Disciples In The Making II

In order to be a really good teacher, I believe you must continuously be a student. I see quotes, parables, and metaphors, all having one mission in common, and that is to help visually guide.

I once read that the famous quote, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn,” derived out of a Chinese philosophy book. The original paragraph read, “Not having heard something is not as good as having heard it; having heard it is not as good as having seen it; having seen it is not as good as knowing it; knowing it is not as good as putting it into practice.” I am not sure I agree 100% with the original paragraph, as much as I do the quote that came from it. After all, some things are better off when not seen, nor heard, or practiced. However, it is all good when it serves us well.

Every year, I do my best to put together a fundraiser, theatrical play and video, with my class. It’s in hopes that they can learn more about God’s love for them through involving them in tasting it, feeling it, and seeing it. Through these events I realize that we were not created to walk by ourselves, but with each-other. It is said that fruit rarely grows in isolation, but only together with others, being connected by the vine that gives it life and fruitfulness.

This year before our Easter production, I reached out to my students that are not fans of being on stage. I delegated the responsibilities of opening the curtain, playing the music, and filming. I have to say, they did an awesome job, I couldn’t have done it without them! From my performers to my crew, they are all truly disciples in the making. After all, we may be the only bible that the people we meet will ever read, or the last message given, through word and deed.

In the presence of God, we are sure to be protected, directed, and even corrected. My Mother-in-law once said it best, as she was helping me fold some clothes. I was just about to go up the steps when she handed me a stack, saying, “Don’t go up empty handed!”

Matthew 6:19-21 Treasures in Heaven “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. May His Risen, giving, loving presence fill us with every joy, motivating us to do our part to bring His Good News to others.

Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve, to protect us, and to defend this great nation. In celebrating this Memorial Day, may you and your family be blessed in abundance!

Deanna Danielle

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 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit…”                                                      John 15:5

One hand reaching out to hold another…

 

Disciples In The Making

In order to be a really good teacher, I believe you must continuously be a student. I see quotes, parables, and metaphors, all having one mission in common, and that is to help visually guide.

I once read that the famous quote, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn,” derived out of a Chinese philosophy book. The original paragraph read, “Not having heard something is not as good as having heard it; having heard it is not as good as having seen it; having seen it is not as good as knowing it; knowing it is not as good as putting it into practice.” I am not sure I agree 100% with the original paragraph, as much as I do the quote that came from it. After all, some things are better not seen, nor heard, nor practiced. However, it is all good when it serves us well.

Every year, I do my best to put together a fundraiser, theatrical play and video, with my class. It’s in hopes that they can learn more about God’s love for them through involving them in tasting it, feeling it, and seeing it. Through these events I realize that we were not created to walk by ourselves, but with each-other. It is said that fruit rarely grows in isolation, but only together with others, being connected by the vine that gives it life and fruitfulness.

This year for our Easter production, I reached out to my students that are not fans of being on stage. I delegated the responsibilities of opening the curtain, playing the music, and filming. I have to say, they did an awesome job, I couldn’t have done it without them! From my performers to my crew, they are all truly disciples in the making…

In John 15:5 we read, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” In the presence of God, we are sure to be protected, directed, and even corrected. After all, we may be the only bible the world will read or the last message given, through our word and deed. My Mother-in-law said it best, when helping me fold clothes. I was just about to go up the steps and she said, “Here, (handing me a stack) don’t go up empty handed.”

Matthew 6:19-21 Treasures in Heaven “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. May His Risen Presence within us fill us with joy and motivate us to do our part to bring His Good News to others.

Wishing you, your family and all those you love, a very blessed Easter,

Deanna Danielle

Easter Blessings

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Cupcakes and Lemonade!

In the Gospel of John 15:12, Jesus teaches, “This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you…”

At our Thanksgiving cupcakes and lemonade fundraiser, you could truly feel that love. Our class was so blessed with everyone who joined in to help make this fundraiser possible. This was from the baking and awesome gifts donated for our raffle, to the impeccable support and help of all who gave of their time.

 Through the pouring rain, and the second class session canceled due to no heat in the building, God truly blessed us. We raised $1,027.97 in two hours. Some of the children  there wanted to help even more, and set up another bake sale for two days later, and they did. After receiving a text, “Round 2 and doing well!”, the second session brought in $205.66!

It is a privilege to be able to lend a helping hand. The money we raised will be put towards meals and helping others this Thanksgiving season. It is my prayer that we may all put aside time to give thanks for all our blessings. As Hannah wrote in her journal, “Thank you for all that I have learned today. Thank you for my family and friends. I love you God with all my heart and soul.”

Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity International said it so well, “I see life as both a gift and a responsibility. My responsibility is to use what God has given me to help His people in need.”

 Wishing you and your family a very blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving!

 Deanna Danielle

Cupcakes and Lemonade!  "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Cupcakes and Lemonade!
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

 

A Time for Service

Children enjoy being a part of anything larger than themselves. As a teacher, it is a delight to see their smiles shine brightly when I choose any of them to be my helper, or to lead a group on a special project. They can hardly ever contain their excitement, and they always seem to do their best to meet my expectations.

We have been preparing for our cupcake and lemonade fundraiser to help ECAP. They will put together Thanksgiving food baskets for those in need in our community. It was a pleasure to have their Area Director take the time to come and speak to our class. He spoke of his job, the families who are in need of their assistance, and the importance of those who partner with them, including us!

Watching my class prepare for our fundraiser, listening to their questions for Mr. Brown, along with asking for his business card, has truly impressed me. It always brings me joy to see Christ-like hearts in my students.

I’d like to share two little writings from my class. “Today, Mr. Brown came into our classroom and taught us about his job and how he makes baskets for people who do not have a lot of money, and people who are less fortunate than us. I understand how he helps people, and I love that!!” – Alessia. “Please God, let the people who are less fortunate than us have the most spectacular Thanksgiving. Please let them know that you care for them. Most importantly, let them have hope and faith through the rough times that they go through.” – Cecilia.

Fourth grade is a wonderful time to learn and explore, to grow and have fun. It is also, a time for service. In Matthew 25:35-40, we read, “For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me. Then, the righteous will answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?  And when did we see You a stranger, and welcome You, or naked and clothe You?  And when did we see You sick or in prison and visit You? And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it to Me.”

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

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“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10