Songs for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2023. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
O Holy Night BYU Noteworthy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdTbfmJe1O8
Beautiful rendition by 7 year old Claire Crosby and David Crosby. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdbXU3oZ4h4
Noel Chirs Tomlin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBZ6Lqx1OHk
Drummer Boy For KING & COUNTRY Please listen/watch to the end!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzEX3QMuVPM
They have a powerful version performed at the CMA country Christmas 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f09px0FX_4s
Do You Hear What I Hear? Gentri. Sweet rendition with children
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGxpxvWNADY
Beautiful version by Celtic Woman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zPaKwA7838
Heaven is Here by The McClures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otSfV-u5rC0
Give Him Glory
The Manger Throne by Phil Wickham
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Sunday Words of Encouragement December 24, 2023 - Remember the Gift!
Happy Christmas Eve!
I was directed to read Luke 2 by YouVersion and my plan in YouVersion. Then Pastor gave a message from this scripture too. He focused on verses 19-20.
Mary remembered these things all her life. Her child was the son of God as foretold. He was worthy to be glorified. His gift to all people is worth remembering!
Jesus came to us as a baby but He stayed as a Savior! Come, Let us Adore Him!!
I found this meaningful song for today: The Manger
Verses for Today: Luke 2:19-20
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Father God, Lord Jesus – thank you for the gift of humility and salvation.
I was directed to read Luke 2 by YouVersion and my plan in YouVersion. Then Pastor gave a message from this scripture too. He focused on verses 19-20.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Mary remembered these things all her life. Her child was the son of God as foretold. He was worthy to be glorified. His gift to all people is worth remembering!
Jesus came to us as a baby but He stayed as a Savior! Come, Let us Adore Him!!
I found this meaningful song for today: The Manger
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Father God, Lord Jesus – thank you for the gift of humility and salvation.
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Sunday Post December 17, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 18, 2023
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)
What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.
I continue to be busy at the office and then working on one or two files in the evenings.
Meanwhile, I need to find time to clean and do my Christmas shopping!
I got my flu and pnemonia shots on Tuesday and then sneezed all day on Thursday. Fortunately I was fine by Friday.Saturday morning I participated with other GFWC Woman's Club members in a local Wreath Across America Ceremony. It was a moving ceremony and we were honored to place wreaths on the gravesite and thank the veteran by name.
There were almost 500 veteran's graves at the cemetery.The weather was cold and windy, pending rain.These two members joined the photo with other vets who participated.My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival. We are also continuing prayers for family and church. And continuing prayers for Israel and Gaza and all the innocents who are being impacted by the war.Our weahter the week before Christmas is expected to be a cool low 60s as the high and 30 as the low one night. No rain expected until next Sunday.
I visited 10 blogs again last week but still no new Shout Outs lined up.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.
Finished Reading:
As I was looking for what I wanted to listen to next, I discovered about 44 of my Audible Plus free titles would only be available through 12/31. I am picking some of those to decide if I want to continue the series.
1. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)
The Xyania Project - Part 1 of 2
by J.V. Nolan
3.75. This was interesting but it ends abruptly and I am not likely to get book 2.
I posted a short review at Goodreads.
Source: Free Kindle title acquired on June 12, 2022.
Click on book title for full description.
.
2. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).
The Xyania Project - Part 1 of 2
by J.V. Nolan
3.75. This was interesting but it ends abruptly and I am not likely to get book 2.
I posted a short review at Goodreads.
Source: Free Kindle title acquired on June 12, 2022.
Click on book title for full description.
.
New Frontiers
The Expansion Wars Trilogy, Book 1
By: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins
4.25. This has lots of action and I will likely continue in the series.
Source: February 2021 Audible Plus Catalog expiring 12/31.
Publisher's summary
Click on book title for full description.
>
3. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)
VEGETABLES!:
Simple and Easy Vegetable Crock Pot Recipes
By Hannie P. Scott
4.0. I liked these recipes and did a short review at Goodreads.
Source: Free Kindle March 2018.
