Summers: Redeeming the Time

By Joanna Griffith

Summer vacation – the term evokes images of long, warm, carefree days, family vacations, and freedom from school. But while there is nothing wrong with taking some time to rest, summers, sadly, are often wasted. In the early days of public schools in this country, summer vacation was instituted to allow students time to help with the work on their farms at home. With the extra work to be done during the summer, school closed to allow students to focus on another important area of work.

While none of us likely have a large acreage of crops to harvest this year, the principle of accomplishing important tasks over the summer still holds true. First, use summer as a time for learning. While we all need rest, simply wasting time isn't justified by youth, good grades, or taking lots of AP classes during the school year. God calls us to redeem the time. These days of our youth give us a unique opportunity to impact our communities and culture, whatever our interests and talents may be. So as you look forward to the summer months, create some goals and projects that will further your learning.

Secondly, use the unique platforms provided by youth and your particular interests to impact the world around you. Many teens in this country are sadly apathetic. Disciplined, motivated, visionary youth have an extremely unique position to impact the world. Messages that might not be accepted from an adult will be heeded because of an individual's young age. So as you follow your interests and goals, use them to impact the world. Take those things important to you and communicate them through writing, speaking, film, music, or whatever other outlet God provides.

And finally, reach out to those around you. It is not enough for us to be bright, well-educated, and disciplined, if those gifts are accompanied by only selfish desires. Many in history have made names for themselves, but done so at the expense of others. So look to the next generation and leave a legacy for the children coming after us. I've often thought of girls whom I looked up to as a young child. It is a humbling, and often convicting thought to realize that I am now older than some of those ladies I once thought of as “big girls”. Whether we like it or not, we are watched by the younger ones around us.

So as you finish this school year, take the many lessons you have learned here and earnestly seek how God would have you use your gifts and talents in the coming months and years. Summer is an exciting time to break from the normal routine, explore interests, try new activities, and make new friends. Redeem these special days!

Credo Summers
By Susanna Griffith

The school year is almost over and summer is coming!!!

Summer is a time to take a break from our normal academic activities and focus on other profitable projects. Sadly, many students spend their summers glued to their television set or aimlessly surfing the web. Several Credo students are looking for ways to make their summers profitable. Today we’ll look at some of the ways they are planning to do this.

This will be Chloe Anderson’s last summer at home before she goes to college. This past year she has been busy planning a movie which she will be filming May 25^th-27^th of this year. After that, she plans to have the time of her year at nationals and then spend the next couple weeks at Shakespeare Camp. The kids attending Shakespeare Camp will spend two weeks preparing a play and then performing it. Chloe plans to help direct the play just as she did last year. Also on her list of summer projects is college preparation.

Petra and Robert Anderson are also involved with Shakespeare Camp.

Petra Anderson and Joanna Griffith both qualified for the 2006 NCFCA national tournament so the Anderson and Griffith families will be traveling back to Patrick Henry College in Virginia for the week. The tournament promises to be a week full of fun, fellowship, learning and growing.

Joanna Griffith plans to stay involved with debate during the summer. She is part of the student committee that will be helping to research and write the policy debate ‘Blue Book’ for the 2006-2007 school year.

Last summer, Jonathan Herring went on a Missions trip to Oxaca, Mexico which he describes as an "incredible time and life changing experience." This June, he is traveling to Thailand to spend some time at the Kid's Life ministry orphanage.

Other Credo students plan to participate in the Walk for Life. This is an event happening in Colorado Springs in the beginning of June. Participants ask friends and family to sponsor them and then go on the annual walk. Most of the proceeds earned go to benefit charity organizations such as the Colorado Springs crisis pregnancy center.

Others plan to hold various volunteer positions and spend their summers serving their communities. There are several programs looking for volunteers and young people can make a big difference in their communities by contributing their time and skills.

Hopefully, the skills you have the learned this school year will come in useful this summer and help you to make a difference in the lives of your friends, family, and members of your community.

Health Racquet
Allegra ends the year with a look at something we all love - sleep! While summer may be a good time to catch up on some much needed rest, early rising has many benefits in life.

A Piece of My Mind
Our schooling now is preparation for leadership in the real world. And even as youth, we have great opportunities to be world leaders.

March 8: Deprivation

Focus: The Value of Deprivation
By Susanna Griffith

With the season of Lent upon us, many people are giving something up. They are depriving themselves of something so that they can focus more on Christ and his death. In today’s focus article, we will explore the value of deprivation.

Some people fast, some give up dessert, or television, or some other part of their lives for Lent. But what is the point? What is the value of deprivation? Lent, which began last Wednesday, is a time to weep over our sin and prepare to celebrate Christ’s death and victory of sin. However, Lent is not JUST a time to mourn and weep over our sins. Deprivation gives us a deep hatred for our sin but also makes us focused on Christ’s victory over it. This gives us a desire to kill the sins that make us stumble.

