Monthly Archives: August 2020

This Is How You Do It

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Basic instructions

I was in only in kindergarten, yet, all these years later, I can still see her standing in front of the classroom ever so gently looking down at our table and saying, “This is how you do it…” As we cut out the identified shapes, our teacher explained to the class the proper way of holding the scissors, how to pass them to other students, and how to safely walk with them to put them away. Forming a fist around the closed blades with the handle exposed as our teacher had instructed, one of the students asked, “Why do we have to hold it this way?” Tenderly she replied, “It is for your safety and the safety of others…”

Teachers need to be equipped for it all. Trusted educators, who not only pass on knowledge and truth, but also correct a fault with patience and instruction. Communication is one of the most important roles of a teacher, nonetheless, handing forward the benefits of faith, hope and love is the greatest gift a teacher can give. My kindergarten teacher had done this remarkably well as her first priority was to keep us all safe while we were learning new skills.

The same way teachers mold and shape us, filling us with important life lessons from an early age that will stick with us throughout our entire lives, we can turn to the Bible for those lessons from God. Someone once told me we can interpret “B.I.B.L.E.” as our “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” I love this because it reminds me that, like my kindergarten teacher, the Lord’s intention is to protect us and keep us safe, while teaching us to navigate life.

“This is how you do it,” flows like a mighty river through God’s written word. “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.” So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. {Exodus 24:12-13]

God spoke to Moses high on the mountain, where He was able to give him a higher and wider level of view and understanding. After the climb, “Moses remained there on the mountain with the LORD forty days and forty nights. In all that time he ate no bread and drank no water. And the LORD wrote the terms of the covenant—the Ten Commandments—on the stone tablets...” [Exodus 34:28] Set in stone a vital foundation of basic instructions for our protection and the protection of others was written by “the finger of God”… [Exodus 8:19–20]

The 10 Commandments [Deuteronomy 5:6-21]

  1. “You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me” [ Deuteronomy 5:7]
  2. “You Shall Not Make for Yourself an Idol” ([Deuteronomy 5:8]
  3. “You Shall Not Make Wrongful Use of the Name of the LORD Your God” [Deuteronomy 5:11]
  4. “Observe the Sabbath Day and Keep It Holy” [Deuteronomy 5:12]
  5. “Honor Your Father and Your Mother” [Deuteronomy 5:16]
  6. “You Shall Not Murder” [Deuteronomy 5:17]
  7. “You Shall Not Commit Adultery” [Deuteronomy 5:18]
  8. “You Shall Not Steal” [Deuteronomy 5:19]
  9. “You Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Your Neighbor” [Deuteronomy 5:20]
  10. “You Shall Not Covet … Anything That Belongs to Your Neighbor” [ Deuteronomy 5:21]

These 10 Commandments from God are as timeless and powerful today as the day they were first put in writing. Basic instructions filled with faith, hope, love and sense. Extraordinarily beneficial in teaching us how to live better, healthier, protected and productive lives for our own good and the good of others. There is a reason and a purpose that you and I were created, great plans for us to grow and flourish. It is no secret that life will always have its challenges, yet, at the same time those challenges can make us better if we seek the intimacy in direction and guidance from the One who created us. Life’s greatest reward is knowing that our Creator is by our side all the way. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, One God, Creator of all things, Omnipotence (all-powerful,) Omniscience (all-knowing,) Omnipresence (all-present,) is closer then the breath we breathe; if only we want Him to be.

“‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” [Matthew 22:36-39]

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” [Proverbs 22:6]

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations.” [Deuteronomy 7:9]

A teacher is not so much responsible for what our students know, but more so for the seeds we plant to help them grow.

Father in the Name of Jesus, by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, be with us, direct our path, fill us with the riches of Your grace, transform our mind with a healthy balance that is good for our body and soul. Guide us with Your gracious love, that we may press forward to being all that You created us to be. In Your Holy Name we pray… Amen

Sweet blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

Deannadanielle.com

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” [Proverbs 22:6]

Who Do You Love More?

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What have we missed?

Showering off all the bubbles on my 4-year-old during bath time (fast forward twenty years – now my editor-in-chief and one of my best friends), I turned to pick up the towel when I heard the voice of God whisper ever so gently to my soul, “Who do you love more?” Taken aback, I thought about it for a moment and responded, “I love You more… After all, You gave her to me.” At the same time, I turned with the towel in hand to dry my baby girl off as she looked up at me with her beautiful Bambi eyes and sweetly spoke, “Mommy, who do you love more, me or God?” Taken aback again, thinking, “Wait!…What?!” I smiled and replied, “I love God more!” She had the cutest facial expression, as if to say right back to me, “Wait!…What?!” Come what may, God prepared me for that very moment. If you could only imagine the joy I felt in my heart as I wrapped her in the towel, held her close and explained, “I love God more, because, I am so blessed, so grateful and so happy that He gave you to me! How could I not love God more? If it wasn’t for Him, I would not have you!” With a loving kiss on her nose, my little girl giggled with contentment.

