Sweet and Sour

I'm honored to be a guest on Lynn Mosher's blog, Heading Home. Please visit and leave a comment if you like on my post titled "Sweet and Sour."

Click HERE to visit.

New! Audio Version:

Please click and vote for the Sibilant Snake.

One of my books for children, Sully's Topsy Tale, is up for an award! Go to this link to vote for him. At the top of the page are some e's. Hover your mouse over those and hopefully, you will give it five e's which will say "you've gotta read it." Thanks!

http://awardsforebooks.com/book-writing-contest/fiction-childrens-picture-books/sullys-topsy-tale/

Dancing with the Stars - Devotionals by Donna (with Audio)

There is a time to cry, and a time to laugh; a time to have sorrow, and a time to dance.

Ecclesiastes 3:4 (New Life Version)

We seem to have a lot of television shows dedicated to the ‘stars.’ Gossip and entertainment shows abound. Everyday people vie for the opportunity to interview, dance with, or touch a famous person. Magazines employ large teams of writers to report on the latest makeup tips, clothing styles, and private lives of the celebrities.

Even in Christian circles, we have a few people who might be considered ‘stars’ – pastors of mega-churches, televangelists, and best selling authors.

Who would you classify as a star in the Bible? Moses? David? Paul? Or how about Eve or Esther? I consider these men and women to be true stars for they reflected the love of God, the Creator of light.

Even the disciples felt the need for the spotlight. They debated who would be the greatest in the Kingdom. We read the account in Luke 9:46-48, “An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great."

In Matthew 23:11, Jesus said, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Servanthood as a prerequisite to greatness? Quite a different slant to ‘stardom,’ isn’t it?

When Paul wrote to the people in Philippi, he said Christians should “shine like stars in the universe (Philippians 2:15 niv).” We are the light of the world, allowing other to see the light of Jesus Christ in us.

In heaven, we will dance in the presence of the One and Only Star, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:16, “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”

In the Psalms, David, a famous dancer himself (2 Samuel 6:14-15), exhorts us to praise God with the timbrel and dance. So, we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to dance with all of our might. You got on your dancing shoes?

Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. – Psalm 150

Prayer: I praise You, Lord, for You are worthy of all praise. I will praise You with all of my might. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

3.11.06; Audio 4.26.11

Jesus Is Alive! Dance Your Shoes Off!

Easter's Passion

Beautiful post by Lynn Mosher on her blog. Click HERE to read. Have a blessed Resurrection Day. - Donna

Topsy Turvy Christmas

Click HERE to read "Topsy Turvy Christmas."
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Joseph's Lullaby - Mercy Me

Grab a tissue first. Then watch this.

Hidden Picture Puzzle for the Kids!

Liz Ball shares a Hidden Picture Puzzle for Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

Click HERE!

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Join Me for the Captivating Women Quarterly

I invite you to join me for the Captivating Women Quarterly Fall 2010 Mini-Conference in Florence, Kentucky on Saturday, November 13, 2010. My two classes are:

Workshop 1 - "Make Every Word Count" - 9:30am - 10:45am

In this workshop, you'll learn how to write pieces that will touch the hearts of your readers, offering hope and encouragement. Donna Shepherd will share how to compose a short piece, study the markets, and the proper way to format your writing for submission to magazines, anthologies, and e-zines. Learn how to say a lot in a few words. Devotional markets, magazines, and e-zines are good places to make first sales, too!

Workshop 3 - "The Seven Planks of Your Platform" - 2:30pm - 3:30pm

As a speaker or writer, it is in your best interest to build your marketing platform as early as possible. Are you wondering - what is a platform? Why do I even need one? And the biggest question of all: How do I start building mine? In this workshop, Donna will share seven tips for establishing yourself as a professional speaker and/or writer and connecting with your audience.

 There are classes for speakers, leaders, believers, and writers along with special singing and general sessions. I hope you'll join me!

Find more information and register: http://www.captivatingwomen.org/ 

No "Minor" Rescue

"For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ" – 2 Corinthians 5:21 nlt

Every Thursday on my Facebook Fan Page, I post a 'Thursday Thanks.' Today I am rejoicing that rescuers saved 33 miners trapped for 69 days one-half mile down into the earth in Chile. The men are being called national heroes.

While I thank God for the miners' safety, I keep thinking about the drilling experts at Center Rock, Inc. who worked day and night to make an escape for those men – and way ahead of schedule, too.