Deprivation also teaches the value of longing for God instead of for earthly possessions. So often we think that we can be satisfied with more food, more money or more fame. This is something John Piper talks about in the book “A hunger for God.” He writes, “Our appetites dictate the direction of our lives—whether it be the cravings of our stomachs, the passionate desire for possessions or power, or the longings of our spirits for God. But for the Christian, the hunger for anything besides God can be an archenemy, while our hunger for God—and Him alone—is the only thing that will bring victory.” Lent is a time to take our focus off of earthly passions. For where one’s treasure lies, his heart lies there also. If our treasure is food, entertainment, and things of this world, that is what we’ll be focused on. Lent is a time to put our focus on eternal things and to acquire a hunger for God.

Self-denial and self-indulgence are two different dangers. The path in between those two can be painful but still valuable. Many observe Lent to bring God to the center of their lives. For when God is in the center, everything revolves around his will and his desires. As John Piper says, “What we hunger for most, we worship.”

His goodness shines with brightest rays

When we delight in all his ways.

His glory overflows its rim

When we are satisfied in him.

His radiance will fill the earth

When people revel in his worth.

The beauty of God’s holy fire

Burns brightest in the heart’s desire.

- Author unknown

Our World: From Revelry to Repentance: Examining Lent and Mardi Gras
By Allegra Tschappler

As Mardi Gras was celebrated in Louisiana, many Christians across the United States were also preparing for the season of Lent. Children at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and School enjoyed all the festivities of Mardi Gras, but an opportunity was given for them to reflect on the more solemn season of Lent. Although it is a strange custom, Mardi Gras (a time of fun and revelry) ends the day before Lent (a time of fasting and penitence) begins.

This strange turn of events was started during Roman times. A holiday called Lupercalia was celebrated in a manner similar to Mardi Gras in mid-February. When Christianity was embraced in Rome, the early church fathers decided not to get rid of pagan celebrations, but rather use them for spreading the gospel through the symbolism.

Lupercalia became Mardi Gras, and the season was set to begin on January 6, (Epiphany) which is twelve days after Christmas was celebrated. This symbolizes the date the wise men visited Jesus. The season of Mardi Gras ends with a big finale, Fat Tuesday, which is always on a Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, and 47 days before Easter. The season is loaded with symbolic meanings, although it is celebrated the same way Christmas is: simply for the fun, rather than the meaning behind it.

The immediate switch from Mardi Gras to Lent symbolizes our wanton sinfulness versus our repentance, showing the dramatic difference between the two, as well as how amazing God's work in our lives really is.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, a time of searching our hearts and discovering not the inner good, but the sins we have not confessed. It is a time of seeking God and asking for His forgiveness.

Bits & Pieces
Be sure to check out Bits & Pieces for the latest updates to the Credo calendar, as well as other important announcements.

A Piece of My Mind
Just as being a Christian is much more than going to church, so beneficial fasting and deprivation must be much more than simply giving up some food or sleep. When our busy lifestyles force us to do this, perhaps it's time for a season of real deprivation.

Health Racquet
Considering a fast? Be sure to check out the Health Racquet for some important tips on safe and healthy fasting.

Snobs' Corner
Though deprivation isn't usually a popular topic, it is an important one to consider. Check out this review of Waterproof, a Christian movie on the Spiritual gain to be found in deprivation.

Soda Fountain Revisited - Coming Soon!
Calling all speech and debate students!! Be sure to sign up for the Credo Service Award being given at the Rocky Mountain Classic Regional Tournament. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate the service activities with which homeschoolers are involved. For more information, go here.

March 1: On-line World

Focus: World Wide Wonder
By William Anger

http://www This is now known by all as the World Wide Web. The internet is now considered to be more influential to the world than the invention of the printing press. But where did this revolution start?

The internet started simply as a way for multiple computers in a building to communicate with each other over a mainframe. This means that all of the computers that were on the network were linked by a wire and one computer could only communicate with one other computer. This was an expensive commodity and most business couldn’t afford to have such a luxury.

The first person to actually imagine the internet was J.C.R. Licklider. In his report Man computer symbiosis he wrote:

A network of such computers, connected to one another by wide-band communication lines" which provided "the functions of present-day libraries together with anticipated advances in information storage and retrieval and other symbiotic functions

He wrote this in 1960. He was then appointed the head of the internet committee. At this point the internet was given over to the United States Department of Defense. They began to link computers together in a US network. This network only allowed Universities and educational institutions into it. Any use for commercial purposes was strictly prohibited. In other words the internet was limited to an educational message board.

Since the internet was still linked one computer to another it was mandatory to find a more convenient way to share information. This brought about the idea of packet switching, which allowed one computer to send a packet of information to any other computer linked to it. Finally one computer could share with multiple others.

At this time the internet was growing so that more universities and government projects were using it. The side affect of this was that various versions of the net began to crop up. These included: X.25, UUCP, and TCP/IP. With all of the different forms of communication it was decided that there must be a way for them to all communicate. So the ARPANET was designed. It allowed for all of the various servers to communicate.

