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In today's fast-paced world, where chaos often reigns and uncertainty looms around every corner, finding peace can feel like a daunting task. However, for many Christians, the source of true peace is found in their relationship with Christ. The phrase "In Christ, I am peaceful" embodies the profound truth that through faith, we can experience a tranquility that transcends our circumstances.
Understanding Peace in Christ Peace, as defined in the Bible, is not merely the absence of conflict or turmoil; rather, it is a deep-seated assurance and calmness that comes from trusting God. Philippians 4:7 reminds us “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace is a gift from God that enables us to remain steadfast and secure, even in the face of life's challenges. In fact, Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The Role of Faith Faith plays a crucial role in cultivating peace. When we place our trust in Christ, we acknowledge that He is in control of all things. This understanding allows us to release our worries and anxieties, replacing them with confidence in God's plan for our lives. (See Jeremiah 29:11) In moments of stress, we can turn to prayer, seeking His guidance and comfort. As we align our thoughts with His truth, we are reminded that we are not alone; God walks with us through every storm. Finding Peace Through Scripture The Bible is filled with verses that speak to the peace we find in Christ. Here are a few key passages to meditate on:
Practical Steps to Embrace Peace
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) From all of us at Mountain View Christian Academy, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
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“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
Being grateful is a powerful emotion that can transform our lives. So powerful that it affects the giver and the receiver. When we give something to someone, even just a friendly hello and a smile we receive in return the same and a thank you. Everyone feels good inside because of what we have said or done. For many, the source of this gratitude is their faith in Christ. Reflecting on the blessings and grace received through Him can fill our hearts with profound thankfulness to the Father for what he has done and continues to do for us and through us. Here’s a personal reflection on why, in Christ, I am grateful. The Gift of Salvation First and foremost, I am grateful for the gift of salvation. The Apostle Peter tells us in the book of Acts chapter 4 verse 12 that, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Through Christ’s sacrifice, I have been given the promise of eternal life. This assurance brings immense peace and joy, knowing that my sins are forgiven, (see Acts 2:38) and that I am loved unconditionally. Paul, in Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The depth of Christ’s love, demonstrated on the cross, is a constant reminder of the grace that I have received. Strength in Times of Trouble Life is filled with challenges and hardships, but in Christ, I find strength and comfort. When I face difficulties, I am reminded of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse empowers me to persevere, knowing that I am not alone. Christ’s presence in my life provides a source of unwavering support and resilience. One other scripture that reminds me constantly about the strength and courage needed to keep moving forward is Jesus’ own words in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” A Community of Believers Another reason for my gratitude is the community of believers that I am part of. The fellowship and support from my church family are invaluable. The support I receive from the staff and parents of Mountain View Christian Academy is overwhelming. Most importantly, and what I am most thankful for is the love and support from my family both near and far. We are a community. We are a family. We share our joys and sorrows, pray for one another, and grow together in faith. This sense of belonging and mutual encouragement is a precious gift that enriches my spiritual journey. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 Daily Blessings In Christ, I am also grateful for the daily blessings that often go unnoticed. From the beauty of creation to the simple joys of life, I see God’s hand in everything. Each day is an opportunity to experience His love and grace in new ways. Whether it’s through a kind word from a friend, a beautiful sunset, or a moment of quiet reflection, these blessings remind me of God’s goodness. Purpose and Direction Finally, I am grateful for the purpose and direction that Christ gives my life. Knowing that I am part of God’s plan fills me with a sense of purpose. I am called to love, serve, and make a difference in the world. This calling gives my life meaning and motivates me to live in a way that honors Christ. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Conclusion In Christ, I am grateful for the gift of salvation, the strength to face challenges, the community of believers, the daily blessings, and the purpose and direction in my life. This gratitude shapes my perspective, fills my heart with joy, and inspires me to live a life of thankfulness. May we all take a moment to reflect on the reasons we are grateful in Christ and let that gratitude transform our lives. From all of us at Mountain View Christian Academy, may you and your family be blessed during this season of Thanksgiving. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
