by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
Crosshill Christian School families were reminded of the cost of Christian Education this month as we enrolled our children for the 2016-2017 school year and paying our registration fees. It is not lost on me the tremendous sacrifice it can be to send our children to an institution of Christian Education year after year. The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) of which CCS is a member, participated in a large survey of private schools in 2010/2011. Below are the some of the highlights that pertain to Christian and/or ACSI schools. I am personally encouraged as my family has experienced many of these widespread impacts of Christian Education. I pray these reminders are an encouragement to you as well. Spiritual Benefits of a Christian Education
Academic Benefits of a Christian Education
Cultural Benefits of a Christian Education
– Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
This month has been a busy season. Come to think of it, last month was a busy season, and next month will be a busy season. Recently, I have been considering what to subtract from my life so that everything can fit. A couple of weeks ago I referenced a parable taught by Jesus recorded in both Matthew 12 and Luke 11. It highlights the importance of not only removing “unclean spirits” from your life, but quickly replacing those unhealthy habits with healthy pursuits. As the school focuses on the character trait of orderliness this month, I think that sometimes we may apply this principle in the incorrect order. I am reminded of the apostle Paul’s exhortation that “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). An attempt to apply this lifestyle before “cleaning house” often only leads to frustration and lukewarm results. Consider the inverse of this principle, “whatever is untrue, whatever is dishonorable, whatever is unjust, whatever is impure, whatever is unlovely, whatever is wrong, if there is any shoddiness, if there is anything worthy of shame, do not think about these things.” In order to have the mind of Christ, we have to first make room by removing everything that is not of Christ. This is not about legalism, it is about the heart. For example, I love my wife. In order to spend time with her, I must first make decisions to my schedule that provides devoted time with her. I want to pursue her above all things. In order to do that, I must be careful to remove or decrease pursuits that distract me from that goal. I order my life this way not because of some legalistic adherence to a marriage book, but out of a heart-felt desire to love my wife. Either my wife is number one in my life or she isn’t. I can’t have more than one number one. Jesus consistently taught that “no one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6 and Luke 16). Before God can become our only master, other untrue and impure habits that may be mastering our lives must be removed. Then there exists an open space in our hearts for God to assume his rightful place as a result of a heartfelt invitation. Giving attention to the “don’ts” is simply a means to the ultimate end goal of “doing” a life completely partnered with God. Lt. General William K. Harrison received every decoration for valor except the Congressional Medal of Honor – being honored with the Distinguished Silver Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. General Harrison was a soldier’s soldier who led a busy, ultra-kinetic life, but he was also an amazing man of the Word. When he was a twenty-year-old West Point Cadet, he began reading the Old Testament through once a year and the New Testament four times. General Harrison did this until the end of his life. If the seasons of your life seem too busy to add in time with God, consider there are others with busier lives who have made it work through the beauty of “addition by subtraction". – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
The concept and call of discipleship has been weighing heavily on my heart. There is no greater assignment in our lives than to be and make disciples of Jesus. I will be held accountable for my own discipleship, and that of my children, which include the students who walk through the doors of CCS. Needless to say, I take it very seriously. That said, the road of discipleship has been rough lately, and I’ve had quite a few on my knees, pour it out, wisdom-seeking meetings with the LORD. I felt a bit discouraged and I wanted to know: if discipleship is one of the most important pieces in life, why then, is it also the most heartbreaking, frustrating, difficult, yet easiest piece to completely mess up? Why, instead of overflowing with blessing and ease, is it so often a long and exhausting battle? (Feel free to text me an AMEN!) I answered my own question when I got around to focusing on the positive aspects of discipleship. There is amazing redemption, healing, freedom, hope, blessing, and joy intentionally planned throughout the journey. When we submit everything to Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit lead, God’s perfect will is revealed and accomplished. Some of those long, exhausting battles were fierce, but after much