Love is patient....love is kind....love is God!

A Missions Trip

12:31 PM, Feb. 24, 2008 .. 5 comments .. Link

God has really been doing some amazing things in my life! I'd love to share some of the things that have been happening as I'm growing deeper in a closer relationship with Christ!   I'm writing as a hope that you'll sponsor me for something I have a chance to be a part of and I'm really excited about!

I have a challenging ministry opportunity to go to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for a mission trip with my church, Rileyville Baptist Church, on April 23-29, 2008. Buenos Aires is in great need of the gospel of Christ, as most of the 14 million residents there have never heard how they can be forgiven and have eternal life through Jesus Christ. I believe it is in the Lord's Will that I go. Believing this, I know the Lord will also help me raise the money that is needed to go.   I am a single-parent and do not have the funds to produce myself and am trusting God to speak through others financially, in this time of need.

Our strategy:

    *    First, we will be canvassing the streets of a neighborhood called Coghlan, prayer walking         block-by-block. We will be praying as we walk, that God may open their eyes and hearts to the message of Jesus.

    *    Second, we will be distributing gospel materials at the train station and in the streets, as well as linking them to a website for those with spiritual questions, that we can guide them to more detailed answers.

    *    Third, we will be conducting an evangelistic event within the neighborhood, making         connections with residents, gathering information for International Mission Board missionaries in Buenos Aires, talking with residents about Christ, and distributing more evangelistic materials.

The trip costs about $1,500. My church is helping me with a small portion of the cost. Should God lay it on your heart to help me, I would be so grateful. I want to be a part of taking Jesus to Buenos Aires! I am looking for the ones that God has laid on my heart, to sponsor me for $100 or more. Our biggest need, however, is not money, but prayer support. Please be one of my prayer partners and lift this mission up to Christ to help our team make that foundational difference to those who have never heard of Christ. Pray for me as I prepare for this trip and while we are there. Pray that people will see the love of Jesus through us and will be touched in some way.

If you are able to help me raise support, please mail your check to: Rileyville Baptist Church, 7044 US Hwy. 340 North, Rileyville, VA 22650. Make your check out to "Rileyville Baptist Church" and affix a post-it note with my name on it (Debbi Deal). Do not write "my name" on the check memo, as it would then no longer be a tax deduction for you to claim.

Thank you so much in advance for your prayers and any support you can give!

Your sister in Christ

Meet My Bible - BFS #13

2:42 PM, Feb. 14, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

How old is your Bible? I'm not sure, but I do remember I bought it when I misplaced my favorite leather bound Bible. Probably some 7 years ago. It is a paperback NIV, so I keep a zippered cover to protect it from all mishaps.

Why did you chose this Bible? I prefer NIV to KJV expecially when I explain things to my daughter in a much more "understandable" language.

Do you highlight/mark passages in your Bible? Constantly!! I mark all that I read in hopes that one day my Bible will be underlined/highlighted from cover to cover. In fact, I choose to underline in only one color, so that when my Bible is passed down to my children, they will underline likewise, but in a different color, and so on, until the whole Bible is underflined entirely!

If so, what is your system for marking passages? I guess I should have read all the questions first - but I mark as I read and study.

Do you have notebooks to record things? I write in steno pads, all dated with my prayer concerns, and keep Bible Study workbooks nearby.

Where is your favourite spot to read your Bible? In the cooler months, I read in the living room (ironic?) close by my daughter as she does her homeschooling. Then in the summer, I enjoy taking my studies to a hillside or mountain view to read and study surrounded by nature sounds.

Are there any special thoughts about your Bible you want to share? It was during the "usage" of this Bible that my life was completely redirected and truly centered on God and all the He chooses for me, that makes it so special.

Please go...

7:32 AM, Feb. 7, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

Today is my best buddy's birthday! PLEASE go see her at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/profiles/ilovemy3angelbabies/ and wish her a great day with your favorite Bible Verse!

She's a wonderful friend, very loving, kind, giving, Christian, a great mother, sister, daughter, wife, friend..... She's never appreciated equally for as much as she's given to others! Nice people like this are often taken for granted and taken advantage of by those closest to them.... I pray I NEVER take her in ANY way but as answered prayer! She'll do ANYTHING for almost ANYONE... and if not told thank you? She'll do something ELSE for you! She's a rare and precious gift to anyone who knows her!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WAWA! Love you much! See ya later today!

BG and Barlowgirlgirl

My Hero

5:12 PM, Feb. 6, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Born on a Monday, you even knew when...
8 pounds of purpose, about to begin.
A very small babe, I knew nothing to say...
Yet you knew what I needed, each evening and day.

My hero you were, as no other could be,
I trust without knowing, your full ability!

