Sunday Words of Encouragement June 21, 2020

Hubby and I continue to visit our church online even though services are open. Today there was a recognition of Father's Day even as Pastor continued his series on Better Together. Over the past weeks Pastor has confirmed that the Church is better together. This morning he stressed that family is better together.

God put the mantle on the shoulders of men to lead the way spiritually and socially. Children watch their parents looking for stability. Statistics show that the presence and influence of a father in the household makes a difference whether children go to prison or to college; whether they struggle or succeed. There is a better chance of success when the father is active in the family.
Often it appears that as Dad goes, so in most cases the family goes.

The Bible tells us repeatedly that God is our heavenly Father. Satan wants to destroy that image of fatherhood and this is a reason that the enemy attacks fathers and family.

1 Corinthians 8:6 tells us that God the Father is who we live for and Jesus is (models) how we live. If we all lived for God and through Jesus the world would be a better place.
God created the family unit and then agreed to be close to us as our Abba (Daddy) Father. Romans 8:15. We are made to be children of God. John 1:12-13.

Even though earthly fathers fall far short, the leadership of fathers has been established by God. The enemy will continue to attack the family. Fathers need to stand strong with a Godly foundation.

Point: Your Family is better Together. It’s how God created us.

Fathers need to get beyond seeing themselves solely as a provider for the family. God provides. Fathers need to be a leader in the battle for the souls of their families. Wives/mothers need to help fathers to be the leader in the family and in that spiritual battle.

I picked this song to go with today’s message: I am Loved.

Verses for Today:
Romans 8:14-17 (NIV)
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

I thank you, God for being my heavenly Father and creating and accepting me as Your child.  I thank you for my earthly father. He wasn't perfect but he did make sure we had the opportunity to know You.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 19, 2020

Happy Friday!
Once again we are coming to the end of a tense week. I hope everyone continues to stay safe as we enter the summer season (and a few of you enter the winter season).
I did pull together a new box of books- see the list below.
Tomorrow I plan to print out the lists for mailing and GCs.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.

INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the June 12, 2020 Pick. There was one automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was no title blocked.
bn100 gets Summer Skies. 

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 12, 2020 Pick:
CAROL gets Montana Mavericks
and
LINDA gets a GC.

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Do you have your summer reading list ready?
Image found at North Broward Preparatory School.

New Book Group #90 June 19, 2020
Quite a few mysteries in this box. 

PAIRS:
Mary Jane Clark:  Hide Yourself Away and Do You Want to Know a Secret
Maggie Shayne:  Embrace the Twilight and Colder Than Ice
SINGLES:
On Thin Ice by Cherry Adair
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Cutting Edge by Allison Brennan
Summer Skies by Judy Christenberry (I apparently had a duplicate of this title)
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Angel Face by Suzanne Forster
Stalking the Puzzle Landy by Parnell Hall
Hunting Fear by Kay Hooper
Statute of Limitations by Tamar Myers
The Missing Heir by Gail Rainstrom
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)
The Warrior by Frances Richey (poetry - hardcover)


New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Pairs:
Brenda Joyce: Firestorm and Innocent Fire
LaVyrle Spencer: Morning Glory and Bitter Sweet
Singles:
Open House by Elizabeth Berg (Hardback)
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
What the Heart Knows by Kathleen Eagle
Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Angel Creek by Linda Howard
Montana Mavericks - Big Sky Grooms Anthology
Shadow and Silk by Ann Maxwell
Tempting Fire by Carla Neggers
Suicide Club by Gayle Wilson
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere
Through the Years - Three Novels, Linda Howard, Fern Michaels and Debbie Macomber


New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

PAIRS:
Stella Cameron: Body of Evidence and Fascination
Singles:
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs


New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES


New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Stella Cameron: Key West
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
Too Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
White Night by Jim Butcher
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff


This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring by Jillian Hart
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost NINE years I have posted 88 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,429 books to find new homes! (as of November 8, 2019).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,317+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors, your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to faraway places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Audio Book Review: The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant by Drew Hayes

This is fun, easy listening.

