Tag Archives: Deanna Danielle

LOOKING FOR A TREASURE

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Have you ever wondered how time goes by so quickly? I know when I was a child, it seemed as though the summer months lasted forever. However, as the years go by, they seem to be getting noticeably shorter.

Here we are, once again, at the start of a new school year, and I am excited to share with my class what I have learned about God’s awesome love for us.

As I held up the Bible and a small treasure chest, I explained, “If we are looking for a treasure, these are two places we are sure to find it.” As I looked around at my new 4th graders, their eyes widened, and beautiful smiles appeared on their faces.

I then explained, “The only difference between these two treasures, is that one holds something temporary (as I held up the small box), and one holds something that will last for eternity (as I held up the Bible).”

I told them that the Bible is not meant to be read as a history book. It is a love letter to us. So, starting today, we are going to be looking and exploring some of the greatest treasures through the lives of those who loved God in His beautiful words to us.

I heard a priest once say, “I fell asleep and had a dream that life was a joy. When I woke up, I saw the reality that life was a servanthood, and in serving, I realized that the joy of life was in serving others.”

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

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Pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to My words. Don’t let them out of your sight. Keep them in your heart. They are life to those who find them. They are health to your whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22

 

 

Teachers, Get Ready

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As I began to prepare my class for a test, these words from an old quote came to mind; “Tell me, and I’ll forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I‘ll understand.” So, I gathered some props in order to involve them, in what they were expected to remember.

During class, we went down a list of words, using a Bitty Baby wrapped in  white to act out Baptism. Sharing the story of Adam and Eve, I held up a light bulb, explaining how they walked in the light of God. To show the fall of man, I pulled out a black light bulb. Every eye went wide open, and they had lots of questions. I now believe they have Original Sin down pat.

While giving them all I had to bring every word to life, I called upon Frankie and James to act out the word Covenant. As Frankie was walking toward the front of the classroom, he lifted his hands, shrugged his shoulders, and asked, with uncertainty, ” Are we getting married?” “No,” I explained, “You’re exchanging property.” With a sigh of relief, he responded “Oh.” He understood the word better then I expected.

Reflecting on marriage and the promises two people make before God, Joseph expressed, “Divorce is not bad.” I could only respond with, “God loves everyone. He loves people who are married, divorced, and single. However, before divorce, there is sometimes a lot of suffering, and God wants us to love each other, not hurt each other.”

As I thought about the title for this blog, I could only come up with; “Teachers, get ready,” because we can’t  always prepare for all the questions that will be asked. I am so grateful that our class’s last word was Virtue. I could only look at the Cross, smile, put on an apron, and with a bowl, watering can, and paper towels, reenact Jesus washing the feet of His Disciples. His humble service shows us how God loves the world, and how He wants us to display that love in a very special way, through beautiful acts of kindness.

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“When He had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes and returned to His place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He asked them. “You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:12-17

 

 

 

The After Party

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It’s been two weeks since our last class. I had promised that after the Easter break we would have a celebration with an egg hunt and treats. As my students entered the classroom today, not one of them forgot that promise. The first thing they all asked was, “Are we going to have an Easter egg hunt?” It’s a good thing I remembered as well.

Along with a treat, all the hidden eggs contained scripture. Cecilia was the first to read her finding: Ephesians 3:14 “May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.” And this became the topic of our class lesson.

During the lesson, I explained the importance of investing, and how making bank deposits will give us the opportunity to watch our money increase. In the same way, if we invest in the gifts that God has given us, it will serve as a deposit, and a cornerstone that will help us to prepare to be all that God has meant for each of us.

Having them view the story of the Good Samaritan, they were able to see Jesus share a story about a man who was attacked by robbers, and left him dying. Two men saw him lying on the ground, but continued to walk on the opposite side of the road. However, when a Samaritan came upon the man, he immediately took pity on him and bandaged his wounds. He then took the man to an inn and paid the innkeeper to care for him. He said he would reimburse him for any extra expense he may have.

After we celebrated with great joy the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, we now join  the after party, giving God all the praise and honor. We thank Him for all His marvelous wonders, too numerous to count. May we invest in living our lives like the Good Samaritan, taking care of all that God has given us!

