by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
I was given tickets to the Beaver football game this past weekend. My 13-year old daughter was eager to be my companion which made the trip even more enjoyable. Despite the windy and rainy conditions, we found our seats just fine decked out in full rain gear. As halftime approached, we were anxious for our planned visit to one of the Dutch Bros stands located in the stadium. Apparently the stormy weather was great for business, as the line stretched FOREVER! There must have been over 100 people waiting in line. What were we going to do...this hot treat was practically as important as the game itself! Fortunately, I remembered a Dutch Bros near the OSU bookstore just outside the stadium. I thought that the line certainly must be shorter there, and we needed to stretch our legs anyway. Indeed I had been correct, and within ten minutes we were sipping on our large sweet and caffeinated beverages. When we returned to the stadium as halftime neared its end, the security personnel gave us an apologetic look. “You can’t bring that in here. Sorry.” I had forgotten about their stadium beverage policy – NO outside beverages. I looked at my daughter and we almost cried...literally. Ten seconds ago, life had almost been perfect – we were at a NCAA football game as best friends in crazy weather with an awesome drink! Now we just stared at each other shell-shocked. Our ears were drawn to the sound of the band, cheering fans, and football players just inside the stadium. Our hands and our mouths were drawn to the warm drinks we had just spent $10 on. What were we going to do? Each day brings its own excitement and variety. In my morning quiet time, I have gotten in the habit of specifically asking God to help me be prepared for the day’s surprises, because I know they are coming. When I know they are coming, they no longer are surprises, and I am more able to meet the challenge with joy and wisdom. A verse I often review in the morning is “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25). There is much to be anxious about in our daily lives. I am so appreciative of people who always seem ready with a ‘good word’ in the midst of trials. I want to be one of those types of people, and part of the plan is my morning time with God getting ready for the day. As the caffeine began to kick in from the first sips of my Dutch Bros Kicker drink, and I allowed the fruit of the Holy Spirit to overcome my flesh, an idea popped into my head. “Brooklyn, why don’t we walk back to that now-empty Dutch Bros and watch some of the 3rd quarter on their big TV’s warm and dry?” Our downcast faces turned into elated awareness that we might have just stumbled upon a new Kronberger ritual. We enjoyed our warm and dry intermission, eventually returning to our seats, with nothing but smiles to the security personnel. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
On a beautiful morning this past July, I stood with my best friend at the summit of Table Rock and realized one of the reasons God chooses to “reign on high”. At 4,881 feet, delighting in the magnificent view of His creation our hearts collectively resonated with Genesis 1:31 “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good”. As we stood mesmerized by the panoramic display of the cascades the noise, cares and turmoil of the world faded. Set before us were Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, and all three of the Sisters, providing a much needed change of scenery. Unexpectedly, they inspired a much needed change of perspective as well. Our character trait for the month of October is Creativity: Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective. Our “new” perspective should always build on an “old” and perfect one: God’s perspective. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8 NIV). I don’t know about yours, but my perspective is consistently inadequate and self-serving. God’s perspective knows all of the details, see’s the potential, and keeps the issue at just the right size. A humble and teachable spirit searches for two key factors in comprehending God’s perspective: wisdom and understanding. The Apostle James kept it simple, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5 NLT). He encourages us to seek wisdom from above that is “pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:13-17). As we invest time into our spiritual growth through studying the scripture, the Holy Spirit will adjust and align our perspective to God’s. Only then will we be able to take a step back from whatever situation we are facing, and “see the forest for the trees”. Thankfully my friend and I were the only ones on the trail for most of our adventure, or we surely would have disturbed even the most patient traveler. We are two very loud blondes who laughed, cried, prayed, and passionately shared about what God was doing in our lives the entire journey to the summit. Once there basking in contemplative silence, our “mountainous concerns” shrank in the light of God’s creative awesomeness. Prayer, scripture and time with a godly friend will always bring us into a right perspective. We don’t ever need to traverse life’s mountains on our own! May we turn our ears to wisdom and apply our hearts to understanding (Proverbs 2:2). – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
