by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
I am rarely more excited than when God allows me greater insight into His word! I live for those moments when scripture comes alive, speaks to my circumstances, and reveals God’s character in a new way. Recently, I prayed and asked how He wanted me to teach May’s character trait of virtue (good moral habits), and was directed to Colossians 3:12-17 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” My next prayer was “perhaps there is an easier, preschooler-friendly metaphor to teach?” The answer was a clear “No”, this was the verse I was given. Experience has taught me that when God clearly illuminates a scripture, He has something amazing ahead, so I dug into the passage. Quickly, I realized the virtues listed are character traits we’ve already covered over the last few years. My excitement grew, I love being able to encourage our students with proof of what they have learned and how they have grown in Christ! Now it was time to tackle the metaphor “clothe yourselves…”. My thoughts turned to the process of teaching my children how to literally clothe themselves. We struggled through zippers, were diligent until they could successfully button, and persevered until we conquered shoe tying (although there was a respite season of shoes with velcro straps). Looking back, the skills that seemed difficult and lengthy to master at the time are now performed automatically and without need for thought. The key was prioritizing what skills they needed to learn, teaching them how to do it the right way, and providing opportunities for practice. The same is true for training our children to clothe themselves with any of the virtues. If we teach what God’s word says about love, model it, and practice it in every situation, it will become like second nature. When we work (and sometimes persevere) through the process of forgiveness each and every time there is an opportunity, we will all learn to quickly forgive. Compassion, thankfulness, and humility will all become automatic responses in our daily walk when we make them a priority to practice consistently. God will do His part to excite, equip and encourage us as we do our part to grow and lead our children in living according to His word. – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
I have fond memories of the summer of 1999 as my soon-to-be bride Chauntel and I made preparations for our wedding. It was my first and only wedding and so I was learning on the fly. As the preparations continued, I noticed that much of the wedding seemed to be geared slightly more toward the bride. As this trend continued, I put my foot down when it came to our wedding unity candle. I insisted that it read “Adam & Chauntel” rather than “Chauntel & Adam”. After this embarrassing conflict, a few wise voices came to my rescue. They opened my eyes to the reality that the wedding is mostly for and about the bride. After some reflection, I gladly and quickly agreed. The remaining wedding preparations were rightfully and joyfully focused on Chauntel the rest of the summer. The apostle Paul, who ironically never married, had a similar epiphany that he details in I Corinthians Chapter 9. It seems some members in the church did not think Paul should receive any gifts from the church, but thought he should rather pay his own way. Paul cleverly and eloquently outlined with logic and examples how the worker is worthy of his wages. Despite this obvious and sound argument, Paul went on to declare that he would indeed pay his own way. He rightly understood his rights in collecting gifts from the church for his services, but he believed that if he collected or insisted on payment, disagreement on this point might create an obstacle for sharing the gospel. In fact, Paul declared he would rather die than not be able to boast that he had laid down his rights to preach the gospel free of charge! We live in a culture in which personal rights are often held in highest regard. Connected to this thinking is the idea that ultimate and complete freedom of choice is the greatest of these rights. The paradox is that the pursuit of ultimate freedom often results in greater slavery. Consider a fish flourishing in the boundary of its liquid habitat. If it decides that it has the right and freedom to pursue a new life on the dock, its flight through the boundary of the water through the air onto the dock rewards it with an uncomfortable and likely death. Jesus himself was the greatest example of laying down one’s rights. By choosing to stay within the boundary of humankind and His destiny on the cross, He purchased eternal life for each one of us. As Christian believers, we are no longer slaves to sin but are free indeed. This freedom came at a cost for Jesus, but is free to us. To best exercise this freedom and enjoy all of its benefits, one must understand the boundaries which allow it to flourish. When I entered into marriage with my wife 17 years ago, we agreed to certain boundaries so that our marriage would succeed and grow. I pray for the same commitment and understanding in all areas of my own children’s lives. Our children are learning about boundaries as we model them in many significant areas of our lives. And just as I needed wise counsel to understand the true focus of a wedding, may our children understand the true purpose of boundaries in their lives and the true freedom they produce. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
One of my favorite responsibilities each spring is to meet with new prospective families interested in joining the Crosshill community. One of the questions I always ask is, “How did you hear about Crosshill?” Most of the time their response includes a list of current CCS families that they know and have expressed their deep satisfaction with their child’s school. As the names of current families are introduced into our conversation, my face can’t help but brighten with a wide smile considering the amazing families who are a part of the CCS community. It is a pleasure that parents promote the school with positive comments. It is a double pleasure to be a member of such a community. There are dozens of different churches that CCS families attend. Each of these churches are communities in themselves completing the body of Christ to varying degrees. While Crosshill Christian School is not a church per se, the school is intentional to practice church community daily. There is something special as families various existing church communities merge into another community. A school community of like-minded believers committing to Christian schooling. What a privilege to participate in a community with other parents at similar stages of life with similar goals and values for their families. At a recent school board meeting, school leaders walked through an exercise reviewing the core values God has provided to guide the school. Among many strong values, the value of community was a clear distinctive and essential characteristic of our school that kept coming up. The writer of Hebrews also valued community. