Commencement Address

Administrator Clemens, Principal Clemens, faculty, members of the board, fellow classmates, family, honored guests, and commencement speaker, Papaw Sankey:

I have read Charlotte’s messages alongside Wilbur and Fern, was shipwrecked with the Swiss Family Robinson. I have sought refuge in the hiding place with Corrie ten Boom, and witnessed the miracle at camp friendship with Ace and Christi. I have searched for missing gold with Silas Marner. I have asked myself “what would Jesus do” with the First Church of Raymond. 

 But I have also marched around the walls of Jericho. I have sung songs of praise in a prison cell with Paul and Silas. I have attended a wedding and watched Jesus turn water into wine, and have wept when they nailed my Jesus to a tree.

Class of 2011

Words cannot describe my deep appreciation of having the privilege to attend a school which not only taught me the differences between infinitives and gerunds, or how to combine like terms, but also educated me in the fact that God’s Word is the greatest resource that will ever pass through my hands.

Rev. Clemens, you have taught me that a day is not complete without coffee, and that a classroom is for learning, not foolishness. But I have seen Jesus in you. I have sat in this church, service after service as you have helped me to grow in my walk with the Lord.

Mr. Scott, you have trained me how to find the measure of an angle, how to solve for “x” in an equation, and that “water makes you weak.” But you have also shown me that the most important thing in life is serving God. You have taught me to pursue excellence in every situation, and to do hard things when it seems impossible. To not back down from what I know is right, and how to fight for what I know is true.

RB and his girls

Mrs. Coleman, you have taught me not only how a government runs, but also how it should run . From you, I have learned that jolly ranchers can get you just about anywhere, and that when a student is distracted by an object, sometimes you just have to steal it to keep them from sinning. But Mrs. Coleman, you have also warned me that when circumstances come in life that ask me to stray from the Biblical principles, run as far away from those circumstances as distance allows. You have taught me to never be ashamed of what I stand for, and that with God, miracles never cease.

Mrs. Clemens, you taught me long division and how to diagram a sentence. But you also illustrated in your own life that God is worthy of my praise in every situation, good or bad. You have instilled in me through God’s Word to pray for the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be acceptable in His sight.

The Cessna Family

Mrs. Turner, you have always helped me in wherever was needed. You have taught me to be flexible, to help in whatever situation needs attention. You have taught me the value of friendship, and of encouraging others.
  

Sra. Crabtree, eres la mujer más paciente que conozco.   And that is all I trust myself to say. I only took two years of Spanish.Publish Post

Papaw and Ganga Sankey

Mom and Dad, you have studied countless hours to help me pass my tests, provided the pencils and life-long supply of erasers, and made me coffee to ensure I would stay awake through yet another five a.m. studying session. But you have also been my spiritual leaders, my prayer warriors, my cheerleaders, my very best friends. Without your daily encouragement, prayers, and your “training me up in the way I should go," I would not be standing here today. The words escape me when I try to explain what you mean to me. I love you.

Classmates: As this chapter in our life is ending; and exciting, yet frightening circumstances await us; Let us never forget the promise in Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Our futures are safe in the One who created us. As we place our hands firmly in His, let’s hold our breath and turn the page to discover what He has written for us. He is our all in all, our Rock where we stand, our Vision, and our Plan. What a joy to surrender our lives to Him.

The Kuhn Family

Auntie's favorite little people

Best Friends
Katie flew home from NC to share in Em's special day.

        

This post linked to

Spiritual Sundays
Soli Deo Gloria