Category Archives: Uncategorized

Blooming Gardens

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My daughter, Dominique, inspired this week’s class lesson. It was through an essay she wrote to a credit union while applying for a college scholarship. Here is a part of what she wrote.

“When I was around five years old, my mother took my two brothers, my sister, and me “bank shopping.” I didn’t understand what we were doing, because I was so young. I just remember going to several different banks listening to my mom ask lots of questions. The last bank we walked into that day greeted us at the door, and gave all of us little stuffed puppies and a small book to teach us the importance of putting money in the bank. The staff that day helped me to learn the joy of banking. Having my own bank book and watching the numbers rise every time I would deposit, even if it was just a few dollars, made me want to go back even more.”

Her essay continued with what she would do if she were in charge of a credit union. How she would visit elementary schools, inspiring more young children to visit banks, teaching and encouraging them with the importance of saving as well. Her words motivated me to move forward with putting together a lesson using scripture, and going back to that same bank to see if they would participate. I’m happy to say they agreed. So, I’d like to take this moment to thank Lisa, the branch manager at Capital One Bank for her kindness, and for taking the time to visit with our class. She read the kids a book called “Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday.” She also gave all of them piggy banks and string bags, but most of all, shared the importance of saving.

I have to say, the best part of class is always listening to the little things the kids have to say. Salvatore started off the class when he raised his hand to share that he has a piggy bank, and he is saving for college. Gianluca saves too, and nodding his head with a big smile, let us know he is saving for a REALLY nice car. Let me not forget Nikolaus, who has a motorcycle on his mind, as he let us know that is what he is saving up for.

The Bible teaches us to take care of the people and things that God gives to us. Scriptures always have a way of guiding us. I guess that is why the Bible is called The Living Word of God.

“The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.” Deuteronomy 28:13

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

I look forward to seeing if we can make a difference in the lives of some very special kids. Raising a child has never been more difficult, but it is well worth the challenge, and our future depends on it. As the saying goes, “If you save one child, you save the world.” May we see the blooming gardens of the children we rear growing into wonderful adults. Also may God give them the desire of their hearts, and make all their plans succeed.

Blessings always,
Deanna

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Volleyball

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Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team’s court. Taking this concept into a classroom of 1st graders needs some improvising. So, I decided that our colorful rug would be the court, and having them sit in their chairs facing each other could work. Let me not forget, the use of a beach ball is very beneficial, especially when it’s the boys vs. the girls!

Ready to play on the girls’ team was, Elizabeth, Ashley, Charlotte, Paula, Mary, and Ally. The boys’ team had Jack, Ben, Ewan, Aidan M, Patrick, Gianluca, Aidan S, Nikolaus. The hands of Emma, and Salvatore were used for our score board. A beautiful part of our religious experience is the sense of belonging. There are lots of benefits to being a member of a community. We feel more secure knowing that we have others around us who share our same values. As a team, we can work together, developing, bonding, and helping others.

During our class lesson, we talked about how families share life and love. How we all belong to a family and how everyone in our family is special. We spoke about Jesus and the family He belonged to, and that we are now part of that family through our baptism. When I asked them, “What are some of the things we do as a parish family?” Their answers were, “We help people, we give food and clothes to the poor.” However, what really touched me, was when Ally said, “We pray for each other!”

In the game of volleyball, or any team sport, kids can benefit both physically and socially. Being part of a family or group is probably why Jesus called the twelve (Disciples) to Himself, and began to send them out two by two. (Mark 6:7) The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18) This is the awesome love of God…

Having help and support, making memories, and of course some normal disagreements at times (because nothing is perfect here on earth, except for God’s grace) is all part life. Often, I think about this really nice quote, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”― Mother Teresa

Have a blessed day!
Deanna

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You’re in My Heart

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All the classes piled into the auditorium. The Haiti orphan project and tee shirt drive has all the kids excited. In learning about acts of charity for others, all the children decorated a foam heart that they wrapped with their tee shirt donation. Kids helping kids – – what a beautiful site to see!

