Sunday Words of Encouragement May 29, 2016

The associate pastor began by observing that some people have weak memories. But he reminded us that tomorrow, Memorial Day, is a day Americans need to remember and give thanks for all those who fought and won our freedoms.

This led into the sermon titled Bridging the Gap. Just as the soldiers stand in the gap to protect the rights of our nation, so too are Christians to stand in the gap for one another. Ezekiel shared the word of the Lord saying: “"I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.” Ezekiel 22:33 NASB. (Reading the full chapter is rather chilling.) Israel fell short; her leaders fell short but the people fell short too. As individuals we each have a responsibility to stand in the gap. We may not be standing in the gap for our nation but we can stand in the gap for our family, our friends and even our community.

We need to be ready to share our faith and hope.  We must continue to seek to do the right thing even when others are doing wrong around us. 1 Peter 3:15-17. We need to stand in the gap for one another and share Jesus’ love with people around us.

This song fits this morning’s message. 

Standing in the Gap by Babbie Mason.

Verses for Today
1 Peter 3:15-17 (NIV)
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

I thank you Lord Jesus for bridging the gap between our righteous Father and sinful man. Help me to stand in the gap to encourage others to know You in a personal way.

Sharing Beyond Books #254 Comment Giveaway May 28, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
This was once again a busy week, finding me working today to get ready for next week. I hope to take Monday off to spend with family. My daughter and her family is on vacation next week and then my other staff member will be off the second week of June. So I expect to be juggling double duty for the next two weeks.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week and "Welcome" to another new visitor.

Four commenters prefer unusual names and three like traditional or 'classic' ones. That left eight who liked a mix or weren't particular. However five of those made a point that they wanted to be able to pronounce any unusual names. Interesting that Nikki liked unusual names that fit a book but Elizabeth found that could be confusing. Isn't it lovely that we are so diverse?

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #253 comments is: #2 Nikki 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 #254

(One Question.)

Natalija asks: Do you watch book-related videos (TBRs, reviews, wrap ups, hauls, etc.) on YouTube??

I have seen a few and enjoyed them. Sadly, just like visiting other blog sites, I do not get to visit and watch this type of video too often. Someday (another year or so??) I will retire and then I hope to have more time for visiting friends online.

Screenshot Image from Google search.

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.
May 2016 comment providers were: Miki, Nikki, MaryP and Natalija.
Random.org picked #1 so Miki gets a GC.

Your turn to share:
Natalija asks: Do you watch book-related videos (TBRs, reviews, wrap ups, hauls, etc.) on YouTube??

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 June 4, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: The Jewel of Dantenos: The FREE Lee Starfinder Adventure by Brian D. Anderson

This short introduction to the series has good action and intrigue.
The Jewel of Dantenos: The FREE Lee Starfinder Adventure: from the World of the Godling Chronicles, Book 0.5
Written by: Brian D. Anderson
Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 1 hr and 52 mins
Series: The Godling Chronicles, Book 0.5
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-05-14
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
My Rating: 4.25 and 5.0

Publisher's Summary
From the world of The Godling Chronicles.
Filled with confidence and no small measure of arrogance, young Lee Starfinder, along with Millet Gristall, set off on their very first adventure. Lee quickly discovers that life beyond Hazrah can be far deadlier than he could have ever imagined. And soon he must learn that muscle and steel cannot replace loyalty, bravery, and friendship.
©2014 Brian D. Anderson (P)2014 Podium Publishing

Review:
Lee Starfinder is an arrogant young man who knows his strength and fighting skills exceed others. He has a special background, as a Godling, that makes him view himself as superior. Lee suffers through the companionship of his servant/assistant, Mill Gristall. They are traveling on Lee’s first adventure when they are distracted on the path by a young woman who appears to be in distress. They move beyond their normal cautious routines to help her only to be led into a trap.

Lee and Mill are captured by a pirate gang who are set on uncovering the rumored Jewel of Dantenos. The leader is convinced he has a reliable map to the treasure. However, they have found a dark, deadly presence in the caves which is killing his men. Lee makes a deal that if he can kill the dark “demon” he and Mill will go free.

Lee has no idea what he is facing when the darkness first attacks. Then it begins to communicate with him. Still, Lee may have taken on more than he can handle. He may find that there are times even Godlings need help from others to succeed.

This was a fast and interesting story. I liked the mysterious tone, the action and the puzzle that leads to survival. Lee isn't the most likeable character at first but he grows on you. Mill on the other hand is a wonderfully warm and strong character. This gives just a little taste of the series, but enough to draw me in so I am interested in the first full book.

Audio Notes: Derek Perkins does a good job of narrating this. He gives each character a distinct voice and he conveys good intensity. I did have to get used to the fact that the voice made Lee seem older than he is. Still, the narration enhanced my enjoyment.

