliar places, the dark places, and the rough places in life? Faith and trust in God's Word .. In God's rock-solid promise: "I will guide [you]... I will not forsake ...As with "trust," faith involves a concept of future events or outcomes. His assurance is all you need! We can say, "Scio Cui Credidi" ..the words -- taken from the first letter of Paul to Timothy -- meaning "I know him in whom I have believed."

From Clear Vision Bible Studies

Message from Jay Hendricks, High School Teacher

Galatians 6:9,10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

While visiting my mother just this week, Mary and I met the Hospice of the Valley chaplain who has been ministering to both my mother and father for the past few months. His name is Keith Voss, and it turns out that not only is he a graduate of Phoenix Christian, but he was a friend of my sister’s when she was a student here. He told us that his experience in chorale at PC instilled in him a love for music but also gave him the confidence to use this gift in his ministry on a regular basis. Just as teachers at Phoenix Christian have been a blessing to him, he has passed that blessing on to others till it has come full circle. At the proper time, his ministry is a blessing to Mary and I, two teachers at PC.

Message from Mary Hendricks, Fourth Grade Teacher

Time Passing and New Seasons Emerging

The seasons have always been a delight and a blessing to me from early childhood to the present day. I loved the springtime in the Midwest when the snow and ice melted and the warm winds blew away cloudy, dreary days. Easter bonnets, white shoes, gloves, and purses were a sign of spring days. Kites flying high above the trees while birds build new nests for their hatchlings, were sure signs that spring was around the next gentle rain shower.

Warm summer days with long bike rides to the candy store and my brother’s evening baseball game cut short with tornado warnings. Hurrying to the nearest basement to find protection from flying pieces of the neighbor’s garage made summer memories never to be forgotten.

Red, yellow, orange, and brown edged leaves, with wet Halloween trick-or-treaters bring vivid fall memories along with the youth group hayrides, holding hands, and lots of sneezing.

Ice cold Chicago snowstorms where you found yourself shoveling out of the front door, which meant a snow day! Sliding down hills as fast as your sled could go, as fingers and toes were too numb to wiggle.

Now I think of seasons more as time passing in my walk with the Lord. Now many past days blend together closing certain chapters, and writing new pages in the seasons of my life.

Ecclesiastes 3

1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

As I have read the book, Too Busy Not to Pray, I have considered other areas of life where we seem to find ourselves too busy to enjoy each new season.
I have been reflecting on these experiences and I challenge you to think of a few of your own.

Do we find ourselves. . .

Too busy not to rest.

Too busy not to heal.

Too busy not to build new relationships.

Too busy not to listen to our spouses, children, or grandchildren’s joys or sorrows.

Too busy not to live life with Christ, to it’s greatest potential.

Too busy not to leave this world for Heaven.

Too busy not to mourn for those we are losing or have lost in the past.

Too busy not to cry or share our deepest emotions with those we love.

Too busy not to REJOICE IN THE HOPE OF LIFE EVERLASTING EVERYDAY WE LIVE!

Let’s continue to find time to pray and to walk as close to the Lord as we can get in this world.

Then we will truly be ready for the DAYS OF REJOICING YET TO COME.

Message from Colleen Helman, High School Teacher

Am I Praying or Multi-Tasking?

During a recent conversation with friends about Bill Hybels’ book, Too Busy to Pray, the discussion turned to whether or not a person should have a special place to pray and spend time with God. The point was raised that we can pray anywhere, at anytime. No special place is needed when praying. Each of us can talk to God while we are driving to work, walking the dog, fixing dinner, creating a continual conversation with God throughout the day.

It occurred to me that, while I do pray all the way through the day, I have often neglected to find a planned, set-aside time that is His alone, with no interruptions. I am great at multi-tasking and doing many things at once. It is a valuable skill in our culture, a sign of being able to accomplish much in a short amount of time. I have let that become a substitute, at times, for uninterrupted time with God.

As empty-nesters, we cherish the times when our children come by to see my husband and me. Whenever Melissa or Jonathan are in the house, I want to have some time to sit down, in my favorite room, and talk with one of them without the interruptions from cell phones, computers or television. I don’t want to compete with those things. I cherish a face to face conversation, for five or ten minutes, as they tell me about what is happening in their lives.

I have often asked God to be content with my distracted prayers that are mixed with the everyday things that I need to get done while I talk with Him. Of course there is a great blessing and value in continuous prayer during the day, in addition to the intimate, one-on-one time with the Father. I want the uninterrupted time with Him to be a highly-prized part of my day.

Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
Psalm 146: 3-5 NIV

Message from Brandon Harris, Head Football Coach

A few weeks ago in prayer I had a recollection of this passage of scripture. I think as I sit in admin meetings, work to rebuild our football program this word resonated with me. Then one of my assistant coaches read this same scripture and sent it to me via text. That's confirmation in my mind. PC we should expect a new thing, something greater then we can even think or imagine.

Isaiah 43: 18-21
KJV

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?
I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honor me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise.

Message from Harold Harmon, High School Teacher

This was an amazing weekend for our bimonthly trip to Mexico. Because of sizable contributions made by my daughter’s church and some amazing back-to-school sales on school supplies (or course we had to go back over and over because of the limits imposed) we were able to purchase two full size six burner propane stoves for two of our families, hand out over two hundred filled backpacks, almost a hundred pairs of shoes, and bags and bags of clothing to families we had never reached before. That is addition to the normal $2000 food distribution that our organization hands out every month. God is richly blessing our efforts in Mexico. The sad part, however, is that we are only reaching a drop in the ocean of need that engulfs the entire country!

As we were looking back and honoring those who perished in 2001, my mind went back to one of the greatest honors that I have been given. In 2008, Sandy and I went as chaperones with Northwest’s choir to New York City. The choir sang at West Point and some other remarkable places. However, we practiced each day at a 100+ year old chapel across the way from ground zero. The chapel had been miraculously saved from destruction because it is surrounded by very large trees. It became the staging area for assisting the wounded and feeding the firefighters and policemen in the aftermath of the destruction that took place. In that chapel Amazing Grace had been played every day since 9/11 and had been played by some very famous people that had come in just for that purpose. The day I was there, I was honored to be the one that played Amazing Grace on the piano as all that were there stood in reverence. I will never forget that experience.

God is an awesome God. It occurred to me the other day that nothing occurs to God. He doesn’t get wiser with age and He is never taken by surprise. When we look at the poverty and destruction around us, the natural response sometimes is to wonder if maybe God is on vacation and is unaware or unmoved by our struggles. We have to remember that God is in control and His ways are higher than our ways. Our obligation is to trust and enlarge the family until He comes.