Are you looking for easy, how-to recipes that anyone can make? This simple vegetable crock pot cookbook has 25 step-by-step recipes for anyone looking to save time, eat better, and cook delicious meals for the family. Have any of these statements ever crossed your mind? Easily cook healthy meals for you and your family! Crock pots and slow cookers require little clean-up, little prep work, and they make wonderful meals! This simple and easy recipe book will help you... Now you can prepare savory meals at home for the entire family to enjoy! recipe, recipes, slow cooker recipe, vegetarian, slow cooker recipes, crock pot recipes, vegetarian crock pot recipes, vegetarian cookbook, healthy, slow cooker recipes, nutrition, easy recipes, slow cooker, slow cooker cookbook, crockpot slow cooker, easy recipes, slow cooker recipes, simple recipes, snack recipes, cook book, dinner ideas, quick recipes, simple and easy recipes, easy recipes, simple recipes, ebooks, cooking, healthy recipes, simple recipes, healthy eating, lunch ideas, how to recipes, cook book, how to, do it yourself, how to cook, healthy, how to cook, simple easy, recipes, food, quick and easy recipes, dinner ideas, vegetables, vegetable recipes, vegetable snacks, simple and easy recipes, simple recipes, veggie snacks, veggie recipes, vegetables, green vegetables, healthy eating, nutrition, diet, healthy snacks, healthy recipes, salad recipes, healthy vegetable recipes, vegetable recipe snacks.
VEGETABLES!:
Simple and Easy Vegetable Crock Pot Recipes
By Hannie P. Scott
4.0. I liked these recipes and did a short review at Goodreads.
Source: Free Kindle March 2018.
Are you looking for easy, how-to recipes that anyone can make? This simple vegetable crock pot cookbook has 25 step-by-step recipes for anyone looking to save time, eat better, and cook delicious meals for the family. Have any of these statements ever crossed your mind? Easily cook healthy meals for you and your family! Crock pots and slow cookers require little clean-up, little prep work, and they make wonderful meals! This simple and easy recipe book will help you... Now you can prepare savory meals at home for the entire family to enjoy! recipe, recipes, slow cooker recipe, vegetarian, slow cooker recipes, crock pot recipes, vegetarian crock pot recipes, vegetarian cookbook, healthy, slow cooker recipes, nutrition, easy recipes, slow cooker, slow cooker cookbook, crockpot slow cooker, easy recipes, slow cooker recipes, simple recipes, snack recipes, cook book, dinner ideas, quick recipes, simple and easy recipes, easy recipes, simple recipes, ebooks, cooking, healthy recipes, simple recipes, healthy eating, lunch ideas, how to recipes, cook book, how to, do it yourself, how to cook, healthy, how to cook, simple easy, recipes, food, quick and easy recipes, dinner ideas, vegetables, vegetable recipes, vegetable snacks, simple and easy recipes, simple recipes, veggie snacks, veggie recipes, vegetables, green vegetables, healthy eating, nutrition, diet, healthy snacks, healthy recipes, salad recipes, healthy vegetable recipes, vegetable recipe snacks.
4. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).
Weaver: Four Horsemen Tales, Book 2
By: Kacey Ezell , Mark Wandrey
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart
Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
4.5. I enjoyed this story with unique characters.
I wrote a short review at Goodreads.
Source: 8/15/2021 Audible Plus Catalog expiring 12/31.
Click on book title for full description.
5. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).
My Dead World
By: Jacqueline Druga
Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson
Series: My Dead World Series, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
4.0 This is a character driven 'zombie' apocalypse.
I wrote a short review at Goodreads. Source: March 2023 Audible Plus Catalog. This expires 12/31.
Publisher's summary
Since childhood Nila Carter has been made to spend every weekend at the family cabin. In her teenage years she believes it to be a prison; as an adult it becomes her sanctuary and means to survive.
When a mysterious outbreak occurs in India, Nila's brother, Bobby, a virologist with the CDC, places the family on a precautionary alert to be ready to bug out. Unlike anything he's ever seen, the rabies-like virus is not just deadly; it causes extreme violent behavior in those infected. Following her brother's advice, Nila begins to stockpile.
After months of preparing, just as it seems the virus is over, everything implodes, and Bobby tells his family to leave the city. With her family, Nila heads to the mountains and to her father's isolated land. There she is eventually joined by friends and strangers, all hoping to safely stay clear of the virus that grips the world. The plan is to wait until the virus burns out.
While there, the group forms a tight bond, feeling secure that they will beat the extinction event and in due course return home. As time moves on, Nila quickly learns there are things they cannot run from, and a virus is one of them. Despite how prepared they are, how secure the land, each day brings a new threat and a painful reality that not only is returning home a pipe dream, but the likelihood of all of them surviving is increasingly growing slim.
©2016 Jacqueline Druga (P)2016 Podium Publishing
Currently Reading:
My Dead World
By: Jacqueline Druga
Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson
Series: My Dead World Series, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
4.0 This is a character driven 'zombie' apocalypse.
I wrote a short review at Goodreads. Source: March 2023 Audible Plus Catalog. This expires 12/31.
Publisher's summary
Since childhood Nila Carter has been made to spend every weekend at the family cabin. In her teenage years she believes it to be a prison; as an adult it becomes her sanctuary and means to survive.
