Sunday Words of Encouragement July 20, 2014

This morning our Sunday School leader, “G”, concluded his messages regarding idol worship. As part of that lesson he reminded us how important it is for us to share the blessings that God gives to us with others.

We have a men's group, which started at our church but now consists of men from seven different churches. The Band of Brothers meets every Tuesday morning for prayer, bible discussion and breakfast. The group has been experiencing a strong growth and outpouring to help others in the community. “G” shared a testimony of God at work in our midst and in a Haiti minister, “E”, who had visited our church over the past several weeks.

“E” came to the United States seeking work so he could provide for his family and church in Haiti. He was directed to some farm labor in our town but then injured his neck so was unable to continue that work. “G” was led to give some financial help to “E” at the end of Sunday evening service.  The next evening “G” discovered “E” walking along the alley by his home. He called out “My brother!” and embraced “E”. “E” was startled and explained that he was staying at the motel across the street and was walking and praying, seeking God’s guidance. The money that “G” had given him was a God-send as it paid the motel bill and purchased food. “G” invited “E” to join the men on Tuesday morning. “E” was impressed with the warm welcome he received from the men especially because he is a black man and in his country the blacks and whites do not mingle. That day “E” agreed to work with one of the men, a French Canadian. They spent two days in physical labor praising God in French!

“E’ came by to tell “G” that God had directed him to return to Haiti to share the amazing experience of faith he had here. “E” wants to give testimony of how God provided his needs through love from the body of believers. “E” now is convinced that God will provide for him when he returns home and shares this testimony.

Isn’t that an exciting witness of God’s hands at work? How could some argue that all of these pieces were merely ‘coincidence’ rather than the carefully orchestrated steps of God?

We had a US missionary speak and we celebrated communion during service. Pastor shared a brief but powerful message on communing with the body of Christ. Perhaps I will share more of these another time.

I had found one song on service but I kept looking.

I think this song is for "E" and maybe someone else who needs to be reminded that:

God Will Make A Way.

Verses for Today:
Galatians 5:13-14 NIV
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Lord, Thank You for reminding us that Your love is alive and moving in those who seek You and wish to serve You. Help me to be a better servant, to Your Glory.

Sharing Beyond Books #160 Comment Giveaway July 19, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
It's been another long day (after a long week), but all is good.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Scottsgal and Elizabeth flew as babies; a couple flew as toddlers and rubynreba was the 'oldest' new flyer in her 30s. At least eight were in their teens and two do not remember. The majority of the flights seemed to be for vacation or family visits. I have to agree with Marjorie that there was a time when you dressed up to fly. These days it seems most travelers dress more casually.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #159 comments is: #14 ElizabethL 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 #160 (One Question.)

Q1. Margaret asks: Which do you prefer tea or coffee??

A: We previously answered what type of tea we liked so this question is different. I guess I prefer coffee although I drink both.  I have coffee everyday and tea only a couple times a month. Always tea with Chinese food or at "tea" time on the cruise ships. :-)

Image found at Carly Rae Weddings.

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 still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Margaret asks: Which do you prefer tea or coffee??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 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 through Saturday July 26, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: Take Back the Morning by Evan Howard

This contains a different view of Hell and strong, positive messages of redemption.

Take Back the Morning
by Evan Howard

• File Size: 1696 KB
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Wilcox Publishing Group; 1 edition (April 28, 2014)
• ASIN: B00K0J3LK2

Genre:  Inspirational Fiction, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: April 28, 2014
A corrupt stockbroker on the run . . .
An economy in turmoil . . .
And a mysterious pendant sought by the richest woman on Wall Street.
Terrified of going to jail, Justin Connelly faked his death and fled the seductions of Manhattan for the quiet corners of Providence, Rhode Island. His only keepsake was an antique pendant engraved with strange markings.
But then a sailing accident almost kills him for real. In his near-death state Justin is taken to the depths of Hell itself, where he sees things that drive him out of hiding and back to his abandoned wife in New York. But Tori’s moved on, and his old enemies on Wall Street are not happy to see him. They want the pendant, which in the wrong hands could destroy humanity—and Justin’s former boss definitely has the wrong hands. The only way out is to swallow his pride, and his doubt, and work with Tori and her new fiancé to expose the truth.
As world economies—and his own soul—hang in the balance, Justin must decide how much he is willing to sacrifice.
A spiritual thriller critically relevant to the crises of our time.

