Finding Joy During the Holidays…

 The past ten years have been difficult to navigate after losing my grandfather and my husband’s grandmother within days of each other and in more recent years, a grandmother just after the holidays. These people were pivotal in raising me and laid the foundation for the person I would become, and the person I aspire to be one day. But in the past decade, Christmas has been less of a “magical time” for me, and more of a grieving season. As a family though, we joked that of course grandpa would pass away a few days before Christmas because he would have wanted to celebrate Christmas in Heaven with Christ.

I was recently listening to a podcast where the speaker shared a poignant story about a time when she was feeling overwhelmed. A friend sent her a bouquet of flowers with a simple card that read, "Give it to God." Four words, so simple, yet so profound—reminding us that no matter what challenges we face, we can always surrender them to God.

The holidays are upon us! What are you thankful for?

Abundant blessing.  I have been abundantly blessed in my life many times.  We all have.  I’m sure each of us can think of a time when the prayer was big, but God was bigger.  The need seemed unreachable, but God allowed it to be reached.  The check showed up in the mailbox or the extra bonus on our paycheck.  The bags of groceries on the porch, the encouraging note on our desk.  We’ve been blessed….abundantly. 

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times,

having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." ~2 Corinthians 9:8

What is talent?  

 Is it something of natural ability and skill, something that one can work on to master? Have you ever asked yourself if you can use all of your talents to glorify God or is there a protocol for what can be used to glorify His name?

 Today in class, I asked the 6th graders if they thought that being good with money management was a talent and their hands were divided.  We then read and acted out "The Parable of the Talents" from Matthew 25:14-30.  We giggled at the acting and even voted on which servant we would most likely agree with.  Our discussion continued with knowing that God loans us many things: time, money, resources and talents.  It is our responsibility to recognize and use these talents to glorify God.  

 So, I ask again-what are your talents?  Are you a good listener? Do you have the knack of organization? Does baking come easy to you? Are you good with handling money?  Are you living your life according to all the talents God has given you?

 The best way to know if you are using your talent God gave you is if it is planted in a place where it can thrive and begins to bear fruit.  Then it is our job to return that fruit back to the owner, Jesus Christ.

"Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us"

Ephesians 3:20

Mark your calendars for Friday November 15th as VCA is hosting its first annual Day of Abundant Blessing!  We are holding one concentrated day of giving as our main school-wide fundraiser for the 2024-2025 school year.  Our goal is to raise $50,000 or more!  

As part of I Peter focus this year, last week our sixth through twelfth grade Life Groups were introduced to the "power of four" and challenged to partake in the "4 Day Challenge."

The power of four is based on a survey conducted by the ministry "Back to the Bible." They surveyed 400,000 people. Their findings were quite astonishing. The life changes were minimal for those who read the Bible three times or less a week.

I love Fall.  The crispness in the air, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, bonfires, chili with cinnamon rolls (yes, I am a southern Missouri girl).  It all just makes me happy.  

Fall is a wonderful time to observe nature. As I watch the leaves fall to the ground, I am reminded that they display an important lesson for all of us to follow.  Just as the trees don’t stubbornly hold on to their dead leaves, so we shouldn’t hold on to any unnecessary weight in our lives. When we long to enter a new season, the old can easily inhibit the new if we allow it. God’s Word reminds us to:

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31,32

MEET THE BOARD OF VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY!

  The VCA Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome three exceptional new members to our team!  Here’s a brief introduction to each of them:

Paul writes to the Thessalonians (2:19-20)--"For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of the Lord Jesus when He comes?  Is it not you?  Indeed, you are our glory and joy."  

“The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts.  Make sure your children learn them. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when you walk along the road.

Speak about them when you go to bed. And speak about them when you get up.”  

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Luke 10:27

“Where were you when 9/11 happened?” This is a question that seems to come up in discussions every once in a while. I think it’s because we all realize that, though we may not have known it at the time, we vividly remember what we were doing the moment we found out about the horrific terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” Psalms 77:11- NIV

“Never Forget” is a phrase often repeated in the context of 9/11, and its weight is especially significant this week as we mark the 23rd anniversary of that tragic day. Yet, despite the gravity of that day, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of it. The same can be said for our spiritual lives; we often forget who God is and as a result we are more fearful and anxious.

Intentional Discipleship

Lined notebook paper. Sharpened pencils. A brand-new box of brightly-colored crayons. A lunch box ready for the first sandwich of the year. Permission slips. Sports schedules. Class lists. So many details and so much information!

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. 

Let’s celebrate together!”

Matthew 25:21