High-drain-ya ~ Hydrangea

Hydrangea’s in full bloom

Oh a little play on words. It can be quite fun to do that, and I love words, so this reminder as I was editing some hydrangea photos for my website, and was praying for some friends who are going through some rough seasons in life, my mind wandered to the word play of HIGH DRAINAGE. Ewww! I was on to something.

Have you felt mentally tired? Physically exhausted? Sick of being worn out by this and that? Stop and reflect on past times that you have gone through something tough. You got through it. Compare it to other seasons of challenge.

Sometimes it’s a long season, or short, or flies by like lightening. It is a plan – sometimes from the enemy to take you out, as we know his purpose is to kill, steal and destroy life. But God. He tells us in 1 Peter 5:8 to be sober minded. Be aware of what is happening. The enemy prowls around to slip us up and get us to live discouraged, dismayed and disinterested. Flee from that snake by putting on the armor of God, Ephesians 4:10-18 tells us.

Other times, it is God showing us something within our life that may need to change. Or we may have slipped up and messed up somewhere and he wants us to “repent” to learn a lesson. Only a good father would do such discipline with his child. We need that sometimes. The point I want to convey, is take time to pray, talk to God about what is happening. Share your innermost concerns about the situation in hand.

Not to be discouraging, but sometimes he doesn’t answer right away. Other times an answer comes immediately. Learn while you wait. Stay humble. Stay in the Word of God as He teaches you. I know I have been through many a seasons, many much longer and more difficult than others. But it is ok. Because I can look back and see His hand on what he is doing.

He always fights for you. He loves you with an everlasting love. Don’t ever give up. There is hope. Here’s a song from Matt Mahar to remind you to keep alive, breath, dream, Praise the Lord, as he gives you hope for the day.

If you would like a free digital download of a journal page on this topic, head over to my shop, use FREEDL in the coupon box, and it will be a download you can get for your own personal use.

And, here are a few more verses, listed below, to look up; I encourage you to grab a journal, pad of paper, loose leaf paper and put in a folder – just write His word out. Pray as you do it. Ask Him to speak to you in and through His word. It is powerful when you focus on HIM and his word, what he will show you. Remember to be patient and humble as you do it. We can NEVER rush God. the more we demand, the longer he will wait. He’s got the world in his hands. He will take you and care for you, just lean into Him as a beautiful parent.

Psalm 59:17

Psalm 73:26

Philippians 4:12-12

2 Thessalonians 3:3

Psalm 34:17-19

Psalm 29:11

1 Corinthians 6:12

You can get this free download by going to shop, use FREEDL in the coupon box,

Blessings to you today and always, as I pray for you now, reach into his amazing grace and love! Father we love you, and need you. I lift up the person reading this now, that he/she will cling to you, not just today, not just during hard times, but always. May we all become a conduit of Your love, mercy and grace. Do the healing that only you can do in each life that reads this blog. I pray each person will grow in your WORD, and share their faith and testimony with others to be encouraged. In Jesus name, amen !

View more hydrangeas at www.dbpbd.com

God Promises Me…..

God keeps me safe, not matter the chaos in life. I am safe. I am secure.

It is not by my works, but with a willingness to follow Him, I will be obedient.

He keeps me. Alive. Fulfilled. I lack for no good thing.

I will obey God in all I do.

He preserves me.

He has my life in His hands.

God is faithful. He holds me close to his bosom.

I will praise the Lord – with my soul.

I am faithful to God – because he has been faithful to me, before I was in my mothers womb.

I am purified by the Blood of Jesus. Whole. Blameless.

God has set me on secure ground, and on high places. He guards me with his angels, who go before me, keeping me safe.

God delivers me from evil.

Psalm 23

To this, I sing Praises to the King.

I say Yes and Amen to his promises.

Yes and Amen is what God says when I lean into HIS word and trust Him with all of me.

In these times of restlessness and evil bouts of hatred across the world. Sickness threatens our being by the organizations that may have an agenda.

But we stand secure. With God. We stand. No fear. Only live in Hope and Faith. We stand on His Word. We praise him in the storms of life. We pray without ceasing. We love God. We trust Him. We lean on him, and ask his wisdom for what to do. We love, even when it’s hard.

