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Sunday, May 14, 2017

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 14, 2017

This morning was a nice Mother’s Day lesson in Sunday School and Church. Our Sunday School teacher shared thoughts he had during the week based on the story of Hannah and the birth of Samuel. 1 Samuel 1. Hannah was the favored wife but she had no children which impacted her value in the Jewish community. Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, had children and taunted Hannah. 

Hannah got to a point where she prayed in anguish and sorrow, out of desperation, asking God to give her a child and stating that she would give the child back to God. God heard her prayer and she gave birth to Samuel. Once he was weaned she took him back to the temple to be raised by Eli the priest as God’s servant.

Samuel was a prophet chosen by God. God’s hand was in the situation as He waited for Hannah to become desperate in her prayers. Only then did she promise to return her child to God and God was able to train Samuel to become the prophet He had destined him to be.

How often do we pray in anguish and sorrow; in desperation; from our heart and soul instead of just from our heads? Perhaps we need to be more committed in our praying.

Pastor’s message followed the lesson. He spoke how mother’s juggle all that they do. Moms play a unique and significant role in lives of children. The primary concern should be that their children come to know Jesus. Moms are amazing and powerful. Pastor shared the story of one mother, Jochebed, the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses. Jocabed saw that the baby was special. She took the risk of setting her child in a basket in the wild Nile river. Exodus 1:15-22; 2:1-10. Jochebed was a mother who took a risk to meet God's plan.

The Point: Position your family to be in the will of God, and it is always worth the risk.

There is a repeating theme in the Bible: Honor Your parents. We are to honor our mother and father, with no qualifiers. We are to pray for children and grandchildren. Pray that God's will is made clear. Pray to be a mom who can be used in someone's life.

Our SS teacher shared this song. 
I think it would be wonderful if I have taught this faith to my children!
“Even If.”
1 Samuel 2:8-9 NLT
8 "He lifts the poor from the dust
and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes,
placing them in seats of honor.
For all the earth is the Lord’s,
and he has set the world in order.
9 “He will protect his faithful ones,
but the wicked will disappear in darkness.
No one will succeed by strength alone…”
Lord help me to become more desperate in my prayers, especially for the lost in my family, community and across the world.
Image result for 1 Samuel 2:2

Happy Mother's Day!

A baby asked God, “They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?”

“Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.”

The child further inquired, “But tell me, here in heaven I don’t have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.”

God said, “Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel’s love and be very happy.”

Again the child asked, “And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don’t know the language?”

God said, “Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.”

“And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?”

God said, “Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.”

“Who will protect me?”

God said, “Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it’s life.”

“But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.”

God said, “Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.”

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, “God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel’s name.”

“You will simply call her, Mom'.”
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Saturday, May 13, 2017

Sharing Beyond Books #303 Comment Giveaway May 13, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
18 of us do have Goodreads accounts; only one does not. Of the 18, 13 have entered and won book giveaways there, at least one person wins monthly! One person with an account has never entered the giveaways.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #302 comments is: #16 Nikki 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 #303
(One Question.)
Elizabeth asks: What is your favorite card or board game??
(Sorry my answer got long winded.)
It is hard to think of one favorite game. When we were kids we played lots of games: Parcheesi, Mousetrap, and a card game called Spite and Malice. Oh - and Twister! When I was young adult age I enjoyed bridge, having learned from my parents. Also, before I married, my family used to play Backgammon. When my children were young the favorites were Sorry, Mousetrap, Jumanji and Yahtzee. When they were high school age I got them to play Mastermind with me. My husband is not much of a game player but he will play two games: Bible Trivia and Yahtzee. The older grandchildren can play Yahtzee now so that is our family game and therefore my current favorite.
Related image
Image found at Kristal Project EDU.

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: Elizabeth asks: What is your favorite card or board game??

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 20, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Audio Book Review: The Case of the Counterfeit Criminals: Wollstonecraft Detective Agency, Book 3, by Jordan Stratford

This is an engaging mystery that is fun for young girls... and adults.

The Case of the Counterfeit Criminals: Wollstonecraft Detective Agency, Book 3
Written by: Jordan Stratford
Narrated by: Nicola Barber
Length: 2 hrs and 50 mins
Series: The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency, Book 3
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-24-17
Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books
Genre: Children, Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
The Wollestonecraft Girls embark on their most important case yet - the famed dinosaur fossil hunter Mary Anning is being blackmailed. Her precious dog has been snatched and the kidnappers are demanding that Miss Anning authenticate some fake dinosaur bones up for auction at the British Museum in order to get him back. Ada and Mary have just three days to track down the fossil fakers, find the dog, and save the integrity of science!
The game is truly afoot in this quirky caper involving blood-sucking leeches, an asthmatic pug, smoke bombs, secret elevators, diabolical disguises, and wicked word-play.
©2017 Jordan Stratford (P)2017 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books


Review:
Ada and her young friends, including Mary Shelley, have formed the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency solving selected cases. Ada has been sick and has spent much time in bed while the doctor leeches her blood. She realizes that her former governess has held her mail and finally gets a stack. Ada, Mary and friend Jane, start sorting through the letters to decide on their next case. They come across a letter from a famous dinosaur fossil hunter, Mary Adding, whose dog has been kidnapped and decide this is the case.

Ada’s fierce grandmother comes home, grounds Ada to bed and ousts her friends and tutor. Now Ada has to creatively get away from the sick bed, sneak out to meet with her friends and try to help Mary find the kidnappers and rescue the dog.

Ada is a science whiz and loves math and all sorts of puzzles. She discovers notes that have been written as anagrams and believes that her nemesis is behind the group that is blackmailing Ms. Adding asking her to verify a fake fossil exhibit at the British Museum.

It is fun to follow Ada and her friends as they hunt down scoundrels, work on clues and manage some surprising interventions. This is an engaging, fun read/listen even for an adult and would be great for young girls 8-13.

Audio Notes: Nicola Barber does a fine job of narration. She captures the sweet voices and accents of the characters. The pacing is good and makes for a fun listen.

I received this from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. This qualifies for my 2017 Audio Book Challenge.

Friday, May 12, 2017

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 12, 2017

Happy Friday!
Work was steady this week. I could tell it was a full moon. Five people came in yesterday trying to see me without an appointment. I do try to be accessible but there are days when I am elbow deep in projects and not able to have clients just pop in. 

I added a new book list. I'll try to get a picture at least with my phone

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 5 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 were two titles blocked; one was won.
Carol NW gets The Cat Who Sang for the Birds

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 5 Pick:
BECKY gets Valentine through the block
and
MIKI 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.}
Image result for May and books

I bet you are all hoping this doesn't happen!
Image found at Goodreads.

New Book Group #72 May 12, 2017
PAIRS:
Brenda Joyce: The Third Heiress and The Rival
Jayne Ann Krentz: Dangerous Affair and True Colors
SINGLES:
Identity: Unknown by Suzanne Brockmann
The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner
Anna’s Book by Barbara Vine (Audio Cassette)
Passions Treasure by Betina Krahn
My Reckless Surrender by Anna Campbell
Led Astray By A Rake by Sara Bennett
Deep Freeze by Lisa Jackson
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Valley of Bones by Eric Wilson
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn (Hardcover)
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover
)


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 1,061+ 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!

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