Joyful Christmas Moment - Audio Bible Online with Donna Shepherd

Joyful Moment: Walking in Faith

In John 6, we read that the disciples had gotten into the boat and started across the sea, and here comes Jesus. Can you imagine? He's walking across water like it's a street of gold - what he's used to walking on, you know.

Jesus gets into the boat and verse 21 says, "Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going."

They are in the boat and then they are at the shore.

I couldn't help but think how confused and amazed those in the boat had to be. They didn't have the hindsight that we do - Jesus would do much more amazing things than that in the future. Rising from the dead comes to mind.

Are you still a bit confused and amazed that Jesus could walk on water? I am! But that's where faith come into being. I have not seen Jesus walk on water with my own eyes, but I believe it happened. I believe that the same Jesus who was present at the creation of water could decide to walk on it - and did. 

How about you? Have you read a familiar passage in the Bible lately and discovered something new or had the Lord speak to you through a verse lately? 

Let's pray: Lord, thank You for your mighty power to create and sustain the heavens and the earth and all that is in it - including me. To think that You are Lord of all, yet Lord of one. I pray for eyes to see what faith has in store. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen. 

Note: The art is generally attributed as Mark Mabry who created it as part of his "Reflections of Christ" project. 

Shoulder Surgery Recovery and Rehab Essentials (Healing Moments)

Recently I underwent a rather extensive surgery on my shoulder that resulted in a protracted and difficult time of rehabilitation. I took that pic in the surgeon's office. I was happy until I found out I had to wear the sling for a few more weeks! 

I’ve learned a lot – from ways you can prepare before your surgery to discovering many items to purchase and ways to make your recovery a bit easier when you get home.

After watching hours and hours of YouTube videos and reading articles by surgeons and patients, my hope and prayer is that I can point you to resources to make your journey back to health more peaceful and less stressful.

I had an injury with two weeks to prepare. I suggest that you get used to using one arm. My dominant arm was operated on, so that made recovery more difficult. 

• Comfytemp Shoulder Ice Pack Rotator Cuff Cold Therapy Wrap: I could just have it placed over my shoulder. You will want to have this when you get home: https://amzn.to/4eLsfgq
• Bathing Wipes: You’ll be able to shower eventually, but until then having wipes really help you feel fresh and more like yourself. https://amzn.to/4eRfm4y
• Transfer Bench or Shower Chair: You’ll need assistance to bathe at first, so having a seat is a tremendous help. Here’s a transfer bench: https://amzn.to/4cqYRKS or chair https://amzn.to/4eUE1Fu
• Grab Bars: Helpful while getting in and out of shower or tub. https://amzn.to/45TTVvs
• TIP: If you are on Medicare, some plans cover the bench, chair, grab bars, and more. Check with your insurance plan.
• Mesh Arm Sling for Shower: Because my dominant arm was operated on, I used a shower sling. I didn’t want to automatically grab for something in the shower. Probably a good idea for either arm. https://amzn.to/3xRlIQP
• Amazon Basics Extra Large Flushable Wipes: Because everything is more difficult. ‘Nuff said. https://amzn.to/3xEC5QK
• Dressing Stick: https://amzn.to/4gHSwxi
• Electric Lift Chair: We already had a recliner, but if you don’t, it’s nice to have an electric one during your recovery. https://amzn.to/4byjRhB
• Adjustable Bed: Sleeping is a huge issue after surgery. https://amzn.to/3Lf788L
• Wedge Pillow: Whether you put it under your knees or behind your back, a wedge pillow will come in handy. https://amzn.to/3zzD5WT
• Toddler Pillows: I found that the small pillows on either side in the bed propped my arm up on either side and helped me sleep on my back slightly more comfortably. They also help in a recliner.
• TIP: Put them UNDER the sheet so they don’t move around on you. https://amzn.to/4cRMHKR
• Travel Pillow: Instead of using a traditional pillow, I put a travel pillow around my neck, one more way I can sleep on my back. https://amzn.to/3zzE3T1
• Dental Picks: Have you ever tried to floss your teeth with one hand? Ummm…no. You can’t. lol! Here you go: https://amzn.to/4eMODWZ
• Sleep Bra: You can wear a bra with a soft, wide strap after a while. https://amzn.to/4byVFvp
• Tank Top: I wore loose tops with big sleeves and wore tank tops with wide straps a lot either under my tops or alone: https://amzn.to/4bym7W7
• Lounge Pants: It’s nice to have something comfy to wear that you can pull up with one hand. Lounge pants fit the bill: https://amzn.to/3WbizVm
• Underwear: Speaking of pulling things up, think ahead and buy panties a little larger than usual and silky so you can pull them up with one hand. https://amzn.to/45TDkIo
• Spray Antiperspirant: One of the small things you don’t think of: https://amzn.to/3Llxnu5
• Empty Pump Bottles: Either buy your essentials with pumps or put your shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and lotion into bottles like these that you can dispense with one hand: https://amzn.to/3VTmm8u
• Squeeze Bottle: These can be used one-handed for things like mouthwash and water to rinse. https://amzn.to/4cV0LDv
• Weighted Utensils: These may seem unnecessary, but if you are having to eat with the ‘wrong’ hand, they come in handy: https://amzn.to/3RXtuQ3
• Silicone Trivets: These are a MUST have to open water bottles, etc. Set one on the counter and push down to open with another one on top. As you’re able to use your operative arm, these really keep you from twisting too much. https://amzn.to/4bxAv0L
• Elastic Shoe Laces: You want to have shoes that you can put on with one hand. If you wear sneakers, put these in and you turn them into slip-ons: https://amzn.to/4cSzAZO
• Owala Water Bottle: I know there are tons of water bottles to buy, but this is my hands-down favorite. It has a built-in straw and for our purposes, a locking lid and a handle. https://amzn.to/4cBiy2H
• Shawl: If you’re having surgery during a cooler season, a shawl’s the ticket. I’ve always worn them and have many, but after this surgery, I really put them to good use. https://amzn.to/3LgGH2y

