Words spoken out of experience.

March 7, 1911, in a small southern town of Italy, a strong, healthy cry made it known that a feisty, fun, fearless, little girl had entered our world. Her life would be one filled with all the hardships, trials and love that this side of heaven has to bring. Through the Great Depression and World Wars; inventions and change; to watching three of her five children go home to be with our Lord earlier than expected; by way of it all she managed to always add value to the lives of others. Throughout the peaks and valleys of life, she passed-on a legacy as she ever so naturally bestowed the utmost incredible truth about God’s continuous grace.

I love to recall a family gathering when my Dad lovingly wrapped his arm around her and proudly stated, “Woman, you’ve been from the horse and buggy to the calculator!” In a season in time, witnessing ninety-three years of life, Rachel “Rae” (my Grandma) optimistically and joyfully navigated through time, leaving an inheritance fueled with passion and love. Her gift to me was more precious than silver, gold, and all the riches that are untold; when she got down on her knees and taught me how to pray when I was just seven years old.

One day as my Grandma and I sat on the steps of her front porch, and I asked her to share some words of wisdom, her response, “Be sure to get out every day to live the life that you have been given; and, everything in moderation.” Her words echo often in my ears. In part, she left behind some great tools, a beautiful little present of words spoken out of experiences. Although life is not always easy, and we don’t always get what we hoped for here on earth, it’s great to know that there are champions, God-given powerful words, that are meant to strengthen us and keep us on the winning team.

The right word at the right time can elevate our world to a better place. As I think about what my Grandmother said, “Everything in moderation” a well known scripture from the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 comes to mind, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven..” In this life we will face hardships, trials and of course (hopefully) love and joy. We will also experience, feelings, emotions and choice-making. We are given the ability to make healthier, more positive decision about how to think, feel, and behave when we are given the right tools and the context to do so. Finding the balance and wholeness in due measure all starts with prayer. In life, everything in moderation, has its place.

When a need or circumstance is followed by a course of action it creates history. From beginning to end, there is nothing better for us than to seek God first in all things. After all, Eternity is set in the human heart. There is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. Time is a stepping stone for what is yet to come.

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