Sunday Words of Encouragement March 17, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher continued a good morning lesson from 1 Corinthians 12. The message was that spiritual gifting is beyond natural gifts. Many are unaware or ignorant (as in ignoring) of the gifts. The spiritual gifts are powered by the Holy Spirit and given for the common good.

Our church service opened with praise and worship led by the youth. Then pastor continued his messages on The Bridge, reminding us that Jesus is the Bridge. Today’s message was based on Hebrews Chapter 4, starting with 4:1-11. The Bible emphasizes “rest” but often rest is hard to come by in our busy world.
Some people don't rest until it comes for them. Others rest until they almost feel guilty and others are able to prioritize rest properly.
Our society tends to have an unhealthy view about rest, thinking it means the person is lazy, or the time is wasted,
God established that rest is an important event. God created the world and on the seventh day He rested. When he was angry with Moses and the Israelites he declared in anger ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ Psalm 95:11.
Only those who believe can enter God's rest. Hebrews 4:10.
The Israelites had a promise of rest, but rebellion left them outside.
God promises a reward of special rest… for eternity.

Point: The promised rest we find in God's presence cannot be replaced with a cheap imitation found in the ideas and devices of the world.

Rev 3:15-19 Tells us that God doesn’t want us to be lukewarm...
Continuing with Hebrews 4:12-16 we learn that we may come boldly to the throne...to receive mercy and Grace.
You have been invited to God's throne, His presence.
Instead of pushing away from the Lord, run to Him.

I set out to find a specific song but didn’t find it. I found this one instead.

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 4:3-5 and 9-10
3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,
“So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’”
And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”

9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.

God, I thank you that I can run to you and find peaceful rest … as well as mercy and grace!

#NetGalley Book Review: Wish by Chris Saunders

This sweet book has charming illustrations.

Wish

by Chris Saunders

Age Range: 4 - 7 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 1

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: words & pictures (March 12, 2019)

ISBN-13: 978-1786033468

Genre: Children, Verse

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Rabbit has never had a wish before; but one day he gets not just one, but three! Wish is a touching story about the power of kindness and the magic of friendship, with beautiful and emotive illustrations from Chris Saunders.

Once every year wishes take flight,

filled with hope and twinkling light.

They dance in the air, with a swirl and a swish,

you have to be lucky to be chosen by a wish.

Rabbit cannot decide what to wish for, so he asks his friends Mouse, Fox, and Bear what they would do if they had a wish. Being selfless and kind, Rabbit grants all three wishes to his friends. They are so grateful for his kindness and generosity, they share their wishes with him.

Review:
Rabbit is excited to get not just one, but three wishes. He never thought he’d have wishes so he goes to his friends to ask what they would wish for. After hearing each of their choices, he asks “Is this wish for me?” Once he makes his wishes does he regret them or is he happy with his choices?

The illustrations are absolutely charming, and the story is caring. The rhyming is gentle. I like how Rabbit and his friends share their thoughts and encourage each other. I did feel the ending needs elaboration by a parent/adult. The story gives a good opportunity to talk about being careful about choices as well as sharing with others. I can recommend this to parents who would supervise the reading with young children.

Source: NetGalley 2019 (Quarto Publishing Group). This qualifies for 2019NetGalley and 2019Alphabet goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 14, 2019

Happy Friday! I hope everyone is planning a safe St. Patrick's Day.
I think I'll try to put together a box of books this weekend. 

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 March 8, 2019 Pick. There was 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. No titles were blocked.
BN100 gets Bones of the Sea.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 8, 2019 Pick:
MARYP gets a GC.
and
NATALIJA 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 want to be lucky!
Image found at Smore..

