Sunday Words of Encouragement December 18, 2016

Our Sunday School teacher provided a summary of how Christmas and traditions came to be. Most importantly he noted that: Before there was sin in man, God provided a plan for redemption (Genesis 3:15). Then he shared the birth of Jesus from the gospel of Luke. This fit perfectly with Pastor’s sermon.

Pastor continued with the Celebrate series for December.
December 4th: Celebrate the Promise.
However many promises there are in the Bible, be it 5000, all are true.
December 11th: Celebrate the Gift.
Today, December 18th: Celebrate the Savior.

Pastor noted that his old home state of Wisconsin is under snow, but we are enjoying balmy 80 degree weather. He and his wife went shopping in Dothan, AL, yesterday and experienced a parking lot along the highway. Next year they will consider shopping online! But, he reminded us,Christmas is not just the festivities – it is much more.

We sometimes under estimate important events and how they will make a change in our lives. When we are young and marry, we might be caught up in the event and may not realize the lifetime commitment that is being made. Most of us did not realize the life changing event of becoming a parent until the doctor placed that howling sweet infant in our arms. When we prepare to purchase a new home, we do not immediately recognize all the hassle of the packing and unpacking, nor do we immediately recognize the permanency that the new home may bring in our lives.

The birth of the Christ child can be like that – an event that is unappreciated or under estimated as to its impact. It is certainly Satan’s goal, and glee, if he can marginalize the reason for the celebration by burying it under festivities and tinsel.

Sermon Point: When we grasp the significance of God's greatest expression of love, we will do more than WELCOME a baby, we will RECEIVE our Savior.

Although many Christmas traditions stem from pagan celebrations, when Constantine established the celebration of the birth of Christ on Christmas day, it was intended to help people focus on a true reason to celebrate. We need to recognize that the birth in a manger was more than the birth of special baby. The event was more than a baby. It was God wrapped in flesh, living among us; fulfilling promises made throughout the Bible (in Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 9:1-7; Micah 5:2). The baby Jesus had one end: to have the sin, guilt, shame and hurt of the world piled on top of him. God moved the stars to announce this special gift. The birth event is a turning point of man's world. But not the birth alone, the live and death of Christ result in an event that changed the world forever.

As much as we should remember baby Jesus on Christmas (the reason for the season) we must go beyond celebrating the baby, and accept Him as Savior. Will we acknowledge and accept our own rebirth to become a child of God? If we have already done so then the best gift we can give to others is to share the joy and the good news off salvation, just as the angels did!

This is a song I had set aside for this season. 

It fits with the message of promise, gift and salvation!

Verses for Today:
John 1:10-14 NIV
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Lord - help me each day to remind others around me, in a gentle and loving way, that 'Jesus is the Reason for the Season.'
I am looking forward to celebrating and worshiping in church on Chrisitmas Morning! Come join us - fellowship at 10am and service (with Christmas carols) at 10:30.!

Sharing Beyond Books #283 Comment Giveaway December 17, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

We had a wonderful group of superpowers among the commenters. Healing was mentioned most, by 7; next 3 included invisibility; at least 2 wanted to be able to communicate broadly, including animals (and vegetals); 2 wanted the power to read minds and 2 wanted fast travel (or teleportation). There were several others including time manipulation, control of elements, super genius intelligence, and the ability to bring peace to everyone - which is lovely thought.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #282 comments is: #8 bn100 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 #283

(One Question.)

Because next Saturday is Christmas eve I have decided that I will not post then. I do plan to post the last Saturday, and last day of 2016! I will leave the comment answers open until that day and here is the topic that you can share before, during, or at the end of your holidays; (you may answer more than once but I'll only count one comment each person for the giveaway): What are you looking forward to most, OR what did you enjoy most, during this 2016 holiday??

We greatly enjoyed our Thanksgiving with both of our kids and all the grandkids. I am sorry we can't do that for Christmas. I am looking forward to church service to be held Christmas morning and then spending part of the day with our daughter and her family.
The Christmas season seemed to come in very quickly, perhaps because we were out of town in November. I didn't even get to do office cards this year. DH did buy a tree today and we strung the lights and hung favorite ornaments. We still have the same angel tree topper from our first Christmas together, now 31 years ago. I think most of the shopping is done and I will start wrapping tomorrow.

EVERYONE ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS
MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!

[This tree got my attention!]

Image Found at Pinterest.

 
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.

Your turn to share: My Question for two weeks: What are you looking forward to most, OR what did you enjoy most, during this 2016 holiday??

