Christmas is my favorite time of year! Everyday seems to become more exciting in the midst of the holiday season. This year, a particular part of the nativity story interested me: the gifts that were given to Jesus, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. It’s fascinating to think about the significance these items would have had in the past since they each have so much significance in Middle Eastern culture today. So, as we think about what gifts we might give and receive this year, let’s take a closer look at the gifts Jesus was given as well.
Read MoreNSA has a numerous number of events always going on. You’ve probably seen them being advertised at a passing glance as you login to Buzz every morning. A large amount of the student body participates in such events. But if you find yourself sitting around looking for a reason to check them out, then you are in the right place. As an appropriate disclaimer, I am not one to attend many of NSA’s events. In reality, I’m probably just like most of you: too preoccupied with keeping up with my own schedule to find time for these events. You are not alone in that. However, there is much more below the surface of those notifications for upcoming events that we glance over. If, like me, you find yourself not even giving a thought to attending, here is just what we are missing out on.
Read MoreWith the Spiritual Emphasis Event in the rear-view mirror, we may feel the urge to look out to the horizon and forget what we experienced at SEE as well as the spiritual atmosphere that surrounds us here at NSA. What we neglect to realize is that this atmosphere is not encompassed by a few events during the year; rather, its presence is prevalent throughout all aspects of the school. SEE was an amazing experience for those who participated, but we cannot forget the multitude of other mediums through which our spiritual lives are filled at NSA. Moving forward after SEE, we need to ask ourselves how we could better pursue a closer walk with Christ in the atmosphere that we are a part of.
Read MoreDecember is already upon us and Christmas is quickly approaching! This is such a special time of year. It is a time of great joy and celebration of the birth of Christ our Savior as well as a time to show love to those around us. One of our favorite Christmas traditions here at NorthStar is our Christmas fundraiser. At the end of every year, we come together to worship through giving. NSA students host a fundraiser that highlights different cultures or organizations. This year, we are changing the name to The Blessing Project. Our focus is Afghanistan and we have three unique opportunities to bless and be blessed.
Read MoreWhat is it that makes the Christian environment so magnetic and attractive? In my years at NorthStar Academy, I have found that the answer to this lies in the heart of the school itself: its teachers and management. The encouragement from the teachers and their daily efforts to intertwine Christianity into their lessons truly reflects the love of Christ. This is a reflection that I had not taken the time to think about before I had the opportunity to interview one of NSA’s newest teachers, Mr. Ayub. Mr. Ayub’s story and how he came to be a part of the NSA staff reflects his deep appreciation and sentiment for the unique love of Christ present in this school.
Read MoreHave you ever been afraid to step out of your comfort zone and venture into something new? Have you ever felt the Lord nudging you in a direction you have never gone before? Maybe He is calling you to join a club/organization, start a Bible study, reach out to a new friend or neighbor, or apply to a certain university.
At NorthStar, I felt the Lord moving us to start a podcast. Fear began welling up inside me, and I began thinking through the “what if” questions. However, I truly believed this was the path we were supposed to walk down, and I deeply desired to be obedient. We took the leap!
Read MoreFor many of us, 2020 was full of challenges, hardships and unfortunate surprises. In 2021, let’s turn off the “noise,” and fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us abide completely in our Savior and find true joy and unwavering hope in Him.
Read MoreSheepdogs. When it comes to sheepdogs, there are two types of people. Either sheepdogs are important to you and vital for something you have to do, or they aren’t important to you at all and aren’t vital for anything. I think I walked in, more like logged in, to this month’s high school chapel expecting something similar to last time, but boy, was I wrong!
Read MoreGet excited NSA, because the Fruits of the Spirit are coming! And no, it is not the coconut kind of fruit. These fruits are the best that NSA has ever seen. Get ready for month after month of fun-filled scripture-related goodies!
Read MoreAttending an online school can make it difficult to meet people and experience that feeling of being a part of the student body like you get at a brick and mortar school. But NorthStar provides a lot of easily accessible, not to mention, great ways for students to get plugged-in. One of these ways is through the NSA Connects.
Read MoreThis month’s article is all about Spiritual Life and involvement at NSA. I interviewed Emma Groskreutz, the 2019-2020 Spiritual Life Leader, to get an insight into the Spiritual Life section of the school. Keep reading to hear how you can get involved.
Read MoreThe Spiritual Emphasis Events connect students of NSA from all over the world, providing them with an in depth look into God’s Word. Learn about what goes into these important events, and how the Spiritual Life Leader keeps everything running smoothly.
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