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

Poetry Moment: Ideal Meal - a Fun Thanksgiving Poem

A Thanksgiving poem - for fun!

Ideal Meal

The Thanksgiving turkey
Tasted like jerky
With lumpy potatoes
And sour tomatoes
The dressing too sodden and moist.

The rolls didn’t rise
And Mama’s sweet pies
Were bitter to taste
Gooey as paste
But in spite of it all, we rejoiced.

We thanked God above
For His bountiful love
For freedom to meet
And for food to eat
Taking time to tell God how we feel.

For even though dinner
Wasn’t a winner
We all overlook
That Mama can’t cook.
Thanksgiving is more than a meal.

© 2008 Donna J. Shepherd

Video Moment: Meaning of Easter - David Garibaldi

 I watch this every year. Beautiful reminder.

The Night Before Christmas

I love these lyrics that so beautifully capture the beauty of the Holy Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Be blessed and Merry CHRISTmas.


 

Devotion: Better Than It Was

Better than It Was

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.  

- Colossians3:23-24 (ESV) 

Today I listened to a recording on NewLife.com about procrastination. The two counselors giving advice had a good deal to say about perfectionism and the phrases and attitudes our parents had. My dad's favorite saying was, "If you can't do something right, don't do it at all." While his heart was in the right place and he meant that you need to do things properly, for me, it meant that if I didn't have time to do a task perfectly, I just needed to put it off.  And as life always has a way of getting in the way, I never could find the time to do many of the things I longed to. My ‘to do’ list got longer and longer and more and more overwhelming.

Dr. Milan Yerkovich talked about his own perfectionism and how his wife’s attitude freed him. I love Kay Yerkovich's saying and will adopt it from now on:  "It's better than it was." If I can't clean the entire house and instead, only get to one room, well, it's better than it was. If I can't write the entire devotional that I long to, as long as I can get a few words written, my book is better than it was. If I'm unable to read ten chapters in the Bible and pray for an hour a day, but have time to read a few key verses and pray with a sincere heart, then my soul will have been fed and you know what? I’m better off spiritually than I was.

Yes, in my advancing years, I’m adopting a new, less perfectionistic, and less stifling motto. I won’t be a slacker – I'll always offer my best, but my best will be all that I can do at the time with God’s help.

The Apostle Paul told the church in Corinth, “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 1:31b). I have many goals, but I’ll never accomplish anything if I wait for the perfect time and place. The key word for me is ‘Do!’ – not wait. Let’s get busy working for God’s glory.

Now where did I put that list? 

Mom Moment: For Mother's Day

I wrote a poem called Mom's Retreat and I'm certain I'm not the only mother who's ever escaped to this special place. To read it on CWAHM.com, click HERE and leave a comment there or here on this blog. Thanks!
Happy Mother's Day. - Donna

*************

Accused Without Cause - Devotionals by Donna (with Audio)

Today I listened to Mark 15. I have Audio Bible bookmarked and love to listen to the Bible while I work.

One verse caught my attention: "And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.” – Mark 15:3

Jesus stood before Pilate while the chief priests accused Him of perverting the nation, rousing troublemakers, creating riots and dissension. In addition, they charged Him with forbidding the payment of tribute to Rome, and teaching people to not pay their taxes. Third, and most serious, they charged Him with wanting to be king instead of Caesar. Pilate marveled at the fact that when accused of these crimes, Jesus did not speak up in a defensive manner.

Have you ever been falsely accused? I'm one of five children. When we were little and Mom couldn't get to the bottom of a story, she'd discipline ALL of us. Oh, how exasperating it was to be disciplined for something I didn't do!

To think of Jesus, Who had never sinned, having to endure the mocking and jeering crowd of accusers both amazes me and breaks my heart. He did it for me. He did it for you. Why would He do it? The only possible explanation is His compelling love.

The curse He suffered was not for His own sin, but for ours. Clearly, Pilate thought Jesus to be innocent, undeserving of the death penalty so aggressively sought by the Jewish authorities, but His accusers forced Pilate to make a decision about Jesus.

We must all decide what to do about Jesus. I hope you’ve chosen to accept Him as your King.

Our response to Christ’s suffering on our behalf should be one of gratitude. Only because of His sacrifice do we have hope for eternity.

Jesus' death was followed by His resurrection, ascension, and sending the Holy Spirit. We have the Holy Spirit indwelling us, enabling us to obey Christ and follow Him.

“The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Because Jesus gave Himself for me, I want to give my life to Him. How about you?

Oh, and I'm sure you know - sometimes I was the culprit, and my siblings were the exasperated ones!

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit, Who helps me live for You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

*Posted 3-25-05; Audio 4-23-11

Fun Moment: I Know Jesus Loves Me

On an Easter Sunday, to introduce my husband's sermon, I sang the song “Redeemer” written by Nicole C. Mullins. One of the lines in the chorus says, “I know my redeemer lives.” Then my husband preached an Easter sermon titled “I Know He Lives.” During his sermon, he spoke of the tremendous love of Christ.

So after church when a little girl about seven came running up to Don exclaiming, “I know Jesus loves me!” he thought she must have been paying attention to the sermon.

“I know, Honey! Jesus loves you.”

She grinned even wider, followed him a few more steps and said, “Pastor, I know Jesus loves me.”

Don turned around, patted her on the head and said, “Praise the Lord. He does!”

