A New School Year Begins

My classroom is almost ready.
My lesson plans aren't nearly done, but my schedule is good to go.
And I can't remember a time when my heart has been this excited!

It still feels very surreal that I begin my first year of teaching with Meet the Teacher day next Tuesday. There are not enough positive words to describe how I feel about this new phase of my life that I am about to embark upon. The truth is: The Lord is So Good! He has blessed me with a great school, a class of students that I just know are going to teach me a ton and bless my heart in so many ways, parents that are willing and able to help me on this journey of teaching their children together, and a team of first grade teachers that are passionate, smart and hard working. Christ has so much for this year! 

Recently I've been thinking about my students a ton. Praying down the list of their names... and while driving home from work the other day, I heard the familiar words to a song which I remember first hearing as a child. This was the first time that the words even meant anything to me. 
It is titled- Will You Love Jesus More? sung by Philips, Craig & Dean
This is my prayer for the school year.

I feel quite sure if I did my best
I could maybe impress you
With tender words and a harmony
A clever rhyme or two

But if all I've done in the time we've shared
Is turn your eyes on me
Then I've failed at what I've been called to do
There's someone else I want you to see
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/p/phillips_craig_dean/will_you_love_jesus_more.html ]
[CHORUS]
Will you love Jesus more
When we go our different ways
When this moment is a memory
Will you remember His face
Will you look back and realize
You sensed His love more than you did before
I'd pray for nothing less
Than for you to love Jesus more

I'd like to keep these memories
In frames of gold and silver
And reminisce a year from now
About the smiles we've shared
But above all else I hope you will come
To know the Father's love
When you see the Lord face to face

You'll hear Him say "well done"

[CHORUS]
Will you love Jesus more
When we go our different ways
When this moment is a memory
Will you remember His face
Will you look back and realize
You sensed His love more than you did before
I'd pray for nothing less
Than for you to love Jesus more

I'd pray for nothing less
Than for you to love Jesus more


Before and after pictures of my classroom will be on here within the week.