by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
One recent evening my family answered some questions based upon “Who is most likely to…” It was fun to see how we viewed one another and possessed similarities and differences. The exercise also highlighted certain characteristics demonstrated by both child and parent. While sometimes less positive traits can be passed down from parent to child, parents are generally proud of children who take after them. I feel good when someone notices that my child takes after myself or my wife in appearance. And I am ecstatic when others notice a positive character quality in one of my children that my wife and/or I often demonstrate. Whether the positive virtue was a result of parenting or not, we’ll certainly take the credit! Moses had perhaps the most privileged relationship any human has had with God. We read, “The Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Exodus 33:11). Moses spent considerable time directly in God’s presence, and much like a parent, God’s character rubbed off on Moses. In fact, we read that after meeting with God, Moses’ face would shine and would cover it up with a veil. Without any effort on his own, Moses’ face reflected God’s glory simply by spending time with Him. God’s purpose in creation and redemption is to have a family of children conformed to the image of His son. God wants us to be aware of this purpose and to be a willing partner in the process. He expects each one of us to spend time with Him on a regular basis, modeling and teaching the practice to our children. Just as Moses reflected God’s glory, we want our lives and the lives of our children to reflect God’s glory. Paul encourages us to follow Moses’ lead when he writes, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Paul describes this partnership as a process, not just a one-time event. Through the Holy Spirit, we are each being transformed more into Christ’s image. Whether working on your yard, watching an HGTV house makeover, or attempting to adjust the shape of your body, all transformation takes intentional and strategic commitment over a sustained period of time. The amount of hours that K-12 schooling represents is staggering... close to 15,000 hours! Children behave like their parents because they share their parents’ DNA on the inside and repeat behavior they have seen on the outside. In order for our children to reflect God’s glory, surrounding them with those who share the same “DNA” as God has much value. The growing CCS community of teachers, staff, parents, and grandparents is designed to maintain and continue this process of transformation in the lives of students. It is not a perfect community made of perfect people. But it is a community that knows the true source of light and seeks to embrace its warmth and to share it with others. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
While this is my 9th year serving the Crosshill Christian community, my connection to this campus started much earlier. In the summer of 2000, I had a seemingly random phone conversation with the school’s founder Pastor Jerry Huhn. At that time, Pastor Jerry was pioneering another Christian school in the Beaverton area. I had called to inquire about a job, and one of the most important friendships in my life had begun. Pastor Jerry and I worked together on that campus for three years and he mentored me as I entered the world of Christian schooling. In 2009 our professional paths crossed again as he had returned to CCS (then Willamette Christian) and recruited me to help pioneer the high school. During these seven years of professional relationship, and many more of enduring friendship, Pastor Jerry had an impact on my life beyond measure. Our relationship has always been a unique one. Pastor Jerry is 36 years older than me, but has always treated me more like a brother. Though we share many of the same interests, he was my employer and always my elder and deserved a degree of respect and honor not reserved for a simple peer. In the same way, God’s design for our relationship with Him is a unique one. In John 15:15 Jesus declares, “No longer do I call your servants... but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from the Father I have made known to you.” God sent His son to die on the cross for our sins. That is how much He loves us. And through Jesus’ life and resurrection He has revealed to us His good plans for us. When we look up the word “friend” in the dictionary we should see a picture of Jesus. Yet at another time, Jesus illustrates our complete role in this relationship. In Luke 17:10 Jesus encourages us to have an attitude of “...We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.” Pastor Jerry treated me like a friend by making known to me all of God’s plans for His schools, and was vulnerable with me removing any distance between us. Despite his affection toward me, he still remained my boss and always my elder. Treating him as a peer on the same level would be both arrogant and dishonorable. In the same way, God’s extension of friendship to us should not be met with an attempt to play God ourselves. God’s friendship should grow inside of us a gratefulness that reveals itself in an attitude of a willing servant. Crosshill Christian School, which Pastor Jerry helped pioneer in 1992 under God’s direction is daily consumed with many things including academics, athletics, and a variety of activities. But at the heart of its mission of discipleship is guiding students to experience God’s friendship through every area of His creation. As a result of this friendship, students growth as humble servants lead them down a path that leads to what Jesus came to the earth for: an abundant life! – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
