Practical Faith Academy - Season 5, Episode 15 - Lee and Donna Allen, Forgiveness, Family and Faith

The Practical Faith Academy Podcast from Cecil Taylor Ministries presents guests who have important things to say about putting your faith into practice. Cecil interviews each guest to understand their life stories and their ideas for living a seven-day practical faith.

Lee and Donna Allen are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their beloved Christmas book, “The Special Guest,” with an anniversary edition release. Lee wrote the words, and Donna illustrated. Lee has gone on to write a new book, “Legend of the Wooden Star.” The Allens join the podcast to share their themes of forgiveness, family, and faith.

Highlights of the podcast:
2:21 The Allens discuss their seven-day practical faith approach and what it has meant in praying for their one-month granddaughter with a heart defect
8:05 The book has a strong theme of forgiveness
13:15 Donna’s view on how illustrations enhance a book
15:40 Examples of what a special guest is
19:30 How to use the book to create lasting memories that span generations
23:08 The hardest part about putting faith into practice
24:48 Their best tips for developing and maintaining a seven-day practical faith
26:40 How to find “The Special Guest” and the new sequel, “Legend of the Wooden Star.”

Lee & Donna Allen’s books, The Special Guest, A Christmas Story and Legend of the Wooden Star, are available everywhere books are sold. Beloved by families for their timeless message of faith, forgiveness, and hope, these stories continue to touch hearts across generations. You can find more about the books, resources, and updates on their website: TheSpecialGuestChristmas.com. You can also follow on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570868086211
Threads: threads.com/@thespecialguestbook
Instagram: instagram.com/thespecialguestbook
YouTube:    / @thespecialguestbook  

I’m Cecil Taylor – award-winning author, speaker, blogger, and of course, podcaster. I’m focused on teaching Christians to live their faith and represent Jesus every day of the week. Everything I offer for your faith journey can be found at the same starting point: https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com. Please visit and find ways to enrich your daily walk.

On the podcast, I mentioned my speaking ministry. Learn more and download my speaker kit at https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com.... You can also book me for your event right there on the page. I’m booking now for 2026 events, so let’s talk about it!

I also mentioned three anthology books to which I contributed: Chicken Soup for the Soul’s “Spirit of Christmas,” Grace Publishing’s “Tis the Season,” and Dressed in Love Press’s “From Ruins to Restoration.” Check your favorite booksellers for their availability.

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