Family Devotion for December: Stand in Awe
Psalm 33: 8-9 “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him. For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.” NIV
There are moments in life that stop me in my tracks: the majestic beauty of the mountains and oceans, and a star-filled night. These scenes stir something deep within me: awe. Scripture reminds us that awe is more than a feeling; it is a posture of the heart. As a Christian, it refers to a person’s inner attitude and disposition towards their sin and God.
Psalm 33 calls all the earth to fear the Lord, not with terror, but with a reverent respect that recognizes who God is. He is the One who spoke creation into existence, who commanded the sea to remain within its boundaries and later parted them for Moses and the Israelites. He is the God who created our lives with a word and sustains them with His constant love. Everything we see and everything we are rests upon His unshakable authority and steadfast love.
He’s the One who saved me, set my feet on the narrow path, and placed them on His solid rock of truth. Awe is not a fleeting emotion the world provides; it is a steadfast posture of respect, love, faith, and trust. When we grasp this, worship becomes more than a song. Obedience becomes more than duty or obligation. Trust becomes more than hope. Each becomes a heart response to the majesty of God.
Sometimes we need the reminder from God to “straighten up with a better heart posture.” If you feel distant from God, pause and ask yourself these questions:
Do I have an unforgiving attitude?
Am I holding on to bitterness or hurt feelings?
Have I taken in more of the world and less of the Word of God?
Am I cultivating awe & gratitude, or letting frustration and fear shape my posture?
To stand in awe of God is to remember that He is both powerful enough to create all that is in existence and personal enough to realign our hearts’ posture. An alignment of obedience that welcomes His correction and guidance. It is to realize that the God who “spoke, and it came to be” also speaks into our lives, calling us, correcting us, comforting us, and anchoring us in truth.
Awe leads to reverence.
Reverence leads to surrender.
And surrender leads to peace.
Today, pause and let your heart acknowledge His greatness. Let awe rise within you and display a posture of the heart that aligns with God. Let worship deepen. Let reverence steady your soul and bring you peace.
Prayer:
Lord, open our eyes to Your majesty. Teach us to fear You with reverence that fills our hearts with trust and obedience. May Your voice guide our steps, just as it did from the moment You first called us.
Amen.
Disney Imagination Campus
Two charter buses, ten chaperones, ten “Mouseketeer Moms”, and fifty-one of our HCS 7th and 8th grade Warrior Band and Chorus students had an amazing field trip to the Disney Imagination Campus on Friday, October 24. Even though we left at 4 am, the students were wide awake to attend their Disney Imagination Campus workshops. (And play in the park, of course!)
The Warrior band workshop was under the direction of an esteemed Disney educator and professional musician. During their workshop, the students were challenged to sight-read several short selections from various Disney movies, including Cars 2. They were given the opportunity to record their songs, using state-of-the-art recording studio equipment, and watch them being played back along with the Disney movie clip. This was our first year to take the band, and the students made me so proud. They showed excellent rehearsal ethic, perseverance, and determination as they put their music skills to use.
The Warrior choir attended a workshop that was designed to give them a “Broadway magic” experience. The students were tasked to learn the song, “Belle” from Beauty and the Beast, before we arrived. In the workshop, they worked with a choreographer and a musical director to cast the scene, learn the choreography, create characters, and perform for the chaperones. The level of excellence and effort that the students displayed was incredible! The Disney educators recognized and complimented our program here at HCS, which is a testament to these students.
Thank you to all of the HCS community for supporting our trip! We had an amazing time and look forward to showcasing our progress in our upcoming concerts. We hope you’ll join us!
Joanna Banta
Performing Arts Director, Chapel Coordinator, Kingdom Builders Advisor
Family Devotion for November
A Heart That Overflows With Thanks
Isaiah 12:4–6 says, “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
This passage reminds us that gratitude isn’t just a silent posture—it’s an active declaration of God’s goodness. A thankful heart naturally overflows into praise, testimony, and joy. The people of Israel had witnessed God’s saving power, and their response was not reserved or quiet but full of celebration and proclamation. True thankfulness grows when we recognize who God is and what He has done in our lives. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance already given. Even in seasons of uncertainty or struggle, remembering God’s past faithfulness fuels trust for tomorrow. As believers, our gratitude should echo beyond personal reflection; it should shine outward so that others see God’s goodness through our joy, peace, and hope. When we speak of His blessings and live from a grateful heart, we become living testimonies of His greatness. Today, take a moment to recall what God has done for you. Speak it out. Thank Him openly. Let praise rise from your heart and pour into your words, your worship, and your daily actions. A thankful heart is not just a response to blessing—it is a reflection of the One who blesses.
Things to talk about as a family:
What specific blessings or moments of God’s faithfulness can you recall and give thanks for today?
