Teachers, Get Ready

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 Power of Prayer

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