It was during this time that E-mail came to the internet. Previously, mail was limited to in-building messages and was transferred via the mainframe. Now it was free for any computer on the net to share with another as long as it had the routing address of the receiving computer.

It wasn’t until 1992 that it was decided that the government couldn’t monitor the internet any more. So they split up the control three ways. Network Solutions would handle the registration for the internet. Database and directory would be handled by AT&T. And the information would be provided by General Atomics. In 1994 the internet was linked to other countries. Soon after this, it became known as WWW, also known as the World Wide Web.

The final innovation in the internet structure up was the search engine, in about 2000. By 2001 Google had archived 1.3 billion websites. Within another year this was at 8 billion. As of August 2005 Google and Yahoo were competing at a jaw-dropping 20 billion websites under each of their search umbrellas.

Where will the internet go from here?

Focus: Cultural Transformation

By Joanna Griffith

One of the most amazing aspects of the Internet is the way it has transformed culture, changing the way we communicate, the way we work, the way we entertain ourselves, the way we gather information – the very way we live. Though Internet only became widely available to the public a little over a decade ago, it has quickly revolutionized this generation.

E-mail and other messaging services quickly connect family, friends, co-workers, and students all over the world. Students gather on-line for practice debate rounds, post school work on forums for critique, e-mail assignments to teachers for feedback, or study Biology.

As students, Internet has reshaped the way we learn. The expansive information found on-line allows for easy research, right in the comfort of our homes. From the history of the Punic Wars, to the electronegativity of elements, to an analysis of themes in Great Expectations, the Internet places libraries worth of free information from diverse sources and viewpoints right at our fingertips.

Through the blogging revolution and availability of on-line news we are witnessing a dramatic change in the dispersion of information. Though there is something quaint perhaps about sitting in a bathrobe and slippers with a cup of coffee to read through the morning newspaper, the fact is that newspapers are becoming more and more obsolete. By the time subscribers see a major story in the paper, it has likely been published on-line, analyzed by dozens of journalists, and examined from a myriad of viewpoints by bloggers around the globe. No, the New York Times and Washington Post haven't gone out of business, but they have moved beyond just publishing the morning paper.

Sadly, with good has also come problems. The Internet provides yet another forum to spread lies, polute minds, promote obscenity, and spread idleness. As with many things, the Internet can be a tremendous tool for good, or it can lead to ruin. Americans have come to rely heavily on the Internet. It increases efficiency in the workplace, connects loved ones, and assists students in academic study. If used rightly, it can be a tool for much good.

World: Chinese Censorship Controversy
By Joanna Griffith

The Internet has ushered in an amazing Information Age, with loads of information easily accessible to anyone with the Internet. But its availability also raises many questions. A dispute is now unfolding over some of these questions.


The most recent controversy involves the Chinese government, Google and other Internet-based entities. The Chinese government desires to restrict the information their citizens can access on the Internet. Why? They don't want their people learning about democracy, Christianity and other such ideas and becoming discontent with Chinese oppression.

Take for example, Tiananmen Square. Type that phrase into a Google search from a computer in the United States, and you will retrieve information on the massacre that occurred there. But enter that same phrase in a Google search from a computer in China, and pictures of the square will appear. But all information about the fight for democracy, and the lives lost in that cause are absent.

Currently, Google and other Internet providers are complying with the desires of the Chinese government and removing objectionable information. However, the legitimacy of this practice is being questioned by Congress. Americans are deeply divided on the issue of whether or not material should be filtered.

And so, through this controversy we see many questions regarding the Internet. Who is in charge of the Internet? What happens if access to the Internet violates a nation's rules? What if citizens are incited to rebel against their government because of information they obtain on-line? These issues will be of great importance as this story unfolds.

Bits & Pieces
Coming Soon!

A Piece of My Mind
This week we conclude our series on young women by considering the view held by some that a young woman should stay at home after high school graduation.

The Apple
Meet Mr. Hall, Credo's art teacher. Mr. Hall writes, paints, raises seahorses, and has had his work published in Time magazine!

Health Racquet
The digital transformation has led millions of Americans to lead very sedentary lifestyles. So how do you stay in shape when life finds you spending hours a day in front of a computer screen?

Snobs' Corner
Coming Soon!

February 22: Managing Anger

Focus
Normalizing Violence
By Allegra Tschappler

Our culture is an image and reflection of the hearts of the people that live within it. That is a frightening thought when we realize how sinful man’s heart is, but the element of surprise is lost with that realization. It is no longer a surprise when people go out and do violent things because man’s natural inclination is to get revenge by hurting others.

When someone offends us or aggravates us, there is a feeling of anger. If we follow through with it, soon we want to hurt the person that we feel has done wrong to us. As Christians we are called to not always do what we feel like doing—and that includes punching your little brother for accidentally stepping on your toe. Even if he does squash you because he just feels like it, we should respond with forgiveness.