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 December 31, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Toru: Wayfarer Returns by Stephanie R. Sorensen

This is a strong steampunk adventure sharing a tale of patriotism, honor and love.
Toru: Wayfarer Returns
by Stephanie R. Sorensen

File Size: 826 KB
Print Length: 276 pages
Publisher: Palantir Press; 1 edition (February 16, 2016)
ASIN: B01AOWGP9S
Genre: Sci Fi, Alternate History
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Revolutionary young samurai with dirigibles take on Commodore Perry and his Black Ships in this alternate history steampunk technofantasy set in 1850s samurai-era Japan.
In Japan of 1852, the peace imposed by the Tokugawa Shoguns has lasted 250 years. Peace has turned to stagnation, however, as the commoners grow impoverished and their lords restless. Swords rust. Martial values decay. Foreign barbarians circle the island nation’s closed borders like vultures, growing ever more demanding.
Tōru, a shipwrecked young fisherman rescued by American traders and taken to America, defies the Shogun’s ban on returning to Japan, determined to save his homeland from foreign invasion. Can he rouse his countrymen in time? Or will the cruel Shogun carry out his vow to execute all who set foot in Japan after traveling abroad? Armed only with his will, a few books, dirigible plans and dangerous ideas, Tōru must transform the Emperor’s realm before the Black Ships come.
...
Readers who enjoy steampunk alternate histories more typically set in Victorian England or the American Wild West may enjoy this steampunk story made fresh by the Japanese samurai setting, as well as readers who enjoy historical fiction set in Japan.
(See title link for full description)

Review:
Tōru is a young fisherman from Japan who went was shipwrecked on a fishing trip with his father. Tōru was picked up by Americans and spent two years living with Americans who welcomed him and shared their love of freedom as well as their technology. He returns to Japan in 1852, to a country that forbids the return of anyone who has left the country, even if unwillingly. He hopes to sneak in but is caught and brought to the local Lord. The law says he must be delivered to the Shogun for immediate execution. But the brave, enthusiastic young man tries to convince everyone they must embrace the technology he has brought back so they can prepare to face the enemies that will come – whether British or American. He argues that Japan must prepare itself to prevent being overrun like China was.

The Lord lost his wife at their daughter’s birth and now his lovely young daughter, Masuyo, is an ‘inappropriately’ outspoken, free spirit (doted on by her father). Masuyo finds Tōru’s journal of notes and sketches and is immediately enthralled. She champions Tōru so that her father delays the execution first to allow the young man to return to his home village to see his mother. They proceed to an adjacent Lord’s home and soon the two aristocrats are quietly planning how to enlist others in a rebellion to bring Japan into the steam era.

There are secrets to Tōru’s situation which are a puzzle to everyone, especially Masuyo. He is joined by his childhood friend who is a ‘common’ blacksmith but an uncommon machinist. Soon he is joined by another friend, another Lord’s chief samurai. These friends make an awesome team designing, engineering and building the needed weapons and tools, including railroads and steam dirigibles. The rebellion grows as they find allies in surprising places.

I really enjoyed the intrigue, plot twists, steampunk elements and the political allegory (a country struggling and stagnating under dictated traditions and leaders who lack vision). Ms. Sorenson provides good detail contrasting the living circumstances of the poor, who struggle each day with little hope of ever improving their situation, against the wealthy estates of the Lords and the revered positions of the samurai who have their opportunities as a matter of birthright. Masuyo is a strong, brave and inventive female character who contributes to the visionary team to the point of risking her life and her family. There is tenderness, sorrow, humor, bravery, and danger wrapped up in the story which moves along at a quick pace.

 I was reminded a bit of The Last Samurai, probably because I had watched the movie recently. I liked that the author gives a bit of afterword explaining the political atmosphere and history of the setting. The chapter header quotes are apt to the plot as the author creatively delivers this story of patriotism, honor and love. I recommend this to readers who like alternate history and adventure as well as readers who enjoy steampunk and a young romance that seems impossible but finds a way.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 16, 2016

Happy Friday!

I am fighting off a cold bug that hit on Monday. :-(
I still have to finish totaling GC wins to get them gifted.
(No picture of the last grouping so far as my camera is broken... maybe Santa will bring a new one.)

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 December 9 Pick. 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 were no titles blocked.
AUTO: SUE F gets Twelfth Night Proposal

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 9 Pick:
CAROL L gets Wicked Games of a Gentleman
and
EMILY gets First to Fight Anthology

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.}

 
Books are a perfect gift for book lovers!
Image found at dulemba

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart
Twelfth Night Proposal by Karen Rose Smith
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry
Christmas With the Prince by Michelle Celmer
The Christmas Cowboy by Michele Dunaway
Christmas Bonus: Strings Attached by Susan Crosby
Wanted: Christmas Mommy by Judy Christenberry
One Cowboy One Christmas by Kathleen Eagle
All I Want for Christmas by Gina Wilkins
Mistletoe and Miracles by Marie Ferrarella
Her Montana Christmas by Arlene James
All She Wants for Christmas by Stacy Connelly
Miracle on Christmas Eve by Shirley Jump
Snowbound Reunion by Barbara McMahon
Holiday Homecoming by Mae Ann Wilson


