A couple of weeks ago, I picked up another member of our group in Everett and off we went on our Saturday adventure. We had a delightful time, sharing lunch together, discussing the book we had all read recently, getting to know one another even better. The time went quickly and all too soon we were paying our bill, saying our last prayers and good-byes and heading back to work or home. My friend mentioned to me that she needed to be back in Everett by 5p, which really wasn’t a problem; we were leaving in plenty of time to get her home with time to spare. We headed out, got on I5, and were making really good time. Soon we were chatting away when suddenly my friend said “Sharilee, you have to get off the freeway!” There was such urgency in her voice. What was the matter? I started to get over to take the next exit, but it came up too fast. Not a problem, there’s always another one in a mile or two. If it was a real crisis, I could pull over to the shoulder. “What’s wrong?” I asked. “Well, were headed for the Canadian border crossing.” WHAT!!! That can’t be. Is there another exit? What if we can’t get off; will we have to go through customs? Lots of questions and then the sign that said “Last exit before border crossing ¼ mile.” Whew! I can right the mistake. I can get off and turn around. Thank you Jesus!

Have you ever thought you were going in the right direction and found out it was leading you somewhere you really didn’t want to go? Perhaps you’ve never had an experience like mine when you were literally headed north instead of south, but all of us have been going in the wrong direction at some point in our life. All of us have been heading away from God instead of towards Him.

Now we might THINK we’re going towards Him, but unless we have acknowledged our need for Him and our own disobedience, we are headed in the wrong direction. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Fairly plain, isn’t it? No one comes to God except through Jesus Christ. It’s one of those hard statements that can, and has been, debated through the centuries. But, like it or not, that’s what Jesus said. All other paths will lead us somewhere we really don’t want to go. It is through Jesus we are put on the right path. It is through Jesus that we find God. I’m so grateful that I realized many years ago, I was headed in the wrong direction and asked Jesus to turn me around.

My question today is this, “Have you realized that without Jesus you are headed in the wrong direction?” If not, please hear this, “You need to get off the path you’re on, turn around, accept Jesus as the way, and head in the right direction.” Unless you’ve accepted His way, you’re not going the right way. And if you’re not going the right way, you will not know truth or life. If you haven’t already, won’t you join me today?

Blessings,

Mrs. West

Allow me to give some background. One kiddo came to me and asked to go to the bathroom. You may not realize, but at Fairview we send the kids in pairs to the bathroom for safety. I looked around the room, saw another student who was not engaged in a game and asked him to be the partner. Off they ran, out the end doors to the bathroom. A couple of minutes later, I noticed the first student had returned and then I noticed that his partner was leaving the gym. I thought I should investigate, so I walked to the exit door and when I looked through the window I didn’t see anyone. Quickly I called another student, asked him to go to the restroom and check while I stood at the door. He immediately returned and reported that the boy I had asked him to check on was in the restroom with a partner. Relieved that all were accounted for, I stayed at the door to talk with the boys when they came back.

This is the conversation I had.

Me: “You boys didn’t ask to go to the bathroom.”

Student: “I told you I was going. You just didn’t hear me.”  

Trying hard not to laugh, I replied, “Well that’s the point. First you need to ask, not tell and second I didn’t hear you so I couldn’t give you permission. When I couldn’t find you I was worried. I will always allow you to go the bathroom, but I need to know when you are going.”

Student: “OK. I’ll make sure next time.” And off they went to play.

I got to thinking about that exchange later. From this innocent comment, I learned a profound lesson. “I told you I was going. You just didn’t hear me.” I thought, how many times have I said that to God? I get busy doing this and that, happily going about my life until I find myself in a place or situation that I shouldn’t be. God says to me “You didn’t ask to go there” and I am tempted to answer “I told you I was going. You just didn’t hear me.”

