Memorizing Scripture V2:17

 

I am revisiting 2 verses this go around. They are verses I need to be saying all day long as I have a lot to get done in a day. Jackson has also been testing the water lately. I will be praying for the Lord to strengthen him and protect his heart from the evil one.

 

Psalm 54:4 "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the ONE who sustains me."

2 Thessalonians 3:3 "But the Lord is faithful. He will give you strength and protect you from the evil one."

 

Jackson's verse: James 1:19 "Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow get angry."

One Week Done

 This past week was long, exhausting, overwhelming, exciting, rewarding, and fun. I have so many stories to tell from just one week with my students. I already love each one of them, but still can't wait to get home and see my boys!

My 8th year teaching 1st grade!

  I am still not used to my new schedule of getting up between 5 and 5:30 to feed Lincoln, work out, pump, get ready, get the boys ready, do a devotional with Jackson, and drop the boys off. We were able to have some fun in the midst of the craziness of the last 2 weeks.

 

I can't get enough of my sweet little guy. Lincoln is so happy and smiley! He wakes up smiling and cooing at me.  He is such a blessing to my mornings. I love holding him after working all day.

 

Jackson keeps life interesting and fun too! He is loving school and making such good choices there. We could not be happier with Lincoln and Jackson's teachers. God hand picked the best for them.

I made it through the week only with God's strength. Getting up so early, teaching all day, playing and taking care of the boys at home, house chores, school work, and pumping in between is tiring but God gave me strength to push through.  Brian and I both said we felt like we didn't see each other all week because we were busy, busy, busy.

 

Here's to Friday date night and a relaxing 3 day weekend!

 

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Isaiah 40:28, 30


A Prayer for the School Year

Today marks my 25th first day of school.

 I have an important task ahead of me each day, and I need to walk hand in hand with the Lord in order to accomplish it.

Lord,

I pray that I find my strength in you and that I seek you in each moment of my day. Instill in me peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, humility, and love for others. I want others to see you in me. Help me to treat each one of my students as your child and see them through your eyes. Help me to use only words that build others up, encourages them, and makes them feel worthy. I know you handpicked each one of my students for me for a reason. Help me be all they need be to me. Thank you for the gifts you have given me and the ability to spend each day doing what I truly love. Help me to mold these students into better individuals and help them realize their true potential. I need you each and everyday to be the best teacher possible. Remind me of your truths daily and who I am working for. Give me the strength and patience to handle tough, long days with mercy and grace.
Thank you in advance for the awesome things that will come from this year. I pray that each student that comes through my door will find value, feel loved, and know how important they truly are.

 

You are my strong tower and the one I take refuge in. Help me stand strong with you all year
long.

 

In Your precious name, Amen

 

My Workspace

I was back on contract all last week. Which means I am having to set an alarm and my house is now a disaster during the week.

 

Days were spent in meetings and finishing my room. Our school theme is Superheroes. I incorporated the theme into my room.

 

Bulletin board outside my room; idea was mine but Brian made it happen.

 

A look into my classroom. I am in the same room as last year, but I love the new arrangement. It feels so big.

 

 On my focus walls Brian turned some letters into Superheroes for me.

 

I revamped my labels for my library at the last minute and am so glad I did. They were so hodge podged before.

 

I love how my room turned out (good thing since I spend so much time in it). I met most of my students on Friday and am praying for a smooth start to the year.

Perspective

This last week was filled with lots of surprises, and not the ones that get you excited! But, thankfully God helped see the better side of each obstacle. I wanted to blog about each one so I would remember God's faithfulness in each situation.

 

#1 Our dishwasher stopped working. We had to get a brand new one. The new one cost $315, the exact amount we had gotten back a few weeks before. So instead of being upset about spending money, I praised God he had gotten our deposit from Lincoln's babysitter back for us.

 

#2 The battery in my Explorer died while I was out running errands. It cost us another $130 and a couple hours of my time alone. But instead of getting frustrated, I praised God that we had the money to fix it and Jackson had wanted to go to school otherwise I would have had two boys to entertain in the heat as I waited for a new battery.

 

#3 When Brian was trying to get the ice maker on our freezer to produce more ice he somehow pushed a button that turned the freezer off. The next night, I found my stash of breast milk thawing in the freezer. My initial thought was to be upset, but I chose to Facebook about it with a little joke and be thankful I am a human cow:)

 

#4 Summer vacation is over, and I am back at work. Last week I had wanted to pout a little that I had to go back and was dreaming of staying home. But, then I realized just how blessed I am to have a job I love and get so much time off to spend with my boys. 

#5 Both boys came down with a fever this weekend. I chose to pray for healing instead of thinking of scenarios of who would stay home with them next week (my first week on contract) and thanking God that they are healthy. Both boys were feeling better by Sunday.

None of these situations were big in the grand scheme of life. But, they made me stop and make sure my heart and attitude were pleasing in His sight and were a great reminder of Who is in control!

"Set your hearts on things above." Colossians 3:1



First Days

Well summer vacation has come and gone!

 

Jackson and Lincoln met their new teachers for the year last week. Jackson was/is super excited about his new school and classroom. Their teachers are beyond wonderful!

 

I was only going to take the boys to school Tues, Wed, and Thurs. this week, but Jackson insisted he needed to go on Monday! So off they went. I love that he is so excited about school! Jackson technically is not in Pre-K but the class he is in follows the curriculum that the public school uses.

Lincoln was also pretty pumped about going to "school" for the very first time. 

 

They both had a great first day! Lincoln only fussed once, and Jackson can't wait to go back tomorrow. I'm praying that pattern continues and their teachers love on them all year.

Memorizing Scripture V2:16

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10-11

 

I thought these verses were perfect for back to school. There are so many things that can easily pull me in or bring me down. I am going to be praying this verse for myself and over Jackson. That he would 'be strong in the Lord and stand firm' at school for what he knows is right.