Tag Archives: hope

Fight For Your Right to Love

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Fight with love.

Words can either speak life, or words can speak death. As a matter of fact, Proverbs 12:18 puts it this way, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” The stakes are high. Our tongues can build others up while administering great comfort, or they can tear them down while igniting grievous wars.

As an inspired Christian writer, I love to learn the meaning of words and of course the most powerful of all words, the word of God. As a Teacher/Catechist, I write to share what I have learned and experienced in hopes that it may be applied in a helpful way. Like every noteworthy boxer, behind him stands a great boxing coach. The boxer’s training is crucial to his success, while he maintains a balanced diet, time for adequate rest, and education; together they work towards the same purpose. In an even more extraordinary and vigorous way, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity (The Holy Spirit) stands beside us; filling us with unlimited teachings, rest, recovery and wisdom. While we are living our lives training to be all that we are created to be, prayer (Conversation with God) and studying His word (the Holy Bible) we find a new strength to fight for our right to love, all by God’s powerful grace.

Note: God created man in His own image… Though our color, mindset and personal attributes may differ, if our skin were punctured, we would all bleed the same. In that same way, it was by the blood of Jesus Christ that we have received the greatest gift of all. Truth, sacrifice, passion and love came through one God in the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, giving us the opportunity and privilege to become one with Him and each other.

We belong to a living God. An all powerful God, an awesome God who is filled with love, compassion, patience and wants us to partake in just that. The Scriptures are given to us to lend a helping hand by those who walked before us; teaching on what to look out for and how to achieve a successful outcome in any situation. Our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being is a priority in God’s Word, and He will give us His strong arm, to see it through. 

Here are some of those treasures found in the Word of God that not only educate us, but give us the tools needed to fight better:

  • “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
  • “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
  • “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:16-18

May we be like the well-watered garden which thrives because the roots are firmly planted in God’s love. I once heard this pearl of wisdom. I hope it opens your eyes and gives you the desire to fight back with the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit:

“Satan was going out of business, all his tools were up for sale, what an array, hatred, envy, jealousy, pride, and one tool priced much higher and more worn out than all the rest. When asked what this tool was, it was said ‘discouragement’ and when asked why is it priced so much higher than all the rest. Satan replied, “because it’s more valuable to me than all the rest.”

Whether it’s personal, or in our relationships, in our families or in our world, Jesus came to save. It is not always easy, with the different lives we lead and the different circumstances. Yet, no matter how tough the battle, our God will bring us through it and the celebration will be grand. Our God is closer than the breath we breathe and here to pick us up, restore us, cleanse us, break us free of the chains of all deception and bring us back to His loving arms. It’s time to fight for what is true, honorable, right and pure… such things should be thought about, talked about and declared. Christianity is not a one-man show, God has included all of us in His Divine plan!

“Let your ears listen to wisdom. Apply your heart to understanding. Call out for the ability to be wise. Cry out for understanding.” Proverbs 2:2-3

For the battles we face are real and very active. No one knows more about our situation than our God. I Thank God everyday that through His magnificent love and faithfulness the punches are thrown for us. Pray For The Ones You Love, is a song that I have written about God’s healing power and redemptive love:

PRAY FOR THE ONES YOU LOVE

Brother, brother, brother – why are you doing this to me, I believed in you – now I sit here helplessly. You told me to take a hit, it would surely do me good. Now, my life is ruined and I miss the neighborhood. This jail cell is cold and I can’t believe what I’ve done. What am I going to do, my life had just begun.

Sister, sister, sister – why are you doing this to me, you told me to share my body with everyone that wanted to see. Now I hold this baby as we sit here on the street. I can’t afford to feed him, and I’m not sure who his Daddy could be.

Mother, mother, mother – why are you doing this to me, you gave me up, I was not your priority. Your life meant more to you than holding me in your arms. I sit here feeling so lonely, I don’t know where I belong.

Father, father, father – why are you doing this to me. I trusted you as I sit here anxiously. You said you’d be at my game, but I heard you were with another. I saw the tears in mothers’ eyes. Father don’t you love us.

Child, child, child – listen to me. The world can be so crazy if we don’t know who to seek. We can’t keep blaming everyone for how we feel, we need to call on Jesus. He will show us what’s real. He will take our sorrows, and our burdens too. All we have to do is call out and He will see us through. All our weaknesses He will turn into strength. All our sadness is a stepping stone to help bring comfort to someone else. All our troubles, He will teach us something new; all our emptiness He will make us feel full. Don’t you worry, He’s got you in His hand. Just call on Him, He is the living “I AM”.

