Apples of Gold

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Before we get to the apples...March has flown by, and it is with a bit of disbelief with a trace of denial that I find myself near the end of it. The beginning weeks were consumed with preparations for our state-wide Fine Arts Festival. The day was extremely successful on many fronts. Our students did exceptionally well, placing high in many different categories that allowed Pilgrim to place first overall. I enjoyed competing in this festival myself during high school, but there is a distinct joy that comes when you see your students excel that far outweighs any of my own personal achievement. I was particularly proud of my own brothers, Peter and Mark as they placed well in many different categories, and also of my dad as he prepared and directed numerous musical groups! See pictures below!

I wanted to briefly share with you a verse and a thought that my freshman Bible class discussed this morning. 

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." Proverbs 25:11 

I think it is often hard to recognize that in high school one sets precedents and builds habits that are continued later in life. It is much easier to focus on the here and now, making the grade, winning the game, turning in the project or assignment. All of those things are important. However, it is incredibly important to be able to recognize that the thoughts we think daily have a massive impact on our attitudes, words and actions, and ultimately on those around us. Therefore it is particularly important to realize the import and impact of our words on those around us and to chose our words with care. A negative or harmful word or interaction has the power to distort the color of an entire day. Equally, a word of admonition or encouragement is extremely formative, and stands out when spoken into someone's life. A word well-timed, a kind word, words that build up, and even a word held back, are extremely valuable in their time and way, even more so because they bring glory to God our Creator. They are as distinct as a beautiful piece of guilded art or architecture. May our words be as 'apples of gold in pictures of silver today.'

             Mark and Peter celebrating with TPA's Quality Award and overall 1st Place.

                                         Dad and the TPA Festival Orchestra 
                                       TPA group photo to celebrate the win!

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