Message from Alicia Galindo, Human Resources Manager

Romans 15:4 (NIV)

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

When times are tough, how do you overcome discouragement? God knew we would need spiritual encouragement to keep going. He offers us encouragement and inspiration through His Word. Through biographies of men and women who walked with God, journals of spiritual leaders, records of God’s work through the ages, messages from prophets and teachers, not to mention the life and teachings of Jesus.

If your strength is lagging, lacking, little or low…Ask God to strengthen you through His Word today!

Message from Laura Furedy, Preschool Director

Fan Your Flame

Zeal is simply another word for passion. Too many people today have lost their passion and enthusiasm for life. They've lost their fire.

Friend, God wants you to live with passion! You weren't meant to live a stagnant, ordinary life. You serve an extraordinary God, and you are called to be a reflection of Him.

The truth is, most of life can be very routine. We have to work to keep things fresh. We have to put forth effort to stay passionate about our jobs, relationships, and our walk with the Lord. I believe every day we need to stir ourselves up. Just like the apostle Paul told Timothy, today I'm telling you to "fan your flame!" In other words, don't let the fire go out. Stay passionate about your life so you can move forward and embrace the dreams God has placed within you!

Joel Osteen

Message from Joe Frost, Director of Technology & Operations

Matthew-9:18-35 ...a woman who had suffered...for 12 years...said to herself, "if only I touch his [Jesus'] garment, I will be made well" [and she was]. [A ruler's daughter had died]...and when Jesus came to the ruler's house...he [Jesus] went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose...two blind men followed him [Jesus] crying aloud, "Have mercy on us"...Then he touched their eyes...And their eyes were opened...A demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him [Jesus]...And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke...And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching...and proclaiming the gospel...and healing every disease and every affliction...Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

**********

Jesus is hanging out with some new friends at dinner when suddenly all ministry breaks loose. Dinner is officially over...

Some guy without an invitation crashes the group begging Jesus to come revive his daughter that just died - okay, good reason to disrupt the dinner party - and they head out.

While he's on the way some lady grabs just the edge of his jacket and Jesus catches her, but instead of telling her to back off he tells her that her faith has healed her.

Finally, they arrive at the first guy's house and there's a crowd, but these people laugh at him instead of listen, so he just goes inside, takes the dead girl's hand as if to arouse her from sleep and she gets right up. I sure wish I could have seen her dad's face when she came running out to see him!

No sooner does he leave the girl with her dad when a couple blind guys come begging Jesus to heal them. So he touches their eyes and tells them according to their faith they're healed.

And just when you think it's time for a break, another crowd brings a really scary guy to him that they say has a demon and can't talk. So, Jesus gets rid of the demon and the guy starts talking. I'm sure he said thanks in there somewhere, but remember this guy hasn't talked for a while...

This reads like it's just another day in the life of Jesus. He eats. He hangs out with friends. His schedule is flexible. He prioritizes ministry over partying. He heals a lot of people. He doesn't react when people laugh at him or make mean accusations.

And HE challenges us not just to pray that HE sends out workers to do the same - HE challenges us to follow HIM and BE THE WORKERS that do the same...

Message from Irma Flores, Second Grade Teacher

My devotion comes from Numbers 27:1-4 which tells of the daughters of Zelophedad.

Since only sons inherited property under Hebrew law, Zelophedad's family would not have land in the Promised Land. So the daughters approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the princes and all the congregation and spoke for their father who did not join the company of Korah in rebellion. They requested an inheritance in their father's name since he had no son. Moses brought the matter to the Lord and He showed favor in what they had requested. The daughters weren't looking for personal gain but were wanting to preserve their family line which God valued. God gave them an inheritance and thus made a change in the Hebrew law. I am impressed at the courage of these daughters to approach their leader and a large group, and also their loyalty to their family. They spoke up and were able to change Hebrew law to benefit daughters, too. I pray for myself to improve my courage, to make changes to benefit others, and to be loyal to my family and my family in Christ. May your daughters also be a blessing to you.

Message from Angie Dickerson, Admin. Assistant to Principal

An encouraging word for us here at PC to press on!

A while back, during some time with the Lord I read three sentences about clear-headed leadership that really blessed me. I pass them on to you in the hope that you will clearly hear a word of encouragement from our Lord Jesus.

Pass this on to Christian leaders you know who could use a word of encouragement:

"You are in the line of battle, and crisis is at hand. To falter a moment would be to imperil some holy interest. Other lives would be harmed by your pausing, holy interests would suffer, should your hands be folded." (Streams in the Desert, March 11).

The apostle Paul moved on, through difficulties, disappointments, troubles and suffering. He refused to be stopped in his call and in his work for the Lord. He had a determination to press on, no matter what!

"I PRESS ON so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12, NASB

"I PRESS ON toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14, NASB

"LET US PRESS ON to maturity." Hebrews 6:1, NASB

It’s not time to kick back and play, or to relax or be diverted from our devotion to Christ and His Church. Press on! Press on! Press on! Jesus is praying for you, His Spirit is empowering you! We’ll be going home soon!

"But I keep going on, grasping ever more firmly that purpose for which Christ Jesus grasped me. . . . But I do concentrate on this: I leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead I go straight for the goal—my reward the hour of my high calling by God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12b-14, Phillips Translation

-Taken from GRACE Mail, 8/23/2011, Calvary Community Church

Message from Keith deLaet, High School Teacher

The Power of Understanding God Given Gifts

A few years ago, Yahoo Answers was asked. “I know there are famous people throughout history who were rebellious, troublesome kids, always being sent to the principal’s office, but have grown into respectable citizens; actors, writers, presidents, etc. Can anyone think of a few?

This is the Best Answer - Chosen by Voters: There are many. Consider Alexander Graham Bell, George Burns, Jim Carrey, Prince Charles, Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill, Bill Cosby, Salvadore Dali, Leonardo da Vinci, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Henry Ford, Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Ernest Hemingway, Dustin Hoffman, Magic Johnson, John F. Kennedy, John Lennon, Eleanor Roosevelt, Steven Spielberg, Henry Winkler and Robin Williams to name a few.

Some of those names may come as a surprise, but certainly many do not. As I thought about this dynamic in today’s world, I could not help but think of Joseph. He is given the gift of interpreting dreams, but in his youth he lacks wisdom and maturity in the use of the gift:

Genesis 37:5-8 5Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. 6He said to them, "Hear this dream that I have dreamed: 7Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold,(A) my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and(B) bowed down to my sheaf." 8His brothers said to him, "Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?" So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.

