Change

It is a widely-circulated belief (apparently spread by people with 3 kids or less) that once you have 3 kids, adding 1 more is a piece of cake. As a new mother of 4, I'm not sure that "a piece of cake" is how I would choose to describe the chaos. This being said, at least I had 9 months to try to prepare for the change. I got the nursery ready, painted rooms, moved furniture around, washed and folded all of the baby clothes, and other major tasks just to get as ready as possible. Even though I did everything I could to prepare, the excitement was slightly tinted with a fear of the unknown. How would our family dynamic change? How would my 18 month old, 4 1/2 yr old, and 8 year old handle having a new baby in the house? How could I ever hope to take all of my children grocery shopping? (Can you relate to the terror the thought invokes?!) 

In general, we as people don't like change, even when the change has the potential to be amazing. It's why the first year of marriage is so difficult while you are trying to adjust to how someone else does things. It is why we always sit in the same row at church. It's why some people refuse to move forward with the changing technology. We thrive on having routines. We all like to cling to what we know and what makes us comfortable. However, as the saying goes, "The only constant in life is change."

So what does the Bible say about change? Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven". 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Not only is change uncomfortable at times, but it is sometimes scary--especially when we face the unknown. It is in those times that our faith is strengthened as we are reminded that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8. How comforting it is, in a world that is constantly changing, to know that our Savior is always the same!

Are you going through a change in your life right now that has tempted you to doubt the sovereignty of our constant and unchanging Savior? Have you lost someone you love? Are you dealing with a sickness or life-changing circumstance? Are you anxious about a new job, a move, or a decision that threatens to turn your world upside-down?

We know that there is a season for everything and that change is inevitable, but rather than fearing change, let us embrace the plans that God has for us. Let us remember to put our trust in a steadfast and unchanging God who loves us perfectly and works everything for our ultimate good.   

Keeping Kids Healthy

by Jennie Smith
Secondary Assistant Principal

It never fails...during the first two weeks of school, someone always gets sick in my household.  Last year, it was me - a miserable round of bronchitis.  But this year, it is my husband and my four-year-old, the two who don't go to school.  We had one of THOSE weekends...fevers, naps, whining...you know how it goes.  My older two are staying away - like the family has a  plague.  They want perfect attendance and want to stay healthy.  So, I decided to do a little research to see if I could help my family have a very healthy year.  Here is what I've discovered:



This is my four-year-old, Drew, feverish and resting on Sunday.

Rest
A well-rested body is necessary to keep an immune system healthy.  Keep the bed time as consistent as humanly possible - even on the weekends.  Good rest also reduces stress; stress can have negative effects on an immune system.

Eating Right
We all know that a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential to good health.  However, that may be a little more difficult to do in packing a child's lunch.  Carrots and yogurt have good immune system support and are easy to pack in a lunch box.  Did you know that trail mix is full of Vitamin E, iron, and potassium?  We know that oranges are packed with vitamin C, but kiwis, guava, and sweet red bell peppers are full of the same.  One of my sons loves the mini peppers I send in his lunch.  Add a little ranch dressing and he's all set.

I've been wanting to try kale, but wasn't sure how to get my kids to eat it.  Kale is rich in vitamins and beta carotene.  One mom suggested that kale be cut up and added to tuna, chicken, or egg salad.  This seems like a great way to sneak in some immune boosting vitamins.  Does anyone have a good recipe for homemade kale chips?  Share with us in the comments below. 

You can find more immune boosting ideas for a lunch box at:  http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/healthy-school-lunch-superfoods#slide-1

Avoid Sugar
Dr. William Sears, a nationally recognized pediatrician, says that 100 grams (or 8 tablespoons) of sugar "can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by 40%" (Sears, 2013).  One hundred grams of sugar is equivalent to drinking two sodas.  It may be wise, for more than one reason, to be aware of how much sugar a child is taking in each day. 

Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of fluids is not just a help when you are sick; it can assist in preventing those sicknesses

in the first place.  Water adds oxygen to your blood cells - which helps them to function better.  It flushes out the toxins your body takes in.  It very simply keeps your mouth wet, which will prevent dust, dirt, and germs from lingering too long.  Be sure to send a water bottle with your child and encourage them to drink throughout the day...even in the cooler months.

Wash Hands
This is the one we as parents stress over and over again with our children, and it can't be said too many times.  This is the number one way to assist in preventing illnesses.  My sons wanted a small bottle of hand sanitizer to keep at their desk to have handy when hand washing just isn't possible.  It may seem obvious to us, but remind your kids not to share water bottles and food.  It always surprises me when I see two teens drinking out of the same container, but it happens much more than we would like to admit.  Also, remind  your child to keep his/her hand out of the mouth and nose.  Nervous habits, like biting nails, can add a good number of opportunities for germs to make their way in.


If you have other suggestions for keeping your kids healthy and well, please believe me when I say, I would love to hear them!  Leave them in the comments below.  Here's wishing you a healthy new school year!


References
Sears, W (2013).  "4 Habits that Weaken the Immune System." Ask Dr. Sears.  Retrieved from  http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/family-nutrition/foods-boost-immunity/4-habits-weaken-immune-system

Back to School

by Dick Buckingham
Administrator

That means different things for different people. 

