Even at MY Age!

In the grocery the other day, I commented on the high price of blueberries to a woman about my age or slightly older. She looked at me like I might mug her, turned her cart and practically ran.

Later on, when I looked like I couldn't find something in another aisle (and couldn't! Where DO they hide coconut flour?) a young couple helped me find the item and asked if they could get anything else for me.

So what does this mean? Am I the old lady that youngsters (yes - I said youngsters, so that proves my point!) help now? Or did I simply run across some exceptionally sweet people who happened to be younger than me? Sometimes older people will lament how rude this 'younger generation' is, but I have not found that to be the case. 

The other day on Facebook, I posted a picture that said, "Live your life and forget your age." Most of the time, I don't think about age or aging. I'm the absolute worst at guessing someone's age, usually guessing far younger. But when the young couple jumped to help me, I did momentarily ponder whether they thought of me as a dotty old women wondering the aisles of the grocery store looking for odd things. Like coconut flour!

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Selah

 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. - Proverbs 22:4

I'm tired. Dog-tired. Drained. Every now and then I go through this. Who knew that marketing was such a big part of writing? It's exhausting!

I think I need a break. Perhaps God is working on getting my attention.  I'm going to work on some of my devotions for a while. I need to get back to the reason I started writing to begin with, and let God take care of the promotion. And you know what's funny? It's doubtful anyone will even notice I'm gone. For all my promotion, I'm like a raft in the ocean. A minnow in the sea. A grain of sand on the beach. And that's okay. I know God knows me, where I am, and even my thoughts and the desires of my heart. And that means everything.

Selah.


Image: Maggie Smith / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Scree-e-e-e-ch!

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

   but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. - Proverbs 19:21 niv

Good Monday! Got up bright and early this morning ready to start my day and my Internet wouldn't work. Scree-e-e-ch! That will put a crimp in your plans, won't it? I'm not on the web much on Sundays, so I look forward to catching up with everyone first thing Monday Morning.

I decided a big cup of coffee was in order before I called the cable company, and while I poured that first cup, it was like the Holy Spirit whispered to me and said, "God doesn't need the Internet to talk with you for a while."

That's right! I know that, of course, but sometimes in my haste to 'get things done,' I forget. I had a nice time with Jesus. An even BETTER way to start my day. No, the BEST!

And obviously, I figured out what was wrong. Well, I guess I should say - I did the first thing any computer-savvy person does - unplugged everything and restarted it, and voila! I'm back online. Maybe God had plans for me this morning, too!   

Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Oh, DEER!

The other night, my husband and I visited one of the precious members of our church in the hospital. Afterwards, we stopped at the grocery. Instead of both of us going in, I hopped out, intending to only grab a few things in a few minutes. Well, you know how that goes. A half hour later I wheeled out my half full cart.

Of course, my husband couldn't help himself and had to carry on about how long he'd been waiting. I responded by reminding him how often I sit and wait for him, which didn't make him feel one bit better. I wonder why?

We pulled out of the parking lot onto the main road and picking up speed, when BOOM! Something big hit the car. I screamed and ducked right after I saw that my entire view of the road had been blocked out with body of deer as it slid across the windshield. It slid off the other side and we continued on down the road. My husband hadn't even had time to hit the brakes.

I'm am so thankful we weren't going any faster. I'm sure if we had been, the windshield would have shattered. I told my son I was glad I didn't have a deer in my lap. He replied, "Mom, you could have had a deer head hit your head. You'd be dead."

Just that quickly we could have been hurt very badly or even killed. God protected us, and for that, I'm thankful. We don't know what happened to the deer. My husband felt terrible. He has deer pictures, figurines, and all kinds of deer-related items in his office at the church. Immediately, he said, "But I love deer." I drove past the same spot the next day and didn't see any evidence of our close call. My husband said that it might have just stunned the animal, and it's already off scaring other drivers half to death.

We thought our car had escaped any damage until we got home. It looks like it hit the side then used our side mirror to catapault across the car landing on the windshield before sliding across. We ended up with a good dent on the side and no other damage. Thank God!

Maybe I should have taken longer to get my groceries.

Image: Ohmega1982 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Out of Control Social Networking

If you don't see me as much on sites like Facebook and Pinterest as often as you're used to, it's because I'm putting limits on my time. I check in, set the timer for one hour, and then I allow myself to check in again.

I was getting to where I'd check Facebook, Pinterest, and Amazon way too often. I talked to someone who just finished a Facebook Fast. I'm not going that far, but this is a start. I'm not sure how long this discipline will last, but I do like that I'm getting more work done. Lord knows I need to!

How about you? How do you limit your social networking time?

Baby Video

This is precious! So many cute videos all in one compilation. Enjoy.

Love Under the Bubble Wrap Review

Wow! I'm so honored when someone takes time to write a review and post it on Amazon. And when it says such nice things, my day is made! Here's a snippet of what Mary Busha said about Love Under the Bubble Wrap - a novelette:

I love the way Donna wove humor, disappointment, deep love, and even sarcasm into her story. Her characters are so real they seem to step right out of her story and intersect with the lives of her readers.

Thank you, Mary. I'm tickled pink you liked it.

Laugh of the Day

Church Bulletin Blooper: "Don't let worry kill you - let the church help."

My First Novelette - Love Under the Bubble Wrap

I'm excited - and more than a little nervous - to announce the release of "Love Under the Bubble Wrap" - my novelette for readers who love romance. I hope you'll check it out! Jack Foster is the cover artist.

