In God’s perfect story your blank page is already written. Here’s a little lesson God gave me to see His goodness even on cloudy days.
I had insomnia the other night.
All I could see in my vision mind was a blank notebook page. Imagine that. I’d close my eyes. It was there, and I opened it, and it was there.
Was I afraid of a blank page?
Or was God inviting me into a blank page?
This page may look blank to me, but not to God because He has already written my story. As I quiet myself with Him, I begin to see the words and the life He has written for me. And all I can say is, it’s a beauty, because I know how it ends—it’s a ‘she lives happily ever after kind of story.’
So, join me in living God’s perfect story in 2025 that takes to this wonderful ending. As sons and daughters of Jesus, there are no other alternative directors cut endings, and you can rest in the assurance that you belong to the King, to spend eternity in His Kingdom.
This doesn’t mean that we won’t have difficult times. You may be going through that now, have, or will, just as I will. But the blessing is that we have Jesus alongside us on this side of Heaven.
But just to show me this God brought me a lesson in His goodness through cloudy days:
The grey blanket lifted, to my surprise, as I spied the beautiful blue sky. I ran outside for where there is blue sky there is sun. And basked in vitamin D, glory, and prayers.
Deborah Rutherford, Substack Note 12-29-24
After I wrote this, I went out on my neighborhood walking path through our wooded area. I ventured down a trail I hadn’t yet gone down and discovered a beautiful wood bridge (see the photo below) with the blue sky popping and the sun waving, Hi Deborah! It was another glory glory glory hallelujah moment with me and the birds and trees as water rushed down the creek and dribbled into the swamp pools.
This led me into 2025 and the promise that Walking into the new year is a blessing. You see a cloudy gray sky covered for days. But just when I thought this was it, the sky cleared, and the sun came out.
God uses moments like this, His heaven glimpses, to assure us that He is near and loves and cares for us.
Even though it may seem like the sun will never shine, it will, my friend.
Is there any other better way to see life?
Whilst in the undercover, whether it be clouds outside or on our hearts, we can let God’s light spark in His word, a favorite song, book, film, or person.
And when you see a glimpse of blue sky out your window, run to it. Drop everything and go bask in the sun.
May God’s blessings hold your day and night with your eyes fixed on Jesus for
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17 NKJV
May you walk with Jesus in 2025. For surely there you will find every good gift.
What a blessing:
What another blessing for us to be brought together in this lovely space to encourage and walk the days through life in the good, the other, and in between, and to be in friendship.
I hope that in the little places God has given me, I can offer words of encouragement, hope, support, and lament for this sacred, wonderful life we live on this side of heaven.
A Verse to hold on to:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
May our blank pages see His already-written story of the incredible lives He has given us to live. May we live in God’s glory, praising Him for every good gift, and may we come to the One who gives us rest, whose yoke is easy, and whose burden is light.
I think we handle anything 2025 dishes out and beyond when we have our good God right next to us.
God bless, Deborah
WRITING AND READING NEWS:
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my writing with you here and in other publications. Upcoming are Winter writings in Prosetrics where I have two poems “Winter Nap” and “Enchantment” later this month.
This January I am focusing on finishing the writing for my poetry collection, “Where Grace Rains,” will be out in 2025. It is in deep creative development and editing with my lovely friend, mentor, and counselor editor Kimberly Phinney.
More good news is Unexpected Blessings is now becoming a book releasing this March 2025!!! Stay tuned for opportunities to join our launch team and preorder the book. I am so grateful to partner with my lovely writer friends Theresa M. Miller, Susan Davidson, Nichole Suvar and Traci Shnider.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Renew One-Day Live Event for Christian moms!
Part workshop, part online conference walking participants through the process of setting their goal(s) for 2025 and creating a step-by-step plan to achieve them with 10 speakers, each sharing tips for their area of expertise.
This is my affiliate link and thank you to those who have already signed up!
- FOR WRITERS:
Deidre Braley is offering a Nonfiction Book Proposal Cohort. Check out at ?https://thesecondcup.substack.com/p/if-you-want-to-traditionally-publish?
VISIT MY CREATIVE SERVICES PAGE
if you would like to work with me on your book launch, creative development on your projects, book marketing, podcasting, graphic design, and content creation and editing. DEBORAH’S CREATIVE SERVICES
What Author Michele Vrabel of Butterfly Stitches says:
Where do I begin? Deborah took on my book launch as if it were her own. Her enthusiasm and professionalism were above and beyond. She had everything created and scheduled and kept me on task as well. Her communication with both myself and the team kept the launch running like a well oiled machine. I am truly honored that she took me on and plan to utilize her services in the future for my sequel and whatever else the Lord has in mind. You will not find a better cheerleader, friend, sister in Christ and manager.
Michele Vrabel, author of Butterfly Stitches: The Metamorphosis of Healing
- FOR RECIPE FRIENDS:
Many of you have asked for our Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies so here is the recipe!
?Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies.docx?
- FOR POCAST FRIENDS:
BEHOLDER BEAUTY PODCAST: SEASON 3 BEGINS IN MARCH WITH AUTHOR
- FOR READING FRIENDS
VISIT MY AMAZON BOOK STORE: I have read and reviewed each book. There is poetry, fiction, nonfiction, devotionals, Bibles, from children book to adults books. Yes, I love reading all kinds of book.
May your days be full of God’s goodness and love! Much love and God’s blessings to all of you.
From my heart to yours,
Deborah
Join the Behold-Her Beauty Newsletter:
A Table Is Prepared for You.
Together, we delve into the beauty of life. Our God is our redeemer, and it is an ashes-to-beauty kind of story. STAY AWHILE.
I would love to connect more with you on my newsletter and give you my FREE gift – 20 Beauty Tips for the Natural Beauty. This is about embracing our God given beauty. You’ll receive exclusive writing, recent blog posts, book reviews, giveaways, and personal details only delivered to my lovely email tribe. From my heart to yours, Deborah
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER BY PRESSING PRESS HERE.
Don’t forget to visit my Amazon Book Store & Shop PRESS HERE.
Follow Also on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest – Thank you!
Blogger Grid – Bible Gateway Bloghttps://BibleGateway.com/blog/bloggergrid/
Love To Hear Your Thoughts