My older brother is a successful hunting and fishing guide in Alaska. I have had multiple opportunities to experience memorable trips with him. This past summer my son Justus and I spent a week on a backcountry fishing trip. Every aspect of the trip was paid for by my brother as a gift. My only responsibility was to make my way up to Anchorage on the correct date. As we are practically twins when it comes to body type, he also shares with me all of the necessary gear and apparel necessary to make such a trip successful. Naturally, when I arrive in Alaska, I want to do as much as I can to pay him back. As we run the final errands in preparation, I constantly badger him to allow me to pick up the tab. His response is always, “Adam, it’s easier if I just take care of it.” Whether it be the floatplane costs, tackle for fishing, or a simple Gatorade for the flight, my brother insisted on just adding it to his tab. I think he probably got annoyed by my constant insistence to help out. But the combination of his generosity and pre-programmed way of paying for things was a gift in so many ways. Our relationship with God often functions in a very similar way. First, we accept the payment for our sins by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and choose to surrender our lives to him. Then the adventure begins, and the cost has already been paid for. Still at times we feel compelled to somehow contribute to our salvation. We might feel that we need to perform especially well or follow certain rules to somehow feel we earned it. But those actions are all in vain, as the work at the cross is complete and confirmed. Still, what should our response be to the amazing gift of grace through salvation? When I was on my fishing trip, each evening we would pull over from our river float and set up camp. Both paying clients and freeloader brothers like me worked together to set up camp. We put together tents and assembled cots while the guides prepared our evening meal. Even though the trip was paid in full, the success of the trip was held together by the gracious efforts of each team member. In the same way, God has called each of us to contribute to the redemption of all of creation. Timothy Keller writes, “the ultimate purpose of redemption is not to escape the material world, but to renew it.” The most impossible work has already been taken care of by Jesus. And as those around us arrive at the dead ends the world ultimately provides, Jesus’ redemptive work should be noticeable in our lives and readily available. This month’s character trait is creativity. May God give each of us new perspectives as we respond to His work on the cross and participate with God in transforming the world to reflect his righteousness. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
There has been an explosion of young families interested in placing their children in our Preschool and Kindergarten programs the past few years. As I interview these families, often with even younger children in tow, I am reminded of that particular season in my life. Nothing can compare to the blessing of a new baby in your home and the privileged responsibility of taking care of them. In contrast, just about nothing can also compare to the sacrifice required in changing diapers, wiping faces, and experiencing sleepless nights. If that season is long past for you, but you are still interested in sacrifice, I have an opportunity for you... volunteer at next year’s Middle School and High School Retreats! The past two weeks, over 120 Crosshill secondary students experienced off-campus overnight retreats at nearby Camp Tapawingo. The teachers and parents who led the event did indeed sacrifice much, including sleepless nights, wiping faces, but thankfully no diapers were involved. Yet they would all agree that the commitment was well worth it. Unity in the student body greatly increased, and students experienced personal sacrifice themselves as focus was placed on being a worshipper in spirit and truth. Throughout the Old Testament, every description of worship surrounded the offering of a sacrifice. In the New Testament, worship still requires a sacrifice. We are called to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice….which is our spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). More specifically, we should “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:15-16). As students and leaders discussed and meditated on these truths, the meaning of true worship of sacrifice came into clearer focus. So often worship can become about us and what makes us comfortable or brings pleasure to us. But true worship has its focus entirely on God and it is not reserved to any single reserved moment in time like the Old Testament sacrificial worship. As living sacrifices, worship is connected to our breath and can be constant, both public and private. The school’s character program is as much about worship as it is about character. Becoming “transformed” as “Image-bearers” is not simply an end in itself. The ongoing process is worship itself. At the heart of character is choosing to love God and to love others. Doing good often requires sacrifice, and these small and large acts of sacrifice are pleasing to God. Whether at your place of work, or in your child’s bedroom, or serving in your community, school, or church, a heart of being a living sacrifice is an act of worship. I am so grateful for the sacrifice of Crosshill parents and teachers committed to the discipleship of this next generation. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
