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
June 19, 2015 at 8 p.m. Tarrytown Music Hall. Our son bought tickets for a small group of us to see, ‘A Bronx Tale.’ As I watched Chazz Palminteri’s autobiographical one-man show, this thought went through my head, “I could do that” (that being tell a story of course). Sitting in the church pew the following Sunday as I looked down at the hymnbook, the music began to play and as if I were in a flashback scene, I could hear those words again, “I could do that.” All things considered, I looked toward heaven and prayed, “Lord, what would I write about?” In an instant I knew I had to tell the story of the three Marys; Mary, mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany. Nine days later what would be the first of three short autobiographical stage plays, concerning major biblical figures in a modern day setting, was written!
Upon completion of the writings, I wanted to affirm the manuscripts mission and purpose to-be interesting, engaging, thought provoking and inspiring. For this reason I sent one of the three scripts titled ‘In My Weakness, Your Love Never Failed’ to a friend in the film industry. The written text I sent him was set in a romantic time in American history. The early 20th century, a season in time that fueled intuition, imagination, invention and innovation accompanied by the Great Depression and all that followed. He expressed his thoughts, “Very powerful concept” and wanted to know more about the protagonist (the prodigal son). A few weeks passed from receiving his note and after being inside all day organizing a few things, my memory recalled something my grandma always said, “it’s important to spend time outside everyday.” So, before the sun went down on a perfect winter day, I stepped outside only to slip on clear ice. As my hand hit the ground my thoughts were many; “Ouch;” “Oh no, will I be able to work? (As a hairstylist, hands are a valuable tool…)” And, “Lord, what is Your plan?” Suddenly occurring in my mind were words from my friend, ‘I want to know more…’”
One broken wrist, one month out of work, gave one stage play the allotted time to journey into a feature-length dramatic screenplay. Thanks to my friends bullet list, of what more he wanted to know.
As we negotiate through all of life’s ups and downs, prayer is the essential key. As my broken wrist gave me a month off from work, with limited ability to do certain things, God was orchestrating something beautiful. Through the enforced time on my hands, I felt blessed through prayer to see some of the most important facts about the situation, for one, a written historical drama! From invention to innovation, antique to extinct, these are some of the things you learn when writing about past events. Times that help shape the course of the future.
Many years ago at a family gathering my Dad lovingly wrapped his arm around his mom (my grandma). Gently he placed his forehead on her temple as he proudly stated, “Woman, you’ve been from the horse and buggy to the calculator” (born in the early 20th century until that very moment) making a declaration too the changes she had seen in her life time. Change is constant. From memorable Pharisees such as, “They don’t make them like they used to,” as well as, “New and improved” …And likewise the Pony Express en route to the Internet, change is evident. When a need or circumstance is followed by a course of action it creates history!
From my observations, I have learned thattime is a stepping stone for what is yet to come. The Bible in itself is not meant to be read as a history book. It is a love letter to all, a guide that assists us from past to present and into eternity! From major biblical figures, to those on the quieter side, you can see God writing a symphony through people whom love Him. A true reflection of God’s love and one of my many favorite Bible Heroes is found in the Book of Nehemiah. Accredited for his work in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days, Nehemiah was devoted to God. A man of prayer, faith, leadership and action, he sowed the seed with noble qualities as a personal cupbearer while serving the Persian king. The book of Nehemiah reflects the extraordinary impact one individual can have on a nation in the face of great odds with God’s assistance, provision, and direction. Nehemiah is a melody written, representing a time in history of renewal, stability, and what life looks like when our focus is on God… You and I were created, “For such a time as this.”… “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and keep is commandments, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer Your servant is praying before you day and night for Your servants, the people of Israel…” [Nehemiah 1:5-6]
I heard a priest once say, “I fell asleep and had a dream that life was a joy. When I woke up, I saw the reality that life was a servanthood, and in serving, I realized that the joy of life was in serving others.”
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. [Colossians 3:17]
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. [Romans 15:13]
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 pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called–His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. Ephesians 1:18Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7
I am so proud of my 4th grade class, they gave all they had to present a beautiful Christmas Pageant. Christmas is a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His unending love for us, as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child.
God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought magnificent joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this extraordinary event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.
There is a pome that reads:
Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work today.
He has no feet but our feet to lead men in the way
He has no tongue but our tongue to tell men how He died
He has no help but our help to bring them to His side.
