Prayer Request

It's not coincidental that I posted the devotional, Each Moment I Live. The same day, we received a call that my nephew has been in an accident, and was taken to the nearest hospital with the facilities to address his injuries. He's a married father of two young children, and a strong Christian. Please pray. I'll update when I know more. Thank you. - Donna

Update! Click 'comments.'

Seven Sevens Meme

Carmen Rockett tagged me for the Seven Sevens Meme.

Seven Things to Do Before I Die.
1. See my children marry their true loves, live for the Lord, and hopefully have children.
2. Publish a book of devotionals.
3. Publish a book of children’s poetry.
4. Take art classes.
5. Organize my house – I think I can get more on my list done if I’m not dragged down with disorganization.
6. Develop my speaking and singing ministry.
7. Walk and eat right so I can be healthy enough to do all these things before I die.

Seven Things I Cannot Do
1. Nothing – I’m always doing something.
2. Quit piling. (I heard that pilers are smart. Ha!)
3. Eat too many sweets.
4. Go a day without singing.
5. Go a day without writing.
6. Get caught up on my to-do list.
7. Find anything in my closet. (See #5 above. I’ve got to get a system.)

Seven Things that I Admire in my husband or wife (or for singles, dad or mom).
1. His thoughtfulness.
2. His faithfulness to God.
3. His tenacity.
4. His work ethic.
5. His energy! (Anyone ever see him at ease?)
6. His love for the Word.
7. His love for the Church.

Seven Things I Say Most Often
1. I love you.
2. Ouch! (when Sadie, our Labradoodle runs over me.)
3. Well, that’s gonna leave a bruise. (follows #2 statement)
4. Are you kidding me?
5. Be careful. (every time someone leaves, usually followed by #1)
6. Ya think?
7. If I say I will, I will.

Seven Books (or series) I Love (right now)
1. The Bible
2. The Boundaries Series
3. The Church Ladies
4. Any book of Shel Silverstein poetry
5. Any Calvin and Hobbes books
6. Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God
7. Landon Snow and the Auctor’s Riddle

Seven Movies I Would Watch Over and Over Again
1. Hope Floats
2. Tootsie
3. 9 to 5
4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
5. The Preacher’s Wife
6. The Family Man
7. Remember the Titans

Seven People I Want to Join In, Too:
1. Just As I Am
2. The Upward Call
3. Hill Country Thoughts
4. Between Sundays
5. Windows to My Soul
6. Walking Circumspectly
7. You!
(Just copy and paste the questions and replace my answers with yours. Have fun!)

CHRISTmas and Cartwheels

Hi, everyone! My December column for the Dabbling Mum is up. It's called CHRISTmas and Cartwheels.

EXCERPT: "Mom, are you dizzy from trying to keep up with the busyness of the CHRISTmas season? Dads, do you feel like Bart Conner on the balance beam, juggling work, family, and church obligations?

As little girls, my sister and I used to....."

Read more by clicking here!

Donna J. Shepherd © 2005 All rights reserved.
No portion of this Website may be reproduced without permission.
For more information, contact Donna.

Interview in Sisters in the Lord Magazine

It was my honor to be interviewed by Wendy Lynn Decker for Sisters in the Lord Magazine. If you'd like to read the interview, click here.

Chizzy's Topsy Tale by Donna J. Shepherd

Click HERE for an announcement on the Topsy Turvy Land site!

Thanksgiving - A Day in the Life of "The Cook"

Click here to read Thanksgiving - A Day in the Life of "The Cook" published by Penwomanship.

Donna J. Shepherd © 2005 All rights reserved. No portion of this Website may be reproduced without permission. For more information, contact Donna.

Devotional Columns

Click here to read a new column for BUSY Parents on The Dabbling Mum called Give Thanks for Sweet P's.

I also have a column up on NABBW simply called Giving Thanks. Click here.

My column on Crossmap.com called Smelly Saints is now one of the All Time Most Popular! Thank you for reading it or click here if you haven't yet. Think it's that catchy name?

Donna J. Shepherd © 2005 All rights reserved.
No portion of this Website may be reproduced without permission.
For more information, contact Donna.

New eBook Released!

The Lonely Lightning Bug
by Donna J. Shepherd

A Littlest Angel Children's Book

Order information: Click here!






Illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier
Cover by Kevin Scott Collier and Andy Cooke
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
16 pages
ISBN: 1-933090-30-8
Formats and prices:
Zipped electronic download 6.00
CD 9.95 + 5.95 S&H

PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS BOOK GO TO: StarShine Hospice, the Hospice of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Frosted Flakes

When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was.
Exodus 16:14-15 niv

I awoke early this morning. When I opened my back door to let the dogs out, I saw my geraniums drooping, their leaves folded up as if trying to shield themselves from the cold. The top of the glass top table looked opaque instead of clear, etched instead of smooth. Tiny crystals of frost formed a thin covering of icy feathers, each sparkling in the morning light.

Can you imagine how the children of Israel felt that first morning when they threw back the flaps of their tents, and saw manna covering the ground? The word ‘manna’ means, “What is it?” In Exodus 16:31, the Bible says, “It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.”

The ‘bread from heaven’ represented God’s daily provision. He rained manna down from Heaven – evidence of His presence and provision, but they were only permitted to gather one day’s worth, and two day’s worth the night before the Sabbath. Wouldn’t that be a test of your faith in God?

How many times have you talked to someone who said, “I know the Lord is going to give me a better job,” then in the course of the conversation, you find out this person is not filling out applications, has not typed up his resume, or tried to educate himself. Or how about the person who wants to minister? Has she been studying the Word of God, praying, and preparing for the ministry?

God could have caused the manna to appear in the tents. Or He could have even caused the people to be supernaturally nourished. But He didn’t. Every day they picked their food up from the ground. The manna came directly from the hand of God, but they had to use their hands to gather it.

Do you know your purpose? How are you preparing to minister when called upon? When it’s time to witness of Jesus, are you at a loss because you don’t know what to say? Just as the manna did not jump into the Israelite’s hands, the knowledge of the Word of God will not jump into your brain. You must ‘gather’ and digest it.

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

The Israelites ate manna that sustained life for forty years. Jesus is the ‘bread of God’ Who gives us eternal life. The next time you see a blanket of frost, think of manna, God’s provision, and ask yourself, “Am I doing all I can to ‘gather’ souls for the kingdom of God?”

Prayer: Lord, I pray I remain faithful to Your purpose for my life. Help me to trust You daily to provide for me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Comfort Cafe

Visit the Comfort Cafe to read "The Peace of God."

Comfort Cafe

Donna J. Shepherd © 2005 All rights reserved.
No portion of this Website may be reproduced without permission.
For more information, contact Donna.

A New Path

Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. – Jude 1:3 NIV

We had a guest minister at church the other night. He told us how sure he was he'd picked the right path to his chosen profession.

But sometimes God has other plans. This man had a congenital birth defect. The Lord not only healed him, but also called him to preach. He said God set him on ‘a new path I didn’t know was there.’

When he made that statement, it reminded me of one of the original Nintendo games. My favorite part of the game entailed finding a secret path or a hidden door. I could play that game for hours – becoming the best player my son knew and sort of a hero when I beat the game. One day he brought his friends to our house after school. It seems he’d bragged his mother could beat the dragon. They came to get the proof.

I became far too obsessed with the game. No matter how I try to justify all the time wasted on the game, I cannot make an excuse for most of it. Oh, it was fun, and relaxing. My son and I had something in common. But when it was all said and done, what did I have to show for it? A son begging for the next version.

At times, I feel I’ve traded one obsession for another – writing. I scribble notes all over the place. I jot down ideas. I visit sites with tips for writers. I pray daily asking the Lord to anoint my writing, and that this endeavor won’t be a waste of time. God has been gracious. I’ve received many notes of encouragement, and I do feel the Lord is blessing. I’m on a ‘new path.’

And are there dragons to slay? Yes! I believe the Lord can use our words to banish discouragement and slay doubt.

When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he advised them, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Let us heed this advice by speaking and writing words of faith and healing, words which edify and build up. May our words meet needs and benefit others.

I bought a new computer game recently, but I haven’t gotten carried away this time. I have poems and articles to write, devotionals to share, and blogs to post to!

Prayer: I praise you, Lord, for your goodness and mercy. Help me, O God, to be a vessel of honor building up and a blessing to those whose lives I touch. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

I'd like to announce the launch of a new association for women founded by Dotsie Bregel called the NABBW - the National Association of Baby Boomer Women. I'm honored to be the Inspirational Writer. Click here for more information.

Tell the Children in Your Life about a Contest!

WHAT NAME WOULD YOU GIVE THE TOPSY TURVY LAND CHIMPANZEE?

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IF YOUR ENTRY IS CHOSEN THE WINNER!

• A free copy of the Topsy Turvy Land book, autographed by Donna J. Shepherd, Kevin Scott Collier and Liz Ball!