God, you know all things. We trust fully in your plan. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. We, your people have the land. It belongs to us, because you said you’d take it from the wicked and give to the righteous. We / I am your righteous child. I am yours. Imperfect, but holy, because of the blood of Jesus that lives in me.

I love you Jesus. I will lay my head down to sleep tonite, and rest in your arms, keeping me safe all the days of my life. You plan my moments. You are mine and I am yours. Praise Your holy name. I say this, trusting you bring me through like a shining star. Amen.

Verse mapping and diagraming scripture!

About me…..

DL (Donna), Author, Mom, coffee girl, Child of the Most High God, Life Coach, Photographer, Artist, blogger and traveler.

I’m a Life Coach, author, artist, photographer, and mixed media journalist, a Jesus girl that does her best to encourage others to rise up and live life to the fullest. I love God’s word, becauseHe’s perfecting me day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute.

Days can be hard, and fun, all at the same time. It’s finding the balance that peace reigns. Hope shines so God gets the glory.

Welcome to DL Designs

Photos By Design, is my photography and artwork, which is displayed in this blog and my PBD website. http://www.dbpbd.com and my art store

Oiled by Design, is Young Living products, which I sell, and absolutely believe have changed my life for the good http://www.youngliving.org/rudd717

Vida Designs are artwork of mine, (and other artists) created onto clothing and household items. https://shopvida.com/collections/donna-rudd

Trusting God

 Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

The peaceful feeling of a summer day.

I have waited on the Lord. Gone thru each emotion and struggle. Trying to learn along the way, yes, frustration has hit my mind hard. Discouragement seemed to be my friend. 

Yet, God. He knows, He is. He planned my life out. I will not waiver. 

He knows my name. He sees my pain. 

Nothing I have gone through remotely comes close to the suffering of Jesus and why he died for mankind. 

Perspective. 

Favor. Faith. Trusting God. New levels of believing I am who he says I am. 

No more doubts. Only belief. 

I will wait. I will believe. He made my life, for such a time as this. 

His plan is amazing and beyond my wildest imagination will he bring me into the fruition of His purpose. 

He will reveal each step, a moment at a time. (For if I knew the whole picture, I would be overwhelmed at his goodness, and probably had been more afraid of the sad and inevitable pains that happened along the my life’s path).  

What’s a girl to do? Stay in clear communication with my Poppa. The Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf. I want the intimacy only He can bring, no earthly person could even come close to the deep relationship I have and desire from my Heavenly Father. I will stay in step with Him, not go ahead, nor lag behind. 

I am resting in the Word of God that assures me, I have a blessed life, I am victorious, I am a friend of God’s. He has wonderful plans that will exceed abundantly, more than I can ever imagine! (and I have a pretty good imagination!).

Psalm 27:11-14 (CEV)

• 

  Relax. Trust God. In all things. Believe Him.

¹¹ Teach me to follow, Lord,
and lead me on the right path
    because of my enemies.
¹² Don’t let them do to me
    what they want.
People tell lies about me
    and make terrible threats,
¹³     but I know I will live
    to see how kind you are.

¹⁴ Trust the Lord!
Be brave and strong
    and trust the LorD

Psalm 25:1-3 (CEV)A Prayer for Guidance and Help

25 I offer you my heart, Lord God,
²     and I trust you.
    Don’t make me ashamed
    or let enemies defeat me.
³ Don’t disappoint any
    of your worshipers,
    but disappoint all
    deceitful liars.

Psalm 40 (CEV)(A psalm by David for the music leader.) A Prayer for Help

I patiently waited, Lord,
    for you to hear my prayer.
You listened ² and pulled me
from a lonely pit
    full of mud and mire.
You let me stand on a rock
    with my feet firm,
³ and you gave me a new song,
    a song of praise to you.
Many will see this,
and they will honor
    and trust
    you, the Lord God.

⁴ You bless all of those
    who trust you, Lord,
    and refuse to worship idols
    or follow false gods.
⁵ You, Lord God, have done
    many wonderful things,
and you have planned
    marvelous things for us.
    No one is like you!
I would never be able to tell
    all you have done.

