Advent

Posted on December 1, 2014 by 201boulevard

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

A Solid Foundation

Posted on October 11, 2014 by 201boulevard

God’s word always teaches us about peace, unity, service, and unconditional love. In Philippians 4:8, we read, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious … think about these things.” It is truly ‘these things’ that are far more important then titles and possessions.

I am always inspired when I hear one of my students ask, “What does that mean?” This week, the word ‘foundation’ is credited to Madeline. This word brought to my mind three different materials to build with. As I split the class up into groups, I asked them to build me a house.

To one group, I gave cards, the next group, blocks, and the third group, I gave Legos. I have to say, they all did a great job. However, as for the card house, like the big bad wolf, we blew it down. The blocks were put together like a castle, but with just a touch, it could not stand. As for the Legos, they were solid, even when turned upside down. I wanted them to see, clearly, that is what being built on a solid foundation looks like. It can’t be shaken, and even when turned upside down, they do not fall apart. They are locked together!

Jesus spoke these words in Matthew 7:24-25, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

Every week, we start our class with prayer, then we look up Scriptures. I explained, “This is just as you did when you were learning to tie your shoes. You began by finding the laces. Then, you thought about how to put them together and make a bow. As you practiced, something remarkable happened, and by instinct, you learned how to tie your shoes! In the same way, the more time we spend in prayer and God’s word, we will begin to build a solid foundation. Virtues, like truthfulness, justice, charity, patience, and much more, become your natural way of living. You won’t need to think about them as much, because practice has made them a part of who you are.”

As Molly wrote, “Today, I built a house… I learned, if you focus and you build a foundation, your house will stand forever. The same will happen with your heart and home.”

Many Blessings

Deanna Danielle

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Pope Patrick

Posted on March 14, 2013 by 201boulevard

So the Papal Conclave began, right here at 201 Boulevard! Samantha took the key and pretended to lock the door. Red napkins dressed the heads of our class, as we felt for just a moment that we were all cardinals sealed in the Sistine Chapel. We prayed for our families, friends, each other, and guidance from the Holy Spirit to give us a leader in our church who would be a man after God’s own heart, and a reflection of His great love.

The ballots were passed out and the voting began. After the votes were counted, Kristen announced, that the majority rules, and Aiden M. is our new Pope. We pretended to burn the ballots and held up white paper for smoke. Aiden chose his papal name as Patrick and the class cheered! Now it’s time to get to work.

When I was thirty years old, a good friend shared her testimony with me. She reflected on words from her Sunday school teacher; “Now go home and remember, always love Jesus!” My friend was only twelve years old when she went home that day and kneeled at the foot of her bed and said, “Jesus, how do I love You when I don’t know You?” That summer, on the beach with her friends, a woman came up to her and handed her a pamphlet that said, “How to love Jesus.” She shared how her life had changed after that, and she left me in awe.

They say, “It takes a village to raise a child.” They’re right, and you and I are part of that village. I asked our class what they see when they see Jesus on the Cross. If you have read our class blog before today, I’m sure you already know their response. Yes, you got it, “A Hug!” We talked about how we knew that we’re loved. They shared stories of their parents’ cooking them meals, helping with their homework and even how their brothers or sisters give them a hug or a kiss sometimes. The love they feel is from the whole family.

I shared with them that the greatest love we could ever know, is the love Jesus has for each and every one of us. Corinthians 12:20-26 says; “As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’… But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that were lacked, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

I am so thankful for my friend’s testimony, and grateful for the blessing and privilege to pass down this awesome message she shared with me. Please join me in praying for our new Pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio who will be called Francis. May he have the same drive as Peter and all the chosen apostles and saints to sing the most beautiful melody of God’s everlasting love.

God bless you,

Deanna

The ballots were passed out and the voting began.

We pretended to burn the ballots and held up white paper for smoke.

The majority rules, and Aiden M. is our new Pope.

Love

Posted on February 13, 2013 by 201boulevard

What is love? As I asked this question to our class, there were so many beautiful answers. However, the most beautiful melody came from Charlotte, when she responded, “Love is a gift from God.” You could almost hear angels singing along with her as she spoke those words.

Valentine’s Day is a very special day of the year, when love seems to be celebrated in many countries around the world. With cards, flowers, romantic dinners and jewelry, we seek the most perfect way to say, “I love you.”

I come from a family who showed me great love, honest love, and the finest love, yet that love could never compare to God’s love. The reason is that love comes from Him, through all of those whom I love. So could you even imagine how great the Giver of Love really is?

The greatest definition of love I have ever read is in 1 John 4:7-12, Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.

When I think of Jesus, I see and feel love; such an overabundance, that I want to share it with the world. If we could just take one moment out of our schedules and place it on God, silent whispers could change our lives. This is love that has always been there right from the start.

Elizabeth, Samantha, Emma, Charlotte, Jack, Ewan, Aidan M, Patrick, Gianluca, Ally, Aidan S, Nikolaus, Paula, Mary, Salvatore, Dominique and Kristen, may the little stories of our 1^st grade class, show the great love that God has for each and every one of us.