The lessons I learned? First I learned the absurdity of telling God where I’m going. He tells us in His word that He knows where we should go and will direct our paths. Second I can’t use the “You just didn’t hear me” excuse. God knows everything about me, is always one watch, and always hears. And I’m so very glad that He does always hear. And last, I learned that when I say these words to God, what I’m really saying is “I didn’t ask and now I’m in a mess. Will You please help me?” And because God is the God of Grace and Mercy, He hears my plea and will come and help me. I don’t always like what I have to do, or undo, to get out of some of the “stuff” I get into, but with God guiding me, I always make it. Isn’t it great that we serve a Mighty God who is on our side and always listens?

Blessings,

Mrs. West

As many of you who read my articles regularly know, I have been reading some interesting books that have challenged my thinking on the nature of the North American Church and how young people perceive the Church and Christianity. I’ve had some interesting conversations with my son recently addressing some of these same issues. These are interesting conversations as he struggles with some of these same issues, not only personally, but as he and his wife raise their teenage sons. I’ve listened as he tells me the questions his oldest, now seventeen, has. Questions he has of how to stay strong in his faith without coming across as a snob to his non-Christian friends; questions that they pray about and work on together. And what ultimately amazes me the most is the fact that, even though their lives are just as busy as everyone else, they actually take the time to talk, discuss and ultimately pray together. Of course, at this point I must add that they don’t have cable or video games, but that’s another story.

I’ve also been challenged by listening to several sermons on what it means to BE Christian to the world around me. If you read my article last week you will remember that I wrote about our mission here at Fairview Christian School and how we endeavor to fulfill the three phrases we have adopted as our tagline – “Educate the Mind, Nurture the Spirit, Change the World.” I ended with the statement “We endeavor to prepare our students’ but more importantly, we must be agents of change ourselves.” As I wrote those words, I began to ask myself just how I could do that very thing.

This week I heard two more sermons again dealing, from different perspectives, with this very subject. The first message can be summed up with two questions. They are: “Who do you say Jesus is?” and “What would Jesus have you do?” The second pastor asked these four questions at the end of his

message: “How will Jesus reconfigure your and my everyday life so that on a regular basis, you and I will begin to minister to the brokenness of others? What step of faith will this require you and me to do? Will this step depend on you and me or the power of Jesus? What definitive step of action will you and I need to take to make it happen?”

As I have been mulling all this over in my mind for the past few months, I’ve come to realize that the answer to some of these challenges is simply how much am I willing to change. Change is something that doesn’t come easily me. But change is exactly what needs to happen. I need to once again make Jesus Lord of my life. Then I need to be willing to do what He wants me to do by allowing him to “reconfigure me”, by stepping out in faith, in the power of His Holy Spirit, and finally put all of this into action.

I don’t know what Jesus is asking of you. I do know that He has been nudging me in some very specific ways. I don’t know if any of what I write speaks to any of you. I do know that it speaks to me. I don’t know if you will be called to action. I do know that I am being called to action. I only pray that as I move forward, I will do so in the power of Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Mrs. West

Educate the Mind. That’s what any school is supposed to do. That’s what we, like the thousands of other schools across this globe, do here at Fairview. No one really questions that phrase. We probably don’t think much about it. It might even be fair to say that we take this for granted. Not exactly an earth-shattering proclamation. It’s what we do; and I would add, we do it very well.

Nurture the Spirit. That phrase was actually originally penned as “Transform the Spirit.” Transform means to change, nurture means to educate or further the development of. So why did we eventually adopt nurture rather than transform? Well, at Fairview Christian School we believe that students are more than just physical beings; we believe they are spiritual beings as well. We believe we have the God-given privilege to partner with you parents to nurture each child’s spirit. The faculty and staff at Fairview not only spend time preparing lessons plans to educate the mind but much time is also spent on our knees praying for each student and family. As we pray, we commit the transformation of the spirit to the Holy Spirit.

