Deanna Danielle
Teacher | Catechist
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Transformed By God
The more we understand the more we can appreciate this life that we have been given. One of my favorite quotes on this discussion derives from a Chinese philosophy book, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” As we understand life through a time that no longer exists; we realize that it must be lived by moving forward. Too often we look back, and as Lot’s wife, becomes a “pillar of salt,” frozen in time and held back by our own fear of moving forward [Genesis 19:26]. The truth is, the past is a stepping-stone to becoming all that we were created to be!
As I reflect on life, it gives me hope to know that what is impossible with man is possible with God. Stories of old are like treasures that can help in starting something new, and the beauty is that there are so many lovely treasures found in the living word of God. Throughout the Bible, we can see clearly that the great patriarchs of the faith were by no means perfect. They all held their own doubts, frustrations, irritability, and restlessness. Nonetheless, what they all shared was through their weakness they held on to the strength they found in our Creator (God), and with that, they moved forward.
I can say with confidence that we don’t always control the results of our efforts. Still, it is imperative that we work towards what we feel called to do while leaving the results entirely in the hands of God. I often share these words with my students, “Even though we may never make the team, that doesn’t mean we won’t own the team someday.” If the desire for the game is strong we need to keep our eyes on the opportunities, whether it is to play or just help out, and God will direct the path.
You are important. We have all been given one life to live and if you are reading this, you are, somewhere in-between your birth and death. Your life and my life and every life around us counts. We matter to God and He created each and every one of us with purpose. We know this is true, because as Jesus was suffering on the cross with nails in His hands and feet, a back that was ripped apart from the scourging, a crown of thorns pressing into His head, spit on His face, humiliation, abandonment, and above all this our sins and the sin of the world on Him, He spoke these incredible words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” [Luke 23:34].
It is hard to imagine the level of hatred that can actually live in the human mind, soul, and spirit, as to bring on such torment, and evil to another human being, let alone God in the flesh. Jesus was treated in such a way by those He came to save, yet, His love for us endured. It was prophesied in the book of Isaiah: “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with His stripes, we are healed” [Isaiah 53:5]. The “stripes” referred to, are to the lashes Jesus received. Don’t live a life unfulfilled. May we seek God first, in all we do, and be transformed by God and the riches of His grace.
When our children were in their early stages of life, I prayed to God for some special time to share with our oldest son. He was growing up so fast and every-day becoming more and more independent. Being a mom, wife, stylist, and all of the other roles I would play on a daily basis, I felt a need to just spend some fun time together with him. As life was pulling us in every other direction, on this one particular day we headed out to his little league game. When we arrived at the field, no one was there. So, I went over to the payphone thinking maybe we’re in the wrong field. As I proceeded to pick up the handset receiver, I noticed the cord was cut, my thoughts, “What do I do now?” That’s when I felt the presence of the Lord. That still small voice so powerful saying, “This is the time you have been praying for.” A sweet peace filled me, and I said to my son, “Well baby, let’s wait around a few minutes and see what happens. In the meantime, let’s play some ball.” We had so much fun and just to play and laugh with him was priceless. Before we knew it, his team and the other team players started coming in from all ends of the field. We were in the right place, we were just a half-hour early.
Several years had passed and he was now thirteen years- old, standing on the big field, pitching. As I watched him I felt such a joy, our little boy was growing into a young man with such a heart for God. As I tucked our children in that night, I gave him a kiss and shared how proud I was of him, and happy, knowing that he had a heart for Jesus. He then turned to me and said, “Mom, before every pitch, I make the sign of the cross and ask God to protect me and help me make the move.” As I listened to him, so filled, I said, “Honey, most men have yet to capture that wisdom, I love you.”
God does hear our prayers and He does care about protecting us and helping us make the move. The moves that we need to make in our lives to be all that He has created us to be, to move forward.
The psalmist wrote in Psalm 32:8-9, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.”
Life is not always easy, but we can be encouraged by those who were and/or are very active in spreading the Gospel message about Jesus and His protective love for us, in all situations.
Lot’s wife looked back. This was more than just a glance over her shoulder; it was a desire to return to the ways of old. Called to press forward to save a life, yet, she could not let go, and paid for it with her life.
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
The views of the author do not necessarily reflect the views of MCA
About Deanna Danielle
With over eighteen years of Christian teaching background, Deanna Danielle has found that the best way to engage her class is through bringing topics to life by taking what is “old” and making it new and relatable in today’s context. She believes that a teacher is not so much responsible for what their students know, but more so for the seeds they plant to help them grow. Her Blogs are to inspire a self-realization journey helping readers discover their hidden treasures within, by connecting biblical truths with modern-day examples of faith.
She has published two books and has many projects currently in the works. ‘An Ordinary Person, An Extraordinary Gift’, won a Mom’s Choice Award, and ‘Christmas Morn’, which was published a year prior was considered a “Top Tier Highest Selling Book for Non-celebrities.” More recently, Deanna Danielle’s children’s book, Sheli, is in the final stages of illustration, DELILAH, The Secret of Great Strength, a collection of valuable teachings to stimulate, motivate and cultivate the beauty in one’s life, through the living word of God, is waiting for publication and her feature-length film script, “In My Weakness,” has been reviewed by several producers.
