Who Am I?

by Dick Buckingham
Administrator

This is one of those life altering questions that everyone asks at one time or another. It is particularly prevalent among our youth today. Unfortunately, they look for answers to that question on Facebook, Twitter and other social media, by seeking to be accepted and “liked” by both friend and stranger. The image they have of themselves is the image that others see of them and, many times, this image is not even close to accurate. Fortunately, the Bible has much to say in answer to this question and that is what the spiritual theme at Faith Christian School is focused on this year.

Since much of what the Bible has to say about who we are is dependent upon our relationship with Christ, no Biblical discussion of who we are can be had without beginning with a frank discussion of the gospel.

Fashioned

The first and most important thing the Bible tells us is that we are fashioned by a Creator God. The scriptures are clear about this and there is no ambiguity. We were created (fashioned) in His image (Gen. 1:26). What all this means exactly is a matter of much theological debate, but there is consensus that it includes an eternal soul, a conscience of knowing good from evil, and the ability to have dominion over all the rest of creation. When God created Adam and Eve, he concluded that it was “very good” (Gen. 1:31). Man was the capstone of all that God created and he was made carefully, with intentional purpose. The Psalmist has said that his Creator fashioned him “fearfully and wonderfully” (Ps 139:14). Thus we can affirm for every human being that God has created them exactly as He desired them to be. There are no mistakes from the Creator’s hands. The abilities each one has, the characteristics that make up each individual are just exactly what God, the Creator, wants them to be. This is a very comforting and encouraging thought. So many people struggle with who they are because they think they are insufficient, lacking in some skill or ability, and long to be someone else. God created you to be you. There is nothing wrong with you as you came from the Creator’s hand and He has declared you to be not just good, but very good.

Fallen

If only we could stop at the part where God has made us fearfully and wonderfully. But we cannot because in just two chapters from the creation of man, the Bible tells us something else very important about who we are. We are fallen. Adam and Eve, in all their created glory, were put in a place where their every need would be met. God gave them one stipulation, to not eat of a particular tree in the garden. This would be a critical test, not just for Adam, but for all mankind. You see, God had established a covenant with Adam and he was to be a representative for all who were to come after him. If he was faithful to the covenant, all would receive the blessings of the covenant. If he broke the covenant, all would receive the consequences and curses of the covenant. One of the most difficult things that we have to come to grips with as human beings is that what Adam did in the garden affects all of us. We are counted as sinners as a result of what Adam did and we come into the world with a nature affected by sin so that we continue his practice in our own lives. This fallen nature affects all of creation, including the fearful and wonderful creation of man mentioned in the previous paragraph. As a result, we are enemies of God and we are at war with Him. More importantly, God is at war with us and it is a war we cannot win. This leaves us in a situation of helplessness and hopelessness. Yet God has made a way.

But before we move on to that glorious message of good news, it is important to note that the first two things I have said about who we are apply to every human being. There is no one who is given a special dispensation. All are fashioned. All are fallen. All are made by God. All are war with God. All will lose that war to a God who is over all. What the Bible says further about who we are only applies to those who have embraced the solution for the problem of our sin and its nature. Not all will claim the truth of what I am about to say and they will remain in their fallen state. This is a very somber point to grasp. Some of you are currently in this state and will remain in it unless you embrace the truth that follows. The Bible has nothing more to say about you in a positive way.

Forgiven

God in His grace, has provided a way for sinful man to deal with not only sin and its nature, but its consequence. This is nothing short of the greatest news we can ever hear! Because of God’s righteousness, He cannot simply forgive or overlook the sin of man; the penalty must be paid. That penalty is death, physical and spiritual. No one can pay that penalty for someone else unless they themselves are without sin. If they have sinned, the best they can do is to pay their own penalty. Yet God sent His own Son, who was in every regard God, and thus perfect, to pay that penalty for all who would trust Him. It is really a simple plan, yet profound. Jesus, the perfect spotless Lamb of God, was put to death on the cross so that He could assume the penalty of sin for those who belong to Him. Those who belong to Him, who hear His voice, are those who trust that what He did is sufficient to deal with the sin problem in their lives. This simple matter of trust is all that is necessary to bring a person, who at one time was at war with God, destined for destruction, to a position of peace and blessing. Instead of being enemies, God now calls believers friends and children (Jn. 15:14, I Jn 3:1).