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Drawing by; Madeline – Psalm 96:11-12″ Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.”

 

Putting Others First

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As we walked into the classroom, Gabriella asked if she could speak to our class. I said, “Of course.” Giving her the option to speak now or later, she chose later.

When our workbook lesson was complete, Gabriella got up to speak. She shared with our class how one of her friends had lost everything in a recent house fire. Also, how he was in need of anything extra that we could donate, such as clothing, blankets or money, because he and his family now have nothing.

After she spoke, I put on a movie. It was the story of Ruth, a woman who held the attributes of what it truly means to love, to be loyal, and to live out a pure, unselfish lifestyle. As the story goes, Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-law, Naomi, after their husbands had died. She said to Naomi, “Don’t urge me to leave you, or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

While watching the film, I couldn’t help but see Gabriella’s kindness reflecting that of Ruth. I saw a heart that cares so much for someone else, that nothing stops them from putting others first. Gabriella put away any of her personal thoughts as she stood up and requested help for a friend.

As we celebrate this Easter Season, let us remember the words of John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus did this for us so well.

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“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

Words That Make A Difference

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I  once took a class where the teacher had stated that once you squeeze all the toothpaste out of the tube, you could never put it back. In other words, what we say has a lasting effect.

In bringing this up to my class, it allowed me the opportunity to share how our  words can impact the lives of others. Constructive words can speak life into someone. However, destructive words have the capability to truly destroy someone.

The Bible is filled with words of life, and that is why it is called the living Word of God. In the book of Matthew 22:36-39, Jesus was asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and  mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

I also shared these beautiful words from the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. “We share the same dreams, because we pray, and hope, and aspire, for that same better world, because the values that unite us are much stronger than the differences that divide us. The values like liberty, equality, justice, tolerance, and compassion.”

With an open door, I am grateful for the privilege to share words that make a difference. These words from Molly are, “God is everything to me. I think everyone should follow and love God. God made this world and everyone in it. I know He loves me and I love Him. ”

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

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Psalm 122:6  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!

 

 

The Power of Prayer

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A snowflake is one of God’s most fragile creations. A drop of water is gentle and mild. However, when many of them come down together, look what they can do, from closing down towns, to wiping out villages.

As we returned to class after being off for a month due to the snow and freezing rain, this was definitely a topic to discuss. It was a great lead-in to teaching about the power of prayer. Matthew 18:19 says, “Truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

It was a shout of prayer that brought the walls of Jericho down. When Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, the prison they were in was shaken; the doors flew open, and everyone’s chains loosened. Throughout time, prayer has brought great victory, peace, healing and joy.

As my class wrote journals, they wrote prayers, their love for God, and God’s love for them. It always brings a smile to my face when I read what’s in their hearts. Alessia mentioned our class lesson; how a rock in water remains dry on the inside. However, a sponge in water, when lifted up, pours out an abundance.

Matthew 28:19-20  says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Let us join in prayer for our families, friends, and all God’s children all over the world. May there be peace, happiness, and great health for all. For in union there is great strength.

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

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Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

 

You Are The Cool Kids

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New beginnings have always been an energy booster. Whether it’s a new year, a new job, tool, or outfit, something about fresh and new seems to be a great time to do our best, be our best, even go an extra mile.

After speaking about this with my class and asking if they had any New Year resolutions, I heard a lot of inspiring thoughts. They answered with, doing better in school, keeping their rooms clean, and many other wonderful and positive thoughts.

I shared with my class that it is a great time for us to get closer, and learn more about God’s love for us. Somehow, through our conversation we ended up discussing doing what’s right, responsibilities, and cool kids.

I just had to ask, “What makes someone a cool kid?” It was pretty interesting to listen to their thoughts. My passion for teaching about our faith welcomes these conversations. It is an awesome opportunity to share the truth with them, when it seems as though so much of our world through television, social media, and false teachings bombards them. They are given a credit card before they learn how to save money, drugs before they have any idea of the long term effect, and a vision of what cool kids look like, without even knowing the individuals personally.

