Deb's Topics in Detail

A WOMAN OF JOY... 
You've Got Mail! You have received a very special letter, and guess what? As you open it, you'll find that every word was written with JOY. Bursting with encouragement, exhortations, and tender words of Truth, Paul's Spirit-inspired letter to the Philippians was penned personally to you too, and serves to kindle the same sweet JOY of Christ in you! Is it possible to be JOY-full every day? 

Do you long to be a (1) Woman of Joy, regardless of your circumstances? Do you struggle to be a (2) Woman of Humility, living in a world that places priority in pride and self-promotion? Do you desire to be a (3) Woman of Confidence, with the assurance that can come only from Christ? And do you wish to be a (4) Woman of Contentment, fulfilled and satisfied in any and every situation? The apostle Paul wrote, "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13. Join me for this close-up study of Philippians, the New Testament "Letter of JOY"! Prepare to be encouraged in your faith walk and blessed beyond measure as you begin to recognize reasons you can rejoice daily. (Hint: we might even break into a JOY-dance!)

Watch this VIDEO, as Deb introduces JOY-  Joy: A Study of Philippians

A Full Retreat-length Bible Study Presentation (up to 4 sessions) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS. Based on portions of the Bible study book, JOY: A Study of Philippians, by Deb Burma (8 sessions), published by CPH.

BE STILL & KNOW: Rest and Refuge in the Storm

How can we “be still and know” in the midst of every storm of life? (1) In Storms of Scurry, (2) In Stormy Circumstances, and (3) In the Storms of Sin, Jesus comes to us. 

Maybe our whirlwind of activities has brought storms of our own making, keeping us from finding time and priority for rest. Perhaps we’ve been showered with stormy circumstances; drenched in a downpour of disappointment, pain, damaged relationships, or loss. And yes, we’ve found ourselves caught up in the storms of sin. They brew and blow, threatening to take us under!

What do we know in the midst of every storm? What can we do when these storms rage? We receive real rest in Jesus’ presence – in His Word. We find refuge in our relationship with Him, the One who provides relief in the midst of our storms or release from them. And we receive ultimate refuge in Christ’s redemption! He rescues and He renews!

We’ll take a close-up look at Psalm 46, and in each session, we’ll also walk in the shoes of a woman from the Gospels who encountered Christ in the midst of her storm and was changed forever. 

Watch this VIDEO, as Deb introduces BE STILL & KNOW 

A Full Retreat-length Bible Study Presentation (3 sessions) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS. Based on portions of the Bible study book, Be Still & Know: A Study of Rest and Refuge, (8 sessions), published by CPH.
 

LEANING ON JESUS - Proverbs 3:5

Where will we lean when we're weak? weary? seeking strength? Who will we turn to when we don't understand? We will struggle when we lean in wrong, worldly directions, or when we think we're standing in our own strength.

Praise God who forgives us in Christ, redeems us, and leads us to lean first and foremost onto Him. From this posture, we’re reminded that while we’re broken people, we find healing as we lean into Jesus’ open arms. We receive His redeeming, restoring touch. 

Let's learn to surrender our situations to our Savior, relinquish our control to His, and rest in His arms. We receive all we need as we Lean on Jesus. 

As we trust Him with all our heart and lean NOT on our understanding.

As He calls us also to lean on one another, in His strength. (So let's also look at the many "one another's" in Scripture and learn to lean well.)

A Full Retreat-length Bible Study Presentation (can be 3+ sessions) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS  Based on portions of the Bible study book, Leaning on Jesus: A Study of God's Strength, (8 sessions), published May 2023 by CPH. 

SIP, SAVOR, AND DRINK DEEPLY: RECEIVE GOD'S OVERFLOWING GIFTS
The idea of a coffee break is enticing, isn’t it? Whether you prefer to sip a strong cup of Joe, slurp a steamy cup of cocoa, or savor an espresso, prepare to take a break from the daily grind for a real pick-me-up! And even if coffee isn’t your beverage of choice, you look forward to downtime, especially if it’s spent with a friend who wants your company. 

Jesus is such a friend. The Lord wants your company. He invites you to meet with Him. You will be filled-to-the-brim as you get away to be grounded in God's Word. Just imagine what He has in store for you as you meet Him with your “cup” – your self – a vessel created and chosen by God, redeemed in Christ, and ready to be filled for His purpose. Sip, savor, and drink deeply from His Word. Receive the outpouring of His grace, His joy, and His peace! “The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound [overflow] in hope.” Romans 15:13

(1) "My Cup" - Stained no longer, we are Cleaned Out. (2) "My Portion & My Cup" - Filled-to-the-brim, we examine our circumstances in light of God's grace in Christ; (3) "My Overflowing Cup!" - We rejoice, learning that our cups truly do overflow in Christ!

