Marcie and Rachel, I hope that you your trip to Chicago was enjoyable and uneventful. It was strange not having you in class today.

I know that you must be at least a little anxious about your first day at a new school with new students and new teachers. Some of those students will be kind, while others will be downright mean. Pray for those who make fun of you, and don't harbor bitterness and fear in your heart. Remember, God is with you always, run after Him! Seek Him with all that you are! Love Him with all your strength, with all you soul, with all heart, and with all your mind! Worship Him with your bodies! Learn Hebrew and Greek and passionately study His Word, for in it you will see Jesus, and let it transform you through the quickening of the Holy Spirit! Devote yourselves to God and His kingdom! Don't forget that it took the death of God's Son to redeem you from the depths to which you had fallen--let that be your source of humility, but remember also that God's Son did not stay in the grave, but was raised from the dead to the very right hand of the Father, and He has risen you as well by His grace through faith and this not of yourselves--let that be your source of confidence. So, be strong and courageous! Standfast.