The above verse is the overarching theme for this school year. We all need strength to make it from day to day, but there are times that we don’t feel so strong. It is in those times that we need to be able to lean on someone else for the strength we need. More often than not it can feel like we are facing an endless list of challenges and obstacles. From managing things at work, to relationships with friends and family, to juggling our own personal responsibilities. The demands on our time and energy can be overwhelming at times. Strength doesn’t come overnight. Physical strength can take months, even years to achieve. Spiritual strength can take a lifetime to truly achieve. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pursue both. It has been said, “slow and steady wins the race.” That is how it is with strength. There will be strong days and there will be not so strong days, but we must persevere. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down." However, as Christians, we have access to a source of strength that transcends our own human limitations. The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13 that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This powerful verse is a testament to the truth that when we put our faith in Jesus, we are empowered with divine strength to face even the most daunting circumstances. When we are weak, Christ is strong. His power is made perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). It is not our own abilities or talents that sustain us, but the unfailing, supernatural power of God working through us. As we surrender our fears, anxieties, and limitations to Him, we unlock access to a wellspring of courage, wisdom, and resilience that goes beyond our own human capacity. Regardless of what you may be struggling with, what trials you are having to endure, what struggles are keeping you from finding success, remember that you do not have to rely on your own strength. In Christ, you are strong. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect even in your weakness. "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 So take heart, when you feel weary, remember to turn to the source of true, unending strength - the power of Christ working in and through you. With Him by your side, you can face each day with confidence, knowing that you are equipped to handle whatever comes your way. "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31 During the month of September we have been focusing on Forgiveness. Forgiveness is a foundational principal of Christian faith, deeply rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. For many, understanding that "In Christ I am forgiving" is both a profound and transformative realization. This belief not only shapes our relationship with others but also redefines our self-perception and spiritual journey. The Biblical Foundation of Forgiveness At the heart of Christianity is the message of forgiveness. The New Testament reveals that Jesus came to offer redemption and reconciliation through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness have been seen as radical and countercultural by many. Many people find it difficult to forgive, and we live in a world where forgiveness is not always the norm. But, In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus instructs us to ask for forgiveness as we forgive others: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). This reciprocal nature of forgiveness highlights its central role in the Christian life. The Transformative Power of Forgiveness Forgiveness is more than a religious idea; it is a transformative experience. When we embrace the truth that we are forgiven, we are empowered, even commanded, to extend that same grace to others. Jesus speaking in Matthew 6:14-15 tells us, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This process begins with acknowledging our own need to be forgiven, and then recognizing that Jesus has paid the price for our sins helps us cultivate a spirit of humility and gratitude. The Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:13, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This directive underscores the importance of imitating Christ’s forgiveness. We are called to let go of grievances and offer grace, just as we have been granted grace by God. Practical Implications of Being Forgiving Living out forgiveness involves more than simply letting go of past wrongs. It requires us to shift our perspective. Here are some practical ways to embody the forgiving nature of Christ:
The Ripple Effect of Forgiveness When we embody forgiveness, we become beacons of hope and reconciliation. Our actions can inspire others to seek peace and understanding, creating a ripple effect of grace that extends beyond personal relationships. In Christ, forgiveness becomes a dynamic force that reshapes lives and communities. By embracing this truth, believers reflect the transformative love of God, fostering environments of healing and unity. The affirmation “In Christ I am forgiving” is a declaration of both identity and action. It is an acknowledgment of the grace we have received and a commitment to extend that grace to others. As we walk in the truth of our own forgiveness, we are empowered to live out the love and compassion of Christ, influencing the world around us with the powerful message of divine grace. By Heather Harbin, MVCA Secondary Math/Science Teacher