I next learned to speak, a few sounds, made a word!
No one else understood me, yet great pride had you stirred!
Then came the walking, baby-steps (I might add)...
Leading the way for me, you gave all you had.

My hero you were, as no other would be,
I trusted without knowing, your capability.

Many years passed by quickly, venturing out on my own...
Away from the safety, that I once called 'my home'.
Thinking I didn't need you, I knew enough to get by...
Was a trick from ole Satan, and I gave in to his lie!
But you taught me to trust you at the beginning of life,
Still there for me now, even through all this strife.

My hero you are, as no other shall be!
I trust you fully knowing, your love is for me!

God's shown me His love, beginning with Christ,
Who died for my sins, that I might have life.
He then gave me someone, a gift like no other,
To see, touch and feel Him... I call her my Mother.

A hero for all, no one can compare.
He'll bring to you someone... He'll always be there!

I Was Tagged

2:44 PM, Jan. 31, 2008 .. Posted in Tags .. 4 comments .. Link

I was tagged by ilovemy3angelbabies

The game is called Scattergories. Use the first letter of your name and find words with that letter. The number of letters in your name determines how many people you can tag.

What is your name? Debbi The Deer Slayer

4 letter word: deer

Vehicle: Dodge Ram (blaaahh!)

City: Denver

Boy's name: David the Shepherd Boy

Girl's name: Delilah

Movie: Darby O'Gill and the Little People

Occupation: Doctor

Something you wear: darned socks

Celebrity: Dennis Quaid

Food: delicious calorie-free fudge

Something found in a kitchen: dangerous knives

Something found in a bathroom: deodorant

Reason for being late: da pig got outta da pen.....ate sausage early that day

Cartoon character: Daffy Duck

Something you shout: DAGGUM!!!!!

Animal: Deaf Leopard (ha ha ha ha ha)

Body part: duh......hair (Beth Moore answer) If you know Beth Moore, it's always about da hair

Word to describe you: uh...dorable?

I tag.............. ilovemy3angelbabies because she tagged me barlowgirlgirl because I can iluvmykids , hugs4Him , AHappyHeart because you just happened to be on-line at the time

Life is so good when you're poor!

12:21 PM, Jan. 29, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Upon finishing up another lesson in my Bible Study workbook, I reflected on my past a bit. There have been so many ups and downs in my life... that I believe I've been at a point in my life for a little while now, that I'm "ok" with all the ups and downs. I mean, I've learned (actually there was no choice...) to accept the ups and downs, but always under resistance. I gave up any hopes of that type of control several months ago (perhaps maybe a year or better now) and am STILL learning to "go with the flow"... the flow of turbulence, that is. I've learned that THIS is the exact time that God's humor is in full force with my life and HE is determined to wait me out and teach me what He so badly wants me to learn! Once I "rest", understanding that yes, I AM indeed headed for a waterfall, and no, I don't like water up my nose, and yes, I "can" swim... then I know that yes, God is with me and will stay right there with me till I've landed somewhere. So.... I'm learning! STILL LEARNING!!!!

This missions trip that I'm so looking forward to, I believe is gonna make a major impact in my life, too! I'm very excited about it, still in need of those finances being met, but at the same time.... odd.... I'm not really "worried", cause I'm so totally psyched that this is where God wants me to go! So, it's gonna be SO COOL to be able to share on this blog, in my church, with my friends, etc..... that when my trip is fully sponsored by the love of those who are obedient to wanting to see God's Will being fulfilled..... what a testimony! This poor, single mom who had nothing in the way of finances.... allowed God to do the impossible in her life.... and He DID! Just watch! I know that I WILL be able to share that on this blog sometime either before or after the trip! How cool is God?

Well... I hope if you stopped by to read this L O N G entry, that you'll make a comment of some sort... but moreso, that God will bless your life in some really awesome way today!

In His love,
BG

When is spring, again?

9:30 AM, Jan. 22, 2008 .. 0 comments .. Link

Arghghghghg! I woke up this morning praying for every single person and need that crossed my mind... my feet hit the floor as I rubbed my eyes and made it to my cup of coffee...... ahhhhhhh! Caffeine bliss! THEN... I looked outside and saw the wind blowing. That can only mean one thing this time of year..... FRIGID TEMPERATURES!!!!! The forecast spoke of a very cold wintry mix today with possible snow (only up to an inch at most), freezing pipes, and more wind! And... God is STILL good to me! My 10 year old daughter took the dog outside, fed all the critters with food and water, came back in and gives me a hug! How much more can a homeschool mom ask for? Ok, ok, ok.... maybe warmed up hands BEFORE the hug... but I took it anyway!