As he matures, Joseph uses his gift with more wisdom. Genesis 41:17-41 17Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Behold,(A) in my dream I was standing on the banks of the Nile. 18Seven cows, plump and attractive, came up out of the Nile and fed in the reed grass. 19Seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and thin, 20And the thin, ugly cows ate up the first seven plump cows, 21but when they had eaten them no one would have known that they had eaten them, for they were still as ugly as at the beginning. Then I awoke. 22I also saw in my dream seven ears growing on one stalk, full and good. 23Seven ears, withered, thin, and blighted by the east wind, sprouted after them, 24and the thin ears swallowed up the seven good ears. And(B) I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me."

25Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. 26The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one. 27The seven lean and ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and the seven empty ears blighted by the east wind are also(D) seven years of famine. 33Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land[a] of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. 35And(J) let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. 36That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, 39Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. 40(L) You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command.[c] Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you."

Certainly Joseph’s early choices were frustrating to their many, but what would have happened if he had been disciplined in a way that stifled the spiritual gifts and he viewed the use of the gifts as wrong? As Parents, we must affirm God’s gifts and encourage their use in God honoring ways, moving our children from immaturity to maturity and from irresponsibility to responsibility. This will require prayer, submission to God, and a personal awareness as to what the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives as well as the lives of our children.

Message from Margaret Crotts, First Grade Teacher

Good News?

I’m not very accustomed to getting or hearing
good news. The stories that headline the news-
paper or the 6 o’clock news don’t typically tell
good news. It’s usually just the opposite. The
market fell? Wars or rumors of wars? Washington
gridlock? No rain? 116 degree temperatures?
Seriously??

I find myself not expecting good news. Mr. Koan
calls an unexpected staff meeting and the first
thing I think about is NOT “good news”!

However, the other day when I went to the mailbox I
found two pieces of good news! A refund check I
certainly wasn’t expecting and a credit on an
account that I didn’t realize was coming! Must be a
mistake!

The best thing we can do with genuinely good news
is to receive it, and the best news I’ve ever heard is
this:

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith
into this grace in which we stand.”
Romans 5:1-2

Doesn’t that sound too good to be true? It’s not. The
Gospel is not too good to be true. Not even close!

Message from Marc Cram, High School Teacher

It’s fun being in a place of waiting and expectation. I feel that God is going to be doing a change in my life and I am waiting to see what that change is. I know that one change is the fact that I want to marry my girlfriend and am taking the steps towards that process, but I am also waiting on the Lord to provide the resources for the proposal and beyond. I know my girlfriend wants to be married now, but I also know the benefit of waiting and having patience.

Patience is a virtue that is lost in today’s culture. With the advent of the internet and technology we want everything now. I’ve been going through the Dave Ramsey financial peace series and he talks about how our great grandparents would never have a loan or credit, it wasn’t heard of. Then our grandparents might have had a house loan and maybe one other loan. Then our parents had a house loan and a car loan and a couple of credit cards. Then our current society has credit cards coming out our ears and so many people in debt beyond what they can pay. Why is this, because we just can’t wait to have stuff, we need it now. I am not immune to this way of thinking either, and it has got me into trouble. Now I am working out of the trouble and don’t plan on returning, but at the same time I am learning how to be patient and wait for the Lord to provide. It is okay to wait 1 year; 2 years; 5 years for something, and then when you get it, it will be so much more precious to you because you had to wait.

There is a story of a couple that made $80,000 per year and when they were newly married they decided to live meagerly on only $30,000 and save $50,000 per year for a house. They lived in a small over the garage apartment, renting for $200 per month and budgeting everything. The wife’s parents belittled them for not getting a home loan and purchasing a house right then, but they were patient. Four years later they had saved $200,000 and decided to buy a house. They bought an $180,000 dollar house for $150,000 because they had the cash in their hand ready to go, and then the husband gave his wife $50,000 and told her to furnish the house. They have a fully paid and furnished house in only four years! How many of us can say we have that? I sure don’t, but this gives me inspiration to be patient because you will be rewarded.

I know the patience that I talked about is mainly financial patience, but I know this applies to all aspects of life. We need to learn how to be patient in this current fast paced world and wait for the Lord to provide. When we are patient I know that he will provide and give us more than what we deserve because he is a good God.

Message from Bruce Consier, Athletic Director

What to do When You Feel Overwhelmed
Taken from Rick Warren

Let God give you strength.
Some of you know God will give you strength but you won’t let Him. You act as if it all depends on you. You keep saying, “If it’s to be it’s up to me.” Or “God helps those who helps themselves.” God didn’t say that! Ben Franklin said that. Neither of those statements are in the Bible. In fact, God says the exact opposite. It’s not up to you. It’s up to God. God wants to help us. And, yet, ironically, those of us in ministry very often try to go it alone when things get tough. Instead, we need to be believing and claiming the promise of God. He gives us over 7000 of them in the Bible.

The reason why this young little thirteen, fourteen-year-old peasant girl named Mary was not blown away by her overwhelming circumstances is she was a woman of the word. She claimed the promises of God. She knew them and she claimed them.

The Bible says this in Luke 1:34 in describing Mary, You are blessed for believing that the Lord will keep His promise to you (GW). She was calm and composed because she had the promises of God in her heart. That gave her strength.

One of the great promises you want to hold on to when you’re overwhelmed is Isaiah 43:2, When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you. Your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through the fire you will not be burned. The hard trials that come will not hurt you (GW). On your own strength you may drown when that flood comes. But not in God’s strength.

How do you get that kind of strength, the kind of strength Mary had? You get it by doing the same two things Mary did in this text. Where do you find strength when you’re overwhelmed?

You find it by praising God for His goodness.

Message from Jim Callahan, High School Teacher

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man that built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Matt 7:24-27 ESV

There is a time and a place for the bottom line --- a clear, concise, summary statement of what is most important. Jesus gives us the bottom line at the end of what we call The Sermon on the Mount. This teaching session of Jesus is the most lengthy and detailed of all that we have recorded for us in the New Testament Scriptures. Therefore, it may be difficult for us to remember the details of all of what Jesus taught. To help us, our Lord ends his teaching with a house building illustration that delivers the bottom line for all of us --- BUILD YOUR HOUSE ON THE ROCK! We can and must remember this point. It will remind us to put his words into practice such that when the storms of life come, and they will come, our families, schools and other institutions will remain standing and thereby honor the Lord of Glory.

