Life is full of challenges, and even more so for teenagers. In my thirty years experience working with teens, I have seen some of the finest young people make mistakes. It is important here that we understand, and expect, that they will make them. Mistakes are a part of the maturing and learning processes of life, so when they come we must be prepared to help, and ready to forgive. So, what do you do as a parent when your teen makes a mistake?

 FIRST, purpose to forgive them before the mistake is made. This is a lesson clearly taught in scriptures: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you (Eph 4:32). If God, in His wisdom and mercy, can forgive us for the sin in our lives, then certainly we can learn to forgive our children for the mistakes they make; regardless of the magnitude.

 SECOND, forgiveness does not remove consequences. While I believe it is imperative that we forgive, we must not alleviate the consequences for the mistake. The most lasting and important lessons we learn in life come from facing the consequences for our actions. I tell the teens I have mentored, “I expect that you will make mistakes; however, I also expect that you will have to pay for them.” Don’t forget, God’s mercy did not remove His demand for justice. The consequences of my sin were paid for by Christ on the cross. Be compassionate, but make sure they face the consequences for their mistakes.

 THIRD, be a help in building them back up. It has been my experience that teens will hurt more for what they have done to their parents than what they face as a consequence. Make sure that you reinforce your love and forgiveness to them. Help them get back up and keep pushing forward. Let them know that the trust that has been broken can be repaired in time. Give them hope that they will be able to restore this trust and confidence you had in them. Don’t leave them with a feeling of hopelessness, as this will drive them deeper into despair and ultimate rebellion.

 I count it a privilege to work with your teens, and if I can be of any help please do not hesitate to call upon me. I leave you with the words of our Saviour:

 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:36

The first semester came to an end with a bang!

We had a great close to the first semester with two very successful fundraising events. First, the Young Artist’s Auction was a great success. Our student artists brought in just over $1,200 for our school. Please remember to visit the Art Sonia website to view the student’s work and to purchase items for yourself, your family, or friends.  Then, the Christmas program brought in another $1,100 for our school through ticket sales to family and friends. I want to express my most heartfelt thanks to all of you for your participation in these events. Lastly, the first semester went out with our Crusader’s Basketball team winning a total of 4 regular season games; 3 in a row at the end of the season. We won one additional game in the Tournament and finished the season tied for 3rd place overall!

Now, we turn our attention to the second semester. This launches an entire new set of important events for you to remember. Girl’s Volleyball kicks off with a home game on Friday, January 29th at 6:30pm. Please make plans to be in attendance for this game. As usual, there is no charge for admittance to our athletic events. February will bring our annual Rock-A-Thon, scheduled for Friday, February 19th. This is a very important fundraiser specifically for our athletic programs. March will bring our annual Science Fair and the open house event on Friday, March 26th at 7pm. April brings the annual WCBC Youth Conference, scheduled for April 7th through 8th, in Lancaster, California. May is packed with activities: Human Race event on Saturday, May 8th; 12th Annual Sports Banquet on Monday, May 10th; Friday, May 21st is our annual school-wide field trip (location TBA); Academics Awards presentations on Wednesday, May 26th at 9am; Kindergarten Graduation on Thursday, May 27th at 7pm; Last day of school on Friday, May 28th at noon, and High School Graduation on Friday, May 28th at 7pm.

Lastly, 1st Semester report cards will be sent home on Friday, January 22nd. If you do not receive your student’s report card (either by email or in print) contact me right away.

Why should you invest the cost of emotional and financial stress to keep your teenager in a private school?  This is a question that many parents face on a daily basis.  Considering the high cost of living, sky rocketing mortgage rates, increased costs of utilities, food, gasoline and automobile insurance; how can parents justify expending this money when public education is free?

I am so glad that you asked me that question.  I will answer by citing God’s Word:  Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3;  And again: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it; Proverbs 22:6; and once more: And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD. Ephesians 6:4.  Our children are a gift from God.  They are loaned to us by God; they are His first and ours second.  It is our responsibility as parents to raise our children to know, serve, and love God.  Now, considering this, what price are you willing to put on the education of your children.  Public education is free, but remember the old adage, “You get what you pay for.”  Pay nothing, and you can expect little, if anything, in return.  Oh, your child may receive an education (of sorts), but what about the important aspects of their life?  Things such as patriotism, morality, fidelity, honesty, discipline, compassion, spirituality; these characteristics are either banned, discouraged, or extremely anemic in the public school agenda of today.  The core values, upon which our forefathers built this nation, are being compromised and systematically eliminated by the liberal, secular humanists of today.  Gone from today’s public schools are a student’s right to pray, carry a bible, or speak of the LORD!  Liberals tout the separation of church and state; they state that religion has no place in the classroom; yet, they teach their philosophies of secular humanism; situational ethics, no absolute right or wrong, and evolution (without allowing creationism as a comparison), just to name a few.  They hand out condoms and birth control pills, allow counseling on abortion for teenage girls (without their parent’s knowledge or consent).  They turn a blind eye to the alcohol and drugs flowing as water in the hallways and lockers of their institutions.  Metal detectors and armed security guards are necessary for the protection of students and staff.  And all the while they cast disparaging judgments upon schools such as this.  So, you tell me; why should you invest the cost of emotional and financial stress to keep your teenager in a private school?  How much is your child’s character worth to you?  What kind of person do you want your child to be? 

To read more on the plight of our youth today, click here