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
PAIR:
Lisa Gardner: The Perfect Husband and The Other Daughter
Stella Cameron: True Bliss and Sheer Pleasures
SINGLE:
Stray by A. N. Wilson (hardcover)
Soul of the Wildcat by Devyn Quinn
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
Wild Rain by Christine Feehan
The Copper Beach by Maeve Binchy
Beyond Reach: A Novel (Grant County Book 6) by Karin Slaughter
Crimson Shore by Preston & Childs
The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry
Critical by Robin Cook
Mania by Craig Larsen

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
PAIRS:
Into the Night (book 5) and Gone too Far (book 6) by Suzanne Brockmann
The Wedding Night of an English Rogue: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 3)
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 4) by Jillian Hunter
SINGLES:
*Bloodstone by Lynn Benedict (1973 - yellowed)
*The Brittany Stones by Lynna Cooper (1974 - yellowed; corner of cover cut)
Her Scoundrel by Geralyn Dawson
In Search of Lucy: A Novel by Lia Fairchild
No Place for a Lady by Katherine Greyle
Wicked by Beth Henderson
To Die For: A Novel (Blair Mallory Book 1) by Linda Howard
The Inheritance by Joan Johnston
A Dark Champion by Kinley MacGregor
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Mysterious: The Right Path / This Magic Moment / The Search for Love by Nora Roberts (2008)
The Spitfire by Bertrice Small


New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
Freedom's Stand by J. M. Windle


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone
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:
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

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

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
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 -- All Gone
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 by Vickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
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)
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
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 seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,023+ 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!

Audible Book Review: The Synchronicity War, Part 1 by Dietmar Wehr

This is slow starting but gets better – with personable AIs to add to the excitement.

The Synchronicity War, Part 1
Written by: Dietmar Wehr
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
Series: The Synchronicity War, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-27-15
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Military
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Be aware that Part 1 has a cliffhanger ending. After almost a century of peaceful exploration and colonization of space, the United Earth Space Force stumbles across a shockingly xenophobic alien race that has more and better armed ships and refuses all attempts at contact. As the outgunned Space Force is driven back in battle after battle in what appears to be a war of extermination, one officer experiences precognitive visions that help him blunt the enemy onslaught, but he can't control or predict when they occur. With the Senior Brass convinced that he's a tactical genius, he's given more and more responsibility and is terrified by the belief that Humanity's Fate will be determined by a battle with himself in overall command.
This is Volume 1 of a military SF series about desperate space battles and the men, women and Artificial Intelligences, who fight and die in them.
©2013 Dietmar Wehr (P)2015 Podium Publishing

Review:
Commander Victor Shiloh is one of seven Frigates out in jump space. One of their own team has gone missing and the squadron leader is going in to investigate. It soon becomes apparent that a ruthless enemy is destroying ships at will with no contact or warning.

Shiloh begins to have visions of movements to take that become true after the fact. These appear to be instinctive, if not skilled, tactical moves. He can’t go to his superiors to tell them of his visions but it may be tricky to explain some of his actions without revealing the source. His superior wants to move Shiloh up in leadership but Shiloh declines the advancement and is sent off to an AI hanger as punishment. This turns out to have a positive result as Shiloh begins to develop a relationship with the AI team.

The AI units seem to be developing their own personalities – naming themselves and bantering with the humans they interact with. These AIs soon become fiercely involved in the battle preparations. Shiloh’s superior soon realizes that Shiloh is still making important decisions even from the fringes. They reassign him and he continues to face the enemy with limited success – but more success than anyone else.

The first book ends with a terrible cliffhanger. Fortunately, the audible book had the beginning of book two so I got pulled into that. I love the interaction with the AIs and I really enjoy the battle strategy and Shiloh’s personality. The story starts slowly and seems a bit dry until well into the story. Much of the beginning of the book was less than stellar in presentation and I might not have been interested in book two except for the pick up of action near the end of part 1 and the excerpt of part 2 being made available.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is the narrator and I have found him very effective in narrating The Iron Druid series. Sadly, this story is dry well into the midpoint so I think that the lackluster was more the story than the narration. I have not yet decided if I will continue in ebook or audio.

[I had to look up “synchronicity” and that wasn’t totally helpful. The Webster definition is: “the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality —used especially in the psychology of C. G. Jung.”]

This has been in my Audible Library since December 2015 and on my Kindle library since 2014. This qualifies for Audio Challenge and Mount TBR.