“I don’t know how to do this.” “I need help.” “I tried it already.” “I give up.” Have you ever heard your child utter these words? Perhaps while working on a school project or homework assignment? What about these phrases: “I can figure this out.” “Let me think about it for a minute.” “What if I try this? Does this work?” My guess is that in most households, the first set of phrases is heard far more than the second set of phrases. Sadly, this is true not only at home, but also in the classroom. In a generation defined by speed, convenience, entertainment, and entitlement, it can be difficult for students to embrace the opposite: slow down, exert effort, tackle boredom, and work hard. Too often, parents and teachers fall into the trap of seeing students stuck on a problem and stepping in to help them before they’ve really labored on their own. Just as much as the students, we sometimes take the quick, easy, and efficient route instead of allowing students to engage in productive struggle. In doing so, we have to ask, are we really helping our students in the way they need it most? A new book titled Building Thinking Classrooms by educator Peter Liljedahl is making waves throughout the educational scene. Based on over 30 years of research, Liljedahl challenges the notion that traditional classroom practices are as effective as they may seem. He posits that many classrooms produce excellent students – students who are organized, diligent, and attentive – but not necessarily excellent thinkers. Traditional methods of instruction can often encourage mimicking instead of problem solving while gradebooks reward student behaviors rather than assess student mastery. Is that what we want? Well-behaved mimickers? Or do we truly want students who can identify problems, think through problems, and create solutions? This summer, we teachers at MVCA are studying Liljedahl’s book and reflecting on our classroom practices. We’re closely analyzing what we’ve done in the past and what we can do in our upcoming school year to encourage thinking in our students. You may hear your student come home this fall and talk about some of these different practices that Liljedahl’s thorough research has found to be effective in encouraging deeper thinking. I want to introduce you to three of these practices today. Visibly Randomized Grouping While individual problem solving is necessary, there are also times where students need to collaborate. Visibly randomizing students into groups of 3 encourages the most discussion, collaboration, and risk-taking in problem solving activities. Students learn to contribute and encourage their group mates and are less likely to fall into pre-conceived roles of “the talker”, “the writer”, “the smart one”, etc. In addition, students learn important social skills such as disagreeing amicably, taking turns, and valuing others’ contributions. You might hear your child talk about their groups and the grouping system your child’s teacher uses. Vertical Surfaces We think better on our feet! Problem solving on our feet at vertical surfaces (e.g., marker boards) encourages quicker start times before beginning to solve a problem and longer time on task. Students know they can take a lot of space and erase what they don’t need which reduces the pressure to only write the correct and/or final answer. You might hear your child talk more about working at the whiteboards, writing on a window, or even writing on the wall (via a special wall covering). Keep Thinking Questions Students love to ask questions. Teachers love to answer questions. Sometimes, however, we do a disservice to students by answering questions too quickly. Some questions are “stop thinking questions” – questions the student wants answered so they don’t have to think any more. Some questions are “proximity questions” – questions students answer simply because the teacher walks by them. Other questions are “keep thinking questions” – questions students ask because they want to keep thinking about the problem! Teachers are learning to recognize the different question types and the best way to respond to each type of question. Students may feel like they’re not being answered right away because they’re not getting the answer they want. Trust that the teacher is guiding them through the thinking process, challenging them to look at things in new ways, and encouraging them not to give up too easily. Your child isn’t being ignored if they don’t get the answer they want right away – they’re being challenged in a way that might be new for them. I love the quote, “Problem solving is what we do when we don’t know what to do.” As adults, we have to problem solve all the time. Many of us have used our problem-solving skills to balance budgets, meal plan with rising grocery prices, fix the leaky sink or toilet, identify what kind of pest is eating our garden, and more. We want our students to grow and become problem solvers in their own right – people who are not afraid to think, to try, and to tackle whatever life may throw at them. We look forward to a new year full of thinking classrooms! By Tammi Cooke, MVCA "Labrary" Lady
Greetings, One and All! At the time of this writing, there are 11 days, 23 hours, 15 minutes, and 03...02…01 seconds until the end of school. Yes, this counts weekends as well, so we have far fewer school days than that. We thought you might be looking for fun activities to do during the summer, we have compiled a few…some are free, some are cheap, and all are entertaining in one way or another. Links are included where possible to make it even easier to plan! Without further ado, here we go: In Winchester City: FREE Summer Bowling—click link for more info.
Kids Camp at the Alamo - click link for schedule
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum - click link for general ticket info and schedules.
