Recently, I wrote a letter of gratitude to our wonderful friends that support us in our ministry here in Georgia. In that letter I wrote how our teacher training sessions this fall are on the topic "GO!"  Go with focus, unity, wisdom, order, and love as we teachers enter into the race to have a more excellent school for the children of Georgia this coming school year. I believe with all my heart that every teacher and every student in The School of Tomorrow are chosen by God to be a part of the SOT family. The fall semester will begin September 13th. We are introducing some new exciting programs that I am confident will generate excitement among staff and students alike.

Yet, if I am totally honest, I must admit to having some fear concerning my health. Will there be the strength needed for each day? I am convinced that I must not waver but I should determine to "go forth with courage."  There are so many times in the Word where we are told to "not be afraid," or "fear not". I am reminded of David's words from Psalm 109, "Help me, O Lord my God! Oh, save me according to Your mercy that they may know that this is Your hand, that You Lord have done it."  I believe He says to us today as He did to Caleb and Joshua, "Be strong and of good courage."

I think about the video on YouTube that tells the story of an unlikely friendship between an elephant and a dog. At one point in the video, it shows the elephant raising her huge foot and gently rubbing the injured dog's tummy. What remarkable trust this little dog portrays toward her enormous friend. Why? I think it is because she has spent so much time with her friend and found her completely reliable and trustworthy. So should it be for us as God's children whom He called "His friends". The better we know our Lord, the more time we spend in His presence, the more courage we will "go with". Fear will not hinder us as "we run with endurance the race that is set before us," always with a deep desire to please the Father.

I wrote the following to introduce our teacher training to our staff this fall:

...We are not just a school, but a family!

"READY!  SET!  GO!"
There is a call that's very clear.
You'll not hear it with your natural ear.
But in your heart you'll hear and know.
That we all must listen and then... "GO!"
Are we ready?  Are we set?
The prize before us we shall get.
If we keep our focus and run with grace,
We will surely win this race.
Trying to win alone is too tough.
Without His love, it will never be enough.
We must stay united and help one another,
Always remembering that we are sisters and brothers.

We 'GO' with joy each day that we teach.
And the students are glad if their goals they can reach.
The seeds that we plant in each student will grow.
Wisdom and truth are some of the seeds that we sow.
We 'GO' with order in our classrooms and halls,
Always thinking of others while peace and calm falls.
Our goal is to have a supportive, respectful environment.
To have a great school this must be a requirement.
Our students are different for they know how to live.
For joy and love shine out of their lives as they give.
Gaining confidence daily to all it would seem,
That the leaders of tomorrow follow hard after their dreams.
Together, we run with a desire to win,
Building character in our young women and men.
Helping develop life-learners who are wise and secure,
Our aim for their best will always endure.

JT, August 2010

And David said to his son, Solomon, "Be strong and of good courage, and do it, do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God - my God - will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord."  (I Chronicles 28:20)

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.   (Psalm 27:14)