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 Some parents participation in the Crosshill school community has spanned close to two decades. Other parents are relatively new with others covering everything in between. Regardless of your history in this community, thank you for not only investing in Christian schooling, but also investing in the lives of other families. May I encourage you to “consider how you may spur one another on” and to “not give up meeting” with others. Whether it be a track meet, a birthday party, a field trip, or a dinner with others, continue in the ways of “encouraging one another”. Not only in the Crosshill community, but in each community God calls you to. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
In secondary chapel last week, the senior class reported on their mission trip. During the trip, they served the local community, partnered with churches, and even built a house for a family in need. The experience was transformational for both the giver and the receiver. A visitor in chapel might have concluded that the investment in that experience was about a week (the length of the trip). But upon closer inspection, they would discover that hundreds of hours had collectively been invested throughout the year leading up to the trip. Weekly prayer and training among students and families helped prepare them for their experience. Secondary students also recently experienced a three-day Fine Arts Conference called Amplify. During the event, students performed in dozens of categories in front of high quality judges giving helpful feedback. New friendships were made between students, and heart change was experienced by many students during the worship services. While the event was only three days in length, there was a tremendous amount of time and energy invested by students, parents, and faculty in preparing students for their experience. At that same chapel last week, many students spontaneously testified to the transformation going on inside of them as they invited God to continue to be in control of their lives. Once again, what appeared to be single mountaintop experiences were really the result of many smaller but deliberate investments. For teachers and parents alike there are seasons of planting and seasons of harvest. As we sow into our children and our students, the fruit of the harvest is not in our control. The Bible teaches that God is the Lord of the harvest. He doesn’t necessarily need more harvesters; he needs workers. Too often in the midst of the good work, we can become discouraged when the fruit is not readily made apparent. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” Galatians 6:9. The teachers at Crosshill have the privilege and responsibility of spending thousands of hours with your children. Our mission of discipleship is sure, and our instructions are clear. The parents of CCS students spend tens of thousands of hours with their children. You have chosen to partner with the school to fulfill your parenting mission. Be encouraged. The sacrifice is worth it. Though the investment feels all-consuming at times, the Lord of the harvest always provides at the proper time. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
Last week 65 CCS students attended a 3-day Fine Arts Conference in Albany with hundreds of other middle and high school students. Students honored God through singing, drama, instruments, writing, art, etc. With over 80 categories for students to participate in, the event is often characterized with a hectic pace of moving from one venue to another to support fellow classmates. Many students can be nervous and self-conscience and the encouragement from their fellow students provides comfort and confidence. As the event gains momentum, so does that volume of their friends, as shouts of encouragement expand as the unity of the group grows. But perhaps the most remarkable result of the experience extends beyond the CCS community. Much of school life surrounds school spirit and competition between schools, often bringing out the best in students as they focus on something larger than themselves. What is even more amazing is when students realize there is something greater than their school! There is the Kingdom of God. At times during the conference, there might be an unknown performer who was having a rough time on stage, or was not well-represented in the crowd. Time and time again CCS students would rise to the occasion to provide encouragement to them. This selfless act of love would provide confidence and joy, helping the performer to breathe easy and perhaps see themselves as God does: a priceless child of God. This month the school is focusing on the character trait of sincerity. A person who is sincere is eager to do good with transparent motives. When we moved into our neighborhood, one of our neighbors introduced himself and eagerly offered any of the tools in his garage. He was being more than just neighborly, he was being sincere, as I have utilized (and broken) many of his tools through the years. Unlike my children when we are driving down Commercial and they see a Dutch Bros up ahead. Suddenly, the compliments come flying my direction, followed by a subtle suggestion about quenching their thirst. While just a fun illustration, this is still a common form of insincerity focused on self. Connected to insincerity is gossip. This is also a focus this spring at CCS as we discover God’s view on speaking about others behind their back. The most insincere being is Satan, who is a constant accuser. In contrast, Jesus is a constant advocate. As we are created in His image and redeemed into His likeness, we are called to be advocates for each other, not accusers. May we join together with this teaching this month. 1 Timothy 1:5 states “...the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” Sincerity and purity and goodness must first start in the little things before it can be consistently manifested in the areas that truly matter. Much like the recent Fine Arts Conference, much of our lives are dress rehearsals for future sovereign appointments where God desires to use us. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
