Sunday Words of Encouragement May 17, 2015

It was another moving and interesting morning at church today. Once again our Sunday School message and our Sermon meshed without pre-planning.

Our Sunday School teacher continued teaching from Romans with a message he called; Who Are We to Judge? The primary texts were Romans 1:18-32 which talks about “they”, being the Godless ones, and Romans 2: 1-4 which talks to “you”, the believers.

He noted that the Jewish people tended to judge the unrighteousness through their own self- righteousness. But both passages point out that there is no excuse for you to judge. As Matthew states: Judge not lest ye be judged...Matthew 7:1. As humans we tend to judge in comparison to ourselves instead of comparing to God's standard. We look at outward appearance instead of circumstance and unknown facts. Jesus said to the Pharisees "look below the surface so you can judge correctly" John 7:24 (NLT).

We must be careful of a critical spirit which is hypocritical and feeds pride. We are all sinners.
He who has no sin cast the first stone. We are all human in a fallen condition. Revelations says that Satan is the accuser of the Brethren. We certainly should be careful not to step into that role. Only God can search the heart and examine the mind/motives. Jeremiah 17:10. Only He can judge the motive with grace, mercy compassion and the full garment of Love.

Our Pastor’s sermon was titled: Chose the Most Excellent Way and was based on Numbers 11:10-11. Moses recognized that God had thrust upon him the burden of leading a rebellious and grumbling people. Pastor acknowledged that all pastors feel that burden at times. The Israelites had been in captivity for 400 years and had a ‘slave mentality”. They were accustomed to having their masters provide their needs even though they had little. They left Egypt as mighty, wealthy, free people but instead of using their own stock and resources they demanded more from God. The people lusted for evil things - overabundance. What its lawful can become evil when it becomes lust.

Complaining is a choice of attitude. We must be careful not to be murmurers who can spread a contagious negative contamination in the church body. Grumbling about things you don't like when they are not necessarily wrong is a negative attitude. One should never judge without all the facts and circumstances and people certainly shouldn’t grumble through gossip. We must choose a more excellent way: choose life with positive words, not death with curses. Pastor had so many verses to share he had them printed on a hand out for us.

This song speaks of God’s great grace and mercy.

Verses for Today:
Romans 2:1-2 NIV
2 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.

God - remind me to not judge others but rather to be gracious and always show Your love and grace. I give thanks that only You, Great and Almighty God, have the right to judge and that You judges through eyes as creator, father, redeemer and guiding comforter.

Sharing Beyond Books #203 Comment Giveaway May 16, 2015

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

It was a busy week this week. I had hoped to go in today to do some clean up on my desk. Instead I got side tracked with a trip to Walmart to get my oil changed. Which meant I had to shop while waiting...so one thing let to another and I shopped buying things I needed and gifts for my secret sister. :-) Then I took them home and my DH had me stay for lunch... then nap. Soooo I never got to the office.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
You each offered wonderful car choices with two mentioning Rolls and several mentioning classic cars. I really liked Miki's choice of "KITT" the robotic, talking and self driving car from the series and movie Knight Rider.

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #202 comments is: #12 Fredamans who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #203 (One Question.)

Q1. Jess1 asks: If you had to choose a different first name, what would it be??

A: Hmmm - I have always liked my first name. During sixth grade my friends called me Marty but my mom didn't like that. I'm glad that she made me stick with Martha. Since I was born two days after Christmas nice choices would have been Holly, Ivy or Noel. If I had to choose - I think I might like Ivy.

Image found at SodaHead.

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. Jess1 asks: If you had to choose a different first name, what would it be??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

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 May 23, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: The Shadow Cartel (The Dominic Grey Series) by Layton Green

This is an intense thriller with interesting connections between drug cartel and cults.
The Shadow Cartel (The Dominic Grey Series)
by Layton Green

File Size: 6827 KB

• Print Length: 434 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477827811
• Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (May 1, 2015)
• ASIN: B00O4FK868

Genre: Thriller, Mystery Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 1, 2015
The sins of the past always return…
Called upon by a former love to look into the death of a family friend in Miami, veteran investigator Dominic Grey is sucked into the darkest reaches of international narcotics trafficking. The murders of multiple drug dealers during a bizarre religious ceremony, combined with the appearance of a mythical assassin, take DEA agent Federico Hernandez and CIA operative Lana Valenciano down the same deadly path.
Lying in wait is an enemy known only as the General: a criminal mastermind whose uncanny ability to avoid detection while cowing even the most ruthless of rival cartels has made him a legend.
Thrown together on a covert manhunt, Grey and the two government agents race across the Americas to unearth a dark chapter in the history of the CIA that has spilled into the present—and put them in the crosshairs of an underworld puppeteer with a frightening reach.

Review:
Dominic Grey is a private investigator who grew up hard and rough on dark streets. He works with a cult expert, Viktor, but Viktor is currently away battling his own dark demons. Dominic misses his former lover, Nya, and is surprised when the fragile and healing young woman arrives to ask a favor. Nya’s neice has been killed in Miami by a bad batch of ‘designer’ drugs. Nya asks Dominic to track down the man responsible.

Dominic takes up the search, joining with a local DEA agent, Fred. The first trail leads to four dead men and a sighting of a blue lady who wields a deadly blow pipe. When another murder by the blue lady is reported Lana, from the CIA, steps in to aid the search. However her goal reaches higher. She wants to follow the cartel link to find a mysterious leader known as “The General.”

The team’s first few leads are successful but reveal that there is a mole leaking their every step. Lana takes the mission off record hoping to avoid leaks. This leaves the three of them very vulnerable especially when they start traipsing around Mexico and South America.

