by Adam Kronberger / Head of School

As parents, we all experience the joy of watching our children grow and develop as they learn more about themselves and the world around them. Oftentimes, we have a direct hand in that learning as they welcome us into their lives to model and teach knowledge and wisdom. Other times, not so much... How many of us are familiar with the following responses:

"I don't need your help."
"Let me do it."
"I can do it on my own."
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These responses highlight the independent and often selfish and proud nature of the flesh. In the lives of our children, such an attitude can clearly stunt development and can even be dangerous. Despite the best modeling and mentoring, this fleshly flaw can easily be exercised into adulthood. During these unprecedented times surrounding health and its impacts on other aspects of culture, many of us feel like our worlds have been turned upside down. Routines we daily count on simply no longer exist. Preparing and planning for the future is a very uncertain matter. Many core foundations of our personal lives have been shaken.
 
"God's promises are only as good as the extent of his sovereignty. He can deliver what you need only in the places where he rules." -Paul Tripp 

It can be tempting to revert to childish ways of thinking, rejecting the help of our good Father and trying to manage on our own. Rather, this is a new day to eagerly and actively surrender every domain of our lives under God's control. During one of Israel's low moments of history, God declared to His people "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27).

While the enemy is clearly at work to destroy all that we hold dear, God has always been at work to help us correctly define what we should hold dear. These past 2 weeks have been an exercise for school leaders and staff to understand how to navigate the current reality. We have chosen to take what the enemy meant for evil and allow God to use it for good. Through much prayer and effort, we gladly continue to lead and grow our community. We surrender the school programs, curriculum, finances, students, staff, and parents to the sovereignty and rule of God. Thank you for your prayers and support, and know that we are praying for your family as well. As we prepare to continue to serve your family's education needs, the mission of daily discipleship remains front and center. When you face a trial today, remember the voice of the Lord:
 
"Is anything too hard for me?"

by Adam Kronberger / Head of School

​The gym was packed and the fans for both teams were cheering with equal enthusiasm. I was intently focused on the game, not wanting to miss a single play. Then suddenly, an opposing player scooped up a loose ball and exploded down the court on a fast break. My seat on the baseline gave me a perfect view as the feet of the ball-handler clearly stepped out of bounds for 2 or 3 steps... What! No call? I was immediately enraged as my hands shot up in protest and my mouth began to open in disbelief. Fortunately, I quickly lowered my hands and closed my mouth before I embarrassed myself. After all, it was only an elementary Upward basketball game and the score was already lopsided and the volunteer officials were probably trying to give the defeated team a morale boost. 

Even in one of the more easygoing settings, competition is often a catalyst for our pride to object to even mild blunders. And when the stakes are higher and the score is closer, the emotional outcry can be even more persistent. As an official administrator at our home OSAA varsity basketball contests, part of my responsibility is to encourage and maintain appropriate sportsmanship. Yet I still find it to be one of the most challenging personal exercises of self-control to practice what I am paid to preach. Often upon reflection the following day I must admit much of my (hopefully) hidden outrage was entirely misguided due to my team bias. And as a former official, I know how impossible it is to officiate a perfect game. From the players to the coaches to the fans, God often reminds me how we are all imperfect. My primary role is to simply first identify my own shortcomings and take responsibility for them.

Becoming a mature spectator honors God in so many ways. One main reason the Crosshill Christian community exists is to be a light and blessing to others. To that end, I have attempted to be more deliberate with the convenient annual interactions our community has with our public school competitors. I have been able to befriend one particular scorebook keeper from another public school over the years.  I both mentally and literally take notes of our conversations so that I can commit them to prayer. Recently, her brother has been diagnosed with cancer and I have been able to encourage her and share the eternal truth of Jesus Christ with her. I pray that my actions as a fan only support the witness of my words.

As you read this, a large part of our Crosshill community will be in Baker City at the OSAA State Championships supporting the Varsity Eagles Boys Basketball team. Please pray that our light will continue to shine even on a different hill (Matt. 5:14)!