I often joke that I would love to simply bottle up the Crosshill experience and spray it on people as they walk in, so they could fully understand what is so unique and special about being a part of our school. Admittedly, I am wonderfully biased, yet am far from alone in my feelings. Over the years my path has crossed with former families, and in each instance they reminisced about that 'something special' they experienced at Crosshill, and hadn’t experienced since. I received a text recently from a Mom who just wanted to convey how much she appreciates our Crosshill family, sharing “I’m beyond thankful for Crosshill” and how her children’s experience is “a big part of molding who they are!” I have been studying Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians, and like a bright ray of spring sunshine, illuminated afresh in His word is a passage that I believe exemplifies the mission and heart of the Crosshill experience! “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” (1 Thess. 2:8 NIV). There is a delightful sincerity and godly love thriving among staff and families, because we too, are “sharing not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well!” As it so happens, Sincerity is the character trait for the month of April, and I cannot think of a more fitting example to share with our children than the community God has created at Crosshill. Defined as “Eagerly doing what is right with transparent motives”, sincerity most definitely defines our joint commitment to love and be led by the Lord and the word of God as, together, we raise the next generation of world changers. On a daily basis we experience the power and blessing of godly people who pray for and with each other. In times of crisis faced by families or staff, our community rallies to encourage one another, strengthening our bond of faith, hope, and love. The Crosshill experience goes beyond molding our children into disciples of Jesus; it sincerely and lovingly extends to impact our families, community, and world - just as God intended! May God continue to bless and grow our community, – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent This past weekend I went for a run and pulled out of the back of my closet one of my favorite windbreakers. It has a large “W” on it in the shape of an eagle’s wings. It represents the founding name of our school, Willamette Christian School. Throughout my energetic run (jog), I thought about all of the families who have been a part of our school during the past 24 years. A walk around our two campuses will reveal playgrounds, buildings, fields, furniture, and other tangible assets that families through the years have invested into the lives of their children and community. Behind each of these resources is a spirit of continued commitment to the mission of the school. This same spirit of commitment can be found written on the hearts and expressed on the faces of our current families. This mission continues to be embraced by a growing number of families as consistent double-digit enrollment growth is providing exciting new opportunities. I invite you to attend the Celebrate Crosshill event on Friday, April 15th. This event celebrates those families who have gone before us and laid a spiritual foundation, and a literal foundation for many of the benefits we experience each day. It also celebrates our current families as they build on these foundations for their own children and the next generation (of grandchildren😊). Drop by a school office soon to purchase your tickets by April 4th. Time is running out! Just as God has often called His people to “celebrate a festival to the Lord”, come join us as we celebrate what God has done and is doing in the lives or our families. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
In all-school chapel this month, a student from the senior class said something out loud that personally offended me. I thought that it needed my immediate attention. I brought the student up on stage in front of the student body. I asked him to write down on a piece of paper what he said and the sin it reflected. I then proceeded to take the piece of paper and fold it up and put it in my pocket. I explained to the senior, and the student body, that I was going to keep track of this piece of paper throughout the rest of the year. Any time that I felt like it, I was going to take out this piece of paper and remind the student of how they had wronged me. I might even keep track of the student’s future actions and add them to the list. In this way I could have control over this student by holding his past sins against him. Of course the student body did not think this was a good plan. I just happened to have a paper shredder on stage. I asked the student body if a better idea might be to shred the piece of paper which represented the student’s offense against me. They agreed that was the proper choice and cheered enthusiastically when the paper was shredded. To forgive someone means to release him or her from liability to suffer punishment or penalty. This staged chapel situation illustrated how easy it can be to keep a record of wrongs rather than to forgive. The student body was relieved after I let them know that I had planned that illustration with the senior student prior to chapel, and his comment was only acting. As the school focuses on the character trait of forgiveness this month, there are many key components of forgiveness to apply. True forgiveness requires the person to no longer dwell on the past incident. This can be a difficult requirement. Students can practice the replacement principle. Rather than dwelling on a past incident with brooding thoughts of bitterness, they can replace those thoughts with prayers aligned with God’s love. Soon, thoughts of enmity develop into thoughts of sympathy. As illustrated in chapel, true forgiveness demands not holding past sins against others by not bringing them up to the person or to others. This principle does not remove the application of wisdom in relationships that require caution, but it does require an eagerness to move on. Finally, students should allow the process of forgiveness to bring glory to God through their actions and a heart that is soft before God. Typically, healthy forgiveness can restore a relationship to an even stronger foundation than previously. Throughout this month when students are tempted to hold offenses against one another, students and teachers alike are encouraged to not put those hard feelings in their pocket to pull out later. Rather, empty your pockets and shred those unhealthy thoughts of un-forgiveness. These principles are not only for children, but can bring tremendous health to all relationships. For more Godly principles on restoration in relationships, I recommend “The Peacemaker” by Ken Sande. (Amazon $9.07) – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
