The year, 2005. In-between navigating through life, work, home responsibilities and the busy schedules of our fifteen, thirteen, ten and seven-year-old, I found myself with a pen in my hand, paper on the desk, and a story in my heart that I wanted to share.

Once just a thought, placed on some paper, fast-forward seventeen-years later (and those years went fast) as I write this blog, that story is finally sitting in a pod on the printing press waiting for its turn to be born. A real book with pictures and all, Sheli, a loving story about a Shepherd and His sheep, that I pray will bless the curious child in all of us.

We may wonder at times why God allows brokenness to enter our lives. It has been my experience that when this happens, I am drawn closer to the Lord, our true shepherd for strength, hope and joy. Life will always have its ups and downs, but what a beautiful mystery it is to know, that in struggling one can find a renewed faith in knowing that God has a plan.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. [Jeremiah 29:11-13]

Many things have happened, changes and stories have taken place over these past seventeen-years; nonetheless, One Ingredient remains the same. God’s steadfast love endures forever and this truth echoes throughout time. As we turn the pages of life, may we experience the healing truth of God’s awesome grace and knowledge of the awe-inspiring love that He so desperately awaits to give us all!

Perhaps this is the year a new story or and old one, will be born through you!

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

Shelibooks.com