Sunday Words of Encouragement June 25, 2017

We enjoyed a good Sunday School with a ‘reminder’ lesson on the good things that come from adversity, most specifically trusting in God. Sometimes when things are too good we become complacent. Then God may allow adversity to get us moving; to show our victorious life to others. We were reminded that we have no testimony if we have no test. We are called “God’s Children.” Like a mother bird, sometimes, God has to push us out of the nest (comfort zone) so we can learn to fly… always with His guiding hand.

The SS message fit with the Sermon message concluding the series of being Dependent. Today’s sermon scripture was James 5: 7-20.

When pastor was newly out of college he had an older Honda that was beginning to need many repairs. They decided to sell that car and buy a brand-new car that would be reliable. Sadly, they bought a new Plymouth Neon that turned out to be a lemon requiring repairs every month and replacement of the whole engine. His ‘man-made’ plan did not work out.

This is an example of what happens too often to man-made plans. Some people just keep going hoping things will get better. Some people play ostrich and ignore the problem. Some try to fix it themselves and some bring in someone with experience to help. Others become destructive.
What should happen is we should turn to God and pray.

Prayer should be first, not last. But we make excuses about prayer often accepting lies fed by Satan, who wants to keep us away from God. Maybe Satan whispers: “God doesn’t care about your little problem.” Or: “Remember the last time you prayed and nothing really happened did it?”

But when we agree together in prayer, things do happen. Prayer draws us to God, then He responds.
There are lies Satan wants us to believe when we pray:
1. God doesn't hear.
2. God doesn't care.
3. God isn't there.

But God wants us to understand that He is always present with us; just sometimes waiting for us to call on Him. God is the shepherd who will go look for one lost lamb. Isaiah 53:6 says that we have strayed away like sheep.

Whether He's carrying the lost lamb or the sins of the world on the cross, God does hear, He does care and He is always there. What does prayer show? It shows we are trusting in Him. It shows His power. Prayer brings redemption, healing, direction. Prayer brings ministry between people. Prayer brings powerful results. Not power from us, but from God.

I came across this video song that fits today: You Were There.

A Verse for Today:
Isaiah 53:6 (NLT)
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.

[There is another video that fits but I won’t include it here due to bad language. But if any of you like rap and don’t mind some language you might check: Phora -God's plan (Lyrics)]

Lord, I pray that I don’t become complacent but that I remember to give You praise each day and pray for guidance each day. Help me keep moving to show others Your Glory.

Sharing Beyond Books #308 Comment Giveaway June 24, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Well our commenters are not ones to read horror - 11 of us do not read horror. 5 of don't read erotica, plus another who doesn't read porn. 3 don't read sci fi-- that surprised me since I have come to love sci fi. At least two don't read vampires and shape shifting. Natalija doesn't like to suspend belief so no paranormals or urban fantasy as well as no sci fi.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #307 comments is: #16 Rubynreba 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 -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #308

(One Question.)

Nikki asks: Are you the adventurous type when it comes to outdoor activities??

I think I was adventurous when I was younger. I parachuted once, road in a hot air balloon two times, flew in a glider once, and I used to snorkel and scuba dive. I had the chance to para-sail one time and I wish I had. My daughter did a bungee swing - ugh! And of course back in the day I did some mountain hikes -- Appalachian/Blue Ridge (NC), Diamond Head (HI) and Marin County (CA). I was never good at skiing and not so good even at bicycling (just ask my family). These days I do calmer things like tour caverns; fun but not so adventurous.

This happens to me on a bike, especially going down hill or around curves.
Image found at Bicycle Driving.

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.
COMMENT WINNER for June 2017: Comments submitted by Ada, bn100, Fredamans and Nikki. Random.org choose #1 so Ada gets a GC.

Your turn to share. Nikki asks: Are you the adventurous type when it comes to outdoor activities??