Forever

Not only are we forgiven, but it is an eternal relationship that has begun. In 2 Cor. 5:17 we are told that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” There is a transformation that takes place in the life of a believer. What they once were, they no longer are. God is re-forming them into what Adam and Eve were prior to the fall. That doesn’t mean that we immediately look and act differently. Unfortunately, the effect of sin and its nature on us persists even though we are being made new. But a process has begun in us that will culminate in our being re-created in the likeness of God.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness though our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-9

There is also a great sense of security in this relationship with God in that there is none who can snatch us out of His hand (Jn 10:29). The benefit of what Christ has done for the believer can never be lost or discarded.

So who are you? We know that you are fashion and fallen. That is true of every man and woman. But are you also forgiven forever? Only those who put their complete trust in the provision God has made for our sin problem can make this claim. Are you trusting Christ? Or are you trusting your good deeds and accomplishments? Or maybe your wealth and position? There is only one way to be forgiven forever. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

There is much more the scriptures have to say about those who are in Christ. But we will pick some of these up in a later blog.

If you would like to speak with someone further about the message of the gospel and how it applies to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me. My email is dbuckingham@faith-christian.org.

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.

Sacred Marriage: A Book Review

by Jennie Smith
Secondary Principal

As a young girl, I dreamed of being married.  I planned my wedding multiple times over, read through bridal magazines, and imagined the life my husband and I would one day have.  I never dreamed that marriage would be the biggest challenge I ever faced. 

My husband and I celebrated the big 15 this past March and we still have so much to learn about a successful marriage.   I thought we had it all figured out, but this past year we hit some big bumps in the road as we dealt with life changes, deaths in our families, and growing children.  So, as I was looking for intriguing reading material for my summer vacation, I came upon the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.  It was the subtitle that really caught my attention:  "What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?"

It's an interesting premise, isn't it?  Most people look to their marriage for happiness.  But is that the ultimate goal of marriage?  If we were to answer truthfully, we would admit that our spouses don't make us happy all the time.  Some even go as far as divorcing their spouse simply because they are no longer happy.  My perspective on marriage made an about face as a result of reading Sacred Marriage - it is one I wished I would have read 15 years ago.  Here are some of the most eye-opening ideas I have taken from this book:

A Godly Marriage is Not Dependent on Romance
Romance is a relatively new premise for marriage.  Romantic love as the basis for marriage became the prevalent idea when poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, and Keats argued that one should marry for love.  But when you look at the great marriages of the Bible, most married because of commitment and then love followed.  "Romantic love has no elasticity to it," Gary Thomas proclaims.  "It can never be stretched; it simply shatters.  Mature love, the kind demanded of a good marriage, must stretch, as the sinful human condition is such that all of us bear conflicting emotions."
This doesn't mean that romance has no place in a godly marriage; it is simply not the foundation of a godly marriage.


Marriage Contributes to Our Sanctification
I never knew how sinful I truly was until I got married.  It was shocking!  There was a person in my space who came face to face with my sin on a daily basis and reflected it back at me.  The author says it best:  "What marriage has done for me is hold up a mirror to my sin.  If forces me to face myself honestly..."  This spotlight on our own sin can motivate us to grow in grace.  The author encourages his readers to not enter into marriage to be fulfilled, or emotionally satisfied, or romantically connected, but to become more like Jesus. 

Marriage is a Constant Practice of Forgiveness
A single friend recently asked my husband and I what the key to a successful marriage is.  While my husband had his own idea, I asserted that the only way to have a successful marriage is to be willing to forgive.  We are married to a sinful being who will hurt us and will sin against us - that is a given.  We then have the opportunity to learn to forgive.  I didn't realize the impact at the time, but as part of our wedding vows, Brent and I said these words:  "I will forgive you as Christ has forgiven me."  Those words come to my mind all the time -  I promised and I have to follow through on that vow.

Marriage Requires Perseverance
This idea is nothing new, but one of my favorite passages from the book threw a new light on this.  "One of the most poetic lines in Scripture, one that I wish every husband and wife would display in a prominent place in their home, is found in verse 5 of 2 Thessalonians 3: 'May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.'"  If I rely on my own ability to love my spouse, or depend on my own ability to persevere, I will fail.   Instead, I should pray that I be directed into God's love for my spouse and Christ's perseverance.  It is only with His strength that my marriage will find success.