In the church, for the prayer service, Ben pointed to the confession booth and asked, “What’s behind those doors?” I explained, “That is where you go for confession.” He continued with a very serious face, “Is Jesus in there?” A few of the other kids heard what he asked, and they started asking, with curious faces, “Is Jesus in there?” With a smile, I whispered, “No, He’s in your heart.” At that moment, Kristen whispered to me, “Gianluca isn’t feeling very well.” One look as his sad little face broke my heart. All in a days work as a teacher…

Back in class, we started off praying for each other, family and friends. We asked God to bless Gianluca and Paula, and give them perfect health. I shared a story with them that began with Adam and Eve. Patrick played the part of Adam, and Emma played the part of Eve. I shared how they walked and talked with God. How God gave them the privilege of naming all the animals, and enjoying all the land. Also, how God warned them to stay away from the one tree that would harm them, and that if they ate of it, they would surely die (Genesis 2:17). I told them that even though they ate of the tree, and could not see God face to face anymore, He was still there with them. I asked Ally to stand up while I covered Patrick’s eyes. I asked him if he knew who was in front of him, and he said, “No” I asked the class, “ Does this mean she is not there because he doesn’t see her?” I continued with, “She is there, and in the same way, God is there too! Even though we can’t see Him with our eyes, we know He is there through our faith, and we can feel Him in our heart, and through all He has blessed us with.”

I went over some of the things they learned. Things like how many parts of the Bible there are, and what those two parts are… They are so smart. They all know, and it’s like the choirs singing, as they all answer together. I shared how the Bible is the living Word of God, because it guides us through life. B.I.B.L.E, basic instructions before leaving earth. I told them a true story of a mom whose ten-month-old little boy had a bump on his brain (a tumor). How the doctor told her things did not look good. However, she trusted God more then the words of the doctor. Picking up her Bible, she read Jeremiah 29:11 “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.” She put this prayer in his crib, and said it every time she’d pick him up or put him down. She believed for a miracle, and she received one! Her little boy is now 8 years old and healthy! That is the power of God’s Word. It shows us that we are in the heart of our God at all times.

Many years ago, a very special nun said to me, “There are so many people to pray for, and I want to pray for all of them. So, I put them in my heart and when I pray, I lift my heart up to God and ask Him to bless every one in there. Always know, you are in my heart!”

So, I conclude with this, “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 and always know you’re in my heart!

Have a great day!

Deanna

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A Day of Discovery

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The stone was rolled away so that everyone could see… The angel announced to the women that Jesus, who was crucified, was no longer in the tomb. “He is risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He was lying.” Matthew 28:5

We started class with a picture of The Last Supper to color. Ally asked, “Did they get haircuts back then?”  Since I’m a hair stylist myself, I am sure she figured who better to ask. Knowing that 490 B.C. was the first time Greek men chose short haircuts, I replied with a smile and answered, “Yes they did!” ”Then why was Jesus’ hair so long?” she asked. Sometimes a smile is all you can give to answer the innocence of their questions. My best was, “If He didn’t get a haircut, His hair would be way down to here!” pointing to my side. She just smiled. Questions are a wonderful  way to discover so many new things. They give us a deeper understanding of the people and world around us. Questions also bring us closer to knowing more about ourselves and our God.

With such a beautiful day outside, I felt too guilty keeping them in the classroom. So, after we finished a chapter in our workbooks, we headed out to the garden of the Blessed Mother. There I read them a book from one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado, Because I Love You. It’s a story about a wise and loving man named Shaddai, who builds a wonderful village for his children.  With his own hands, he built a protective wall around the village, rock by rock. One day Paladin, the most curious child in the village, discovers something troubling about the wall, something that made him doubt  Shaddai’s love. Through the hole he found in the wall, he chose to go out into the dangerous wilderness. Shaddai does not abandon him.  It’s here that Paladin realizes the great love Shaddai has for him. When I asked our class, “What does this story mean to you?” I was amazed at how they all reflected on the love of their parents, teaching them to do what is right and safe.

Back indoors, we concluded our class with wooden popsicle sticks. Placing them on top of each other to make a cross. They decorated them with markers, flowers and love, knowing that  Jesus has risen, just as He said. As we celebrate the Easter season, may we look at the cross and reflect on the greatest love anyone could ever know. May we take this moment and make it a a day of discovery, seeking the questions that help us to grow, and go deeper into the knowledge of God’s everlasting love for us all!

