A child who learns to write becomes an adult who knows how to think. Clear thinking and clear writing are directly linked—both require daily practice and patience. Both can be learned. A mind shaped with Truth and wisdom, when combined with a heart rooted in the Gospel, is a powerful thing. This is still something worth pursuing, because Truth is still something worth sharing. (fb)

While the world tells boys to sit still or stay quiet—or has conceded to permit their minds to rotting away from hours staring at screens—God’s Word calls them to something higher. Young men are called to climb. To explore. To be brave and grow strong in heart, mind, and body. To do this, it is necessary to disconnect from media and connect with Scripture (one reason we have always collected students’ cell phones every day) and even spend time in nature with their friends. During Bible class today, in a break between studying the book of Esther, some of our middle school boys naturally took to the trees—just as boys have always done when given the opportunity. It’s in their God-given DNA to climb, to test their limits, to seek adventure. This is something we must encourage and embrace. In Esther, it took great courage for her to go before the king and plead for the lives of the innocent. That kind of courage is as necessary today as ever! Boys and girls need to be brave. They need to be strong. They need the challenge of something difficult, something higher than themselves. This is where God is calling us to lead them. At Cornerstone, we want to train young men who won’t shrink from hard things. Who will stand for truth. Who will lead with wisdom. Who will pursue God with all their heart. We aren’t interested in raising soft followers. The world needs strong men and women—bold, righteous, fearless disciples who will stand firm in the face of adversity yet possess the humility to repent after failure. And strength isn’t just built in weight rooms—it’s built in the heart, in the mind, in the choices made daily in our personal lives and in/among our communities. We believe that when built on God's word, an education that embraces this changes lives. "The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who live in it. For He has founded it upon the seas And established it upon the rivers. Who may ascend onto the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? One who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to deceit And has not sworn deceitfully. He will receive a blessing from the Lord And righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face—even Jacob. Selah.” —Psalm 24:1-6 (fb)