JAGUAR NEWS
How many of you have jotted a note on your hand, posted something on the bathroom mirror, or used the Reminder app on your phone to help you to remember something, some date, or maybe memorizing scripture? So, “let me tell you about my Jesus.” Yesterday, at our weekly chapel, the student-led worship team had us sing a song – “Before the Throne of God Above,” that reminded me of a verse that I had come across last week, Isa. 49:16.
Isa 49:14 But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.”
Isa 49:15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.
Isa 49:16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.
Let’s think about this for a few moments. Israel is complaining that the LORD had forgotten them. He plays with their mind just a bit by using the word picture of a nursing mom. Those of you who are moms can relate to this. That bond between you and your child is unique, emotional, and indelible. The LORD then makes this strong statement, “yet I will not forget you!” (The exclamation point is mine.) I can almost hear each syllable of that short statement being accented, “I – will – not – for-get – you!”
Then to put an exclamation point on top of an exclamation point, He gives the Israelites another word picture that is so strong, it is simply mind blowing – “He has engraved each of the Israelites on the palm of His hands.” Three things come to mind, consciousness, pain, and size. The Father made a conscious decision to do the engraving of each of their names on His hands. He loved His people so much that in a demonstration of His love He did something that they could understand that level of love.
Now from a human perspective, think of the pain one would endure if they should try to do such engraving on their hands. OUCH! (From a divine perspective, the LORD probably didn’t feel any pain.) Again, I think the Israelites immediately queued into the extent of the LORD’s commitment to them (at least for a few seconds).
As for size I was impressed that He could fit all the names on the palms of His hands. I do not know how He did it, but I know that He has the capability to do so. One just has to think of the most advance digital screen and then optimized it a few thousand times.
Lastly, I see this verse, “the engraving of His hands” as a foreshadowing of the cross and how He endured the ultimate “engraving” by having physical nails, but also spiritual nails driven into His hands. We know by John 3:16 that He endured the Cross as a demonstration of His love to pay the price for our
sins. May we do more than the Israelites and truly remember the level of love the LORD has for us and has demonstrated to us.
The school year is clipping right along. It is hard to believe that the end of the 1st Quarter/Mid-term is tomorrow. The school has had some personnel changes in the past couple of weeks. Mrs. Sally Cole resigned from her position as Spanish teacher. God in His infinite provision has provided a new teacher, Mrs. Sharlene Prinzen-Knapp, to pick up the reigns. Also, you have seen my listing of a 6th gr. teacher to take over for Mrs. Strohbeen when she has her baby. The school board has hired Mrs. Joy Mielke to take that role until the end of the school year.
Also, next week marks the end of the Fall Athletic season. The school will be celebrating with a school spirit week. Please look elsewhere for what is happening each day.
I learned this morning that the “new” bus is at the body shop in Eau Claire awaiting a paint job. I also learned that the bus cannot be officially registered to the school until it is painted and inspected. Please pray that the bus could be ready for the Creation Museum trip coming up on Nov. 3.
Lastly, pray for God’s holy fire to rain down daily.
Help Wanted: Two (or more) people for the Christmas play – one (or more) for props and set and the other(s) for costumes.
Help Wanted: Sub teacher for a secondary class – 10/27
Wanted: One or two more individuals that could sub teach when needed. A bachelor’s degree is needed.
Wanted: Basketball coaches – boy and girls for the upcoming season.
The fundraising committee is still seeking 2-3 additional members for the committee beginning with the new school year.
Thanks to all who purchased tickets to the Fall Fundraiser. I look forward to seeing you there.
Tomorrow is the last day to stock the jars for the Pie-in-the-Face Fundraiser. The students are very excited about the Pie-in-the-Face fundraiser/competition. We are all enthusiastic to see who gets to be the “recipient” of the pie.
Today, Thursday, 10/20, we did our first blocking on the stage for the Christmas play Believe! The students have been working diligently in memorizing their lines and bringing their character “to life.” As mentioned above I do really need some help pulling off this play. I can do the directing, but I do not have the bandwidth to pull together the props and getting the set made. Let me know how you can help.
The next regularly scheduled VCS Board meeting will be on Nov. 8th . (New date – changed due to Parent Teacher Conferences.) (Please make sure that you vote that day.)
Speaking of Parent Teacher Conferences, you should have received the links for the various teachers for you to sign up for a time using Sign-up Genius. Let us know if you didn’t receive the links or cannot make them work properly.
Pressing forward for His glory,
Ron
UPCOMING EVENTS
Oct. 21 End of 1st Quarter
Oct. 23 5:00-8:00 Fall Festival Fundraiser
Oct. 24-27 Spirit Week
Oct. 28 No School
Nov. 1 Parent Teacher Conferences
Nov. 2 8:00 am School Pictures Retakes
Nov. 3 Parent Teacher Conferences
Nov. 3-6 Creation Museum/ARK High School Field Trip
Nov. 8 6:00 Board Meeting
Nov. 14 Operation Christmas Child Packing Day
SPORTS NEWS
Contact Rich or Jenn if you are willing!
Oct. 28-29th Soccer and Varsity Volleyball competes in the Christian Athletic League Tournament
Nov. 14th Basketball starts
All Jaguar games are on the website. Click on the event to see address, which teams are playing, and bus times.
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