LCA Blog

April 2026

Because He Lives

Easter is one of the most celebrated holidays in the life of a Christian. During Easter, we rejoice in the empty tomb, sing songs of hope and victory, reflect on the cross, and celebrate the extraordinary truth that Jesus is alive. Easter is the foundation of Christianity--God loved us so much that He sent His Son to experience a terrible death and a miraculous resurrection, so that we could be forgiven and live in relationship with Him. Now and into eternity.

But once the celebrations end, Easter dinner is over, the decorations are put away, and the schedule returns to normal, an important question remains:

What does the Resurrection actually mean in our everyday lives? Does it change anything?

For our students, life is filled with very real challenges—fear of failure, pressure to perform, questions about identity, and the constant comparison that comes from living in a media-dominated world. As adults, we face pretty much the same challenges. The message of Easter was never meant to remain contained with a single Sunday in spring. The Resurrection speaks directly into our daily struggles with a message of grace, hope, and love.

Grace meets us.

The power of the Resurrection wiped away the debt of sin for those who believe in Him. (John 3:16) That resurrection power also meets us when our human frailty creeps in as we walk through life experiences. (I Corinthians 6:14) Failure can feel defining, especially for a child or teen still discovering who they are. A bad grade, a poor decision, or a broken relationship can quickly become a label they carry.

But the Resurrection tells a different story.

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead also speaks life into our failures. In Christ, mistakes are not the end—they are places where grace meets us. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) Our students need to know that they are not defined by their worst moments, but by the redeeming love of a risen Savior.

Fear doesn’t win.

Many students quietly carry anxiety—about grades, friendships, the future, or not measuring up. The Resurrection reminds us that fear does not have the final word. (2 Timothy 1:7; Psalm 27:1)

When Jesus rose from the grave, He defeated the ultimate source of fear: death itself. That means our students can live with courage, knowing that no circumstance is beyond God’s power. Because Christ is alive, we are never alone, and we are never without hope. (Isaiah 41:10, Romans 15:13)

We are loved.

One of the greatest challenges students face today is understanding who they are. We adults often experience the same challenges. Culture offers constantly changing answers, often rooted in performance, appearance, or popularity.

The Resurrection anchors identity in something unchanging. A Savior willing to lay down His life for humankind is a love given freely and fully--no matter who you are or what you have done. This love was shouted to the world through the Resurrection. In the presence of His love, culture’s standards of identity are shattered.

Because Jesus lives, our identity is secure in Him. We are known, loved, and called His. This truth frees students from striving to prove their worth and invites them to live from a place of love and belonging instead of insecurity.

Live as people of the resurrection.

The Resurrection is not just something we celebrate at Easter—it is something we LIVE.

To be “people of the Resurrection” means we carry hope into discouraging situations, extend grace when others fail, and walk in the confidence of who we are in Christ. It shapes how we respond to stress, how we treat others, and how we see ourselves. And, people of the Resurrection share that good news to everyone they can.

At school and at home, we have the privilege of helping students connect this truth to their everyday lives:

• When they fail, we point them to grace.
• When they feel afraid, we remind them of God’s presence and the hope He brings to us.
• When they question their worth or if they are loved, we anchor them in Christ.

Accept the invitation.

The empty tomb is not just a past event—it is a present reality.

Each day is an invitation for our students—and for us—to live in the power of the Resurrection. Not perfectly, but faithfully. Not without struggle, but with unshakable hope.

Because Jesus is alive, hope is alive. And that changes everything. Go and share the good news.

 

Melanie Gilliland, Director of Spiritual Guidance
mgilliland@libertychristianacademy.org

 

 

February 2026

In a world that consistently seems to somehow get smaller and smaller yet more and more disconnected, athletics, alongside the school and church, are one of the most natural places that true community still forms. It is a safe haven where people of all different backgrounds, opinions, and perceived status can come together and unite in pursuit of one common goal.

