by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
An unintentional Dillon family tradition is to choose a Christmas tree size that exceeds the opening of all entrances to our home, and almost certainly exceeds the height of our living room ceiling. However, as the Angels advised, we “fear not”, for man has created the ingenious tree baler. For two additional Christmas dollars, this wondrous device downsizes the oversized. This year's Turkish ten-footer was transformed into a manageable slim and trim bundle. Once properly placed in the living room, my husband begins the process of patiently unwrapping the tree. Releasing the twine at the top and working his way down, he ever so slowly and carefully frees each branch. Within minutes, the “Turk” is transformed from its unnaturally bound position, into the fullness and beauty it was created for. The fact that no branch snaps or breaks off despite being bound so tightly astonishes me. I am also astonished by how God reveals truth through creation. By the light of the Christmas tree, I recalled seasons where circumstances, pressures, and situations bent me to the point of thinking, perhaps this time, I might just break. Other seasons I found myself unable to move or breathe, bound tightly by various struggles rooted in sin or pride. Yet, there always appeared a juncture where that patient, still small voice asked me “Are you ready to let go and be set free?” Christmas is God’s perfectly placed reminder of who He is and whose we are. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. He alone is our Wonderful Counselor, always present, providing wisdom, guidance, incomparable love, unsurpassed power and resources used to do what only He can do on our behalf. He is Mighty God when we need a protector, or strength to loosen the most heinous of knots in our lives. He is our unchanging Everlasting Father who comforts us, patiently working to keep our thoughts fixed on eternity and off our momentary tribulations. He alone is our Prince of Peace; there is no true peace apart from him. As we continue preparing our hearts to celebrate God’s promises fulfilled, we joyfully remember that He takes us from being bound, to being blessed. Carefully and lovingly,He unwraps whatever sin or circumstance binds us, weakens us, or hinders us in our relationship with HIm. Only then can our lives experience the freedom, fullness, and beauty we were uniquely created for. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
It was definitely one of those “uh-oh” moments as a parent. My 10-year-old son and I were descending from the 10,358 ft summit of the South Sister. We had completed two-thirds of the round-trip hike, and had just passed the last water hole on the main trail. Not wanting to delay our trip, I gambled that the amount of water left in our hydration packs would be sufficient for the remainder of the descent. But within an hour, we were out of water, and the discomfort of my dry mouth was of little concern in comparison to the signs of heat exhaustion in my 10-year-old son. Suddenly, my knowledge of the surrounding area and the availability of alternative water sources was put to the test. Whether paper or digital, maps are very important to provide guidance to various situations in our lives. On the surface, maps are just colored paper or collections of pixels. But they represent hundreds or thousands of people who have already experienced that location. A map combines all those different experiences together. Unless you are content with only walking your neighborhood, or constantly getting lost, you’re going to need a map to successfully experience all that life has to offer. You will never get anywhere by just looking at a map, nor will you have safe and successful adventures without one. God has given us His map that exceeds any product from Rand McNally or Garmin. First, He has spoken directly to us through creation, prophets, and His son Jesus. He also continues to reveal Himself to His church, as those who are really in touch with Him experience Him in their daily lives. The pursuit of every disciple is founded in this revealed truth God continues to map out for us. Fortunately for me and my son, I recalled a lake a couple miles off the trail where we could replenish our supply. My poor decision resulted in painful extra miles and additional delays recuperating on shady snow fields crunching on dirty ice. My opinion that we didn't need to refill earlier had no impact on the truth of the remaining distance of the trip and the heat of the sun. While life may be full of mistakes, the right map can provide the guidance to get back on track. I am reminded that without regular attention to prayer, God's Word, and spending time with others also on the trail, we can quickly lose our way. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
As I prepare our family vehicles for the winter driving season, the condition of the tires is one of main priorities. I check the air pressure and determine if the tread depth will provide sufficient traction in all driving conditions. As lead disciplers in the lives of our children, we actively provide modeling and training to our children. We want them prepared to thrive in all of life’s conditions. Recently, I was having a discussion with a high school student in my office. Though they had been in my office before for several personal discipleship opportunities, this particular occasion was focused with concern about a classmate's situation. The student asked me how I decide to become involved (administratively) when students make mistakes. I summarized how God’s grace and mercy will often insulate my office from student’s shortcomings to allow them time to correct their misbehavior on their own. But when inappropriate actions clearly come across my desk, I take the opportunity to apply the process of discipline toward a harvest of righteousness as outlined in Hebrews 12. The student quickly added a twist to this principle. They stated that their earlier “divine appointments” in my office were also applications of God’s mercy and grace. “Getting caught” and being held accountable by those in a position of leadership was an act of mercy and grace. Without intervention, the student learned that the results were going to be negative if the student had been left on their own. Just as tires can slowly lose air pressure over time, our