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

One PAIR:
Susan Wiggs: Snowfall and Fireside
SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Brides Anthology
Holiday in Death
Christmas Homecoming
Together by Christmas Anthology
The Christmas Date
The Christmas Promise (hardback)
A Blue and Grey Christmas (hardback)
The Snow Angel (CD Audiobook)
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
PAIRS:
Kat Martin: Bold Angel and Devil's Prize
Elizabeth Lowell: Death Is Forever and Running Scared
SINGLE
It Takes a Hero by Elizabeth Boyle
Two Alone by Sandra Brown
'Tween a Devil and his hard Place by Sam Cheever
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue
Hot Pursuit by Christinea Skye
Sisters & Secrets Anthology
Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback
Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Pairs:
Stella Cameron: French Quarter and Key West
Jude Deveraux: Mulberry Tree and Wild Orchids
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Unmasked Anthology - Jennifer Blake, Janet Dailey and Elizabeth Gage
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Finer Things by Brenda Joyce
Wicked Promise by Kat Martin
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Leopard's Woman by Linda Lael Miller and White Wolf by Lindsay McKenna
Eagle and the Dove by Victoria Morrow
To Love Again by Bertrice Small
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith
Primal Obsession by Susan Vaughn

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES

Best Laid Plans
Darkness Tell Us
Cooking More Deadly


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
Fern Michaels and James Patterson
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon
The Green Trap
End Game
Night School
The Red Tent
The Final Judgment Audio Cassettes
Secrets of Paris
Linda Goodnight
Irish Charmers, the Mighty Quinns
Firebird
No Getting Over a Cowboy
The Book of Fate Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Doctor’s Forever Family by Marie Ferrarella
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Branded by the Sheriff by Delores Fossen
The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Rhapsody in Time by Judith O’Brien
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham
The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

PAIRS
Johanna Lindsey Pair
Judith Krentz Pair
SINGLES
Midnight Rainbow
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Betrayed
My Dark Prince
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes
Brothers of Gwynedd
Fatal Defect
Bones of the Sea and Other Stories
By a Spider's Thread



New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

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 EIGHT years I have posted 82 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,333 books to find new homes! (as of November 9, 2018).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,229+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] 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: January Breeze, February Embers, March Whispers (Elderberry Croft #1) by Becky Doughty

All three of these are lovely stories.
January Breeze, February Embers, March Whispers
(Elderberry Croft #1)
by Becky Doughty

Kindle Edition, 84 pages
Published November 18th 2013 by BraveHeart Press (first published March 2nd 2013)
ASIN B00BO2AAOE
Elderberry Croft: The Complete Collection (Amazon)
Genre: Christian Literature, Community, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

For most of the residents, The Coach House Trailer Park is the last lonely stop on the road of life. But on a crisp January breeze, a new girl sweeps into the neighborhood, charming them all with her wild nature, her elderberry gifts, and her outrageous laughter. What brings the mysterious Willow Goodhope of Elderberry Croft to this dead end place? From what--or whom--is she hiding?
January Breeze
There’s a new girl in town, and she’s breathing life into The Coach House Trailer Park, starting with the tiny cottage she christens, Elderberry Croft. Kathy Kekoa isn’t so sure about this wild child living across the way, with her generous nature, and exuberance for life. What’s a vibrant, young thing like Willow Goodhope doing in a place like The Coach House? From what—or whom—is she hiding?

February Embers
Richard and Patti Davis have slipped into the shadowlands of hopelessness, where their days stretch out endlessly ahead of them. Lately, though, Richard has been sitting up and taking notice of the new girl down the way; Willow Goodhope, with her red curls and her wild laugh. Will Patti lose the only man she’s ever loved to the green-eyed earth girl? Or will Willow steal both their hearts?

March Whispers
Joe Sanderson has been around long enough to know that living simply is simply better living. He gardens, he cooks, he entertains Vivian. Everything is going just fine…then along comes Willow Goodhope, with her whispering shadows and her elderberry pie, reminding him of what it means to be a man. Will he rise to the occasion, or dig in his heels?

Review:
January Breeze
Willow is a noticeable addition to The Coach House Trailer Park. Most of the residents are living there for the end of their life journey. But Willow sweeps in, transforming her cottage, which she dubs Elderberry Croft, with flowers and brightness. Some of the other residents wonder what she’s up to, almost resenting her energy and creativeness and even question if she has some witchy aspects.

One of the neighbors, Kathy, is a grumpy woman with two dogs and a negative attitude. Willow brings her homemade biscuits for the dogs and then a basket of elderberry goodies for Kathy. Can Willow’s generous, bright sharing help Kathy find a new attitude?