A Full Retreat-length Bible Study Presentation (can be 3+ sessions) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS - Based on portions of the Bible study book, Sip, Savor, & Drink Deeply (7 sessions) and companion devotion book by the same title,  both published by CPH.

STEPPING OUT: TO A LIFE ON THE EDGE! 
(Picture stepping out to the edge of a diving board...) Do you have timid tootsies? Are your feet frozen at the far end of the diving board, paralyzed in place? Stuck in your struggles with your past or your pride, your fears or your worries, your anger, insecurity, or more? Some days do you feel like you are taking the clichéd one step forward, two steps back?

Despite our timid tootsies, God has called us to STEP OUT of our struggles and away from our comfort zones to a life lived on the EDGE! How is this possible? And what could life look like w-a-y out there? We will take stock of our struggles. Then we'll view what life might look like beyond the foothold of struggle and w-a-y out there on the edge! Find encouragement in your spring-board to edgy living, rejoicing in the Savior's work in your life. He steps in so you can step out!

A Full Retreat-length Bible Study Presentation (can be 3+ sessions) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS - Based on portions of Christian Living/Bible study book, Stepping Out, (12 chapters/sessions) published by CPH. 

LIVING A CHOCOLATE LIFE: SAVORING GOD'S SWEET GRACE
Chocolate. Sweet. Rich. Satisfying. Can you imagine life without it? But what does it mean to live “a chocolate life”? It means sampling everything from bitter nuggets of pain to sweet morsels of joy, from dark and lumpy to light and smooth. Whatever the shape, flavor, or texture of your days, and however your life is packaged, you can savor the rich and endless supply of God’s grace for you in Christ Jesus! He wraps you in His love and fills you with the sweet filling of faith in your Savior. If you’re craving something sweet or searching for that which truly satisfies, look no further! (1) Savor; (2) Share; (3) Satisfaction … and more! 

A Full Retreat-length Bible Study Presentation (can be 3+ sessions) -  INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS - Based on portions of the Bible Study book, Living a Chocolate Life (8 sessions) and companion devotion book by the same title, both published by CPH.

TREASURED! 
What could be more precious than diamonds? YOU! “The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession.” (Deuteronomy 14:2) We are the precious, treasured possession of our Heavenly Father, who sought us and claimed us as His own in Christ! From coal to diamonds, we are continually being transformed in Christ, reflecting His glory and light to a dark world.  (Includes lots of fun discussion about “Bling” and the 4 "C's" of a diamond for stunning illustration and applicable analogy!) 

A Full Retreat-length Bible Study Presentation (up to 4 sessions) – INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS – Companion Devotion Book published by CPH.

BEAUTIFUL FEET 
Are your feet running in all directions, aching to be put up, or longing to walk alongside others? No matter where you are in your walk, the Lord has equipped you with uniquely Beautiful Feet! (Yes, your feet are beautiful!) Join us as we “lift the lid” off several shoe boxes, examining various styles of shoes and how each represents a portion of our walk with the Lord! What is your “shoe size?” What makes truly Beautiful Feet? And what has the Lord called these Beautiful Feet to do? 

A Full Retreat-length Bible Study Presentation (up to 4 sessions) – INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS -  Companion Devotion Book published by CPH.

EXTRAVAGANT LOVE
Experience God's extravagant love throughout this refreshing women's retreat! "Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children." 1 John 3:1

Praise God for His lavish love in Christ... It's a love that's abundant and sacrificial, abiding and unconditional, enduring and eternal! Receive His love through inspiring messages, rich in God's Word... Respond to God's love as you learn about living out the same love He has lavished on you. (Ephesians 5:1-2) In what extravagant ways can you express and give your love today?

A Full Retreat-length Bible Study Presentation (2-4 sessions) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER (adaptable for Mother/Daughter events too)
Isn't this merely the predictable ending to a feel-good fairy tale? And your life is no fairy tale. Far from make-believe, your true story is, however, filled with adventures, joy, and sorrow, and there is purpose in every paragraph. Though your real life story may not read exactly like a fairy tale, you are royalty, a precious daughter of His Majesty, your Heavenly Father. Your "ever after" that God has prepared for you in Christ, the Prince of Peace, is better and more beautiful than you can even imagine ~ the ultimate happy ending (which isn't really an ending at all)! "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him." ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9 

Chapter One: Your life story, from "once upon a time" to "happily ever after" contain a wealth of characters, a plotline filled with adventure and drama, and ultimately, your Hero!

Chapter Two: From the poisoned apple to the glass slipper, our favorite fairy tales can provide us with powerful allegory, pointing us to God's Word and to our life in Christ. 

Chapter Three: A princess-in-disguise receives a royal crown in the greatest love story ever told! 