Review:
Justin Connelly loved his wife, Tori, but he got caught up in striving for corporate advancement, including an adulterous relationship with his powerful and alluring female boss, Candace. Justin realized that Candace had unusual persuasive powers, derived from a mysterious pendant, that had helped make her the richest woman on Wall Street. Justin was trying to end the affair with Candace when the 9/11 bombings took out their building, Believing Candace dead, Justin took the pendant and moved to Providence, Rhode Island, under an assumed name. He still thinks of his wife but is unable to face her with the truth of his betrayal.

Justin suffers a head injury during a sailing accident. While in a coma Justin is given a tour of Hell and given a second chance to redeem himself. He is directed to return to the world of the living, help others by sharing his experience and the message of love and salvation and keep the pendant safe from evil hands.

When Justin wakes from his coma he learns that his abandoned wife learned he is alive through the press. He is also surprised when Candace shows up alive and desperately searching for the pendant.

While struggling with her grief over loosing Justin, Tori has grown close to Justin’s best friend, Paul. Paul is seperated from his wife but has asked Tori to marry him as soon as his divorce is final. Paul is extremely angry that Justin ran out on Tori and he insists that Tori shouldn’t forgive him and take him back,

Candace and her henchmen attack Tori thinking that she has the mysterious pendant. Justin, Tori and Paul are thrown together as they try to keep the pendant away form Candace. Tori is reluctant to trust Justin but can’t deny the changes that she sees in his attitude towards others and in the powerful messages he is sharing.

The vision of Hell is an interesting interpretation, stressing the struggles men have trying to resist the temptations of lust, greed, selfishness and more. The plot is entertaining with a lot of action, attacks and chases but some of this seemed contrived. I had to wonder where the authorities were while Candace’s men kept showing up. I enjoyed the positive messages conveyed in the story, though many were presented as speeches so they come across as “preachy”. The questions at the end are excellent for provoking thought and discussion.

This is listed as a thriller and there is action. However I think it is on the weak side of a thriller and strong side of inspirational. Although it wasn't really what I expected it was entertaining.

I received this title through NetGalley.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 18, 2014

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

ARGH! It's Friday again. I keep meaning to get the latest giveaways loaded into Giveaway page and on the sidebar but the time keeps moving by and I fade at night before all tasks are done. 
I've had such a busy week! Mostly good with a little bit of stress. 

[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 July 11 Pick. There was one automatic win 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 was one title blocked.
Becky gets the Karen Harper Pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 11 Pick:
Carol NW gets Never Walk Alone

Llehn 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.}

Then again - ANY TIME IS READING TIME!

Image found at 280 Steps

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014
Pic is up - list to be input later

PAIRS:
Sandra Brown:  The Thrill of Victory and Temperatures Rising
Beverly Barton: The Last to Die and Raintree: Sanctuary
SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
Hawkes Harbor by S.E. Hinton
Savage Thunder by Cassie Edwards
Miracle by Deborah Smith
Desperate Alliances by Cory Daniells
Never Walk Alone by Paula Detmer Riggs
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Running Blind by Lee Child
Dirty Sexy Knitting by Christie Ridgway
The Grey Beginning by Barbara Michaels
The Highlander's Bride by Michele Sinclair


New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014

PAIRS:
Karen Haper:  Black Orchid (spine creases) and Shaker Run
Elizabeth Lowell: Fever and The Color of Death
SINGLES:
After Dark by Phillip Margolin Audio Tapes
Dangerous by Debra Dier
First to Fight Anthology
Full Bloom by Jayne Ann Krentz
Mesmerized by Gayle Lynds
On the Edge by Susan Kearney
Safe by His Side by Linda Conrad
Son of the Sword by J. Ardian Lee
Spring Fancy by LaVyrle Spenser
Tangled Lives by Margot Dalton
Trial by Fire by Jo Davis
Underfoot by Leanne Banks