All Aspects of Marriage Point Us to Our Great Savior
In our marriage, we are reminded of our sin and we go to our Savior for forgiveness.
In our marriage, we are sinned against and follow the example of the Savior in forgiveness.
In our marriage, we face difficulties that cause us to go to our knees and seek our Savior's help.
In our marriage, we become more aware of God's presence as he works miracles in our families.
In our marriages, we learn truths about God, we learn the true meaning of love, we learn what it means to be a servant.  Our marriages can be the catalyst to a deeper relationship with God.

I highly recommend this book - whether you are engaged, newly married, or married for 60 years.  It has changed the way I see my marriage.  Instead of looking for opportunities to be happy in my relationship with my husband, I am looking for opportunities to become more like my Savior - to become holy, set apart for a purpose.  When I do that, I don't experience happiness - it is true joy that pervades my being.

Let's have a conversation about this.  In the comments below, would you answer my friend's question?  What is the key to a successful marriage?

School Begins: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

by Dick Buckingham
Administrator

Summer is almost over and school’s beginning is just around the corner.  It is this time of year that students begin to look forward to school beginning.  More and more students that I speak to these days can’t wait to get going at school with their friends, teachers and learning.  It is not so much that they are tired of their summer vacation, but they have had ample time to recharge their batteries and they are eager to continue on the quest for knowledge.  This is an exciting time of year when everyone, including parents, is gearing up for a new school year.  But a successful school year start does not just happen.  The best starts to the school year are ones where we carefully plan and prepare our children.  Let me share a few ideas.

Correct summer habits.  During the summer time, children often stay up late, sleep in and generally keep whatever schedule they want.  A wise parent is one who begins to bring back a schedule for his or her children a week or two prior to the beginning of the school year.  Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made, but aren’t able to correct several months of a lack of schedule overnight.  I know it is difficult to communicate to children that it is time to start going to bed at a reasonable hour and getting up earlier to get ready to arrive at school timely, but you will save yourself and your child much difficulty in the first few weeks of school if you prepare them before hand.  Make it fun!  Plan some early morning activities that they can look forward to!

Out with the old.  While we are talking about less than helpful habits, let’s not overlook the tendency our children have to sit in front of the television or video game for long periods of time during the summer.  This is not something that can continue if they are to be successful in school this year.  Help them begin to trim back on their TV and game time and choose to do other things that will help them to stimulate their minds.

Activate their bodies. While children are generally busy and active during the summer, it is helpful to get them moving a little more, getting their bodies awake and ready for a more active routine.  Try to schedule some exercise each day.  In fact, you could combine this one with the first suggestion and plan to go a couple of mornings a week to a neighborhood park when they can play and exercise to get their brains going and fresh.  It will be much cooler then as well.

Feed their brains.  Let’s face it; we all let nutrition go out the window a little during the summer time.  Who doesn’t enjoy the dish of ice cream before bed or the bag of popcorn while watching a movie on TV?  But we also know that what we feed our bodies is what fuels our bodies and our minds.  Start getting your child back in the habit of making good food choices and tone up their eating habits.  The side benefit is that you can get back on the wagon again yourself!

Stimulate their thinking.  I know we really are not supposed to take a break from thinking about things over the summer, but let’s all admit that we do kind of let our thinking and intellectual habits slide as well.  If your child hasn’t been reading all summer, make sure they read a book or two prior to the school year beginning.  Get a book yourself and sit down and read at the same time.  Replace some of the TV and game time with this good and helpful practice.  Nothing can stimulate the mind like a good book.

Get their number.  Try to find ways to get them to brush up on their math skills.  For the younger ones, have them count forwards and backwards, add and subtract.  For those a little older, review the multiplication tables.  You can make this fun by doing it with things you are already doing.  Have them add fractions as you are using a recipe to put dinner together.  Have them count the number of steps it takes to make one lap around the playground and figure out how many steps they ran in 8 laps. For the older students, ask them to differentiate the coefficient of the tangent as x approaches 0.  Well, ok, that may be a bit much, but you get the idea.

Structure, move, eat right, and stimulate their brains.  Little things that you can do in the next couple of weeks to get your child’s school year off to the best start ever!  Even I am getting a little excited about the beginning of school just thinking about it!