Category Archives: Uncategorized

Baptism

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Our first day back to class, after being off for three weeks, was a great adventure. A first grade teacher’s absence brought our class size up to 27 sweet little faces. I thank God for blessing me with wonderful teacher’s assistants. They are Dominique, Kristen, Hope & Juliana, I could not have done it without their dedicated support! Thank you, girls…

Baby dolls dressed in white, water, bucket, sea shell, oil, candles, and some cute lil’ couples, we are ready to roll. Our first couple up was Gianluca and Samantha. They chose the godparents, and they named the baby Jackson.  (For me, it is very important to bring the children as close to the moment as possible when teaching them, because we all do not learn the same way. Auditory learners learn best by hearing. Visual learners learn best by seeing, and the kinesthetic learner commonly known as “do-ers” need to touch it.)

 We started off with a blessing, the feeling they received when they first entered the church. Everyone had a partner and they placed the Sign of our Lord’s Cross on each other’s forehead. Aidan and Jack reenacted when our Lord Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of Baptism, by being baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And a Voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22. We talked about people getting baptized into the Christian faith and the promise to live in a Christian way, and how a baby obviously can’t make any promises, so the parents and godparents make the promises for the baby. I showed them oil, and shared how holy oils are used for anointing. Then they all lined up, excited to have that feeling of when water was poured on their head. They must all do well washing their hair, because their heads went straight back while the small sea shell dripped a little water on their foreheads. And last, but not least, holding a candle, we talked about how they are a light in this world. And when the Lord Jesus said, “Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or a basket, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?” Mark 4:21. As I asked them to close their eyes, then open them, I shared how they are all a light in this world that has its eyes shut. The smiles on their faces, let me know that they knew that they are all very special.

Baptism is the foundation of the whole of Christian life. It is the gateway to life in the      Holy Spirit. Through Baptism a person is reborn as a daughter or son of God. It is through Baptism that an individual begins his or her relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church.

Of course, they were all to young too remember the day they were baptized, except through pictures and stories that are shared with them. So, going through auditory, visual and a kinesthetic steps. It is my prayer, that they will always remember and embrace the beauty of being baptized.

“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

Wishing you all a very blessed New Year!

Deanna

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Improvisation

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Improvisation can be thought of as an “on the spot” spontaneous activity. It is reacting in the moment and in response to the stimulus of one’s present environment and inner feelings. It’s the practice of acting, dancing, singing, playing a musical instrument, talking, creating artworks, or problem solving. It’s the act or art of improvising.

This past week I was all set for Monday’s class. The lesson was planned. I brought in one of my girl’s dolls from when they were younger, with a lil’ white knitted blanket for our story time. Part of my plan was to have the kids dress up as Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds,Three Kings, and Angels, as I read them the Christmas story. I wanted them to feel a little closer to the true meaning of this special time of the year. Nonetheless, as I walked into the office to borrow the dress up attire, I found out it was in use for the dress rehearsal for the Christmas pageant.

Okay, time to pray and improv. I looked around our classroom for something to dress the kids in. To my eye’s delight, a box with pink tissues, and by the sink, a roll of paper towels. In my bag was some yellow yarn. ‘We are back in business!’ All I can say is what a joy it was to hear the little giggles of our 1st grade class, as I put the pink tissue on Paula’s head and the paper-towels on Jack’s. They looked sooo cute, as they embraced baby Jesus as Mary and Joseph, while Kristen read them the Christmas story. Thanking God for His provision, this made me think about the blessed Mother. How many times did she have to improv?

God said, “I choose you.” Mary was a young girl who one day was visited by an angel who sang the most beautiful, awe-inspiring song. “Greetings, favored woman, the Lord is with you.” ” Unto you. he said; a child will be born.”  Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter, so she was confused and disturbed as she tried to think of what the angel could mean.  “Don’t be frightened, Mary,” the angel told her.  “For God has decided to bless you.  You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus.  He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor, David, and He will reign over Israel forever.  His kingdom will never end. Mary asked the angel, “But how can I have a baby, I am a virgin?”  The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the Power of the Most High will overshadow you.  So the baby born to you will be Holy and He will be called the Son of God. “For nothing is impossible with God,” Mary responded.   I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever He wants.  May everything you have said come true.  And the angel left.

Now, Mary’s left with much to think about. The angel’s gone, when will this happen?  Exactly how will it happen?  Does Joseph know, and how will I tell him? My family? Did she wonder what she just agreed too? All I know is, most importantly, she trusted God to provide all she needed, and He did! While she was in the later months of her pregnancy, she had to travel to Bethlehem for the census. There was no limo, so she rode on a donkey. There were no rooms in the inn, so she stayed in a stable. There was no bed for her new-born baby, so she wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger. I realized, things may not always go as we plan, but improvisation is a way of life. So on those days when it seems as though nothing is going our way, we should look at the Christmas story and be encouraged. For God has a better plan. After all, what would Christmas be like without the manger? Could you imagine a deluxe building with a golden crib and limo outside to take the place of the stable. Could you imagine a first grade class without sweet giggles. How boring would that be!