That’s how we should deal with anger and violence, but a funny thing happens when you take God and any moral absolutes out of the picture. Grown adults don’t know how to control their tempers, and as a result, several things happen:

• Divorce is a normal, accepted standard
• More children and women experience physical abuse
• Fewer people are able to keep their jobs
• Grown men attack teenage girls for cutting in front of them on the ski slope
• Killings are more frequent

For example, you probably know about road rage. There have been some incidents in which a person got so angry at another driver that he pulled up next to the car and actually shot the offending driver.

Violence is a normalized part of our culture, and it’s time we take a stand against it. However, that doesn’t mean getting rid of movies like The Passion and The Patriot. It means getting rid of senseless violence that is just for revenge and just listens to our emotions.

Our World
The Peaceful Olympics
By Susanna Griffith

On February 10, 2006, the 20^th Winter Olympics games began. Two thousand, five hundred athletes from eighty-five countries are competing. Two hundred fifty-two medals will be awarded before the closing ceremonies. For two weeks, millions of people watch the athletes triumph and fall.

An intriguing aspect to think about is the peace during the games. These 2,500 athletes are at their best. Competing their hardest to bring home a medal for their country. Despite the competition, there is an amazing amount of peace. Only once in a long history, have major riots broken out at the games.

In 1972, the Summer Olympics games were held in Munich, Germany. Many hoped that these games would help heal the wounds that Hitler caused. The event started out well. Just six days before the closing ceremony, tragedy struck. Terrorists invaded the Israeli section of the Olympic village killing several and injuring others. Competition was suspended for 24 hours. The decision was made that the “games must go on.” For the rest of those Olympics, flags were flown at half-mast. It became a solemn event. After it was over, people remembered the terrorists, and not the athletic accomplishments.

Thankfully, that has only happened once. For the most part, countries have put aside disputes, disagreements, and arguments and focused on the games. Athletes from different countries stand on the medal podium together. Silver medalists smile listening to another country’s anthem and watching an athlete from another country wear a gold medal around his neck.

This is part of what makes the Olympics such a big event. The peace that we have during the Olympics is part of the reason so many people anticipate the games and watch them every two years.

Bits & Pieces
The Credo calendar is updated weekly with news of the latest happenings. Be sure to check it for the lastest news.

A Piece of My Mind
Having introduced the topic of what a girl should do after high school, we will look this week at some arguments in support of a young woman attending college and pursuing a career.

Health Racquet
Anger or peace, resentment or love? Our emotions affect our health.

Snob's Corner
Forgiveness is beautifully illustrated in the story of the murders of Jim Elliot and the other missionaries working with him to spread the gospel. Their families demonstrated forgivness much harder than most of us will ever experience. This week we examine The End of the Spear.

February 15

Focus: Check that Date!
By William Anger

On the subject of teen relationships, there is a debate as to whether dating or courting is better. The idea of dating is nothing new to this generation. It took root in the early 1940s and is now the way in which many people meet their spouses. But the idea of courting has been around much longer. It has been around since before Jesus came to earth. It is the method that God gave us as the way to find your life long partner. But how do teens of today use a method that was developed a couple of thousand years ago?

The purpose of courting is so that you are looking at a person to spend the rest of your life with.

Genesis 2:24 "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

This may sound like a bit much for a teenager and it may be. If it is then you are not ready for this yet. But if it is not too much for you then continue reading the rest of the rules of courting as interpreted from the Bible.

Let’s take a look at what courting is before we chose whether it or dating is better. The first part of courtship is that both of the people must be Christians. This is not only commanded in scripture, but it also keeps the relationship in focus.

2Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

The next part of courtship is that it is a commitment. There isn’t a breaking up option as soon as the first problem arises. God promised that there would be strife and a relationship is no different.

Matthew 5:37 "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one."

Then the parents must be involved. Gulp! Yes, this means getting their approval and not just leaving them in the dark. Even though mom and dad grew up a while ago, they still have the knowledge and the experience to know what is good and what is not. This even applies to whom you would like to court.

So, who asks whom out? The part of chivalry that was developed in the dark ages says that a man should ask the woman out. There is no biblical reference to this. The Bible only says that a man should ask her father for her hand in marriage. That is it. With courtship, it is normal that the prospective couple will ask the parents together in a team effort to show mutual agreement. In a relationship, it has to work the same. If the man is controlling the entire processes then it is unlikely that he will get to know his prospective wife well enough to make a good decision. After talking to the parents, it generally works the same way with choosing the activities. Godly activities will present themselves and it is not important whom they are presented to.

Now so far we have seen a lot of rules that are more like writing a contract rather than being around someone, you like. But these rules are important so that the relationship honors God in every aspect. Now there’s the clincher. The one thing that makes courting work better than dating. There is no kissing, hugging, or caressing. The way that these things work is that you start with one and then move to the other and so on until you lose your virginity. Many people think that they can stop at a certain point and go no farther. This is a myth. Once you start down that road it is almost impossible to stop. God gave us these desires and he designed them for the right circumstances, only after you say, “I do”. Now if you tell your parents this, then they will almost certainly agree to let you court that special someone.