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28-19

“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”. Acts 2:37-38

May you be blessed abundantly today and forever,
Deanna

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A Time For…

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In the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 Solomon tells us; “There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

 No time does this verse speak louder than it does in the Easter story. Jesus was loved and adored while riding into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey, where large crowds surrounded Him, shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9) Only, to be met days later by people shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” (Luke 23:21) Flogged and slapped with a twisted crown of thorns that was put on His head, Jesus carried His own cross, to be crucified and pierced. (John 19) 

Isaiah’s prophetic words speak of how Christ’s sacrifice for us would heal us. He writes that by His stripes we are healed and that He has taken our grief and carried our sorrows. Jesus did all of this because His love for us is so great. I will tell you that teaching children about God’s awesome love, continuously brings blessings. A few weeks ago, my niece and nephew joined our class. This week my nephew came up to me to ask a question. As I bent down to hear what he had to say, I noticed that his nose looked as though it had started to bleed. When I brought this to his attention, he replied, “No, Aunt D, I prayed to God and it stopped.” He was right. It did!

No doubt, as much joy as children bring, along with them can come some challenges. Being a mom and RE teacher, I can honestly say that no matter what their age, their feelings go very deep. From the questions that I have been asked, to listening to the intelligent words they speak, they teach me. My nephew brought one of those special moments when he shared, “I prayed to God, and He healed me!” May his precious words echo in our ears through all the different seasons of life that we may be in. As this beautiful quote expresses, “God, give me the faith of a little child! A faith that will look to Thee—That never will falter and never fail, But follow Thee trustingly.”  Thank you, Ben!

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you…” (Isaiah 43:2) Jesus spoke with wisdom. He shared stories to help us to live better and treat others more kindly. His grace brought forgiveness, healing and peace, and made us closer to God. Jesus gave us the greatest gift when He gave up His life on the Cross, which is God’s power unto salvation, God’s love unto humanity. May the grace of our Lord be with you always. In Jesus’ beautiful and Holy Name, I pray.

Easter blessings always! 

Deanna

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Pope Patrick

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So the Papal Conclave began, right here at 201 Boulevard! Samantha took the key and pretended to lock the door. Red napkins dressed the heads of our class, as we felt for just a moment that we were all cardinals sealed in the Sistine Chapel. We prayed for our families, friends, each other, and guidance from the Holy Spirit to give us a leader in our church who would be a man after God’s own heart, and a reflection of His great love.

The ballots were passed out and the voting began. After the votes were counted, Kristen announced, that the majority rules, and Aiden M. is our new Pope. We pretended to burn the ballots and held up white paper for smoke. Aiden chose his papal name as Patrick and the class cheered!  Now it’s time to get to work.

When I was thirty years old, a good friend shared her testimony with me. She reflected on words from her Sunday school teacher; “Now go home and remember, always love Jesus!” My friend was only twelve years old when she went home that day and kneeled at the foot of her bed and said, “Jesus, how do I love You when I don’t know You?”  That summer, on the beach with her friends, a woman came up to her and handed her a pamphlet that said, “How to love Jesus.”  She shared how her life had changed after that, and she left me in awe.

They say, “It takes a village to raise a child.” They’re right, and you and I are part of that village. I asked our class what they see when they see Jesus on the Cross. If you have read our class blog before today, I’m sure you already know their response. Yes, you got it, “A Hug!” We talked about how we knew that we’re loved. They shared stories of their parents’ cooking them meals, helping with their homework and even how their brothers or sisters give them a hug or a kiss sometimes. The love they feel is from the whole family.

 I shared with them that the greatest love we could ever know, is the love Jesus has for each and every one of us. Corinthians 12:20-26 says; “As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’… But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that were lacked, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

I am so thankful for my friend’s testimony, and grateful for the blessing and privilege to pass down this awesome message she shared with me. Please join me in praying for  our new Pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio who will be called Francis. May he have the same drive as Peter and all the chosen apostles and saints to sing the most beautiful melody of God’s everlasting love.

God bless you,

Deanna

The ballots were passed out and the voting began.

The ballots were passed out and the voting began.

We pretended to burn the ballots and held up white paper for smoke.

We pretended to burn the ballots and held up white paper for smoke.

The majority rules, and Aiden M. is our new Pope.

The majority rules, and Aiden M. is our new Pope.

