Monthly Message from the Principal

December 2001

James Dobson has a new book out called Bringing Up Boys. Many of us wonder if this is really possible or if the title should more accurately read Surviving Boys. I haven’t read the book yet so I can’t comment. I have been feeling for a while now, that it would be valuable for all families (wives especially) to sit down with a group of respectable, “normal” men and spend an hour or two hearing the stories of their childhood. I think it would give us all some perspective and maybe even some hope.

My boy is just hitting two years old. I don’t use the “hitting” by chance. When he is angry he hits whatever is handy. When he is frustrated he hits his head on the floor. When he gets up in the morning he hits the ground running. He already loves playing with my tools and his limited vocabulary includes “car” and “whack.” I have told my wife a few of the stories of my childhood but I don’t think she really knows what’s in store. As they say, “The nut never falls too far from the tree.”

All of this leads me to wonder, what do we really know about Christ as a young boy? How much did Christ resemble an average child? Can you be fully human without driving your parents and teachers to distraction, at least occasionally? How much did Christ resemble His earthly father? His divinity often precludes us speculating about His humanity.

There is a statue of Joseph in the Mission Abbey near Vancouver. It is carved from a solid block of wood and is rough-hewn in spite of the detail. The man is over six feet tall and his hand holds a wooden hammer. His hands are large, even for the size of his body. The sculpture is off to the side, in a corner, in the shadows. Though the Abbey itself is bathed in light streaming through stained glass windows, what I remember best is Joseph. Not the meek man standing behind Mary in a billion nativity scenes, but the rough man with a job to do – raise God’s son.

The little we know about Joseph tells us that he had a hard life. He married against the advice of most of society at the time and risked his reputation. He couldn’t even buy his way into the porch of the inn, but got stuck in the stable. He fled the wrath of the king.  He appears to have died young. We can assume a few things based on the culture he lived in but really know nothing of his personal goals, achievements, humour, or fears.

How much Christ resembled Joseph we will never know this side of heaven. I venture that He was very like him. God chose Joseph as he chose Mary. Joseph was placed in a certain place, at a certain time in history, and given God’s son to raise. Of all the men on earth God prepared Joseph to teach The Christ how to walk, to work, respect His elders, to know the scriptures, and to find favour with men. Did Jesus have a three-second attention span?  Did he say “Ah dad! Do I have to?” when it was time to milk the goat?  Did He say “I’ll race you to the house,” and squeal with delight the whole way there? He was a child like any other. And God entrusted his upbringing to a man, like any other.

Joseph was given a daunting task, but one which God trusted him to complete. We have been given a similarly daunting task as parents. While we are not responsible for raising God’s son, our children have been created in the image of God and they are to become ever more like Christ. God placed us in a particular place, at this particular time, so that we can raise a generation that will fear and serve Him. The school participates in this responsibility by providing specialized service. We encourage and expect that parents will be as involved as possible with their child’s education. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We have been created to flourish in community. Community helps us to be accountable, supported, and encouraged, to be taught and to guide others. The family, church and school help complete the community that we need to raise godly children.

I shake my head in wonder sometimes when I think that God chose us to accomplish His work on earth. He chose Joseph and Mary to raise His son and Christ chose a raggedy bunch of men to build His church. Praise God that we have all been stamped with His image. God does not wait until we are perfect to use us. He uses us in our imperfection if we yield it to Him.

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year.

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November 2001 - When I lived in Japan I studied Kendo. Kendo is the art of Japanese sword fighting. Japanese swords are two handed swords. The fighter swings with both hands on the hilt and often physically smash into their opponent. The focus is on strength, speed, and precision.

While learning Kendo every detail of the process is drilled into the apprentice. The grip on the handle, the way the wrist is twisted in, the height at which the sword tip must unwaveringly remain, and the posture and balance of the student are drilled until they are unconsciously perfect. All this takes place before the student is allowed to swing the sword. I spent several lessons with no sword in hand learning how to take one step forward and one step back. When they finally placed a sword in my hand I learned why.

I pay attention to details, particularly when a burly man stands opposite me with a long stick, intent on whacking me. I thought I had the defensive position completely under control. Then I was faced with an opponent. It was like a mini fireworks display going off in my head as I was beaten on the head and chest. All before I could say “Who hit me?” I went back to practicing the basics.

I was at a disadvantage in my training. I was older than all the other students. I spoke only a bit of the language. I had tender feet that had remained in shoes for most of my life and quickly began to bleed when shoeless I had to practice for two hours on hard wood floors. BUT my main disadvantage was that my instructors knew I was only there for a short time – I was passing through Japan. My training was a novelty. I started the same day as a 5 year old boy. I advanced quickly from kneeling for an hour, to taking a step forward, then back, then forward, then back….. (for days,) then to holding a sword and swinging it above my head while someone said “forward,” “back.” Meanwhile the boy was still on his knees in the corner learning discipline. While I was running across the dojo, emitting blood curding yells and trying to whack my teacher on the head, the boy was standing on the side balancing on the balls of his feet. He had not picked up a sword by the time I left for Canada.