For more information on courtship visit: www.wolfeborobible.com

Focus:Teens Choosing Purity
By William Anger

60% of teens will lose their virginity before they leave high school. Shockingly, this number is not diminished for Christian teens. So how do we as teenagers stay pure in the world of today? This world is showing us that sexual relations are commonplace and normal. And how do the parents teach their children the valuable lesson of purity.

There is a war going on over the subject of purity right this minute. It is between the society and True Love Waits. True Love Waits is the masthead for all of the abstinence organizations that are trying to reach teens of the world with their message. But how do they do this? They infiltrate the places where the teens are the most comfortable and share different stories that highlight the importance of purity. Then after the message they then leave out a piece of paper that is the most important thing on the journey to purity. It is called the True Love Waits pledge sheet. Teens sign their names and pledge that they will save themselves for the person that they marry.

One example of these groups is based out of Littleton, Colorado. They call themselves Wise Choices. They travel throughout the entire world sharing their message. Their message is unique because it is their life story. They share the story of Barb Wise who had intimate relations before marriage. Through this, she acquired AIDS. The doctors told her that she had only weeks to live. Eleven years later, she is still sharing her message alongside her husband. Wise Choices alone had 14,000 “True Love Waits” pledges signed in one year. Another example is based out of Colorado Springs. For more information, see the Health Racquet.

Institutions outside the family can only do so much, but what can the parents do for their children?

The most important thing is to realize the danger. A parent must understand that they can’t make this choice for their teen, but they can give them the tools to make the right decision. They can educate and inform their teen rather than leaving them in the dark. The second thing that a parent can do is to share with their teen. So many parents are so uncomfortable with the subject that they never talk with their teens about sex before marriage. If a parent is able to talk to their child, the dialog will help steer the direction of that child. The next thing that a parent can do is to avoid situations that could tempt their teen into making the wrong decision. This means knowing where they are and who they’re with. The final thing that a parent can do is to keep their teen in a positive atmosphere that encourages them to stay pure.

An example of this positive atmosphere is the Pure By Choice rally that is coming to the Pepsi-Center next month. This is a rally for the teens that have chosen to combat society in the battle for purity, to come together for an annual conference.

And what can we as teens do to avoid premarital sex? We need to choose our friends carefully. When choosing a person to date or court we need to discuss our decision with them. If they don’t agree then they probably aren’t the one that we want to date after all. The next is to be vocal about our decision. If we’re not ashamed of our decisions then we will attract people who are like us. The second is to have a physical representation of our commitment. A popular sign for today is the purity ring. It not only makes a good conversation piece it also gives something that will stay in the front of our minds.

For more information on how to help spread the message of purity visit: True Love Waits and Pure By Choice.

Bits & Pieces
The on-line calendar is updated regularly, so be sure to check back often for updates.

A Piece of My Mind
As we study the issues of courtship and purity, we must also consider what young men and women should do during this time between high school and marriage. This week we begin looking at the controversy surrounding the proper role of young ladies anticipating marriage.

Soda Fountain Revisited - Coming Soon!
This week get to know Mr. Hall, one of our Credo teachers.

Health Racquet
Abstinence education is a key component in encouraging purity among today's teens. This week we explore how to get involved with abstinence programs and promote purity in a society desperate for it.

Snob's Corner
Multiple motion pictures have been produced from Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. This week features a review of the latest making of this classic romance.

February 8

Focus: Life After Graduation
By Susanna Griffith

You’ve made it to high school. You’ll be graduating sometime soon. But what’s next? Does life end here? What should Christian students do after graduation?

Credo Seniors Chloe Anderson, Jonathan Herring, and Nathanael Meade are facing these questions. All three of these students have thought long and hard about this question. All three plan to attend school past high school and have given much consideration to the road ahead.

Nathanael Meade hopes to spend the upcoming years of his life studying and preparing for a future in serving this country to make it a better, stronger, and safer place to live. If circumstances allow, Nathanael hopes to attend college, although he is not quite sure which one yet.. He writes that he would like to “get a degree in political science and work towards state political office where I will work to serve the people the way the Constitution planned.”

Jonathan Herring, who turned 17 last October, is considering staying in high school another year so that he can focus more on his future and what God is calling him to do. If he chooses to graduate this spring, he hopes to study music and performance. He also would like to study abroad in a Spanish speaking country. He is actively involved in missions in Spanish speaking countries such as Mexico. Another one of his interests is writing and he hopes to publish a book someday.

Chloe Anderson chose not to graduate in 2005 so that she could spend another year at home with her family and further consider her plans for future. This year, these plans have come together and crystallized. Chloe writes “I will be attending college. Where has yet to be determined. I'll be studying for a Liberal Arts education undergrad with a focus on writing and the impact of literature on culture as well as some foreign language studies. On the side, I hope to be learning the ropes of film making because I think that that is an area where Christians can have a profound impact. After getting my B.A. I' like to go for an M.A. in sociology/physiology or maybe more literature, something that would dove-tail nicely with taking over the world through cultural subversion (in film, literature or politics).

Ideally (if dreams came true) I'd come out of college with a cadre of like minded friends and the beginnings of our own studio, and possibly the beginnings of an international consulting career.