The concept of scripture being a living and active part of experiencing God in our everyday lives has captivated me lately. It began with a quick prayer to cover and equip me for the known and the inevitable unknown battles I would be facing throughout my day. In an immediate response, the Holy Spirit whispered: “you have not been putting on your armor”. Without hesitation, I retrieved some old, tattered papers, where every space in the margins and on the back was completely filled with notes, scriptures, and quotes. It was my well-worn copy of Charles Stanley’s, “The Whole Armor of God Prayer” based on Ephesians 6:10-18. During a significant season of spiritual growth, this phenomenal daily prayer taught me to identify areas of weakness and the means by which to change my ineffective, defensive stance, into a confident and godly offensive perspective. It intertwines old and new testament scriptures and promises that inspire believers to engage in “God’s battle plan” activating the power that is available every moment of every day. It also seeks to guide us fearlessly into our purpose of defending, caring for, and serving others. As I shared my renewed determination to go into every day fiercely armor-clad, I discover that the 2nd-grade class was studying that same passage of scripture (coincidence, I think not). They worked to secure those verses firmly in their hearts, discussing the power and purpose each piece of armor possessed. They grew in their understanding of the battle they face, the enemy’s tactics, and God’s provision. They created life-sized, and very interesting paper versions of themselves as armor-bearers; visual reminders of the unseen, ever-present protection of God. At our Grandparent and Special Friends’ Day celebration, the second graders proclaimed and preached Ephesians 6:10-18 boldly, and with great faith. In that moment I believe every guest in the room experienced the Word of God come alive in the hearts of these mighty warriors! It was such an overwhelming blessing to heartily agree that these grandparents indeed have the most amazing grandchildren, and share how our mission of discipleship is raising up a generation who are “strong in the Lord and his mighty power” Eph. 6:10. – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
Like many parents, I spend time regularly praying for my children. About twice a week my morning intercessory prayer list lands back on my two children. I ask God to be developing and confirming a clear calling on their life regarding their future vocation and how they will use it to serve Him. I pray that God will be preparing a Godly spouse for each of them to be their perfect helpmate, and that my child in turn will be prepared to love and commit unconditionally. I pray for their health, safety, and specific character transformation for each one according to their particular stage of development. While the discipline of prayer is daily or weekly, it always seems that the answers to these prayers are way out in the distant future. Yet I am reminded that God is providing the answer to these prayers every day in the present. Phillip Brooks, an American Episcopal clergyman once wrote, “Someday in the years to come, you [our children] will be wrestling with the great temptation, or trembling under the great sorrow of your life. But the real struggle is here, now... Now it is being decided whether, in the day of your supreme sorrow or temptation, you shall miserably fail or gloriously conquer.” Without a doubt, our children in the future (and even present) will face great temptation or great sorrow or some form of great struggle. Will they “miserably fail or gloriously conquer?” As I prayer for my own children, I am asking God to help my children to become glorious conquerors as their life inevitably becomes more complicated and challenging. And not just conquerors for the sake of victory or being comfortable, but truly completing the “good works, which God prepared beforehand…” (Eph. 2:10). Therein lies the value of Christian schooling. Good works are byproducts of being a good person. But people are not naturally good. One can simply reference the Bible or visit my home for verification. Yet that is the reason for and the power of Jesus. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand…” (Eph. 2:10). In the here and now, each day at Crosshill Christian Schools, students discover that they are indeed God’s workmanship. Students are trained for good works through the power of Jesus Christ in their lives for the purposes of loving God and loving others. This transformation requires time, commitment, vision, and partnership. While the fruit of the transformation may be revealed through good works, the heart of the transformation begins and is completed in student’s hearts. As I intercede with God on behalf of my children, He reminds me each day that He is working on the answers. When I witness the love, care, and training that the CCS faculty and staff provide to my children, I am grateful to personally be a part of a community where the real struggle of training in the here and now is being met head on. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