Did I advance so quickly because I am a natural born sword fighter? No. The boy advanced at a pace that was preparing him to be an incredible Kendo athlete. The teachers at my school were gracious and kind but they were not investing time and energy in me. They gave me what I wanted – an interesting experience. But for the boy they began a lifetime of training that would result in excellence. Scripture says that the son whom the father loves He also disciplines. The basics of Faith, Morality, Character, and Virtue are not discovered along life’s way they are drilled from an early age. These fundamentals must be lovingly modeled, consistently proclaimed, graciously rewarded and rigorously expected. The Christian life is powered by the Spirit, inspired by the Father, and rooted in relationship with Jesus but it requires discipline and training.

Training and investment in the lives of students comes from a desire to help them reach their full potential. Excellence requires sacrifice on the part of all who have committed themselves to the discipleship of our children. The process will not be the same for everyone and even the results will be different. But when the desire is to develop character and virtue for a lifetime and an eternity, there is no easy road.

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October 2001 - Education changes lives. The bottom line, after all the philosophy, funding issues, curriculum debates, hype over new approaches, and praise or chagrin over the quality of teachers… the bottom line is that education changes lives. The process is slow. Like the shaping of a bonsai tree whose branches are maneuvered into place and gradually take the shape they experience for so long, so the educational environment, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual, molds the mind, heart and spirit of the student until it takes on the shape of its constant experiences.

When I was still a young teacher I had to leave my class suddenly because of a family crisis and after making arrangement with the principal I returned to my class for my jacket. The students had gathered together and were praying for me and my family. Their education had changed their lives – they believed in the power of prayer and acted on it. No adult intervention was necessary. In the mind of the students the need demanded a response - they responded.

After watching a video on the origin of the earth at the Drumheller museum in which “Life” was said to have created everything that exists, my daughter asked me, “Why are they saying “Life” created everything ? Don’t they know that God created everything?” She could see the flaws in a worldview that attributed the qualities of God to a concept called Life.

If we are asking the right questions we clearly see that education is a powerful and valuable process. God says that His word is to light our path and guide our steps. We are to meditate on His word day and night.

God has given our children to us. They are a precious gift for which we are responsible. When we are asked to give account for how we allowed their thoughts, priorities, skills, aspirations, values, and knowledge to be shaped – we will truthfully be able to answer that we allowed them to seek the Lord day and night, when they rose up and when they lay down. His word was always before them. Home, Church, and School worked together to plant them firmly by the stream of living water.

By immersing our students in the truth of the Lord and bringing all areas of study into the light of His word they are developing a thoroughly Christian heart and mind. They will be workmen who will not be ashamed having thoroughly understood and applied the word of truth.

This year is off to a tremendous start. There is a lot of excitement as we watch young men and women growing in their knowledge of the Lord. God has promised to bless those who diligently seek Him. What a joy it is for us to participate in that blessing as we live it every day. What greater blessing than to have the opportunity to offer our children an education focused on Christ.

Christian education renews lives.

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June 2001 - This is my second attempt at a newsletter article. The first one I wrote was about Buddhism and religion in other cultures. Fascinating stuff. L But the photocopier broke down and I have had time to think. I had a break between meetings this morning and found myself smiling as thoughts of my kids came to mind. I’m going to share them.

I’ve been writing letters to Savannah and then Aidan since before they were born. I hope to give them these letters as a record of our lives and their childhood. They include funny incidents, things they’ve said and done, that we will all look back on and laugh about. Savannah was doing something particularly intelligent one day when she was three and I said to her, “You’re smarter than the average bear, aren’t you?” She looked over at me, grinned and said, “Yeah, and you’re the average bear!”

Happiness is found in small things. When I pick up Aidan from the baby sitters he comes running down the hall with a toy in his hand. He stops in front of where I am kneeling and shows me the toy. We discuss the toy for a few moments; then he drops it and hugs me for all he’s worth. Communication is so important. I look forward to the hug but it comes at a cost. First he must tell me about the thing that is most important to him. If he does not have a toy in hand when he hears me in the hall he will pick one up before he comes running.

Savannah has taken a keen interest in watching me shave in the morning. She will stand by the sink and focus entirely on my face, the shaving cream, and the razor. Only occasionally she will ask a question. Last week when I was finished there was a spot of cream still on my cheek and Savannah spun an adventurous and imaginary tale of what my day would be like if I forgot to wipe it off. I love those few moments of connection and laughter in the midst of a frenetic morning.

I would rather write about my children than Buddhism. For you it may be like being stuck on the bus next to a grandparent with a packet of pictures, but I have a purpose. Children are here to remind us that Our Father loves what we love. To be run to. To have those we love share whatever is at hand or on their mind. Our Father wants us to watch his face intently and long to be like Him. I have a poem at home that describes the seriousness of “all things religious” and places God, listening from the next room, with a glass against the wall, laughing with the children. We know that God delights in our praises, that He sings over us, that He has scooped children into His presence during the busiest part of His ministry, and that children are our models for faith.