Message from Yvonne Calderon, JH Teacher

Psalm 4:8
8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
In keeping the theme that the chapel team set forth. Here is a slice of my

REAL WORLD.

I have learned in my life there are things I do well and other things where I just plain ol’ stink up the joint! Sleeping is one area where I stink up the joint. I like to tell myself I am not a worrier but in the middle of the night, I worry!

This last Monday night I had one of the best nights of sleep in the past 20 years. I have been worried about my husband, Art, losing his job. The company he worked for was sold and they are moving to New Jersey. August 31st was to be his last day. I have been praying for a new job for Art. I have prayed that prayer 1,000 different ways. I did not get any peace or rest!

Monday night, this was my prayer. Dear Lord, you know the wants and needs of my family. You know where Art is in his return to health. Lord, I know that Art wants to serve you by doing volunteer work over the next several months. I know that volunteer work will not pay the bills. Lord, will you make a way to pay the bills AND serve you?

God answered my prayer the next day. Art’s boss told him they will need him PART TIME over the next few months to get through a transition.

It is amazing to me when Art and I began to pray for a way for Art to serve the Lord AND get paid is when God made the way. He created a change in my heart! Before, I was just praying for a new job. When I changed my prayer to SERVE THE LORD and pay the bills is when God revealed his plan.

I can rest in Psalm 4:8 that I can lie down in peace and SLEEP, because he will make me dwell in safety.

Message from Karen Boyce, Business Manager

I am now “enrolled” at PC. I love it. A lot of green. A cougar mascot. Symbolism. But my inquisitive mind wants to know if there a deeper meaning for me and my new journey? So I began my homework…

Green. Green is the color seen as tranquil and refreshing bringing about peace, natural balance and self-control. Ahhh … now there is a Biblical target.

Cougar. Cougars can leap vertically and horizontally. Their eyes are spaced to maximize visual acuity and distant sight. They have strong, short limbs that lead to large paws with retractable claws. The easiest way to determine the presence of a cougar has been to confirm the imprints or “pug marks” left in its track. Their pug marks are distinguished by three lobes and are large – about the size of an adult hand. Because they retract their nails, their footpath lacks nail marks. They are able to sprint, but also can lope at an even, long-striding pace. Cougars cannot roar, yet they are the largest cat that can purr.

Now I’m really thinking… and praying …

Dear God,
As I walk my daily journey at PC, please …
… help me to be a person that others will see as “green”- a peacemaker, calming, refreshing, with self-control and balance. Remind me to speak truth in love, not a roar.
… provide me visual acuity here, yet guided with eternal perspective.
… direct my path so that, like a Cougar, my “pug marks” can leave identifying characteristics. Help me walk a path that each step is distinguished with three lobes - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Please let the largeness of any imprint be measured only by the size of God’s presence. Help me to be “retractable” when needed so that my path does not leave any evidence or reminder to others of my ability to wound through defensiveness.
… Thank you for already providing me with the short limbs.  Let my gait be known as graceful yet strengthen me to lope at a pace that sustains a long-stride so that no step is ever too big, the path ahead too long, or I become too weak to fulfill your kingdom purpose.

PC … Thank you for welcoming me along this journey and I truly am blessed at the opportunity of this footpath alongside each of you. Go Green! Go Cougars!

Message from Jeff Blake, High School Teacher

PC Family,

Our high school students have decided this year to pursue “Our Real World” as their theme. Honestly at the beginning of the year, the theme seemed a little clumsy and I was not sure of its potential to set a spiritual tone for our year.

Equally, our planning this summer seemed a little awkward at times especially at our student leadership retreat where the students seemed to forget the spiritual mission for which they had originally committed. I feared there was a little too much “real world” at play. Yet as we finished our last night of leadership retreat, hearts began to soften. God, our Creator, was still creating. God was on the move, and I saw it.

I am embarrassed to admit that I doubted my own prayers of desperation. I feared there was something I was doing wrong as their teacher. And in that fear I submitted to the lie that their spiritual formation is up to me.

This summer, 2 months passed before it dawned on Lisa and I—that we were pregnant AGAIN. The Creator, had secretly began to knit within my wife, a whole new life. Our Creator is still creating. The Creator often moves in places far from the reach of my awareness. Surely He is working in you and I such places even NOW.

At high school retreat, we witnessed (in part) of the work of His creative Spirit. God took our disjointed elements of planning and wove them into something which exceeded my wildest expectations. Our Creator is on the move in our students’ real world. May they journey even closer toward the likeness of Christ.

May we continue to pray for the Creator to mold and shape us all increasingly into the image of Christ, not as drones but as unique and creative reflections of the One who taught us how to live and love.

Jeff Blake

"All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being."
(John 1:3)

Message from Sonya Berges, JH/SH Teacher

Are you for Real?

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:8-9

Do you ever find yourself pretending you have it all together? Why? Do you think you’ll poorly represent Christianity if your imperfections show? Are you afraid people will discover you aren’t perfect? This is dangerous. Why? Because it’s fake. Most people are tired of Christians wearing masks, tired of hypocrisy. They want the real deal.

Why is it so necessary to be real?

First for your relationship with Christ. You can’t get close to God without being real and vulnerable. He already knows your weaknesses but trying to hid them keeps you from letting God into your heart. There’s nothing hiding in your life that will make God love you less.

Second your relationship with others requires you to be real. How will people see God’s love if they don’t see Him working in your life? Your imperfections allow others to see God’s grace, forgiveness and healing. If you had it all together, you wouldn’t need God. Others won’t understand their need for God unless they see your need for him.

Being real means admitting you don’t have it all together. Don’t worry about others’ opinions. You have nothing to prove, your worth comes from Christ. People will gain respect for you when you’re honest. They’ll open up to you when they know you can relate.

From “Conversations with Jesus” – Youth for Christ

Message from Roger Bemis, Band Teacher

The grand chess master quietly smiles as his opponent makes a move that seems to advance his side against the master. But the chess master isn't concerned about how things look now, he's smiling because he's already 10 MOVES AHEAD IN HIS MIND WHERE HE WINS THE MATCH! God's telling you to not worry because ' ALL THINGS WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR YOUR GOOD' NO MATTER WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE NOW!! HE'S 10 MOVES AHEAD WHERE YOU WIN!!

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Message from Phil Adams, Principal

Why do we do what we do? Jesus has set the example that we be leaders of no reputation. Not bad reputation, just no reputation. The following hymn, familiar to many of us, expands on the theme. If you are unfamiliar with the tune, or even if you know it well, click on the link below.