One of my contributions to keeping the Kronberger household running is to perform the weekly grocery shopping. It is my role to brave the wild outdoors each weekend and to hunt and gather and provide for my family. Whether it’s a hike to the Trader Joe’s Outpost, or crossing the Commercial Divide to the WinCo Territory, I know how to literally bring home the bacon. And whether its price per ounce, amount of sodium, or suggested due date, I pride myself in obtaining the best nutrition at the lowest price. This last weekend I had nearly conquered my shopping quest and was preparing to locate my favorite speedy checker when I noticed a late addition to the bottom of my shopping list. Neutrogena Face Wipes! How could it be? I was almost done. Couldn’t the ladies of the house simply use damp leaves? We have a recycling bin full of them. Yet with my innate sense of direction (and ability to read), I located my final prey quickly. Talk about sticker shock! $6.30! I wish they sold them in the bulk section so I could grab only seven wipes (they could share). While the generic brand was three times cheaper, 18 years of marriage has taught me that when the brand is on the list, it’s there for a reason. No longer the victorious warrior, I grudgingly looked for my favorite speedy checker. Nowhere in sight! So of course I chose the longest line with the most delays. When finally bagging my groceries, God looked down on my suffering. The Neutrogena Face Wipes wouldn’t scan! A gift from God! But the checker didn’t get the message. Instead, he said he could just type in a price. He asked me, “Do you know how much these face wipes cost?” Without thinking I quoted the $6.30 and finished the transaction. As I walked back to my car, my flesh was a bit disappointed with itself. I didn’t even consider quoting a lower price to the checker! Temporary amnesia is common among tribal hunters and I could have suggested a cheaper price. But the Lord’s Spirit brought a smile upon my face of flesh. What else is a man to do? “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” Romans 8:5. If I was going to praise Him and honor Him in my home, in my car, and at work, I suppose it would be natural to continue integrity at the supermarket. This silly story is a convenient example of how our days are full of mental decisions that can be determined by the flesh or by the Spirit. Don’t get me wrong. I have plenty of experience with both. Perhaps next week’s article will be an example of fleshly failure. But I am reminded of the importance of making Jesus and our faith the hub of our life’s wheel. If we make Him just a spoke, then it gives room for the other spokes to be completely independent of Him and driven by the hub of our flesh. And we know how that often goes. But when He is the true center, then all of the spokes of our lives consistently give room for Him to be honored. And the stakes couldn’t be higher as the eyes of our little ones see more than we think. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
One of my pet peeves is the uncomfortable and lengthy process of refilling the propane tank. Removing it from the grill requires physical flexibility and strength, not to mention warm clothing in January. There are limited locations to get it filled, and the actual process requires me to exit my vehicle and spend more time in the cold. There is certainly a long list of items across the globe that should receive our attention, but a drive-through quick fill propane station would be nice. I guess I could just do a tank exchange, but wasting money is another pet peeve, so I guess I will continue to summon courage to suffer through this seasonal ordeal. To exasperate the inconvenience, we recently received an outdoor propane gas fireplace. Now our propane use has more than doubled. But who can turn down grilled meat and a smoke-free fire on a cold winter evening? I find myself constantly reorganizing the lava rocks in the fireplace to create the perfect balance of flame. The rocks actually get in the way of the flame. It’s the cracks between the rocks that allows the light of the flame to shine through and provide beautiful illumination. As believers we are called to shine the light of Jesus that lives inside of us to others. This is most commonly considered to be done through the good deeds God has prepared for us to demonstrate. But God also shines His light of love and redemption through the imperfect cracks. In fact, sometimes our good deeds can point more to ourselves rather than to God. But the cracks in our flesh can allow the light inside of us to peek out, much like cracked clay pots, or a lava rock fireplace. When you reflect on the men and women God has used through the centuries, the light of God’s goodness and power is often revealed through the imperfections of His people. Nobody is fond of imperfections. We are upset with the imperfections in ourselves, and even more so upset with imperfections in others. Some imperfections are a result of our own willful decisions, and others are painful imperfections resulting from the Fall and are often out of our control. But in God’s goodness, He chooses to use these imperfections to allow His light to shine. When we place our ultimate trust in God, the imperfect cracks in our lives allow God’s light to shine out from us and into the lives of others. In our weakness, His strength and faithfulness can be revealed to others if we allow it. The imperfections in others is not always an opportunity to correct. When the light seems to be dimming in others, they might just need to be refueled. Allow the light that shines through your cracks to shine through the cracks of others to help reignite the light inside of them. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