I also aspire to be a mother, and hope to use the things I learn now in training the next generation of men and women who will shape the world after I am gone.”

The plan is different for everyone. There’s no ideal post-high school plan that fits all. These three seniors have very different plans and their futures will all be different. The one thing these three seniors have in common is the desire to serve God through their lives. That is something we can all learn from these three students. No matter what we do after high school, we must seek to serve God through our lives.

Our World: Colorado Governor's Race 2006
By Joanna Griffith

Election Day may sound like it's a long way off, but campaigns are already in action. Among the many elections being held in Colorado is the election of a new governor. According to the websites for the Colorado Republican and Democratic parties, the Republican candidates for governor are U.S. Congressman Bob Beauprez and Marc Holzman. The Democratic candidates are state Representative Gary Lindstrom and Bill Ritter.

Republican candidate Congressman Bob Beauprez is endorsed by Congressman Joel Hefley, former Congressman Bob Schaffer, and numerous members of the state legislature and senate including Ed Jones, Lynn Hefley, Keith King, Larry Liston, and others. Check out his website, http://www.beauprezforgovernor.com, for more information.

Marc Holzman, also a Republican candidate, describes himself as a supporter of homeschooling, traditional marriage, and the sanctity of life, and is endorsed by Rep. Joe Stegal (CO House Minority Leader), Don Hodel (Former Secretary of the Interior under Ronald Reagan), and others. More information on him may be found at www.marc2006.com.

Democratic Representative Gary Lindstrom (www.garylindstrom.com) says he supports abortion and same sex marriage, opposes the Iraq war and the death penalty, and believes all Colorado citizens “should be guaranteed the right to a free public education through four years of college.” More information on his views can be found on his website. Based on information from his website it appears that he does not plan to run an extensive campaign.

Another more serious Democratic candidate though, is Bill Ritter. He is endorsed by Andrew Romanoff (Speaker of the House), state Senator Jennifer Veiga, and others. He supported Referendum C, passed by voters last November (which allowed the state to keep about $3 billion in tax refunds). His views are detailed on his website, www.ritterforgovernor.com.

The Colorado Primary election is scheduled for August 8, 2006. Both parties will likely conduct extensive grassroots campaigns during the last few days of the campaign. The state legislature promises to produce hot battles of its own as Republican attempt to regain a majority in the legislature and Democrats work to hold their position. Generation Joshua, a political activism organization for homeschooled teens, is expected to organize a group of students to assist with grassroots activities. Watch their website (www.generationjoshua.org) for more information as the election approaches.

Bits & Pieces
Coming Soon!

A Piece of My Mind
Have you ever attended a caucus meeting? These local gatherings provide an easy way for you to influence local politics!

Health Racquet
Tight on time? Kill two birds with one stone! By precinct walking you can support good candidates and get in some great exercise.

Snobs' Corner
Coming Soon!

Soda Fountain Revisited
Coming Soon!

February 1: Roe v. Wade Anniversary

Focus:

Abortion Controversy

By Joanna Griffith

January 22, 2006 marked the 33^rd anniversary of one of the most controversial Supreme Court rulings in history – Roe v. Wade. This decision, legalizing abortion, has led to the murder of millions of our most vulnerable citizens – unborn children. Every time a new President is elected or an individual is nominated for a position on a major court, the issue of abortion finds itself high on the priority list. With the passing of the 33^rd anniversary of this ruling, the controversy doesn't appear to be nearing resolution. Recent events hold promise for the Pro-life cause but also raise new issues.

The abortion controversy may by affected by the likely confirmation of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. Though he did not entirely express his views on this issue during the Senate hearings, he has in the past voiced opposition to abortion. His nomination is opposed by the National Abortion Federation, NARAL, and Planned Parenthood, while Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, and Concerned Women for America have all shown support for this nominee. It appears likely that he is pro-life, but did not strongly express these views during the hearings, realizing that this could prevent his confirmation.

Additionally, the South Dakota legislature is considering a bill that would ban abortion except where it is done to save a mother's life. This bill has been proposed and rejected in the state in previous years. Rep. Roger Hunt, who is introducing this bill, believes that now is the time to push for an abortion ban, noting that the Supreme Court is changing with the addition of Judge Roberts and possibly Judge Alito.

Both of these issues appear to show progress for the Pro-life movement. However, new issues arises. What would happen if abortion was outlawed? What would be the affect on our society? Should these issues be taken into consideration or is abortion a crime that must be banned instantly, whatever the potential societal costs? All of these issues and many more are likely to be considered in the coming months and years.

Our World:

Surveying Credo’s New Horizons
By Allegra Tschappler

We are running out of room. And we all know what happens when we run out of room: either something’s got to go, or we need to move. At Credo Academy, getting rid of students is not an option.

However, moving might mean changing dates, and everyone has different schedules. So at the last parent/teacher meeting, a survey was taken, asking parent/teachers where we could move, what date Credo could be held on, what classes are the most important, and what classes should be offered. A total of eight families responded. With their feedback, we were able to evaluate the different aspects of the survey.