prayer and perseverance, the conflict created lasting and sustained change. I have witnessed true miracles born out of heartbreaking trials; lives completely transformed and joyfully committed to serving Jesus! Strength of character is always the goal, and humility is essential to the process. The best part is that Jesus himself is right beside us, providing all we need to equip us, as well as the encouragement, peace, and rest we need to persevere. James tells us that when our loyalty is divided between God and the world, we are unstable in everything we do (James 1:5). If we are striving for our own success, or ambitions, we will be unable to lead an obedient, faithful lifestyle. James goes on to share that we will also deceive ourselves if we merely listen to the word and do not do what it says. It is only through authentic discipleship that we can live loving, fulfilling, and fruitful lives. As we diligently work towards that goal, our ability to guide our children in their journey of discipleship will be incredible! The greatest experiences of our lives await us as we choose, every day, to sit at the feet of Jesus. "May we all be true disciples, bearing much fruit, and bringing great glory to our heavenly Father" (John 15:8) – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
About three years ago I had one of the most exhilarating and frightening months of my life. We had just purchased our new home, and one of the school families graciously brought over an excavator for my use. Our new home had no landscaping in the back yard, and it also had quite a steep grade (we joke we live on a cliff). I was thrilled when my “new toy” arrived, as my summer landscaping plans hinged on the execution of this delivery. Oh, did I mention, that I had never driven one before! After what seemed a quick two-minute tutorial, my busy benefactor was on his way, leaving me to fend for myself. Inside the cab, I felt like I had the most complicated video game control at my hands, but the TV screen was replaced with reality. My wife’s prayer life grew exponentially that month. But was it fun! And I only swung the excavator boom into my house once. And the sewer pipe I destroyed needed replacing anyway. But boy did I dig some holes and move some dirt. One main objective of the summer project was to build about 180 feet of retaining walls a total of ten feet high. I learned an important lesson that summer-gravity. Every hole or trench I dug for a special purpose would fall back on itself if I didn’t act fast enough. My intention was to remove loose soil and replace it with hard rock. Sometimes the latter state of my efforts would be worse than before I began. When Jesus arrived on the scene in Galilee he found a similar situation with the Pharisees. Many of them had worked hard to remove the loose soil of ungodliness from their lives that the neighboring nations demonstrated. But instead of replacing idolatry with faith and love, the Pharisees allowed pride and selfishness to rule. In his parable directed to the Pharisees, Jesus told of an unsaved soul who harbored an unclean spirit. When the unclean spirit left him, the man did not replace the void with the solid foundation which faith provides. The unclean Spirit returned with seven other unclean spirits and found that his old “home” was still available. The latter state of the man was worse than the first. During the month of February, the school will be focusing on the character trait of orderliness. The ultimate purpose of having an orderly life is to plan a life that seeks to follow God’s plan. While we often find the need to have control over our lives, orderliness is less about control, and more about a plan. God is in control. He doesn’t need another “backseat driver.” He also doesn’t need pretend disciples, but the real thing. As students (and parents) consider how God wants us to reorder our lives this month, make sure part of your plan of subtraction includes the addition of the solid Rock of Jesus Christ. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
I have to confess, I am a morning person. Sometimes I can’t wait to go to bed just so I can get to my morning time quicker. I love getting up while it is still dark and usher in the new day. My mind is at its sharpest before the clutter of the day and fatigue of decision-making takes over. My morning routine includes a hot homemade latte, a warm fireplace, my favorite chair, and a basket with my Bible, favorite devotionals, and journals. To top it all off, I can look up across the room at any time and gaze at my beautiful bride doing the same thing (she kindly gives me the seat next to the fireplace). Perhaps my favorite and most productive time of my entire morning is when I wrestle with God in my journal. Writing out my thoughts and prayers requires me to slow down and really process what I am thinking and feeling. It also provides God space to speak into my heart and mind. A few mornings ago I was declaring on paper my desire to give up complete control of all areas of my life to God. But even as I was writing it down, I knew I didn’t mean it completely. So I said as much. “God, I want you in control of my life. You are much better at it than