Sheli

The year, 2005. In-between navigating through life, work, home responsibilities and the busy schedules of our fifteen, thirteen, ten and seven-year-old, I found myself with a pen in my hand, paper on the desk, and a story in my heart that I wanted to share.

Once just a thought, placed on some paper, fast-forward seventeen-years later (and those years went fast) as I write this blog, that story is finally sitting in a pod on the printing press waiting for its turn to be born. A real book with pictures and all, Sheli, a loving story about a Shepherd and His sheep, that I pray will bless the curious child in all of us.

We may wonder at times why God allows brokenness to enter our lives. It has been my experience that when this happens, I am drawn closer to the Lord, our true shepherd for strength, hope and joy. Life will always have its ups and downs, but what a beautiful mystery it is to know, that in struggling one can find a renewed faith in knowing that God has a plan.

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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. [Jeremiah 29:11-13]

Many things have happened, changes and stories have taken place over these past seventeen-years; nonetheless, One Ingredient remains the same. God’s steadfast love endures forever and this truth echoes throughout time. As we turn the pages of life, may we experience the healing truth of God’s awesome grace and knowledge of the awe-inspiring love that He so desperately awaits to give us all!

Perhaps this is the year a new story or and old one, will be born through you!

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

Shelibooks.com

Sheli ~ The Book Trailer

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