Long seasons filled with practices, games, travel, wins, losses, late nights, and rollercoasters of emotions can bring people together more quickly than most things can. This community doesn't come from just wearing the same colors, though. It comes from a daily commitment to being there for each other, especially when it's not convenient. 

In Galatians 6:2, we're instructed to "carry one another's burdens." In the context of sports that may look like picking up a teammate after they fall, being patient when they keep making the same mistake, encouraging them when they fail, or still giving your all to the team even when you've had a really tough week. All those little daily moments add up over time and they matter more than most people realize.

Community is most evident and powerful when it costs something. This is also what makes it so valuable when you are the one whose burdens are being carried. It's easy to be there for each other when things are going well. The true test is when loss comes.

Pain, unmet expectations, and changing roles can put strain on any relationship, but it is also where the strongest bonds get even stronger. If you put in the work to develop deeper connections even when things on the surface seem fine, it will pay huge dividends as you watch your team navigate through adversity in harmony. 

This is an area where athletics teach us a principle that will change our lives if we grasp it. We were never meant to walk through this life alone. As much as we need others, they need us too. Sports teach us to show up and be there for each other even when we don't feel like it. They teach us that even if we don't agree with or like someone we can still work side by side striving for the same purpose. We learn to stay committed and be part of something bigger than ourselves.

Sports may be "just a game," but they have a powerful way of revealing and teaching simple yet powerful truths about how we were created to live. When individuals choose to put others before themselves, carry each other's burdens, sacrifice their own comforts, and consistently show up, a community is built that will withstand any hardship.

These lessons don't end when playing days come to an end. As Christians, if we take these qualities to heart and always remember the ultimate goal that we are working towards, the world will be radically changed. Helping others meet Jesus is much more than a game. It's our ultimate goal. And it can only be reached if we are willing to work as a team. 

Austin Caldwell, Athletic Director
acaldwell@libertychristianacademy.org

 

 

 

 

January 2026

Because we trusted God.

March, 2013. We had been teaching for four years at this point and were getting established in our respective schools. Owned a house in the city where we worked, and I could walk to work. We were pursing our Master's degree in Special Education through Liberty University. We were content with our lives, even though there had been turmoil in our children's lives; things were settling down. A new equilibrium was being established.

Then, the unthinkable happened, and one of our sons died. Our way of life was upended, and there was nothing certain in our lives, except our faith in God. What followed was a dark year full of grief and paralysis. 1 Peter 1:6-7 states, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

But God knew what He had in store for us and how He would use this loss to change us and grow us to His purpose. We went to the campus of Liberty University, and in our very first class, our professor, Dr. Smith, stated he had a friend coming from China who was looking for teachers to teach overseas. Debby and I looked at each other and knew that was God's purpose for us. We spoke to the superintendent, and he explained there were schools in China and the U.A.E. (United Arab Emirates). Debby felt the call for the post in the U.A.E., but I said no (not listening or trusting God entirely at this point). 

Originally intending to embark in August 2014 for Chengdu, a seaside resort city in NE China, we had to postpone due to low enrollment. In January, they called and asked if we would be willing to go to Wuhan. We said yes, then looked at a map. Wuhan was in the middle of China, south of Beijing. Slightly disheartened (after all, it wasn't a seaside resort city), we set ourselves to prepare for departure. What followed was a fantastic adventure that spanned. ten years, three continents, countless countries, endless adventures, and amazing friendships with memories to last a lifetime. 

Isaiah 48:10 states, "I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." Even with our incredible time in China, it was not without its own trials and tribulations. We were illiterate, as everything was in Chinese. We had to learn the basics of Mandarin quickly to be understood when going to the market. I had a knee replacement and was then diagnosed with cancer while in China. So many things, but through it all, we trusted God.

Following the cancer treatment, we had to come home for a year. Then God called again. So, off we went to the U.A.E., a Muslim country, and nowhere I wanted to be. But, you only say no to God once if you're smart. I keep thinking of Job. I was wrong. We were there for three years, and those were some of the best years of our careers and lives. I was renewed and took the words of 2 Corinthians 16-20 to heart, "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."

