Sunday Words of Encouragement August 11, 2013

We had a grand time of praise and worship this morning. Then a short, interesting presentation by a missionary who is ministering to the Muslem community in Dearborne, Michigan.

Then pastor shared a message he titled: “God Cares for You...Because He Loves You.
Some people wonder “Does God really care about my life?”  1 Peter 5:7 says: “Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.”
Our God is a caring God. He wants to remove all of our anxiety, distractions, worries, and troublesome fears. He does care about the details in our life even as he cares about bigger events too.
Pastor listed these three signs of unbelief:
▸    Care - constantly on your mind.
▸    Worry - mental notes of what to do.
▸    Fear - perceived threat.
You cannot be secure in God’s love if you do not submit to complete belief and faith in His ability to handle our lives, our burdens. If we do not completely trust in him then we are double minded. (Which is not a good thing as noted in James 1:5-8, James 4:8-10.)
How unbelief enters or appears in your life:
1. Ignorance.  If you do not know the Word and promises of God then you might not recognize the word when it is twisted or manipulated for the purposes of the enemy.
2. Disbelief; listening to false teachings; failure to recognize the leading hand of God.
3. Natural unbelief. We cannot allow feelings to supersede God’s promises.

God cares more about you than little sparrows and He doesn’t let one fall without His knowing.. God loves us so much that he even counts the hairs on our heads which natural living parents don't. Matthew 10:29-31.  So you can safely cast ALL your care on Him. He'll be there with you and for you.

This is the traditional hymn that Pastor chose for us to sing to close his message.

No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus.

Verses for Today:
Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

I thank you Jesus, Lord, for caring so completely for me - Creator, Provider, Healer, Comforter, Redeemer! You are worthy of glory, honor and praise!

Sharing Beyond Books #112 Comment Giveaway August 10, 2013

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.

I had another good week even though it was busy. It was a good busy. I got to lead a real estate training class so that took a number of hours in preparation. The rest of the schedule was light enough to allow that without too much extra stress.

Only four of us have met other bloggers in person and that included Bookishqueen who knows her blogger sister. But most of us would like to meet other bloggers. :-)

Most of you use larger purses and a handful do use backpacks. Bookishqueen has a tiny  purse and Linda K doesn't use a bag except when going to the zoo when she uses a backpack. A couple of you have "in between" size purses to carry 'enough.'  Mary P has one big enough for umbrella, water and book!!

Thank you to all who shared last week.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #111 comments is: #20 Linda T who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #112

Q1. (This fits for getting ready to return to school.) Mamabunny asks: Back to school means summer is almost over (in my area) name one last hoorah! you would like to have before autumn arrives??

A: My kids are all beyond school age and seeing their own little ones back to school. But the summer break will be over in a week here. I'm not really thinking of a last hoorah although I would really like two things.  1. I wished I'd used the pool more this summer. I'd blame it on all the rain but it was really just me.  2. I think I am ready soon for another mini vacation--. cruise or motorcoach-- but away from the office. :-)

Cartoon characters by Charles M. Schulz.

Image found at West Austin Athletic Club.

Q2.  My turn for a bookish Question this time: Have you ever thought of a pen name you would like to use if you were to write??

A: Many years ago (and far, far away... oh I digress) I fixated on a name I really liked. It is Eustacia with Stacy as a nickname.  Never thought about a last name and I don't really plan to use a pen name but I still like Eustacia.

Image found at The Vandal (Derek Haines).

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Mamabunny asks: Back to school means summer is almost over (in my area) name one last hoorah! you would like to have before autumn arrives??

Q2.  My bookish Question: Have you ever thought of a pen name you would like to use if you were to write??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, August 16, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Flirting with Texas by Katie Lane

This is a fun, flirty read.

Flirting with Texas (Deep in the Heart of Texas)
by Katie Lane

• Series: Deep in the Heart of Texas (Book 5)
• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Forever (July 30, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 1455515698
• ISBN-13: 978-1455515691

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: July 30, 2013 | Series: Deep in the Heart of Texas (Book 5)
YOU'RE A LONG WAY FROM HOME, COWGIRL
On her own in the Big Apple, Jenna Jay Scroggs can handle herself when trouble arises. But when she tries to rescue a horse, the passionate do-gooder ends up on a runaway Central Park carriage ride with a hunky stranger. With his sexy drawl and well-worn Levis, Beauregard Cates is doing his darnedest to make Jenna homesick for the small western town she's spent years trying to forget. And it's working: She's dangerously close to falling head over boot heels for the rugged rodeo star with hair the color of moonshine.

Beau came to the big city to escape his past and live life to the fullest. Yet the leggy blonde with eyes as blue as a western sky causes a real hitch in his giddy-up. So when the well-meaning folks of Bramble plot to bring Jenna home, Beau will need to convince her that she won't ever get Texas out of her blood - or one good-time, ever-lovin' cowboy out of her heart.

Review:
Jenna is a passionate activist fighting evil in New York as she seeks to help the underdogs of the world. Although she was raised in a small Texas town in a lively family with “country”-type parents, Jenna felt like she never quite fit in with her taller dark-haired siblings. When her parents wouldn’t accept her college boyfriend, Davy, a long-haired ‘artist’, Jenna moved to New York in her own little rebellion and has refused to speak to her family.

Beau is a handsome cowboy competing in rodeo bull riding around the country. He owns Miss Hattie's Hen House, a former brothal, now a Bed & Breakfast, in Bramble, Texas that is managed by the former Madam, Minnie. Minnie has an agenda and she asks Beau to track down Jenna in New York.
No sooner does Beau locate Jenna then he gets caught up in her escapades. He has to rescue her after she takes off with a horse and carriage because she wants to save the horse from the cruel master. Beau shows up at Jenna’s apartment and isn’t impressed by her girly looking, wimpy boyfriend. Beau didn’t intend to get entangled with Jenna but then they get shanghaied and transported together from NY to Texas in a small travel trailer!