⁶ Sacrifices and offerings
    are not what please you;
    gifts and payment for sin
    are not what you demand.
But you made me willing
    to listen and obey.
⁷ And so, I said, “I am here
    to do what is written
    about me in the book,
    where it says,
⁸ ’I enjoy pleasing you.
    Your Law is in my heart.’”

⁹ When your people worshiped,
you know I told them,
    “Our Lord always helps!”
¹⁰ When all your people met,
    I did not keep silent.
I said, “Our Lord is kind.
    He is faithful and caring,
    and he saves us.”

¹¹ You, Lord, never fail
    to have pity on me;
    your love and faithfulness
    always keep me secure.

¹² I have more troubles
    than I can count.
My sins are all around me,
    and I can’t find my way.

My sins outnumber
the hairs on my head,
    and I feel weak.
¹³ Please show that you care
and come to my rescue.
    Hurry and help me!

¹⁴ Disappoint and confuse
    all who want me dead;
    turn away and disgrace
    all who want to hurt me.
¹⁵ Embarrass and shame
all of those who say,
    “Just look at you now!”

¹⁶ Our Lord, let your worshipers
    rejoice and be glad.
They love you for saving them,
so let them always say,
    “The Lord is wonderful!”

¹⁷ I am poor and needy,
but, Lord God,
    you care about me,
and you come to my rescue.
    Please hurry and help.

Ps 62:1 Only God can save me,
    and I calmly wait for^[a] him.
² God alone is the mighty rock^[b]
    that keeps me safe
    and the fortress
    where I am secure.

Ps 106 :1 We will celebrate
    and praise you, Lord!
    You are good to us,
    and your love never fails.
² No one can praise you enough
    for all of the mighty things
    you have done.
³ You bless those people
who are honest and fair
    in everything they do.

  Psalm 119:4   your worshipers will see me, and they will be glad that I trust your word.

Is 64:4 You are the only God ever seen or heard of who works miracles
                     for his followers.⁵ You help all who gladly obey
                             and do what you want,

2 Corinthians 5:17 Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. 

The past is forgotten, and everything is new!

Galatians – Choose life with Christ

Green trees, blue skies and water…. #relax #enjoy #appreciatelife

Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. SO! The amazing and wonderful gift is that we have LIFE. We have confidence in who we are when we accept Jesus as Savior … and BELIEVE it.

Do you believe you are all that God says you are?

Well, you are! Head up, shoulders back, and live a confident life. Period. Do we all mess up, say something we shouldn’t, act rash and curt at times… of course we all do! The secret is – be able to check yourself and fix that “thing” you did by apologizing to the person and to God.

We do better when we keep ourself in order. NO one will ever be perfect. Even Jesus said no one can be perfect… only God is perfect. Ah-mazing !

This week, join me by reading Galatians. It is only six chapters, that are short, and very easy to read and follow along. Just do it. Get that bible on your table, and while you drink your morning coffee… read it. Journal your thoughts and what resonates with you in this season of life. Then make changes!

Okay, go.. do it… now! :))

Here’s a link – I’ll make it super easy, read the chapter on your phone, have fun. Enjoy and let God do something new in you! BLUELETTERBIBLE

Let’s talk about Love ….

I was traveling with the radio on and day. (Music is definitely one of my love languages – which is where my heart led me as I listened with a different set of ears to a new meaning of this song). Foreigner began singing “I’ve gotta take a little time, time to think things over“. (open link after reading blog; think about the song in reflection of what I’ve mentioned. I’d LOVE to hear your response! (side note: 93Million+ views of this song -crazy)!

As many times as I have listened to this song, that day I heard it as if the Holy Spirit was talking to me. Line by line in this song. My heart began to sing. Then resonated through my voice, in the car (alone – thankfully! :-)).

Sweet bird, taking time to stop. ©Photos By Design 2020

The idea that Foreigner sang the song, reminded me that we are indeed, foreigners in this land/on this earth. This is NOT our destination. Romans 12 tells us that we aren’t to be conformed to this world but to renew our mind to what God tells us on how to live. Like the sweet bird perched on the porch, relaxed, only for a moment, I imagine she was ready to recalculate what her next flight might be.

We too can pause. Reflect. Change. Recalculate our life. What does love mean? Who is God, and what is he doing in me right now?