To see more, view all posts by Deanna Danielle here, or visit her website Deannadanielle.com.
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31 Comments on “A Pillar of Salt”
What a wonderful story about your son! An incredible message about staying in the present. Thank you for sharing. Many blessings,
D, You r an amazing person and writer. Your pieces are so inspiring and meaningful. You have a special gift to always be able to lift us up with your thoughts and passages. You truly have what it takes to pass on you live and faith in God!
❤️ Louise
Thank you for another inspirational writing, Deanna. Especially in these trying times, I appreciate your words of wisdom & encouragement- reminding me that God is in the small details, especially when we invite Him there! He longs for us to seek Him so that He can show us the way we should go. So we can stay the course knowing He is always moving us forward, not back. Thanks for the reminder to keep my focus heavenward and to not look back! Blessings to you,always!
As always, what a beautiful piece. I enjoy reading your works. They inspire and teach me in such profound ways!
May God continue to bless you and open doors for you🙏🏻 Your writings are very inspiring and I love your wisdom and understanding of how you look at situations. Be blessed 💕
I love the way you include tidbits from your own personal experiences. Like your Gabby, love that line also.
Love all your blogs, but this one is my favorite.! There’s an inspirational message in every line, in each paragraph that fills us with hope and stay in our faith. They are words of encouragement which help us to continue to always move forward. Continue to spread God’s Love through your special gift . ♥️
Deanna,
Thank you for this. It makes my heart happy❤️
Your words are so inspiring and I know have touched my life! God continue to bless you and share your words and wisdom with all.
Your words are so inspiring and I know have touched my life! God continue to bless you and share your words and wisdom with all.
Your writings always have inspirational messages and makes us think constantly and critically about our own humanity! There is usually a path that you lay out for your readers to explore and it’s up to them to choose how far down that path they wish to travel. Along that path there may be pitfalls, but you always lay out signs and a clear path that will bring us closer to GOD! What is even more impressive than your writing is the amazing and selfless life you lead! Your ability to share and spread love & bring Joy and happiness to your family, friends, students and other loved ones throughout the community is truly wonderful and remarkable! Keep up the GREAT WORK!!!
You’ve enlightened so many to learn about their faith. What I find most exciting is when one teaches they themselves learn a great deal more. The teacher is a lifelong learner… and Deanna, you truly embody this. God bless you.
Your writings always have inspirational messages and makes us think constantly and critically about our own humanity! There is usually a path that you lay out for your readers to explore and it’s up to them to choose how far down the path they wish to travel. Along that path there may be pitfalls, but you always lay out signs and a clear path that will bring us closer to GOD! What is even more impressive than your writing is the amazing and selfless life you lead! Your ability to share and spread love & bring joy and happiness to your family, friends, students and other loved ones throughout the community is truly wonderful and remarkable! Keep up the GREAT WORK!!!
I loved reading Deanna’s Pillar of Salt blog. Is so true about how we go about our lives. We wish for what once was in the past without living in the present. I always look forward to reading Deanna’s blogs every week Especially now.
Thank you for these inspiring words, Deanna, they are exactly what I needed to hear today! You are truly planting seeds to help others grow!
Oh, I pray that God continues guiding us as we surrender and seek His will in becoming all that He has created us to be. Giving Him all Praise and Glory ❤️
What a joy is to read this, you are such a great light to us all.
Thank you for allowing God to move within you and for sharing his love through you!
so inspirational.
Deanna has a very special gift for communicating important truths of Life. What a joy to read this blog and receive the interior inspiration her words carry: Move forward, confide in God and find Him working in the very simplest life experiences. I can’t wait to read more of these honest, sincere, but very deep insights! Thank you!!
Deanna has a very special gift for communicating important truths of Life. What a joy to read this blog and receive the interior inspiration her words carry: Move forward, confide in God and find Him working in the very simplest life experiences. I can’t wait to read more of these honest, sincere, simple but very deep insights! Thank you!!
Your way of thinking and writing always lifts my spirits and fills my heart with hope. I am thankful to have you in my life! Keep up the good work inspiring others- it’s is a wonderful gift you have.
Thank you everyone for your beautiful thoughts on this post! And a Very special thank you to Mom’s Choice Awards, for allowing me to share it!! God bless you all abundantly! Much love, Deanna Danielle❤️🙏🏻❤️
What a beautiful read! Hope to read these to Vincenzo one day and show him how inspiring his Nan is !!
Deanna, this brought me back to the early years of being a Mom and loving my children.
Thank you for this lovely remembrance of yours.
Aggie
“A teacher is not so much responsible for what our students know, but more so for the seeds we plant to help them grow.”
Love this line!
Great read! Love this line, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Your words always fill me heart and soul with faith. Thankful for your way to always look ahead and find beauty in the present.
Beautifully written! Always love to be part of the story ;)
Great Article…might not always make the team, but that doesn’t mean you won’t own the team one day👏🏼👏🏼
What an uplifting and meaningful message. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
What a beautiful passage! You are always so inspirational!!
Inspiring and uplifting! Thank you for your words and God bless.