The Road Less Travelled

by Jennie Smith
Secondary Principal

Property of Fred Bruner Photography, 2013

My dad has always been a gifted photographer.  My mom recently showed me one of his latest which displays some of the fall colors here in Arizona.  Yes, contrary to critics, we do have fall colors in Arizona!


This photo reminded me of my favorite Robert Frost poem, "The Road Not 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.

Whenever I have the opportunity to teach this poem, I compare what Jesus said about two roads.  "Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).  Robert Frost found two roads and "took the one less traveled by..."  I'm unsure if Robert Frost was a true believer, but he hit on something that has resonated with me through the years.

The road we walk as Christians is rough - we stumble, we fall, we encounter bumps, and even great mountains stand in our path. It can also seem lonely as we walk with only a few who have found it.  But Robert Frost says it best...."I took the one less traveled by,/ And that has made all the difference."   We can't travel both roads.  Frost says he looks down one path and sees as far as he can see and then decides to take the other one.  We must make the choice.  Although the road is long and rough, I would not want to walk on any other path.  Because it is only on this narrow road that I can walk with the only One who makes all the difference.

What is Worship?

by Dick Buckingham
Administrator

This is a question one of our international students asked me the other day. A very good question! A question to which the answer is often assumed and often incorrect. Too frequently we equate worship to something we do on Sundays in our churches when we gather together with other believers to sing, pray and hear the Word preached. In reality, our weekly gathering with other believers is meant to be the crescendo of worship in our week.

So what is worship?

I answered this student by stating worship is a way of life. Rom 12:2 tells us we are to “offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is our spiritual act of worship.” Worship doesn't simply involve some of the activities we do like singing and preaching the Word, it involves all the activities of our life. Everything we do that is consecrated to the Lord and to His glory is worship. Thus every act that we do, every word, every deed can and ought to be an expression of worship. Thus our work or study, when done to the glory of God is worship. When we seek to honor God in our relationships, it is worship. When we consecrate our words, thoughts and intentions to the Lord, it is an act of worship. If the manner of our lives is characterized by thankfulness, it is worship. If we look for the hand of God in the difficult times we face, it is worship. When we trust and do not fear, it is worship. When we seek to obey even when it is difficult, it is worship. Worship ought to be who we are at all times, circumstances, and places. When we gather with the saints on Sunday, we are simply joining together and encouraging each other to keep on living lives of worship.

What are some of the ways that you see the characteristic of worship in your life? If you arrested for worshiping the one true Creator, would there be evidence to convict you?

Be Intentional

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

As I read Jennie’s blog last week, I was struck by the deep and special relationship that she and her grandmother shared. I fear that relationships such as these are becoming rarer and rarer as we go through our lives in a hurried frenzy. Unfortunately, death is what often forces us to examine our relationships and recognize the importance of taking the time to invest in people. This was never more real to me than when I lost my oldest sister in a car accident in 2001 and then my dad a few years later to heart failure. How quickly we recognize the opportunities that can be lost forever in just a few moments. We all know that life is busy. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often feel forced to let things fall by the wayside just to stay afloat. Unfortunately, the casualties of our busyness are often our relationships. 

What’s interesting is that most of us fully recognize that relationships are important. Most would also firmly agree that they WANT to strengthen their relationships with people. And yet, we find ourselves saying, “We should get together sometime” over and over again without ever following through. We may fully intend to make that call to a family member, or set up a night out with the girls, but I’ve come to realize that my good intentions will never turn into action without BEING INTENTIONAL. 

How much time does it really take to send a quick text to let someone know you are thinking about them? While you are skimming your Facebook feed to keep up-to-date on the latest happenings of your friends, how often do you actually write one of them a quick message? Maybe a quick email? Believe me. I’ve heard the excuses . . . actually, I frequently make them. “I just don’t have time.” 

Really? There are 24 hours in my day and I can’t spare 1 minute of it to tell someone I care? 

