Tag Archives: peace

The Bridge Called, ‘How’

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Warning: This bridge has the capability to bring out the best in us, or knock us to the ground!

Since ‘How‘ is a question concerning the way or manner in which something is done or achieved, I believe it’s a word worth looking into. ‘How‘ is the bridge to questions getting answered. It can challenge us to identify new problems, lead us to research further, or to connect in a new way. What lies on the other end of this bridge called, ‘How‘ is determined by the way we view it. From new opportunities to fear, knowledge to despair, this most commonly used word is a powerful asset to our next steps. Simple yet influential this three letter word, can change the course of life for one, or for all.

“What makes you come alive?.. Go and do it!” These are the words that came to me, accompanied by the thoughts of a friend and her concerns for her son. “How can I help him?” she asked. That evening during prayer, her words echoed once again. This time, the word, ‘How‘ triggered my curiosity even further. Contemplating its meaning, I decided to look up its definition and connection. What I found was that this most often used word is action-packed in a way that it has not only changed the way people live, but has also assisted in changing the course of history!

For example:

George Washington Carver an agricultural scientist and inventor who developed hundreds of helpful products using peanuts, sweet potatoes and soybeans had a great interest in knowing ‘How.‘ His pursuit in this innovative word, led him with zeal to a path of writing down his findings in agricultural bulletins such as “How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it For Human Consumption” along with many other ‘How‘ to do it, journal entries. From a heart for helping others, to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, with faith and prayer, George Washington Carver, integrated ‘How‘ into his life and that ripple effect has inspired and educated the lives of many.

Mary was a 1st century Galilean Jewish woman of Nazareth, the wife of Joseph and, the virgin mother of Jesus, who’s attentiveness to ‘How‘ lead her becoming the Mother of God. “Greetings, favored one. The Lord is with you…” These are the words the angel spoke to Mary, followed by ‘how‘ she would bring forth a son, and that, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Mary responded with, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?…” God had a plan and Mary had an important role to play in the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Mary’s “‘How‘ lead to God’s invitation conveyed by the angel (Luke 1:26-38). Mary’s role as mother of God places her in a unique position in God’s redemptive plan. The greatest rescue story of all time started with love, truth and Mary’s determination to know ‘How‘, this changing the course of history and assisting in saving the world and that includes you and me!

‘How?’ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life! (John 3:16)

So, what are your goals, your dreams, your aspirations? Come alive and go and do it! Just remember to start with this awesome privilege and gift we all have, and that is to carry everything to God in prayer.

A few fun facts about the word ‘how’:

  1. It’s worth 9 points in the Scrabble game
  2. It’s the Native American greeting
  3. It’s a question word that can be an adjective, a noun, a conjunction or an adverb
  4. It’s a unique member of ‘The 7 club’ Who, What, Where, Why, When, Whom, ‘How‘
  5. It’s good at making friends, knowhow, however, somehow, nohow, anyhow, howsoever, howdy…

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 

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.
 Proverbs 19:20

Good Timing

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Have you considered this moment?

Before making a decision or reaching a conclusion, there is often much to think about. Good timing works best when motivated through the joy of learning. To give this thought a kick-start, I’d like to share a story that I once heard in reference to an annual lumberjack competition. The competition took place between an older experienced lumberjack and a strong fellow about twenty years his junior. The rules of the competition were simple, the two lumberjacks would be sent into the woods and the one who could cut the most trees down in eight hours would be the winner.

The younger lumberjack was full of enthusiasm and went off into the woods and started cutting trees immediately. He worked all through the day, barely taking time to catch his breath or to grab some food and water. He felt confident because he could hear noise from the older fellow occasionally stop. The younger lumberjack naturally assumed the older guy was taking breaks because of his age and lesser strength. He was confident his youth and stamina would win him the competition. When the final whistle blew, the younger lumberjack felt confident he had won as he looked out over the piles of trees he had cut. He made his way over to the podium for the medal ceremony and climbed to the platform confident of his victory. The older fellow was there, actually looking much less tired than he did. When it was time to announce the winner, the younger lumberjack was waiting to hear his name, but was devastated when the older man was declared the winner. The younger man turned to the winner and asked, “How can this be? I heard you taking breaks every hour while I worked continuously. I am younger, fitter, and stronger than you. How could you possibly have beat me?” The older man smiled and said, “Son, I was not stopping to rest. I was stopping to sharpen my saw.”

The moral of the story, is to never neglect the time and effort necessary for due diligence before action. Prayer, study, research, preparation, are all imperitive steps before rushing into something just because it feels good. Whether it’s in our relationships, personally, or professionally, to act without consideration could be all it takes, to lose it all. A woodsman once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” One in the same, some things do need our immediate action, but when we have a foundation of knowledge to act on, it is as if our axe has already been sharpened and is waiting to be used. The future is in front of us, however, it’s not only being supported by what’s under it, but also by what is behind it.

Life is a process, nonetheless, the present moment is so very important. It’s a good time to recognize that how we choose to live will affect those here with us, as well as the generations to come. Praise be to God, who loves us so much that He takes the time to help us and to be with us. Praise be to God whose hand is held out to care for us, protect us, teach and guide us, even when we are too busy to notice…

“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]

As Learning is also a process, let’s consider the moment. May we give all the glory, honor and praise to God. For it is by His grace, that we can embrace and enjoy more of this life that He has given to us, and that’s through the good times, difficult, and the ones that seem very ordinary.

