Sunday Words of Encouragement March 13, 2016

It was another lovely Sunday of good messages! I will save Pastor’s sermon for another day so I can share from our Sunday School lesson today. Our leader finished with the third part of Romans 12:12 which reads: “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” NLT.

First we learned to recognize that our HOPE is in believing that Christ died so that believers (having faith in what is unseen) could become heirs to eternal life (rather than eternal death). Second, last week, we discussed ‘persevering in tribulation’, which means we keep our trust in God in the hard times knowing that He is developing our character and recognizing our need of Him.

Now we see that we have to “keep on praying”! NASB translation reads “devoted to prayer”. The Message says “pray all the harder”. And NIV says “be faithful in prayer”. The point is that we must communicate with God. Many of us in class were eager to share our “two bits” so much so that our leader had a hard time getting back to his notes.

Prayer can be hard to fit within our busy lives. Often when things are moving smoothly in our lives we let prayer slide. But if we run into trouble we are quick to cry out. (Reminds me of the Israelites.) The point is that we are to be faithful and consistent in prayer. There are two styles for consistent prayer. Some of us are familiar with “breath prayers” where we pray all day. Sometimes if I am on hold on the phone I use that time to pray. But, although that is keeping an open line to God, it is not a time when we stop and listen.

The example that Jesus gave was to withdrew to quite place for prayer. God said “Be still, and know that I am God.” As one of our classmates said: ‘it is awesome to think that the King of the universe want a relationship with me!’ He wants to communicate but it is a two-way line. Since we are to pray in His will, we must take time to listen; take time to hear Him.

God created Adam to fellowship with as well as to worship Him. Having a puppet would not be very meaningful so God gave man free choice. When Adam and Eve sinned, their guilt and disobedience caused them to hide from God and we tend to do the same thing. Satan uses this tool in his propaganda: “You are disgusting and shameful; God could never love you; God doesn’t want to hear from you; God won’t give you any blessings; God will punish you. But these are lies. God is a merciful God. Yes, He wants obedience and there may be consequences for wrong choices. But God knows that our flesh is weak and we are unable to be obedient (or perfect) without His guidance. God wants and needs to hear our prayers to know that we are relying on Him, not on ourselves. Jesus was sent to reconnect the communication that was lost in the Garden. He is the operator and He always provides an open line for us to communicate with God. Speed dial is good but an open line is best!

This song speaks perfectly of this problem for many of us:

I Miss My Time With You (Larnelle Harris)

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 5:7-9 NLT
7While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. 8Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. 9In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.

God, please help me to be better at my prayer time. Help me to do more than bring my petitions but rather help me to go to a quiet place, spend time and listen to Your will and direction.

Sharing Beyond Books #243 Comment Giveaway March 12, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I had a good week with traveling to hearings. Thursday night I got to visit with our son, d-i-l and granddaughter. Friday mom and daughter were headed for the pool while I was headed to an industry conference. The conference was informative and we had an enjoyable visit with several of the people.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Five of us like variety in our settings. Several have no favorites. Civil war, historical, sci fi and small town got several votes. However at least two people do not care for contemporary or small town. Two people like New Orleans and Natalija was specific with a secluded mountain cabin for suspense.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #242 comments is: #4 Linda 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 - maybe the beginning of next year, lol. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #243

(One Question.)

Rubynreba asks: 1) What is your favorite Easter memory??

I had to think about this. I did enjoy the egg hunts with our children but I enjoyed coloring the eggs with them even more! When I was little I remember liking that we got a new dress and new shoes; sometimes a hat.

Image found at Skip to My Lou

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:
Rubynreba asks: 1) What is your favorite Easter memory??

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 March 19, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: The Path of the Bullet by M C Jacques

This is a fast read and engaging mystery.

Path of the Bullet

by M C Jacques

File Size: 1846 KB

Print Length: 196 pages

Publisher: Matador (November 24, 2015)

Publication Date: November 24, 2015

ASIN: B018ITMGK6

Genre: Mystery, Crime Thriller

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

A ruthless assassin at large in the UK and heading for a target in Cambridge… an office steaming with jealousy and passion… a hero’s body found in a war museum and a disconsolate man – gnawed at by ghosts from his distant and recent past – charged with finding the murderer.