Let’s face it. Hour-long conversations with each of our friends would be wonderful, but most of us can’t commit to taking that much time. That doesn’t mean that we need to give up all together though! Take baby steps—even if that means programming the calendar on your phone to remind you to contact one friend a day or even a week. I have recently found that I can have events repeat on my phone for up to 50 years! It may seem ridiculous to have to take such extreme measures, but it is being intentional. It is saying, “Relationships are important and I am going to be intentional about letting people know I care about them.” 

God did not create us to be alone. We were designed for relationship—first with Him, but also with others. I know what you may be thinking. “I am surrounded by people every day!” While this is true for most of us, I would venture to say that most of us rarely take the time to intentionally invest time in those people. What a blessing results when we do though!

The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”

 

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

Of course you will still have relationships that will never go deeper than the surface. That’s okay.  But are you thinking of someone right now that you’ve been meaning to connect with? Do it! Send the text. Send the facebook message. Send the email. You will be glad that you did! And the person that receives it may need the encouragement more than you will ever know.

A New Kind of Mourning

by Jennie Smith
Secondary Principal


I'll admit it...I've lived a pretty charmed life.  My parents stayed together.  We weren't rich, but had everything we needed.  I went to Christian school, and I experienced very little tragedy in my youth.  I was in my 30's before I even experienced the death of a grandparent.  While I have felt the loss of friends, coworkers and extended family,  I have not had to face the deep grief of losing someone close to me until my recent past.

This year has been especially painful with the loss of my uncle, my husband's aunt, and my grandma all within a span of 9 months.  In these past few weeks, my thoughts have been swirling on the topic of grief.  I'm missing my grandma desperately.  I've never started a school year without her.  She was a great prayer warrior and she would always fervently pray for me as I started the school year.  She would pray earnestly as we took the high school kids on retreat - calling me and wanting to know which kids to pray for specifically, what messages to uphold.  She was my rock at the start of every school year and she's not here.  And my heart hurts.

I want to talk about it with the people who surround me.  But I find myself falling into the pit that so many in our culture are trapped by:  is it okay to mention your pain?  Can you talk to others about their grief?  I long to know how my family members are holding up, but I fear that just my asking may set them back or that my question may somehow increase their pain.  That seems so ridiculous, but it is the way my generation seems to approach grief.

It dawned on me that as a society we tend to treat someone who grieves in the same way we treat someone who has surgery.  When the surgery first happens, their wound is fresh in our mind.  We visit them in the hospital, we bring them food, and minister to them in a significant way.  Once their wound heals, we move on and don't think to ask how that particular area is anymore.  Once the funeral is over, it seems that we are expected to get back to work, move on, move past.  People are even afraid to ask how another is doing for fear of bringing tears or unwanted emotions.

Jen Pollock Michel in her article "Hashtags Won't Heal Us" sums it up well:  "As a culture, we tend to think of grief as healthiest when abbreviated and restrained, as seemingly quick and efficient as other aspects of our fast-forward, high-tech lives."  However, it wasn't that long ago that it was culturally dictated to wear mourning clothes for a specified length of time.  Everyone could visually see that a wound existed in the heart of a person.

So in our culture, how does one "mourn with those who mourn" as the Scriptures ask us to do (Romans 12:15)?  First, know that it is okay to ask a friend how he or she is doing.  We may have to overcome a nervous spirit, but it does mean so much that someone is thinking of your pain and cares enough to ask.  If that is too difficult, write a note - in a card or even a Facebook message - that simply says "I'm thinking of you.  I know your pain doesn't just disappear after the funeral is over.  You are on my mind and I'm here for you."

Don't be afraid to talk about the person lost.  It is good to know their life is not forgotten.  If there is some special memory you have or you appreciate something they did or said, share it with your friend. I love it when someone shares about my grandma - it reminds me that her life was meaningful and that she touched many people.

Recently a friend and I were in a deep conversation and she asked me "What would your grandma have told you?"  It made me cry - but it meant so much to have my friend bring my grandma's wisdom into our conversation.

Even though a grieving person doesn't wear mourning clothes, they still feel the pain of their loss and could use our understanding and sympathy - long after the funeral is over.  Is there someone you could reach out to today?



Michel, Jen Pollock.  "Hashtags Won't Heal Us."  Christianity Today.  April 29, 2013.

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