I was 63. My children were grown, our sweet dog had passed away, and for the first time in years I had no one to get ready, no one to get out the door, and no dog waiting to be walked. And I was loving it. I could linger in my pajamas, sipping coffee, with absolutely nowhere I needed to be.

Then one morning, as I sat enjoying another cup, I glanced at the clock. It was 11:00. And a thought crossed my mind: Wow, I have time. Time I could give to God.

So I prayed a simple prayer, inspired by Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God: “Lord, where are You working, and how can I help?”

I had no idea how much that little prayer would change my life.

For the next month I spent time praying, listening, and journaling, using the Immanuel prayer practices from Joyful Journey. As I slowed down, I began to see how difficult it had become for so many of us to simply be still with ourselves, with one another, and especially with God. Our lives were so full of noise, busyness, and distraction that we were losing the ability to slow down, be still, and abide in His presence.

Slowly an idea took shape. What if we created a space where women could slow down, open Scripture, engage their hands in something creative, and make room to encounter God?

In true Donna fashion, I didn’t start small. I started with a three-day women’s retreat.

That was the beginning of Crafted with Purpose, a ministry built around one simple desire: helping women slow down and encounter God through Scripture, creativity, and community.

Today we create sacred spaces through retreats, monthly Gathers, and partnerships with churches, where women can pause the noise, open God’s Word, create with their hands, and experience His presence together. Whether you’re in a season of fullness or emptiness, we invite you to come, be still, and meet Him here.