May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day,
By His love and pow'r controlling All I do and say.

May the Word of Christ dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph only through His pow'r.

May the peace of Christ my Savior rule my life in every thing,
That I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me, as the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing, this is victory.

May I run the race before me, strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus as I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me as I seek the lost to win, and may they forget the channel, seeing only Him.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/401#ixzz1Vli8QR9q

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-8 (English Standard Version)

Message from Shannon Palmer, Admin. Assistant West Campus

As the school year ends, 2 Timothy 4:7 comes to mind: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” This has been quite an eventful year; teachers and staff alike have faced challenges, overcome obstacles and celebrated victories during the past 10 months. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”

Some of us are beginning new chapters in our lives, such as a new job or retirement. My prayer is that you “keep the faith” and “run with endurance” the race set before you. God bless you this summer and I look forward to all God is going to do the next school year!

Message from Donn Start, Principal West Campus

THE ROAD LESS TAKEN

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

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
...Robert Frost

Don’t you just love this Robert Frost poem? It is my favorite.

Nine years ago Mr. Koan “coaxed” me into trying “the road less taken” by redirecting me from a career as a public school educator into the world of Christian education. Having the privilege of serving two outstanding Christian schools has been such a blessing to my entire family.

Please be encouraged that as Christian educators, you are making a difference for God’s kingdom. Best wishes, and God’s blessings, to you and your families. I’ve greatly enjoyed being a colleague with each of you on the Phoenix Christian School team.

Yours in Christ,
Donn Start

Message from Judy Nunez, Admin. Assistant Central Elementary

Worthy

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ---Ephesians 4:1-3

Lord, help me to walk worthy of the calling You have given me – looking always to You for guidance, reassurance, and strength. May Your love abound in our family and may we forever have the unity You desire for each of us. May Your Spirit give us the bond of peace that we might show the world Your never ending love. Amen.

----taken from “An Invitation to Prayer for Mothers” by Jack Countryman

What a great challenge for us as a school family. As we take a well needed break for the summer may we come back with a renewed vigor and desire to walk “worthy” of the calling God has given us here at Phoenix Christian Unified Schools!

Message from Phil Adams, Principal

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8 English Standard Version

Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6

Anticipating my last devotional blog of the year, this passage came to mind. When I think about each of you, my dear colleagues and friends, I am so thankful to God that He has raised you and me up to work together in this kingdom work. I listened to some tremendous and moving Senior testimonies last week, how God had used teachers and coaches and friends at PCUS to change their lives. I listened, and I thought of you, faithful faculty, and I thanked God for you.

I attended the High School Honors Assembly and the Junior High Honors Day last week, my chest swelling with pride at the accomplishments and achievements of these kids. I know that behind each and every success story from the student body of PC lies at least one faithful servant-teacher who diligently applied the craft of instruction, all with love and (I am sure at times) super-human patience.

These kids are not all lovable…but because they are here under your tutelage…they are loved.

These kids are not all scholars…but because they sit in your class…they are stars.

So many years ago God “began a good work in you” which He continues to this day. Now you, faithful servant, are an instrument of good work and divine refinement in the lives of these kids.

I thank God for you…and I thank you for sharing this past year with me and with the community of PCUS. Blessings on you until we meet again.

Message from Bruce Consier, Athletic Director

God is Never Too Busy to Talk
by Rick Warren

Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance. Galatians 4:7 (MSG) God is always near. He never says, "Some other time."

Here are three encouraging facts to remember about God:

God is never too busy – “The Lord is near to all who call on him.” (Psalm 145:18 NIV) He's never too busy to talk to you. He's always near. He never says, "Some other time."

God loves to meet your needs -- He's not annoyed by your request. "If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11 NIV)

God is sympathetic to your hurts -- "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NLT) When you hurt, God hurts. When you grieve, God grieves. He is there. And He cares. That is the Good News

Message from Donn Start, Principal West Valley

This devotional was published on the Joyce Meyer website, dated March 23, 2011.

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
— 1 Peter 5:8

Listening to the Holy Spirit will keep us balanced in every area of our lives. The Spirit will tell us when we’re spending too much money or not spending enough, when we’re talking too much or not talking enough, or even when we’re resting too much or not resting enough. Anytime we are doing too much or too little of something, we are out of balance.

The verse for today states that we are to be well-balanced so Satan cannot take advantage of us. For years, he took advantage of me because I was not balanced in my approach to work. I felt that my whole life should be arranged around work. As long as I was working and accomplishing something, I didn’t feel the guilt that the devil used against me. But that urge to work all the time was not from God; it did not push me toward godly balance in my life. Work is a good thing, but I also needed to rest and have enjoyment.

Each day as you seek to hear from God, ask Him to show you any area in your life that is out of balance and work with Him to make adjustments. We have many things in life to juggle and therefore it is easy to get out of balance, but God is always available to help us in this area. Simply ask Him if you are doing too much or too little of anything and make the changes He recommends.

Message from Jonathan Medina, First Grade Teacher West Valley

After Jesus’ death, the disciples were very fearful of the immediate future. After all, if Jesus was just killed, they were inevitably next. Sure, Mary had just said He was risen - hallelujah! - but that was just hearsay. They needed more proof before their faith would be strengthened. So, to prove it, Jesus decided to drop by Himself…

John 20:19-21 says, “In the evening that same day, the first day of the week, when the talmidim [disciples] were gathered together behind locked doors out of fear of the Judeans, Yeshua [Jesus] came, stood in the middle and said, "Shalom aleikhem! [Peace be with you]"… "Shalom aleikhem! [Peace be with you]" Yeshua [Jesus] repeated. "Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you." Having said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit]!”

Jesus knew the Shavuot [Day of Pentecost] was approaching and Jesus knew the Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit] was going to fall and create great revival that would sweep the planet. However, Jesus also knew 50 days was a long time for the disciples to wait, especially in apprehension and fear of the immediate future. So, Jesus did two things to help His friends. First, He spoke peace upon them, “Shalom aleikhem” [Peach be with you]. He then prophetically confirmed it upon them by speaking it again, “Shalom aleikhem!” Secondly, He enabled them, no, empowered them, to believe it by breathing the Holy Spirit upon them. They were now able to make it to Shavuot [Pentecost].

How wonderful that Jesus gives us just enough to get through until that day of great outpouring of blessing! I don’t know what you’re going through or what uncertainties there may be in your immediate future, but I know there is a day of great outpouring of blessing coming! I speak “shalom aleikhem” to you today. Shalom aleikhem! Don’t lose faith, peace IS with you. May the Ruach HaKodesh empower you!