Change the World. Of course, we are advocating positive change; but, wow, that’s a huge challenge. How is that even possible? I recently listened to a powerful sermon addressing this very challenge. The pastor began by sharing how unique each of us has been created. He then shared from the first chapter of the book of Acts Jesus’ promise and command. The promise: you will receive power. The command: you will be my witnesses. He spoke of changing the world and I was immediately reminded of this last phrase of our tagline. As the pastor proceeded with his sermon, he reaffirmed how each of us has been created uniquely by God for a specific purpose: and He will provide the power, through the Holy Spirit, to accomplish the specific tasks He has put before us. The challenge was clear and convicting. It’s one thing to declare we at Fairview will prepare a new generation to change the world; it’s quite another to take up that declaration as a personal mission. But there it is, from the words of Jesus, YOU. You WILL. It gets pretty personal. Change the World. It’s part of what we are about here at Fairview. We endeavor to prepare our students; but more importantly, we must be agents of change ourselves. It’s what Jesus did and it’s what He would have us do. Let’s do it together!

Blessings,

Mrs. West

During the interview, we were asked what set Fairview apart from other schools. Diego had some great insight, but you’ll have to either ask him what he said or tune in and hear it on the radio to find out what he said. Part of my response was our commitment at Fairview to small class size, or more accurately, our commitment to a low student/teacher ratio. Our host quickly picked up on that, and we spoke for a short time about the pluses as well as the negatives to this commitment. On the plus side, the teachers are able to be intimately connected with the students and better meet individual needs. A possible negative was given: with few kids in each class, the students are limited to the number of kids their own age and may, at times, have difficulty finding a friend. At this our host commented that this situation could actually be a positive learning experience as we work to help kids know how to get along with all kinds of people.

As I thought about our conversation later, I began to realize how true that statement is. I began to realize that what might be perceived by some as negative, not many choices for friends, really is a positive. I know that as a faculty and staff, we work very hard on helping the students develop positive ways of dealing with difficult situations. And I know that you as parents do as well. One technique that we use here at Fairview is to encourage the students to “use your words,” rather than lashing out physically or in anger. But what does “use your words” really mean to a Kindergartener or First Grader? Or for that matter, what does it mean to a Middle School student or even an adult? At Fairview, we work with the kids to try and give them the words to say. What do you say when someone is unkind or mean? How about “I don’t like it when you chase me, yell at me, run away, etc., would you please stop?” or “It makes me sad when you ignore me, won’t let me play, etc., may I join you?” What can you say if someone calls you a name? “I am not stupid, a nerd, a wimp, etc. I am a Child of God. Please don’t call me that.” I personally like this one because it not only reminds the one calling names of a very important truth, it helps the offended party realize their personal worth in God.

Are these hard things for kids to say to other kids? You bet. But at Fairview when someone comes to an adult complaining about others being mean or calling names, we try to first ask, “Did you use your words?” Sometimes they have tried, sometimes not, but the next question is most often, “Would you like me to go with you to talk with them?” This strategy is actually using the words of Jesus in Matthew 18 and is often followed by an “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you.”

Does it always work? No, but most of the time it does. Are the kids still mean? Yep. Do they still call names? Sure do. Do we give up? Nope. We still work with the kids, as I know you do as well, to help them grow and mature, giving them the right words to say and the support they need to say them.

I don’t know about you, but the more I work with the kids on these skills, the better I become as well. It helps me know that I may not get along with everyone I meet, but I do have an obligation to be kind with my words and actions. It also helps me understand that I may not be “best friends” with everyone, but I can be tolerant of others. It also helps me realize the importance of forgiveness. It also makes me very thankful that together we can help raise a generation of kids to “be like Jesus.”

Have a blessed Easter,

Mrs. West

This love can be expressed daily by:

• Allowing kids to wrestle with tying their shoes…instead of automatically jumping in and doing it for them.
• Letting them dress themselves…even if the clothes they choose don’t match.
• Having them make their own lunches, with guidance…instead of packing it yourself.
• Expecting them to make their own bed… even if it isn’t perfect.
• Teaching them how to talk to their teachers about problems at school…rather than always doing it for them.
• Expecting that they speak up and order meals for themselves…instead of ordering for them.
• Having them call the insurance company and arrange for their own car insurance… instead of doing it all for them.
• Letting them do most of the work required to fill out their college applications… rather than preparing all of the paperwork for them.

