Sunday Words of Encouragement August 2, 2015

I missed church again this morning as was coughing and dragging after an interrupted night with about four hours sleep. This week our daily Bible readings have been in 2 Chronicles 19-30, Psalm 21-25 75, Romans 10-16 and Proverbs 20. One of my prior studies, Through the Bible in One Year, notes that Chronicles is a retrospective review of the history of the people of Israel and provides a vital lesson from them and for us: “a nations’ response to God is the decisive factor in its history.” (Page 49.)

God blessed Israel, His chosen nation, but punished them to the point of removing His protections and blessings, even allowing them to be carried off, because they turned away from His commands, worshiped idols and allowed sin to run rampant. I have no reason to think He will not bring similar punishment on America as it’s people scorn His blessings and turn more and more to their selfish desires, allowing wickedness to abound.

What can we do?? We are called to be watchmen. We can pray and we share God’s Good News.
[Related posts: The Harbinger, The Mystery of the Shemitah, Four Blood Moons, and If My People Prayer Guide.]

This is a powerful praise song we have been singing at Church: Victor’s Crown.
I think it fits for this message.

Verses for Today:
2 Chronicles 30:8-9
8 Do not be stiff-necked, as your ancestors were; submit to the Lord. Come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the Lord your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. 9 If you return to the Lord, then your fellow Israelites and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.”

Lord, I thank You for Your blessings and guidance. I thank You for Your Glory. I trust in Your plans. I trust Your faithfulness, mercy and grace.

Book Review: If My People . . .: A 40-Day Prayer Guide for Our Nation By Jack Countryman

This is an inspiring prayer devotional.

If My People . . .: A 40-Day Prayer Guide for Our Nation

By: Jack Countryman

• File Size: 178 KB
• Print Length: 59 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1404187286
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 27, 2012)
• Publication Date: August 27, 2012
• Sold by: HarperCollins Christian Publishing
• ASIN: B003DS6OII

Genre: Devotional

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

If My People guides believers on a 40-day prayer journey in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14.

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

In the days prior to the election, this prayer booklet guides believers through 40 days of prayer, plus providing seven prayers from past presidents, inspired during some of our country's darkest days.

Review:
This is a very easy, but powerful 40-day prayer devotional. It was originally released before the election in 2008 as a tool to help increase spiritual awareness and the need for repentance and renewal. The version linked was re-released before the 2012 elections. Anyone who has read the Bible is familiar with the 2 Chronicles 7:14 promise reflected above.

This study guide pulls daily readings from new testament and old and pairs them with a succinct prayer for each day of the 40 readings. At every five day interval there is a quote from an American President that acknowledges God’ sovereignty and hand on America from George Washington to Ronald Reagan. The political affiliation of the president is not important, but their acknowledgment of the importance of prayer is vital. I found these entries inspiring. I also found the few pages of revival history at the end of this slim volume interesting.

Times and conditions in America were at least troubled from a Christian perspective in 2008, and again in 2012. In my opinion, conditions have deteriorated since then. I do love my country and I pray for our people. I love My Lord more and understand the righteous anger He has every right to wield.

I think this is a guide for prayers that should be repeated often by every faithful American. It would be grand to do the study as a group but even individually, the prayers are important. I believe that God hears our prayers and that prayers give strength to others, and angels, in the unseen battles that wage around us.

I selected this guide on sale at Christianbook.com to share with Ladies Book Club.

Sharing Beyond Books #213 Comment Giveaway for August 1, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I have had to struggle through my busy week with my cough/cold. The very sweet, faithful and called Doctor who runs our church "Faith Health Clinic" brought cough syrup to my home earlier in the week and called me to come into the clinic today. He said I have flu symptoms for which he prescribed several medications. Hopefully it will clear up sooner than later!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Miki, Carol L and SueF each named series they would like continued. I will be checking into those series. :-) Nine commenters could not think of any short series they would like continued although most thought there were some and two liked longer series. Two said they didn't know any series they would like continued.

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #212 comments is: #13 Mary P 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 #213 (One Question.)

Booklady asks: Q1 If you were able to meet any author (living or dead), who would it be and what would you discuss??

A: I double checked my list of questions and did not find this asked before. This is a really hard question. I've been fortunate to meet a few modern day authors. I can think of several living, and a few dead, authors that I might like to meet and depending on who, the discussion might vary (i.e. romance authors v. sci fi authors v. mystery authors). I just finished a book by Brandon Sanderson so tonight I think I might like to meet him and discuss fantastical weapons and tools.

Image found at Brandon Sanderson.com

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:
Booklady asks: Q1 If you were able to meet any author (living or dead), who would it be and what would you discuss??