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

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you & teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
An oldie but goodie ~ 201 boulevard 6t grade trailer 2010 ~ Song Dave Pettigrew – With My Faith https://davepettigrew.net/worship/

The World Needs People Who Have Come Alive

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Jesus Did…

When our older daughter was graduating high school, she sought after the perfect quote to add to her yearbook picture. As a family friend became aware of her needs, he put forward for consideration one of his favorites by a prominent religious figure who played a leading role in relations between individuals and society, in the twentieth century.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -Howard Thurman

An opportunity to do, to be, and to live everyday awaits us. All we have to do is see it that way.

One morning, sweet words from my friend Donna Moore-Stewart, (through her morning radio segment) woke up my intellect. Donna asked, “Do you know your assignment?” The word “Assignment” resonated with me. At the time, I was in the process of creating a beat sheet for my book Delilah, in order to be a bit more organized and have a clearer picture of what I was writing. As I decided to make a commitment to go through each chapter with a fine-tooth comb, I gave myself nine days to stay focused on eight chapters, along with the introduction page. A chapter a day, weaved in through working full-time, homemaking and all that life has for us to do.

God’s timing is always perfect. Donna’s words came at the very point that I was working on a particular section of the book. She conveyed how assignments are universal. They are a course of action which one is required to take, whether it’s within a family, school, place of worship, employment, and-so-forth. She noted that some assignments are meant to be completed and yet others are on-going, even beyond our lifetime. Donna also touched on the most beautiful and important part of her definition for this discussion, in her words, “Jesus did exactly what He was ‘Assigned’ to do. Our Lord and savior came to perform miracles!”

Jesus’ course of action: 

● Raise the dead  ● Heal the sick 
● Teach us how to live victoriously  ● Serve others 
● To to testify to the truth 
● To give life 
● To reveal the Father  ● To call all sinners to repent 
● Ultimately, to be a ransom for many.

Jesus is the Savior of the world; of you, me and all of history, if only we want Him to be. He does not force Himself on anyone, none-the-less, is here for everyone!

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8)

Scripture is a beautiful invitation that encourages us to dig deeper into the treasures of God’s marvelous love!

Highlighted by the birth of Jesus, the scriptures consisting of the Old and New Testament provide us with knowledge, discovery, and implementation, making it relevant for enriching any present day living. What’s more and to the point, it concerns the future comings of our spiritual state of everlasting communion with God. Your assignment is waiting for you ~ the world needs YOU, Come alive!

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 the Holy Spirit. Let us praise You Lord, our God in Your sanctuary. Teach us to do Your will,
for You are our God; Let Your good Spirit lead us on level ground. For the sake of Your Holy Name, O Lord, revive us. In Your righteousness bring our soul, the souls of Your people all over the world out of trouble. And in Your lovingkindness, be with us in all we do. For we are Your servants…

Sweet blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

Deannadanielle.com

Teachers go to work every day to transform and inspire ~ A classroom treasure from 2016 ❤️

National Anthem

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One by one, their steps were quick and their faces were brightly smiling. Their arms were stretched out carrying trays of banana bread, muffins, donuts, brownies, cookies, and cupcakes beautifully decorated with colorful sprinkles, as they entered into the auditorium. They were prepared for service. Kids helping kids, they put on their aprons and were ready to raise money for St. Jude children, to help them fight cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

The rush was on. As the other teachers gathered their students to go to class, we had our first customers; one very generous teacher and her group. Then the silence came and the clock was ticking, uh-oh… I thank God for the gift of prayer. We prayed, and as I shared with them what a wonderful thing they were doing to help others, the sound of pitter patter was in the hall and we were up and running once again. When the younger class that came to purchase sat to enjoy their treats, out of the blue, my students started singing…

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?…

This is the beauty of having the privilege to teach. It’s when your students “WOW” you, no money can buy that!

There are times in our lives when we hear a song, a national anthem, and it moves us. As I see our world today and wonder what we will leave behind for our children, I express warm admiration for the words of Mandela in the movie Invictus:

“I couldn’t help noticing the empty offices as I came to work today, and all the packing boxes. Now, of course, if you want to leave, that is your right. And if you feel in your heart that you cannot work with your new government, then it is better that you do leave, right away. But if you are packing up because you fear that your language, or the color of your skin, or who you served previously, disqualifies you from working here now, I am here to tell you, have no such fear. What is verby is verby. What is past is past. We look to the future, now. We need your help. We want your help. If you would like to stay, you will be doing your country a great service. I ask only that you do your jobs to the best of your abilities, and with good hearts. I promise to do the same.”

May God bless our Country and everyone in it always. May God bless our world that there may be peace, happiness and perfect health. May God bless you and me. For we are all a part of God’s great big family, if only we want to be…

Deanna Danielle

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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

 

 

The Power of Prayer

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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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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 Solid Foundation

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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

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

 


All Hands Are In

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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

May God bless you always,

Deanna Danielle

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