Tag Archives: priceless

Simply Blown Away

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I have great confidence in the future if my fourth grade class is any indication of the time yet to come. They have everything that it takes to be good leaders. They are: responsible, smart, caring, dedicated, passionate, and above all else, Priceless!

Since the day involved more than I had time for, I arrived at our auditorium with only a few   minutes to spare, before our class began. To my amazement, Cecilia and Joseph were sitting on the stage steps, ready to discuss the upcoming ECAP fundraiser. They looked at me and smiled, letting me know they were set. Joseph then commented that he had read and changed a few of the words in the announcement that Cecilia had written.

Joseph not only helped her with the words of her beautifully written proclamation about our fundraiser, he stood by her side, and together they introduced themselves to the crowd of all the classes. They explained that the reason for this event was to help those in need. Also, how Mr. Brown will go to the food bank to buy food for the people who are in need this Thanksgiving, with the money we raise. As they asked for the help of everyone in the auditorium, they stated that, “Together, we can make a change in the way some people live.”

As I watched them turn the pages in their notebook, listening to them speak, sharing all this information. I can honestly say, they did not miss a beat, and you could have heard a pin drop in that room. They made sure everyone knew the date of our bake sale, the prices of the goods, and where it will be held. They even concluded with these words, “So, remember this Thanksgiving to be grateful for all the things that we have. Thank you!”

Upon arriving at our classroom after the meeting, all I could say was, “I am simply blown away, and I am speechless. I am so impressed with watching all you work so hard, willingly and zealously, not only help others, but to be a great example to others at the importance of loving, caring, and supporting each other. Keep up the great work!”

We learn in Jeremiah 29:11 how God thinks about us, for it is written, “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.”

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

"Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.  The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children." Matthew 14:19-21

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.  The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.”
Matthew 14:19-21

 

Can’t Touch It!

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As my students entered the classroom, there on everyone’s desk was a beautiful, freshly picked apple. My first words to them were, “Can’t touch it!” As I saw a few hands get very close, I could only imagine how hard this had to be, after a long day at school. I took advantage of the moment, however, and read them the story of Adam and Eve.

I read how God created heaven and earth, then the garden of Eden, where life began. Next, He created a man and a woman, whom He guided, blessed, and gave them everything they needed, and more. God warned them to stay away from a certain tree in the middle of the garden, saying, “You must not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.” The book followed how life was filled with much happiness, until one day when a very great temptation arose. Disobeying God’s warning, Adam and Eve had the desire for more, and ate from the tree, which resulted in the the fall of man.

After reading the story to them, I said, “You may all eat your apples now.” I believe Cecilia spoke for the class, as a look of concern came over her face as she asked quietly, “Is it okay to eat apples now?” You’ve got to love it! Priceless moments like this say they care.

I now asked them why Jesus died on the cross. The responses from most of my students were great on how He died. On the other hand, even though James could not find all the words, he knew the reason why He died, and it had something to do with our sin. Gabriella also got it right when she said, “He died so we can go to heaven!” As we read and meditate on the living word of God in the Bible, we can truly see how it is an invitation to a beautiful way of life. The story of Adam and Eve is not the end, it is just the beginning. God let it be known that He would never leave us, or forsake us, if we call upon Him.

John 3:16 says, “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.” When I think about all that God has done for us, I could not put my words together any better than the singer, Big Daddy Weave, in his song, Overwhelmed.                                 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiGb14tTaH4

Wishing you all God’s beautiful blessings,

Deanna Danielle

Picture taken by Ben

Picture taken by Ben

You’re Perfect for This

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We’re off to a great start. 201 Boulevard, 4th grade class of 2015, is on its way. After starting our class with prayer, we had a one-to-one icebreaker. We had the privilege to learn a little about each other. Molly, Gabriella, Zachary, Cecilia, Hannah, Alessia, Madeline and James, consist of the smallest group of students I have ever had, by far. They are a great group of kids!

During the summer, my friend invited me to her church. During the homily, the priest invited the children to come to the altar. He presented them with a beautiful gift bag and said he had something special for them. He pulled a cookbook out of the bag, and asked them, “What is this used for?” Then, he pulled a Bible out, and again asked, “What is this, used for?” His questions blessed me with a great idea to do the same for our first day of class. So, that is what I did.

I brought to class a large shiny, gold Vince Camuto tote bag. They all saw the bag, and with great curiosity, they wanted to know who it was for, and of course, what was in it. Before opening the bag, I told them the greatest gift was in it. It was a priceless education in the love that our God has for us through His living word. I then pulled out the Bible.

Along with a few other things that I pulled out of the bag, one of them was a shape-sorting block. All of the pieces were in tact except one. I explained how this one missing piece makes this toy incomplete, and that is what life would be like without them. I also shared with them, that it is impossible to put the square in the circle, and the circle in the star. In the same way, God has a very special plan for each and every one of us.

God made no two fingerprints alike. We read in Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” In the same way as the shape-sorting block, we were made to fit perfectly into our own space. A young man named Christopher Coleman once quoted God’s words to him, “You’re Perfect for This.” Life would not be complete if it was any other way.

    Christopher Coleman’s story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu0yjJgKU0w

Many blessings,

Deanna Danielle

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