Psalm 32

1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered (Praise You).

2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count (it's not a behavior chart, thank you Lord Jesus!) against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long (because of my stubborn tendancies).

4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah

5 Then I acknowledged my sin (comfort in control) to you and did not cover up my iniquity (control). I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "—and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found (You are waiting always!); surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.

7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble (why do I want to control my life when I know this to be true?) and surround me with songs of deliverance (this is all I need!). Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you (Praise You, Lord Jesus).

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you (please help me follow you without being like a mule!).

10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him (What can mortal man do to me?).

11 Rejoice (WOO HOO!!) in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Another list

1. One day until our first premarital counseling session with PD. I am so excited to get started! I don't really know what to expect, but we filled out these really long informational sheets about our relationships with God, goals for our marriage, etc. I am just glad we're finally able to get started now that M is on a semi-normal schedule. :)

2. Six days until my first day of work in my second year of teaching! R told me that I was way less stressed this year going into a new school year. She was right! I am feeling much better, especially without graduate school hanging over my head. So far, our school system is NOT going to make us take the suggested furlough days, but I have a feeling that this will wind up happening later in the year. I don't know what needs to happen for the economy to better itself, but it is definitely in a bad place if teachers (i.e. government employees) are being affected.

3. Ten days until my first day with my students. :) I have 4ish (one is in general edu. all day, but I still write his IEP and complete his GAA) new students this year. Four of my old students are returning as 7th graders, and I have four new 6th graders. Nice. Since I have no 8th graders, GAA just lessened by 24 activities!! YEAH! Praise Jesus!

4. Eleven days until our "His and Hers" shower! I am excited. I love seeing my faraway BFF's. . .H's, L, S, . . .AWESOME!

5. Fifteen days until I am 24. That is creepy.

6. 31 days until M turns 26. Even creepier. ;)

7. 116 days until we get married. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

A new year begins. . .

Well, I started going to VMS to set up my classroom this week. It wasn't as tortorous as expected! I feel like the summer has passed by SO quickly and I wasn't sure if I was ready to begin another stressful year.

However, I know that if the year never starts, then I don't get to get married, and I can't handle that one either! :) I am so excited for November! I know I'll get through the year. I just found out that my only 8th grader is changing schools, so I won't have to do 8th grade GAA activities!! That takes out 26 multiple-day (usually) activities that I will not have to do. The Lord answered my prayers and relieved that stress from me, so now I'm way more pumped about heading back. God can do anything, and He has definitely taken away so much stress from me for this upcoming year! PRAISE HIM! Two great people I know are also giving me a rowboat. . .and I am super excited!! Think of what a COOLIO reading center this will be!! So excited! It's also appropriate because we will begin the year by reading Treasure Island. :) Pirates and ahoy, matey!

B and I caught some great deals at Hobby Lobby on ribbon and flower petals for my girls. Woot! Only a few more purchases and we will be totally ready to go. Still waiting on the monogram. . ..

In other news, the new house rocks, B is moving in right next door, and aside from the freaky doorbell ringer of midnight, it's great being out in the country where you can ride your bike around!

I am expecting the Lord to see me through this year and do many great things in the lives of my students. I can't wait to watch them change all over again--that's the best part!! <><