SCHOOL - Full speed ahead!

So, we are now in the 5th week of school.  Time is already flying by.  It's a new year with new challenges.  Last year was my first year of teaching, and everyday for the first 2 months was quite terrifying, lol.  Actually the whole first year peeled away much pride and made me feel completely weak and inadequate.  Early on in the year, I stumbled upon Psalm 73:26.

teachers and students hanging out at a back to school event...

It says, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  

Eating with some high school girls...

In actuality, I didn't stumble upon that verse.  I know God showed me that verse at a time when I needed it most.  Each day, I was stepping into deep waters, and most days I was unsure if I would float or sink, lol.  I'm not sure if you have ever felt this kind of pressure, but at times it makes you want to give up.  My first year of playing college softball might be close in comparison to this past year.  What a great time to learn to trust the Lord for His strength and His provision.  I couldn't have made it through the year without Him.  I think we all need years in our lives like this.  I've had a few of these tuff years, from my first year of college, to my first year of living overseas, and this past year (my first year of teaching).  Revealing my weaknesses brings God's glory and strength to the surface.  Oh Lord, help us not to get to comfortable in life.  Help us to trust you for great things, so that you may be greatly glorified on this Earth!

boys posing for the camera..

Now, into my second year of teaching, I find that I still have moments of great weakness.  I'm still learning, and I think that in teaching we should always be learning.  At least once a week, my lesson plans will fail, and at least once a day I tend to fail in loving students and teachers well.  Being in a position where you are in front of people and leading all day, sets you up for great opportunities to reveal God's love and character, but it can also set you up for great failure.  I don't deal with failure very well, lol.  I'll write more about this in my another post.

This year, I love my classes!  I teach students from ages 4 all the way to 18, and I really enjoy the variety.  I teach swimming and Physical Education.  I am also coaching again this year.  We are already into our Middle School girls basketball season.  I'm also involved in a High School girls bible study.  God has given me the opportunity to be a homeroom teacher for the Senior Class.  We have 15 minutes of devotions every morning, and I pray for wisdom in ways to lead them well.  I'm excited about what God is going to do this year.  Please pray for authenticity in our students and teachers.  It's easy for the students to treat living for Jesus like a routine thing they MUST do each day, like another class or another activity.  This is a real challenge that all of us face in life!  Please pray that the students here would truly fall in love with Jesus and not just go through the motions, which seems to be an easy trap to fall into at a Christian school.  

Chillin' at the Logos barbecue...