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.                   In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.                            ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

May our loving Lord bless you this Christmas and always!

Deanna

Jack & Paula playing Mary and Joseph loving Jesus

Jack & Paula playing Mary and Joseph loving Jesus

Story time

Story time

Thanksgiving Prayer

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Well it’s been a few weeks since we had class, and so much has happened since then. For one, I had the privilege to visit my son in Florence Italy with my mom and younger daughter Gabriella. Good food, great shopping, a climb to the top of the bell tower, a tour to San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti, a beautiful walk through the palace garden, a delightful, (and much needed) Italian massage and above all things, awesome company. A blessing indeed!

On our trip, I read a story about Tom Brown’s School Days, a famous British novel. Tom Brown was a popular boy who attended a boarding school in England. He lived with a group of boys in one of the dormitories. Everything that Tom did had a great impact on the other kids at school. One day a new boy came to the school. That night, before bed the new boy knelt down to say his prayers. A few boys began to make fun of him, one even through 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 night, as the boys were getting ready to pick on the new boy for saying his prayers. Something beautiful happened, Tom knelt down also. There was silence in the dormitory. His example, changed the thoughts of many boys that night.

I thought it would be great to share this story with our class. So in the garden of our Blessed Mother, Aidan played Tom and Gianluca played the new boy. As we reenacted this scene. I shared with them, how they too can make a difference in the lives of many with their love for God. I was able to turn them towards The Blessed Mother and show them how one life can have such an impact on so many people. Just take a look at Mary’s ‘Yes’ to God. God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God… For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

There is so much to be grateful for… I asked the class; “What are you thankful for?” Aidan, Elizabeth, Jack, Samantha, Nickolaus, and Paula said. “My family.” “Mom and Dad. Grandma and Grandpa, Friends, The whole wide world!” was the responses of Emma, Charlotte, Ewan, Aidan M, Ally, and Gianluca. Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to Him with thanksgiving.~ Psalm 95:1-2 As our class colored in their Thanksgiving pictures, I played this song by The Katinas called Thank You, for them. Their responce, “Play it again” So, here it is!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6i5rLv8xbc

My Thanksgiving prayer; May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2

Have a very blessed Thanksgiving!!!

 Deanna

The Storms of Life

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Sunday night October 28, 2012, a costal superstorm warning was in effect for our area. By Monday morning, Millions of people across the mid-Atlantic region were hit with by this devastating storm. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers had been ordered to evacuate. States of emergency declared in NY, NJ and CT. Public transit systems were paralyzed in New York, Washington and Philadelphia as trains and planes were put to a stop. Schools closed and our 1st grade religious education class was canceled. All due to Hurricane Sandy.

 However, we were already facing our own storm. In the early morning hours of October 24, 2012, My brother-in-law Ray left for work. Shortly after we received a call. He was in a terrible car accident. I thought to myself; “This could-not be happening,” especially since his daughter was getting married the following week, “How is it possible, that he won’t be here for her wedding?”  I felt myself not being able to breath without praying. So many questions for God, with a plea to raise him up, so we could be with him again.

  During this time, someone shared with me, something very personal. After listening to their story, my thoughts expanded. I wondered, “What was Ray’s conversation with God before he left this earth?” You see, several years earlier, Ray received a call that his good friend died in a car accident. That’s when Ray himself cried out, “God, why? How? He was so young. What about his boys? His wife? What about me?” It was through this time of his life, that Ray found great peace in God, through the love of His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Could it be, that the ministry that Ray had here on earth, has just blossomed? It seems that way…

  What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel… Then God gives it a new body – Just the kind He wants it to have… 1 Corinthians 15:36-38

  Ray touched many lives and all who knew him, enjoyed his presence. At the funeral  home, the line to pay respects, was several blocks long. Someone passing by asked, “If it was a celebrity who passed away.” Ray is now in the loving arms of our Lord, and with all those who have gone before us. Only God knows, all the lives that have been touched and changed through the love that Ray had for our God and the Love our God has for Ray and each and everyone of us. 🙂

 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16-18

 PS: As for his daughters wedding, it was absolutely beautiful!

 Many blessings,

Deanna

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP8O6asH7CU&feature=channel&list=UL

Planting Seeds

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Give a bunch of 1st graders some dirt, a few seeds and a pot to put it in, and you will see a bunch of happy faces! I know that for a fact, I saw it with my own eyes. “Can I have some more seeds,” “When will it grow,” “I’m going to put mine in the sun,”… Filled with enthusiasm, they are bright, and ready for some action!

 Planting is the process of cultivation, and proper planting ensures healthy growth… There is opportunity for us every day, to plant seeds of love in the lives of others. There is also the gift being watered.