New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

PAIRS:
Catherine Palmer: Prairie Rose and A Whisper of Danger
Stephanie Laurens: A Lady of His Own (spine creases) and Impetuous Innocent
SINGLES:
Trey's Secret by Lois Faye Dayer
Midnight Reign by Chris Marie Green
Once Upon a Moon by Julie Kistler
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy



New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

PAIRS:
   Virginia Henley - Notorious and Insatiable
   Debbie Macomber - Navy Woman and This Matter of Marriage
SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy


New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

PAIRS:
   Deborah Cooke: Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate
   Fern Michaels:  Hey Good Looking and Charming Lily
SINGLES:
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013---(All gone)

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
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.

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All gone)

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

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012---(All gone)

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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

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
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---(All gone)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20---(All gone)

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes

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 on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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 685+ 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
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown 

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

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

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
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---(All gone)

Pick #5---(All gone)

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Pick #8
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Audible Review: Deadly Shores: Destroyermen, Book 9 by Taylor Anderson

I give top credits for hours of entertainment in the latest installment to this great series.
Deadly Shores: Destroyermen, Book 9
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris

• Length: 16 hrs and 52 mins 
• • Series: Destroyermen, Book 9
• Format: Unabridged


Release Date:05-06-14
Publisher: Tantor Audio

Genre: Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The long-planned raid on the heart of the Grik Empire has grown more ambitious - and dangerously ill-defined. Only Matthew Reddy, commander of the old destroyer USS Walker, seems focused on its original intent.
Many Lemurians see an opportunity to reconquer their sacred homeland, which was stolen long ago, and have no intention of simply striking a blow and then pulling back. Others, Lemurian and human, have their own agendas - which may not be in the best interests of the Alliance. Complicating matters further is Reddy's suspicion that his task force is being stalked by an unknown power bent on aiding the Grik for reasons of its own.
As the raid begins and chaos reigns, Reddy has no choice but to go all in, risking everything in a desperate act that results in a sprawling, nightmarish battle on the beaches of "Grik City", on the very decks of Walker, and in the labyrinthine passageways of the Celestial Palace itself.
The final cost could be more than Matt Reddy - or the Alliance - can bear.
©2013 Taylor Anderson (P)2014 Tantor

Review:
The first portion of this book gives history and character re-cap to familiarize those who don’t know the series or to refresh others. There are personal snippets to bring some of the major characters to the forefront. Then the battle action begins in force, even as some of the strategy gets lost to zealous, mixed motives.

The battles of Captain Reddy and the Grand Alliance continue on three fields in thes latest installment of this wonderful alternate world series. General Pete Alden faces off with the Grik General Halick, in India. The two military leaders are beginning to respect each other as they realize they can continue to fight to decimate each others’ armies or they can step apart and regroup for another day.

British High Admiral Jenks is leading the Imperial troops, with Orrin Reddy’s “Nancys” airteam, in the eastern front battle against the Dominion. Although they are positioning themselves well in Guayak, New Granada Province, they have no real idea of the Dominion forces that are grouping in the Atlantic.

Meanwhile Captain Reddy, his naval forces and many of the Lemurian leaders and troops begin their raid against the Grik on their own home front in Madagascar. Unfortunately, not all the leaders had the same acknowledged goals and the raid turns into a full on assault. The indomitable Dennis Silva takes a small band to sneak into the Grik fortress to capture the Celestial Mother. Several characters who have become endeared are killed or injured in this reckless and costly mission.

I totally enjoyed the plot lines, the imagination and progress of the story. The Doms are still a massive threat and The Japanese enemy, Captain Hisashi Kurokawa, is rebuilding after his defeat at the battle at Madras (Storm Surge). Allies are shifting as Kurokawa is set to betray the Grik allies he made when first he came to this world. As this book closes a new enemy emerges in the form of Italian fascists. I look forward to learning what new adventures and dangers the characters will face in the next book.

Audio Notes: I truly enjoy the narration by William Dufris. He brings the characters alive and helps me get emerged into the world of the Destroyermen. I am glad I have been enjoying this series in audio and I highly recommend it.

I bought this with my Audible subscription so I could continue the adventures.