Sunday Words of Encouragement February 5, 2023 - Humble Yourselves to God!

Our Sunday School class was different as we celebrated our teacher’s 65th birthday. We shared prayers and testimonies of how God answered prayers during our lives.

We opened church service with good worship. Pastor’s message was based on 1 Peter 5:6-9 which he titled “Beating the Devil”. The Bible text deals with humility. Humbling ourselves is how we win spiritual battles. Humbling ourselves means we consider others more than ourselves.
We understand this aspect as we mature in our faith. Ephesians 4:10-13. Christ humbled himself, even to the cross. Philippians 2:5-8.
Humility helps us not walk in deception. Humility helps us depend on God, not ourselves.
As we mature in grace, we should be clothing ourselves in humility. It is a choice we make.
As verse 6 says, we humble ourselves under the hand of God. We seek God first.

While Jesus humbled himself to death, God exalted him “so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11. Humbling ourselves recognizes God's sovereignty.

Will we submit to His will?
When we humble ourselves, we recognize we can’t do it by ourselves. But we can cast our cares, our anxieties, on God. Don’t take them back like a yo-yo or a paddle ball.
Humble yourself.
Trust in God.
Resist the devil.
Stand firm in faith.

I liked this book for standing in faith and surrendering. "To You."

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Lord, help me to stand on faith, to humble myself, and to cast my cares on You, knowing I can trust You to take care of me.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Coup de Grâce by Paul Centeno

I like SteamPunk and this is a strong adventure.
Coup de Grâce
By: Paul Centeno
Narrated by: Rob Jones UK

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins
Release date: 12-06-22
Publisher: Paul L. Centeno
Genre: Adventure, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
The world has changed. Gone are the old gods. Nature withers and dies beneath the growing bane of machines and industry. Desperate to prevent their world from dying, citizens turn to science and sprawling cities of steam ruled by the Imperium. Kaimo de Morté has never known another life. He is an optometrist by trade but too poor to open an optical boutique. Forced to work in the mines, Kaimo has no idea how his life is about to change. A chance encounter with insurgents thrusts him into a battle for the very future of mankind. One he is ill prepared to fight. Kaimo uncovers hidden truths, forms alliances stretching to the highest halls of power, and becomes the catalyst for either saving the world or watching it end.
©2022 Paul Centeno (P)2022 Paul Centeno.

Review:
Kaimo is a young man who is an optometrist skilled in building spectacles. He wants to go to school to become an eye doctor, but he doesn’t have the money or prestige. Kaimo is forced to work in the mines with little hope that he can earn enough money to pursue his dreams. One day after an explosion in the mines, Kaimo emerges to find the local train under attack by the insurgent rebels. The rebels are soon met by the Imperium forces under a brutal commander, the Grand Marshal. Kaimo rescues a woman he finds encased in a medical tube on the train. He is hiding Zylpha at his home when his father goes to the place of battle. Kaimo’s father and others are cut down by the Grand Marshal and Kaimo barely escapes.

Kaimo and Zylpha flee his hometown and head off on a journey to find a scientist she trusts to help her. Apparently, her blood has special life force properties that are sought by the evil Grand Marshal. Their journey is hard and not everyone is helpful. Will they find the scientist to help and, if they do, can they avoid capture by the Grand Marshal?

This is my second novel written by Centeno (see Dark Sanity). He is a creative author and has provided an interesting steampunk world, strong characters, and an adventure that includes magical blood and crystals. I liked Kaimo and his skills at inventing optical tools. I also enjoyed the drama and action in the plot. This is a distinct story that I recommend to fans of steampunk, adventure, and action.

Audio Notes: I liked the narration by Rob Jones but the music in the background and between chapters was a little too much. I appreciated getting this through NetGalley to listen to the audiobook.

Source: Source: December 2022 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023Alphabet, and 2023NetGalley goals.

Audible Book Review: Soul Taken, A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 13, by Patricia Briggs

I enjoyed the latest in this series which is one of my favorites.