If I think of any more useful items, I will add them. If you’d like to leave suggestions in the comments, I’m sure others would appreciate it as well. Prayers for your recovery and mine. 

UPDATE: 

As I have made progress with my therapy, I will add useful items. 

• Shoulder Pulleys for Physical Therapy: I tried another set before these and ended up with some hand issues. These are my recommended ones: https://amzn.to/4ejS1b9
• Dumbbell Set: I have some weights, but needed some one-pound ones. I never thought I'd start with such light weights! This set has three different sets with the soft finish making them easier to hold. https://amzn.to/3N2ETLk
• Heating Pad: Since I'm a little further along, I'm able to use heat which is soothing to me. I'm not a fan of ice. Brrr! Here's a nice, big soft pad I found: https://amzn.to/3TMlLVL

Review Moment: Sister Circle Series (6 book series) by Nancy Moser and Vonette Bright

I have sisters of my own, but I also consider my good friends as sisters. That's one reason to love this series. I've read every book and enjoyed the characters, their growth, their questions about life and relationships, their struggles and joys. Evelyn had my heart from the beginning. Each chapter has a scripture, but the spirituality is woven throughout and not the least bit overbearing or preachy. I rarely read books twice, but I may start this series over just for the heartwarming and cozy feeling I get when I visit the ladies. Highly recommended.

Link to purchase: Sister Circle Series

Review Moment: NKJV Premier Collection Bible

I consider myself so blessed to have received this beautiful Bible. The presentation for the NKJV Premier Collection Bible is elegant. It comes in a black embossed box and upon opening, the Bible is swathed in thick black paper with a seal. All of these extra touches make this Bible perfect for gift giving. 

What good would that do without a beautiful Bible inside though? The goatskin leather feels luxurious, yet sturdy. It’s hefty, but not so large that you couldn’t easily carry it with you.

Speaking of large – the text is large enough to read without difficulty and exclusive to Thomas Nelson. 

There are cross references at the end of verses, a concordance, and maps in the back, but I wouldn’t call this a study Bible. This Bible is more for simply digesting the Word. You won’t be distracted by lots of bells and whistles, but be more apt to actually focus on God’s beautiful message. Three satin ribbons will help you keep track of your journey through the Word of God. 

I highly recommend this Bible for its convenient size and large, readable text in the New King James Version. The durable leather and thicker pages means this will be a Bible that will last for years to come.        

To purchase from Faith Gateway, click HERE.   

To purchase from Amazon, click HERE.                      

