THE TOP TEN THINGS I AM THINKING ON-JANUARY 4, 2012

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS." Phil. 4:8

1. I think my quote of the week comes from Pat Riley. He said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but simply moving on with dignity despite that fear.”

2. I think when I was growing up, my dad made sure that I always had a basketball goal to shoot on. He taught me early on to take aim what you are shooting for. Have you ever written some God-given goals to keep you on target and task? Most people I know don't plan to fail. They simply fail to plan. How can you tell whether or not your goal is a God-given goal? First, have you prayed over it and asked for God's blessing? Second, does it create in you enough spiritual enthusiasm and excitement to see it fulfilled? Third, does it demand the very best in you? Fourth, does it touch every area of your life? There is no area of your life that is out of bounds from God. My prayer for our students is that they will Know God and make Him known.

3. I think next week is an important time in the life of our students. It will be our 4th annual Spiritual Emphasis Week. Illusionist Wes Holly will return and lead the elementary time (9:15am) and AXIS ministry will lead our middle school time (10:05). The special chapels will be on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I hope you will join me in prayer for God to work on our campus.

4. I think AXIS ministry consists of college age young people who travel and creatively educate students by questioning assumptions, interpreting media, and equipping schools to move from apathy to compassionate action. This will go hand in hand with our Bible curriculum and our Biblical Worldview. Parents are invited to attend each session. Summit Ministries John Stonestreet recommends this group highly.

5. I think in hosting this ministry there is a huge need I have. I have sent out emails and posts and yet still have not found a host home for them. I need a family to take them in for four nights while they are here. They will stay together. They have their own transportation. They will be arriving Sunday night. This is their preference and it will help the school with expenses. If you are interested and want more details please contact me as soon as possible through the school office (703) 729-5968 or email me at tpangle@countychristianschool.org. I thank you ahead of time.

6. I think we have two away basketball games this week. We play tomorrow against Manassas Christian School. Girls and Boys both play with the games starting at 4:00pm. The Bus will leave at 2:30pm. Then on Friday, we play Leesburg Christian School. Both teams will play with the games starting at 4:00pm. The bus will leave at 2:45pm. This is their homecoming and it is a nearby school on Evergreen Mill Road. I hope you will come and cheer for the, It will be great to see Blue and Gold in the stands. Go Catamounts!

7. I think Upward basketball starts this Thursday evening. We have over 315 registered and 30 teams. God is blessing this program. We are at capacity with a waiting list. I am excited that through the game of basketball, we can teach them the Bible! We are in need of prayer partners for this league. If you have a passion of prayer and would like to help us, please email me. You will get weekly updated prayer request for the coming practices and games. You may not shoot a 3 pointer but you can pray to the Triune God.

8. I think the New Year is here and I am hearing a lot about different exercise programs. As I reviewed them, I was able to find some I need to avoid in 2012. Here is the list...
*Wading through paperwork
*Running around in circles
*Pushing my luck
*Spinning my wheels
*Beating my head against the wall
*Dragging my heels
*Jumping to conclusions
*Grasping at straws
*Fishing for compliments
*Throwing my weight around
*Passing the buck

9. I think these are my "Touchdown Topics" for week 17....
Game of the Week-Tennessee Titans versus Houston Texans
Team of the Week-Miami Dolphins
Player of the Week-Victor Cruz
Coach of the Week-Bill Belichick

10. I think all of you know by now that the Redskins season is over. Therefore, I have no prediction to close out this blog. However, I do have a good story. This past weekend, as I was watching the game against the Eagles, I received a text message from Devin Greenhow. He is a seventh grader here at CCS and a big fan of the green and white. He in a few words made sure I knew his team was winning. I look forward to the days of RG3 when I can text him back in a game! On the serious side, one of the joys of teaching the relationship with the ones you lead on a daily basis.