With love and blessings,

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Deanna

One February morning after a winter blizzard, on our son’s birthday, there was a gift outside our window. These two hearts were in our driveway. They were the size of two cars, with no other tracks around, just a few tire marks on the street and a few foot steps on the ground.

Have you visited the treasuries of the snow? Have you seen where the hail is made and stored?… Job 38:22

Improvisation

Posted on December 16, 2012 by 201boulevard

Improvisation can be thought of as an “on the spot” spontaneous activity. It is reacting in the moment and in response to the stimulus of one’s present environment and inner feelings. It’s the practice of acting, dancing, singing, playing a musical instrument, talking, creating artworks, or problem solving. It’s the act or art of improvising.

This past week I was all set for Monday’s class. The lesson was planned. I brought in one of my girl’s dolls from when they were younger, with a lil’ white knitted blanket for our story time. Part of my plan was to have the kids dress up as Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds,Three Kings, and Angels, as I read them the Christmas story. I wanted them to feel a little closer to the true meaning of this special time of the year. Nonetheless, as I walked into the office to borrow the dress up attire, I found out it was in use for the dress rehearsal for the Christmas pageant.

Okay, time to pray and improv. I looked around our classroom for something to dress the kids in. To my eye’s delight, a box with pink tissues, and by the sink, a roll of paper towels. In my bag was some yellow yarn. ‘We are back in business!’ All I can say is what a joy it was to hear the little giggles of our 1^st grade class, as I put the pink tissue on Paula’s head and the paper-towels on Jack’s. They looked sooo cute, as they embraced baby Jesus as Mary and Joseph, while Kristen read them the Christmas story. Thanking God for His provision, this made me think about the blessed Mother. How many times did she have to improv?

God said, “I choose you.” Mary was a young girl who one day was visited by an angel who sang the most beautiful, awe-inspiring song. “Greetings, favored woman, the Lord is with you.” ” Unto you. he said; a child will be born.” Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter, so she was confused and disturbed as she tried to think of what the angel could mean. “Don’t be frightened, Mary,” the angel told her. “For God has decided to bless you. You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor, David, and He will reign over Israel forever. His kingdom will never end. Mary asked the angel, “But how can I have a baby, I am a virgin?” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the Power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to you will be Holy and He will be called the Son of God. “For nothing is impossible with God,” Mary responded. I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever He wants. May everything you have said come true. And the angel left.

Now, Mary’s left with much to think about. The angel’s gone, when will this happen? Exactly how will it happen? Does Joseph know, and how will I tell him? My family? Did she wonder what she just agreed too? All I know is, most importantly, she trusted God to provide all she needed, and He did! While she was in the later months of her pregnancy, she had to travel to Bethlehem for the census. There was no limo, so she rode on a donkey. There were no rooms in the inn, so she stayed in a stable. There was no bed for her new-born baby, so she wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger. I realized, things may not always go as we plan, but improvisation is a way of life. So on those days when it seems as though nothing is going our way, we should look at the Christmas story and be encouraged. For God has a better plan. After all, what would Christmas be like without the manger? Could you imagine a deluxe building with a golden crib and limo outside to take the place of the stable. Could you imagine a first grade class without sweet giggles. How boring would that be!

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

May our loving Lord bless you this Christmas and always!

Deanna

Jack & Paula playing Mary and Joseph loving Jesus

Story time

Unconditional Love

Posted on October 16, 2012 by 201boulevard

Getting to know you! Speed meeting, a mix of musical chairs and Speed dating. Just a few minuets to get the kids to know each other better. Hi, my name is… Where do you go to school?… What’s your favorite game?… How many Brothers or sisters do you have?… The bell rings, they quickly switch and meet a new friend. Hi I’m… Who is your teacher?… and the game goes on. It’s spending time with each other, that we can better know and care for one another. As God has given us this special gift of friendship, He also calls us to know Him better, and there is no better way the to spend time together!

All you have to do is spend a little time with these little ones, to see that their love is pure and it is unconditional! I remember when our oldest son, was just a bit younger then our class. I did not feel very well one day. As I laid on the couch, with no energy, to do much of anything. I felt his lil’ hands lift my head. Only to put a pillow underneath it. As I thought, how sweet is he. The next thing I knew, was that, he’d also brought me a blanket. Placing it on me, and tucking in all the ends underneath me. I thought to myself, he has nothing on his mind, but me. Do I love like that? All I can say is, that very day, he taught me how to love. How to give your all to someone, with nothing else on your mind.

Today in class my daughter said to me, “Mommy, look how cute, I’m going to cry” as she smiled, Gianluca drew a picture of his fish and himself. He had a few words coming out of the fishes mouth, saying; “I love you too.” All the kids did great drawing of their families and to see how much effort they put in to their work. It’s these precious moments that no money can buy.

As we get to know each other, and the love that God has for each and every one of us is beyond words! It’s an awesome privilege to spend time with children. No-wonder Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Have a blessed day!

Deanna http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEO1op4wTPE

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Advent

A Solid Foundation

Pope Patrick

Love

Improvisation

Unconditional Love