me. But I sure love being in control and it is difficult to give that up.” Why do we always want to be in charge? Is it because we can make sure we get what we want? Is it because we are too proud and want to prove we can do things on our own? This human struggle is not new. In an often quoted passage in Joshua 24, Joshua asks the Israelites to “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” Joshua then declared that “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Jesus himself also taught that nobody can serve two masters; you will hate the one and love the other. As I wrestled with God that morning about who should be in control, God in his infinite wisdom spoke a truth to me that changed everything. He said, “Adam, you can have control of giving control over to me.” Seriously? So simple, yet so profound. That struck me like a lightening bolt. It connected with me on all levels. God has given me a free-will to choose on my own. I have the power, so to speak. And I choose Him! I choose Him to be in control. To some that might sound like surrender, which it certainly is. To me, it sounds like an adventure, as I battle daily to give complete control to God. In fact, there has been so much peace since that conversation with God. As long as God allows me to choose which flavor of latte I have in the morning. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
Recently, my son and I were preparing to spend our Saturday morning participating in Upwards basketball. I had reviewed our game time, the location of the contest, and even factored in additional time just to be safe. On the way to our destination we made a planned stop at an unfamiliar supermarket to purchase snacks for the team. I had been expecting a self-checkout line, but was forced to use the only option of a live checker. And that’s when my education began, right there in the checkout line. I could feel my blood pressure rise as my precisely timed itinerary was being hijacked by an unanticipated wait at the supermarket. In line ahead of me were two senior citizens both in motorized shopping carts loaded to the full. I only had two items. If only I had arrived ahead of them, or better yet, could self-checkout, I would be done in no time. The customer next to me also had two items, and my eye-rolling and audible sighing helped encourage them to be disgruntled as well. Another customer joined our line, also with only two items. Now this was a bonanza! All three of us could now share in my personal misery. My attitude in the moment had me at the center of the universe, or at least this particular supermarket. As the two elderly customers fumbled through multiple failed attempts at payment, I was worried we were trapped indefinitely. The customer who recently arrived walked right past the line straight up to the checker. Finally, somebody was going to give them a piece of their mind! And then it happened. My hard heart broke, and then softened, as I watched this kind soul pay for the stranded couple’s grocery’s for the amount of $138, just like that. I did not miss the opportunity to highlight this tremendous generosity to my son, who was certainly impressed. He agreed that saving your money allows you to help those in need when the opportunity presents itself. He had been listening to the teaching this month on the character trait of generosity, and had just seen it in action in a big way. My lesson came from Jesus as I reflected the rest of the day on my attitude in that moment. I want to be a follower of Christ, but sometimes my human flesh gets in the way. I don't’ think God was waiting for me to pick up the $138 check. The world’s needs are not on my shoulders alone. He had a plan and it was fun to watch. But I do know that my attitude was certainly selfish. He reminded me of my desire to live out the greatest two commandments. I want to love God and love others daily with my thoughts, words, and actions. Generosity is about giving to those in need. Sometimes I wish generosity was something I could simply check off once a month. I am thankful for Jesus caring enough to not only bless that needy couple, but bless this needy man with an important lesson. May the lessons continue in the classroom and in our homes. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
It doesn’t take long listening to Dave Ramsey’s radio program or podcasts before you realize his purpose is to share “God’s and grandma’s ways of handling money.” Perhaps you have read his best-selling book “The Total Money Makeover” and understand the concept of “living like no one else so later you can give like no one else.” Maybe you have completed his “Financial Peace University” course and practiced “gazelle intensity” as you plow through his seven baby steps toward financial peace. Or you could be one of Crosshill Christian’s upperclassmen taking his “Foundations of Personal Finance” course for high school credit, becoming aware of the common pitfalls of credit cards and other preventable debt. While there may not be consensus on Dave Ramsey’s people skills and investment strategies, there is no debate about the large number of people his teachings have rescued. Our children are growing up in a