About the Book

Book: Sermons from a Soapbox Author: Ladonna Shanks Genre: Devotional, based on personal experience; Memoir; Adult Nonfiction; “Life Lesson Essays” Release Date: April 8, 2025 “What is God like? Does He even exist, other than as a figment of the imagination? Or is He real, a part of daily life and our world? In Sermons from a Soapbox, Ladonna Shanks shares her personal spiritual journey of more than seventy-five years. “I cannot write what I have not experienced,” serves as the base of her easy-to-read, anecdotal essays. The short “sermons” challenge the reader to think, question, search, and consider living where God is . . . in the spiritual, long-term, instead of humankind’s physical, short-term.

Excerpt from the Book

I doubt my actions affected change, though—not that much different from Carrie Nation with her hatchet. As a young married woman, my concept of evangelism continued playing a major part in the way I lived as I strove to be the “perfect” Christian. I filled the role of church pianist, organized Vacation Bible School, and taught a Sunday school class. I led a youth group, attended Bible studies, and chaired an interdenominational women’s group. Then a friend introduced me to God, the person of God. Not doctrines, concepts, or ideas about Him, but Him—the one true living God. The direction of my life and how I lived it forever changed. God desires a relationship with us, His creation. “All I have asked you to do is to live your life,” He whispered. Over time, I learned He has not given me the role or responsibility to save the world. That belongs to Him. He only asked me to be. His plan, His way means visible, undeniable evidence of His is revealed as I live life. It is a better way. In creating Sermons from a Soapbox, I compiled essays I have written over several years.  

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/ Excerpt Two: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/ Excerpt Three: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/ Excerpt Four: https://www.deniselbarela.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/ Excerpt Five: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2025/10/11/sermons-from-a-soapbox-epic-book-launch/ Excerpt Six: https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2025/10/sermons-from-soapbox.html?m=1 Excerpt Seven: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2025/10/celebrate-lit-epic-book-launch-presents.html  

About the Author

Ladonna Shanks was born and raised in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. During her several decades of life, she has been an entrepreneur, a small business owner, and, most recently, a writer. Her first book, Tidbits and Pearls, A Book of Essays on Living Everyday Life with God was published in 2019. Ladonna’s family, including five grandgirls, and her commitment to God serve as her priorities.