Trusting in God and His purpose can be the hardest thing for some of us. We can be too individualistic, too independent, or too stubborn. But the last tens years have taught me to truly lean into God and trust Him, especially during times of transition or change. (Especially when it's not the change or transition I wanted.) My prayer for you as we enter this new year is that when God calls on you to change, to make that transition you may not want to make, lean into God, trust in God, and know that He has a purpose for you, and to feel peace from that knowledge. 

Ric Cattell, Director of Curriculum
rcattell@libertychristiancademy.org

 

 

December 2025

As we find ourselves in the midst of this Christmas, our hearts naturally turn toward celebrations, decorations, traditions, and giving. We enter the busy season of lists, planning, and juggling commitments. These are beautiful parts of the season but as a school community grounded in faith, we should also be reminded of the true reason we celebrate.

Behold, the virgin will conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

The name Immanuel in Hebrew means "God is with us," and Isaiah's promise signals that the presence of God will bring salvation to His people. Christmas is the celebration of God stepping into our world. Jesus came near as a baby. He lived among us. He entered into our brokenness with hope, light, and salvation. This truth should change everything about how we live and how we celebrate.

Intentionality With Our Families 

 This Christmas season reminds me of the powerful opportunities we have to be intentional in our homes. While gifts and gatherings are joyful, the greatest gift we can give our children is a clear example of what it means to live for Christ every day. As parents and grandparents, we have the privilege to set aside intentional moments as a family to pray together, read Scripture, and reflect on the story of Jesus' birth. We can be intentional  to let our children hear us speak about why Christmas truly matters. We can show them ways to share the gospel message this Christmas. 

        "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2:11

Being a Blessing to Those in Need

Jesus came as a gift to the world and we are called to live as gifts to others. This season is a time to look beyond ourselves and actively seek out ways to bless those in need. Whether it's giving to a family in need, serving in your community, writing encouraging notes, or simply showing kindness to a neighbor, small acts can carry great impact.

        "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others." 1 Peter 4:10

Encouraging One Another in Love 

In our homes and classrooms, we want to be intentional about building one another up. Encourage your children to look for ways to show kindness, patience, forgiveness, and compassion. These moments teach them how to reflect on the heart of Christ every day, not just at Christmas.

          "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

Sharing the Greatest Story Ever Told

This Christmas story is the greatest message of hope the world has ever known. This season provides natural, meaningful opportunities to share the gospel with neighbors, family members, classmates, and friends. Let our words and actions point clearly to Jesus.

At school, we are encouraging our students to look for ways to serve, to speak life, to include others, and to love boldly because that is exactly what Christ did for us. 

As we enter this Christmas season, may we slow down, focus our hearts, and remember that God is with us. May our homes, our classrooms, and our community reflect the love, light, and hope of Jesus Christ. 

       "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given..." Isaiah 9:6

From our school family to yours, we pray you experience the intentional joy, peace, and wonder that only Christ can bring this Christmas. 

Mary Glenn, Elementary Principal
mglenn@libertychristianacademy.org 

 

 

 

November 2025

As we head into the Thanksgiving season, it is easy to get caught up in the spirit, and many of us turn our thoughts to the things we are thankful for. When I would host Thanksgiving dinner, one of the questions I asked my guests (family) was, "What are you thankful for?" What followed was a hodgepodge of things: "food to eat," "a home to live in," etc. But we never considered the deeper connection between gratitude and God, or the spiritual value of gratitude. In point of fact, gratitude holds significant spiritual value, enhancing our connection with God and others.

There is a Biblical foundation to gratitude that instructs us to always be thankful to God in all that we do. In Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, he teaches them to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Even while he is in prison in Rome, Paul writes to the Philippians and exhorts them, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6-7).

Psalm 100 exhorts us to approach God with gratitude and thanksgiving in our hearts. Verse 4 states, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" Colossians 3:15-17 entreats us to approach God with thanksgiving in our hearts three times. 