How does your attitude of gratitude influence those around you?
How can you make your thankfulness more visible—through words, actions, or worship?
How might expressing gratitude help strengthen your faith during challenging seasons?
When was the last time your gratitude led you to share God’s goodness with someone else?
Family Devotion for August
As those redeemed by grace, we are called not only to believe in Christ but also to walk in a way that reflects the glory of the One who saved us. In Colossians 1:10, Paul writes “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way :bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God”. The apostle Paul’s prayer for the Colossians was that they would “walk worthy of the Lord” — not as a way to earn His favor, but because they have already been adopted by Him through Christ.
Our theme this year focuses on “Walking Worthy.” Walking worthy means our lives show evidence of the gospel’s power, turning from sin, loving others, and pursuing holiness. This is not a walk of self-reliance, but of Spirit-enabled obedience. As it states in Philippians 2:13, “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
As Reformed believers, we rejoice that our worthiness before God is forever secure in Christ’s righteousness alone. This should compel us to live lives of gratitude, striving to reflect the character of our Savior. The Heidelberg Catechism captures this beautifully: “Because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood,is also restoring us by his Spirit into his image,so that with our whole lives we may show that we are thankful to God” (Q&A 86).
Therefore, we walk worthy not to become children of God, but because we are His beloved children, chosen, called, and kept by His grace. Let our daily steps point others to the riches of His mercy and the beauty of a life transformed by the gospel.
Discussion questions.
● What does it mean to “walk worthy of the Lord” according to Colossians 1:10?
● How does this differ from trying to earn God’s favor through our good works?
● Why is it important to remember that our worthiness before God is based on Christ’s
righteousness, not our own efforts?
● Can you share an example of someone you know who walks worthy of the Lord?
Prayer: Gracious Father, thank You for calling us out of darkness into Your light. By Your Spirit, help us to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus, bearing fruit that glorifies You. Keep us humble, dependent, and joyful in the knowledge that Christ’s worthiness is our confidence, and empower us to live each day for Your name’s sake. Amen.
7th & 8th Grade Art
In art, students have been working on metal relief sculptures. This is about a month-long lesson where students design patterns and textures in aluminium sheets of metal. After their design is completed, students work on the relief "stretching" or "raising up" of the metal. This part is fun, yet challenging for the students. 7th grade students create a non-objective design only using shapes and patterns, while 8th grade students are working on larger sheets of metal and designed their name (first or last) or their family company/logo into the metal. The last step in this lesson will include painting over the metal and then buffing it out to show a dark black contrast against the shiny metal. This lesson is one that students and I both look forward to every year. Enjoy the pictures of our talented Hanford Christian students and their God given creativity shining in this fun and unique art lesson.
Join Us for Our Annual Spring Festival!
Save the date and prepare for an exciting day filled with joy and community spirit at Hanford Christian School's Annual Spring Festival! Scheduled for May 9th, starting at 4:30 PM, this eagerly-awaited event promises to be a memorable experience for all ages.
What Awaits You
1. Carnival Games and Rides
Get ready to participate in a variety of carnival games that will test your skills and provide endless fun! With classic favorites and thrilling rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
2. Tasty Food Trucks
Savor a feast of flavors from local food trucks offering a delicious selection of culinary treats. Whether you're craving something savory or sweet, you'll find plenty to please your palate.
3. Live Auction
Feel the buzz as our live auction begins! Bid on unique items and experiences while supporting a wonderful cause. It’s a great chance to take home something truly special.
4. Silent Auction
If you prefer a more subdued bidding atmosphere, the silent auction offers a perfect way to win exclusive items. Explore a variety of offerings and place your bids at your leisure.
5. Special Guest Appearance by TNT Dunk Squad
Don't miss the electrifying performance by the TNT Dunk Squad! Known for their high-flying acrobatics and jaw-dropping dunks, they will add an extra layer of excitement to our festival.
Why You Should Attend
Not only is this festival a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, but it also serves as one of our primary fundraisers of the year. Your participation directly supports Christian Education and extracurricular programs at Hanford Christian School, benefiting our students and community.
We can't wait to see you there!
Hanford Christian School Annual Drive 2024/2025
Join Us in Making a Difference: Support Our Annual Drive
The holiday season is here and the spirit of giving is alive and well in our community! Hanford Christian School (HCS) is excited to announce the launch of its annual drive, which runs through early January. The goal is set at an ambitious $200,000, funds that are vital for covering additional expenses throughout the year and ensuring the school can continue its mission of serving the Kings County community.