children can lose direction without an influx of fresh air. Over the summer I was having a conversation with a parent whose high school child was going to hang out with some friends who didn’t share their Christian worldview. As the parent took the initiative to prepare and remind their child of the pitfalls and opportunities the evening may present, the child jumped in and proclaimed, “I know mom... discover, develop, deploy (CCS motto)!” Apparently, their child had been listening to the consistent voices of influence developing the child’s manual for the road of life. It is much easier in the moment to assume that the tires on my vehicles are roadworthy. But that would certainly put my family’s safety in jeopardy (and disappoint the late Les Schwab who spoke at my high school graduation). It’s also much easier in the moment to assume that our children are going to learn correctly on their own. But that would certainly put our child’s future in jeopardy, and fall short of God’s call for us as parents. So inflate those tires, initiate training with your children, and enjoy hours of safe and profitable driving. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
Throughout its 25 years of existence, Crosshill Christian School (formerly Willamette Christian School) has served hundreds of families according to its mission of discipleship training. Along the way, a new campus in Keizer has been added and grades have been extended through high school. Academic options have broadened with dual credit college courses for high school students and an education support department serving the needs of students in all grades with learning disabilities. Most recently, both enrollment growth and facility growth have expanded the school’s reach. The school has recently begun to turn families away who are looking for the unique academic services and discipleship training Crosshill provides. Through prayerful consideration, we believe God desires the school to continue fulfilling its mission to a larger community. Improvements to the south campus entrance have already been completed (the "Link"), and facility improvements and classroom expansion on the Keizer Campus are already funded and in the planning stages. In addition, the leadership of Church on the Hill and Crosshill Christian have approved the construction of a new high school building on the South Campus. This new building, called the Eagle Building, will ease existing crowding, allow for the enrollment of new families, and provide significant improvements to the high school facilities. The building will contain eight classrooms, including a Chemistry lab, and two locker rooms. Every Crosshill family will benefit from the new building. Approximately $4.6 million is needed to complete the construction of the Eagle Building. At a recent Church on the Hill “Kingdom Builders” event, over $275,000 was raised in one evening towards this project. Through generous donations and secured financing, only $650,000 remains to complete the project. The building effort is currently in full swing with a target date of completion of Christmas 2019. Please keep this project and the school in your thoughts and prayers as God's vision of Kingdom Education continues to be fulfilled. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
Each morning, around 7:10 a.m. a particular student cheerfully and confidently bounces into my office to bestow upon me a joy-filled hug. I cherish this daily gift because it hasn’t always been this way. Over the past 5 years, there were occasions this student bounded into my office, handed me a sealed note from a teacher, arms protectively crossed, giving ME the “stink eye”. Other times I was summoned to the scene of a major meltdown to pick up the pieces of this tearful, discouraged, and frustrated child. As I reflected on and praised God for this student’s new season of happiness and achievement, I realized that these hugs are a sign of the harvest. We are blessed to have invested years of loving discipleship, one teacher after another, faithfully planting the word of God in this student’s life. Earnest prayer and loving-kindness nurtured this sprouting spirit. Strategic planning and encouragement cultivated a successful path to academic growth. I believe a harvest can come in small and unexpected ways. We will certainly miss out unless we learn how to recognize them and according to God’s promises, expect them. This year I have observed an amazing peace in our classrooms, that’s a harvest. Our high school boys soccer team won the championship, that’s a harvest for sure! Every example of our children growing in character and Christ-likeness is part of the harvest. Is your child finally turning in their homework on time? That’s definitely a harvest to be celebrated. Also to be celebrated is the harvest of a strong partnership between families, church and school. These relationships create the unique bond of a promise described in Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Together we have weathered each growing season and have shared in reaping the blessings of discipleship. Nevertheless, before we get too excited about ourselves, Paul reminds us that “It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers.” 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 (NLT). As a co-laborer, I am so grateful to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of Crosshill students, and for each new season, with new opportunities to disciple. – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