I received the NKJV Premier Collection Bible for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I am providing an honest and unbiased review. #BibleGatewayPartner

Review Moment - NKJV Thompson® Chain-Reference® Bible

Dr. Frank Charles Thomas initiated the research for the Thompson Study System in 1890. Suffice it to say that you would be hard-pressed to find another Bible that has so many resources packed within the covers and it makes for a hefty book with 8,000 topical listing and 100,000 marginal references. Instructions for using the chain method are in the front of this new and updated version of the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible. 

Each book of the Bible has an extensive introduction and the chains to follow for that book. For instance, the book of Revelation has 2 ½ pages of introduction alone. The New King James Version is my favorite version of the Bible and I like that it is a red-letter edition and was pleasantly surprised to find color maps included in the back. 

Two different color ribbons will help you keep track of your progress as you make your way through the vast number of helps included in this version. If you have need of study materials, look no further. I’m sure you’ll find the answer to almost any question as you take advantage of this particular study of the precious Word of God.  

I received the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible NKJV for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I am providing an honest and unbiased review. #BibleGatewayPartner

Purchase your copy at the Faith Gateway Store: https://faithgateway.com/pages/thompson-chain-reference-bibles

If you prefer Amazon, here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/Thompson-Chain-Reference-Hardcover-Letter-Comfort/dp/0310459400

More information about this version is in the article on the Bible Gateway Blog: https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2023/04/zondervan-releases-the-revised-and-updated-nkjv-thompson-chain-reference-bible/

Gratitude Moment: Unexpected Blessing

My husband and I usually go out to eat after church, but today he wanted to rush right home to watch a game. Since I don't know the first thing about football, I decided to go eat by myself. I drove around a bit before deciding on a place. 

I was almost through my meal when the thought crossed my mind. and I almost said aloud, Lord, wouldn't it be something if someone paid for my meal today? 

Immediately I backtracked. Lord, that was out of the blue. What am I thinking? I must have that backwards. So I looked around the restaurant for someone I could bless. Most of the time, I prefer to be the one who blesses someone else. 

About that time, the manager brought my bill. While I reached in my purse to get my credit card, someone tapped me on my shoulder. A woman I did not know said, "If you don't care, I'd like to buy your dinner." 

My eyes immediately filled with tears. We talked for a couple minutes, I thanked her again and said, "God bless you!" 

Sometimes I think, no - I know, my pride gets in the way of my blessings. The Lord intended to bless me on this day in that restaurant by that person. I'm thankful to Him, and appreciate the woman He spoke to who followed His leading. 

I also know that sometime soon, it will be my turn to bless someone else. 

"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” - Luke 6:38 NKJV  

Review Moment: Make Their Day by Karen Ehman

What a fun book! When life gets so busy you don't have time to come up with ways to show your loved ones how much they mean to you, this book's contents might come to your rescue. Some ideas are simple, while some require more time and money, but there are 101 from which to choose, so you're sure to find a few ways that will work for you. I appreciated the Bible verses and the focus on godly hospitality. During stressful times, it's important to focus and take time to show kindness and love for our family and friends. I'm planning to use the ideas in this book myself. 

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review.

Product details

• ASIN : B08MXYPRM1
• Publisher : Bethany House Publishers (February 2, 2021)
• Publication date : February 2, 2021
• Language : English
• File size : 15311 KB
• Text-to-Speech : Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
• X-Ray : Enabled
• Word Wise : Enabled
• Print length : 142 pages
• Page numbers source ISBN : 076423904X

Poetry Moment: Rain from Heaven

Rain from Heaven

Oh, Lord,
I long to drink of Your healing rain.
My soul lies battered and parched
from the dryness
of an arid earth that drains life
from me.
I raise my face toward You –
my mouth and spirit
open
ready to receive a cleansing,
a restoration,
only You can pour out.

As a sparrow, helpless and hungry
waits for sustenance from her mother,
I wait in expectation
for You to fill me
to overflowing.

I cry out to You
in praise and thanksgiving,
trusting Your faithfulness
to supply my every need,
and know only You
can quench this awful thirst.

My spirit trembles
with awe.

My body quakes
in anticipation.

Then like a spring shower brings life and hope
after winter desolation,
Your blessings cascade
over my thirsty soul.

Warm waters cleanse within,
healing flows into the deep,
and my soul hungrily,
greedily
drinks.

Ahhh…….

by Donna J. Shepherd 

Photo by Geetanjal Khanna on Unsplash

Review Moment: NIV Verse Mapping Bibles and Journal

The NIV Verse Mapping Bible is a Bible with what is referred to as a mapping journey, and is for anyone who wants to dig deeper into Scripture. 