A Full Retreat-length Bible Study Presentation (3 sessions) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS (Easily adaptable for Mother/Daughter-themed retreats, as related to Raising Godly Girls - published by CPH.)

FOR THE WRITE REASONS: STORY-TELLING & FAITH-SHARING DEVOTIONAL WRITING

You like to write. You have a gift with words and you realize that God may use them to impact another's life for Christ. What’s holding you back? Are you wondering where to begin? Feeling ill-equipped? We'll engage in some fun writing exercises, explore some essentials of creative writing, and discuss helpful guidelines for effective story-telling, faith-sharing devotional writing. You'll be equipped and encouraged...for the WRITE reasons!

An interactive workshop presentation (1-2 hours) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS.

BUILDING WOMEN’S MINISTRIES THROUGH LIFE-CHANGING RETREATS  

How can you begin, build, or revitalize dynamic women’s ministries in today’s culture? Women’s retreats are engaging, authentic, life-changing ministries that also serve as a catalyst for further outreach and ministry to women. Receive inspiration, tips, and tools from a women’s retreat model that challenges you to invest in relationships, equip leaders, and engage your community for Christ!

An interactive workshop presentation (1-2 hours) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUTS.

ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT: Keynotes or Devotions for Advent or Christmas Events

Advent, a season of waiting and preparation, often becomes a season of hurry and distractions. Set aside your schedule and the flurry of Christmas preparations, and focus your heart and mind on the Reason for the Season: the joy-filled preparation of the coming Christ!  Titles and topics: 

• Distracted or Devoted? – Where’s your heart this Advent Season? A lively look at M&M’s = Mary and Martha (complete with giant green and red M&M’s for illustration…)
• Hurry! – Are you hurrying and scurrying this Holy Season? Or making haste only to the manger?
• Hope, Peace, Joy, Love – Pause to consider the depth of meaning behind the weekly themes of Advent, as we face the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb.
• A Thrill of Hope – From the words of “O Holy Night”…to the thrill of hope in our hearts today!
• Christmas Presents/Presence – Consider the most precious present you’ve received. The Giver has lovingly planned, purchased, prepared…and finally, presented it to you!
• A Cookie-Cutter Christmas – What’s special about each cut-out character and how does it remind us of the Reason we celebrate the Season? Family traditions…
• Cancel Christmas? - When events are cancelled, when there's no mention of the manger amid the glitz and glimmer of the "holiday season," would it seem that Christmas has been (or could be) cancelled? 
• Wonders of His Love! - Oh, the wonders of God's sacrificial, saving love for you and me! Let's look, with renewed wonder, at the birth of Christ...every wondrous event, leading up to and following His miraculous birth.

Each Advent/Christmas keynote or devotion lasts 30-60 minutes, depending upon the venue and length of event. Many include props/visuals.

GIFTED WITH GRATITUDE!

“Give thanks in all circumstances…” 1 Thessalonians 5:18  How can you cultivate anattitude of gratitude in the midst of every circumstance? What kind of influence may your growing gratitude have on the people God is placing in your path? (1) Look for the Bless(ing) in the Mess. (2) Make a Choice to Rejoice! (3) Gaze Upward and Outward: Inspire and Influence. (4) And receive your “Benefits Package” as well! Join us for lively discussion and “gratitude-talk-and-walk” – in leadership and in life!

A keynote or an interactive workshop presentation (1-2 hour session) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUT.

STEPPING OUT: YOUR EVERYDAY WITNESS

You have unique opportunities to step out as a witness for Christ as you step into the lives of the people God is placing in your path every day. How can you live your life missionally? How can you invest your time, build relationships, and identify mission moments as you walk beside others at home, in your neighborhood, at school, at work, and beyond? God is calling us to step out – to a life on the edge – to a courageous place where He leads us to share His grace, demonstrate His love, and hand out hope in Jesus’ name.

A keynote or an interactive workshop presentation (1-2 hour session) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION & PARTICIPANT HANDOUT.

THE POWER OF INFLUENCE (for parents and/or teachers)

As you lead your children or students, consider the power of your influence that’s working to shape them into leaders as they grow physically, socially, intellectually, and spiritually.

• Children often imitate the qualities of their parents and teachers. What can your words and your actions convey, inside and outside the home or classroom, regarding leadership, work ethic, integrity, and more?
• What about the range of other influences upon them, and how can you protect and prepare them for such?
• As you teach your children/students about their true identity in Christ, in what ways can you help them identify their God-given gifts and encourage the development of them? As a result of your godly influence, you are shaping leaders, by God’s grace!

An interactive workshop presentation (1-2 hour session) - INCLUDES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION;  based upon excerpts from Raising Godly Girls, CPH.