As Daylight Savings Time recently came to an end and the days have turned chilly, I remember with fondness a 95 degree day this past July at an Idaho water park called Roaring Springs. The combination of radiant heat, cool water, and joyful screams made the high ticket price worth it. Perhaps the main drawback was the long lines. Early in the day, the waiting can produce much needed conversation. But by mid-day, each fruitless minute in line only accelerates the desire to leave early. So when we found a desirable ride that was void of a long line, we rejoiced over our new circumstance. And as an act of self-preservation, we kept our newfound benefit to ourselves. Bringing attention to our superior experience would only had nullified its reward as a crowd of equally needy forlorn families would have quickly joined our line. Fortunately, the line for the gospel of Jesus Christ is always short. If you want a ticket for the ride to eternal life with your Heavenly Father, there is a FASTPASS waiting for you. In fact, believers can hand out those FASTPASSES like candy. And unlike a water park or amusement park, your experience is not hindered when you share with others the secret of the joy in your life. Rather, it is enhanced. Those who turn many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever (Daniel 12:3) and will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ (Philemon 1:6). The apostle Jonah didn’t get the message. While God had called him to be a prophet of repentance, Jonah wanted to be a prophet of judgment. Instead of being used by God for His purposes, Jonah wanted to use God for his own purposes. As we engage daily with people who God puts in our path, may we not speak out of what we want from that person, but may we salt our speech with what we want FOR that person. Namely, that the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ will invade their life. As our children line up at the door and at chapels and at bedtime, may we point them to the gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
A few months ago I was given a generous gift card to one of my favorite restaurants where I always order a “Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl.” I quickly scheduled a couple of long overdue lunch appointments at a nearby location (my treat!). As I walked up to pay after my first lunch meeting, I was made aware that my gift card was not valid at that particular chain location. My hospitality of paying for the entire check just got REAL. I was required to exercise true unselfishness as I handed over cold hard cash in an unexpected way. My half-hearted sacrifice continued 2 days later at my next lunch meeting already scheduled at that same location (my treat!). A few weeks later, I strategically planned some family errands to Keizer Station around a rare family dinner eating out (my treat!). As I proudly approached the cash register to experience the blessing of that same gift card, I was informed that my gift card was not valid at that location either. The expression on my face was a mixture of surprise, denial, and disgust. A moment of true humility came a second later as my wife gently directed my attention to the clear address on the gift card of the one location it was valid for. I was clearly to blame for not properly exercising the gift card, as the instructions had always been in plain sight. Over a billion dollars worth of gift cards go unused each year. While that makes me feel a little better, I doubt that statistic makes the giver of those gift cards feel any better. In James 1:17, we read, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Everything that is good in our lives comes directly from God, the source of all good gifts. How many of those gifts have we failed to exercise rightly because we don’t read the instructions? God’s word is full of guidance on how to daily enjoy and serve others with the many gifts He has given us. Recently, with great pomp and circumstance, I enjoyed a “Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl” with my wife, making full use of the gift card that had generously been given to me. This lesson has helped me to consider other gifts that I might find in my wallet, daily schedule, or constant decisions that need a little more attention to detail. May each of us not contribute to leaving “billions” of God’s gifts unused properly. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
Just about everyone has a favorite season of the year. For those who prefer autumn above all others, there was much concern that we might miss out with that season altogether this year. But finally it has arrived. As the days become shorter, the leaves turn colors, and the thermometer begins to drop, I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die... a time to plant and a time to uproot... a time to weep and a time to laugh... a time to mourn and a time to dance...” The majority of the seasons in our lives are intended to experience in community. The glorious act of creation described in the book of Genesis was completed in community by the triune God (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). He created us to not only commune with Him, but to have community with one another. We are often drawn to one another for the benefit of a common purpose, or especially for a reason to celebrate. It is equally if not more important to support one another in times of sadness. This past week at a varsity soccer match in the Portland area, a member of our community suddenly passed away. The father of CCS Board Member Brian Spaulding transitioned from celebrating a goal scored by his grandson to an eternal celebration with the King of Kings. We are comforted by Larry’s presence in the heavenly places, but mourn the absence of his human presence among those loved by him. In God’s perfect providence, Larry’s passing only accentuated his legacy of humble support for community. Players from both teams quickly transitioned from opponents to united brothers in Christ. Parents from both schools selflessly provided support where needed. From the field to the parking lot to the playground, sons and daughters of our Glorious King expressed and experienced His love as a piece of our reality briefly intersected with the eternal. Throughout the week, CCS students and teachers have often gathered to pray for the Spaulding family and their 3 high school children. As we each consider the sorrow connected to losing a loved one, we also reconsider the love we have for those we are blessed to see each and every day. The perfect life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ overcame spiritual death providing eternal life with HIm. Until we join Larry once again in everlasting joy, may we each embrace each season God brings our way. A few months ago I was given a generous gift card to one of my favorite restaurants where I always order a “Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl.” I quickly scheduled a couple of long overdue lunch appointments at a nearby location (my treat!) As I walked up to pay after my first lunch meeting, I was made aware that my gift card was not valid at that particular chain location. My hospitality of paying for the entire check just got