Soul Taken
A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 13
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 08-23-22
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Supernatural, Urban
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must face her greatest fears in this chilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
The vampire Wulfe is missing. Since he’s deadly, possibly insane, and his current idea of “fun” is stalking me, some may see it as no great loss. But, warned that his disappearance might bring down the carefully constructed alliances that keep our pack safe, my mate and I must find Wulfe—and hope he’s still alive. As alive as a vampire can be, anyway.
But Wulfe isn’t the only one who has disappeared. And now there are bodies, too. Has the Harvester returned to the Tri-Cities, reaping souls with his cursed sickle? Or is he just a character from a B horror movie and our enemy is someone else?
The farther I follow Wulfe’s trail, the more twisted—and darker—the path becomes. I need to figure out what’s going on before the next body on the ground is mine.
©2022 Patricia Briggs (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Review:
Mercy is a coyote shapeshifter married to the Alpha of the local wolfpack, Adam. Not too long ago, Mercy declared that the Tri-Cities area was under the protection of the pack. This resulted in allowing some supernatural creatures to come into the area, but also resulted in isolating the local pack from the lead wolfpack in the United States who chose not to get drawn into potential issues between the pack, other supernaturals, humans, and the fae community.

Wulfe is a traumatized vampire who has a bit of an obsession with Mercy. When Wulfe goes missing, the head vampire mistress places the burden to find him on Mercy and Adam at the threat of terminating the vampire and pack alliance. While beginning the hunt for Wulfe, Mercy discovers that other people are missing, and bodies are being found. The bodies display a distinct pattern of brutal cutting which links them to a mythical murderer, the Harvester. This comes just as a new horror movie is bringing the mythical killer to the big screen.

The search gets darker and more dangerous as Mercy discovers that her vampire friend, Stephan is missing too. And her fae friend, Zee, is insistent on getting his hands on the Harvester’s cursed weapon that makes anyone who is touched by the blade seems to go crazy. Would it be safe to give the weapon to Zee? Will he destroy it, or will its darkness twist him?

I totally enjoy this series. The relationships between Mercy and the other characters are a big part of the story. I am ever impressed by Ms. Brigg’s ability to continue to create interesting plots and dangers for Mercy and her pack to work through. I recommend the whole series – preferably read from the beginning.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King does her usually superb job narrating these characters. It is wonderful to hear her distinct character voices. I love to listen to this series on audio.

Source: 8/28/2022 Audible August Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: At Love's Command, Hanger's Horsemen, Book 1, by Karen Witemeyer

This is a lovely, western, historical romance.
At Love's Command
By: Karen Witemeyer
Narrated by: Amy Rubinate

Series: Hanger's Horsemen, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 06-09-20
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Christian, Historical, Romance, Western
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. 
They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving. Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.
Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything - even his team - to save her.
©2020 Karen Witemeyer (P)2020 Recorded Books

Review:
Matthew Hanger is an ex-cavalry officer leading a mercenary group that battles evil in 1890s Texas. The band, known as Hanger’s Horsemen, is legendary as they seek out justice against the outlaws and defend the innocent and oppressed. Of course, that makes them the target of outlaws. One of the Horsemen has suffered a bullet wound so the team heads to the nearest town to seek out the doctor, where they are surprised to find a female doctor.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men questioning her medical skills, but she knows she is the one who can help their injured companion. Matt, after momentary reluctance, agrees to assist Dr. Josephine in the surgery. Over several days of recovery, the team grows to respect Dr. Josephine even as she learns to respect the care and dedication of the men for each other and for the doing good to help others.

Shortly after the Horseman leave the Doctor, she opens a letter telling her that her brother is in the hands of outlaws and her father is refusing to pay the ransom. Dr. Josephine knows who she has to get to help her brother and she takes off to retrieve the Horseman.

The author has created wonderfully strong, caring characters who live with integrity. It is delightful to ‘watch’ these independent and confident individuals grow in their regard for each other. The other supporting characters, including one dubbed “Preacher” and a well-trained horse, are well developed also. I enjoyed the underlying faith and growth in God’s command over the situation. The story includes an issue of redemption which is nicely presented. The only reason I am not giving it a full five star rating is that some of the ‘heroics’ are rather over the top.