"I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have shalom [Peace]. In the world, you have tsuris [trouble]. But be brave! I have overcome the world!" John 16:33

Message from Joe Frost, Director Operations/Technology

Matthew-5:14-16 You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

**********

The simple truth about light is that it helps us to see - better - in the dark. If there's ever any doubt about that just go find the darkest room around, go to the corner furthest from the door, have someone throw some marbles and thumbtacks at random into the room and turn off the light. No doubt we'd soon be screaming for the light in order to see and avoid the obstacle littered floor.

Much like the cluttered room, life often throws some obstacles in the way too, but if WE are the light then not only do we see a bit more clearly, we help others to navigate life more efficiently as well.

Without fanfare - light doesn't make much sound - quietly, we go about the day helping others not just see better but see our Father - God of Love - better through our works. Like the boyscout helping the little old lady across the street, like the gentleman opening a lady's door, like the girl picking up a crying, skinned kneed child, like the family serving food at the shelter, like the couple visiting the elderly at a home, like the guy letting kids climb on him at an orphanage...

We are the light of the world. Not in hiding or switched off, but out in the open shining brightly for all to see just how much our Father God loves us...that He sent His only son so that whoever would believe in Him would have eternal life...

Chances are, when we get this right we'll know because we'll see others praising God because of our good works.

Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent

Be Still and Know that I Am GOD.

If your month of May is anything like mine, the last thing on your agenda is “Be still.” You may say “Seriously? Do you know all I have to do? Grades and concerts and graduation ceremonies and don’t get me started on what is waiting for me at home. And furthermore…”

Can you relate? But time and again God calls us to “be still”, to pull away from the hustle and bustle of this world and our schedule, our agenda and our responsibilities. Pull away, be still, and focus on Him.

All of those distractions are actually good things, things we should be attending to. But God reminds us that while we are to be about our Fathers work, we are also at times to “be still…and know that He is God.”

Take a moment now, or sometime today, and listen to this song from Steven Curtis Chapman.

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

Message from Margarita Llanes, Spanish Teacher

Join me in prayer as we begin a new week,

“Let me now go forth, O Lord my God, to the work of another day, still surrounded by Thy wonderful loving kindnesses, still pledged to Thy loyal service, still standing in Thy strength and not my own.

Let me today be a Christian not only in my words but also in my deeds. Let me follow bravely in the footsteps of my Master, wherever they may lead. Let me be hard and stern with myself. Let there be no self-pity or self-indulgence in my life today. Let my thinking be keen, my speech frank and open, and my action courageous and decisive.

I would pray, O Lord, not only for myself but for all the household to which I belong, for all my friends and all my fellow workers, beseeching Thee to include them all in Thy fatherly regard.

I pray also-

For all who will today be faced by any great decision.

For all who will today be engaged in settling affairs in the lives of men and nations.

For all who are molding public opinion in our time.

For all who write what other people read.

For all who are holding aloft the lamp of truth in a world of ignorance and sin.

For all whose hands are worn with too much toil, and for the unemployed whose hands today fall idle.

For those who have not where to lay their head.

O Christ my Lord, who for my sake and my brethren’s didst forgo all earthly comfort and fullness, forbid it that I should ever again live unto myself. Amen”

“A Diary of a Private Prayer” by John Baillie

Message from Joe Frost, Director of Technology & Operations

Matthew-4:18-25 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed him.... He saw two other brothers, James...and John, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.


**********

Jesus is walking along the seashore and He sees a couple of guys down the beach, not far off shore, out in a boat working hard to keep the business going. Jesus watches them cast out the net, one grabs an oar to paddle the boat slowly while the other lets out the net carefully to sink down into their favorite fishing hole. They might even have one haul of fish already in the boat by this time, but suddenly they hear Jesus yell out to them - follow me - and they immediately row to shore, and leave everything behind and follow Him.

That's tough. You know what you're called to do and you're doing it. You're working; in fact, you're working pretty hard because you know that without hard work the paycheck will be pretty slim. Especially with a trade like fishing where the more you bring in the more you have to sell. So, there's some incentive to keep on working it hard until it's time to go to market.

But along comes Jesus and everything changes. They leave their family, their business, their hope for a secure future, and everything else to simply respond to the call of Jesus and follow him. And it certainly isn't to follow Him to a better fishing location - at least not for fish.

They keep walking and Jesus sees another pair of brothers, James and John.

They too are fishermen hard at work. The only difference seems to be that these two are working to repair the nets with their dad and the other two were casting in their nets by themselves. But, differences aside even James and John immediately leave their dad, their nets, and therefore their security and embark on a risky adventure that changes the world - for all time.

And for many, though years have passed, this scenario is still remarkably similar in lives today. Where were we when He called us? What were we doing the day when we finally gave it all up and followed Jesus? Some respond and go to be missionaries in a foreign land. Others may be compelled to pursue a pastorate.

Many more of us hear Jesus and remain right where we are and that may be exactly what He wants. Not all of us are called to leave, at least not physically. We are, however, all called to leave behind whatever hinders our relationship with Jesus once He calls us.

Let's follow Him daily, reading His Word, living the life He calls us to because by doing so we get to step out into the unknown and embark on an adventure that continues to change the world - with Jesus - right now - right where we are.

Message from Sharon Leary, Second Grade Teacher West Campus

I’m not sure where the story originated, but I like it. God always makes a way out of no way!

Tale of Two Pebbles

Many years ago in a small Indian village, a farmer had the misfortune of owing a large sum of money to a village moneylender. The moneylender, who was old and ugly, fancied the farmer's beautiful daughter. So he proposed a bargain. He said he would forgo the farmer's debt if he could marry his daughter.

Both the farmer and his daughter were horrified by the proposal. So the cunning money-lender suggested that they let providence decide the matter. He told them that he would put a black pebble and a white pebble into an empty money bag. Then the girl would have to pick one pebble from the bag.

1) If she picked the black pebble, she would become his wife and her father's debt would be forgiven.

2) If she picked the white pebble she need not marry him and her father's debt would still be forgiven.

3) If she refused to pick a pebble, her father would be thrown into jail.

They were standing on a pebble strewn path in the farmer's field. As they talked, the moneylender bent over to pick up two pebbles. As he picked them up, the sharp-eyed girl noticed that he had picked up two black pebbles and put them into the bag. He then asked the girl to pick a pebble from the bag.