But most of all, I cannot stop thinking about the first rescuer, Manuel Alejandro González Pavez, who got into a 900-pound capsule, not knowing for sure that it would work properly, and descended into that cave. The trapped men never made the choice to be there. Manuel did. A hero indeed.

And I can't help but think of Someone else who descended to earth to save me. Jesus Christ did not descend a half mile, but descended from Heaven, laid down His life on the cross, died and rose again to rescue me from the penalty of sin. The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, "So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 5:21). Sin brought death and condemnation, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God.

The heroic rescue of the miners was broadcast live and watched by millions around the world. Jesus spoke of a day when He will return. He said, "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory" (Mark 13:24-26). John says in the first book of Revelation that every eye shall see Him.

I watched each miner come to the surface to reunite with family and friends. Tears of joy streamed down faces as each one thanked his rescuers. I, too, have been rescued. I can hardly wait to see Jesus face to face to thank Him for saving me!

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your Love and grace and that You view me as worthy to redeem. Thank You that Jesus came to rescue me. I praise you for my salvation!

Greater Harvest Workshops - A Day for Writers - July 17, 2010

Our next Day for Writers is Saturday, July 17, 2010 with an all-new lineup, additional speakers, and a reduced fee. 

If you're in the Cincinnati-Dayton area, mark your calendars. We have classes on writing for children, illustrating for children's books, determining if self-publishing is a viable option for you, how to write a novel, and yes, more! We're very excited about this jam-packed Saturday.

Registration Fee: $29


Have you always wanted to write but haven’t known where to start?
Is it your desire to write articles and devotionals for magazines and books?
Have you written a book, or would like to, but have no idea what step to take next?
Have you started to write, but need to be inspired to keep the momentum going?


Greater Harvest Workshops are designed to move you closer to your goal of becoming a working writer and published author. Taught by authors and speakers, Donna J. Shepherd and Linore Rose Burkard along with our guest presenters, these workshops, along with hands-on training, will motivate you to step up to the next level!

For more information and to register, visit http://www.greaterharvestworkshops.com

Greater Harvest Workshops: Sowing Spiritual Seeds...One Word at a Time 

Alabaster Box

Poodle and Doodle

Poodle and Doodle is now officially released! AND it's on sale at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Click HERE to order.

How Can I Keep From Singing?

Christ of Christmas

Free download of the Christmas story from Luke read by singer/songwriter Matthew West. Tyndale's goal is to reach 1 million total downloads. You can also download a free copy of the Gospel of John in the New Living Translation.

http://www.thechristofchristmas.com/

The Greatest Gift

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23 nlt

When my son, Aaron, was a small tyke, his favorite toys were plastic G I. Joe figures. Every day his little red head could be found poring over his collection. After much deliberation, he picked out two to carry- one in each chubby, little hand.

For Christmas, Aaron asked for a specific G. I. Joe. The problem? Every other three-year old in our area wanted the same one. I despaired as Christmas grew closer, and none could be found.

Finally, I found it. You would have thought I’d discovered a treasure chest full of gold. The salesgirl looked disinterested as I practically jumped up and down by the counter relating how relieved I was to have found it.

I could hardly wait to see Aaron’s blue eyes light up when he opened his special gift. It only took a few seconds for him to rip the colorful paper from the packaging. Of course, the big hug and the enthusiastic “Thank you, Mommy!” made the hunt worthwhile. Then as quickly as he opened it, he moved on to his next gift. He had no idea of the time and effort it took to find what he requested.

During the Christmas season, we hustle about trying to get the right gift for each person on our list. It warms my heart when someone opens a gift from me and exclaims, “You know I need this very thing!”

God looked at mankind thousands of years ago and knew exactly what we needed. In the same way someone exclaims over an earthly gift, God Himself along with the angels in heaven rejoice when we see the need for the Gift He sent- His Son, Jesus. I can imagine my heavenly Father’s delight when someone exclaims, “I need you, Jesus. I accept the gift of salvation.” Luke 15:10- “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

In the days before Christmas, Aaron had asked for the special toy several more times without knowing the gift had already been purchased. Before I accepted Christ, He already paid for my salvation through His death on the cross over two thousand years ago. When I was nine years old, my spiritual eyes opened and I realized Jesus was just what I needed.

Our salvation is not based on what we can do for our God, but what God has already done for us. Christianity is the only religion based on this foundation. When we hunt for that special gift for our loved ones, let’s remember the greatest Gift of all- the salvation Jesus paid for with His death and resurrection. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”- John 3:16. Have you accepted the greatest gift?