consumer-driven, ad-infested, get-what-you-deserve culture. I applaud the invention of the DVR (TiVo) for its unintended benefit of virtually removing all commercials from a household (when the remote is in the hands of an expert user). What other “inventions” need to be inserted into our homes and daily lives? During the month of January, the school will focus on the character trait of generosity. Generosity is carefully managing resources so that a person can freely give to those in need. Students will be challenged to learn how to save not just so they can spend on themselves later, but also so that they can spend on others later. Generosity is not just about preparation, but also about developing initiative to find those moments to give, expecting nothing in return. A book that had a significant impact on my life is titled “Money, Possessions, and Eternity”, authored by Randy Alcorn. Among other things, he outlines how the recent inventions of insurance, retirement portfolios, and government welfare often become convenient substitutes for faith. When all contingencies have been considered and prepared for, the tendency to depend on God decreases, and the tendency to depend on yourself and your stuff increases. How can we combat this imminent growth of personal pride? The answer is to practice generosity. Giving of our time, energy, and resources reminds us that all we have comes from God and belongs to Him. It helps us live a lifestyle of an “open hand” rather than a “clenched fist”. As we stretch ourselves to give beyond the comfortable cultural norms, we also are given the opportunity to trust in God and grow our faith. Where does one start? Begin by having daily conversations with God about how He wants you to use the resources He has given you. Historically, only around 5% of evangelical Christians regularly tithe. The conversation on tithing has already been started in God’s Word and is a wonderful place to start. The heart of generosity is just that...the heart. God and His church are not short on resources. He owns it all. The business of soft hearts sold out to him often suffers. Generosity points the heart of the giver and even the receiver back to the ultimate Giver. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). As we practice and teacher our children to become more like Christ, let us remember that it all starting with generosity. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
The start of each new year begins the usual practice and renewed focus on getting control of our lives, downsizing, organizing, and dropping those extra pounds. Although I would like to drop a few bad habits, this year my plan is one of rebellion against the norm: to gain, go big, get more, and lose control! I want to gain momentum in my spiritual life, and get more quality time with my family and friends. I also want to go big, all in, and learn to truly lose control of my life to the One who is all powerful, all knowing, and ever present. Taking a note from God’s economy, to get more we must give more, and that is achieved by becoming more like HIm in the area of generosity. Generosity is about investment, which God lovingly, creatively, and consistently expresses through His creation, and specifically in our personal relationship with Him. There have been more times than I can count where I have experienced divine proof that He “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). Out of His generous character He has taught me through trials, encouraged me into victories, and lavished His loved on me despite the times I have disappointed Him. Looking to the Bible for God’s example on how to be “all in” and more generous, shining brightly are the believers documented in the book of Acts (2:42-47). These believers were wholeheartedly devoted to the teachings of the Apostles, and made the act of worship and fellowship with other believers a daily priority. When anyone among them was in need, they sold their property or possessions to provide. Their attitude and actions showed they understood completely that everything is God’s and to be used for His purposes, people, and ultimately His glory. The result of such generosity was amazing unity, prosperity, and an incredible number of new believers. The lost couldn’t help but be attracted to the indescribable, unexplainable joy experienced by a people living for God above all else. With the knowledge that biblical examples apply and are relevant to our present time and circumstances, if we resolve to make even a few changes towards becoming more like those in the Acts church, we will witness unbelievable possibilities! Forgiving and loving generously will lead to reconciliation and unity. Giving a greater measure of ourselves and our resources in ministry to others and our relationship with God will create life-altering results. I cannot help but wonder… what will we experience if we truly go all in? May we use whatever gifts we have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms (I Peter 4:10), – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