Now I realize that some of these suggestions may be far in the future for some of you. Many of you are not yet thinking about car insurance and college applications, but trust me that time will quickly be upon you. If you notice, this short list starts with some easier tasks and progresses to the harder ones.

            So what happens if we don’t allow our kids to struggle with tying their shoes, or making their own lunch, or ordering a meal? These tasks don’t seem so earth shattering; and, after all, we live in such a busy world, it’s just easier to do it for them. I think what happens is that when we do the things that are hard for a four or five year old, rather than letting them struggle to learn, they will still expect us to do things for them when they are in middle and high school. I believe that the more things kids learn to do for themselves, the stronger and more confident they will become.

I also believe this is how God deals with all of us. Paul shares the following thoughts in his letter to the church in Rome: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:3-4 NLT) While I don’t particularly like the problems and trials part, I do want to be a person with strength of character and have a confident hope of salvation.

We will never be able to shelter our children from the problems and trials of life. We can, however, encourage them to develop endurance through the hard things. Then we can be their encourager by praising them when they successfully complete the hard tasks. That’s what God does for us, too. Paul finishes his thoughts to the church in Rome with these words: “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:5 NLT) Isn’t that the best encouragement? I can’t think of anything better.

Blessings,

Mrs. West

Last week during our teacher prayer time, Mrs. McGuire shared from a new devotional book someone had given her; and this week Miss Wiersma has continued reading from the same book.

The entry Miss Wiersma read this morning particularly spoke to me. Allow me to share it with you.

You are feeling weighed down by a plethora of problems, both big and small. They seem to require more and more of your attention, but you must not give in to those demands. When the difficulties in your life feel as if they’re closing in on you, break free by spending quality time with Me. You need to remember who I AM in all My Power and Glory. Then, humbly bring Me your prayers and petitions. Your problems will pale when you view them in the Light of My Presence. You can learn to be joyful in Me, your Savior, even in the midst of adverse circumstances. Rely on Me, your Strength; I make your feet like the feet of a deer, enabling you to go on the heights.

God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14*

I liked that, so I bought the book! Oh the blessings of being able to download a book to your iphone. I started with the reading for today.

Continue on this path with me, enjoying My Presence even in adversity. I am always before you, as well as alongside you. See Me beckoning to you: Come! Follow Me. The One who goes ahead of you, opening up the way, is the same One who stays close and never lets go of your hand. I am not subject to limitations of time or space. I am everywhere at every time, ceaselessly working on your behalf. That is why your best efforts are trusting Me and living close to Me.

Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4*

Both of these short devotionals helped me today to stop, slow down, and enjoy the presence of the Most High. I hope they speak to you as well.

Blessings,

Mrs. West

*Excepts taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

• ·         Question: Do you consider yourself a Christian? Answer: Yes!!
• ·         Question: Do you attend church at least three to four times per month? If yes, why do you go? Answer: Yes I go to church. I go because I Love Jesus!
• ·         Question: Why do you attend a Christian school? Answer: Because there are Christians and I learn about Jesus! I love FCS! I love school. I wish I could include the wonderful art work that went with this answer. Just trust me; it would bring a smile to your face.

At this point the mom shared with me that she had asked an additional question. The question was “what do you do that shows people you are a Christian?” On the back of the paper were two answers. The first was “read my Bible”. Not a bad answer, but this wise mother pressed a little further. She asked “but how does that show others you are a Christian? Do your friends see you read the Bible?” At this point, the child thought for some time and then wrote the following. “I am going to be a better person by when somebody will do anything to me, I will let it go.” When I read those words, it took my breath away and I have been thinking about that answer since and been challenged by it.