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 the question 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 August 8, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Fox by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo

This is a fast-paced story of military action that includes personal elements giving it more depth.
SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Fox
by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo

• File Size: 963 KB
• Print Length: 321 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0316377481
• Publisher: Mulholland Books (May 12, 2015)
• Publication Date: May 12, 2015
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00NLJKMNW

Genre: Military Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

In war-torn Syria, the heroes of the SEAL Team Six series defuse an ISIS warlord's explosive plot.
After a meeting with a CIA source in Istanbul ends in tragedy, SEAL Team Six Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Crocker vows revenge. He suspects the men who attacked him and his contact are involved in the the latest and most harrowing scheme SEAL Team Six is charged with preventing, in a region that grows more volatile by the day.
Syria's government is unraveling, with the alliances among rebel groups increasingly complex and ISIS dangerously in the mix. Farid al-Kazaz, aka the Fox, leads the most threatening of the ISIS factions. The Fox believes Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ordered the murder of the Fox's brother and is planning a sarin gas attack that would wreak havoc across not just Syria, but the entire Middle East. It's up to Crocker and the rest of SEAL Team Six to stop a ruthless killer and keep an explosive plan from detonating.
The SEAL Team Six series has been hailed by special forces veterans and members of the intelligence community as a fascinating, behind-closed-doors look at the real-life heroism of our country's bravest soldiers. Now, Mann and Pezzullo use their experience and insight to tell the story of a terrifying plot ripped straight from the headlines.

Review:
Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Crocker is finds himself and his situation contact under attack in Istanbul, ‘...Europe’s largest city..., twice the size of London.’ He doesn’t yet know why he and his team have been summoned but they are soldiers who come when called. He meets with his local government commander with two foreigners, a successful business man and a beautiful, if fierce looking, young woman. The business man conveys news of a sarin gas located in Syria that could fall into the hands of ISIS where it would be a devastatingly dangerous weapon. The Seal Team, if given the higher-up go-ahead, must sneak onto a foreign air force facility to capture the gas canisters before they fall into the wrong hands. Then they will have to out race several different factions of warring troops covering the territory between the base and Turkey.

In this area of hostile peoples, with different political and ideological motives, it is difficult to know who can be trusted. Before their job is over, the team has to hunt down betrayers and “the Fox” as threats are made against civilians out for nothing more than pleasure on an American vessel.

I enjoy the fast-paced military danger and stealth elements of this series. But there is more that makes the stories fuller. The author shares personal emotions of the primary character, including relationship struggles he faces with his wife and graduating daughter at home. These are stark realities that many of us who do not have family members in active, dangerous, military situations do not think of or appreciate as extra problems our soldiers have to cope with.

I also liked the depth of political history (sit rep) and sensory input that add background to the military story. This is a reminder that there are so many conflicting interests in the middle east that it makes it difficult to know who and how to help and more difficult to know who to trust. Stories like this help provide some understanding, and I guess provide a vague acceptance, of our troops involvement by taking the view that war against terrorism, and keeping our defenses secure, often requires action on foreign soil. There is also a portrayal of the unfortunate simple civilians who are caught in the gritty ravages of war that is not of their own choosing. This fuels the American penchant for seeking to help in humanitarian situations even when our help isn’t always wanted or appreciated.

The story has a good mixture of history, military action, intrigue and personal and emotional investment. The overall effect makes for an engaging reading experience. This is the second story I read in the series (Seal Team Six: Hunt the Wolf) and I find they can be read fine as stand-alones. I recommend this story (and series) to those who enjoy military suspense that includes some personal touches.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review. It is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 31, 2015

Happy Friday - 
Sorry to be so late with this post. I got a cold last Thursday night and, between fever and a sudden funeral on Saturday morning we didn't go out of town. I have muddled through the week with my cold and fever early on. Altho the fever seems gone I am still coughing (hacking) hard. I have been going to bed by 8:30 almost every night without getting onto computer most nights.
I have posted a new picture of a book group but I haven't had the chance to input the names yet.

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 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 July 24 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 one title blocked this week.
AUTO: CarolL gets The Reiver's Woman 

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 24 Pick:
Marjorie gets a GC

Rubynreba gets JoAnn Ross Pair

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.}

eBook on the Beach - Yes!

Image found at Reader's Connection.

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

PAIR:
Jillian Hunter: Daring and The Husband Hunt
Sandra Brown: The Devil's Own and Long Time Coming
ANTHOLOGIES:
That Summer Place (1998 version)by Debbie Macomber, Jill Barnett and Susan Wiggs  (sp creasing)
How to Lasso a Cowboy by Jodi Thomas, Patricia Potter and 2 more
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Only by Your Touch by Catherine Anderson
The Notorious Gentleman by Galen Foley (Spine creasing)
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
Caught Redhanded by Gayle Roper
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy
Rogue by Cheryl Brooks

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

PAIRS:
JoAnn Ross:Impulse and Far Harbor
Barbara Bretton: One and Only and Shore Lights
SINGLES:
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson Audio Cassette Tapes
Marriage by the Book by Joan Johnston (slight binding damage)
Summer Lovin', American Romance - Marin Thomas, Laura Marie Altom and Ann Roth
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Murders in the Mist by Willard Scott
Murder on the Atlantic by Steve Allen
Love Me Tomorrow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
The Reiver's Woman by Catherine Creel
Never Romance a Rake by Liz Carlyle
Patriot Dreams by Barbara Michaels
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster


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

PAIRS:
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Special Agent by Candice DeLong
Dead in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

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

PAIRS:
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


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

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

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
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
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)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
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
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.


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

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
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 847+ 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!