The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant --
Written by Drew Hayes
Narrated by Kirby Heyborne

Series: Fred, the Vampire Accountant, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-24-15
Language: English
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Humor, Satire
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description
Some people are born boring. Some live boring. Some even die boring. Fred managed to do all three, and when he woke up as a vampire, he did so as a boring one. Timid, socially awkward, and plagued by self-esteem issues, Fred has never been the adventurous sort.
One fateful night-different from the night he died, which was more inconvenient than fateful-Fred reconnects with an old friend at his high school reunion. This rekindled relationship sets off a chain of events thrusting him right into the chaos of the parahuman world: a world with chipper zombies, truck driver wereponies, maniacal necromancers, ancient dragons, and now one undead accountant trying his best to “survive.”
Because even after it’s over, life can still be a downright bloody mess.

Review:
Many people expect a vampire to be powerful, fierce, and maybe even suave. That isn’t Fred. Fred tells you himself that he was a timid, awkward, physically soft nerd while living and that didn’t change too much when he died. He may have slimmed down some and has strengths he calls on occasionally, but he is still timid and socially awkward. Fred attends his high school reunion and runs into a girl he liked during school but who he thought barely noticed him. Surprisingly, Krystal recognizes Fred and treats him nicely. Not only that, it turns out she recognizes what he is because she is an agent who hunts down out of control parahumans.

Though it is a bumble, Fred manages to help Krystal escape a dangerous situation. Then he joins her on several unexpected adventures where Fred accumulates unique friends like a cheerful zombie (not a brain-eating variety), a werepony. Fred and Krystal also face their share of monsters and Fred has to try to outthink some of them since he certainly can’t outwrestle them.

Fred may be mild-mannered, but he isn’t totally uninteresting. He repeatedly ends up in engaging adventures where it is fun to watch Fred outwit his opponents/enemies. I liked the easy flow of the chapters that share different misadventures, introducing the new characters along the way. In the end, there is a fun, interesting twist. The author is creative in the parahumans and writes with light humor that makes it fun to read/listen. I recommend this to readers who enjoy lighter paranormal characters.

Audio Notes: Kirby Heyborne does a good job with the narration. He captures Fred’s mild personality and manages to make the listening move along with interest. I am glad I listened to this.

Source: September 2019 Chirp Purchase $.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post June 14, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 15, 2020

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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.

We had another pushy sort of week. I hired a new young lady who will start tomorrow.

I am surprised I only finished one book this week. However, to tell the truth, I have been spending a lot of time watching, reading, and learning about stock investing. I signed up at Robinhood mid-April and created a nice little portfolio. That was fine but I got caught up in the excitement of trading too. I am slowing that down right now while I study strategy instead. The down market this week reminded me to be more directed and careful too. Fortunately, I'm still on the plus side. (*Note if you are interested in checking out the app, this link includes the opportunity to get a free stock and I get one too.)

Hubby asked me to do a sewing project a week or so ago. I pulled out my trusty sewing machine. This was my mother's new machine when I was a teen. My daughter commandeered my new machince a number of years ago. Hubby had this 56-year-old machine 'tuned up' a few years back and it still works just fine.

Our temperatures have been in the 80s and 90s again with a couple nights cooler.

Strange I only finished one audiobook. I am really enjoying The Finders but left the kindle at work. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Silence is Read Book Blog. Betül and Mujde Oz share this blog. Betül reads ROMANCE (HR/RS/PNR/CR/NA), Urban Fantasy, and Thrillers.

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 7, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 8, 2020.

• MBS May 2020 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Extracted by R. R. Haywood; Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi, Time Travel; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 12, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/18/2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Other America - A Speech from The Radical King by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Genre: History, Social Issues; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• NG19- #NetGalley Book Review: Vanishing Girls by Lisa Regan; Genre: Crime Thriller, Detective Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

• Sharing Beyond Books #397 Comment Giveaway June 13, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/27/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 14, 2020.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant --
Written by Drew Hayes
Narrated by Kirby Heyborne
7hrs 2m
This was cute, easy listening.
Source: September 2019 Chirp Purchase $.99.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

The Finders
A Mystery (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Book 1)
by Jeffrey B. Burton
I am really liking this (but left my Kindle at work so lost a couple of days to read it.)
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