I am a big fan of living in this current age of technology and information. On a practical note, I enjoy the comforts and access to knowledge that is currently so accessible. Theologically, it is a beautiful reminder of the dominion mandate God gave Adam and Eve in the garden to rule over His creation and subdue it (Genesis 1:28). Ever since that charge, humankind has consistently used discoveries and mental applications in an attempt to make God’s creation as close as possible to what it was intended to be. From the minute amounts of minerals needed in a remote control, to the systemized software language used to operate it, God’s created world and His created man and woman have been at work fulfilling this command. And boy have I been at work in my home! Growing up, it seemed like my dad focused his efforts on changing light bulbs, greasing squeaky doors, and kicking appliances to get them up and running. Today’s demands are much different (humor me for a moment). How many individual components are part of an automatic icemaker? How expensive does printer ink really need to be? And why do printers keep downloading new updates so that the knock-off cheap ink won’t work? Why does my Windows PC keep upgrading against my wishes? How come the file formats for my wife’s Apple laptop don’t want to function on any other device? Speaking of devices, how difficult can it be to simply add minutes to my daughter’s emergency flip phone? Why do phone chargers grow legs and hide themselves at the most inconvenient times? Why do my children’s Kindles always stop working in the middle of a football game I am watching? I’m sure we all have our own struggles with new technology, but when the dust settles, I am grateful for the convenience of 21st century living. But just as culture has evolved, so must our parenting. Consider the phrase, “left to their own devices.” The meaning of this statement describes a situation where a person has no supervision and is in control of their own schemes. This is a helpful warning that can be applied to our parenting. How much time do we leave our children with their own devices? How much control do we relinquish and give to still maturing children as we look for a convenient way to keep the kids entertained? Some studies indicate that children average as many as seven hours of screen time a day on their devices. As parents, we are charged to “train a child up in the way that he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). When we are unavailable to actively train our children, we should carefully select partners who will train them consistent with our desires. This is the foundation of the relationship between the home and school at Crosshill. What kind of training are the devices in our children’s hands providing them? While I will eagerly research online the best way to keep my smartphone from dialing 9-1-1 accidentally (help please), of even greater importance is fully researching the training my child is receiving from their devices. If that training does not agree with the discipleship training God’s word expects of my parenting, then I should step in and provide the appropriate boundaries. Pluggedin.com is an excellent website sponsored by Focus on the Family to give parents a headstart in parenting children of this generation. Now if only there was a website that would program my garage door opener! – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
I am love, love, loving this month’s character trait “initiative”! I spotted it in our students on the first day, where several immediately befriended new students during class, at recess, as well as in the lunchroom without being prompted. I observed this character trait on our new soccer field where high school sophomores, juniors and seniors were enthusiastically leading the freshman, quickly assimilating them into the team. These are a few examples that may seem on the smallish type level, yet to those on the the receiving end of the loving-kindness, it was huge! 1 John 3:18 says “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Initiative is a valuable tool to help us love and serve others. It’s not too difficult to recognize what needs to be done, yet a lot of times the action piece is where we run into trouble. It often takes courage to leave our comfort zones and set aside any “fear of man” or issues of inconvenience to step up as part of the solution. When God reveals a need initiative drives us, but only by the power of the Holy Spirit will we know with confidence the right action to take. That action may simply be a small kindness, a call to prayer, or committing to being part of a long term, life-changing solution. In the process of meeting needs, initiative isn’t about speed or jumping in, it’s about obediently taking action according to God’s timing, and His perfect will. We at Crosshill are richly blessed to be sharing life with an incredible number of families who exemplify godly initiative. Several are families who recognized the need for the redeeming love of Jesus in other countries, and faithfully served in Missions. Others have taken the initiative to meet the needs of the homeless, or open their godly homes to foster kids in our city. They infuse our community with amazing testimonies of the possibilities waiting for us when we take the initiative to be a part of what God is doing all over the world, and where we live. God is providing our children with opportunities to stretch and grow in initiative right where they are in their spiritual walk. With enough guidance and encouragement, they will become disciples who confidently and consistently do what is right, faithfully serve one another, and proclaim the gospel without hesitation. May our eyes be continually open to loving and serving others. – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
