Sunday Words of Encouragement April 30, 2017

Our Sunday School teacher continued from last week’s message with a good follow up titled “Do You Believe?” I look forward to sharing these on days when I am traveling and don’t have the sermon message. 😊.

Pastor continued with his message series: Broken. The first week discussed a broken world; the second week, broken dreams. Today he discussed
broken people.

You can look around you and see a world where all people are broken with sin. When we say “the world” is broken you are commenting in a broad, general way about 7 billion people. But when we look closer the broken people are more specific, more personal. We see complex issues that were rare and deemed an anomaly in the past, but now they abound and often the world says it’s acceptable and normal.

Suicide is sign of brokenness; as are rampant levels of sexual promiscuity, divorce, violence, sexual orientation, gender identity. Many of these are the result of broken identity. People are full of scary confusion, like patients of dementia who might remember themselves but don’t know you, their loved ones. Confusion is a prime weapon of the enemy. What can the church – what can we do—to help broken people?

Point: Broken people need time and safety in the presence of the Healer.

Man was made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27. But Satan attacked God's creation from the beginning, and continues to do so. Genesis 3:1-7. Repeatedly the attack of the enemy focuses largely on a person's identity and value. He confuses and belittles, always seeking to destroy by making them feel they cannot be redeemed.

We must remember that all sin (small or large doesn’t matter) separates people from God; creates a gap that we cannot cross over. But, Thanks be to God and Jesus, the cross created a bridge for all – those who accept and believe. No matter how far a person is from the perfect pure standard God set for us, God can redeem them. After all, none of us, not one, is pure without the redemption of Christ. We have no basis to condemn another.

Is the Church ready? Are we ready to love the stranger, no matter his condition? God loves you, no matter what. God loves them, no matter what. Our job is to show people love and give time to let the Holy Spirit work in their mind, heart and spirit.

Broken is broken but God's grace is bigger than brokenness. Jesus ministered to broken people in ways that made them feel valued. We must be prepared to:
Show Compassion. 2 Corinthians 4:4; Pray earnestly; be patient; invite them, not once but over and over. Be prepared to show everyone that in the dark place there is a light. 2 Corinthians 4:1-7.
1 John 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7.

I started with one video but eight or so later I found this one!

Broken Girl

Verses for Today:
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NLT
3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Sharing Beyond Books #301 Comment Giveaway April 29, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I think I was a little surprised by the answers to last week's question. 10 of us chose to be the boss and only 4 believed they would be better as employees. One was willing to accept her situation and the final noted that being a supervisor stuck between the boss and the other employees is most difficult.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #300 comments is: #9 Sue who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles. 
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #301

(One Question.)

My question: Do you have any quirky reading lists or habits??

I think my 'lists' are a little quirky or maybe just guided by the challenges I choose. I like to line up books, especially getting a stack of NetGalley titles in December, that I can count towards TBR. Then I outline my Alphabet Challenge trying to line up TBR ebooks and audios from A-Z so I get both TBR and Alphabet Challenge credit. Sadly that means I tend Not to read current books bought so I will probably never join that challenge. :-) I also try to plan out a schedule that will allow a certain number of tours each year which of course will usually be new acquisitions that won't count toward the huge TBR pile.

My Kindle shelf alone is more than twice that.
Even reading 3 books a week I still feel compelled to read TBRs!
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: Do you have any quirky reading lists or habits??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

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 May 6, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: The Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

This is a dark, yet charmingly creative, tale of loss suitable to help young people who have a loved one facing serious illness.
A Monster Calls: Inspired by an Idea from Siobhan Dowd
Written by: Patrick Ness
Narrated by: Jason Isaacs

Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-23-11
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Teens, Fantasy, Family
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The monster showed up after midnight. As they do. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming.... This monster, though, is something different. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth. Patrick Ness spins a tale from the final story idea of Siobhan Dowd, whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself.

Darkly mischievous and painfully funny, A Monster Calls is an extraordinarily moving novel about coming to terms with loss from two of our finest writers for young adults.

©2011 Patrick Ness (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Conor is a troubled youth. He has suffered nightmares since his mother started her treatments. Nightmares with darkness, wind, cliffs and screaming. Conor struggles to be left alone in school although he is caught between the taunting bullies and the pitying teachers who cut him too much slack because of what he is dealing with at home.

One night, at 12:07am exactly, the Monster arrives at his window. Not the monster from his nightmares, but one rather closer to home. Conor sort of recognizes the Monster as the ancient yew tree that grows behind their house, up the hill, beside the old church. The Monster insists that he has been called to help Conor get through the nightmares… to the truth. The Monster tells three stories with the instructions that Conor is to tell the final, fourth story. Conor might think it is just a dream except for the leaves in his room one night and the poison yew berries all over his floor another night.

Even when Conor’s grandmother takes charge of him and moves him temporarily to her home, the Monster still shows up. The stories the Monster tells don’t really make sense to Conor, although the Monster will try to explain before their time is over. It all has to do with the unreliability of appearances, the vagaries of men, self deception, responsibility and the frailties of life.

This made me realize the impact that illness can have on others around a patient -- the children and the parents.  Especially children old enough to struggle with the idea of losing their beloved parent. The story is wonderfully imaginative even if a little on the dark side. I could see it being a helpful story to be shared when an older tween or younger teen who is facing illness, and mortality, in a family member.

Audio Notes: Jason Isaacs does a lovely job with the narration. He provides just the right accents to match the characters and convey the darkness of the Monster that is tempered with his caring nature. The narration evokes the appropriate emotions of fear, pain, despair, frustration and love. The audio is a great experience.