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 July 1, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: You Will Not Have My Hate by Antoine Leiris

This is very well written and narrated, and poignant in it's message.
You Will Not Have My Hate
Written by: Antoine Leiris
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

Length: 1 hr and 43 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-25-16
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Personal Memoirs
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Number one international best seller
"On Friday night you stole the life of an exceptional person, the love of my life, the mother of my son, but you will not have my hate."
On November 13, 2015, Antoine Leiris' wife, Hélène Muyal-Leiris, was killed by terrorists while attending a rock concert at the Bataclan Theater in Paris, in the deadliest attack on France since World War II. Three days later Leiris wrote an open letter addressed directly to his wife's killers, which he posted on Facebook. He refused to be cowed or to let his 17-month-old son's life be defined by Hélène's murder. He refused to let the killers have their way: "For as long as he lives, this little boy will insult you with his happiness and freedom." Instantly that short Facebook post caught fire and was reported on by newspapers and television stations all over the world. In his determination to honor the memory of his wife, he became an international hero to everyone searching desperately for a way to deal with the horror of the Paris attacks and the grim shadow cast today by the threat of terrorism.
Now Leiris tells the full story of his grief and struggle. You Will Not Have My Hate is a remarkable, heartbreaking, and indeed beautiful memoir of how he and his baby son, Melvil, endured in the days and weeks after Hélène's murder. With absolute emotional courage and openness, he somehow finds a way to answer that impossible question: How can I go on? He visits Hélène's body at the morgue, has to tell Melvil that Mommy will not be coming home, and buries the woman he had planned to spend the rest of his life with.
Leiris' grief is terrible, but his love for his family is indomitable. This is the rare and unforgettable testimony of a survivor and a universal message of hope and resilience. Leiris confronts an incomprehensible pain with a humbling generosity and grandeur of spirit. He is a guiding star for us all in these perilous times. His message - hate will be vanquished by love - is eternal.
©2016 Antoine Leiris (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Review:
As the blurb states; “Antoine Leiris' wife, Hélène Muyal-Leiris, was killed by terrorists while attending a rock concert at the Bataclan Theater in Paris” on November 13, 2015. Three days after the event Leiris posted a post to refute the damage of the terrorists by declaring they would not have his hate and would not steal the joy of life from his 17 month old son, Melvil.

This story travels through the immediate reactions of Antoine when he hears of the attack at an event that his wife was attending. He is unable to make contact with his wife and slowly comes to the acknowledgement that she is missing … or worse… killed in the attack. Leiris has to become mother as well as father to their son. He shares the raw emotions of grief and the difficulties dealing with well-meaning sympathies.

I totally appreciated the open sharing and especially the strength exhibited in the sharing. I consider this more a sharing than a story. Although Leiris hoped to write a story for Melvil one day, this debut writing is beautiful, poignant and powerful. It reveals grief, love and the strength and determination to go forward in life. I recommend this to anyone who has suffered a tragedy or wants to understand a life affirming response that can result when faced with such a loss.

Audio Notes: Gildart Jackson does an excellent job narrating this memoir. His soft voice and fitting accent make this a gripping audio experience.

This is from my Audible TBR shelf for "Y" in Alphabet Challenge. This also qualifies for Audiobook and Mount TBR challenges.

Audible Book Review: The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi

I enjoyed the plot and the narration on this sci fi.

The Ghost Brigades
Written by: John Scalzi
Narrated by: William Dufris

Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
Series: Old Man's War, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-11-08
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

The Ghost Brigades are the Special Forces of the Colonial Defense Forces, elite troops created from the DNA of the dead and turned into the perfect soldiers for the CDF's toughest operations. They're young, they're fast and strong, and they're totally without normal human qualms.
For the universe is a dangerous place for humanity - and it's about to become far more dangerous. Three races that humans have clashed with before have allied to halt our expansion into space. Their linchpin: the turncoat military scientist Charles Boutin, who knows the CDF's biggest military secrets. To prevail, the CDF most find out why Boutin did what he did.
Jared Dirac is the only human who can provide answers - a superhuman hybrid, created from Boutin's DNA, whose brain is uniquely able to access Boutin's electronic memories. But when the memory transplant appears to fail, Jared is given over to the Ghost Brigades.
Jared begins as one of these perfect soldiers, but as memories begin to surface, he begins to intuit the reason's for Boutin's betrayal.
As Jared desperately hunts for his "father", he must also come to grips with his own choices. Time is running out: the alliance is preparing its offensive, and some of them plan worse things than humanity's mere military defeat.
©2006 John Scalzi; (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Jared Dirac is like all Colonial Defense Forces (CDF) soldiers – created for the sole purpose of protecting humans. The CDF are advanced special forces created using the DNA of dead humans. They are trained to do the most dangerous missions. Their humanoid bodies are enhanced with special computerized and integrated brain pals that help them process faster and connect each member of the team to the others.