With a steadily increasing fusion of murder, intrigue and suspense, the floundering Mark McKay finds himself thrown onto a hotbed of deception, fraud, incest and even a neo-Nazi’s murderous intent.

Set in Cambridge at around the turn of the millennium, The Path of the Bullet, the first of the new Cambridge Mysteries series, explains how McKay forsakes his hermitic existence on the Lincolnshire coast and becomes attracted to the beautiful city of Cambridge in both mind and body.

Review:
Mark McKay has personal issues but responds promptly to the call of a friend to investigate the murder of a soldier at the Royal War Museum. As McKay begins to interrogate the workers, he discovers there have been numerous acts of sabotage kept quiet. He also gets several leads that point to one female employee, Sarah Millar. There is a theory that the killing may have had connection to a terrorist cell. McKay visits the bar and café near Sarah’s apartment, running into several Arab characters.

McKay gets help through email research provided by an American journalist who was an old college friend. He also coordinates with the local police. McKay gets mugged early in the investigation. Later a second body is discovered with two different bullet wounds that confuse the investigation even more.

The story starts out and moves at a very fast pace. In the first few pages it is easy to be confused by multiple suspects but the author repeats the list at about 12% making the characters and their connections clear as they are explained to McKay. I liked McKay’s character and I really liked the British jargon and descriptive, fast tone of the writing. It felt the story was on fast forward which was disconcerting for that first 10% but after that I liked it. The story and action blended well to keep me engaged. There is a bit of time jumping where the author moves forward in time so that some of the comments are reminisces but I found that to be an interesting technique. I would be interested to read more in this series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a fast, PI centered mystery.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review. This qualifies for NetGalley Challenge, TBR Triple Dog Dare and March 2016 TBR Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Agenda 21: Into the Shadows by Glenn Beck

This is an engaging dystopian following book one. They both have an agenda to educate the public to the dangers of the Agenda 21 policies. 
Agenda 21: Into the Shadows
Written by: Glenn Beck
Narrated by: Jeremy Lowell, January LaVoy

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-06-15
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The sequel to Agenda 21, from number-one New York Times best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio host Glenn Beck.
"I knew those men were our enemies, but they, like everyone else in the Republic, were nothing more than servants. Rule followers. They had no choice. But I did. I had a choice and I made it. I knew then and there that, no matter what happened, I would never go back. Never."
It was once named America, but now it is just "the Republic". Following the worldwide implementation of a UN-led program called Agenda 21, the once-proud people of America have become obedient residents who live in barren, brutal Compounds and serve the autocratic, merciless Authorities.
Citizens mainly keep their heads down and their mouths shut - but Emmeline is different. When the Authorities took her mother away, she started questioning the world around her. What happened to her mom? Why is everyone confined to grim living spaces and made to eat the same food cubes every day? Why was her own baby taken from her to be raised in the Children's Village? And are the rumors that somewhere out beyond the fence live those who got away during the Relocations - the so-called shadow people - really true?
When Emmeline's questions lead to the realization that she will never see her child again, she decides to escape the Compound with her partner David and their baby Elsa. Fleeing the armed enforcers of the Earth Protection Agency, and facing the unknown for the first time in their lives, Emmeline and David run into the shadows in the desperate hope of finding something they'd only heard stories about from those who'd lived before the Relocations: freedom.
©2015 Mercury Radio Arts, Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2015 Simon and Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Review:
Americans no longer own their own land or choose their own jobs in this society. The people have been relocated to government compounds where they live under the dictates of the Republic authorities who make the rules. Food and water are rationed and children are separated from their parents. Emmeline was able to get a transfer to a new job working at the Children’s Village so she could be near her baby, Elsa. Then she overhears the leaders say that they are going to send the children to another location.

Emmeline has already lost her first assigned mate and her parents. Emmeline convinces her loving partner, David, to help the small family, including an 8-year-old boy, Micah, escape to the lands outside the fences. David’s parents soon follow with the hope of leading the authorities away from their children. Those seeking freedom find help from surprising sources but will they be able to outpace the armed pursuers?

