Getting Back to the Basics

With Christmas just around the corner, many parents are already buying their child’s presents, eagerly anticipating the child’s excitement when he or she unwraps the gifts on Christmas morning. In our day-and-age, it’s no surprise for even the youngest of children and the oldest of adults to receive an electronic toy or device or video game as a gift, whether for Christmas, a birthday, or a other special event. While technology (and all of the gadgets and gizmos) can be helpful and fun, they can also become a distraction. As adults, they can distract us from our responsibilities such as work and family. As parents, they can distract us from spending time with our children and leading them by example. As students, they can distract us from learning and pursuing knowledge. As children, they can distract us from homework and chores. As Christians, they can distract us from our relationship with God and fellowship with other believers.

This holiday season, as you buy your child’s gifts and even gifts for other people, challenge yourself to get back to the basics. Put aside the video games, the electronic devices, the computers, the cell phones, and mp3 players. Go for the things that can really bring a family together. Instead of giving technological gifts, give books that you can read and discuss together; give board games so that you can have a family game night every once in a while; give outdoor toys so that you can enjoy a weekend together, exploring God’s creation; give an art set and spend an afternoon creating something together.

Challenge yourself to choose gifts that draw people together and help them enjoy some quality time as a family and as friends.

There are so many possibilities that don’t even require batteries!

GCA Invites You...

Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” At Glencoe Classical Academy, we strive to produce patriotic children who love both, America and its freedom. In addition, we endeavor to encourage the children to express true appreciation and support of American veterans and soldiers, and one way the students do this is through the Veterans’ Day Program every year.

Each year, the students at GCA give a musical presentation to honor America’s defenders and heroes. Even more so, the students show their dedication to glorifying God for His provisions and grace for America. The children work hard and fully commit themselves to performing at their best, but they do not do so for their own gratification; rather, they devote themselves for the glory of God and the tribute of all American veterans. As the children sing patriotic songs, their understanding of the true meaning of the lyrics is evident through the passion with which they sing and sign. They have a keen understanding of the sacrifices soldiers have made for our country because they have a great grasp of the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for all.

The students and staff of Glencoe Classical Academy invite you to join in honoring God and our veterans at this year’s Veterans’ Day program, Our Lord & Our Land. The program will take place this Wednesday, November 10 at 6:30pm and will feature a special performance by Glencoe Learning Center's pre-kindergarten classes. It is recommended that you arrive early because, in the past, there has been standing-room only. We pray that you will attend and show your support for both, the military of America and the ministry of the Academy.