This world, it is not our destination. It’s temporary. In the midst of a cray cray whirlwind of hostility, new virus, shut downs, loss of jobs, people in hospitals alone, funerals wrapped up tighter than a drum- that we can’t say our final farewell to the people we care about, and SO much more. I am GLAD this world is not the only thing to live for.

Does that twist your emotions? Put a zing in your brain?

Think about it. We are not guaranteed a long life. My husband was 37 when he suddenly died. I know many who died in their 50’s. Our destination needs some planning. some thought. Is heaven yours? It could be. Keep reading.

Getting back to the song. Thinking things over. He says I better think things over. Read between the lines.

I say …..no! Read the Scriptures (I’ll attach links to some appropriate scriptures in this story). When we read the Bible we have so so so soooooo much that God tells us. ALL things pertaining to the crazy world – and God offers instruction for ALL OF IT.

“This mountain, I must climb“. (maybe this reminds you of The Sound of Music – climb every mountain… ?? Okay.. getting back on track! lol. But God says, lay down in green pastures. Even though we do have mountain tops to climb, we know that the valley is just over that difficult time. Rest. It’s imperative .

“It feels like the world is on my shoulders“. Phew. How many times have I carried that weight. But no more. I learned years ago… I can’t fix all things. You can’t either. We can do our best to help, guide, teach and share. Then we pray. Let God and the Holy Spirit do the WORK and carry whatever weight you bear. Let it go. Let God do the hard thing.

Love shines. Yes it does. Don’t you feel so much better, brighter and valued when people you love are around? God’s the same. Even better! His love never fails. “I want you to show me”. Oh, listening to this lyric, I changed it to: LORD, I WANT YOU TO SHOW ME. Show me YOUR Love Lord. The perfect love that casts out fear, pain, hurt and negative doubt.

Oh, there is nothing that can hide God’s love from us. Allow him to show you HIS pure amazing wonderful love. It gets rid of all things unhappy. ALL THINGS. Simply TRUST and BELIEVE!

We all want to know what love is. God is the only way. He is true and never leaves us. Even to those who seem to be unlovable… he loves them WAY BIG !!!

“I’ve traveled so far to change this lonely life“…. do you ever feel that way? Oh, each verse in this song is like the Bible – precept upon precept… line upon line. Filled with HOPE that God gives. Truth. Light. Freedom. Say YES YES YES!!!!

“I want to know what Love is… I want YOU Lord to show me. It may take a little time.. but there’s nowhere left to hide. Love has finally found me“.

If you are reading this today, please know, God loves you so much. He searches for you, and patiently waits for you to run to HIM. Offer your life to him. Ask him to live in you. Ask him to forgive you for running from him. Accept Jesus if you have not yet, as your Savior. Oh, how he loves you so. there is SUCH freedom in Jesus.

As we just celebrated the wonder of Easter, it’s a beautiful way to end the month with this Foreigner song, on wanting to know true love. TRUE LOVE. God – he is our Maker. He knows you. He wants you in eternity – Heaven – oh, it’s gonna be so beautiful to live there one day. It can be your destination too.

I’m confident, I will see you on the other side one day. Rejoice. And thank you, Foreigner, for singing this song. Reminding me of God’s faithful and pure love.

I’m attaching a list of scriptures you can journal, write out in a notebook, as you walk this journey of LOVE.

Enjoy this Journal page…. let me know how this has blessed your life by leaving a comment!

I want to know what Love IS… Scripture journaling

Resurrection – are you ready?

Jesus. No other name above His. He is Alpha and Omega. Beginning and the end.

Jesus is the REASON we have eternal life. #sacrifice #thecross #deathtolife #resurrectionpower

www.dbpbd.com

His love is amazing. The ultimate – no one bigger, badder nor better than Jesus. HE is the reason, HE is the way to the TRUTH, the LIGHT, and our salvation. Eternity is real. You either choose heaven or hell. No in between. No limbo. No earth. No grave holds us down when we live in Him. Jesus is crazy in love with you. Not crazy like the world is. Crazy in LOVE with YOU. He loves you with an everlastinggggggggggg love. I emphasis that love. LOVE. Truth. I emphatically share that JESUS is Lord. Our guarantee that HIS love for YOU is real. Trust him with all you are – no doubt, no fear, nothing can change his love for you. There is not one thing that change his love for you.

