Monthly Archives: October 2014

Free Education

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As we sat on the beach, talking about life, I remember my cousin quoting her mom’s words, “Television is free education.” I do agree with that, providing we limit the screen time and the shows we choose to watch.

Reflecting on her mom’s words, I decided to use television to give our class some educational downtime. We watched a movie called Facing the Giants. It was an inspirational football story about a coach who turned his team, who had a hard time winning a game, into state champions.

What I loved most about this film, was how the coach used biblical principles to not only build a strong team, but also to form strong individuals. These boys had started with bad attitudes, and ended being; motivated, hard working, and kindhearted.

In Proverbs 1:5, we read, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” We all learn something new every day, and sometimes, we don’t even realize that we are learning. I often find that some of the greatest lessons I learn,  are the ones that come through the challenges I face. I see everyday as an opportunity for us to learn something new, and experience growth; and that is a great feeling.

The class-end bell rang at the high point of the movie ending. Immediately, Zachary, with his hands folded in prayer and his face like a puppy begging for a treat, pleaded to stay until the movie ended. Now, how could I say “no”! I let the class know that they could leave if they wished. Only, no one moved. I guess you could say that is free education at its finest!

Many Blessings,                                                                                                                  Deanna Danielle

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All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace. Isaiah 54:13

 

 

Words Written with Love

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Along the coast of Mexico stood a beautiful villa. A sign in front read, ‘Rooms Available’. A man driving by needed a room, so he check in. After putting his bags down, he decided to go for a swim, since it was a glorious, warm day. After beginning to swim, he noticed a sign which read ‘No Swimming — SHARKS!’ He got out of the water, using unkind words, he kicked and tore down the sign, and left the villa in a fury.

Again, the ‘Rooms Available’sign was posted. The next gentleman to check in, unpacked, and went for a stroll. He, too, decided to go for a swim. As he stepped into the water, he caught sight of another sign that read “No Swimming — SHARKS!’ With his heart pounding, he quickly returned to shore. When he approached the rocky beach, he knelt down and prayed, “My Lord and my God, thank you for letting me see this sign, for you rescued me today from being eaten by the sharks.” As he looked out over the water, many moving shark fins were visible. He again thanked God for saving him. Upon his return to the villa, he shared his story with everyone.

This is the story that I shared with my class. After reading it to them, I asked, “Do you think the sign, ‘No swimming — SHARKS!’ were words written with love?” Looking at their expressions, as they answered, “Yes,” you could see there was no doubt amongst them. I now held up a sign with the 10 commandments written on it. I explained, “These, too, are words written with love, by the hand of God.” Exodus 31:18.

With the opportunity to share with our class the differences, between harboring anger and nurturing love within ourselves, I could clearly see that this class is ready to be the reflection of the Ultimate Love.

Some great kids have been added to our class lately. They are Gianluca, Joseph and Frankie. This was Frankie’s first class with us. Here are a few of his written words of love, “Today our class learned about the Ten Commandments. We also learned about being happy for each other and to love everybody.”

As Nancy Spiegelberg once said, “Lord, I crawled across the bareness to you with my empty cup, uncertain in asking for any small drop of refreshment. If only I had known you better, I’d have come running with a bucket.”

Many Blessings,

Deanna Danielle

Words written with love!

Words written with love!

 

 

A Solid Foundation

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God’s word always teaches us about peace, unity, service, and unconditional love. In Philippians 4:8, we read, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious … think about these things.” It is truly ‘these things’ that are far more important then titles and possessions.

I am always inspired when I hear one of my students ask, “What does that mean?” This week, the word ‘foundation’ is credited to Madeline. This word brought to my mind three different materials to build with. As I split the class up into groups, I asked them to build me a house.

To one group, I gave cards, the next group, blocks, and the third group, I gave Legos. I have to say, they all did a great job. However, as for the card house, like the big bad wolf, we blew it down. The blocks were put together like a castle, but with just a touch, it could not stand. As for the Legos, they were solid, even when turned upside down. I wanted them to see, clearly, that is what being built on a solid foundation looks like. It can’t be shaken, and even when turned upside down, they do not fall apart. They are locked together!

Jesus spoke these words in Matthew 7:24-25, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

Every week, we start our class with prayer, then we look up Scriptures. I explained, “This is just as you did when you were learning to tie your shoes. You began by finding the laces. Then, you thought about how to put them together and make a bow. As you practiced, something remarkable happened, and by instinct, you learned how to tie your shoes! In the same way, the more time we spend in prayer and God’s word, we will begin to build a solid foundation. Virtues, like truthfulness, justice, charity, patience, and much more, become your natural way of living. You won’t need to think about them as much, because practice has made them a part of who you are.”

As Molly wrote, “Today, I built a house… I learned, if you focus and you build a foundation, your house will stand forever. The same will happen with your heart and home.”

Many Blessings

Deanna Danielle

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

 


“Take and Eat”

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While speaking to my class, I turned to Cecilia with a small scenario. “Let’s say you were born in a dungeon, and I came to visit you, and I told you that the sun was blue and cold. You would probably believe me, because you had never seen the sun. Now, lets say that Madeline came down to visit you, and she tells you that the sun is yellow and warm. At this point, you would have to decide whom you wanted to believe, because the truth is you don’t know. Later, let’s say, that Alessia arrived to visit you, and she took your hand, and walked with you outside. Now who would you believe, Madeline or me?”

As I turned back to the class, I said, “She would know, for sure, that Madeline spoke the truth. The reason for this is that she stepped into the sunlight herself, felt the warmth, and saw the bright yellow light. In the same way, our faith needs to be brought into the light. We then will know beyond a doubt, that there is a God, and His love for us is so great!”

My nephew, Ben, who has been helping me in class for the last three years, has Inspired me to share this truth. He told me he felt very confused. That Bible talks about God creating man. In school, he is being taught that we are evolved from apes. Therefore, I shared the following with our class, Genesis 1:27 “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female.” I explained, “If man evolved from apes, then there would be no apes. Did some apes turn into men and others did not?”

In God’s word we see at the Last Supper the institution of the Eucharist. Matthew 26:26-28 “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.”

After reading this, I asked the children, “What does this mean to you?” Then I said, “Let me show it to you in a different way.” I brought a mat from the gym for them to sit on, and told them that this is probably how they dined. I gave them some mini pita breads and used some strawberry lemonade for the wine and said, “It’s only when these things are put into our body that we will receive the nutrients and necessary vitamins. In this same way, we must take God’s word, His Body and Blood, and let it become a part of us. Once we take and eat, God is no longer on the outside of us.”

A cute quote from Madeline: “Today I realized that God is in me, because I have seen that I’ve done many nice things for others and I would like to do more nice things for others.”

Many blessings,

Deanna Danielle

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