For students, it is a time filled with excitement and apprehension as they begin new classes with new teachers, and for some, at  new schools.  That vast majority of students approach school optimistically.  Their hopes are high to develop friendships that will last more than just the school year.  They assume that their teachers will take genuine interest in them and will seek to impart more than just knowledge.  They look forward to the extracurricular events such as sports and musical programs.  These are an important part of growing up and developing the talents that are God-given.   New school years are filled with so much promise for students as they come ready to grow.  My counsel for students is enjoy; take full advantage of every learning opportunity.  Don’t place too much importance on the social aspects of school.  The way life often works out, you will have great friends, not only from school, but from other parts and seasons of your life.  These, too, will have greater significance.

For parents, the experience is bitter sweet.  Yes, it is nice to get back to a routine where you as the parent are not the only caregiver for your child all day long.  Now you are able to have a bit more freedom to pursue and enjoy things that went by the wayside during the summer.  But there is also the hectic schedule that is just beginning.  Not only do your children need dropped off and picked up from school, but their lives are suddenly filled with piano lessons, soccer practice, dance class, and on and on.  Instead of slowing down, it seems like you double down, and go twice as fast to twice as many places.  And, on top of that, is the homework.  Yes, it is your child’s homework, but you know very well how much help they will need and require from you.   Mom, dad, hang in there.  You will be amazed at how quickly this season of life passes you by and it is over.  Enjoy these days with your kids and look for ways to make memories with them that will last a lifetime.  Do your best to slow down once in awhile and take it all in. Laugh often.

For teachers, it is an exciting time welcoming the students back to school.  It is one of my favorite  times of the year!  Seeing the students, welcoming them genuinely, and letting them know that you anticipate a fantastic year.  For good teachers, the first day of school is not just back to work and the end of summer vacation.  It is what you live for.  It is a calling that God has brought you to and there is no greater experience than interacting with your students and being His tool to open knowledge to them.  Yes, there is a measure of labor and you know there will be times that some students make it difficult.  But it is all worth it.  Teaching is an honor and privilege, a most wonderful, exciting and fulfilling activity for which someone graciously pays us.

For me, back to school is all of these things.  I am sitting here today realizing that since I was 5 years old, I have been going back-to-school in one of these roles every year of my life with the exception of 2 or 3 years.  I was a student through high school, then college and seminary.  Very shortly thereafter, I began to teach and have been doing that for the last 28 years.  In the midst of all of that, my three boys started many years of school as they completed their education.  As I have grown older, I still feel that anticipation of a new school year.  I still long for the first day when students and teachers come together and set course on another year of learning and discovery.  It truly empowers me to prepare classes that I may have taught many times, but now for a new group of learners.  I can think of nothing I would rather be doing today than going back-to-school.  May God in His mercy grant me many more years to participate in this wonderful process of beginning anew!

What are some of your favorite back-to-school memories as a student, parent, or teacher?

The Transition to Middle School

by Jennie Smith
Secondary Principal and Mom to a 7th Grader

In one week, my oldest child will be a junior higher.  I spent this past weekend getting him ready.  We had long talks about what he might encounter.  We bought school supplies.  We packed things away and I tried to cram every bit of wisdom I have into two days.  How does a secondary principal get her child ready to enter the land of the secondary student?  Here are some of the ideas I felt it was important to cover with my son this weekend.

Organization
Being organized is a key to success in junior high and high school.  The best way to organize is with a three ring binder, but with the limited time to put things away at the end of class, a child needs a stuffing place.  There are binders now with a built in pocket where a student can stuff papers quickly.  In the first few weeks, sit with your child each night and show him/her where to put the papers.  He will quickly pick up on the concept and hopefully continue on his own.

Locker Life
Learning to live out of a locker and backpack rather than a desk can be a big transition.  On the first day, access to the locker may be limited (due to time) and slow (due to the learning curve).  Send your child to school with his/her binder, a few notebooks, and some writing utensils.  Pack the rest of the

supplies in a bag that can be brought before school the next day.  Then, your child can leisurely set up his locker without the pressure of getting to class.

Supply Overload
Without a desk, the supplies a student needs can weigh down a backpack.  Have your child store extra pens and pencils in pencil box and keep it in his locker.  Extra paper and notebooks can be kept there as well.  That way, when they are in need, they can make a quick stop and be refueled for their next class.

Where to Go
Moving from class to class can be intimidating.  Be sure to attend any open house available and allow your child to take his/her schedule and move from class to class.  Having the path already in mind can assist in alleviating a child's first day jitters.

Growing Up
The topic of conversations begin to change as children enter junior high.  The topics and temptations become more serious and sometimes life-changing.  My husband, son, and I enjoyed breakfast and a "date" to discuss these topics.  We encouraged him to honor God above everything - in conversation and action.  It was important to us to equip him with the tools he needed to grow up from boy to young man.  What topics do you need to cover with your adolescent that will ready him or her to stand firm in the faith?


I thought sending him to Kindergarten was tough, but here we stand, at the brink of manhood.  There is only so much preparing we can do.  Commit in these days to fervently pray for your son or daughter.  Pray that God will strengthen them, encourage them, provide for them, and meet them in the time of need.  I'm excited to watch what God will do as Levi enters the new world of junior high.