I have a few needs to ask in prayer about. Actually, anyone who comes across my blog I would appreciate a prayer or two on these matters! My older daughter has a close friend that will be having a breast lump removed next week. This girl is only 20-21, graduated with my own daughter, a sweet Christian girl, and I don't know much more of the details other than it is a lump and she IS scheduled next week for this surgery. Pray with me that it is not cancerous and that God gives her a divine peace through this ordeal. I'll keep you guys updated on anymore news I hear!

Secondly, my son is undergoing alot of spiritual warfare in his life. As his mother, you'd think I know exactly what to ask God for... but I don't. I don't know what all the right turns would be to suggest in his life, other than God, God, God! He's a strong leader-type figure, but needs to be COMPLETELY sold out for Christ! I personally, don't know that he is. I would value you and your prayers for my son! Asking God to redirect his life into God's Hands and not allowing Satan to have ANY footholds in his life to mislead his thinking right now.

I need to sign off now but will be back for my third request shortly!

In His love, BG

Sunday morning!

8:05 AM, Jan. 20, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Good morning, ya'll!

Even though NO ONE is leaving me any comments, I'm trusting that SOMEONE is reading my blog?

Well... yesterday my daughter, barlowgirlgirl, and I went to a ladies breakfast social and had a great time! Later, we drove out to visit my other daughter for the afternoon and had lunch with her. My son called last night to check in with me.... so all in all? I feel so blessed! I love to hear from all my kids knowing they're all ok! Today, after church, I'll be attending a missions meeting. If anyone "is" reading this, please pray that God will make it clear to me what His path is for me to take! I feel an urge to go on this short missions trip, but have never left the USA before. I am praying that if it's God's Will... He will not only provide the finances to go, but the encouragement and peace of mind as well!

More prayer requests: I have a friend who is undergoing ALOT of temptations right now! She needs our prayers for strength, encouragement and for Satan to KEEP A FAR DISTANCE!!!! I feel God laying her needs on my heart so many times during the day, and pray that she won't stumble, but will keep her mind on Christ and not the temptations of this world (which only result in temporary and unfulfilling false satisfactions!) Please pray that until she is better-grounded, that these temptations not be allowed to make contact with her life! That's all I'm privy to disclose right now. God knows the rest and will hear your prayers!

I must get ready for church now. Have a great day and remember to live your day today as if it were your last on earth... for some of us, it could be!

Love from above,
BG

God's beauty!

8:59 AM, Jan. 17, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Good mid-morning, ya'll!
I just started moving around, look outside, and here comes the snow! Reminds me to appreciate where I've come from and where I am today, ya know? Kinda symbolic to our walk with Christ, too! I was raised in Florida and ALL I ever knew was hot, flat, sandy, and more hot! My step dad was transferred once in 20 years from the military to the Pentagon when I was like 15 years old, and when I saw that the ground can actually form into hills and mountains? Oh my gosh! BEAUTIFUL!!!! In fact, if you happened to be driving along the interstate back in 1975 or so and saw some idiots stopped during a FLURRY now.... trying desperately to form snowballs out of it? Yeah... that was me and my family! NEVER seen snow in our lives! And now? Wow! Takes me back to see where I was and where I am today!

Thankfully, I can also say the same about my walk with Christ! We won't EVEN go where "I was".... but where I am today? I LOVE to tell all who would listen! God is so awesome and so good to not just me... but His mercies to us all is just unbelievably unkind and undeserving! Sure, some of you who know me, know that I've been going through some extremely rough financial times right now (called NO INCOME AT ALL as a single parent).... but it's so cool to know that my God can and WILL see me through! Trusting in Him, ESPECIALLY when times are bleak and you can't see ahead of your own feet... is called faith, right? It's awesome, even through some tears to know He is right there!

Write me some of your comments on the weather where YOU are at and how that might even be an analogy to your own walk with Him!

Have a wonderful and beautiful day! Hug your kids, kiss them, cherish them, but most of all.... pray for them!

In His love,
BG

Encouragement needed for testing!

5:53 PM, Jan. 15, 2008 .. 1 comments .. Link

Yikes! Are there any moms out there who can help encourage me on the testing for my daughter for this year? She is 5th grade and is doing alot of 5/6 work very well.... but I tend to freak over the tests that will be mailed in as CAT. I "know" she's learning... we are pretty routined on the work to be done each day... but what if she hasn't learned as much as I think she's learned? What if some of the questions on this CAT are not material we've covered? Obviously, this is my first year homeschooling and I'm very concerned! Please send your comments, good and bad, as to what I can prepare myself for! Thanks for reading! Pray for her.... (and me?)
In His love,
BGWannaBe