SUMMER READING PROGRAMS (as always, you will need to monitor what your student is reading, as I have no input into what others offer)
*Fill any of the three cards and win a free Ledo pizza *Fill all three cards and win the opportunity to participate in the 1st ever Labrary Lock-In. Kids will be able to spend the night in the labrary and play games, listen to books, watch a movie and eat snacks! Lock-ins will be divided into age-appropriate groups and parents/adults/teen volunteers will be present to help supervise Digital resources that go along with books and information as to where to purchase those books…could be an addition to other reading programs ReadingVisit the link for more info, but you can register for reminders and events Programs for kids, teens, and adults! The link is to a Bing Search that has sites all around this area…there were too many to mention! Public Pools
$3 3-17 years free under 3 $15 per family Schedules and info
$5 3+ Fri-Sun Free 2 and under Schedules and info I hope this helps the beginning of summer planning! See you at the pool…with my book! Miss Cooke, the Labrary Lady Robin Sharma said, “Starting strong is good. Finishing strong is epic.
Wow! How true is that. It is easy to start the race, to start the school year strong and do well and be super pumped about being back with friends and learning new stuff. But, the challenge comes when we get close to the finish line, close to the end of the school year as we are now. Students are tired, teachers are weary, text books are worn, but we have to finish and we should desire to finish strong. In the apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.” Paul was beaten, bruised, and at one time left for dead, but he persevered, he never gave up and he finished his time on earth strong. We need to look at Paul as the example for how we live our lives. When he began his ministry, he was on fire for the Lord, preaching, teaching, traveling in order to make disciples for Jesus Christ. He started strong and he finished strong. He was not going to allow his yesterdays to dictate his tomorrows. As we get closer and closer to the end of this school year, we must encourage our students, your children, to not allow the “short-timers” mentality to set in. There is still work to be done, quizzes to be taken and finals to ace. The end is in sight and they know it, we know it, but perseverance must be the drive we are in. Parents also must remain diligent in staying on top of the work that your children are still required to do. As a past parent, my children have graduated, it is easy to become complacent as the end of the school year gets closer. We, too, can start to shut down and focus on the summer activities, but we have to finish the school year just as strong as we would expect from our children. Teachers, we need to remain focused on the task that God called us to in August of last year. We, too, know the end is near, summer is right around the corner, vacations are waiting, but we still have much for our students to accomplish. They are the reason we are here, and if we shut down early, they are the ones who will suffer. As you encourage and push you students to finish strong, may you also be encouraged to finish just as strong. Paul, writing to the Galatian church said, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” As I write this blog we are around 26 days to go. Compared to where we were in September of 2022, this is the final sprint to the finish line. Hands are tired, legs are wobbly, eyes are blurry, but we can do this. I see you out there still running strong, not giving up, teaching and discipling to the very end, keep up the pace. Reaching the last day of school will be EPIC if we know in our hearts that we have finished as we started, STRONG. God Bless, and enjoy the sprint.   At Mountain View Christian Academy, we have been providing quality Christ-centered, biblically based education for 31 years…more than 3 decades! We are honored to be accredited through the Association of Christian Schools International. This agency leads the way in equipping Christian schools and educators to offer programs of excellence spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. Here is an article from their website on the value of Christian schooling. Make sure to watch the 3-minute video! Why Christian Schooling? (Why Christian Schooling | ACSI)
The choice you make for your children's education shapes them academically, spiritually, and in their worldview and skills. At Christian schools, the faculty and staff are equipped to address each of these developing areas of a child's life. These schools take seriously the responsibility to develop children's minds, but they don't distance God from academics. They know that developing skills in young people is essential to helping them reach their God-given potential. Christian educators help cultivate a worldview in which God has His rightful place, and they look to the Bible for guidance in answering life's big questions. These teachers enhance children's spiritual development in an intentional, nurturing manner. A Christian education at an ACSI member school will help your child grow spiritually, academically, and culturally. In fact, the recent Cardus Education Survey and other education studies show that ACSI schools develop the whole child better than any other type of school. These attributes are true of Mountain View Christian Academy. With our strong partnership with parents, we are seeing our students soar to the top of the charts in standardized testing and being sought after by colleges and workplaces because of their strong academics and Christlike character. At Mountain View Christian Academy, we take seriously the awesome responsibility of equipping the next generation to impact our culture and our world. We are honored when parents choose us to assist them with their God-given responsibility to raise and educate their children. Come and see what a Christ-centered education can mean for you and your family! The following article was shared with me recently. It comes from an email sent out by The Village at Orchard Ridge, which is part of the National Lutheran Communities.