Child, child, child – I promise you, He will show you right from wrong – repent of your sins and pray for the ones you love.

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 

“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it, and may you be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:16, NLT)

God’s Love In The Streets

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Have you ever made a decision that changed your entire life?

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to become fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed Him.” Mark 1:16–18 Their lives would never be the same again…The right questions tied together with the right responses, ignite a beautiful symphony of action, hope, healing and love.

For our learning experience this week in class, we did something awesome. We created a fish that was capable of both giving and receiving God’s love, the same way we as humans can give and receive God’s love. All it took; one blue solo cup for the body, some white construction paper for the eyes and tail, a few markers, a little bit of string, and we were ready. Once our fish were created we were ready to become not only fishermen, but also fishers of men.

My third-grade class looked at me puzzled. They didn’t understand what being “fishers of men” had meant… yet! I had them picture us going down to the water, baiting the hook and casting out the line so that we could catch some fish. Then I asked them what it would look like if we were to become fishers of men.

To be a fisher of men:

  1. First, we have to receive God’s incredible love for us. I picked up some foam figures of baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and shared with my students the Christmas story. After I told them the story, I placed the Holy Family figures into the mouth of the cup to show them how the Christmas story now lives within us. Now, we can share that story with others, or in other words, cast our line. Holding the fish cup that contained the story of Jesus birth and the love of Mary and Joseph, I cast out my line. I asked my students to pretend as though they were the fish that got hooked. With that I reeled them in. We shared a good laugh as they “swam” up to their webcams so that all I could see was their eyes.
  2. God can draw others closer to Himself when evidence of His presence shows in and through us. Stating a fact, I let my class know that God had a great plan and a purpose for each one of them and how special and wonderful they were made in His image. All they had to do was cast the line, God will reel the right people in when the time is right.
  3. Our response is important because it’s life changing. As I watched their eyes widen, I knew they now contained the treasure of understanding what it meant to be fishers of men. Not only do teachers play a critical part in the lives of their students, I am realizing more and more that students also play a major part in many hallmark moments for a teacher.

As we dive into Scripture, we can find a treasure of wealth. Through the stories of fish and fishermen there is bountiful food for our souls. From feeding the hungry to sharing God’s love in the streets… discussing how we can become fishers of men with my ready and waiting third-graders, I saw them grow eager to go out and cast their lines.

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 19:14]

To accept this invitation of God’s grace and mercy, is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding responsibilities we will ever have in life. It consists of making the world, here and now, a better place. It also allows us the grace and privilege of setting up a strong foundation for the next generation to soar freely and that they may love and serve our God Most High.

“As for everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears My words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” [Luke 6:46-49]

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

While walking with my grandson, I noticed a heart shaped figure in the road. In that moment, I felt a great sense of joy and comfort in the little reminder of ,God’s Love in the streets… Where ever we are in life, we can be assured that our Lord God is always there with us!

Autumn Rain

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What a beautiful sound.

In a season that calls us to reflect on the things we are grateful for, we sometimes need an important reminder to help us do just that; to make known our gratitude. So let me start by saying, I’m so grateful for YOU! God made you so very special and here are just a few scriptures to prove just that:

  1. God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. [Genesis 1:27]
  2. The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. [Job 33:4]
  3. For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. [Psalm 139:13]

I am grateful for the Bible, it truly is my daily bread. The word of God is living truth. “It is able to quicken and make alive.” I know this for a fact, because I’ve experienced it first hand. When we understand something through personal experience, it takes the matter from the mind and places it ever so gently in the heart. God is always with us and it is so important that we talk to Him on a daily basis through our thoughts and prayers. As we reach out to God we experience the grace of His love for us and for others and with that we should always give thanks.

I am grateful for the privilege to teach. Just as the Autumn rain fills the Earth and provides the moisture trees and plants need to stay alive, a teacher is graced to share the peace, harmony and truth that our God so desires for us to have as His children. Jesus teaches us to respect each other, so that we experience His glorious rain of blessings.

The best thing about thankfulness is that the more we choose to use it, the easier it gets. This Thanksgiving season, let’s not miss out on all the love that our God desires to shower us with. Let us start taking care of each other with words of encouragement and forgiveness so that we may be a clear vessel in which God’s gracious love can flow. Jesus is peace, He is our everlasting Father and He is knocking on our door this season to share the most beautiful melody we will ever hear. Let us stop what we are doing and let Him in for that thanksgiving meal! May our wonderful Lord, bless you and your family by the power of the Holy Spirit! For nothing can compare to peace one feels in the presence of our God. 