• Original artwork signed by Kevin Scott Collier from the pages of Topsy Turvy Land book!

• A signed copy of Tweener Press book.

Contest ends Saturday, September 24, 2005. Ready to enter? Click here!

Katrina

http://www.truthlaidbear.com/katrinarelief.php

If you have a blog, you can register at the site above and participate
to raise awareness and money for the relief effort, picking the charity of
your choice.

Let's continue to pray over this situation - for those who've been displaced, families who are grieving over the loss of loved ones, and for all those who are participating in the relief efforts.

Charities:

Operation Blessing

Convoy of Hope

Samaritan's Purse

Mt. Zion Disaster Relief Shower Trailer


Here are instructions for putting together a disaster relief kit - something I hope we never need...

Disaster Supply Kit

More Reviews for Topsy Turvy Land

Three more reviews are up!

The Dabbling Mum

Caribooks: Reviews with Care

PreSchool Entertainment

Topsy Turvy Land Review on Amazon

Topsy Turvy Land is now available through Amazon.com. Today I had tears of joy as I read a review left by Michael P. Snyder:

A delight for the imagination, August 19, 2005
Reviewer: Michael P. Snyder (Spring Hill, TN USA)

The kids in my house love this book--the four little ones AND the two big ones. The words and pictures tickle the imagination and highlight the limitless breadth of God's creation. Biblical truth permeates every entertaining page.

The best endorsement I can give this book is this: Last night I allowed my 5-year old and my 4-year old to take three books to bed with them. The five-year old grabbed Topsy Turvy Land, igniting a small skirmish. The peace talks ended with a compromise--a five minute limit on Topsy Turvy Land before swapping with your brother. I guess we may have to buy another copy....or three or four.

Wow! What more can a children's author ask for? Thanks, Michael and family! Here's the link - Amazon.com

My First Interview

Alyice Edrich of The Dabbling Mum interviewed me after Topsy Turvy Land was published. Click HERE to read the interview.

Cleansing Grace

Bitterness pools deep within the soul -

dark and murky with bottom unseen.

Stagnation hides resentment and lost desires,
locked in muddy sediment of unfulfilled dreams.

Daily the cesspit grows deeper.

Can anything stir emotions; cause still waters to flow?

Anger has been the only turbine –
the cause of untold hurt and pain.

Is there nothing that can clear the waters?

Is there relief from the turmoil within?

Can darkness receive light
and hope be renewed once again?

With cleansing God alone can perform,
His love purifies the depths of the heart,
ridding the soul of bitterness
revealing tenderness only grace can impart.

Forgiveness rushes through the depths
with penetrating power unknown to man
Refreshing the capacity to love.

Faith and hope remain.

© Donna J. Shepherd

Topsy Turvy Land Is Here!

After what seems to be an eternity, Topsy Turvy Land is here!

TOPSY TURVY LAND
by Donna J. Shepherd
Illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier
(Hidden Pictures by Liz Ball)

Come visit a place of peace and whimsy where green monkeys and singing snakes live. Children will delight in the lyrical rhymes and vibrant illustrations while searching for the hidden hearts. Full of fun from beginning to end!

ISBN: 0967815967
Format: Paperback, 16pp
Pub. Date: July 2005
Publisher:
Hidden Pictures Publishing
P.O. Box 63
Tipp City, OH 45371

Retail price: $6.99

To order, click here!

Excerpt:

"He made the giraffe with his very long neck,
And the toucan with gigantic beak,
God must have had fun,
Creating each one,
And all in just under a week!"
© 2005 Donna Shepherd

The publisher now has a blog, too. Check it out! Click here!

Kevin Scott Collier, the illustrator extraordinaire, has dedicated an entire page to the book! Check it out. Click here!

Women's Conference

Are you going to be in the Ohio area July 30, 2005? I will be speaking and singing at a Women's Conference sponsored by the women of Redeemer Church and friends, and the Breakfast Club. The theme is Drawing Closer To Christ.

There will be Breakout Forums on Prayer, Music, Devotional, and Bible Study led by members of Redeemer Church to help us “Draw Closer To Christ”. Audiences will be given a chance to share some of their favorite tips on the topic. The Redeemer Praise Band will provide live music, and lunch and snacks will be served.

The registration form can be downloaded from the following web site page: click here!

Update: I sang "In His Presence" and then spoke on drawing closer to Christ. I pray that my words encouraged the ladies. I enjoyed all the speakers, and had a great time getting to know the ladies of the Breakfast Club. Thank you for inviting me.