Sunday Words of Encouragement August 16, 2020

We enjoyed online services again this morning. Unfortunately, Satan likes to work on Sunday mornings and there were multiple video interruptions. We had a guest Pastor preach this morning. The sermon was on “A Model Church” based on Paul’s teachings in 1 Thessalonians 1:1-8.

Paul noted three important aspects of the Thessalonian congregation:
There is a work of faith.
There is a labor of love.
There is a steadfast hope.

They became imitators of the Apostles, welcoming the message by the Holy Spirit. Through their actions they shared the joy and message of Christ to other believers. The committed church that follows the model of the early church will be known to its community. It will have signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. Acts 4:30. The congregation will be bold and unashamed of the gospel. Romans 1:16.

We should be living in expectation of God's movement and even more in expectation of Christ’s return. Revelation 3:10. Watching, waiting, and standing in readiness.  And while we are waiting with expectation, we should be working with faith, love, and hope.

The Model Church is made up of Model Believers.
These are questions to ask:
1. What kind of church are you?
2. What kind of testimony do you project before the world?
3. Are the Works of God through the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, known in our communities?

Are we a light in the dark world around us?

I found this song which I think fits the message today: 

We Are Called.

Verses for Today:
1 Thessalonians 1:3-8 (NIV)
3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become know
n everywhere.

 

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Siege by Larry Correia

This is another action-packed, intense adventure.

Monster Hunter Siege
Monster Hunter, Book 6
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Series: Monster Hunter, Book 6
Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-01-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Number six in multiple New York Times best seller Larry Correia's Monster Hunter series.
Go big or go home.
When Monster Hunter International's top hunter, Owen Zastava Pitt, was given a tip about some hunters who had gone missing in action, he didn't realize their rescue mission would snowball into the single biggest operation in MHI's history. Their men are being held prisoner in a horrific nightmare dimension, and the only way to reach them is through the radioactive ruins of a monster-infested war zone.
As if that wasn't bad enough, it's also the home base of the powerful creature behind the devastating attacks on the Last Dragon and Copper Lake. It turns out ancient gods of chaos really hate trespassers. But this god picked a fight with the wrong crew, and now MHI wants payback. Calling on their allies, a massive expedition is formed, and with the odds stacked against them, a legion of hunters goes to war.
It's D-Day at the City of Monsters.
©2017 Larry Correia (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Many hunters were lost in the Las Vegas battle (Monster Hunter Legion) with seven who disappeared into the nightmare realm presumed to be dead. Two were from MHI and five others were from rival companies that were involved in that nightmare battle. Owen received a secret message that has led him to a new information source who reveals that there are seven hunters alive in the nightmare dimension – far away and nearly impossible to enter. But Owen is of the genre that won’t leave a man behind.

Owen talks the boss into allowing him to lead a rescue mission. The other companies who have lost hunters are invited and readily join the highly risky mission. This mission takes months of planning trying to find a way to reach the prisoners who are held in the radioactive ruins of a monster-infested, abandoned city in Siberian. The huge endeavor will have to get permission just to step foot, or boat, in Russia.

The city where they have to go has a strange tie with Owen’s father. This brings in some history of Owen’s family just at a time when Owen is facing becoming a father himself. The stakes are even higher since Owen as “the chosen one” may have to face the newest evil alone and there are predictions of death.

This may not be as strong as some of the prior books and is more focused on Owen rather than a broader range of the characters. It still has plenty of action and the underlying snarky humor that the series is known for. There is some craziness – but that shouldn’t be surprising considering that a good part of the story takes place in a nightmare realm filled with skeleton and other nightmarish monsters. There is some foul language that I don’t like but realize is expected from ‘Bad A’ warriors.

The ending leaves an open segue to the next book which is now in my Wish List. I recommend the series from book 1 and this installment to fans of the series.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman is the voice of this series. I felt comfortable as soon as I heard his voice and was glad to have his energy in the presentation. I do enjoy this series on audio.

3/17/19 February 2019 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia 4.75
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Vendetta by Larry Correia 4.5
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Alpha by Larry Correia 4.75
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia 4.5
Goodreads Review: Monster Hunter Nemesis (Monster Hunter International #5) by Larry Correia 4.25

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 14, 2020

Happy Friday!
I had a week of eyestrain. I went to bed Friday night with no computer time - to rest my eyes. Thanks for accommodating the day delay for this post. :-)

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 August 7, 2020 Pick. There was no 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 no title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 7, 2020 Pick:
MYSTICA gets a GC
and
MARJORIE 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.}

It feels like Summer 2020 is moving by so quickly!
Image found at Brooklyn Public Library.

New Book Group #90 June 19, 2020
Quite a few mysteries in this box. 

