Oh Man!!!!

School is almost out for the summer. I've been counting down the days and letting everyone know I'm almost done. However, I'm feeling a little nostalgic at the moment as I think back on this year. I've had a lot of fun with my students this year and will be sad for them to move on to 4th grade. The 4th grade teachers are SCARY!!!! (not really)

I was told a few days ago that I will be teaching 1st grade again next year after two years of being in 3rd. I love my 3rd grade teammates and am extremely sad to be leaving them. The 1st grade teachers are all great too, I've just gotten used to the 3rd grade teachers and their awesomeness. It will take some getting used to.

1st grade is one of the biggest years in a child's schooling. It's the year they learn basic reading and writing as well as the foundations of math. When I taught first grade I loved teaching writing! This is one thing I'm excited to go back to. The kids write the funniest things sometimes.

I have a feeling I'll be at the school a lot this summer preparing for a new grade. I'm just thankful I'll have the time. And it's not like I'll be spending my entire break at the school. I have many other fun things planned.

1) I'm going to a concert at the Red Rocks amphitheater in Denver.

2) My baby brother Brian is getting married!!!!!

3) A ton of out-of-town relatives are coming for his big day :)

4) I'll head back to Denver for my friend Stina's bridal shower.

5) My friends Britt and Mario get married in August.

6) Stina's wedding is in September.

7) I'll also be planning for my own wedding next summer :-)

This summer is going to be busy!!! I'm really looking forward to all the awesomeness that's about to go down!!

Distractions

Facebook, sleep, work, tv, movies, music, books, and housework are all things that consume my time and attention. I get so excited when the latest episode of my favorite show is on or when someone comments on my Facebook status and I find myself on Facebook after work nearly everyday of the week. These things aren't necessarily bad, but they become bad when they consume the majority of my time. All of this makes me think of the story found in Luke 10.

^{Luke 10:38-42}

38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
⁴¹ And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. ⁴² But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

In this story Mary chooses to spend time with Jesus. She spends time listening to Jesus' words and simply being in his presence. Martha is distracted by everything that isn't Jesus. I want to be like Mary. I want Jesus to truly be above all else in my life.

Philippians 4:8

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.