In Luke 23, he shares the account of Jesus as he walked the road to the cross. Knowing he’d be crucified, he continued to communicate with the Father. (God). What a pure relationship. He said, Your will be done, Father. I will DO what you instructed me to do. I will GO where you send me.

Have you ever thought or asked that of yourself – asking God: what do you want me to do – today? In this very moment? Have that hard conversation. … then pray to Him, asking him with honest intentions!! He will answer and guide you.

If Jesus asked the Father, and then replied, I commit myself to You, then so shall we…. right?

He is our Mighty Fortress.

I share this with you, to encourage you to never give up; Never think you are too far gone to make a comeback. You will! God’s got you through his amazing and willing SON. Jesus is with you, my friend. Stay with Him. Seek refuge in the ONE true place that will heal you.

Resurrection in your own life is real. It is for this time and place. (it might not happen in an instant, it may take a week, or month, just do not let go of His promises). Abundant life.

I am praising God with you right now. Let’s celebrate His goodness as changes for His good are made in us!!!

Book review of Facing the Dawn, by Cynthia Ruchti

I enjoyed this book, it is like living real life, the drama, the reality, the good, the struggle — BUT God. I am so happy to read an author’s book that relates real bible comfort. References to God – “emotional – loss, faith, hope and redemption” is how Debbie Macomber put it. (and we love our Debbie Mancomber!!!); I enjoy books that as I read it, I feel like I am in the book/storyline. It’s better than TV – which can be numbing; My imagination takes me to the place – and relating to my own story! #greatread #easy #real #enjoyable

The book tells the story of a couple helping people in the world. Real missionaries. The heart of people and pains we walk through.

BOOK REVIEW: Miriam’s Song, by Jill Eileen Smith

I enjoy the creating of a story from a story. Something real and making it relatable in a novel. As I am still reading the book, I am digging into the real Biblical story of Miriam. As long as it doesn’t become sacrilegious to compare the two stories, I find it to be delightful, and a good wholesome option as I choose what books to read.

I will definitely be following Jill Smith in her future books. Looking forward to more from her in the future!

Book review of A dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

This book based in the early 1900s and in the Boston. On a quest to Ireland,  by a promise made, Maura journeys to Ballymun to teach.   

As the story line reads, the tension of living in another country offers insecurities and some isolation, as I would imagine, especially during the early 1900s.

Like a feeling of being a fish out of the water.  
As Jennifer writes, I can feel and hear the sounds, voices and countryside; She took me there. 

I felt a part of the story – which is what I do LOVE about Jennifer’s writing. 

An easy read. Sweet. With light tension through the book. 

I would recommend any books that Jennifer Deibel writes. She is a pure joy!  

How will God get the glory through the pain?

Romans 8 reminds us we will suffer in life. We will go through periods when we groan, cry out, wonder what happened, and ask how catastrophic situations happen to Godly people.

The valleys in life can be dry. Barren. Elongated. We wonder, when will this problem or issue stop? When will the breakthrough happen?

The difficult experiences of life give us strength, if we allow God to shine HIS glory through it all. Each person has their own story, which helps us relate to others when the path of pain enters their life. We can help by praying for those who go through similar struggles we have endured and conquered. We encourage them, lift them up so they continue to hope while they wade through their personal situation. We persevere so to be an example of His strength in us, which shows His glory through our lives.

I’ve surely been there enough times, I should be a pro by now!

The death of my wonderful grandparents left huge voids in my life, they were like parents to me. Thirty years later, I still miss them so much, but appreciate the love and memories I have. God gave them to me as a special gift, which I will treasure forever.

My spiritual mom had a heart attack and died at 57 years old. She led me to the Lord. She loved me unconditionally and showed me how Jesus lives in us. She was a prayer warrior. A mighty woman. I didn’t know how I could continue to grow as a young adult, learning about life, parenting, and marriage without her wisdom.

My husband and I buried two stillborn babies. Surreal as it was, we had to have a casket and a plot for two children, this could put any parent in a crazy suit.

But God.