This was a story from my Audible TBR shelf. It qualifies for 2017 Audio Book Challenge, Mount TBR and "M" in Alphabet Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 28, 2017

Happy Friday!
This has been a good work in the office week. Hard to believe another month is almost over.

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 April 21 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.
Rita gets Only With Your Love

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 21 Pick:
One Tick to be Sick gets The Seventh Tower, Book One
and
LINDA 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.}

This reminded me of today's windy weather.
Image found at Pinterest..

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
PAIR:
Matthew Reilly: Temple and Area 7
SINGLES:
Deception on His Mind by Elizabeth George
‘E’ is for Evidence by Sue Grafton
In Plain Sight by C.J. Box
Keepers by Gary A. Braunbeck
Lullaby and Goodnight by Wendy Corsi Staub
One Dark Night by Kevin F. McMurray
Rattlesnake Crossing by J.A. Jance
The Cat Who Sang for the Birds by Lillian Jackson Braun
The Panic Zone by Rick Mofina
The Silenced by Heather Graham
The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood by Susan Wittig Albert
Total Exposure by Tori Carrington
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
The Old Silent by Martha Grimes (Audio Cassettes)


New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
PAIRS:
Betty Neels: The Girl With Green Eyes and the Damsel in Green
Linda Howard: The Touch of Fire and Loving Forever
SINGLES:
The Devilish Pleasures of a Duke by Jillian Hunter
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn
Love Letters From a Duke (The Bachelor Chronicles Book 3) by Elizabeth Boyle
Love Wild and Fair by Bertrice Small
Only With Your Love (Vallerands Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas
Scandalous Love by Brenda Joyce
Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
Valentine by Jane Feather
A Visit From Sir Nicholas (Effington Family Book 9) by Victoria Alexander
Winter Fire by Jo Beverly


New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry
The Christmas Cowboy by Michele Dunaway
All I Want for Christmas by Gina Wilkins
All She Wants for Christmas by Stacy Connelly


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLE:
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Critical by Robin Cook


New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
SINGLES:
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)


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


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
The Champion by Heather Grothaus


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

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
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

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

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
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)

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 1,058+ 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!

Audio Book Review: Streets of Payne by Jeff Brackett

This is entertaining with a strong female investigator, lots of action and cyber mystery.

Streets of Payne
Written by: Jeff Brackett
Narrated by: Joy Nash

length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-07-14
Publisher: Jeffery L Brackett
Genre: Sci Fi, Cyperpunk
My Rating 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Humanity is in the eye of the beholder. But for street-smart detective Amber Payne, it's the eyes that aren't human. Cybernetic implants replaced the organics she lost in the line of duty, and their appearance often causes Amber to doubt her self-worth. Rookie detective Kevin Glass is her partner. And though he may be new, Kevin's unparalleled skill as an elite cyber-surfer makes him an invaluable asset. When Alta Corp contracts the two of them to solve a case of high stakes data theft, they will need every bit of skill, experience, and determination to succeed. For the more they investigate, the more it becomes evident that this case is much more than it appears, and its resolution may forever alter the world in which they live.
©2013 Jeff Brackett (P)2013 Jeff Brackett

Review:
Amber Payne is a street-smart detective and a valuable asset to her employer, Securi-Tech. The company provided Amber with Cybernetic implants when she lost her eyes in an attack by street bangers. Amber may still have nightmares but she doesn’t let that stop her tough investigative talents, and hands-on defensive skills.

Amber is teamed with a rookie detective, Kevin Glass, who is a computer whiz. If she can get him to the computer, he can hack into the information they need to help solve their cases. They are called in by Alta Corp to solve a case of data theft that involves confidential, ‘need to know’ project plans. Amber and Kevin push to uncover the clues to solve the case but when they return to Alta Corp offices to make an arrest they meet unexpected resistance. As they battle the criminal mastermind – or madman as they see him – they uncover startling secrets that could endanger the world… or certainly the world of technology. The resolution of that first case changes their lives as Amber recuperates from crushed legs and Kevin battles inner demons that keep him awake most nights.

Many months later Amber and Kevin are called back to Alta Corp to investigate the kidnapping of one of their high-level computer researchers/analysts. They track down the kidnapper but have to go into the most dangerous part of the city to try to rescue the researcher. Before they can escape safely, Amber is attacked by an armed team equipped with armaments that even Securi-Tech has never seen. As Amber fights against eight enemies, Kevin faces cyber attackers who are making it difficult for him to provide intel to his partner. The battle at both levels is intense, leaving Kevin in a coma.

Amber gets a temporary partner and added assistance from an unexpected source which she isn’t sure she can trust. The clues begin to lead to a horrifying tie-in with the first case. A terrible danger could be released if they aren’t successful in bringing down the threat.

I really enjoyed the kicking action and the well woven mystery. The intense, smart characters and the easy flowing dialogue added to the entertaining mystery. I liked the cyber aspects as an integral element in the suspense. Perhaps a little graphic in violence for any younger or squeamish audience and there is limited cursing with some of that being creative words i.e. not current, real curses. I recommend this to any mystery buff and especially those who like cyber elements.

Audio Notes: Joy Nash does a fine job with the narration. She presents different voices and attitudes fitting the characters. I appreciated this in audio format.

I received this title for free in exchange for an unbiased review. I received the audio from the author through AudioBook Boom. This qualifies for my 2017 Audio Book Challenge.