Change Of Plans

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I am grateful for the opportunity to share God’s love through our first grade class. During the last two weeks, our class has been involved in the filmmaking of 201 Boulevard. My plan was to film one hour a week for two weeks, to prepare for a film festival that I would like our class to be part of.

At our first week of filming, I was asked to take in a second class. No problem. With Dominique, Kristin, Hope, and Juliana helping, we can do this. I had prepared a lesson, so the girls could lead part of the class while I went into another classroom to start filming. I have to say, after filming for a few minutes, I knew we had a lot of little stars in our class, and they were all ready to give it their best. I’d say, “Okay, say that line one more time,” after they had already said it five times. They’d just giggle, with a sigh and smile, saying, “again!” They were so excited to get it just right.

Back in the classroom, the lesson was going on about Adam and Eve. How God told them  never to eat the forbidden fruit on the tree in the middle of the Garden. As Dominique shared how they bit into the apple, Ewan raised his hand and said, “I eat apples, am I bad?” Thank God for His grace as we enter these precious moments and respond to  sensitive questions! Both filming and class were cut short when we were reminded one of our parish priests was waiting for us at the church. We quickly packed up and headed over.

On our arrival, the priest said, “repeat after me.” He said, “Jesus” and the class repeated, “Jesus” and at that moment a few of the kids began chatting, so to get their attention he turned to them and said “HELLO.” In a moment, 28 first graders repeated “HELLO” in his same tone! It was so funny the priest, himself, could not keep a straight face.

As we plan our time, it’s very important that we leave room for change, because it’s often in the change of plans that some wonderful things will take place. As I plan for this upcoming week, week 3, to finish with the filming project, I pray for God’s blessing, peace, grace, protection and guidance to live my life in the plan He has prepared for me. As David said in the Psalm 139:3-18 , “ You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment You know where I am…” This always reminds me that God takes care of us.

Last week was Dominique’s last week with our class, since lacrosse practice has begun. Now, it’s up to Kristin and me to fill in the joy that Dominique’s presence brought to our class. We are going to miss you Domi!

I look forward to sharing our film production with you in next week’s blog.

Blessings Always,
Deanna
Picture taken by Dominique

Picture taken by Dominique

Love

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What is love? As I asked this question to our class, there were so many beautiful answers. However, the most beautiful melody came from Charlotte, when she responded, “Love is a gift from God.” You could almost hear angels singing along with her as she spoke those words.

Valentine’s Day is a very special day of the year, when love seems to be celebrated in many countries around the world. With cards, flowers, romantic dinners and jewelry, we seek the most perfect way to say, “I love you.”

 I come from a family who showed me great love, honest love, and the finest love, yet that love could never compare to God’s love. The reason is that love comes from Him, through all of those whom I love. So could you even imagine how great the Giver of Love really is?

The greatest definition of love I have ever read is in 1 John 4:7-12, Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.

When I think of Jesus, I see and feel love; such an overabundance, that I want to share it with the world. If we could just take one moment out of our schedules and place it on God, silent whispers could change our lives. This is love that has always been there right from the start.

Elizabeth, Samantha, Emma, Charlotte, Jack, Ewan,  Aidan M, Patrick, Gianluca, Ally, Aidan S, Nikolaus, Paula, Mary, Salvatore, Dominique and Kristen, may the little stories of our 1st grade class, show the great love that God has for each and every one of us.

With love and blessings,

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Deanna

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One February morning after a winter blizzard, on our son’s birthday, there was a gift outside our window. These two hearts were in our driveway. They were the size of two cars, with no other tracks around, just a few tire marks on the street and a few foot steps on the ground.

Have you visited the treasuries of the snow? Have you seen where the hail is made and stored?… Job 38:22

“…deliver us from evil.”