I speak for the entire staff of LWCA when I say that it has been a pleasure to teach your children. We take delight in watching them grow. Being part of your children’s lives is a blessing. It is a blessing because delight, frustration, laughter, discipline, encouragement, and hope accompany it. I heard the other day that someone who is decisive and confident in business will find himself or herself struck with fearful uncertainty when it comes to their children. This is the lot of teachers and parents. When we invest in the lives of others we are shaping the future. God bless you in the wonderful job you are doing with your children. I daily hear and see the effects of your guidance and prayers for your children. Thank you for giving us the privilege of joining you.

We pray that you will have many times of making family memories. On behalf of the staff and board of Living Waters Christian Academy I wish you all a pleasant summer.

In Christ’s service, Keith Penner

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May 2001 - For a moment when I looked up I thought there was a hawk gliding in a smooth arc above the school. I quickly realized that this was a pigeon. Then a flock of pigeons appeared from behind the school. I know my eyes are not too good but to mistake a pigeon for a hawk went beyond bad eyes. As birds go, they are entirely un-like each other; one is hunter, one is prey. One flaps wildly to even stay off the ground and the other glides effortlessly on the currents of air.

So what lifted this pigeon to the level of hawk in my eyes? Attitude. This morning was windy. A good stiff north wind. The kind that would keep most of us waddling on the roof if we were birds. But these pigeons were flying straight into the wind – flapping madly. Then for a brief few moments they would soar like a hawk. They would experience the glory of flight and were transformed in the eyes of those who watched. When they turned out of the wind, and went with the current, they returned to their frenetic flailing - pigeons once more.

Life and experience has proven to most of us that the events of life are unpredictable and usually challenging. However, our response to the challenges that God brings can become predictable. Spiritual maturity and strength of character can set us apart from the flock. Paul says, Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call for God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:13, 14).

Our attitude is based on our view of life. We are to press on to the upward call. A kite that faces the wind rises higher and higher, only when the pigeon turns head-on to the stiff breeze can he soar, and our attitude will affect our altitude. I saw a t-shirt that boldly stated “It’s you and me against the world – When do we attack?” The first statement epitomizes the doom and gloom that so easily besets us. The second line changes everything. I think this sentiment is what Paul had in mind when he popularized the t-shirt that said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Challenges are a wonderful part of life. They define us. Like a Monet painting - when you step back, the beauty and colour that seemed up close to be so much mis-splattered paint becomes a work of art. The daily struggles, the decisions that you wish were clear but require a principled best guess, the sudden upsets to health, finances, dreams, and relationships are inevitable. How they shape us and whether others see us soaring from a distance, upheld by a loving heavenly father, or watch us turn tail and flap madly away, will be determined by our attitude towards challenges and our trust in the One who directs the wind.

Those of you who were at the parent meeting caught a glimpse of the vision of Living Waters. Together we are prepared to take on the challenges of building something wonderful for our children and the community, to God’s glory. The grade 11 program, The International students program, and plans for building in the future, are all part of the desire we share to build upon God’s command to raise our children in the fear and nurture of the Lord. Because we know that God’s word is Truth, we can plan to obey Him knowing that He will provide and we will grow to be like Him as we stretch out in faith.

It’s always easiest to go with the wind. When people look at you, can they know for certain which way the wind is blowing?

In Christ’s service, Keith Penner

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April 2001 The next great task of science will be to create a religion for humanity.
Lord Morley

It clearly won’t do to foster within some schools a respect for an absolute, intractable, un-bribable God, a divine Intelligence who is utterly unconcerned with other peoples’ versions of truth and humorlessly inattentive to majority opinion…. It is intolerably divisive to have God and the State scrapping for disciples.
John Dewey – One of the most influential educators of our time.

Religion is taught in every public school. It well thought out and it is purposefully taught. It answers the big questions of life and is the foundation for the textbooks that are published, the programs that are implemented, and the services that are provided. Education is a religious activity.

Students spend 12,000 hours in the classroom from K – 12. The church has them for about 90 minutes a week – less than 1% of the time the school has them. The things they are taught, the ways they are taught, and the people that teach them, form their view of life.  Scientific inquiry and reason as the guides to truth, personal freedom, and tolerance for others are a few of the tenants of the religion of the public school. A government dependant society believes that information and services will cure moral cancer. When enough people decide that a thing or action is OK, then it becomes right. Under the guise of multi-culturalism, students learn that believing there is one version of the Truth and God is the source of this truth is worse than laughable – it is destructive.

Ideas have consequences. A startlingly high percentage – about %80 – of young people are no longer attending church by the time they are in their early 20s. Is this because there are no programs for them? No, the public education system teaches that God has nothing to say in the arena of life. When God is not a reality in the most important and time-consuming part of the first 18 years of your life, the message is clear; He is irrelevant.  You live your life, plan your career, raise your children, love, hate, vote, and serve according to the way your mind has been trained. The most intensive, purposeful time of shaping, learning, and thinking takes place in school.

As Christians we are commanded to glorify God with our thinking. We are to love Him with our hearts, worship Him with all our being, and to think deeply, to seek knowledge and wisdom, and to do this with excellence – for the glory of God.

Keith Penner

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