Love is the essential foundation and necessity in life that we all need in order to truly live established, fulfilled and healthy lives. Extraordinary power lives in love and how we see it will lead the way to success or otherwise. To understand love, it is not only helpful but also very interesting to recognize that there are various definitions and types of love. Here are a few that stand first in rank:

  1. Whichever title we choose, Intimate love / Eros / Romantic love / True love, this type of love is is a beautiful blessing from God and reserved exclusively for marriage. After all those crazy natural chemicals fire off in our brain that produce attraction and affection for that “in-love” feeling; this kind of love requires commitment, communication, faithfulness, honesty, trust, selflessness, time, respect, patience, support, and should be celebrated, cherished and enjoyed everyday. Scripture gives us an innermost look, “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” – [Song of Solomon 2:16]
  2. The love we have for family is recognized as Familiar love / Storge / Natural love. The naturalness in a familial bond, built on strong connections between family members that provide a sense of wholeness and meaning. Important responsibilities come along with the gift of family as well; provision, nurturance (spiritually, emotionally, intellectually), respect, forgiveness… “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” – [1 Corinthians 13:4-8]
  3. When people share the same values and respect for each other, it’s commonly referred to as Brotherly love / Philia / Friend bond, love without romantic attraction. Friendships are an important part of life. They are one of life’s necessities, grounded in trust, special-moments, precious-moments, simple-moments and comfort during trying-moments. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor…” If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” [Ecclesiastes 4:9-10}
  4. The greatest type of love and what we seek most is Unconditional love / Agape love. This is known as the highest form of love and is given, even when it is not returned. It is pure, completely unselfish and accepts us for who we are, regardless of our flaws or imperfections. It is God’s deep love for us, fully expressed through the complete and on going life of Jesus Christ. If we will take just one moment out of our busy schedule and place it on God (Creator of all things), the Living Word (Bible), and prayer, (conversation and communion with God), we will become aware of a magnificent and breathtaking love like no other. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

If we were to ask God, “Who do you love more?” He would tell us that it is already written. A love so great that it continues to shine and flourish through the darkest hours / simplicity of the day / and by way of tender celebrations… * The Agony in the Garden – “Jesus knelt down and prayed…” [Luke 22:39-44] * The Scourging at the Pillar 39 times – “Jesus was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5-10, Matthew 27:26] * The Crowning with Thorns – Kneeling before Him in derision, they spit on Him, and cry out: “Hail, King of the Jews!” [Matthew 27:28-31] * The Carrying of the Cross – “He went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified Him.” [John 19:16–18] * The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus – “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do…” [Luke 23:34]

Jesus knows the sins of all mankind, whose guilt He has taken upon Himself, for each and everyone one of us. What have we missed? It is my prayer that we will continue to listen to God’s call, observe the blessings, value the love, embrace His goodness and experience His love in its many forms and share that love with others, as God intended. You are important… ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” [Matt. 22:37–39].

A teacher is not so much responsible for what our students know, but more so for the seeds we plant to help them grow.

Father in the Name of Jesus, by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, be with us, direct our path, fill us with the riches of Your grace, transform our mind with a healthy balance that is good for our body and soul. Guide us with Your gracious love, that we may press forward to being all that You created us to be. In Your Holy Name we pray… Amen

Sweet blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

Deannadanielle.com

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” [Matt. 22:37–39].

The Stone In A Sword Fight

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If you’ve never hurt, you’ve never lived.

Inspirational quotes have the capability to tell a story in just a few words. They bring us encouragement, instruction, and guidance though some of the toughest and saddest hours of our lives. We hang them on our walls, write them down in books and treasure them in our hearts. Quotes make us smile, reflect and ponder what life is all about through the treasures of written and spoken words. Extraordinary moments that leave us with memorable statements are usually built upon layers of experience that may even echo out, “If you’ve never hurt, you’ve never lived.”

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible shares quotes that leave us with tools, techniques and a realizations that can help teach and comfort in ways that last a lifetime. Incidentally, a ‘quote’ also refers to an estimated cost of a job or service. In other words, there is a price tag attached. Let’s take a closer look:

Known for being a dreamer and the favorite son of his father Jacob; the Scriptures tell us of a young man named Joseph. If we were to take a step back and reflect on the early years of Joseph’s life, it’s hard to imagine how much hurt must have followed rejection as his jealous brothers threw him into an empty cistern then sold him into slavery. He must have shed so many tears from the separation and thoughts of never seeing his Father and other family members ever again. To top it off, humiliation and imprisonment were a price he paid for a crime he did not commit. Yet, through it all, we see a spirit of hope, integrity, and a personal relationship with God Almighty rise to the top as we read these words; “It was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.” [Genesis 45:8]

David was the son of a man named Jesse. Scripture gives us a first glance of this ruddy, bright eyed, good-looking youngster during a very important family gathering that David, being the youngest of his seven brothers, was not invited too. Overlooked, David, was out in the field tending the sheep (fields that would serve as the training grounds for bravery, endurance, and courage, while teaching him to lean on God for strength and guidance). It wasn’t until the stone in a sword fight was picked up by this young Shepherd / Musician / Warrior / Poet / later to be King, that he would gain his popular acclaim (through defeating the giant ‘Goliath’). Accustomed to waiting for the Lord to direct him on a very laborious and slow rise to power, we continually see David’s personal relationship with God, as his Chief Cornerstone, in the foundation of his life. “For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” [1 Samuel 16:7]