Finally, the little girl sighed in exasperation and said, “I KNOW 'Jesus Loves Me.' Don’t you want to hear me sing it?”
_______

Review Moment: Cook'n Recipe Management System

In February 2012, I posted a review of Cook'n, a Recipe Management System. My original review can be found here: http://reviewsbydonnashepherd.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-of-cookn-recipe-organizer.html

Cook'n has been the #1 recipe software program for more than 20 years, and the best way to organize your recipes. I liked the program very much, but now - a new version has been released with even more features. Are you on Pinterest? I have entire Pinterest pages devoted to recipes. I'm excited that Cook'n can even sync Pinterest recipes. Yes! 

Watch  the video for more information and visit the website for more videos and to purchase: http://www.dvo.com/. You can like Cook'n on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Recipe.Organizer

Interview Moment: Authors' Garden

Post by Donna J. Shepherd, Writer, Speaker, Singer.

Joyful Moment - One Lovely Blog Award

I received the One Lovely Blog Award. 

Here are the rules for accepting this award: 

• Thank the person who nominated you for the award. 

Thank you, April Boyer, for blessing me today. 

• Add the One Lovely Blog logo to your post. 

 • Share 7 things about yourself.

 • Nominate up to 15 bloggers you admire and inform the nominees by commenting on their blog. 

7 things people might not know about me: 

1. I used to live across the street from a Native American Mound. 

2. I first sung in front of the church at the age of 9. 

3. I have at the very least six books started at any given time. 

4. I love to cook. I don't like to clean up. 

5. I have become a Bird Nerd and have multiple feeders and camera ready.  

6. I went to the top of the St. Louis Arch.  

7. I usually have over a dozen Christmas trees in my house.  

Now to nominate other bloggers deserving of this award. All of these are truly lovely and worth discovering. 

• http://djsthoughts-dj.blogspot.com/2014/11/aaaawhow-nice.html (Diana Jenkins - DJ's Thoughts) 

• http://kit-grady.blogspot.com/ (Kit Grady Creations) 

• http://aheart4heaven.blogspot.com/ (Elaine Bridge - A Heart 4 Heaven)

There were many more I could have nominated, but I'm sure the love will spread from here. Congratulations, fellow blogging friends. Pass on the blessing. 

Writers' Moment: "Writing on Purpose"

My devotion "Writing on Purpose" is featured this week on @RobinLBayne blog "Between Sundays." I hope you are blessed. 

Between Sundays: Week Fifty-Seven: Donna Shepherd: Writing On Purpose  

Post by Donna J. Shepherd, Writer, Speaker, Singer.

Back to School! - Devotion for Children

Devo for Kids is on CWAHM. Click HERE for Topsy Turvy Time!

Fun Moment - Quadruplet Babies Laughing

If this doesn't bring joy to your heart, I don't know what would. These babies are precious.

 

Writers' Moment: Write a Memorable Devotion in Three Steps

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:11-12 (ESV)

Devotionals may be short but pack a message and inspiration into very few words. Many times, I have people ask how I come up with the ideas for my devotionals. Most often, I say that the key is to be sensitive – to the Holy Spirit when He speaks to you with an idea, to the circumstances surrounding you where you'll find inspiration, and to the people you interact with or listen to who may motivate or inspire you to share a message.

Have you read a devotional first thing in the morning that stayed with you all day? How do you affect your readers?

• 1. First and foremost, ask, "Is my writing in line with Scripture?"

Many times, God will give you a message as you're reading and meditating on His Word. Even if God gives you an idea first, your next step is to research the Bible to make sure your message is biblically sound.

• 2. "Is my message relevant?" 

Are you writing to moms? Dads? Grads? Grandparents? Children? The list goes on and on. With so few words, you must focus on your audience with precision addressing their needs and concerns.

• 3. "How's my summation?"  

A devotion is so short that you have to conclude with a punch - a challenge, a question, an encouraging word, a prayer. What do you want your reader to remember?

I could go on and on about the subject, but I'm giving advice about writing with brevity. I'll simply say – Ask the Holy Spirit to help you share the message God wants you to share today. Read your Word. Pray. Listen. Be sensitive. Write.

Devotion: Which Path Have You Chosen?

Verse of the Day: Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. - Matthew 7:13-14 ESV

Have you ever been waiting in line to check out at some place like Sam's Club and a new register opens? Whoosh! The people in the other lines flock to the new one hoping to get checked out faster. After a few seconds, most disperse and end up at the back of the lines they were in originally. I've done it myself -- and oh, is it exasperating! 

It's easy to follow the crowd, isn't it? We've all done it. Have you ever done something really goofy just because some of your friends coaxed you into it? Again - I've done it myself. 

When it comes to standing strong in your walk with Jesus, sometimes you have to go against the grain, stand out against the crowd, and dare to be different. If the gate to destruction is wide, then that would be the easier path. Our natural tendency is to take the easy way, but Jesus never said it would be easy. He said, "Remember the word that I said to you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also" (John 15:20). 

I don't want to be led down a path of destruction and I'm sure you don't either. I'm always struck by the fact that the Jesus said that those who find their way to heaven will be few. I want to be a part of that number, don't you? 

Prayer: Lord, I call on You for strength as I journey down this road of life. Thank you for that narrow path that lead to life everlasting. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.