The sun is back and the lake has been calling to me, reminding me that even Jesus and His disciples took a break from their work, hopped in a boat and “went to a quiet place to get some rest” (Mark 6:31). For me, that quiet place of rest means packing up my tent, my french press coffee maker, and going camping! Early morning hiking adventures, hot afternoons on the lake, and cool evenings by the campfire with family and friends round out a perfect day. No cell phone, computer, or television allowed on the packing list; they only distract from the abundant show of God’s glorious creation. Camping is my happy place, and whenever I go I make every effort to head off to an area of solitude. Once I find my perfect spot, which is usually next to a creek or sometimes high on a ridge, I become immediately captivated by the wonders before me. I spend hours basking in the creation that surrounds me and enjoying the presence of its majestic creator. Without the usual time constraints and distractions, these quiet times have been profoundly refreshing experiences of prayer, praise and hearing from God. My only concern is having to be mindful of other campers in the area, due to my habit of talking out loud to God (and myself). God knew that we would be a people who overcommit, over work ourselves, and over do it in many areas of our lives; therefore, He wisely commands us to rest. It’s not a suggestion, it’s paramount to our spiritual and physical health. The concept of rest is so important to Him that He also sets the example “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” Genesis 2:1-3. Perhaps your “happy place” of finding rest and being refreshed in the Lord doesn’t include camping. If not, find wherever that place is, and leave the everyday distractions, stress, and routines of life to set your heart at rest in God’s presence (1 John 3:19). Seek the “times of refreshing” that are only found in the presence of the Lord, and take hold of His promise “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). Have a blessed summer, and maybe I’ll see you at the lake! – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
Life is full of habits. Some habits are formed deliberately, and other habits might develop more subconsciously. For example, there is very little thinking going on when I slap a painful mosquito that is enjoying a meal on my leg. There is also very little thinking going on when my daughter’s hand instantaneously flies toward my head when I choose to tickle her. Some habits become so ingrained in our being that we often can complete them without being conscious of it (driving for example) and there are habits that have developed over time for various reasons that we want to successfully eliminate. I enjoy the lesson God taught Balaam in Numbers 22. God was not pleased with Balaam’s desire to curse Israel at the request of the Moabite King Balak, and thus sent an angel to stop Balaam on his journey. Fortunately for Balaam, God had revealed his plan to Balaam’s donkey so that the opposing angel was visible to the donkey. And as any good donkey would do, he changed Balaam’s course three different times to prevent the demise of his master. After being beaten and ridiculed by an angry Balaam, the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth. The donkey questioned Balaam, “Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?” The donkey was appealing to the evidence of his past character to defend his actions. For a brief moment, God revealed through an animal the nature of how character works. Character is not something a person (or occasionally an animal) can possess simply be making a decision. Character is not something that a person can will themselves to consistently demonstrate. Character is a result of habits formed over time. These habits are the result of many small willful decisions about how a person wants to spend their time, and what kind of goals they want to achieve. Crosshill Christian School students will have 87 days of summer, or as many call it, 87 days of FREEDOM! Over this season of time, students will solidify current habits and create new ones. Even actions of apathy are habit-forming decisions. For many students, summertime provides opportunities for more personal decisions not necessarily dictated by someone in authority over them. The decisions they choose to make on their own have a significant impact on who they will become and the habits that will mold their character. Students were challenged this week in chapel to make a personal decision to spend time with God each of those 87 days of summer. As parents and teachers it is important to provide instruction and to guide children as they grow into young adults. Yet students who make decisions to spend time with God not because they were asked or required to, but have chosen to because they value it, develop an authentic relationship with God that is lasting. There are five different reading plans available on the school website that have been shared with the student body. Continue to pray for your children each day that they would combine the instruction and correction they receive from parents, teachers, and pastors, and make independent daily decisions this summer to deepen their relationship with God. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