But Jared has something special – he has the cloned brain of Charles Boutin. Boutin was the military scientific genius who perfected the genetic engineering for the integrated brain pal system. He is believed to be dead until Lt. Jane Sagan of the Ghost Brigades discovers that he faked his death and is working with two alien worlds to begin a war against the CDF with plans that would wipe out the human race.

Jared was created using the rogue scientist’s cloned brain in hopes that he could lead the CDF to the traitor, or at least reveal the motive or intentions of Boutin. Jared does not exhibit any knowledge of Boutin when he first awakens. Still Sagan doesn’t trust him and doesn’t want him on her elite team. But a former enemy, now turned friend (sort of) reminds her that sometimes it is best to keep your enemies close.

Jared successfully works with the team for months through several dangerous missions until a trigger sends his mind into a flash back of his daughter. What? His daughter? He never had a daughter. Slowly Jared begins to recall some memories of Boutin. The strongest of those memories include the love for his young daughter and the hate for his commanding officer. Jared needs to determine where the hate comes from and where that anger has led Boutin.

Jared finally comes face to face with Boutin who plans to use Jared as part of his revenge. Some consider the CDF soldiers to be slaves to their creators. They have few opportunities to make real choices. Now Jared is torn between two mind streams – the protective directive of his programming as Jared Darek and the vengeful goals of his DNA based brain. Will he have a choice when matters come to a head?

Initially I was disappointed that this second book did not include John Perry, the protagonist of the first book, Old Man’s War (OMW). I was glad to find Jane Sagan as a returning character. She and the Ghost Brigades connected to the two stories. I came to really like Jared and the author manages to give him strong emotions that are not common to all CDF soldiers. I was rooting for him to realize his uniqueness rather than get swallowed by Boutin’s personality. I enjoyed the twist at the resolution of the threat and look forward to more adventures in the world of OMW. I recommend this series to those who like human characters in their sci fi action stories. Although this could be read as a standalone I liked knowing the background from the OMW.

Audio Notes: William Dufris is a wonderful narrator. He makes the characters come alive, each with their own voice and personality. I really enjoy this series on audio and plan to listen to more.

This title is from my TBR shelf. It qualifies for my 2017 Audio Book Challenge, Mount TBR and "G" on Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 23, 2017

Happy Friday!
We were happy to have heather back in office. It was another busy week but the closings went well and I got some work done too.
Still no hair cut yet and no new camera. I am just not much of a shopper... except for books!

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 June 16 Pick. There were no automatic wins 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.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 16 Pick:
MARYP gets a GC.
RITAW gets Led Astray by a Rake

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.}

Wouldn't this be a good day
Image found at Mind Body Green.

New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work.
PAIRS [or Singles] – Since I have four sets of pairs I will work this by first two pairs that go the others go as singles OR you may choose a title as a single and if won that pair falls into single.
Joan Johnston: The Loner and the Cowboy
Nora Roberts: Sea Swept (some spine creases) and Genuine Lies
Kat Martin: Midnight Sun and Perfect Sin
Linda Howard (aka Krista Janssen): Cry No More and Indigo Fire (spine wear)
SINGLES:
Garden of Scandal by Jennifer Blake
A Rogue’s Heart by Debra Lee Brown
The Night Remembers by Kathleen Eagle (spine wear)
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
Hurricane by Karen Harper
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
Sail by James Patterson
Home Sweet Home by Bella Riley


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
Winter Fire by Jo Beverly


New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas:
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLE:
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown


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 1,073+ 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!