February Embers
Another park unit is occupied by Patti and her invalid husband Richard. Patti has been a dedicated caretaker but the years are weighing on her. Each day she helps Richard into his chair on the front porch where he watches the vibrant Willow as she gardens in her yard or travels the street delivering gifts. Patti is frustrated by Richard’s attention on Willow and lack of appreciation for Patti. They are encouraging their son, Ivan, to show an interest in lovely Willow. Ivan and Willow bring a sweet Valentine surprise and chance for rekindled love to Patti and Richard.

March Whispers
Joe Sanderson is living his elder years apparently alone and in quiet simplicity in the park. He does have a lady friend, Vivian, who visits providing gossip fodder for others in the park. Joe likes to garden outside and watches Willow as she too gardens or as she visits others. In spite of her bright appearance, Joe has noticed sorrow in Willow’s eyes. He knows a thing or two about secrets and he suspects that Willow is hiding secrets of her own. Willow visits Joe to share scones and coffee. Perhaps they can find a way to share some of their secrets and provide comfort for each other too.

Willow is a charming, lively character who spreads life among her neighbors. Ms. Doughty presents a positive, uplifting event in each story. The writing flows smoothly and naturally providing a light, easy read. I am thinking about getting the full collection with stories continuing for other months. I recommend this to readers who enjoy community and uplifting stories.

Source: Kindle Free TBR 2015. I'm counting this toward my Monthly (January, February and March) goals as well as 2019TBR and 2019Alphabet.

Book Review and Giveaway: A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist

This has wonderful history and an engaging romance.

A Bride Most Begrudging
by Deeanne Gist

Paperback: 347 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; First Edition edition
(July 1, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764200720
Genre: Christian, Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

When Lady Constance Morrow finds herself kidnapped and bound for the American colonies, she's sure she'll find a reasonable man who'll believe her story and send her back to England. Instead, she's "bought" by farmer Drew O'Connor. How long will it take before this marriage of convenience becomes very inconvenient for both of them?

Review:
Lady Constance Morrow is visiting her uncle who is being deported to the American Colonies. When she lingers too long she is kidnapped by the Captain. She manages to make a friend of Mary, one of the women who is being transported to be bartered as a bride to the colonists.

Two months later they arrive at a Virginia port where the Captain presents Constance to the crowd as one of the brides. In spite of her protests Constance is sold to a crude, sleezy man named Emmet. Later that night a rugged colonist arrives to claim her, having won her purchase receipt in a card game.

Drew O’Conner doesn’t want a wife. He has lost too many family members and the woman he fell in love with died like so many others who never make it through the hardships of wilderness life or the long lonely winters. Besides, Drew doesn’t like redheads or girls with freckles. But he couldn’t allow the woman to be tied to Emmet.

Drew practically drags Constance through the forest to his homestead. He doesn’t want to believe Constance’s claims that she is a gentlewoman who was kidnapped. Still, he can’t explain her baring, her cultured speech, her ability to read and, to top it off, her complete lack of practical skills. Fortunately for Drew and Constance, Drew’s brother Josh purchased Mary who is skilled at cooking and household tasks that stymie Constance such as starting a fire, collecting eggs, and even cleaning.

Local community authorities show up forcing Drew and Constance to marry. Constance convinces Drew to a marriage of convenience which can be annulled later. That was the original plan but things begin to change as they spend time together, Constance grows close to Drew’s younger sister and Drew finds himself admiring Constance’s determination to learn and fit in. But really, Drew begins to think he is completely unworthy of this remarkable woman and he sets his heart on sending her home to England.

I found this story charming. Constance and Drew are wonderfully real characters. I was just frustrated by their failure to communicate their misconceptions of each other’s feelings. The history seemed well researched and I was very interested in the detail of colony life in 1643. My ladies book club enjoyed the story but thought it a bit longer than needed. We recommend this to readers who enjoy Christian, historical romance.

Source: Print books picked up on sale at Christianbook.com. This book fits my 2019TBR and 2019Alphabet goals.

GIVEAWAY:

TWO WINNERS!

Paperback Book (US and Canada Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review

(b) visit the author's Website and tell me something you like there.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) March 23, 2019.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.