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?
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.
Faithfulness
There may be some families and kids out there that will recognize these 5th-grade faces from 7 years ago! These kids are now in their Junior year of high school! They were in the first class of my first year teaching at HCS and it was my first year coming back to teaching after a 14-year hiatus. To say these kids and their parents gave me grace was an understatement, as most days I was only about 10-15 minutes ahead of the students! Another word that comes to mind as I reflect on that school year, the years in between, and the school year we have ahead of us is faithfulness. God has been truly faithful to Hanford Christian through the highs and lows. I feel like I have gotten a front seat to view the faithfulness of the Lord and his perfect timing over the last 7 years, and what a privilege that has been. The school has flourished under the leadership of Mrs. Schmidt. HCS has attracted top-notch educators, and they are teaching a rigorous curriculum with a Christian emphasis. So many new families have been drawn to Hanford Christian and continue to come!
I have moved into a new role this year, and Miss Bok has taken over the fifth grade. I haven’t moved far though! My “office” is in Room 4, and it has morphed into a meeting room, gathering place and a spot where teachers can rest and put their feet up. This year, I will be working with the teachers who have just joined HCS, supporting Mrs. Schmidt, teaching K-5 computers, preparing to begin the accreditation process with Christian Schools International, and supporting the entire teaching staff. It’s been a great transition, and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve HCS in this new capacity.
God’s timing is never our timing, but it’s always perfect, and as I reflect on the beginning of a new school year, that has never been more clear. We can go forward, firm and secure in the knowledge that Jesus is our anchor and the Holy Spirit will always be with us. I will be praying for the staff, students, families, and supporters of HCS, and I hope everyone has a great school year! If you are ever near Room 4, please stop by and say hello.