First, select a scripture and note the key words and phrases. Then do what I find most important, read that verse in context and look for the action and write a summary of what you’ve learned. This Bible is formatted with wide columns and lines on every page to make notes. There are 350 verse maps already partially filled out to get you started with the process. 

The Verse Mapping Bible Study Journal (as an additional purchase) has fifty blank ones to continue your journey. I found the Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) word studies especially helpful. 

As a long-time Bible teacher, I’m happy to see a system that helps us study the Word more thoroughly and apply it to our lives. That there is a version for girls (NIV Verse Mapping Bible for Girls) brings me joy. Starting a journey through the Bible early in life will bring many benefits and encouragement to serve God. 

Overall, I like the concept, but willingness and determination and, I daresay, discipline is required for this type of study. If you crave going deeper into God’s Word, this is the study Bible for you. 

Adult Bible: https://www.amazon.com/Verse-Mapping-Bible-Cloth-Comfort/dp/031045459X

Girls Bible: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310454689

Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Verse-Mapping-Bible-Study-Journal/dp/0310124018

Bible Gateway Blogger Grid provided me with complimentary Bibles and journal to review. All opinions are entirely my own. #BibleGatewayPartner

Devotion: Valentine's Day - Say, “I Love You” to Someone Today

“But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:9

February is the month of love. A lot of people think Hallmark thought up Valentine’s Day, but few know how it really originated.

One legend says Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that he fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression still in use today.

Since America has been at war, there is a heightened awareness of the fragility of life. If you haven’t told your spouse, your children, or your loved ones you love them, why not do it today? We don’t know what tomorrow holds or even if there will be a tomorrow and of course the Lord could return at any moment for His Church.

Even if you don’t have a sweetheart, perhaps you can think of someone who could benefit from an expression of love from you. Just think – there may be someone in your life who won’t be hugged or told someone loves him or her if you don’t take the initiative.

What about your church family? What is one of the ways we know we are in the body of Christ? I John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”

Lastly, but most importantly, I want to tell the Savior of my soul, the Maker of my heart and the Creator of love itself that I love Him.

Say, "I love you" to someone today!

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for all those who love me, and for the privilege of loving others. Most of all, I thank You, God, for Your love, mercy, and grace shown through Jesus Christ.

Donna J. Shepherd © 2012 All rights reserved. No portion of this Website may be reproduced by Crossmap or any other website without dated written permission from Donna. - Thanks!

*First posted 2-14-06

Review Moment: The Jesus Bible Artist Edition, NIV, Leathersoft, Multi-color/Teal, Comfort Print Imitation Leather

Do I want a Bible that's pretty or one that full of helpful articles, commentary, and a concordance? Why not a Bible that's all those things? That's what you find with The Jesus Bible Artist Edition.

Jesus is featured prominently from Genesis to Revelation with an introduction to each book that highlights His story. The fact that some of my favorite authors wrote essays for the Bible is a huge benefit. And it's fitting that Randy Alcorn writes "Forever - Made for a Different Place" to summarize Revelation 21-22.

This Bible is a hefty one. The pages aren't thin - which is good for journaling, but makes for smaller print and a thicker Bible. The cover is beautiful and having two ribbon markers is nice.

Overall, I recommend this Bible because the focus on Jesus in the Old Testament is refreshing and educational which makes this Bible one to add to your library whether you're a new convert or mature Christian.

As a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid, I was given a promotional copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. #BibleGatewayPartner

Product details

• Imitation Leather: 2016 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 22, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310454468
• ISBN-13: 978-0310454465
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 2.2 x 9.5 inches

Promotion Moment: Vote for Ava's Secret Tea Party

Cover of the Month Ava’s Secret Tea Party My book has been nominated for Book Cover of the Month on AllAuthor.com. It would be greatly appreciated if you could take a moment to vote. Vote Now »

Thank you for your support, Donna J Shepherd

Moment of Devotion: Indescribable Gift

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! – 1 Corinthians 9:15

For many Christmases, I decorated a tree for every room – even the bathrooms. I had a tree with kitchen items, one with intricate, old-fashioned ornaments, another with all the ornaments my children made, and a teeny tiny tree in the bathroom with miniature ornaments. The trees were of all shapes and sizes and colors, like all white lights or big fat colorful bulbs or fiber optic trees with changing lights.

