Monday, November 21, 2011

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

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Great Escape



pain and weakness abide
side by side
within my feeble frame.

my spirit cries out,
chained to this earthen vessel.

each day my soul yearns to escape
from the confines of this prison
we call flesh.

every heartbeat brings me closer
to my emancipation.

bars of bone hold me captive
until my time has come
when my Lord calls me home.

Then I’ll shed this mortal dwelling,
and escape these earthly bounds.

to dwell in His presence
in perfect peace
forever.


Donna J. Shepherd © 2005

Thursday, April 01, 2010

For Mother's Day



I have a poem published on Inspired Moms. I'll give you a hint. It's called Mom's Retreat and I'm certain I'm not the only mother who's ever escaped to this special place. Click here to read!

This poem is also posted on CWAHM.com. Click HERE to read and leave a comment!

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

Rain On Me, Holy Spirit



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…….

Donna J. Shepherd © 2008

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Best of Stories for Children Volume 1

My poem, Topsy Turvy Tour, is included in the Best of Stories for Children, Vol. 1. along with several fun illustrations by Kevin Scott Collier. Click HERE to purchase. Available as a download or paperback.

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Monday, April 23, 2007

My Praise

How marvelous you are, my Lord and Savior!
My mouth speaks praises to You.
I feel the warmth of Your love.
My joy overflows.
I am blessed.

The cost of my salvation has been paid.
Your Spirit sanctifies my spirit.
My eternal home is prepared
Because I’m Your child.
I am waiting.

May my life reflect Your perfect love.
Open my eyes to Your purpose.
Help me to see Your will
And strive to fulfill it.
I am Yours.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Cast Your Cares on Him

(I Peter 5:7)

I wallowed in the valley of despair.
Thinking there was no one who ever cared,
And I didn’t know what to do.
And then I heard the voice of the Lord
Speaking softly to my heart of hearts,
He said, “Cast your cares on Me, I care for you.”

Are you heavy laden down with care?
Do your burdens seem too much to bear?
And you don’t know what to do?
Bring your every burden to the Lord.
Raise your hands in praise for in His Word,
He said, “Cast your cares on Me. I care for you.”

I know there is One Who cares for me.
And now I know exactly what to do.
I call upon my Savior, Jesus.
I praise Him as He blesses me anew.
He meets my every need. I praise His holy name.
My hungry soul does feed. I praise His holy name.
Cast your cares on Him. He cares for you.

By Donna Shepherd

Thursday, February 16, 2006

A Poem for Writers


A Writer’s Step of Faith
(Matthew 14:28-33)

I step out
Into a sea of words.

Oh, that anointed phrases
And heavenly prose
Would jump onto my page
Like fish jumping into a boat!

But they don’t.

I take each step in faith,
all the while
Catching fish as I walk.

Waves of rejection
Threaten to overcome,
And I’m afraid.

I begin to sink
Into the murky deep.

“Lord, save me.”

Jesus stretches forth His hand.
I keep my eyes on Him,
And grasp Him tight.

He guides me
through every storm
Over contrary seas,
Catching fish
One word at a time
Until we cross
To the other side.

Copyright © 2006 Donna J. Shepherd

Monday, February 13, 2006

Itty Bits of Bliss


I'm pleased to announce my inclusion in the book, Itty Bits of Bliss. Compiled by Christine Tricarico, the book contains 38 fully illustrated fun, whimsical poems to inspire children ages 4-ll. $2.00 per book is being donated to Love Our Children USA in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Here a link to purchase information:

Itty Bits of Bliss

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Temporal Currents



I'm pleased to announce my inclusion in a new book.

Press Release:

Temporal Currents is an inspirational poetry collection edited and compiled by Christine Tricarico, widely published poet and editor. This collection features 45 poems by Donna J. Shepherd, Hope Galvan, Victor Jasti, and other wonderful poets from around the globe. This collection is intended to reach out, inspire people of all ages, and evoke a sense of peace, wonderment and spirituality in each of us. Temporal Currents is the perfect gift for all ages!

Click here for order information.

Cosmic Brownies



Two poems by yours truly are included in Cosmic Brownies - poems about lesson learned in life (Sun Rising Poetry Press). Maya Angelou gave permission for the use of her poem When I Was in My Younger Days in this collection. The book may be ordered through Amazon.