I slipped this free story from my own TBR Audible Library; downloaded in 2014. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge, Mount TBR Challenge and J for Alphabet Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 27, 2016

Happy Friday!
I hope everyone had a lovely week. Mine has been quick... and fortunately productive. It is nearly June and my staff start vacationing next week so I will be doing double duty again.  Oh the joys of business ownership. Our son, D-I-L and the Sweetpea are coming in today for several days before they move. I will enjoy the time but might have less computer time again.

I hope everyone has takes time during a relaxing Memorial Monday to stop, remember and give thanks to those who gave their lives for our freedom.  It is more than just a day off work. 

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 May 20 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.
Di gets What a Rogue Desires

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 20 Pick:
Carol L gets the Jayne Krentz Pair

Alecia 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.}

I love flowers and books!

Image found at Gustavus.edu.

New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

PAIRS:
Jayne Ann Krentz: Gift of Gold and Man with a Past (spine creased) 
Linda Howard: Cover of Night and Strangers Night
SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Bodyguard and the Snitch by Christy Tillery French (autographed)
When Dashing Met Danger by Shana Galen
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
Never Marry a Cowboy by Lorraine Heath
Just The Way You Are by Donna Jordan
The Second Chair by John Lescroart (hardcover)
What a Rogue Desires by Caroline Linden (spine creased)
Violets are Blue by James Patterson
The Bequest by Candice Proctor
A Perilous Attraction by Patricia Francis Rowell (spine creased)
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016

SINGLES:
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
Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF by April Winchell


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016

SINGLES:
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes

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.)

SINGLES:
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
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:
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!

SINGLES:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone
SINGLES:
Servant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone
SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey

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 Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Commander by Kate Bridges
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


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)
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)
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


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 964+ 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: First Fruits by Brad Duncan

This is an engaging read with a wonderful, faith-based message and challenge.
First Fruits
by Brad Duncan

File Size: 413 KB
Print Length: 248 pages
Publisher: Bradleyjeep Publishing (February 8, 2014)
ASIN: B00IC467YY
Genre: Christian, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Pastor Patrick Spakes is a huge success in the eyes of the world. He's the husband of a beautiful wife, and dad of two healthy kids, and leads a large growing church. It appears he's living a happy and blessed life, but appearances can be decieving. Serving the church has drained him to the point his family feels abandoned.
Christy Spakes loves her husband, but feels tired and lonely as her husband makes the church his priority.
Deacon Joe Smith loves the power and prestige he has acquired in his church being best friends with the church's pastor.
What happens when the popular Pastor of a growing church is faced with a crisis of belief? When life spirals out of control where will he place his faith? How will his well-to-do congregation respond to the challenge of sacrificing for God? First Fruits is the inspiring story of what happens when everyday people are challenged to give their very best to God.

Review:
Pastor Patrick Spakes was focused on gaining a record attendance each year at his beautiful Big Oak Christian Church. He is close friends with the board of deacons and especially the head deacon, Joe Smith, a wealthy business man in the community. The wealthy and influential board members spend time together playing golf and discussing programs to increase the attendance and income of the church. Pastor Spakes spends more time running the church like a business than he does caring for his own family. He does not see that his beautiful wife and two teen-aged children are feeling abandoned.

Although stressful, the morning of High Attendance, when the numbers from the membership drive are announced, provides Pastor cause to celebrate. But one of the church’s oldest parishioners, Sister Snyder, stops Pastor after service to give him an admonishing message of two Bible verses. Pastor jots them down but is too busy to even read them until much later. Any warning goes unheeded until a catastrophe brings the church down and pulls the rug out from under Pastor. As he takes a serious look at his goals compared to God’s goals he finally realizes he has been off track. He commits himself and then presents the 3T Challenge to the congregation. This begins to transform lives, while alienating a section of the church who do not like the new direction Pastor has chosen.

One of Pastor’s supporters, Hector and his family, live across town in a poorer neighborhood consisting of Spanish and other minority families. That community and the local church there are plagued with gangs and threats. Hector asks Pastor to meet with the local church leader to give him encouragement. Their meeting opens doors for both of them to grow and support each other. God works out circumstances to bless the Westside church which expands blessings to Pastor Spakes’ church too.

I really enjoyed the concept of the 3T Challenge, which I had not heard as expressed in this book. The story seemed real although it is a fictional creation. It moved in a natural way and, from my own fundamental faith, I found all of the non-coincidences quite believable. I enjoyed watching the new relationships develop between the two church congregations who found common ground in their faith and service in spite of their different social and financial circumstances.

This is an easy read that kept my attention and therefore moved quickly. There is heartbreak but there is the comfort only having hope in eternity can give. I was inspired by the story and most particularly by the 3T Challenge. I also enjoyed the Discussion Questions and think this would make a good group read. I recommend this to all readers. Those who walk in faith will find it uplifting and inspiring. Hopefully readers who may be searching will find the same and more beyond the entertainment value of the book.

I am grateful to have received this from the author for an honest review. This will be an "F" title for my Alphabet Soup Challenge.