Simply Trusting

Over the last week, there has been an air of excitement around the school. Starting last Thursday, everyone who works at BFA gathered at the school for All-staff In-service type meetings. In our morning sessions, we have had a number of guest speakers who have encouraged and inspired us as we begin the year. One of the biggest things I've been impressed with is the fact that as a part of BFA and international Christian education, I am part of something much bigger than myself, and I have a role to play. In the afternoons, we have had time to work on preparations for the coming year in our own classrooms and offices. This year I've moved offices, and am sharing a space with one of my illustrious musical colleagues. My desk is now located in the classroom where I will be teaching Music Appreciation as well as Piano 2. We've acquired a new keyboard this year, so we have more space than ever in which students can learn! I'm quickly getting used to the new space and look for...

This post is a bit different from others - on Saturday I learned that Dan Pinkham, a dear friend and mentor of mine, had entered Heaven the night before. God used Dan and his wife Sharon to initially begin my journey to Black Forest Academy. I want to share some thoughts and memories here. If you are friends or acquaintances of Dan and Sharon Pinkham, you were continually reminded of the words in the title of this post over the last year and a half. It's easy to remind others of this truth when others are struggling; however, it's another thing altogether to speak them from a place of personal hardship. Dan and his family faced a long, uphill battle with an ugly opponent, and one that ultimately took his life. However, I don't want to focus on the last 18 months or so; I want to simply share what this amazing family has meant to me. I first became acquainted with the Pinkhams through stories of the old days at Csehy Summer School of Music that I heard from my parents. D...

As a child, I used to look forward to holidays and birthdays, often counting down the days. Christmas was my favorite! When those special days came they would fly by, leaving me eagerly awaiting the next one. Being involved with Csehy Summer School of Music is my summer equivalent. We plan for it and talk about it through the year, and then in a few short weeks, it’s over, and we’re back to looking through pictures and talking about how much we can’t wait for the next one. I am so incredibly thankful to spend my summers as a part of this organization that has an equal focus on both music and Christ. My responsibilities this summer as Lead Counselor involved mentoring the counselors, interacting with students, organizing schedules, travel arrangements, and 100 other things that might bore you if I listed them here but are all a part of helping Csehy move forward. Having family around for the majority of the time was a huge bonus! This summer was a busy one, but God was busier. It’s tru...