Of all the trees, my favorite was the one with ornaments my children and I made like felt crafts with school pictures inside or sloppily painted candy canes. Most visitors oohed and complimented the big, gold, fancy tree in the family room, but the most beautiful tree in the house held the handmade ornaments that brought back memories of wonderful times spent with my family.

What part of the holidays is most beautiful to you? The smiles on your children or grandchildren’s faces? The parks with thousands of lights strung for miles on end? The warms glow of Christmas trees with lovingly wrapped gifts underneath? Or it might be a table of food spread for your family to enjoy.

All these things are beautiful, but the most beautiful sight is the Nativity. I have many throughout my house and one in the front yard to remind all who come to my home that the holiday is beautiful because a Savior was born and laid in a not-so-beautiful manger in a smelly stable. Jesus brought grace and salvation to an ugly world. He is the Gift. Let us not forget His love and grace that’s indescribable.

Dear Lord, thank You for the precious and holy gift in the form of a baby that we celebrate this CHRISTmas. In Jesus' sweet and beautiful Name, I pray. Amen. 

Review Moment: Life Application Study Bible - Third Edition; NIV

I remember it clearly. In fifth grade, I asked my history teacher why our class didn’t include the events in the Bible in our World History class. After all, Jesus Christ’s life and teachings affected the entire world – and still do. In the front of the Life Application Study Bible, I finally have a chart that is a Chronology of Bible Events and World Events. As a visual learner, this is invaluable, as are the maps spread throughout the text in both the Old and New Testaments. Many Bibles have color maps in the back, and this one does as well, but I appreciate the attention to detail and that smaller, black and white maps are easily accessible in each book of the Bible.

When I teach a Bible class, I stress the importance of applying the Word of God to your life. This Bible helps you do just that with practical resources like a 365-Day Reading Plan and a Christian Worker’s Resource along with an extensive dictionary and concordance. Practical suggestions help readers to apply the principles in the Bible to everyday life.

I wholeheartedly recommend this Bible as an excellent study Bible whether you’ve been a Christian a long time or a seeker just learning about Jesus.

As a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid, I was given a promotional copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Product details

• Imitation Leather: 2496 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; 3 edition (October 1, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310452821
• ISBN-13: 978-0310452829
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 2.2 x 10.2 inches

Review Moment: Quest Study Bible, NIV

The New International Version (NIV) text is the most widely read modern-English Bible translation, but this one is different. It has 7,000 – yes, you read that right, 7,000 questions and answers concerning some of the common and some of the most perplexing parts of the Bible. I turned to Psalm 23 to get an idea of the questions and answers. There were three - how does God guide us?, how could God’s rod and staff bring comfort?, and why prepare a meal in the presence of enemies? I was sufficiently satisfied with the answers.

I then went to the New Testament and looked up Acts 10:9. The question posed is “Why did Peter go up on the roof?” and has an excellent, succinct answer. With all the other helps - like articles, maps, charts, and timelines, even someone who dreads Bible study could become an avid Bible reader. I recommend this Bible because it encourages study and research - along with other Bibles and study helps, of course.

As a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid, I was given a promotional copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Product Details:

• Hardcover: 1984 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (August 27, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310450810
• ISBN-13: 978-0310450818
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 1.5 x 9.5 inches

Review Moment: NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids, Hardcover By: Zondervan

The NIrV, The Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids had me excited with the word 'illustrated.' I am a visual learner as are many children, so the idea of having a full-size, Genesis-to-Revelation, almost 'grownup' Bible with visual aids will appeal to children from about 4-8 years of age. The single columns make for easy reading, although the font is small for my older eyes, but then again - it's not designed for me.

At first glance, I wasn't sure about the lack of verse numbers, but as a Bible teacher, I always stress reading verses in context, so this layout encourages that practice. I didn't realize until I'd handled the Bible a few times that a two-sided poster comes tucked into the back cover with the Holy Land on one side and a genealogy of Bible characters on the other - an excellent bonus and learning tool.

This won’t be a first Bible, but I would certainly introduce this to children once they are able to handle a special book like this with care.

As a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid, I was given a promotional copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Product details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Hardcover: 1552 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz; Illustrated edition (June 4, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031076579X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310765790
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 1.2 x 5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds