The Markham Center renovation is nearly complete. For those who are new to BJA, the Markham Center is the high school “snack shop,” which is used by our students as a place for enjoying food, fellowship, and studying. I hope you all will make a point of stopping by this year to see the transformation.
With great anticipation, we look forward to the start of BJA’s 90th year in just two-and-a-half weeks! We look forward to getting to know our new families and trust that the Lord will unite our hearts together as we partner in the education of your children. Overall, our enrollment total has increased about 55 students, and we give a special welcome to over 150 new BJA students—for whom we praise the Lord!
The Markham Center renovation is nearly complete. For those who are new to BJA, the Markham Center is the high school “snack shop,” which is used by our students as a place for enjoying food, fellowship, and studying. I hope you all will make a point of stopping by this year to see the transformation.
Most important, we look forward to what God has in store for us this year as we seek to know Him better, to look to His Word for direction, and to challenge our students to follow Him faithfully. Please pray that God will teach us in the classrooms, in the hallways, and on the ball fields.
The Magic Slate was the size of a notepad and consisted of a cardboard base coated with a wax-like substance and covered by a piece of gray film that was in turn protected by a layer of clear plastic. After writing on the slate, a child lifted the gray film to magically make the writing disappear. The child could start again with a clean slate.
Earlier this week BJA students began the 2014-2015 school year with a clean slate. What happens to that slate throughout the year depends on various factors, but just as with the Magic Slate, nothing will occur automatically. Students that have a successful school year will be those who choose to take appropriate actions regardless of circumstances. At times, an appropriate action may be to seek help—whether it is needed academically, spiritually, or in other areas. A wise student understands that seeking assistance or advice from a parent, teacher, pastor, or friend is evidence of taking responsibility rather than a sign of weakness. Everyone will likely need help at some time during the year. At BJA there are many people willing and eager to encourage, explain, or listen. A successful student will also seek opportunities to help others. Whether providing encouragement or doing something specific for a classmate, relative, or stranger, serving others is usually as beneficial to the helper as to the one being helped. However, the most important opportunity during the year will be the relationship a student develops with God. Truly successful students will have a closer bond with the Lord on the last day of the school year than they did on the first day. The Genesis account of the life of Joseph describes a young man whose life slate was not always filled with good news. Nevertheless, Joseph knew that God had a purpose for his life, and through His leading, he was able see calamity turn into opportunities to grow in God’s favor and to serve Him by ministering to others. May the desire to grow in God’s favor be the goal of each student during this new school year. This week all BJA students came to school with a clean slate. What is written throughout the year depends on what is made of the opportunities that come their way.
A wise student will take advantage of the new opportunities that he or she is given. Unfortunately, some students let down in the little things. Letting down in the beginning often results in more serious problems as the school year goes on. Homework that is not turned in today adds more work for tomorrow. The more things left undone, the harder it is to get caught up.
The same is true in our spiritual lives. If we don’t deal with problems when they are small, they can become tremendously burdensome. But thankfully, God is in the business of providing new beginnings. He is willing to forgive the past and provide opportunities, blessing, and joy for the present and for the future. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” In spite of our unfaithfulness, God remains faithful. God provides us with new opportunities each day if we but trust in Him. As we begin a new year, let’s challenge our students to take advantage of this new beginning, not only in their academics but also in their spiritual lives. |
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