Prayer: God, I thank You for the greatest present of all – salvation through Jesus Christ. Help me to remember amidst the busyness of the holiday the true meaning and reason we celebrate – Jesus’ birth. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

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Topsy Turvy Land - On Sale!

ON SALE: 25% OFF Topsy Turvy Land until December 31

Click HERE to order.

Are You Too BUSY to Say Thanks?

Column on The Dabbling Mum. Click here to read Are You Too BUSY to Say Thanks?

Donna J. Shepherd © 2007
All rights reserved.

No portion of this Website may be reproduced by Crossmap or any other website without dated written permission from Donna. - Thanks!
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Mad Anthony Quarterly Writers' Workshop

Donna will be presenting a workshop.

More information at http://www.madanthonycbf.org/Nov%20descrip%20bio.htm

Quarterly Workshop Series Presents:

Writing for the Christian Market - How to write, edit, and sell your writing

8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 14, 2009

8:00 Registration; 8:30 Donna Shepherd: Christian Nonfiction
10:15 Shelley Galloway: Christian Fiction
12:00 Victoria Ryan: The Devil is in the Details: Revising and Editing

Book signing after each presentation.

244 Dayton Street (corner of Dayton and Third Streets)
Hamilton, OH 45011
(513) 856-9800

Street Parking is FREE on Saturdays

Registration: $25 prepaid/ $30 at the door includes 3 workshops and light refreshments *

The Mad Anthony Writers Conference is a volunteer organization raising funds for the YWCA Family Literacy Council serving Butler, northern Hamilton, and western Warren Counties in Ohio.

* Workshops will be cancelled if fewer than 10 participants
More information at http://www.madanthonycbf.org/

A Day for Writers

Join the Yahoo Group to receive updates and talk with other writers!

Click to join greaterharvestworkshops

Greater Harvest Workshops
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Resurrection Lutheran Church
1270 N. Broadway
Lebanon, Ohio, 45036

Registration: $49

New Schedule with 8 New Workshops.
Same Inspiration and Fun!

Have you always wanted to write but haven’t known where to start?
Is it your desire to write articles and devotionals for magazines and books?
Have you written a book, or would like to, but have no idea what step to take next?
Have you started to write, but need to be inspired to keep the momentum going?

Greater Harvest Workshops are designed to move you closer to your goal of becoming a working writer and published author. Taught by Donna Shepherd, an author and speaker, and Mary Busha, a writer's coach, these workshops, along with hands-on training, will motivate you to step up to the next level!
Schedule:

8:30-9:00: Registration/Coffee
9:00-9:30: General Session
9:30-9:45: Break
9:45-10:45: Workshop 1
10:45-11:00: Break
11:00-12:00: Workshop 2
12:00-12:30: Lunch (included with registration)
12:30-12:45: Networking
12:45-1:45: Workshop 3
1:45-2:00: Break
2:00-3:00: Workshop 4
3:00-3:30: Closing Session

Writers can choose one workshop from each session.

9:45-10:45: Workshop 1
Write Devotionals and Get Published - (Donna) In this workshop, learn how to compose a devotional, study the markets, and how to format your devotionals for submission to magazines, anthologies, and books.
Writing and Road Trips – What They Have in Common - (Mary) Writing a book or an article is similar to taking a road trip across town or across the country. Both require planning and decision making. Explore six elements writing and road trips have in common.
11:00-12:00: Workshop 2
Use Your Good Senses. - (Donna) Let's boost creativity by paying attention to sensory details. We'll stir up our senses with hands-on activities and writing exercises and watch creativity come alive as we enjoy the senses God gave us.
Self-publishing – Is it for You? - (Mary) Discover some of the pros and cons of self-publishing, find out why many writers today are taking this route to publication, and begin to determine if this is the best way for you to get into print.

12:45-1:45: Workshop 3
Blogging and Social Networking - (Donna) What is a blog? Do you really need to have a website and a blog? Find out how to determine your best course of action to promote and brand yourself on the Internet.
Keeping Your Writing Alive One Day at a Time - (Mary) Once you’ve begun the writing process, it’s important to keep the momentum going. Find out how you can write something every day…and, in the process, bless others at the same time.
2:00-3:00: Workshop 4
ABC's of Sparkling Writing - (Donna) Who wants to write ho-hum? Donna will share twenty-six ways to liven up your writing.
Marketing Yourself and Your Book Proposal - (Mary) If you’ve found that writing your book is easy compared to the awesome task of marketing your work, this workshop will help you get by the intimidation of trying to get your manuscript into the hands of an agent or publisher.