When a mysterious outbreak occurs in India, Nila's brother, Bobby, a virologist with the CDC, places the family on a precautionary alert to be ready to bug out. Unlike anything he's ever seen, the rabies-like virus is not just deadly; it causes extreme violent behavior in those infected. Following her brother's advice, Nila begins to stockpile.
After months of preparing, just as it seems the virus is over, everything implodes, and Bobby tells his family to leave the city. With her family, Nila heads to the mountains and to her father's isolated land. There she is eventually joined by friends and strangers, all hoping to safely stay clear of the virus that grips the world. The plan is to wait until the virus burns out.
While there, the group forms a tight bond, feeling secure that they will beat the extinction event and in due course return home. As time moves on, Nila quickly learns there are things they cannot run from, and a virus is one of them. Despite how prepared they are, how secure the land, each day brings a new threat and a painful reality that not only is returning home a pipe dream, but the likelihood of all of them surviving is increasingly growing slim.
©2016 Jacqueline Druga (P)2016 Podium Publishing
1. Kindle App on Smartphone (eB2023)
The Battle of Atlanta: A Captivating Guide to a Battle of the Atlanta Campaign That Changed the Course of the American Civil War
By Captivating History
I like how this presents factual details about the setting, people involved (military and civilians) and then the battle. I am 30% in.
Source: Offered and Downloaded through BookSprout.
If you want to immerse yourself in the history of the battle that was pivotal to the reelection of Abraham Lincoln in 1864, then keep reading…
Atlanta was the linchpin of the South’s hopes and the North’s determination, and the city became the epicenter of a battle that would change the course of history forever.
The Union Army moved in to capture the city, but the Confederates defended it. Each army employed cunning strategies in their relentless pursuit of victory.
But in the summer of 1864, the struggle reached its peak. It was also the time when the nation’s destiny hung in the balance. Every decision made by the generals affected the future of the United States, and the Battle of Atlanta became the center stage of the war.
2. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).
Initiate: Animus, Book 1
By: Joshua Anderle , Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Scott Aiello
Series: Animus Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
Another title expiring 12/31.
I am already half way through this and enjoying it.
Source: 6/30/2022 Audible Plus.
Publisher's summary
It was just one fight, but it changed Kaiden Jericho's life forever.
He was in a gang but was trying to change his future, when a board member of the elite advanced academy NEXUS made a snap decision and offered him a chance.
Then fate, or an unbalanced genius, offered him another.
The Nexus Academy is for the elite trainees from Earth, and now trials from our alien allies, as they teach the future generation how to fight, lead, hack, spy, and many other talents and tactics.
Hired by companies, governments, and NGOs, these graduates work to pay off the massive debt their training at the academy accumulates.
You don't become the best of the best by staying alive. With the Animus, you are closer to perfection with each death you suffer.
Kaiden Jericho would rather skip the death part, thank you very much.
Includes special note from co-author Michael Anderle.
©2018 Joshua Anderle and Michael Anderle (P)2019 Podium Publishing
3. Audio on Smartphone (ATBR).
Zanna's Gift: A Life in Christmases
By: Orson Scott Card
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki , Emily Janice Card
Length: 2 hrs and 14 mins
This is my "Z" title to finish my 2023 Alphabet Challenge. :-)
Source: 12/3/2022 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's summary
When little Zanna's oldest brother died just before Christmas, she was left with the gift she had made for him - a picture that only he would have understood. Every Christmas, Zanna's gift is brought out and displayed as a way of including their lost brother in the celebration. This is the story of the life of that family, and of the many gifts they gave each other that could only be understood with love.
©2015 Orson Scott Card (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing.
December 17, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". This week's reading finished 1, 2, and 3 John, and 1Peter..
I finished five books, four of which I did short reviews at Goodreads.
NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have two new audios as well as an older audio on my shelf I should listen to (soon).
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles.
Other Sources: I have a dozen or so books that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests. plus many titles through InstaFreebie over the past few years.
Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
Three new review titles this week.
I picked my Two November Audible credits.
I still have 25 (or more) Audible Plus titles picked up over the past several weeks. I will list them another day.
I picked my Two November Audible credits.
I still have 25 (or more) Audible Plus titles picked up over the past several weeks. I will list them another day.
I downloaded one Kindle new title.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
The Battle of Atlanta: A Captivating Guide to a Battle of the Atlanta Campaign That Changed the Course of the American Civil War
By Captivating History
See more under Current Reading.