I think that what struck me was that this is not a typical child’s answer. The first answer “read my Bible” is much more typical or even the answer of the sibling “I can become a better person by feeding the hungry and homeless.” While there is nothing wrong with these answers, they are pretty hard to measure. It’s easy to say I will read my Bible, but most times no one ever sees that activity. It’s also easy to say I will feed the hungry and homeless, but few of us really give up time or food to help in a tangible way. But, “I’m going to be a better person by when somebody will do anything to me, I will let it go”, now that’s remarkable. That’s what Jesus taught. Remember when Peter asked Him how many times was forgiveness required? Jesus’ answer was, in essence, always. That’s what this child has captured. Isn’t forgiveness letting it go?

I’m impressed that this child acknowledges being a Christian, going to church and liking FCS. I’m impressed that this child reads the Bible. But I am most impressed and challenged that this child has learned a great lesson and it wanting to put it into practice so that others can see Jesus.

Thanks for the lesson,

Mrs. West

The major premise of Kinneman’s book, based on extensive research, is that the majority of young adults who were raised in the Christian church are walking away from their roots. However, the author points out that very few become atheists, denying the existence of God or even convert to another major religion. Rather, most young adults still testify to having a relationship with Jesus Christ and claim Him to be their Savior; they are merely walking away from the church, finding it irrelevant for their everyday lives.

McNeal echos much of what Kinneman has found; although he continues with the idea that unless the North American church drastically changes what is done week after week, the North American church will cease to exist in the next fifty to sixty years. That being said, he is quick to add that the Church of Jesus Christ will never cease, but it will look very different in the years to come.

As I read the ideas of these authors, I am struck with several questions. I would like to ask you to help me answer some of them, if you would.

1. Do you consider yourself a Christian?

2. Do you attend church at least three to four times per month? If yes, why do you go?

3. Do you attend church one to two times per month? If yes, why do you go?

4. Do you not attend church on a regular basis? If yes, why do you not go?

5. Why do you send your child to a Christian school?

If you would like to answer these questions, you can email me; or if you prefer to remain anonymous, write out your answers and drop them in my box. If you wish to answer some but not all, that’s fine as well.

Thanks for listening.

Mrs. West

Early in the day, our presenter showed us a list of factors that discriminate between highly effective and less effective schools in literacy achievement. Wow, that’s a long way of saying; just what is it that makes some schools have higher achieving students than others. While the list he shared was only twenty-four of a much longer list of fifty plus factors, it was the top three that caught my eye and amazed me. Number three on the list was the amount of reading done in school. Well, that seems rather obvious. Kids should be reading at school. It was number two and number one that really struck me. The second highest factor for highly effective schools in the amount of reading done at home and the first factor is parent involvement. Those two blew me away. Especially when compared to some of the others lower on the list; 41 – phonics teaching, 32 – individualized instruction, 29 – encouragement to read, 21 school-wide program for the improvement of reading instruction. Now, before anyone gets up in arms, thinking that the other things on the list need to be scrapped, that is not what I got from this list of factors. But what this particular study found was that all these factors come into play, but the most important factors that determine highly effective schools in literacy is parent involvement, and lots of reading being done at home and at school. In other words, kids become better readers by reading and especially when their parents are involved in the process.

As I thought about these factors, I was once again struck with how fortunate the kids at Fairview Christian School are. As I see so many of you in the mornings as you drop off your kids, I am reminded how invested you are in, not only what we do here at Fairview, but also in your kids lives. There are some of you that I don’t see on a daily basis due to work schedules and the like, but I still know that you are investing in your kids by the sacrifices that are made to have your kids here. I am also so thankful that we can partner together to raise the next generation, not only to have high literacy achievement, but also to be raised with a firm foundation in the Word of God.

So, thank you. Thank you for all each of you do for your kids, for Fairview and for the Kingdom of God.

Mrs. West