The importance of different types of classes is first on the form. The lowest number beside each type of class means that the family is not very interested in that type. If every family chose 1 for one type of class, it would earn 8 points. If every family chose 5 for a certain type of class, it gets 40 points. Does that make sense? Now we’re going to use this system to evaluate the total of votes for each class.

Core Classes (such as US History, Math, Biology, etc). 37 points.

Elective Classes (such as Music, Art, etc). 27 points.

Classes that focus on more specific topics and/or research-oriented. 20 - 22 points.

Clubs 23 - 24 points.

ACT/SAT exam prep classes. 25 - 26 points.

AP exam prep classes. 26 - 27 points.

The priority of the classes are as follows, according to this survey: Core classes, Elective classes, Classes to prepare for AP exams, Classes to prepare for ACT/SAT exams, Clubs, and last of all, Classes that focus on more specific topics and/or research-oriented.

Suggestions for classes people would like to see at Credo are as follows:

• Algebra II/Trigonometry & continued upper-level math classes

• Driver’s Ed.

• Physics

• Chinese

• Core classes for younger students (science, history, etc.)

• Test prep-SAT, AP & ACT

• Science-Chemistry/lab

• Writing

• Writing (not Journalism)

• More variety of sciences for upper grades-Chemistry, Physics (lab classes)

• Science

• Choir

• Algebra

• High School languages (Spanish, etc)

• Upper elementary science

• Fun & interesting classes for younger kids

In addition to suggestions for future classes, the issue of where Credo Academy could move came up. This is perhaps one of the most important issues at this time. Mrs. Malenke, the Facilities Liaison, brought a list of possibilities. The plan is to prioritize the sites, first asking the facilities closest to Credo’s present location, and working out.

• Castle Rock (II)

• Highlands Ranch

• Lonetree

• Parker (III)

• Littleton

• Mission Hills (east would be bad)

• West would be great (C-470 ideal)

• Not further north

• Not more than 75 minutes from Falcon

If we have to change locations, we might need to be able to move to another day as well. The following is a chart of all the responses regarding what days of the week would NOT work for people. Unless otherwise noted, these responses show preference, not absolute rejection or inability to use that day.

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
OK	V	VI	VIII	VI	V
Prefer no	III	I		II	IV
Absolutely can’t	I

Note: Mondays and Fridays have the most number of holidays and tournaments.

If you haven’t seen or filled out the survey form, we would strongly encourage it. Everyone’s input is very valuable as we plan out the coming school year. To get a form, please go to http://www.credohealth.blogspot.com.

Bits & Pieces:
Coming Soon!

A Piece of My Mind:
This week we consider some of the values that shape our culture and our opinions toward abortion.

Health Racquet:
The effects of abortion often linger long after a woman leaves an abortion clinic. This week we begin to look at the phsycological effects of abortion.

Snob's Corner
Coming Soon!

Soda Fountain Revisited
Several Credo students attended the Speech and Debate practice tournament sponsored by the SALT Speech and Debate club on January 23, 2006. The Soda Fountain shares the highlights of their day.

STAFF:
Mrs. Anderson, Managing Editor
Mr. Hall, Assistant Managing Editor
Allegra Tschappler, Health Racquet, Graphics Editor
Joanna Griffith, A Piece of My Mind, Wed Editor
Susanna Griffith, Soda Fountain Revisited
William Anger, Snob's Corner, Bits & Pieces, Print Editor

January 18: Happy New Year!

Narnia: Stepping Stones or Burning Bridges

By Chloe Anderson

As the Christmas decorations go down and the holidays melt into “last year”, many Christians remain elated about the recent blockbuster success of The Chronicles of Narnia. Other Christians however believe that it bodes ill for us and our cause as they feel it demonstrates Christian malleability to the whims of Hollywood. Disturbed at the successful marketing tactics of studio publicist targeting and using churches in their promotion campaign, many worry about the ideas that this will give the studios next – and the feeling of complacency it will give Christians next time we are presented with something Hollywood has cooked up “for us.” Is this new strategy a danger to well meaning Christian moviegoers?