This past weekend my daughter and I ran a 5k in the Keizer Iris Festival before joining other families on our Crosshill float in the Iris Festival Parade. The event creates a lot of fun memories for my daughter and I. Before the race we got to pick up our neon green race shirts and our customized running bibs with our names printed on them. We saw some old friends and made some new ones as the excitement of race day brings people together around a common purpose for all ages. The real fun is to be had on the actual race course. We felt like we were on parade as we showcased our talent among the masses jockeying for their seats for the parade to follow. With the music playing loud and random people cheering you on, it’s a wonder why more people don’t run road races... and then it hits you. You finish your first mile and realize you have over two to go and the real work is about to set in. As the dedicated running buddy for my daughter, I try to encourage her and coach her to both have fun and give her best. As we were struggling up the last rise before the long home stretch, my daughter’s will began to fade. In her mind we should have been at the finish line minutes ago, and we were simply going to be running forever. With her head down, she asked permission to walk a few steps. As we topped the final rise and she gathered her breath, I told her to lift her head and take a look. Though far off, the finish line was in clear view. Immediately her face brightened, and her body leaped back into 4th gear as she wondered why she had been walking. Over the next half-mile she had an eager, deliberate, and heightened intensity to meet her goal. At certain seasons of my life, including the end of the school year, I often reflect on Hebrews 12:1-3: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” As parents we have a finish line in mind for our children. The journey that gets us there is often filled with sounds of music and cheering. But there are untold moments when the climb feels steep and even hopeless. In those moments, these verses remind me of three things: • There are others who have persevered through similar trials and are an encouragement to me. • Who I am in Jesus is based less on what I do and more on how I respond to what He has already done. • The race is long. But the finish line can be seen. My job is to simply keep running my race and leave the results to God. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
This past Saturday morning, I knew I needed to confirm a ride up to the big city of Boring, Oregon. I was going to pick up a new Activity Bus for our school (thanks to many CCS donors!). And just like any other rational adult in this situation, I asked myself, “Is there a teenage driver with limited experience and suspect judgment available to chauffeur me on high-speed freeways and curvy rural highways?” The Lord provided an answer, as a senior boy was going to be heading up to the Portland area that very same morning to cheer on his friends at the CASCO District Track & Field Championship. As I waited on campus to be picked up by this senior student, just like any other rational adult in this situation, I secretly wished, “I hope I get picked up in an obnoxious red sporty foreign compact with over 150,000 miles and a muffler that can be heard for 10 blocks.” And you know what, the Lord provided me with my wish! What a delight! And beyond my wishes, it was a manual transmission, so I was blessed with the constant “smooth” shifting between gears. As we sped down the freeway, just like any other rational adult in this situation, I said to myself, “Now this is fun, but let’s double it.” And as predicted, the Lord provided as we took a detour from my destination to pick up a CCS alum to join the fun. Every principal’s dream: driven around by a bunch of teenagers! At Crosshill, there are many desired student outcomes that drive the school’s schedule and curriculum within the context of its mission. Some student outcomes focus on academic growth, others on social development, and still others on emotional and spiritual development. To a degree, the success of the programs of CCS and its mission are measured by how these student outcomes are eventually demonstrated in our graduates. While 'checking your mirrors regularly while driving' are not one of the school’s student outcomes (perhaps it should be), I perceived success in many of the school’s student outcomes during our commute. Here was an alum who had earned a full tuition scholarship to a prestigious Christian university, continuing to grow in his walk with the Lord. He continues to be on a path that asks God, “What did you put me on this planet to accomplish?” And another student, with a clear plan for debt-free college and a plan to continue education at a Bible college. And throughout the drive, they were having articulate and respectful conversation with a school principal about their lives, my life, and everything in between. What outcomes do you want the lives of your children to demonstrate? To see how they’re doing, how about a drive and some good conversation? But maybe you should do the driving. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent |
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