My favorite childhood memory is camping at Detroit Lake on Piety Island. The amenities were non-existent, but the exploring was phenomenal. During the summer of my 6th grade year I brought a friend whom I was determined to impress with my expert hiking skills. I managed to convince my parents that I no longer needed adult supervision to navigate the rugged trails (and promised we would not go far). Confidently, I led the way up the trail and into the dense forest with my reluctant co-adventurer. At the agreed upon boundary I decided to keep going, excitedly chatting away. Not long after, I somehow veered off onto a deer trail into dark and unfamiliar territory. Brushing off my friend’s concern, I was not about to admit that I had no idea where we were, and reassured her that you really can’t get lost on an island. Pride is a dangerous enemy lurking in our hearts and minds. Poor choices, disrespectful or rebellious attitudes, arrogance, vanity, laziness, selfishness (just to name a few issues), are all flaming red flags of a sin problem sponsored by pride. Because it is such a hindrance to spiritual growth, a key component of discipleship is training our children to search their hearts and minds for the signs of pride, and equipping them with the weapons that destroy it. Such an arsenal exists in book of Proverbs, and the wisdom of Solomon, “He wrote them to teach his people how to live -- how to act in every circumstance, for he wanted them to be understanding, just and fair in everything they did.” Prov 1:1-3 TLB). The book of Proverbs provides short and to the point truths for building Christ-like character: “The Lord detests the proud of heart. Be sure of this: they will not go unpunished” 16:5, “with humility comes wisdom” 11:2, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” 18:10, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding” 3:13. Equipped with the weapons of humility, wisdom, and understanding, it is then crucial to learn how to draw closer to and be led by the Holy Spirit. Add in the practices of prayer, worship, and the assessment of outside influencers, and spiritual fruit will begin to appear, along with God’s blessing. God is faithful to rescue us from our pride either by our request and cooperation, or divine intervention. As a child, I often learned that concept the hard way, forging my own trail, each time ending up lost and broken. Thankfully, God’s mercy and grace abound, and despite a series of prideful decisions back on that Island, He provided protection, rescue, and some pretty significant life lessons. – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
Each fall, off-campus retreats in both the middle school and the high school lay a strong foundation for the school year. Unity in the school community is developed through friendships, and a framework for active discipleship is established. Three years ago, a group of freshmen boys stayed awake in their cabin until the wee hours of the morning. With the guidance of a CCS teacher, the boys discussed a variety of challenges common to young men. Many of the students chose to be vulnerable and were rewarded with encouragement and wisdom found when one embraces Christian community. The fellowship was so valuable to the group of boys that they committed to not succumb to the typical retreat “mountain top experience” that slowly fades after returning home. They were committed to live their lives back at school on a new plateau, knowing that meeting together regularly was the anchor they needed. As a result, “Fight Club” was born as the boys met weekly. The young men chose to call themselves the “Fight Club” because they want to engage in the struggle to discipline themselves to be more like Jesus Christ. In a sense, they wish to “fight the good fight of the faith” spoken of by Paul in I Timothy 6:12. One of the goals this group of young men have set for themselves this year is to demonstrate their support and care for the high school girls at Crosshill Christian. They want to practice living their life as gentlemen in a way that pleases God. The method they chose to communicate this support was through preparing a special breakfast for all of the high school girls in the school the morning of December 14th. Their act of service was intended to communicate their love and respect for the high school girls. It was their desire to honor them by preparing an early morning breakfast. They wanted to show the intentions of their hearts by taking the physical step of action in this very right direction. This year’s annual “Spirit Week” was filled with dress-up days, varsity basketball competitions, and a High school Homecoming Square Dance. United in red, white, and blue, Crosshill students stood together this week in support of being members of the same community. And while school spirit for the institution of Crosshill Christian carries some value, the spirit of walking as a disciple of Jesus Christ in love to one another carries greater value. The Salem community may easily recognize the growth of Crosshill Christian School through its accomplishments. But of even more value, is the growth in the hearts of students as disciples of Jesus Christ. Our prayer is that the Salem community and communities around the world will not only recognize this growth, but be benefactors of the fruit of disciples making disciples. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