Along the path of my walk with Jesus, I have found joy in the unfathomable expression of His love and blessing in my life. His continual faithfulness has led me into a trusting relationship where I am able to proclaim “Your perfect will be done!”, and when my immature attitude was more akin to “Fine! Have it your way!” His grace ministered to me. Jesus and I have had a lot of fun, and we’ve faced a lot of fears. He has answered my “part the waters” prayers, and my silliest “why not” prayers. He knows when I need to be refreshed, and the right time to take me through the thorny patches into further spiritual growth. During an amazing season of growth along my path I was stopped dead in my tracks by a boulder of un-forgiveness blocking the way. I knew this boulder well; had kicked it around when it was a mere pebble, and over the years, carried it with me on occasion (not ever realizing how heavy it was becoming). It had a specific person’s name written on it, along with the offenses of said person. I tried to go around it, over it, and if I could have somehow tunneled underneath it I would have given it a go. God placed it securely there, and I knew it wasn’t moving until I dealt with it. God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit were determined, and guided me through Ephesians 4:31 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” into Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” I had been living by the world’s definition of forgiveness with its rules, strings attached, and hoops to jump through. The correcting words of scripture caused my heart to awaken to the fact that godly forgiveness begins and ends with love. Love is always the goal, not validation, justice, or punishment. This month’s character trait of forgiveness is a vital practice of discipleship, one by which our relationship with God depends on, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15. Godly forgiveness is quick to forgive an offense (Col. 3:13), delights in showing mercy, casting iniquities into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-19), does not repay evil for evil (Rom. 12:17), prays for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:28), and requires us to confess our own sins (John 1:9). The act of giving and seeking forgiveness is perhaps one of the most difficult assignments on our walk with Jesus, yet if we endeavor to begin and end with love, we will see its fruit, experience its healing, and live in the freedom forgiveness produces. May we be blessed peacemakers, forgiving as we have been forgiven. – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
Bunched together in the back of the classroom were nine young men, 14 and 15 year-olds, with a degree of nervousness written on their faces. Staring back at them was a 32 year-old school principal with a half-dozen emotions written on his face. Anxious parents had already taken their pictures and left this group behind to begin their adventure. It was the first day of school for the first class of Crosshill Christian High School. There was one primary purpose when those pioneering families and visionary school leaders determined to extend our school’s offerings beyond 8th grade seven years ago. They wanted a high school that would continue to provide discipleship support to their children as they transitioned into young adulthood. Throughout the next four years the foundation for the high school was laid, with dozens of “firsts” experienced by those pioneering families. As the high school shifts from pioneering something new to establishing and building something that lasts, the school is receiving growing recognition. The boys basketball team is at the OSAA State Championship Tournament for the third straight year, along with half the student body. Volleyball teams, Cross-Country teams,Track teams, and Band have also received ongoing state accolades. The Fine Arts program continues to be recognized nationally. Schools and families around the state have become familiar with hearing about Crosshill and the growth and accomplishments of its student body. The high school’s success reminds me of so many other areas of life. Oftentimes what gets noticed by others is not necessarily the most important thing. Certainly, high school activities and accomplishments are a significant component to both the mission and culture of the school. Through the leadership of coaches and leaders, the students’ character is developed, oftentimes in ways not readily available in the classroom. And students are guided toward personal growth and excellence in these activities. Still, championships were never the main thing. Making disciples of Christ was and still is the main thing. Each time the high school experiences success, the look on parents’ faces says it all. It is not the look of relief or even arrogant triumph, but rather joy and pleasure, like a child whose parent gives them an extra cookie. God has been so good to us with his love, and has constantly guided the life of this school. On top of everything else, when our children shine like the stars, it feels like a special gift just for us. One member of our state basketball team started at CCS in preschool, and another athlete on the team used to walk the hallways of the Keizer Campus. They will remember this experience for the rest of their lives. But more importantly, I believe they will not only remember but put into practice the lessons learned through hundreds of hours of rubbing shoulders with the staff and families of the CCS community... as disciples of Jesus Christ. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent |
Adam Kronberger
|