How we live our life, treat others, and invest in knowledge that is beneficial, is essential. The greatest thing we can do this year is to get closer to God and to learn about His truths and how great His love for us is, so that we may be victorious on this journey set before us. I said to my class, “Always remember, YOU are the cool kids!”

“These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. John 20:31

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

Teach me Your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to Your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor You. – Psalm 86:1

 

 

 

Unto Us a Child is Born

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We are surrounded by gifts, not only at Christmas, but all through the year. Every day the greatest gift of all waits for us to receive Him.

During our last class before Christmas break, I incorporated some treasurable stories. I started with a story about one of my sons. When he was younger, we walked along one of the beaches on the west coast of Florida. After viewing some beautiful seashells, starfish, sand dollars and many other interesting things, he asked me why there were more treasures in the sea than on land. I explained how sometimes we get so used to seeing all the treasures around us, that we tend to take them for granted. Just as the little mermaid, Ariel, thought that there was so much more on land.

Very often, people will express themselves with something tangible. Pretzels have been around for many years. History has it, that in A.D. 610, a baker in a monastery in Europe twisted leftover strips of bread dough into the shape of a person’s arms crossed in prayer. They began offering the warm, doughy treats to children who had memorized their Bible verses and prayers. The monks called these treats pretiolas, which is Latin for little rewards.

Over the years, many people have also used the candy cane to share God’s love. Explaining that, the white base color of the candy cane symbolizes the purity of Jesus, the red stripes symbolize Jesus’ blood when He died on the cross, and the J shape represents the J for Jesus.

After giving our class pretzels and candy cane treats, I asked them to share with me what Christmas meant to them. With all the beautiful answers, Gianluca summed them all up with, “Christmas is about how Jesus was born, and we celebrate that.” For unto us a Child is born, and His gift is everlasting.

God’s word reveals, “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then He adds, “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”

May we receive the greatest gift of all this Christmas and let His love shine throughout the world.

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

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Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! – 2 Corinthians 9:15

 

Ready or Not, We’re On!

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Lights, cameras, action, it’s showtime! Along with that comes; bellyaches, missing gifts for the three kings to bring, and the microphone falling off the stage, making a noise so loud that our audience thought the building was coming down. Ready or not, we’re on!

The curtain opened, and the nativity scene began. Hannah played the part of the most beautiful Blessed Mother, and Aidan made the cutest angel Gabriel. I stood backstage, struggling to hear the voices of my narrators, Cecilia, Joseph, and Gabriella, checking to see who would go on next.

As the play progressed, I just kept praying that it would all work out. Suddenly, God opened my eyes to a most beautiful scene. The story of Christmas was before me. The thought came to me, “We don’t have to be perfect.” There is just something in itself so special about looking at the Nativity scene that it brings an abundance of peace, hope, love and joy.

As the Little Drummer Boy said, “I have no gift to bring…That’s fit to give our King…I played my drum for Him…I played my best for Him…Then He smiled at me…Me and my drum.” I have to say, they all looked so cute. Second, third, and fourth graders, were dressed in the Christmas scene, so how could that not bring a smile to one’s face.

As written in scripture, “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6  Praise God!

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

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Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

 

 

 

 

 

Advent

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Over 2000 years ago, a light shone in the darkness… giving birth to her firstborn son, she wrapped Him and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn. This baby boy, born in the small town of Bethlehem, was our promised Messiah, “The Savior of the world.” 1 John 4:14

As our class prepares for the Christmas play, I have to say, this is truly a wonderful time of year. It is a time filled with lots of expectation and hope. The season invites us into a deeper relationship with our God, through Gospel stories being read aloud, in school plays, parish functions, and time spent with families and friends.

It was a tremendous blessing to have my daughter home from college this week, to help with our class. It gave me the opportunity to work with Gabriella, Cecilia, and Joseph on narrating the play. Meanwhile, Hannah, Zachary, Alessia, Madeline James, Molly and Frankie practiced their parts.

As my class reflects on the promises of the Lord our God, we are learning and growing. It is my prayer that these incoming weeks of Advent will remind us to set aside some of the hectic business of the holiday season, and quietly remember the reason of the season.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:11-14

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

“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

“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