Text Box: I grew up in a loving home. I was raised in the Catholic faith, which taught me basic Christian truths. I remember having “conversations” with God from the time I was very small and remember very clearly His presence near me. My parents went through very difficult times in their marriage and I remember that it was my faith in God that helped me to be at peace through those years. In fact, I remember one pivotal moment that impacted my faith greatly. I remember watching TV when a commercial came on the set, grabbing my attention. It spoke of a character in the Bible that was faithful in his prayers, and did not stop praying until God answered. I took that to heart, because I knew that God would be faithful to hear my prayers and save my parents’ marriage and restore our family. And to His glory, He did just that. Life for me was not always easy. Unlike my sister Danyal, whose testimony tells that she was always part of the “in-crowd”, I was not as popular. Looking back now, I know that this protected me from a lot of heartache and trouble. When I was 12, I was invited to a Christian Bible study where I was, for the first time, invited to accept Jesus as my personal savior. Without hesitation I gave Jesus control of my life and I knew it was the best decision I’d ever make. I began to notice that so many Christian’s had such an awesome testimony of the “rough-life” that God saved them from. I felt my testimony paled in comparison, so I prayed that the Lord would give me a testimony. He is so faithful to answer prayers, even if we don’t know what we’re asking. I’ve learned it’s always better to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done Lord”. The very next day at school I met a girl who invited me to a party. I remember being surprised at how quickly the Lord answered my prayer! I dabbled in the “party scene” for a couple of years. I knew that was not the life for me, that I was called out and set apart as a child of God. I went back to Bible study, and restored fellowship with the Lord and my friends. Being the silly 17 year old that I was, I prayed that God would allow me to meet a boy with long hair, who rode a motorcycle and who would let me brush his hair….OK, that’s embarrassing to say, but remember I said I was silly and 17! But actually, what I think that was, is this verse in action… “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Ps 37:4. I believe that it was God putting that desire in my heart, so that I would know His will for me. It was no coincidence that very next time I went to Bible study, I met Dave. My eyes grew wide when I saw the long red hair, then even wider when I saw the motorcycle helmet on the floor beside him. It was not long before he invited me out, and (believe it or not!) he asked me to brush his hair. It was then I knew that God had put Dave in my life. We dated for 3 years and then we were married in 1995. My Christian walk has never been perfect. It is a sure testimony that we are not saved by works, but by grace. My marriage has faced many difficulties and I understand evermore the importance of putting Christ at the center. My faith has been tried and tested and has proven this…even though people fail me, Jesus never will! This last year has been one of the most difficult in my life, as I watched my mother die of cancer. God used this painful experience to grow my faith. I realize now more than ever that life is short. My definition of what’s important has changed dramatically. Important things are things that last, things eternal. I want God to use my life to impact eternity! “Not my will, but Yours be done Lord.”

                       Deanna’s Testimony