Leave a Legacy of Faith and Education
Each contribution to this drive helps to establish a lasting legacy. HCS has a rich history of meeting the educational needs of its students through a Christ-centered curriculum, and with the community's support, it aims to continue this tradition. The Lord has always provided for the needs of Hanford Christian School. Your support allows us to reach our goals and provide our students with the education they deserve.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 school year, HCS has embraced the theme "All In," inspired by Colossians 3:17. The school community hopes that both students and staff will commit their actions and words to the Lord, embodying His grace and love. The financial contributions made through this drive are essential to transforming this vision into reality.
Ways to Contribute
There are several ways for community members to support HCS during this drive:
Pledge: For those wishing to make a larger donation but needing to spread payments over time, we encourage reaching out to the office to arrange a pledge.
One-Time Gift: Donations can be made via check or through Venmo (@HCS-hanford). Every tax-deductible gift is valued and appreciated.
A Heartfelt Thank You
The HCS family recognizes that the mission of the school cannot be achieved without the unwavering support of individuals in the community. While financial donations are crucial, we also deeply appreciate your time, talent, and prayers. Thank you in advance for considering this important request.
For any inquiries regarding the Annual Drive, community members can call the HCS office at (559) 584-9207. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our community and in the lives of our students. Thank you for your generosity and support.
Library Update
After remaining in the same location for more than five decades, the HCS library has finally moved to a new room. The move became necessary due to increasing class sizes, and everyone is thrilled about the change. A big THANK YOU to the Mothers' Club for funding the move, and special thanks to Mrs. Schmidt for her guidance and direction. Mr. Reil and Mr. Marshall were also instrumental in making the move possible, alongside several committed parents who helped in packing books, shifting shelves, and organizing the new space.
The new library is a sight to behold, with fresh paint, new carpeting, and window blinds. There's also a circulation counter and a computer for student use, in addition to over eighty new books added to the collection this summer. Students can look forward to enjoying the state-of-the-art library for years to come. The library will officially open its doors in early September, and everyone is eagerly anticipating it. This move will undoubtedly provide a more conducive learning environment, making it a significant improvement for the school.
First Grade Leaders!
Welcome back, everyone! It has been so good to begin getting back into a routine. Friends get to see each other again more regularly and get to play during recess together. Students are beginning to get used to their new classrooms, teachers, and classmates.
In 1st Grade, students get their own desks, workbooks, supplies, and classroom jobs and begin learning a new level of responsibility at school. I am always impressed at how quickly students pick up these new routines and are able to begin implementing them, independent of the teacher having to model each step every morning. It has been such a pleasure to watch students take ownership of these routines. and students are learning quickly that they have more time for STEM bins when they follow their routines right away and do their best! It has been a joy to get to know our students and begin teaching them how to be responsible leaders in First Grade!
Warrior Athletics
As the K-3 PE teacher, it has given me so much joy to teach our youngest warriors about fitness. From educational lessons about why physical education is so important, to teaching, and sometimes playing, rock paper scissor battle with our littles, we have had many laughs and lots of learning happening in elementary PE. Currently, we are learning about basketball and building a firm foundation in the basics skills of the game from dribbling to passing. My favorite quote so far in this unit of study is “Mrs. Bergen we all sound like a herd of cantaloupes when we dribble!” although the kids are ecstatic about the game of basketball, it is I who is excited about our future here on campus.
As the Junior High Girls' coach this year has been an amazing experience. I have coached multiple sports and multiple grade levels before coming to HCS, however, due to medical complications while pregnant with my daughter Emmie and my son Cole, I had to take a step back and stop coaching. Fast forward to the Spring of 2023, I reflect on the three years I had spent away from coaching and look at the girls I get to coach now and I am amazed. God answered every prayer I made while away from coaching, and the answer to those prayers was the HCS Lady Warriors. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am to coach them and how much joy they bring me. The drive, determination, grit, strength, and effort they show me day in and day out is phenomenal and although we have had some losses and hard lessons learned since August, we've also had some amazing victories. But the tournament championships aren't what makes coaching here at HCS so special, it's the culture that the girls and I are building together. We set goals and we work hard for them. We pick each other up, not tear each other down. I hear the girls laughing and cheering for each other, I see the girls reaching out to me and to each other to try and be the best athlete they can be. I see the love of the game developing, I see their passion growing, I see their confidence growing. I see my girls being Christ-like in everything that they do. And that's the culture that makes HCS so special. That's what makes being a Warrior so great.
I'd like to thank all the parents for supporting me, the girls, and the athletic program we are building. It takes commitment, community, and sacrifice and I appreciate that so much. Thank you for believing in us and our vision. Thank you to Athletic Director Flores for always going above and beyond to ensure we have everything we need to be successful.
Although this is my first year on campus, HCS feels like home to me. I am proud to be a part of something bigger that serves our God and I am proud to be a Warrior!