REAL. I was required to exercise true unselfishness as I handed over cold hard cash in an unexpected way. My half-hearted sacrifice continued a 2 days later at my next lunch meeting already scheduled at that same location (my treat). A few weeks later, I strategically planned some family errands to Keizer Station around a rare family dinner eating out (my treat!). As I proudly approached the cash register to experience the blessing of that same gift card, I was informed that my gift card was not valid at that location either. The expression on my face was a mixture of surprise, denial, and disgust. A moment of true humility came a second later as my wife gently directed my attention to the clear address on the gift card of the one location it was valid for. I was clearly to blame for not properly exercising the gift card, as the instructions had always been in plain sight. Over a billion dollars worth of gift cards go unused each year. While that makes me feel a little better, I doubt that statistic makes the giver of those gift cards feel any better. In James 1:17, we read, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Everything that is good in our lives comes directly from God, the source of all good gifts. How many of those gifts have we failed to exercise rightly because we don’t read the instructions? God’s word is full of guidance in how to daily enjoy and serve others with the many gifts He has given us. Recently, with great pomp and circumstance, I enjoyed a “Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl” with my wife making full use of the gift card that had generously been given to me. This lesson has helped me to consider other gifts that I might find in my wallet, daily schedule, or constant decisions that need a little more attention to detail. May each of us not contribute to leaving “billions” of God’s gifts unused properly. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
For those of us who are bent toward research, analysis, and comparison, the current information age was designed for us. Here is my “prime" example: Amazon. From the comfort of your own home, or even utilizing a spare moment on your mobile device, you can investigate just about any purchase to your heart’s content. At your disposal are user reviews, comparison charts, and customer photos to guide any potential decision. Within minutes you can accomplish ten times more product exploration than an afternoon shopping around town. While online research might seem endless, a point of saturation still occurs where any further investigation has diminishing returns. In contrast, our investigation into the nature of God is infinite. In a recent chapel, I described how as a child my knowledge of God was limited to the interior of a small finite circle. The infinite space outside the circle represented everything yet to learn about God. As I have slowly matured as a disciple of Jesus Christ, the allegorical circle has grown in size in proportion to my understanding of God. Yet what I don’t know about God continues to fill the limitless space outside the circle. One notable and measurable difference is that the circumference (distance around the circle) has increased. The edge of the circle is the intersection of my humanness and God’s eternal nature. It represents my awareness of how big God is. In ironic fashion, the more I know about God, the greater I understand how much more I don’t know about God! Thus, the investment of time into learning about God not only increases our knowledge of Him, but increase our awe of His bigness! God’s ways are certainly higher than our ways and even a glimpse into that truth drives us to our knees in worship. So the next time you review your Amazon wishlist or cart, consider how no website, library, or “universe-wide web” could ever come close to describing our awesome God! – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
Recently the joyful sound of laughter filled the house as my teenagers shared a YouTube video featuring two cats ringing a bell for treats. That adorable, comical performance inspired our latest family “cat project”. We reminisced about our previous attempts at cat cuteness. Our festive Christmas photo with family and cat in matching jammies did not end well (wearing pajamas seems to elicit erratic behavior in cats). There was also our short-lived adventure in toilet training the cat. He was fascinated, yet focused more on emptying the cat litter into the toilet than doing his business. The kids and I found it hysterical; however, my husband, who is also in charge of maintenance, was not amused, and educated us on the science of cat litter and plumbing. Undeterred by past failure, a bell was ordered and the process began. A few weeks into it, the cat’s unforeseen fear of the bell decreased, yet his stubbornness increased. Enough time and treats had passed for him to have fully grasped this simple concept. We rang the bell and dutifully doled out a tasty treat, encouraged him to ring the bell, and repeated the drill. After another week, I entered into some intentional trust-building (he knows I’m not his biggest fan). I took his paw, rang the bell, and gave him a treat (over, and over, and over). Now it was his turn to do it by himself; we both sat on the kitchen floor staring at each other, the bag of treats, and the bell, in awkward silence. This behavior modification plan needed some serious work. Changing behavior is never easy, nor is recognizing its power to serve as a “red flag” or symptom of a need for heart and mind transformation. As believers, our goal is to address our sinful behavior and become Christlike, yet we cannot achieve it by human will or determination. The Bible instructs us to “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” Ephesians 4:23 (NLT). The more we engage in practices that draw us near to God as our source for truth, encouragement, and transformation, our hearts and minds will begin to align with His, and our behavior will follow. I have come to the realization that our cat may never ring that bell, but I don’t plan on giving up anytime soon. Thankfully, God never gives up on the hearts and minds of His beloved people “being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Col. 3:10). – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal |
Adam Kronberger
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