The success of an athlete, awards of a scholar, scars of a warrior have all come at a cost. Stories have great purpose, they help us to remember the incredible things that God has done and is doing for us. Life as we know it gives us no guarantee, but God Himself does. He promises that if we seek Him first He will never abandon us and will always be the Chief Cornerstone in any fight that this life brings our way. As the price He paid for our salvation is beyond words, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16]

In writing about God’s love, I myself have learned a great deal. From 1st grade on, school was beyond difficult and unfavorable for me. I did not feel like I fit in academically, being a visual learner made it so hard to retain information. Socially, unless I was invited I did not feel like I belonged, and physically, during my teenage years, it was the 80’s! When it came to gym class, my hair took way too long to do in the morning to justify any sort of pool, rain or sweat. Yet, the truth is, I didn’t realize how important and exciting learning really can be. It would be years later with children of my own when I was invited to teach a 3rd grade religious education class. Honored and thrilled over the opportunity to share with the children the love of God, I walked into that class fully ready, yet not prepared to be unprepared to hold the attention of 8-9 year olds for 90 minutes. As I walked in feeling like a star, I literally left seeing stars (these are those moments that make or break you, nonetheless, I was up for the challenge). Time later, when our class tests were due, I questioned God if I was truly capable of teaching. I will never forget the exact spot I was standing in the school parking lot when His peaceful presence filled me with these words:

“A teacher is not responsible for what their students know, but for the seeds they plant to help them grow.”

What we feel about ourselves will direct our path, how we see God, will guide us. I remember asking the question, “What is love?” to a class that I taught. The most beautiful melody came from a little girl named Charlotte, when she responded, “Love is a gift from God.” Quotes speak of the many hidden treasures found within ones life, even though it may hurt sometimes…

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” [Romans 8:28]

Father in the Name of Jesus, by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, be with us, direct our path, fill us with the riches of Your grace, transform our mind with a healthy balance that is good for our body and soul. Guide us with Your gracious love, that we may press forward to being all that You created us to be. In Your Holy Name we pray… Amen

Sweet blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

Deannadanielle.com

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible shares quotes that leave us with tools, techniques and a realizations that can help teach and comfort in ways that last a lifetime.
You are worth the fight…

Play It Again

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For no word from God will ever fail

One life, one song, one book, can have such an impact on so many lives. Tom Brown’s School Days is one of those books. It’s a famous British novel by Thomas Hughes, about a popular boy who attended a boarding school in England. Tom had tremendous influence on the group of boys he lived with in one of the dormitories. One day a new boy came to the school. That evening, as they prepared for sleep, the new boy knelt down to say his prayers. A few of the boys began to make fun of him, one even threw a shoe at him. That night, Tom could not fall asleep. He kept thinking about what happened to the new kid. He also began to think about his mom and the prayers she had taught him to say before he went to bed. Prayers he had not said, since he came to this school. The next evening, as the boys were getting ready to pick on the new boy for saying his prayers, something monumental happened, Tom knelt down also. There was silence in the dormitory. His example changed the thoughts of many boys that night. Tom saw the purpose in life and decided to live it, taste it and experience it to the utmost. He reached out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience, and with that he became that “One life.”

Several years ago, in the garden of the school where I teach, I had my students reenact the story of Tom Brown. I shared with them, how they too can make a difference in the lives of many with their love for God. With the soft sound of nature and bright bloomed flowers, I turned my class towards a beautiful sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary, drawing their attention to how one life can exert a wholesome influence on so many people, without force. I explained how Mary’s ‘Yes’ to God was not only one of the greatest turning points in history, but it faithfully defined what true courage is all about.

As we may forget what people do and say, it is harder to forget how they make us feel. My niece and I always laugh, as I often reminisce on a story of when she was just a toddler sitting on my lap at an outdoor movie. Through the coils of her curly hair blowing in the wind, I whispered in her ear “I love you.” This memorable moment is so precious because of the way she turned her little head and looked up at me with her beautiful brown eyes and said, “Say it again.”

There is so much to be grateful for. That year, after sharing Tom’s story with my class, I played a beautiful song, titled, ‘Thank You,’ by The Katinas. It brought me great joy to watch each one of them reach out eagerly and without fear for that newer and richer experience. I could tell this through the enthusiasm in their words, as the song ended they spoke out, “Play it again!”

“For no word from God will ever fail.” [Luke 1:37]

A teacher is not so much responsible for what our students know, but more so for the seeds we plant to help them grow.

Father in the Name of Jesus, by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, be with us, direct our path, fill us with the riches of Your grace, transform our mind with a healthy balance that is good for our body and soul. Guide us with Your gracious love, that we may press forward to being all that You created us to be. In Your Holy Name we pray… Amen

Sweet blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

Deannadanielle.com

Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Psalm 105:2