Tag Archives: God

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.”

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

El Shaddai

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His character never changes, His love is endless, His power is immeasurable! This is the God we serve who has all authority, and will accomplish all that He has spoken.

The Christmas pageant is almost here. It was great to have Mrs. Pernerstofer and her third grade class join my class for our first and only, semi-dress rehearsal. Everyone has been given their part; narrators, Mary, Joseph The Angel Gabriel, Angels, Shepherds, Wisemen, Innkeeper, and the Herald.

Two classes, one script, music and an audience that will soon fill the auditorium, is a pretty tall order for the amount of time given to us. These are the moments that confidence, hope, and trust can rest in the faithfulness of God.

El Shaddai is the peace that comes from His awesome name, God Almighty, Jesus the Messiah, God with us. As it is written in Psalm 146:6, “He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He remains faithful forever.”

I am looking forward to our classes coming together to present the story of the birth of our Lord. As it is said, “When man comes to God, it is called religion, but when God comes to man, it is called Christmas.” This is the greatest love anyone could ever know.

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

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“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8

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

Cupcakes and Lemonade!

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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

 

Simply Blown Away

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I have great confidence in the future if my fourth grade class is any indication of the time yet to come. They have everything that it takes to be good leaders. They are: responsible, smart, caring, dedicated, passionate, and above all else, Priceless!

Since the day involved more than I had time for, I arrived at our auditorium with only a few   minutes to spare, before our class began. To my amazement, Cecilia and Joseph were sitting on the stage steps, ready to discuss the upcoming ECAP fundraiser. They looked at me and smiled, letting me know they were set. Joseph then commented that he had read and changed a few of the words in the announcement that Cecilia had written.

Joseph not only helped her with the words of her beautifully written proclamation about our fundraiser, he stood by her side, and together they introduced themselves to the crowd of all the classes. They explained that the reason for this event was to help those in need. Also, how Mr. Brown will go to the food bank to buy food for the people who are in need this Thanksgiving, with the money we raise. As they asked for the help of everyone in the auditorium, they stated that, “Together, we can make a change in the way some people live.”

As I watched them turn the pages in their notebook, listening to them speak, sharing all this information. I can honestly say, they did not miss a beat, and you could have heard a pin drop in that room. They made sure everyone knew the date of our bake sale, the prices of the goods, and where it will be held. They even concluded with these words, “So, remember this Thanksgiving to be grateful for all the things that we have. Thank you!”

Upon arriving at our classroom after the meeting, all I could say was, “I am simply blown away, and I am speechless. I am so impressed with watching all you work so hard, willingly and zealously, not only help others, but to be a great example to others at the importance of loving, caring, and supporting each other. Keep up the great work!”

We learn in Jeremiah 29:11 how God thinks about us, for it is written, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

"Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.  The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children." Matthew 14:19-21

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.  The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.”
Matthew 14:19-21