When we practice gratitude daily, we develop a path to deeper spiritual growth and connection to God and others. That means we need to express heartfelt gratitude to others as well. That expression helps deepen relationships with others, building a stronger community of those you interact with. 

So, how do we increase the rate of gratitude expressions in our lives? One way I have used is to list a few things I am grateful for as I prepare for sleep. Another way is by journaling. Each night before bed, write one thing you are thankful for and put it in a jar. At the end of the year (or whenever you may be feeling down or doubting yourself), get out the jar, pull a slip of paper out, and read what you were grateful for.

A simple Google search came up with the following ways to incorporate gratitude in your life: 
Morning: As you wake up, think of or say three things you are grateful for to set a positive tone for the day.
Mealtime: Before eating, either mentally or out loud with family, list one thing you are thankful for that happened that day.
Bedtime: Before going to sleep, write down or mentally list three to five things you are grateful for from the day.

Journaling and Writing
Keep a gratitude journal: Spend a few minutes each day writing down specific things you are thankful for, whether big or small. Write a gratitude letter: Write a letter to someone you appreciate, even if you don't send it, to reflect on their positive impact.

Expressing Gratitude to Others
Say thank you: Make it a habit to verbally thank family, friends, or coworkers for both big and small things. Perform acts of kindness: Help a neighbor, hold the door for someone, or do another random act of kindness to show appreciation through action.

Mindfulness and Reflection
Go on a gratitude walk: While walking, take time to notice and appreciate the beauty of nature or other peaceful moments around you. Use a gratitude app: Some apps are designed to guide you through gratitude exercises.

Gratitude and the expression thereof need to be an active part of our lives. It is one of the best ways to strengthen not only our relationship with each other, but more importantly, with God. I encourage each of you to choose at least one method of expressing your gratitude this Thanksgiving season.

I am grateful for each of our families and students who are involved with Liberty Christian Academy.

Ric Cattell, Director of Curriculum
rcattell@libertychristianacademy.org
 

October 2025

2 Corinthians 8:21 - "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men". 

While academics are very important in preparing children for the future, there is something that is just as important that is often overlooked.  That is character education.  Character education can help students to develop and practice values such as responsibility, perseverance, kindness, respect, and honesty. 

Reasons Character Education is Important

It helps students to succeed academically.  When students know that they are respected and supported, they will be more engaged and focused on their academic studies. Research has shown that when students learn perseverance and responsibility, they have improved test scores and higher grades. 

• Students will have a healthier mindset when they are taught to view their mistakes as opportunities to learn.  When they are given grace and the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, they will have less anxiety and worry.  
• Students will have healthier relationships with their parents, classmates, and teachers when they learn to communicate and have respect for others.  
• As adults, they will have the self-discipline, confidence, and motivation to reach their goals.  
• They will be more successful in their careers when they have practiced teamwork, accountability, credibility, and resilience.  These are all important skills to have in any workplace! 

 

Ways Parents and Teachers can Help

• Parents and teachers can help students to learn these skills by modeling them in their own lives.  When students see the adults in their lives modeling integrity, kindness, and respect, they see these as important skills to incorporate into their own lives. 
• Teachers and parents can work together to be consistent and fair in discipline.  For example, if students are held accountable for their actions at school, parents can also hold them accountable at home for the same actions.  Have open communication where expectations can be shared between school and home.  
• In the same way, parents and teachers can also be consistent in the praise given for positive behaviors.  When students receive praise and recognition for positive behaviors, they will be more likely to repeat them.  
• When schools and families work together, we can raise kids that are not just smart, but resilient, compassionate, and socially responsible.  We can send children out into the world equipped to be who God created them to be with the skills to be successful in the workplace and in their communities.  Matthew 5:16 says to "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."   By working together, we can help students to shine bright for Jesus throughout their lives! 

Erin Gaglione, Director of Early Education
egaglione@libertychristianacademy.org