Now, imagine that you were standing in the field. What would you have done if you were the girl? If you had to advise her, what would you have told her?

Careful analysis would produce three possibilities:

1. The girl should refuse to take a pebble.

2. The girl should show that there were two black pebbles in the bag and expose the money-lender as a cheat.

3. The girl should pick a black pebble and sacrifice herself in order to save her father from his debt and imprisonment.

Take a moment to ponder over the story. The above story is used with the hope that it will make us appreciate the difference between lateral and logical thinking. The girl's dilemma cannot be solved with traditional logical thinking. Think of the consequences if she chooses the above logical answers.

What would you recommend to the girl do?

Well, here is what she did . . .

The girl put her hand into the moneybag and drew out a pebble. Without looking at it, she fumbled and let it fall onto the pebble-strewn path where it immediately became lost among all the other pebbles.

'Oh, how clumsy of me,' she said. 'But never mind, if you look into the bag for the one that is left, you will be able to tell which pebble I picked.'

Since the remaining pebble is black, it must be assumed that she had picked the white one. And since the money-lender dared not admit his dishonesty, the girl changed what seemed an impossible situation into an extremely advantageous one.

MORAL OF THE STORY
Most complex problems do have a solution. Sometimes we don't attempt to think them through thoroughly or we try to figure them out on our own.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverb 3:5-6

“In God I have put my trust. I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Ps 56:11

May God grant us the wisdom to think outside the box.

Message from Darren Johnson, Development Director

"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone." Colossians 4:5-6

The Gospel of Jesus Christ implies mission. Jesus commands us to never be content with just knowing the Gospel ourselves and not sharing it with other people. God places people in our paths – people we connect with, who need and will want what we have to share. Don't be afraid to share a word of encouragement from the Bible or ask if you can pray for someone here at school. Take the opportunities as they present themselves to bring the conversation back to Jesus and His Gospel.

Message from Donn Start, West Valley Principal

May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. Psalm 20:5 nlt

There are so many major hurdles in life that we may sometimes forget to celebrate the small victories along the way. Taking the time to recognize, appreciate and thank God for the many small blessings and answers to prayer that He gives is essential. By expressing gratitude daily, we create a deep reservoir of faith that will be there to replenish your soul when it comes time to face the bigger obstacles.

Recognize and celebrate every small victory today!

Message from Karen LaCrosse, West Valley Preschool

A New Day

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22

WE tend to take each new day for granted. The sun rose yesterday morning, and it will rise again tomorrow; that's the way the world is. Why give thanks for something so predictable?

We may be fooled by appearances into thinking that each day is much like every other. But today is a new day. Each day is a gift from God. No day has been like it before, and no day will be like it again. For me, this is above all a sign of hope.

My store of faith, hope, and love is limited and easily exhausted. I sometimes go to bed feeling weary, drained of energy and emotion, wanting only the oblivion of sleep. In gracious mercy, God uses the hours of darkness and sleep to restore me. In the morning I wake with fresh resources, ready for new opportunities, new experiences, and new encounters with other people. Who knows what God will do with this new day?

Margaret Price (Wiltshire, England)
Thank you, God, for each new day. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."* Amen.


Each day is a gift from God.

Message from Phil Adams, Principal JH/SH & Central Elementary

He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
  he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
   and gently lead those that are with young.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand
   and marked off the heavens with a span,
enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure
   and weighed the mountains in scales
   and the hills in a balance?
Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD,
   or what man shows him his counsel?
Whom did he consult,
   and who made him understand?
Who taught him the path of justice,
   and taught him knowledge,
   and showed him the way of understanding?
Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,
   and are accounted as the dust on the scales;
behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.
Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,
   nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.
All the nations are as nothing before him,
   they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.

Isaiah 40:11-17 English Standard Version

Trying to encompass who God is and what He does is not possible in any language. Words are not enough. In this passage we see the great and sovereign God who rules the universe who, at the same time is a personal and affectionate God who loves us as individuals. The “nations are like a drop from a bucket”, but He still has time to gently wrap each of us in his arms.

Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent

“La, la, la, la Live out loud.” This was the Steven Curtis Chapman song ringing in our ears Saturday night as we left the concert in Peoria. “There’s a life we’ve been given, meant to be lived out, so la-la-la-la live out loud.”

These words and this song would be so trite – if not for the fact they were penned and sung by Steven, who lost his young adopted daughter three short years ago in a tragic family accident in Tennessee. This multiple Dove Award winner and best selling Christian musician has inspired me, and my family, for more than 20 years: Great Adventure, Dive, Speechless, to name a few. We went to the concert anticipating great music, little realizing how great a testimony of God’s grace awaited us.

His music, indeed his very faith, has been tested by the fire of unfathomable pain…and his faith and the lyrics he’s penned for 20+ years have stood firm. We heard from Steven’s own lips that were it up to him or his wife Mary Beth, they would turn back the hands of time to the day before the accident of May 2008 and once again hold their daughter Maria Sue in their arms. That said, they learned, and we can learn and know, that God’s greatness and His all-sufficient grace is proved in the fire of adversity and to-the-bone pain and sorrow. His grace endures no matter the circumstance; “His mercy endures forever.´(Psalm 136)

I pray that you and I never know the kind of loss the Chapman family has absorbed, but I know we are in the hands of the very same God who gave hope and confidence and healing to Steven, to Mary Beth and to the Chapman family, such that night after night with unshakable conviction Steven testifies in song about heaven and a loving heavenly Father and all the things God intends for us to experience here on this earth. He knows they are true because God is faithful in our time of greatest need…we know that is true too.


10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You! Psalm 84:10-12

Message from Carol Kirchman, West Campus Kindergarten Teacher

This past week we have been discussing in our classroom the plan God had for Joseph. It is probably not the plan that you and I or even Joseph would have chosen, but yet Joseph was faithful in everything. His is a story of hope, grace, love, and forgiveness. God used Joseph in a mighty way. Even though he was hated by his brothers, thrown into a pit, taken away from his own family to a foreign land to be sold into slavery, cast into a prison for something he did not do, he learned to trust in God. God molded him into a Godly, honorable man.


In the end with his brothers all in attendance, “Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?”Genesis 50:19 His brothers had played a cruel and unfair game on him. But Joseph was led by grace, he spoke with grace, he forgave by grace, he loved by grace, and he provided by grace. Because of this grace that he had received from God, when his brothers bowed down before him in fear, he could say to them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:20-21

Are you in the place of God today? Trust in God to help you not only when things are going great but when difficult times come our way. God has a wonderful plan for each one of us that unfolds daily. We only need to be faithful and trust Him no matter whether it is in the pit or in the palace.