As we lifted our hands to pray before the curtain opened, it was our prayer to share this life given message, about a time when God came to earth, to share His love with us. A love that truly can not be expressed in words.
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1
Have you ever wondered how time goes by so quickly? I know when I was a child, it seemed as though the summer months lasted forever. However, as the years go by, they seem to be getting noticeably shorter.
Here we are, once again, at the start of a new school year, and I am excited to share with my class what I have learned about God’s awesome love for us.
As I held up the Bible and a small treasure chest, I explained, “If we are looking for a treasure, these are two places we are sure to find it.” As I looked around at my new 4th graders, their eyes widened, and beautiful smiles appeared on their faces.
I then explained, “The only difference between these two treasures, is that one holds something temporary (as I held up the small box), and one holds something that will last for eternity (as I held up the Bible).”
I told them that the Bible is not meant to be read as a history book. It is a love letter to us. So, starting today, we are going to be looking and exploring some of the greatest treasures through the lives of those who loved God in His beautiful words to us.
I heard a priest once say, “I fell asleep and had a dream that life was a joy. When I woke up, I saw the reality that life was a servanthood, and in serving, I realized that the joy of life was in serving others.”
Blessings always,
Deanna Danielle
Pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to My words. Don’t let them out of your sight. Keep them in your heart. They are life to those who find them. They are health to your whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22
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!
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.”
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
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
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
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
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
“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
As we gathered around on the class rug, I shared a story about three women who were arguing over the best way to pray. In the story, one woman said, “The best way to pray is on your knees.” Another woman said, “It’s best to be praying while you are standing.” The third woman said, “It is definitely best to pray while laying down.” As they shared their views, a gentleman working on the telephone lines over-heard them arguing.
“Ladies,” he interrupted, “You have it all wrong.” He proceeded to tell his story; “Do you see this pole? Three weeks ago, I was fixing the wires at the top, when I slipped. On my way down, head first, one of the loose wires wrapped around my ankle. I was hanging 10 feet off the ground, upside down. I know for a fact, that is the position you pray your best in!” To my surprise, the boys in our class thought this was the best story. Through their giggling voices, all they keep saying was, “Tell it again, tell it again.” I guess slapstick comedy never goes out of style.
When we think about the moral of this story, it holds great truth. Sometimes we spend a lot of time bickering over things, while forgetting the most important parts. In this case, it is not how we pray, but that we pray. With that, may we, like my 1st grade boys, find the joy and laughter in our everyday. May we never loose the child that lives within us.
Jesus used many parables as a means of illustrating profound, divine truths. I remember one year while teaching an 8th grade class, I read to them, Matthew 18:12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” One of my students responded, “He’s selfish.” Taken a back by his response, I said a little prayer for God to give me the right words. With that, I smiled and said, “You are right. God is selfish for you and me. He will go all the miles to find us, because we are that important to Him. Even if it meant going to the Cross.
A reading from Matthew 18:1-4 “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And He said, “Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
It has been said that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Lil’ Stories, Big Lessons.
The greatest love anyone could ever know, is to know God’s awesome love for them. This is why it brings me great joy to teach about our faith. As my class and I gathered around in a tight-knit circle, I held Noah’s Arc puzzle flashcards. I believe working together makes life a little easier and more enjoyable. So, with teams of two, I gave every team a piece of the puzzle.
I shared with our class the story of Noah and how God called him to do what no one had ever done before, and that was to become the first major shipbuilder.God told Noah to go into the ark with his whole family and take with him seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and one pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate. He also took seven pairs of the male and female of every kind of bird. It rained for forty days and nights, as Noah, his family and all the animals sailed on to a place where only faith in God could take them.
I shared with our class how Noah did everything just as God commanded. Reflecting upon this story, I thought about how it took a team, God’s team, to bring about this fresh new start. Keeping that huge ship clean and orderly could only work with everyone giving it their all by working together; cleaning up, feeding the animals, collecting eggs, and tending to all the needs that took place. We even get a glimpse of how the raven and the dove helped out, by seeing if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. As I share the meaning of these beautiful scriptures with our class, it is important to me that I show them the joy of working together. With a piece of the puzzle in hand, along with team work, they put all the pieces together. From the unknown to the beautiful, all hands were in. They all had fun working together.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta put it best, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
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