What a beautiful sound, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods”. [Psalm 95:1-3]

What are you thankful for?

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

“I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 1:4
“And now we thank You, our God, and praise Your glorious Name.” 1 Chronicles 29:13

The Stone In A Sword Fight

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If you’ve never hurt, you’ve never lived.

Inspirational quotes have the capability to tell a story in just a few words. They bring us encouragement, instruction, and guidance though some of the toughest and saddest hours of our lives. We hang them on our walls, write them down in books and treasure them in our hearts. Quotes make us smile, reflect and ponder what life is all about through the treasures of written and spoken words. Extraordinary moments that leave us with memorable statements are usually built upon layers of experience that may even echo out, “If you’ve never hurt, you’ve never lived.”

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible shares quotes that leave us with tools, techniques and a realizations that can help teach and comfort in ways that last a lifetime. Incidentally, a ‘quote’ also refers to an estimated cost of a job or service. In other words, there is a price tag attached. Let’s take a closer look:

Known for being a dreamer and the favorite son of his father Jacob; the Scriptures tell us of a young man named Joseph. If we were to take a step back and reflect on the early years of Joseph’s life, it’s hard to imagine how much hurt must have followed rejection as his jealous brothers threw him into an empty cistern then sold him into slavery. He must have shed so many tears from the separation and thoughts of never seeing his Father and other family members ever again. To top it off, humiliation and imprisonment were a price he paid for a crime he did not commit. Yet, through it all, we see a spirit of hope, integrity, and a personal relationship with God Almighty rise to the top as we read these words; “It was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.” [Genesis 45:8]

David was the son of a man named Jesse. Scripture gives us a first glance of this ruddy, bright eyed, good-looking youngster during a very important family gathering that David, being the youngest of his seven brothers, was not invited too. Overlooked, David, was out in the field tending the sheep (fields that would serve as the training grounds for bravery, endurance, and courage, while teaching him to lean on God for strength and guidance). It wasn’t until the stone in a sword fight was picked up by this young Shepherd / Musician / Warrior / Poet / later to be King, that he would gain his popular acclaim (through defeating the giant ‘Goliath’). Accustomed to waiting for the Lord to direct him on a very laborious and slow rise to power, we continually see David’s personal relationship with God, as his Chief Cornerstone, in the foundation of his life. “For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” [1 Samuel 16:7]

The success of an athlete, awards of a scholar, scars of a warrior have all come at a cost. Stories have great purpose, they help us to remember the incredible things that God has done and is doing for us. Life as we know it gives us no guarantee, but God Himself does. He promises that if we seek Him first He will never abandon us and will always be the Chief Cornerstone in any fight that this life brings our way. As the price He paid for our salvation is beyond words, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16]

In writing about God’s love, I myself have learned a great deal. From 1st grade on, school was beyond difficult and unfavorable for me. I did not feel like I fit in academically, being a visual learner made it so hard to retain information. Socially, unless I was invited I did not feel like I belonged, and physically, during my teenage years, it was the 80’s! When it came to gym class, my hair took way too long to do in the morning to justify any sort of pool, rain or sweat. Yet, the truth is, I didn’t realize how important and exciting learning really can be. It would be years later with children of my own when I was invited to teach a 3rd grade religious education class. Honored and thrilled over the opportunity to share with the children the love of God, I walked into that class fully ready, yet not prepared to be unprepared to hold the attention of 8-9 year olds for 90 minutes. As I walked in feeling like a star, I literally left seeing stars (these are those moments that make or break you, nonetheless, I was up for the challenge). Time later, when our class tests were due, I questioned God if I was truly capable of teaching. I will never forget the exact spot I was standing in the school parking lot when His peaceful presence filled me with these words:

“A teacher is not responsible for what their students know, but for the seeds they plant to help them grow.”