One of my favorite classes in high school was sophomore English taught by Mr. Hild. During the writing intensive units, we were required to write a five-paragraph creative essay each week. One week the essay topic was, “The Meaning of Christmas.” Well, I fancied myself as one of the top writers in class, and did a bang-up job in my 15-year-old mind of describing all things Christmas. I covered just about anything remotely connected with Christmas, except for its true meaning. After Mr. Hild had graded the essays, he said he wanted to read one out loud in class before handing them back. Though usually humble of course, I was sure that the opening sentence of my essay would be the first words out of his mouth. But as he began, I did not immediately recognize the story. But as he continued, the story had a scent of familiarity. The author had chosen to rewrite the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) in a more culturally relevant context. As the essay reached its conclusion, the author made it very clear that the reason we should love our neighbor is because God loved us first, coming to earth as a baby and then dying on the cross for our sins. I was very proud of my teacher that day for having the courage and taking the initiative to read that particular essay in the classroom of a public high school. I was even more proud of the young lady who penned the words of the essay, as I began to realize I still had much to learn. How many Christmas seasons have passed me by without showing the same courage and initiative to declare the true meaning of Christmas? Sure, I certainly attend church, Christmas programs, and participate in various forms of advent. But what about my unsaved neighbors, or friends and family members desperately in need of true hope? While the Christmas lights on my house hopefully confess our family’s allegiance to our Savior, does the same light shine out of my mouth and deeds for others to see and hear? My neighbors know I regularly go downtown to feed and clothe the homeless, but as I drive by their houses along the way, am I truly fulfilling loving my neighbor? I love the song by Matthew West titled, “Do Something” (go ahead, find it on Youtube). The main idea of the song is that God is constantly bringing love and hope to the world through us. In this charged political season, it can be a full-time job keeping up with the campaigns, and pontificating our personal thoughts about everything that is currently wrong with this great country. Instead, why not make loving our neighbor at least a part-time job? Our children receive tremendous teaching each day at school and church. But perhaps the most impactful lecture they receive comes daily in the form of their observations of us as parents. I am thankful for the sophomore girl and English teacher who reminded me that loving your neighbor starts with courage and initiative. May our children this Christmas season learn this lesson as well, not only through Bible stories but through actions written as family memories. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
During the month of November I was encouraged to share something I was grateful to God for each morning. As my focus remained on gratefulness, I immediately noticed a positive change throughout my day. When a challenging or difficult situation would arise, instead of thinking negatively, I began to ask myself in what way I could be grateful. It wasn’t always easy or automatic, yet as I determined to faithfully seek God’s goodness in every situation (and at times prayed for His help to see it), He was faithful to bless it. When I found myself tempted to melt down over my family’s seemingly impossible schedule, I turned to gratefulness; only then did my perspective become one of blessing over the amazing events, activities, and ministries we are allowed to be a part of. When discouragement sought to block me from finding a resolution to a situation, appreciating that we serve a God who is in every detail and has all of the answers, I quickly reclaimed hope. An attitude of gratefulness is a choice, one which has revealed to me a greater awareness of God’s presence, power, and activity in every area of my life. King David realized and repeatedly confirmed that his complete dependence was on God, and that everything was from God. He acknowledged God in each victory or defeat, blessing or tough lesson. Out of a grateful heart he wrote the most beautiful and eloquent Psalms in the face of evil and threat of death, as well as when he experienced peace and prosperity. Like David, we too should be grateful when our character is strengthened through trials, because through them we are becoming more like Christ. May we also endeavor to be grateful for the many discipleship opportunities our children present, for they are still in our homes where we have the privilege of speaking God’s truth into their lives. Each day as we prepare ourselves for the blessings and battles ahead, along with the armor of God, we should perhaps add an accessory. I propose adding a wristwatch of gratefulness, so that at all times we too will proclaim “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 This Christmas, may we all be mindful that every good and perfect gift is from above, – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal |
Adam Kronberger
|