 Before my grandmother left for heaven, she shared with me some memories of beautiful letters my dad had sent to her when he was in the army. Her biggest regret, was that she did not keep them all. She said; “It would have been a book in itself!” As our younger son left for Italy, this past August, his semester abroad. My grandmothers words came back to me. I shared this story of grandma with him, and asked if he would journal his trip, so someday his kids and grandkids could hear about it. He said he would think about it.  Just a few weeks into his trip, he sends me this e-mail; “Whats up mom… I know you wanted to me write a journal but I’m probably not going to do that. Bobby is a pretty good writer though, and he has a blog online. So far he has made a post for everyday so if you want to keep up on what were doing all the time you can read it at… and he has pictures to go along with it. tell vin dad and the girls I said hi. love you. -Joe.   Well, at least I have a picture of what he is doing through the hand writing of his friend.

  Reading his friends stories, short, funny, and right to the point, inspired me to share my journey of teaching, through the land of 1st grade. Through my grandmothers story, I have been encouraged to write it down, and keep it!

  So, embracing the planted words of Grandma’s loving regret, and the watering of my sons friend; My Blog Bloomed!!! I hope you enjoy reading them 🙂

 Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. ~Proverbs 19:20

 Bible; Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth

Many blessings,

Have a great day,

Deanna  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m3sp-lDOzM&feature=channel&list=UL

Unconditional Love

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Getting to know you!  Speed meeting, a mix of musical chairs and Speed dating. Just a few minuets to get the kids to know each other better. Hi, my name is… Where do you go to school?… What’s your favorite game?… How many Brothers or sisters do you have?… The bell rings, they quickly switch and meet a new friend. Hi I’m… Who is your teacher?… and the game goes on. It’s spending time with each other, that we can better know and care for one another. As God has given us this special gift of friendship, He also calls us to know Him better, and there is no better way the to spend time together!

 All you have to do is spend a little time with these little ones, to see that their love is pure and it is unconditional!  I remember when our oldest son, was just a bit younger then our class. I did not feel very well one day. As I laid on the couch, with no energy, to do much of anything. I felt his lil’ hands lift my head. Only to put a pillow underneath it. As I thought, how sweet is he. The next thing I knew, was that, he’d also brought me a blanket. Placing it on me, and tucking in all the ends underneath me. I thought to myself, he has nothing on his mind, but me. Do I love like that? All I can say is, that very day, he taught me how to love. How to give your all to someone, with nothing else on your mind.

Today in class my daughter said to me, “Mommy, look how cute, I’m going to cry” as she smiled, Gianluca drew a picture of his fish and himself. He had a few words coming out of the fishes mouth, saying; “I love you too.” All the kids did great drawing of their families and to see how much effort they put in to their work. It’s these precious moments that no money can buy.

As we get to know each other, and the love that God has for each and every one of us is beyond words! It’s an awesome privilege to spend time with children. No-wonder Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Have a blessed day!

Deanna http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEO1op4wTPE

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Hello Everyone! Welcome to the 1st grade

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Why 201 boulevard, you ask? It’s the place we meet every monday, at 3:30 to share the awesome love God has for us. Hey, Sesame Street had great success with their address, I figured, how could we go wrong!!!

I’ve been teaching for 10 years, from grades 3-8th. This is my first year with the 1st grade, and I love it! I love the innocence. No one is sneaking under the desk a quick text 🙂 while I am talking… Although now, I have to remember, when I am reading a story about David and Goliath, I have to ask does anyone know what a giant is? Funny, only two raised their hand. I heard, “It’s was a big snake!” and, “Oh, I know! It’s the man in Jack and the Beanstalk!” Then another brave voice called out, “It’s a scary monster!” Ok, so we have a little work to do, but I am looking forward it!

I’ve been very blessed, my daughter Dominique is there to help. She amazes me. She fills in the gaps, keeps me organized and is great with the kids. It’s wonderful to teach with another set of eyes, you can see more 🙂

Making the sign of the Cross, no problem. Being a visual learner myself, it is the only way I can teach. Funny, how somethings can never go out of your mind, when you can see it! I remember my children watching Barney & The Backyard Gang, back in the day (they are now 22, 20, 16 and 14). When Barney said; “When you are getting in the car, always think of your seatbelt as a great big hug!” I have been wearing it ever since, I can’t get in the car without it!  So to that I say; When you make the sign of the Cross, remember:

  1.  Jesus is on our mind  2.  Jesus is in our heart                                                                          3.  Jesus holds us tight   4.  Jesus gives us freedom.

  When I was younger, I asked my Dad, Why he tapped his heart after making the sign of the cross. He told me, he was giving his heart to God. So, to me there is now 5 steps, to making the sign of the Cross 🙂

“Let the children come to Me”  Luke 18:16

Many blessings,

Have a great day,

Deanna                                                                                        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prvv2cQAtdg