PAIRS:
Mary Jane Clark:  Hide Yourself Away and Do You Want to Know a Secret
Maggie Shayne:  Embrace the Twilight and Colder Than Ice
SINGLES:
On Thin Ice by Cherry Adair
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Cutting Edge by Allison Brennan
Summer Skies by Judy Christenberry (I apparently had a duplicate of this title)
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Angel Face by Suzanne Forster
Stalking the Puzzle Landy by Parnell Hall
Hunting Fear by Kay Hooper
Statute of Limitations by Tamar Myers
The Missing Heir by Gail Rainstrom
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)
The Warrior by Frances Richey (poetry - hardcover)


New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Pairs:
Brenda Joyce: Firestorm and Innocent Fire
LaVyrle Spencer: Morning Glory and Bitter Sweet
Singles:
Open House by Elizabeth Berg (Hardback)
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
What the Heart Knows by Kathleen Eagle
Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Angel Creek by Linda Howard
Montana Mavericks - Big Sky Grooms Anthology
Shadow and Silk by Ann Maxwell
Tempting Fire by Carla Neggers
Suicide Club by Gayle Wilson
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere
Through the Years - Three Novels, Linda Howard, Fern Michaels and Debbie Macomber


New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

PAIRS:
Stella Cameron: Body of Evidence and Fascination
Singles:
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs


New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES


New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

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

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three 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

Stella Cameron: Key West
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer 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)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
Too Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes


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
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
White Night by Jim Butcher
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
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 by Jillian Hart
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven

(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 NINE years I have posted 88 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,429 books to find new homes! (as of November 8, 2019).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,325+ 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 faraway 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!

A Friday Pick Delay Announcement - Just One Day

Hello all - I apologize that I am delaying my Friday Pick post.

I had to wear my old 30-day type contact lenses this week while waiting for the daily lenses to come in. I didn't realize there would be such a difference but there is even after just three days. My eyes are burning so I am going to go to bed.

I picked up my new supply of daily lenses today so tomorrow should be better. I plan to post the Friday Pick either Friday night or Saturday morning.
Thanks for understanding... See you soon!

Audible Book Review: You Need A Budget by Jesse Mecham

This book contains useful tools for those who struggle with spending and saving.
You Need a Budget
The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want
By: Jesse Mecham
Narrated by: Jesse Mecham

Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-26-17
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Budgeting, Money Management, Non-Fiction, Self Help
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
For most people, budgeting conjures up the same feelings as, say, prison and dieting. But your initial instinct couldn't be further from the truth. You just haven't budgeted the right way.
You Need a Budget will teach you four simple rules to completely revolutionize the way you think about managing your money. With a budget, you'll break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, get out of debt, and save more money. A liberating, enabling, empowering budget will actually make you feel more free, not more restricted. The YNAB philosophy is centered around these four rules:

• Give every dollar a job. Take your cash, checking, and saving accounts and assign jobs to that money. Begin now with what you have on hand. Then follow your plan. Pick your priorities, and make sure your dollars are helping you move closer to the things you care about most.
•  Embrace your true expenses. Look ahead and identify the larger, less frequent expenses that tend to sneak up on you. Break those expenses into manageable monthly amounts. Consider insurance premiums, birthdays, holidays, charitable giving, car repairs, etc. This practice evens out your cash outflows, decreases your stress, and helps you make better decisions.
•  Roll with the punches. Accept the fact that life always changes and you'll likely always go over budget somewhere. If an unexpected expense comes up and you need to change your budget, just change it. The YNAB philosophy not only tolerates changing your budget but encourages it.
•  Age your money. The goal of this rule is to increase the time between the moment you earn money and the moment you spend that money. In other words, if you're going to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, you need to learn to live on money you earned a month or two months or even three months ago.

YNAB's four rules are the pillars of a tried-and-true system that gets you to engage with your money every day. It helps you change your behavior so that you're proactive and in control of your finances. It's not about stressing over last month's statement; instead, you're looking ahead and actively deciding how you want and need to build a life of meaning, not stress.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2017 YNAB Licensing LLC (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
This engaging nonfiction gives a workable plan to help anyone manage their money. The author, Jesse Mecham, provides four precise steps to follow for getting control of your funds. A short version of the rules is: 1) Give each dollar a job, 2) Embrace (identify) your true expenses, 3) Roll with the punches, and 4) Age your money (increase the time it remains in your bank or pocket).

These rules are very important for those living paycheck to paycheck, especially considering the stress of dealing too many bills and too little money. Even those with excess funds will find the rules helpful to reduce wasted spending and help achieve goals once they are prioritized. After covering each of the rules, Mecham presents several focused chapters on couples, slaying debt and teaching kids to budget.

Mecham uses real-life examples that readers/listeners can relate to. The book moves along well and is a good length so it isn’t overwhelming. The pdf that is provided is primarily an appendix of additional resources. Since this shorter work does leave room for more detail and hands-on practice, it is good to know that there are great videos available online. I shared the videos of the basic rules with my office staff to encourage them to remember the benefits of budgeting. I recommend this to everyone who struggles with money management.

Audio Notes: Mecham narrates this with an engaging voice and clearly knowledgeable base. I am glad that I picked this up at a good discount as a daily deal.

Source: 9/9/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook, and 2020Alphabet goals.