My willingness to be honest with God, as I’d respond in deep cries of pain that hurt from within my heart. Expressing to him how much I did NOT understand what and why these people in my life had died so young. Yet, I trust YOU, are my LORD. You are my God. You know. I don’t. I can only see a portion of what lies ahead. Help me grasp what you are teaching me in and through these losses.

I still had joy, love, and clarity of mind. Peace was mine, even though nothing felt peaceful. When life was a whirlwind, I always walked in faith. When my faith was small, God showed himself Big. Living in meekness is the best way to become strong live with a good temperance.

How? Do.I.Do.This? you ask.

The flesh cannot fulfill faith. We must have the Holy Spirit living within our mind and heart. The plans of the Holy Spirit, which benefit eternal life. It helps remind us to yield to Him, for strength, especially when we are weak. (1Corinthians 6:19.

We have to daily die to self to cooperate with Him. In time we see the reason and the plan which is always beneficial, and often helps others strengthen their walk with God, or come to Him for salvation.

Oh God, He is SO so good. He shows us his promises and gives us such patience, which we need to learn, ESPECIALLY when we walk through the darkest of valleys!

When our second baby died, I shook my head. I did not understand what God was doing, or allowing. I will be honest and say I told him it upset me when this happened……again.

Some years after we buried our little Mark, God had been doing a work within my husband, who was seeking God, asking many questions over the fifteen years we were married. God was opening his heart and mind towards Him, while he was watching me stay in faith as I fully trusted in Jesus, through the hardest times imaginable. During these times, my husband came to accept Jesus as his Savior, at thirty-eight years old.

Through the times we faced the death of our loved ones, and other factors throughout life, (jobs loss, surgeries etc.), I knew that God would get us through it all. He would guide us as a family. Yes, tears and sadness came in floods sometimes, but at the end of the day, the tears and heartache were captured in His arms. He had it all taken care of. Hope was always mine. My husband silently watched. Somehow, even though he never mentioned it, God was doing such a deep work in him. Once my husband surrendered his life to Christ, two weeks later a car accident took his life. Was this a triple whammy? I had buried two babies then my husband. Some would say so. But I knew that God was doing something profound. He did it in my husband, as he watched my faith grow throughout our marriage and all the many struggles we had. My husband came to know faith was real. He knew Jesus was Savior.

Joy, Mercy, Goodness and Peace are yours, no matter what the circumstances are!

Even the blue bird sings when it’s cold out….

Beauty….

He sure does give BEAUTY FOR ASHES! Joy for strength…

Healing was his. Healing was mine. Healing is yours too. It is through the suffering we must trust God to do a cleansing. A real work. Purifying us from within. We are justified in Christ. We are redeemed. God calls us from the depths of despair. My husband conformed to His calling, as did I.

To live as Christ is gain. Will you live redeemed? Or live in despair? The choice is yours. With small faith, you too can rise up and be filled with His hope and know that eternity in heaven will be your prize. Never give up hope. Read Romans 8, it’s a wonderful assurance of God’s glory and hope. God is alive, he is doing a work in you, my friend. Let him fill you up, even when it seems hard.

If you would like to read more about the goodness of God, and how you can be encouraged in HOPE, purchase your copy of Forever Hope here. I am also available to speak at your church, in person, or on Zoom for your group, so that others can see the GLORY OF God right here on earth…. now! Simply send a message to donna.foreverhope@gmail.com

To view and purchase more photographs by Donna at Photos By Design, click here.

BOOK REVIEW: All that we carry, by Erin Bartels

Ah!!! I so enjoy the writing of Erin Bartels! She’s a midwest girl like me.
Her book “All that we carried” is a novel tells a story that is relatable, easy to follow, yet enticing enough to want more with each page read!
Life is “treacherous” at times… how we handle each situation is a story.
I enjoy relating my life to the story line of any book I read. Which I found this one to be on core to my style of what I enjoy …..
Can’t wait for more from Erin! Great job girl!

The characters are real to life, especially if you are a midwesterner… with some drama, but hope in the midst of the story line… much like life.

I will continue to read more from Erin, cuz I am biased to the midwest, and she brings HOPE that comes from God into her stories.

Hope seems to be my word for the past year, after writing FOREVER HOPE.

Ya’ll – God is real. Hold onto him, and grab a copy of All that we carry, here