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Ally asked,“…deliver us from evil, what does that mean?”
“Yah, deliver us from evil?” asked Salvatore.
The Lord’s Prayer,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.
What a great way to start the class. A great prayer and a great question!
“Did you ever get angry at someone for taking your toy?” I asked them. “How does that make you feel?” Do you just want to hit them sometimes? “Yah, my cousin takes my stuff all the time.” All their little stories came out. Well, God loves us so much that He wants us to be aware of the things that can hurt us, or those around us. That is why He has us pray for all the things we need to help and protect us everyday. “Ohhh, that’s what it means. Now I get it.” As they breathe a sign of relief, so did I.
This made me think of this past Sunday’s reading about how God formed us in the womb, and how He has great plans for us. How we need to strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts and most of all, how import it is that we love one another and likewise, what the priest had to say about all this. “Love, he said; is a word we should not use so loosely, for its value is so great. However, it is the action of love that we should practice using a lot more often. How can we love all people all the time, when sometimes they have done what’s wrong to us? It is the gift God gave us to pray, to pray for their salvation. This is the greatest gift of love that we can give always.”
To be able to share God’s love with our class is an awesome privilege. One I am so grateful for. As our class continued, Kristen, mentioned that she could not find her phone. As Dominique called it, we all heard the vibration, but we could not figure where it was coming from. Fourteen 1st graders looking high and low. Their teamwork was awesome. Thanks to Nickolaus, who found her phone in a pail, and made everyone smile.
In conclusion for the day, we headed over to the Church to get more familiar with the main areas of the church, the altar, the pews, and the Stations of the Cross. As we knelt before the tabernacle to genuflect, we looked up toward the cross. For when I ask them, “What do you see when you see the Cross?” they always reply, “a hug!” It was beautiful to hear Samantha say, in the silence of our class, “I just want to go over there and hug Him (Jesus).”
It is the future that our children will hold in their hands, Though I wonder how our hands will mold it for them. It is my prayer that we all join together and ask God to deliver us from evil, from all the evil that is desensitizing our world today.
Brothers and sisters: Love is patient. Love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4
Have a very blessed day,
Deanna
A Prayer

God with us

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As we enter into the second half of the school year. I thought that it would be a good idea to start talking a little bit about First Holy Communion, which will be a big year for our class next year. So, I headed out to buy mini pita breads and some small cups to help in the visual and kinesthetic learning part of our lesson, which is the eating of bread and drinking of wine (we will use water).

I planned to use a felt board to reenact Jesus’ instruction at the Last Supper when He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, giving it to His disciples saying, “This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Then, giving them wine, saying: “This is My blood, this cup is the new covenant which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:19-20. Only, life had a different plan called No Time Left. All the day’s chores and taking my son shopping to get ready to go back to college. Left me with 20 minutes to put all the pieces for the felt board together and pack my bag with all the supplies. As you can guess, that’s not happening… However, I am very grateful for a plan B, which is God’s grace. I had just enough time to grab a video tape about the Last Supper.

The moment I entered the RE office to get my mail, I was told one of the other first grade teachers would not be coming in, and asked if I would teach her class as well. “ Why not?” After all, I have plan B, a movie, and most of all four great teacher’s assistants. Before merging the two classes, I had Dominique take attendance and do a chapter in their work book. As I would do in our class. All goes well, we got together, the movie starts, and the kids are happy. About 10 minutes into the movie, Paula walks over to me and whispers, “I have this tape at home, and it scares me. I don’t want to watch it.”

It took me back to years ago, when our family visited Disney World with another family of friends. Everyone wanted to go on the Tower of Terror. All the kids were excited as we waited on line. I had no clue, to what I was in for… Our youngest daughter Gabriella, was about the age of our class. To cut to the chase, I could not wait for the ride to be over, and neither could she. She was done. It ruined her day. Therefore, we waited at the exit of every ride all day. This opened my eyes to see how scary everything in Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be. Monsters pop up and out of everything and anything.

Now, back to our class. We just passed the part of the video where Judas was receiving thirty pieces of silver for betraying Jesus. They were now in the upper room where our Lord instituted the Most Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. I decided to stop the movie there, and use the pita breads to continue. To my surprise, some of the class was very upset. They wanted to see the video. I thank God for giving me two classrooms. After they had the pita bread and water, I gave them a choice to stay and finish watching the movie or come with me to the other class. It was an even split. All the girls and Gianluca came with me, and all the boys and Charlotte, stayed.

For those who came back with me, I had the privilege to share with them the joy of God’s Word. How God can take the things in this world that are scary to us, and give us His peace, by showing us the awesome love He has for all of us. When I ask them, “What do you see when you see the Cross?” With a joyful melody, they all yell out a HUG!

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His Name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23

The Lord is my shepherd: ‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for You are with me…Psalm 23:4

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