Dominic is finally able to reach Viktor who begins researching the Blue Lady. He determines she is part of a little known religious cult that uses black magic and voodoo type curses. As the good guys get closer to discovering the truth even Viktor becomes a target for an unexpected killer.

The story got my attention quickly although there are numerous characters to sort in the first few chapters. Once I was able to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys, I enjoyed the brisk pace of action and the twists in the mystery. I enjoyed the real descriptions of Miami and the Everglades since I am familiar with those areas. The descriptions of the third world countries cities and jungles, is distinct and made me thankful I don’t live in those dire conditions. The history and intricate connection of the cults and scopolamine being used in drug cartels is scary. Mr. Green uses an engaging technique by interspersing chapters that give the reader knowledge of the brilliant enemy without fully revealing him until later in the book.

There is cursing but the "F" word is only used once. Although this is part of a series, and I imagine that reading them in order would build better background, it read acceptably as a stand alone. It engaged me enough in strong characters of Dominic and Viktor that I would be interested in their next dangerous adventure.

I received this title from the author through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 15, 2015

Oh - Thank goodness it's Friday!
I have had a busy week preparing for a hearing matter and two million+ dollar closings. 
My home computer has been iffy - froze last night so I couldn't get it turned on at all.
I may have to bite the bullet soon and replace this one.
I hope those who need rain get some and those who need it to stop get sunshine!

TO ENTER:

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 to 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 May 8 Pick. There was only one automatic wins this week.  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked.
bn100 gets Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 8 Pick:
Elizabeth gets a GC

Meredith gets Prey Cassette Tapes

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.}

I hope everyone is getting to enjoy some spring flowers as well as books!

Image found at GeekSmash.

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Dragon and the Jewel and Tempted
Jude Deveraux: The Invitation and Remembrance
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Better Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
World's Greatest Dad by Marie Ferrarella
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess
Skin Game by Ava Gray
Special Agent
Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spears
Dean in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever
Jack with a Twist by Brenda Janowitz

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Dick Francis: A Jockey's Life and Proof (spine creases)
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Parent Trap Anthology, Dallas Schulze, Lisa Jackson, Kasey Michaels
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Ain't Myth-Behaving by Kate MacAlister
Death at Play by Nancy Gotter Gates
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner
Virtually His by Gennita Low
Dead Even by Brad Metzger
Mommy Midwife by Cassie Miles
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes



BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
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
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 816+ 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. 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 far away 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!

Book Review and Giveaway: Cassidy (Big Sky Dreams Book 1) by Lori Wick

This is an engaging, character driven, gently paced, sweet historical romance.

Cassidy (Big Sky Dreams Book 1)
by Lori Wick

• File Size: 448 KB
• Print Length: 306 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0736916180
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (July 1, 2007)
• ASIN: B005MJ8Y02

Genre: Historical Romance, Christian
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 1, 2007
Following the success of her recent stand–alone novel, White Chocolate Moments, bestselling author Lori Wick returns to delight readers with a new series set in the vast open places of Montana.

Token Creek, Montana Territory, 1880—Cassidy Norton is a fine seamstress who makes her living sewing for others. Amid the bustle of a busy frontier town, her life is rich. What time her business doesn’t take, her friends and church family fill. But Cassidy hasn’t always lived in Token Creek, and few people know her full story. So she struggles with a nagging unsettledness in her heart.

Cassidy’s friend Meg is married to a rancher and has a baby, something Cassidy wants for herself. But that would mean revealing the details of her life. Will Cassidy find the strength to take that risk?

Book 1 in the Big Sky Dreams series.

Review:
Cassidy moved to Token Creek leaving behind secrets. She is making a reasonable living and, more importantly, has become part of the community through church and friends. She is especially close to Meg, who is married to Brad and expecting their first child. They live outside of town on a ranch with Brad’s younger brother, Travis.

Travis believes that Cassidy may have an interest in the local bank manager, Chandler, who has been seen walking with her. She also is close to Rylan, the burly bachelor Pastor. But Travis expresses concern about Cassidy’s safety as she lives alone and the town gets a bit rowdy on Saturday nights. After talking to Brad and Meg, they ask Cassidy to stay with them on Saturday nights and then go in to church together.

The story flows gently with the sharing of the characters and their individual and combined efforts to grow in their relationships with God. Midway through the book two new characters are introduced. One makes a surprising proposal to Cassidy while the other turns her life upside down. When Travis returns from a cattle drive will he join some of the other town members in condemning Cassidy or will he stand by her?

Although it is not faced paced, I did enjoy the gentle tone and steady style of the writing. There is a little mystery but don't expect any real suspense or action. I loved the consistent Biblical messages that are shared in natural settings through bits of sermons, prayers and study group discussions. There was nothing forced or disruptive in the easy presentation. Even though a daily life-style was shown, we (Ladies’ Book Club) thought there could have been a stronger emphasis on the setting details, like clothing since sewing was Cassidy’s specialty. Also, as another of my lady friends noted, there was a strange use of "that lady" instead of "she".  There were interesting discussion questions at the end of the book.

Several members of my Ladies’ Book Club have read most all of the works by Lori Wick. Three of us had never read her before but agreed that we liked the story and would be interested to read more by the author. I recommend this story to reader’s who like a gentle, character driven, inspirational historical romance. All of those elements are wrapped nicely in this book.

I purchased this at a discount price for Ladies Book Club. It was our April read. I am using this for Full House Challenge: Published between 2000 and 2013

ONE (gently read) PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY

US Only

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 (a) comment on the review, OR

(b) comment and tell me if you have a favorite book to recommend by this author

I didn't find an AUTHOR'S WEBSITE but here is her page at Fantastic Fiction and at Goodreads.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 7 PM (Central) May 22, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after May 22, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.