PRINCIPAL'S BLOG

In addition to my former post that “God is Able”, today, May 3rd, we raised above our goal of $10,000. On Monday, April 30th I announced to the students that we raised $9,736.81 from our fundraiser on Friday night. I asked them to pray in the additional $263.19 to make it an even $10,000. Two of our older students offered up 19 cents to round out our total to $9,737. Now we only needed $263 to meet our goal. But our God does abundantly above all that we can ask or think. The total as of this morning is $10, 637. Thank you to everyone who did their part- small or big to contribute to a class set of IPads.

God reminded in me these past two weeks that He is able. He is able to do exceedingly. He is able to do abundantly. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or think. This verse has been a recurring theme in my life, especially lately. When I have been discouraged, He is able to encourage exceedingly. When I have been anxious, He is able to remove worry exceedingly. When I am fearful, He is able to comfort exceedingly.
At a recent Easter conference I attended, one of the preachers spoke about the Feeding of the 5000. I had read this miracle many times and felt like I knew it well. I had always imagined the 12 disciples picking up the leftovers on the field that day and that was the 12 baskets that the Lord had for them. But the preacher brought out that our Lord does not give us leftovers. He has no need to. His provision, like Ephesians 3:20 says, is exceeding and abundant. The baskets for the disciples were from the overflow that came from the Lord’s hand as He distributed the 5 barley loaves and the 2 small fish. This was a great reminder to me that our God is able. He provides beyond our expectations and He personally knows that which we need.
If there is any doubt in your mind today about what God can do, remind yourself that the God who created everything in 7 days by the power of His word and who empowered Moses to part the Red Sea, is the same yesterday, today and forever. His power is unchanging and His love is immeasurable. Our God is able!!!

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14

James paints a picture of the brevity of life. All of us have watched a kettle come to boil and release steam and then as quickly as it came, it disappeared. That is what our life is like. No one but God knows the number of our days. We can make our plans and yet we do not know what tomorrow will bring forth.

Over Spring Break, Gloria Shipmaker passed from this life to be home with the Lord in heaven. She leaves behind her granddaughter Amy, her son Glen and daughter in law Mako. Her death was sudden and she died at what we would deem a fairly young age. Although her life was shorter than expected, Gloria lived out the days that she was given to be a blessing to the people around her.

Since Kindergarten, Gloria committed to Christian Education for her granddaughter Amy. She worked shifts at the hospital to make sure that this was possible. In the last few years she had many health problems, but she carried on with joy in her heart, still taking the time to faithfully serve the school. Gloria drove for field trips, helped with hot lunch and school concessions, provided first aid for our track meets and attended almost every concert and fundraiser at the school. She will be greatly missed by both staff and students.

Gloria loved the Lord and trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. James 2:26 it says that “faith without works is dead.” Gloria’s selfless service to others showed her faith. It is a good reminder to us of what is most important in this brief life. It is to know Christ as Saviour and to serve Him the rest of our days, however long or short it may be.

Our condolences go out to the family, especially to Amy. Amy, your grandmother loved you so much. You were the apple of her eye. She was very proud of you and talked a lot about you. You brought her great joy. We at Cornerstone cannot replace your grandmother, but we are part of your family and we will help you in whatever way we can.

We have had many opportunities this week to see that beautiful white stuff called snow. It’s amazing to me that each snowflake that falls is unique in its design. I cannot help but think of the scripture in Psalm 139 that tells us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” uniquely designed by our Great Creator and of great worth! We are of such worth to Him that “the very hairs of our head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:30) God values us so much that when were “yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly.” We are unworthy of such love but God is sovereign and may do as He wills. Have you trusted in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross? Do you know your sins forgiven? Don’t dismiss the great worth that He has set upon you!

On Thursday, November 10th, the staff and students at Cornerstone took the time to remember the men and women who served during war time. We were also encouraged to pray for the parts of the world that are in crisis, especially for the children and their safety. Remembrance Day is also a good time to remember, the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone can bring real peace.

On Friday, September 30th, we collected Toonies for Terry. The children did a wonderful job of running around the track and school. The Kindergarten and Gr.1 students ran around the school property over 15 times while the students in Gr.2 and up ran around the school and track. Our top runners were able to run the circuit 14x in 45 minutes. Well done everyone.

Our school theme this year is based on the verse found in I Peter 2:21 where we are challenged to Follow His steps, following the perfect example that Jesus has left for us. What’s interesting to note, is that the Lord Jesus has already tread the path and has left us His footprints to follow. Yet, we can only do this if we know the Lord Jesus as Saviour. For it is only through Him, and the power of the Holy Spirit, that following His steps is possible. We pray that this may be a mighty year of changed lives and service to the One who deserves our all.

Don’t forget! Our Annual School Open House is on Friday, September 16th from 6:00-8:00 pm in the the CCS School Gym. Please bring a main dish to share. The time together will give everyone an opportunity to say hello to old friends and meet some new ones. The Lord has blessed us with new families. We are very excited about what He has already done!

We had a wonderful 2 days and 1 night up at Manning Park this past week. It was a great time of reconnecting and team building as well as a time to pray and plan for the school year ahead. Here is a picture of some of the staff enjoying the beautiful view at Lightning Lake.

I hope that you are having a wonderful summer so far. I hope that you take advantage of the next 3 weeks that you have off. Mrs. Oevering and I are already back in the office getting ready for the upcoming school year. I had a great summer spending a lot of time outdoors, hiking and hanging out with friends. Every hike that I did caused me once again to be in awe of our amazing Creator.

See you all in September!