Some say yes. Doug Phillips, in his blog article Hollywood Elites Use and Abuse Lewis; Use and Abuse Christians, writes, “Far too often, modern Christians are not looking for Christ-honoring, presuppositionally biblical films. Instead, these believers have declared an unconditional surrender to Hollywood and the culture as a whole. The result is that many are happy to settle with films which simply can be described as “not grossly offensive… The result is that Hollywood has learned how to manipulate Christians.” He goes on to present Narnia as a classic example of such manipulation.
I think that critics of Narnia and its publicists are right. Disney’s intent was commercial, and very possibly covertly-coercive. That is to be expected really. They have their own agenda – and it is definitely not Christian. But I think that their grand commercial schemes will in the end come back to haunt them. Narnia, in it’s true essence (with its themes of true good v. true evil, depravity, forgiveness, redemption and our need of it….) is not in line with that agenda. By producing a movie that is more in line with OUR agenda than theirs they put themselves at a disadvantage. 1) They see that Christian themed movies (well done) are in fact economically advantageous – more so than the cheap hollow films they so often turn out. 2) They are forced to see the fact that Christians (right-headedly or not) will support such films. 3) They begin to make more of such films. 4) The point and purpose for Christians: our message begins to be distributed in new avenues and to a whole new audience. This last result will occur whether or not that was Disney’s intent. Their greedy motives will in the long run prove to be their undoing.
That settled, the fact that they directed their campaign directly at churches instead of Christians as a group bears some looking at – but if there is fault to be laid it must be on the churches, not on the non/anti-Christian publicists. It is right for Christians to be leery of churches promoting films from the pulpit. That however, is not the only avenue open to us.
During the Middle Ages, the Church was at the center of life. It was in the cathedrals that art, architecture, music and, yes, theater developed and flourished. The Church used Morality Plays (outside of worship), stained glass windows and frescoed walls to educate the illiterate population about the Bible and theology. Pictures were worth a thousand words.
Today we live again in an illiterate world. Not because the vast majority cannot read, but because the vast majority does not read. The end result is the same. And the tactics that we use must be the same – harnessing images to capture imaginations while not allowing the images to overshadow the words of the gospel and the purpose of worship.
I think that films like Narnia, far from showing how wishy-washy Christians have become, demonstrate more that the snow of the moral winter Hollywood has created is beginning to melt. Churches that wish to champion films like Narnia only betray their cause if they allow Hollywood to move into the worship service and begin defining the Gospel message. Mindlessly plugging a movie will do no good if discussion of the film and its truths (and almost-truths) does not follow. We are called to plunder the pagans – not to leave the gold for them to spend.
I do not intend here to argue that independent Christian filmmakers should all of a sudden jump back on the Hollywood bandwagon. I think the time to build our own establishment is long overdue. Nor should we “settle” for half-rate stuff – Christian or secular. But encouraging a Hollywood step in our direction is hardly “settling”. It’s a step – not the destination.

Chloe Anderson is a senior at Credo Academy. For more of her writing, please visit http://catchword.blogspot.com/

Bits & Pieces:
Coming Soon!

A Piece of My Mind:
Corrie Ten Boom's book, The Hiding Place, provides an encouraging reminder that God is in control of all circumstances in our lives.

Health Racquet:
The new year is here, and with it many New Year's Resolutions. Allegra shares ideas for some "healthy" New Year's Resolutions.

Snob's Corner
Coming Soon!

Soda Fountain Revisited
Credo students Jonathan and Petra share their experiences in missions work. Read about how students are involved!

STAFF:
Mrs. Anderson, Managing Editor
Mr. Hall, Assistant Managing Editor
Allegra Tschappler, Health Racquet, Graphics Editor
Joanna Griffith, A Piece of My Mind, Web Editor
Susanna Griffith, Soda Fountain Revisited, The Apple
William Anger, Snob's Corner, Bits & Pieces, Print Editor

A Special Holiday Edition

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.
Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll just go." "Not without something hot in your belly." George said. He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty, "Stew ... made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh."
Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken."
George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead. "You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away.
"But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."
George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new ........" George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought. George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered that the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.
"Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway.
As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."
George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.
"Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back.
"These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills.
"You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance." The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio.
He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area."
George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain."
George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the officer. "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.
The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.
"That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.
"Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."
The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!"
The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now." He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pee shooter away."
George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week ..."
George handed the gun to the cop. Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can."
He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out."
The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer."
"Shut up and drink your coffee." the cop said. George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer.
"Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?" "GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man.
Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran."
George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.
"That guy work here?," the wounded cop continued. "Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."
The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"
Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything." "Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."
George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."
The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you."
"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need." George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours." The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier.
"And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said, "Now git home to your family."
The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."
"Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."
George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?" "I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?"
"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby." The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George.
You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry.
The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor.
The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists.
The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man." George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man.
"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again."
The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now.
I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."
George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room.
"You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas."
George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord."
~Author Unknown

Bits & Pieces
By Joanna Griffith
As we prepare for the 2nd semester, lots of activities are being planned. Be sure to check out all the news here.

Soda Fountain Revisited
By Susanna Griffith
Coming Soon!

A Piece of My Mind
By Joanna Griffith
As we end a great semester at Credo, let's take time to remember and thank all the people who made it possible.

The Health Racquet
By Allegra Tschappler
Though wintertime in CO can be very inhospitable for outdoor exercise, it is still important for us to work out and eat healthful foods. This week's article shares some tips for doing just that.

Snob's Corner
By William Anger
Coming Soon!

STAFF:
Mrs. Anderson - Managing Editor
Mr. Hall - Assistant Managing Editor
Allegra Tschappler - Graphics Manager; Health Racquet
Joanna Griffith - Web Editor; Bits & Pieces; A Piece of My Mind
Susanna Griffith - Print Editor; Soda Fountain Revisited
William Anger - Snob's Corner