One of my favorite illustrations starts with a sizable jar overflowing with large valuable rocks, each lined with quartz and various crystals. It is fairly obvious that no other large precious rocks could possibly fit in the jar. When asked if the jar is full, the audience is quick to reply, “YES!”. But from under the table, a bucket of gravel appears and when poured into the jar, fills in all of the open spaces between the larger rocks. Now when the audience is asked if the jar is full, the wary response is, “…maybe?”. A bucket of sand makes its appearance next, proving once again that space still remains between the gravel, as a surprisingly large amount of sand is added to the jar. The audience knows the question that is coming, and interrupts yelling, “It’s not full!” Finally, a bucket of water concludes the demonstration, as close to a gallon fits into the jar before it overflows. The illustration has many clever principles, including some fascinating scientific truths. But perhaps most significant is the order in which the jar is filled. If any single component fills the jar before the large rocks, not a single precious stone can fit in the crowded container. The days, weeks, months, and years of our lives are each empty jars. And each of us has an often growing list of large precious “rocks” that are valuable to each one of us. But there is only so much room for work, play, and relationships in the finite boundary of time that we live in. During the month of December there are certainly more “minerals” vying for a spot in your life’s “container” than space allows. Without a life driven by clear priorities and strategic decisions, we can often find our life’s jar full of sand and gravel, with absolutely no room for the very people or projects that should be the anchors in our lives. As superintendent of a school growing with students, staff, and facilities, this particular illustration is not the easiest to apply. In addition to a full career, there are other areas of our lives that seemingly require a myopic focus. When led by our flesh, we often default to give attention to the items that are in the public eye. Our inner lives and our most important family relationships inevitably suffer. In Matthew 23, Jesus condemned the Pharisees for getting their lives entirely out of order. They had legalistically placed greatest emphasis on minor details that were in the public eye, but their hearts had fallen far from what mattered most. There are plenty of molecules of water, grains of sand, and pieces of gravel that can fit into our life’s jar. As they are small in size, the represent a small commitment of our available time. But this Christmas season and into the new year, may we each prayerfully reflect on the precious priorities God has placed in our lives and truly make them fit first. Then we can allow the hand of God to do the miraculous as He fills in the empty spaces in His timing. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
A few years ago I found myself one week away from Christmas, in a bit of a panic. I realized that in the business of the season I had forgotten the Christmas cards for our East Coast relatives. To stay connected to these far away loved ones, each year I create a special Christmas photo card, add school pictures, and a personalized Christmas greeting. To quickly rectify this oversight, my husband ran to the store and purchased cards, addressed each envelope, and created an assembly line for all of us to sign each store-bought greeting. All I needed to do was to sign the cards, place them in their envelopes, and drop them in the mail. Amongst a whirlwind of activity, I managed to post the cards and move on to the next task. I figured some would be disappointed, but what I wasn’t expecting were the rumors and questions that arose amongst the family regarding the state of my marriage. Apparently, they jumped to some understandable conclusions. Not only did they receive a generic card with no photos, they were only signed by my husband and children, I had forgotten. Instead of a lovely Christmas message, they received a message of confusion. The joy of remembrance is at the heart of Christmas, and we have been given a precious span of time each year to renew, celebrate and share the hope we have found in Jesus. There are many who are standing on the outside of Christmas, viewing and wondering, waiting for someone to welcome them in, or simply remember them. They need to know what Ann Voskamp shares in her book “The Greatest Gift”, that “Christmas cannot be bought, it can only be found.” It is not stored away with the ornaments, it is stored in our hearts, and during the Christmas season, above all else, we must remember to prepare our hearts and lives to share the good news. Like Mary, we must ponder in our hearts the things of God “for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (Luke 1:49). Like Joseph, we must trust God’s plan for our future. Like the Shepherds, we must break from our daily lives to “spread the word concerning what had been told about this child.” (Luke 2:17). Like the Wise Men, we must seek Christ, worshiping and offering our own unique gifts to honor Him. Like the Angels, we must proclaim “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14). Everything we need to truly celebrate Christmas is wrapped up in the beautiful gift of the Christmas story. As I learned that year, forgetting to properly prepare my heart and life for Christmas had consequences. Although I was easily able to explain my way out of that awkward situation, I missed the opportunity to share the greatest gift of Christmas, even if it was simply tucked away in a greeting. Instead of prioritizing schedules and lists I now prioritize the Christmas story, allowing it to draw me even closer in my relationship with Christ, and inspire me to remember those who desperately need the gift of Christmas. – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal |
Adam Kronberger
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