Easter Blessings

For our last class before Easter break, I thought it would be fun if we had an Easter Egg Hunt. As we entered the classroom, Chase and Ryan were the first to notice some hidden eggs. Their eyes widened and a look came over their faces that expressed, THIS IS GREAT! At that, they yelled out “Eggs,” pointing to the ones they saw. The next thing I knew, the whole class, like little chicks on the loose, were off and running. My natural instincts came into play; a quick “Uh uh,” slang for, “Don’t do it; stop right where you are.” It was like a game of freeze tag. They all stopped mid motion. I said, “Come back to the door, prayer first.”

I find it best to first huddle together on our knees in prayer before they go to their seats. It’s the best place to thank God and pray for everyone we love, and to pray for each other. Also, to introduce our lesson for the day and new classmates. At that point, I welcomed Nicolas. We now have twenty first-graders in our class.

Today, I read our class, The Story of Easter. The story was about a little girl named Alice who loved to read her favorite Bible stories. One day, when Alice was sitting in her garden reading, a giant screen appeared before her. As Alice got up and walked through the screen, she entered the land of the Bible, and had the privilege to walk though the story of Easter. It was here that she saw how much God loves us. How, through Jesus and His death on the Cross, “He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone.” 1 Timothy 2:6

As I spread this great love of our Lord to our class, it is my prayer that they will always hold on to this awesome truth. The Cross–there is so much to be said about it. What man could think in God way? None. Only through the Holy Spirit of God, could we understand. Why did God the Father choose a cross, with all the other ways to die, why a cross? That is the simplicity of God’s love, found anywhere and everywhere. It’s the arms stretched out to hug and hold, comfort and love anyone who choses to come into them. If only we would.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Easter Blessing today and always,

Deanna Danielle

 

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Where Everybody Knows Your Name

“Making our way in the world today takes everything we’ve got. Taking a break from all our worries sure would help a lot. Sometimes we want to go where everybody knows our name, and they’re always glad we came…” Just a little change to the words in the television theme song ‘Cheers’. Our class this week reminded me of the lyrics to this unforgettable melody, stressing a sequence of notes that is musically satisfying.

A smile that says, ‘it’s you!’ A quick, long wave like a puppy dog’s tail that conveys, ‘I’m so glad to see you.’ A hug that expresses, ‘You mean something to me.’ Priceless. With that being said, I thank my 1st grade class of 2013 for that warm greeting. Just like all of them, It was very special. They have all grown so much since last year. It was so great to see them.

As our class is coming together this year, it is wonderful to see them with that same little wave and smile. As they look around to see if all their friends are in the room, I hear a little voice ask, “Where’s Cathrena.”(Cathrena, Ben & Mark are our class helpers) We are very blessed to have them with us. What a beautiful feeling that was. I wanted to call Cathrena on the spot and tell her that she is missed already, and it is only our second class!

I once read a small article that left an impression on my heart. It stated how we all need friends who will stick close, listen, care, and offer help when it is needed — in good times and bad. The article shared how it is better to have one true friend than dozens of superficial acquaintances. Also, how instead of wishing we could find a true friend that we should seek to become one. There are many people who need our friendship. Then, we should ask for God’s guidance to them, so we can take on the challenge of being a true friend.

While I prayed one day, I asked, “Lord do our hands really know how to love?” I looked down as my hands came together. The left hand made the shape of the letter ‘L’ and my thumb and fore finger formed the letter ‘O.’ The rest of my three fingers on that hand spread into a very clear ’VE.’ All I can say is, God is forever blowing me away with His awesome love.

As I conclude this week’s blog, I want to thank Ryan for bringing in his rock collection, and treating our class to our first Show and Tell. It made a perfect ending to planting pumpkin and flower seeds, and talking about how important it is to take care of all God’s creations.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7

Deanna Danielle

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