The Earth Protection Agency (EPA) sends out a crew to search for the rebellious citizens. They will bring the adults back to be punished as an example to others. The children are to be brought back to the farm because they are an important resource to be raised to be obedient workers. The EPA crew is led by an experienced chief who is proud and arrogant. He is annoyed that three of his team are new, including a female trainee. This is one of the first females put into the program and he sees only one use for an attractive female out in the field.

This story picked up right where the first book, Agenda 21, ended. I questioned Emmeline and David running out with little in supplies and knowledge. Still, I enjoyed the strength of Emmeline’s independence and determination and I loved the inquisitive and helpful character of Micah as they learned to forage and find shelter. The story presents a distinct difference between the characters seeking freedom and the power hungry and selfish authorities.

The story moves at a good pace and kept me interested. I liked how the authors wove the themes of freedom and God’s grace into the action and relationship dialogues. I recommend this to readers who enjoy dystopian stories that focus on the struggle for freedom.

Audio notes: The alternating narration between Jeremy Lowell and January LaVoy makes the story move very well. They both did a good job with the characters and made the story more engaging for me.

This was from my Audible library and qualifies for Audio Challenge, TBR Triple Dog Dare and March 2016 TBR Challenge. It also qualifies for “A” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 11, 2016

Happy Friday again!
We've made it through another week, steaming along. I had lots of travel this week - four days in two counties. That was good because I got to listen to books. Not so good cause I wasn't in office to get other work done. Today we are out at an all day conference so another day with no 'desk' work. Next week I will be setting aside several days for paperwork.
Tonight I am out of town visiting with son, d-i-l and the Sweet Pea. Their location is near my conference so I am spending the night at their nice just off the beach condo set up!
I have not been in my car this week as it is being worked on. That is where my camera is so I apologize, still no picture this week.

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 March 4 Pick. There was only one automatic win again this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no blocked titles this week.
Becky gets Parallel Attraction

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 4 Pick:
Linda gets a GC

Di gets This Rake is Mine 
(this is one of a pair so the other becomes a single or I may add another to it when I get home to see what other titles are available)

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 ever feel like this?

Image found at your ecards.

New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016

PAIRS:
Elizabeth Boyle: His Mistress by Morning and This Rake of Mine (The Bachelor Chronicles Book 2)
Kay Hooper: If There Be Dragons and The Matchmaker
Lisa Jackson: Left to Die and Twice Kissed
SINGLES:
Guilty Pleasures by Stella Cameron
The Theft by Andra Kane
Bed of Roses by Katherine Stone
Hope by Len Deighton (1995 paperback)
Short Straw (Ed Eagle Novel) by Stuart Woods Hardcover
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
N is for noose by Sue Grafton -Cassettes
The Fallen by Thomas Sniegoski
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell
Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF by April Winchell


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016
(I have the picture and will try to get the list up before I crash. Sorry no links right now.)

PAIRS:
Victoria Alexander: The Pursuit of Marriage (slight creasing) and When We Meet Again
Shannon Drake: Reckless and When we Touch
James Patterson: Black Friday and Hide and Seek (both have spine creasing)
SINGLES:
Presidential Antidotes by Paul F. Boller, Jr.
Undercurrents by Stella Cameron
Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl
Warrior Ascended by Addison Fox
Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight
Moving Target by Cheyenne McCray
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes
Walking After Moonlight by Karen Robards
Forgotten Promises by Denise Skelton
A Walk to Remember by Nicolas Sparks - hardback

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015
All Gone


New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

PAIRS:
Leigh Greenwood –  The Reluctant Bride and The Independent Bride
Jane Feather(*) – The Hostage Bride and The Accidental Bride
SINGLES:
The de Burgh Bride by Deborah Simmons
The Forever Bride by Evelyn Rogers (Seam creasing)
Short Straw Bride by Dallas Schultz
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
Honor’s Bride by Galye Wilson
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale


New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
Bloody Good by Georgia Evans
Cat of Nine Tales by Deborah Macgillivray
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


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

ANTHOLOGIES:
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:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy

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

SINGLES:
Servant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015

SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

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

SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

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 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
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
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


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 almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 935+ 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!