Simple Way to Win a Copy of Poodle and Doodle

Just go here: http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/book-reviewgiveaway-poodle-doodle-ends-feb-11th/#comments and leave a comment and you're in the running to win. Can't get much easier than that!

New Website?

Bummer. I received notice yesterday that I will need to find another home on the web. With limited funds, but lots of imagination, I've found it challenging to design my blogs and website, but at my pace. This means I'm under a - dare I say it? - deadline. Yikes! Doesn't every writer love that word?

Don't Become Weary

Today the Bible verse on my calendar is Galatians 6:9-10: 

Galatians 6:9-10

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

I'm confident that God will help and strengthen us as we do His will, and He promises a harvest - a good crop, if we do not give up! I needed that verse today. How about you? 


Image: prozac1 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Why Jesus?

Over a century ago, there was one man who began to speak of the “virtues” of Hinduism in the United States. As the decades rolled by, more gurus came and developed huge followings. Today, interest in eastern ideas in western culture seems to be at an all time high. Is Jesus still the answer even in this climate? Find out this week on Let My People Think as Ravi Zacharias discusses his new book, Why Jesus.
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/let-my-people-think/player/why-jesus-251352.html

Blogging with Julie and Julia

Tonight I'm watching the movie, Julie and Julia. I love the scene where Julia and her sister are getting ready for a party. They stand in front of a full-length mirror and Julia proclaims that they look 'pretty good.' She pauses and then says, "But not great." I laugh every time.

Meryl Streep makes me forget she's Meryl. She's amazing. Amy Adams is cute as the modern-day Julie striving to be like Julia. It's also a dream come true that someone who wrote a blog ended up with a book contract and a movie made about it. Wouldn't that be something!

Although - when I think about it, my first job writing devotions came as a result of my Devotionals by Donna blog - such a blessing.

Julia Child's obsession with cooking and her persistence to write a cookbook is inspiring. She had a singular focus. That's one thing I have to say I'm lacking. I take multi-tasking seriously.

Proclaim Clearly - My Photo Inspiration for 2012

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. – Colossians 4:2-4

In the past, I have prayed for and chosen a word or phrase for the New Year, a small reminder of what I wanted to accomplish and work toward during the next twelve months. Sometimes, I found a Bible verse that became my inspiration. This year, my friend, Mary DeMuth, challenged her readers to choose a photo to inspire them. As a more visual person, I liked this idea very much.

I've recently found a website called Pinterest and started posting links. Here's my page: http://pinterest.com/donnashepherd (Watch out! It can be addictive!)

I browsed the photos on the web and on Pinterest. First I chose a picture of an eagle fishing. One of my favorite verses, and a chorus we sing in my church, is Isaiah 40:31.

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

That seemed like a great image for that verse, plus I imagined myself "fishing for men" as Jesus spoke of in Mark 1:17.

Then I saw a Ferris wheel. I thought perhaps that was appropriate for me as many times I seem to be going in circles!

But no – I want to find something that will inspire me for the future, not remind me of the past. I paused to ponder a few more before I finally landed on this one. Perfect!

Source: google.com via Dallas on Pinterest

Why? The door is worn and bit older - like me, but with age, hopefully, comes wisdom.

Who knows what's on the other side? I don't know exactly what year 2012 will be like. But I won't know what the Lord has in store for my life unless I open the door of my heart and life to God's leading.

While God has a plan for my life, I must participate fully, on purpose, and prayerfully follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. I must make the choice to reach out and turn that knob, or take that next step by faith, to find out what's on the other side.

What's on the other side may not be what I'm expecting – or even wanting. Many times, God's plans do not line up with mine. This coming year, I hope to be gracious in times of victory and what I might consider defeat. Of course – when God says "No," it might just mean that He has something better in store for my life!

I chose a verse from Colossians as my theme verse for the year. The apostle Paul is in chains as he writes this. Humbling, isn't it? He wants us to:

• Continue in prayer – and steadfastly. Not that quick, throw-up-a-prayer type communication with God.
• Watch with thanksgiving. Remember – Jesus will return to earth one day for His bride. Are you watching for Him?
• Paul asked for prayer. I pray this now. Pray for me if you have nobody else to pray for today, that God will open doors for the words that He wants to speak through me, whether in a book, as a speaker, teacher, or in song.
• Pray that I proclaim it clearly. The Amplified Version says, "speak boldly and unfold that mystery as is my duty." One of my favorite moments when speaking or teaching is that "Aha!" expression when someone in the class or audience 'gets' what I'm saying. Of course – the Holy Spirit brings light and understanding of the Word. Please pray that I am His conduit in a greater way this year. And I pray that for you, too.

That's my process for finding a Pic of the Year. Perhaps you'd like to find an image to inspire you. If you do, be sure to leave a link under this post so we can all be inspired.

Donna

A Milestone - 18,000 Times

One of my inspirational columns on Crossmap.com just passed the 18,000 mark. The title of that column is "Smelly Saints." My husband burning popcorn caused me to write a devotion on sin. Weird, huh? But that's the way my mind (and it may be true for all devo writers) works. Here's the link:

http://columns.crossmap.com/article/smelly-saints/donna-shepherd/517.htm

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. Thank you for being one of my friends.

"O Holy Night" Sung by David Phelps

David Phelps has been blessed by God with an amazing voice. Enjoy!

This makes me want a cat - even if I am allergic.

Isn't this sweet? I love it!

Merry CHRISTmas from Kit Grady and Me!

This greeting is drawn by the illustrator of Bradybug and many other sweet books, Kit Grady. I love the joy on these little animals' faces. Oh, that we might feel the same joy this Christmas season as we celebrate our Savior's birth!