This is the fourth story I have enjoyed by Ms. Witemeyer and I plan to read more. I recommend this series and this author to readers who enjoy faith based, western historical romance.

Audio Notes: Amy Rubinate does a lovely job with the narration. She delivers clear and distinct voices with intonation fitting the scenes. The narration increased my enjoyment of the story.

12/18/2021 November Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

MBS December 2022 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2022 Reading List - DECEMBER

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2022
Favorites for the month:

5 Stars =
4.75 Stars =
4.5 Stars = Don't Call Me Ishmael, Sheryl Crow:Words + Music, Joy to the Wolves, North or Be Eaten

1. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Venus Plus X by Theodore Sturgeon; Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.
2. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Last Stand: The Complete Box Set by William Weber; Genre: Dystopia, Military, Post-Apocalyptic, War; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
3. A2022: Audible Book Review: Icequake by Crawford Kilian; Genre: Climate, Environment, Techno thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
4. A2022: Audible Book Review: 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Fost; Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.
5. A2022: Audible Book Review: This Fallen World by Christopher Woods; Genre: Adventure, Dystopia, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
6. A2022: Audible Book Review: Don't Call Me Ishmael by Chris Kennedy; Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Superhero; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
7. A2022: Audible Book Review: Welcome to Hell: The Tasmanian Special Forces Group, Book 1 by C. R. Daems;Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
8. A2022: Audible Book Review: The Legion Awakes, The Sleeping Legion, Book 1, by J.R. Handley; Genre: Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
9. A2022: Audible Book Review: TFS Ingenuity, The Terran Fleet Command Saga, Book 1, by Tori L. Harris; Genre: Alien, First Contact, Sci Fi, Space Opera, Technothriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
10. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Sheryl Crow, Words + Music Vol 6, by Sheryl Crow; Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Entertainment & Celebrities; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
11. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Audible Book Review: Detroit Christmas, A Grimnoir Chronicles Audio Drama, by Larry Correia; Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
12. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Joy to the Wolves, Red Wolf, Book 1, by Terry Spear; Genre: Holiday, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5. 
13. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Crisis Shot: The Line of Duty, Book 1, by Janice Cantore ; Genre: Clean & Wholesome, Police Procedural, Thriller & Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
14. ATBR: Audible Book Review: North! Or Be Eaten The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2 by Andrew Peterson; Genre: Action and Adventure, Growing Up, Family Life, Religious Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
15. Bible Project The Bible 1 year Reading Plan
16. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams; Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
17. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Navigating the Stars by Maria V. Snyder; Genre: Adventure, Science Fiction, Space Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Total read = 17
TBR = 9
New Authors = 10
Audio/Audible = 16 (9 TBRs)
NetGalley = 0 (0 audio) (0 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 0 (0 TBR)
Nonfiction = 2
eBook = 1 (0 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
(COMPLETE) Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 145 of 125
(COMPLETE) TBR to Date: 111 of 90 total
(COMPLETE) Audio to Date: 135 of 100
(COMPLETE) NetGalley to Date: 14 of 10
Author Reviews: 3 of 12
Nonfiction: 11 of 12
TBR ebooks or Print: 11 of 12

(COMPLETE) • Series: 100 of 75 (34 continuing, 66 new)
• New to me Series: 66 (1 complete; 23 Yes to continue; 19 likely to continue, 18 maybe, 5 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 4
Special Goals
(COMPLETE)• Seasonal title: 4 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
(COMPLETE)• Alphabet letters covered: AUDIO SERIES: 4 Jan, 3 Feb, 7 March, 3 April, 4 May, 2 June, 0 July, 1 August, 1 September, 0 October, 1 November (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z) (26 of 26)   

• Alphabet letters covered: MIXED MEDIA (focus on stand alones but can be series): 2 Jan, 6 Feb, 3 March, 7 April, 3 May, 2 June; 1 July, 0 August, 0 September, 0 October, 0 November (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Y, Z) (25 of 26)
Remaining: X