We may not have had much of a winter with regards to cold temperatures and snow, but we still have to deal with shorter days, longer nights, and less sunshine. Below you will find some strategies to help you cope with the winter blues. It’s easy to feel down during these gray winter months. Are the cloudy days and early nights making you feel a bit moodier than usual? You may be living with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that some people experience during a particular season and most commonly felt during the winter months. Some of the common symptoms include low energy, excessive sleeping, changes to appetite or diet and feeling depressed, sluggish or anxious. If you are feeling these effects, the first thing to know is that you are not alone. About 10 million Americans are affected by SAD and women are four times as likely to be diagnosed with it than men. Five Tips to Boost Your Mood: Chin up! There are ways to help these symptoms and get you feeling more like yourself. 1. A healthy diet Did you know that maintaining a healthy diet is also beneficial to your mental health? A diet rich in protein, simple carbohydrates, vitamins B12 and D can actually help you combat the symptoms of SAD. So, next time you feel low, indulge in your favorite pasta dish to help you feel better. Ensuring you eat meals regularly throughout the day can also help boost your mood and energy levels, so it is important to feed your body, even when you have little appetite. 2. Exercise Exercising regularly has also been shown to help mental health and fight off some symptoms of SAD. Taking an hour-long walk, a yoga or tai chi class as they are simple ways to get exercise while increasing your happiness and decreasing feelings of anxiety. 3. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is using essential oils as a therapeutic technique. This includes body oils, incense, aroma sticks and oil diffusers. Studies have shown aroma therapy can help to reduce depression, anxiety and sleep problems. All of the issues are associated with SAD. 4. Good thinking Did you know that simply thinking more positively can boost your mood? We aren’t always aware of how negative our thoughts may be, which can make a situation worse. Being more conscious of your thoughts and actively challenging your mind to think positively can help reduce stress while increasing your happiness. 5. Stick to a sleep schedule Common symptoms of SAD are having issues when it comes to falling asleep and waking up in the morning. Maintaining a schedule for your day helps to keep you in a routine, leading to improved sleep at night. A good night’s sleep can help to alleviate SAD symptoms.  The goal of National School Choice Week is to raise positive awareness about the K-12 education options available to families in communities across the country. During the Week, participants also shine a spotlight on the benefits of opportunity in education. They help parents with access to a variety of education environments for their children. The goal for this week is to, “empower parents to choose schools for their children,” that are the right fit and will allow them to thrive and grow.
We are blessed, and at the same time humbled, that parents choose to partner with MVCA in their child’s education. Quality education cannot be taken for granted. Our children, your children, deserve to be taught in a way that is inclusive of every aspect of their education, spiritual, academic, social and physical, and includes moral reasoning, ethical standards, and civil living. MVCA has been teaching, training, and making a difference in the lives of children and families for over 30 years. It is only when parents are provided with an educational choice, and the means to make that choice, will our society see better days. We cannot stop fighting for school choice. We will not stop calling on our legislature to do the right thing for the people of this commonwealth. What is important to recognize is that there is a choice for families now. Making sure that your child is in a right fit school will allow them to thrive and grow. To be able to succeed and be rewarded for their academic excellence. Finding the right fit school will allow them the equal opportunity to shine where they will shine. There is, unfortunately, the financial aspect of transferring out of the public system, but this, too, is changing. West Virginia has one of the most comprehensive School Choice initiatives in the country. Money is now placed in a savings account to be used as parents see fit as long as the money is used for the child’s education. In other words, the money now follows the student. We need to continue to fight for such a program in the Commonwealth of Virginia, so reach out to your state legislators and let them know that you are in favor of Educational Savings Accounts for education choice. Click the LINK to find your state legislator. Parents truly are the key to making school choice what it ought to be. Please join with us as we celebrate National School Choice Week, and the choices that we have in regards to educating our children. Pray with us that Virginia will provide the means for parents to be able to make the choice that best fits their child’s education. |
Mountain View Christian Academy153 Narrow Lane
Winchester, VA, 22602 Phone: (540) 868-1231 Fax: (540) 869-8976 Email: [email protected] Drone footage provided by alumnus Jakob Presley. |
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