12/11/2023 Two Titles received at NetGalley:
The Fish of Small Wishes
by Elana K. Arnold
Narrated by Erin Ruth Walker
Pub Date: 30 Jan 2024
Archive Date: 06 Feb 2024
Deep Freeze
by Michael C. Grumley
Narrated by Scott Brick
Pub Date: 09 Jan 2024
Archive Date: 16 Jan 2024
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
Review Titles
12/6/23 Offered and Downloaded through BookSprout.By Captivating History
See more under Current Reading.
12/11/2023 Two Titles received at NetGalley:
by Elana K. Arnold
Narrated by Erin Ruth Walker
Pub Date: 30 Jan 2024
Archive Date: 06 Feb 2024
by Michael C. Grumley
Narrated by Scott Brick
Pub Date: 09 Jan 2024
Archive Date: 16 Jan 2024
Won
NONE
Purchased
12/17/23 Two Audible Credits.
Expeditionary Force, Book 9
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 19 hrs and 45 mins
By: Tom Abrahams
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 20 hrs and 10 mins
Free
12/11/2023 Found at The Book Connection. Thank you Cheryl.
Cat Cahill
One new titles added to Kindle library. Free titles might be found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.
Sunday Words of Encouragement December 17, 2023 - A Promise of Joy!
I made it to church today! There was a wonderful children’s program, The Promise of Christmas. God fulfilled His promise to man by providing salvation and a King through Jesus Christ. It was a wonderfully sweet program.
Pastor shared a few words from Matthew 1:24-25. 'They called his name Emmanuel, which means God with us.' Jesus came to save his people from their sin.
Jesus was not born of sinful nature but born of the life-giving Spirit. God did it for the love of ALL people. Yes, you and me, but He came for the “whole world”. John 3:16-17.
We have broken DNA. Habitual sin, addiction, and deliberate sin. Jesus had none of these. His blood was the atonement for our sins. The Father’s love, and the son’s sacrifice give each person the opportunity to have eternal life. John 3:18-21.
Not everyone knows the message. Not everyone will accept the message. But those who do believe have the directive to share with others the promise and the hope that brings the greatest of all joys!
I like this song video for today: The Shepherd’s Song! “The Joyous Refrain.”
Verses for Today:
John 3:16 New International Version
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
I give thanks to a Father who loves the world and a Son who gives the greatest gift, and to the Spirit who speaks within my soul.
Pastor shared a few words from Matthew 1:24-25. 'They called his name Emmanuel, which means God with us.' Jesus came to save his people from their sin.
Jesus was not born of sinful nature but born of the life-giving Spirit. God did it for the love of ALL people. Yes, you and me, but He came for the “whole world”. John 3:16-17.
We have broken DNA. Habitual sin, addiction, and deliberate sin. Jesus had none of these. His blood was the atonement for our sins. The Father’s love, and the son’s sacrifice give each person the opportunity to have eternal life. John 3:18-21.
Not everyone knows the message. Not everyone will accept the message. But those who do believe have the directive to share with others the promise and the hope that brings the greatest of all joys!
I like this song video for today: The Shepherd’s Song! “The Joyous Refrain.”
John 3:16 New International Version
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
I give thanks to a Father who loves the world and a Son who gives the greatest gift, and to the Spirit who speaks within my soul.
Saturday, December 16, 2023
MarthaE Cooking #2
I had more cooking to do this week. First my two dinners (at least four meals for me).
Spicy Peruvian Chicken (includes Jalapeno) with fluffy rice. I didn't use as much Jalepeno as was available. Behind my bowl is the picture from the HelloFresh instructions. I need a wider bowl that will allow the rice bedding to be seen.
And
Pub-Style Shepherd's Pie which made four portions for me instead of just two meals. This took a bit longer to cook for me but it is very tasty.
I spent 5-6 hours on Saturday cooking. After making the Sheperd's Pie I did baking for a Woman's Club Cookies and Sweets Exchange on Sunday. This year I made Applesauce Oat Cookies...
and Ricotta and Jam Pastries.
I'm actually wondering if I should just make some regular sugar cookies. But I wouldn't have time to decorate them for tomorrow before the event.
Bon appétit!!
Spicy Peruvian Chicken (includes Jalapeno) with fluffy rice. I didn't use as much Jalepeno as was available. Behind my bowl is the picture from the HelloFresh instructions. I need a wider bowl that will allow the rice bedding to be seen.
Pub-Style Shepherd's Pie which made four portions for me instead of just two meals. This took a bit longer to cook for me but it is very tasty.
and Ricotta and Jam Pastries.
I'm actually wondering if I should just make some regular sugar cookies. But I wouldn't have time to decorate them for tomorrow before the event.
Bon appétit!!
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