What we feel about ourselves will direct our path, how we see God, will guide us. I remember asking the question, “What is love?” to a class that I taught. The most beautiful melody came from a little girl named Charlotte, when she responded, “Love is a gift from God.” Quotes speak of the many hidden treasures found within ones life, even though it may hurt sometimes…

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” [Romans 8:28]

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

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible shares quotes that leave us with tools, techniques and a realizations that can help teach and comfort in ways that last a lifetime.
You are worth the fight…

A Bird’s-Eye View

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Land of Opportunities

In a world that is filled with awe and wonder, it is with great expectation I seek to dig deeper into the rich soil and elegant beauty of God’s (Creator of all things) marvelous love. A flowing river of wealth that lies within God’s creation. Words are powerful, words have meaning, words are like seeds with roots that go down deep into our mind, and soul. Below the threshold of sensation or consciousness, the word ‘Subliminal‘ takes a seat. It holds a message meant to slip passed our mental radar, embedding itself deep into the subconscious affecting the mind without us even being aware of it. This being both good and/or evil, let’s aim to give a bird’s-eye view of what goes on in the environment connected to the works of subliminal:

*Sub ~ to act as a substitute: under: beneath: below
*Limen ~ a Latin word that means “threshold”
*Al ~ is a suffix that means relating to, process of, or an action.

What we listen to has a strong affect on us emotionally. Take the power of music, it has a huge influence on our mood, emotions, and our day. When we merge the strength of music with the heart, hope and passion of the Gospel, it has the ultimate power not only to change our day, but to impact us for eternity. In a similar way, who and what we surround ourselves with, affects us intellectually. As each person is responsible for his or her own choices, the consequences for our behavior come at a cost. Businesses, in the same manner know that subliminal messages are one of the elements that most attract attention in advertising, film, art and television work; otherwise, billions, would not be spent trying to convince us that we need what they are selling or have. Bottom line, what we read, what we watch, and what we listen too, affects us. If we are exposed to what God calls good, then we are more likely to be affected for the better. If we are exposed to what God calls evil, what is immoral is more likely to get the better of us and bring out the worst in us.

When the Holy Spirit is within us and the Word of God is teaching us, all of creation takes on new beauty, and magnificent blessings. The sky shows a deeper blue, and the earth becomes richer in its glorious tones. We just don’t see creation; we see our Creator, our Heavenly Father, who cares so deeply for and about us. In the Olympic Games, rules, fouls and penalties play a major part in all their sports and are regulated and enforced vigorously by referees, umpires, judges and other officials. Every participant knows the boundaries must be set and behavior monitored or the game will disintegrate into chaos. There are laws in the world as well; boundaries and rules for living, established by God. These boundaries and rules are not set to harm us, but to bless us, protect us, keep us safe and ultimately bring us victory for eternity. The greatest victory is knowing God and the love He has for each and everyone of us.

There is an affirmation in the Good Book, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” These few words follow up with the simple conclusion, “Because you have forgotten the law of your God.” [Hosea 4:6]

God’s love for us is not based upon our performance:

  1. “We love because He first loved us.” [1 John 4:19]
  2. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” [Romans 12:2]
  3. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” [Philippians 4:8]

Where there is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land; there you will have cursing, lying, murder, stealing, adultery, idolatry, disorder of structure and function which break all bonds.

Let’s take a look into the stylish motion of the rhythmic word, ‘Opportunity.‘ We are all given an equal amount of time each day and how we use it determines its value. The word of God tells us to make the most of our time on Earth. Our choices will have an unswerving effect on our lives and the lives of generations yet to come. As opportunity knocks, let us look at this word in more detail. “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” [Ephesians 5:16]

*Op ~ A set of planned actions for a particular purpose: operation; observation post *Port ~ A place on the coast at which ships can shelter, or dock to load and unload *Unity~ The state of being united or joined as a whole.

God’s divine land of opportunities, may be challenging, convicting and even candid sometimes, but it is a reminder of the many ways in which God desires to use each of us daily in His beautiful purpose and plan. May we rise-up and take a bird’s-eye view in the beauty of His unlimited possibilities that were made just for you.There is power in words, there is grace in heeding the call, there are miracles waiting for you to take action! Rocky Balboa, said it right:

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth! But you gotta be willing to take the hits. And not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that! I’m always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You’re my son and you’re my blood. You’re the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, you ain’t gonna have a life.” ― Sylvester Stallone, Rocky Balboa

A teacher is not so much responsible for what our students know, but more so for the seeds we plant to help them grow.

Let us thank the Father in the Name of Jesus, by the power and grace of His, Holy Spirit. “Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in his mighty heavens. Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness. praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.” [Psalm 150:1-6]

Sweet blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

Deannadanielle.com

Photo By: Ricciardi Photography ~ Outlook

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!

 

 

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

A Time for Service

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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