A Wizard of Earthsea
By Ursula K. Le Guin
Narrated By: Rob Inglis
Duration: 7 h 18 min
This was a second choice this week and it is an author I have been wanting to read. I am only so-so into it.
9/30 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit YA Fantasy.
The shapeless mass of darkness split apart. It sundered, and a pale spindle of light gleamed between his open arms. In the oval of light there moved a human shape: a tall woman . beautiful, and sorrowful, and full of fear.'-from A Wizard of Earthsea A Wizard of Earthsea, first in a tetralogy that includes The Tombs of Atuan and The Farthest Shore, introduces the listener to Ged, the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, known also as Sparrowhawk. When Sparrowhawk casts a spell that saves his village from destruction at the hands of the invading Kargs, Ogion, the Mage of Re Albi, encourages the boy to apprentice himself in the art of wizardry. So, at the age of 13, the boy receives his true name-Ged-and gives himself over to the gentle tutelage of the Master Ogion. But impatient with the slowness of his studies and infatuated with glory, Ged embarks for the Island of Roke, where the highest arts of wizardry are taught. There, Ged's natural talents enable him to surpass his classmates in little time. But when his vanity prompts him to summon Elfarran, the fair lady of the Deed of Enlad, he unleashes a shapeless mass of darkness-the shadow....Read Less
Genres: Teen > Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Before I switched to EarthSea I started Into the Wild, Warriors, Book 1, while my granddaughter was in the car. I couldn't quite get into the clan battles this week.
I haven't picked my next book yet. I plan to go with the mood when I get there.


I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. The cross-outs aren't easy to see, so I made the completed letters blue.
NETGALLEY: A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO:            A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z

June 14, 2020 - I am up to date with my daily reading. I am again enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I started a new study Chris Tomlin - Holy Roar: Live From Church Devotional.

I completed three books and posted three reviews to keep me up to date.
My NetGalley shelf is still at 7, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I'm resisting adding any more NetGalley titles until I get some of my review titles done.I still have one carry over author ebook and two new author ebooks. I expect to pull one of these soon. I have one audiobook from an author and now I have 1 other new audiobook left of four. I need to get caught up on these books.
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
No review books again this week.
I still have to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I had to use my Audible credits this week so I snagged two series I like and picked up two free books.
I added no free Kindle titles this week. I haven't taken time to view the free offerings due to work and trading studies at night.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

6/13/2020 Two May Audible Credits:
Winds of Wrath
Destroyermen Series, Book 15
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan
Length: 24 hrs and 48 mins
Release date: 06-09-20
This is the final installment - I am excited and saddened.

After It Happened
Publisher's Pack 2
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 10-24-17
I want to continue this series.

Free

I borrowed the two Audiobook SYNC files from Week 7.
June 11 – June 17
EASY PREY by Catherine Lo, narrated by Nick Mondelli, Elizabeth Cottle, Jack Meloche (Dreamscape Media)
MARK OF THE RAVEN (THE RAVENWOOD SAGA) by Morgan L. Busse, narrated by Jaimee Draper (Oasis Audio)

Two Free Titles from Audible:


Why My Company Serves Free Breakfast to All Employees
By: Jay Hum
Narrated by: Fleet Cooper
Length: 8 mins
Release date: 05-04-17

Sue Perkins Earpedia: Animals
By: Sue Perkins
Narrated by: Sue Perkins, Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Length: 2 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 03-09-18


I didn't pick up any free Kindle titles this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 14, 2020

I enjoyed our early morning worship sitting on my porch watching the cardinals, doves, and finches playing and eating at the feeders. The hummers buzzed in later during the sermon.

Pastor continued his series on “Better Together”. He noted that friendship is usually built on common interests and values. Many of us have institutionalized friends or friends based on events, such as church, church small groups, sports interests, (book clubs), etc. Beyond those friends, Pastor suggests it is good for each of us to have a couple of “sticky friends”.

Everything and everyone takes a piece of our time. Euripides said, “One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.” Solomon said, ‘a real friend sticks closer than a brother’.

God created friendship and modeled friendship with humans again and again: with Adam and with Noah and many others. Acts 4:42-45 shows the believers gathering as friends, united in love. Our best model of friendship is Jesus. Jesus had many disciples but three close friends: Peter John and James.
William Shakespeare commented on friendship saying: A friend is someone who knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.

Are you awed that God has chosen you as a friend? John 15:18-19.

POINT: We are Better Together when we make room to experience real friendships.

When you make room for friends you:

Pray and commit yourself.
Put yourself in their space
Do something together.

Make room for others.

Here is a song about finding a friend in Jesus.

Verses for Today:
John 15:18-19 (NIV)
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Lord, I thank You that You chose me as a friend. Help me to be a better friend in this world.