Rejoice this week knowing that God has his loving hand on every situation that comes your way.

Message from Gretchen Janes, Central Campus Preschool Teacher

The Patience of the Saints by Mary Wilder Tileston
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
--PSALMS 37:7

Is it the Lord that shuts me in?
Then I can bear to wait!
No place so dark, no place so poor,
So strong and fast no prisoning door,
Though walled by grievous fate,
But out of it goes fair and broad
An unseen pathway, straight to God,
By which I mount to Thee.

--SUSAN COOLIDGE

We cannot be useless while we are doing and suffering God's will, whatever it may be found to be. And we can always do that. If we are bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit, we are not useless. And we can always do that. If we are increasing in the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, we are not useless. And we can always do that. While we pray we cannot be useless. And we can always do that. God will always find us a work to do, a niche to fill, a place to serve, nay, even a soul to save, when it is His will, and not ours, that we desire to do; and if it should please Him that we should sit still for the rest of our lives, doing nothing else but waiting on Him, and waiting for Him, why should we complain? Here is the patience of the saints.

--ANTHONY W. THOROLD

I have another tidbit from my early Valentine Dove candy wrappers:

If nobody is perfect, then you must be nobody!

Indulge in the moments that matter most!

Live every day up to your expectations, not others.

Message from Donn Start, West Valley Principal

One thing used to puzzle me very much about the children of Israel. They saw the miracles Moses performed. They witnessed the ten plagues that destroyed crops, animals, and firstborn sons and yet never touched any of them in the land of Goshen. They stood at the Red Sea and watched the waters part, and later looked back to see the Egyptians drown. They experienced miracle after miracle for 40 years.

I used to ask: Why didn't they believe? They personally watched signs and miracles take place, but they remained unbelievers. One day as I discussed this passage with a small group of believers, the answer became obvious. We don't understand God through natural eyes or human reasoning. We understand God only when we're aided by the Holy Spirit. Those Israelites in the wilderness saw miracles, but they never experienced God. They saw the miracles at work, but they never grasped God Himself.

Paul’s message found in I Corinthians 2:7-10 tells us that God has prepared us - those who believe and obey - spiritual realities through the Holy Spirit. As long as we look only at events and facts but see nothing behind them, we don't have the right eyes to see the Lord at work.

That's where Satan works best. He tries to keep us blind so that we don't recognize the Spirit of God at work. For example, in a worship service, someone prays for a woman who is in great pain and she's healed. Those with eyes to see immediately praise the Lord. Those who are still held by the devil's cunning lies say, "Oh, it was all psychosomatic. There was nothing really wrong with her."

I learned long ago that it does little good to argue with the spiritually blind and try to convince them to see God at work. Until the Holy Spirit enlightens them, they can never grasp the power of God at work in human lives. Only those who have been enlightened by the power of the Holy Spirit can truly grasp spiritual realities. To those who love Him and believe, God reveals spiritual truths. He assures those who have understanding that the Holy Spirit is at work.

My prayer is that God will continue to enlighten me in every way. That He will enable me to see Him in every area of my life and so that I can continually rejoice in His presence. I wish that for each of you too.

Message from Dave Huss, High School Teacher

When Sylvia and I were married in 1967, we planned to immediately do our part in fulfilling Gen. 1:28 - to 'multiply and replenish the earth'. I had for years wanted 5 sons. I envisioned five tall strapping basketball players surrounding me, their father-coach. All my wife had to do was cooperate and provide the sons. Months passed, however, and no children, not even a pregnancy. After 2 yrs. the doctors informed us that we would never bear natural children.


Following the death of that vision, God showed his grace to us in another way. In 1970, through an adoption agency in our state, we took delivery on a little 4 week old boy- an unwanted child- whom Sylvia and I wanted very much. We named him Daniel ( God is my Judge). In the subsequent years the Lord has continually shown us that the Judge of all the earth did right in allowing us to shape this life for His glory.

Our desire was for son #2 to arrive within a year of Danny. Shortly after Danny's birth, however, our state passed legislation legalizing abortion. Suddenly, hundreds of adoptive parents, including us, had to wait for years to adopt a child, as thousands of unborn children were denied life. When our infant son finally arrived, we named him Michael, (Who is like God?) for who but God can prevail upon the spirit of a woman to give an unwanted child life? or time the birth of a precious son?

Two years later, the Lord brought us a living jewel. Having repented of my plan for all male children, we adopted a 5month old Korean girl, whom we named Rebekah. Though her natural mother abandoned her, God had chosen her before the foundation of the world. She, at an early age received the adoption that comes by and says 'Abba', (Daddy) to our God.

About 2 yrs. after Becky arrived, some very unusual and certainly God-directed circumstances brought to us three-month old twin girls- Guatemalan Indians. We named them Ruth and Rachel. They come from a background of poverty, but are now richly enjoyed by Sylvia and me as they enjoy life and spiritual treasure of faith in our Lord Jesus.

Our 6th child, Joel ( Jehovah is God), a Mexican American, came home to us in 1980 as 2 month old. Joel was a rejected child, with a parental background perhaps as undesirable as anyone can imagine. Joel, however, was chosen to fill a place of tremendous worth in our family.

Our 7th child, Gabriel (Man of God) came as 19 month old from a poor Haitian orphanage. His life came very close to ending as an small infant in Haiti, but God preserved him for His purposes.

A year later, 1985, an adoption agency called and said,' We know you have 7, but we have a little mixed race baby here who needs a home. Can you fit one more in?' In spite of very difficult financial and logistical straits, God gave us great peace to bring Nathaniel (Gift of God) on board.

We have been continually thankful for the 8 fold blessing on our family which has now been multiplied and replenished with 15 (this summer 16) grand children. I remember looking down the supper table before any of the kids left home reflecting on two things:

First, Sylvia and I are deeply grateful to 7 women, each from a distant place, who chose life for their offspring, when they could have chosen otherwise. Above that, we still give thanks to the Spirit of God, who directed the path of each child to our home.

And then I often think of the words of Isaiah 25:6 picturing the lavish banquet God promises to host for all peoples on Mount Zion. At family gatherings (over 30 people now) the Lord allows me, in very small measure, to experience the deep joy the Father will have on that day, looking down the banquet table at his children he has chosen from all over the world.

He is the One who sustains the fatherless, who sets the lonely in families. He provides the Spirit of adoption and gives parents joy as they see their children walk in Truth.