On the road again...

Here we are at the end and the beginning at the same time. The benefit of trimesters is that we get to quickly begin again. Learn from the last trimester, and apply it to the new. Tardies and most people's points start over. Grades all start over fresh. New electives. New opportunities. Never miss those few chances that we get in life to start over fresh. This is one of them. A perfect time to check the fruit. What will you do differently this trimester? What did you learn from the last one? Any comments? Eagle bonus sticker for any student that comments before the end of the year. :) Good luck, and God bless your new fruit.

Relationships and Reality

Romeo and Juliet is a classic story repeated through the ages in various ways. The idea of "forbidden love" is seen in countless movies and books. There are many reasons for the repetition of this idea, but one is because anything forbidden can become that much more desirable. When we are told "No" about anything, it suddenly becomes something that we want even more. In junior high and in life for that matter, boys and girls start to like each other. Rather than forbidding any sort of relationship, we like to encourage friendships. Exclusive relationships can become very overwhelming emotionally for a young person already dealing with hormones, social change, and insecurities. It is exciting and exhilarating, but usually not safe. They may think it feels like "flying" but they don't realize at this point in their life, it is more like falling, and the splat at the end is probably going to hurt.

So, what does the Bible say? Here are a few ideas, keep Christ first. When your "love" for someone overwhelms your love for Jesus, you have a problem. How do you know when that happens? Look at the motives for your choices. Are you willing to deny yourself for Christ, obey your parents, or are you losing control? You have to talk or text him/her. You have to see him/her. You have to...fill in the blank.

The Bible also talks about treating others with the love and respect of family. Don't be exclusive or selfishly motivated. Like a sister or brother, want the best for them, not you. Don't be alone with one person; be part of the body of Christ as a group. Don't be physical in any way at this point it only compounds the feelings that are already hard to manage.

The reality is guys and girls will like each other. That is a good thing. Be realistic. But, really seek to keep your heart for the Lord. Life is hard enough without adding more drama from the emotions and social splintering of boy/girl relationships.

Heat wave? Slip and Slide!

The summer finally showed up...a month late. So, we had a little "summer fun" courtesy of our junior high pastor. What feels like summer more than a slip and slide? Students put on their PE uniform and slid across the grassy field on the wet, plastic sheet. I grabbed the camera and took a few shots.

New Look

If you have visited our blog in the last few years, you will notice a new look now. It is a bit more modern, edgy, and messy. Though I reflect often on the Proverb about not removing the ancient landmarks; I also think it is great to change things up every once in a while. I also like the "messy, under construction" look because it reminds me of junior high. Unfinished products walking around being built before your very eyes! Amazing, when you think about it.

Of course, we are all "under construction" one way or another, junior highers are just not as good at hiding it. Sometimes you see houses under construction with a tarp or other covering to hide the mess that is really going on. Junior highers are a house without a tarp. It is out there for everyone to see- the attitude, the absent-mindedness, the strange priorities, the stranger make-up jobs, and the interesting hair styles. Just remember, God is still working. One of my prayers is that we will be part of the building project together this year.