Once Jenna simmers down she realizes she is attracted to the rugged cowboy but he has made it clear that he is out for fun and no commitment. Beau is surprised by his attraction to Jenna too, especially since he has had some trouble of late responding to his usual rodeo groupie one night stands. Just as they decide to explore their attraction they are totally surprised to have the trailer door opened to the cheers of the home town folks! It seems the town had decided it was high time that Jenna made up with her folks. If the adventure brought Beau in from a two year absence too, all the better.

Beau has avoided his family as he copes with recovering from cancer and treatment at a young age with no promises that it won’t come back. As Beau continues to struggle with his own demons, Jenna plans to make an escape back to NY and Davy.

Both characters have an awakening as a misunderstanding has Jenna panicking about her family history and a medical emergency for Minnie has Beau seeing his illness and absence in a whole new light. While they are navigating their emotions another character, Marcy, who has a high school reputation as a slut, is suddenly spending time with the bachelor pastor. Will these couples be able to face their fears, move beyond their pasts and maybe find a future together?

This story turned out a lot better than it started for me. I wasn’t crazy about the playboy character of Beau and even Jenna was a bit extreme. But they both grew on me until I was cheering for them by the end. I really liked the insights that Ms. Lane shared on the cancer and self-esteem issues. Minnie, even from her wheelchair, shares a great positive attitude. Instead of accepting the old adage “Life is hell, and then you die” Minnie proclaims “Life isn’t hell; it’s a journey. A wonderful, breathtaking journey.” (Page 256.)

The romance with the two couples was on the steaming side for Jenna and Beau while more sweet and struggling for Marcy and Sean. There was some mobster involvement that added a little extra fun and excitement. I recommend this story as a fun read especially for romance readers who enjoy their characters a bit wacky with plenty of escapades to share.

I received this ARC from Hachette/Forever to provide an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open to those with US or Canadian address.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 16, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on August 17, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Saturday Snapshot August 10, 2013 A Few Interesting Things of Nature

Today I am sharing some more shots of nature around our house.

Here is a moth on the large wreath that stays up

on our front porch.

Here are two snails that my DH found as he cleared out a planter.

(Looks like they are cozy together doesn't it?)

I liked the orange fungus growing on the stump in the garden.

And these raindrops on a cobweb looked like glistening beads.

I just wish I could have gotten a better shot of them.

I had fun visiting last Saturday morning and I will do it again this week.

Thanks to all who stop by and visit.

A big Thank You to Alyce of At Home With Books who has hosted this meme for a number of years. She is taking a summer hiatus at her blog and the new host will be Melissa at West Metro Mommy. Thank you to Melissa for picking up the responsibility.

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky being hosted this summer by West Metro Mommy. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 9, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Happy Friday Friends!! Oh what a week! It was good busy at work and reading is good too. :-) Maybe I can start thinking about a little break. 

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the August 2 Pick. There were two Automatic wins this week. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were four blocked titles - but one was won!
rubynreba gets Promise Forever
Texas Book Lover gets the Catherine Anderson pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 2 Pick:

Mary P gets a GC 

Ingeborg gets (through the block) Summer by the Sea

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 or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This image just makes me SMILE!

Image found at McWhorter Library.

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Pairs:
Jude Deveraux
    Return to Summerhouse and Twin of Fire
Mariah Stewart
    Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Singles:
The Shadowed Heart by Nina Beaumont
Hannah by Lori Copeland
My Lady Midnight by Laurie Grant
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
The Door to December by Dean Koontz
Heart of the Storm by Lindsay McKenna
Crucfixtion River by Marcia Muller & Bill Pronzini
Tabitha in Moonlight by Betty Neels
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Caught in a Bind by Gayle Roper
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
     (Highlands) Highland Treasure by Amanda Scott and Highlander Unbound by Julia London
     (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
What Sarah Saw by Margaret Daley (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
Her Last Chance by Terri Reed  (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
The Clairvoyant Countess by Dorothy Gilman
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Mission: Irresistible by Lori Wilde
Sin and Scandal in England by Melody Thomas
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Rising Moon by Lori Handeland
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher
Promise Forever by Marta Perry


New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Oops - I never added all the links last month so no promises on these either.

Pairs:
Hannah Howell
     Highland Hearts and Highland Destiny
Catherine Anderson
     My Sunshine and Blue Skies
Elizabeth Lowell
     Remember Summer and Too Hot to Handle
Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Playing with Fire by Gena Showalter
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
Shadow of the Sun by Tammy Hilz
Dark Summer by Iris Johansen
Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs
Shadow Beach by Barbara Freethy
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler


New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Pairs:
Amanda Scott
      Abducted Heiress and Highland Bride
Sandra Brown
     Texas! Chase and Exclusive (spine wear) (not the covers as on the links)
A Murderous Yarn by Monica Ferris
Deadly Advise by Roberta Isleib
Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson 
On Deadly Ground (Love Inspired Suspense) by Lauren Nichols
Happy Never After by Kathy Hogan Trocheck
Female Intellignece by Jane Heller
Improper English by Katie MacAllister
Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Caitlin's Guardian Angel by Marie Ferrarella
Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.

To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl



New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Tara Taylor Quinn
     Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Singles:
Timeline by Michael Crichton

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe



New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 
Pairs
Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!

*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland



New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)


New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

- Oops upside down book! 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 - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)


New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes
*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

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 in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (as of November 2012)

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! I am happy to say that so far about 530 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

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 far away places runs between $5.00 $7.00 and $6.00 $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)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

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!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10---(All Gone)