Compiled by Gary L. Cox

On September 1, 2006, Debra Ann Peeler left her earthly abode and family and entered the Lord’s promised eternal rest.  Through the grace she found at the foot of The Cross, she gave her life for the glory of God in her family and church.

“It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.  Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.” (Eccl. 7:2-3)

Jonathan Edwards wrote the following on the Christian Pilgrim and death, it is very suitable for our reflection…

This world is not our abiding place. Our continuance here is but very short. …If God has given us ample estates, and children, or other pleasant friends, it is with no such design that we should be furnished here, as for a settled abode; but with a design that we should use them for the present, and then leave them in a very little time.

When we are called to any secular business, or charged with the care of a family, if we improve our lives to any other purpose, than as a journey toward heaven, all our labor will be lost. If we spend our lives in the pursuit of a temporal happiness; as riches, or sensual pleasures; credit and esteem from men; delight in our children, and the prospect of seeing them well brought up, and well settled, etc.

All these things will be of little significancy to us. Death will blow up all our hopes, and will put an end to these enjoyments. “The places that have known us, will know us no more:” and “the eye that has seen us, shall see us no more.”

Heaven is that place alone where our highest end, and highest good is to be obtained. God hath made us for himself. “Of him, and through him, and to him are all things.” Therefore, then do we attain to our highest end, when we are brought to God: but that is by being brought to heaven; for that is God’s throne, the place of his special presence. There is but a very imperfect union with God to be had in this world, a very imperfect knowledge of him in the midst of much darkness: a very imperfect conformity to God, mingled with abundance of estrangement. Here we can serve and glorify God, but in a very imperfect manner; our service being mingled with sin, which dishonors God. But when we get to heaven, (if ever that be) we shall be brought to a perfect union with God, and have more clear views of him.

There we shall be fully conformed to God, without any remaining sin: for “we shall see him as he is.” There we shall serve God perfectly; and glorify him in an exalted manner, even to the utmost of the powers and capacity of our nature. Then we shall perfectly give up ourselves to God: our hearts will be pure and holy offerings, presented in a flame of divine love.

God is the highest good of the reasonable creature; and the enjoyment of him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better that the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but the enjoyment of God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops; but God is the ocean.

Deb was the loving helpmeet of her husband, Chris, pastor of the New Covenant Church at Arnold, and the mother of Hope, Joy, Christopher, Charity and Faith.  The Peelers have been a part of WCFS ministry for many years, the oldest three children have graduated, and the twins are still with us. 

My family and I as well as many, many others have been blessed and encouraged by Deb and her joyful pursuit of Jesus.  The funeral was like no other I have attended.   It seemed that God allowed the great pain and sorrow of loss to be a grand stage to resonate praise and glory to His holy name.  The testimonies left nearly all who attended aspiring to be focused more on heaven as we serve Him here on earth with whatever time we have left here. 

“Her children arise up and call her blessed.”  (Proverbs 31:28a)

Because of Mom… we are encouraged to make God our first priority.  Every morning we woke to find her sitting on the couch reading her Bible and praying.  She also loved to sing songs about the character and faithfulness of God.  She found her greatest joy in these things.  Her life evidenced the genuine transforming work of the gospel…

Because of Mom… we have been impacted by an uncommon love.  …She made home a place we loved and in which we felt secure. She made home her priority and passion.  This is her legacy and it will live in us forever.  Though we are heartbroken, we trust in the sovereign hand of God – that same trust that she modeled so well…

“Her husband also, and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31:28b)

…Deb forsook worldly pursuits and self-interest.  She gave herself to seek first the kingdom of God by happily being her husband’s help-mate, by pouring her heart and soul into her children, and by loving and serving her church.  All this she did quietly, behind the scenes.  Deb was a woman with her priorities in order.  …She gladly gave herself to make her husband successful.  And this she did because she confidently believed that doing so was God’s revealed will, according to His Word. …She loved the Word of God. She loved the worship of God.  She esteemed the character of God. She never doubted the goodness of God.  Deb was a woman of faith.

…A final note to those who have been so faithfully praying and standing with us:  Your love and care …have been overwhelming.  We are so thankful.  Our pain is very real and intense.  I find myself looking for my dear Deb.  As irrational as it is, I can hardly stop asking for her help and input.  She was such a helpmate, beyond what any man deserves--especially this one.   Yet, she lives today.  She is not past tense!  In that I find myself so happy for her.  She persevered by the grace of God.  She made it!  Talk about being free from cancer and pain and weariness.  Can you imagine how well she is doing?  Praise be to our faithful Savior.

Memorial contributions can be sent in Deb’s name to the New Covenant Church at Arnold.  Please pray for the family and church in the days ahead, and stop to consider your own life. How about you, are you living with eternity in view?