Sunday Words of Encouragement April 30, 2023 - Holy Places

We had a local guest minister for our Sunday School this morning. He shared some testimony as well as a Biblical lesson, The Importance of Having Faith in Jesus.

Our service started with lovely praise and worship and I was touched when our Pastor went to his knees during the worship time. His sermon, titled Holy Places, was based on Exodus 3:1-6.
When Moses saw the burning bush, he turned aside to “see this strange sight….”
God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and told him “the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

As a young man, Moses stepped in on his own to deliver a Hebrew slave, during which he killed the Egyptian overseer. Then Moses ran away into the wilderness, where he became his Father-in-law's shepherd.

The burning bush was a God moment for Moses. It is arguably a theophany or Christophany.
A theophany is a manifestation of God in the Bible that is tangible to the human senses. In its most restrictive sense, it is a visible appearance of God in the Old Testament period, often, but not always, in human form. Christophany is the manifestation of Christ.

In the Old Testament, there are frequent “theophanies” and “Christophanies.” The word theophany comes from the Greek word theos (meaning “God”) and the Greek verb meaning “to appear.” So a theophany is an appearance of God. And a Christophany is an appearance of Christ.

There can be a lot of life lived between God encounters. Even if we don’t have continuous God moments or encounters, He is still there. God shows up to change lives, not just to provide a good feeling. For example, Salvation is beyond what we feel. But it is a promise through knowledge and faith.

We need to be aware of God moments in our lives. Where these occur, there is a Holy Place. Sometimes we have tarried at the altar to see what God is doing.

It is a moment when we are not just a fan, but we know the place is Holy because God occupies the place. Often the God encounter is to change the direction of life. Jacob met and wrestled with God at El Bethel (a place of worship). Joseph had several God encounters to become the father of Israel. Job had heard of God, then personally encountered Him.

God moments are not just for you but to share with others. The encounter generally has to do with the future. We need to recognize when and where God speaks. God moments and Holy Places are also where our perspective of God changes. We are struck with awe and God reveals Himself.

God revealed Himself to Moses as the great “I am”, from which we get Yahweh, or Jehovah.
Pastor acknowledged that he sometimes lives his life ‘in high voice’. This is the result of zeal for God, a passion birthed out of a Holy place.

As a cautionary word, we must be careful not to be tempted to stay there. (Like Peter at the mount of transfiguration.)

If you want to stay, you are missing the message to go out with the mission. Holy Places are places of launching. The woman at the well goes into the city to tell others.

Holy Place encounters are for us to give the message to others. To mobilize and be a witness to influence those around us.
When God shows Himself mighty in the wilderness as fire and smoke, we are to go and bring others back. We are to lead others to see our awesome God.

I found this song which I think fits today! Evidence.

Verses for Today:
Exodus 3:1-6 NIV
Moses and the Burning Bush
3 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”
4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
And Moses said, “Here I am.”
5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father,[a] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.


Lord, help me to remember all the God Encounters of my past. Help me to be open to more. And help me to share them, to lead others to You.

Audible Book Review: The Fifth Victim, The Cherokee Pointe Series, Book 1, by Beverly Barton

I liked the occult element and the suspense (but not the amount of sex).

The Fifth Victim
The Cherokee Pointe Series, Book 1
By: Beverly Barton
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
Release date: 09-25-18
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Mystery, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Some things shouldn't be seen....
Cherokee Pointe, Tennessee. Deep in the Smoky Mountains, the victim lies, sacrificed on a makeshift altar - the gruesome work of a killer who has evaded the authorities in state after state. FBI agent Dallas Sloan knows the scene all too well - just as he knows the killings won't stop until there are four more bodies.
Some warnings won't be heeded....
Genny Madoc's "sixth sense" has brought many of Cherokee Pointe's residents to her isolated log cabin, looking for help. But now it's Genny who needs help from the disturbing visions she sees - images that are getting stronger and more violent day by day.
Some fears can't be stopped....
Thrown together by necessity, drawn to each other by desire, Dallas and Genny must band together, searching the darkest heart of a town's hidden secrets before a twisted killer can complete a sinister plan that will make one of them the fifth victim.
©2018 Beverly Barton (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
FBI agent Dallas Sloan is on the tail of a gruesome killer who kills in groups of five. Sloan knows because one of the groups included his young niece. The FBI could not find a connection, but Sloan is sure there is one. Sloan is not assigned to the case but will take every free time to investigate leads. This time the lead takes him to Cherokee Pointe, in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Genny Madox is an unusual and isolated young woman living in a cabin in the woods above the town. Genny provides herb remedies, learned from her grandmother, and occasional readings to members of the community. There are some who call Genny a witch, but those closest to her know she has a sixth sense and sees visions of events she doesn’t necessarily want to see. Now she has seen the brutal, sacrificial killing of a young girl and called her cousin the local Sheriff, telling him where to find the victim.

By the time Sloan arrives in town, they are locating the next victim. Sloan doesn’t believe in psychics, but he is drawn to Genny and soon finds himself trying to protect her from her own nightmares. As their relationship heats up, he finds himself protecting her when they realize she may be a target of the killer.

I liked the characters, the psychic element, and enjoyed the mystery. Unfortunately for me, the sexual content (some describe as ‘soft porn’) detracted from the rest of the story. I had a vague recollection from a prior Barton novel that I didn’t care for the level of sex and now that I have confirmed this I am less likely to read/listen to any more by this author even though I have two more in the series. That’s just my tastes. I would recommend this to fans of romantic suspense who don’t mind the graphic sexual element.

Audio Notes: Marguerite Gavin is a skilled narrator who I have enjoyed in several other series. She does provide distinct voices although I am not sure she was the best narrator for this book. I was startled by the reading of chapter numbers in a breathy voice that didn’t fit. This unexpected narrative feature did disrupt the flow of the story. Still, I am generally glad to listen to stories as they move faster for me.

Source: 6/10/2021 Free from Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Number goals.

Audible Book Review: Renegades, Expeditionary Force, Book 7, by Craig Alanson

I enjoy this series with the snarky AI and the pirate crew who manage to pull off miracles.
Renegades
Expeditionary Force, Book 7
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 17 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 03-26-19
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The battle-scarred star carrier Flying Dutchman is finally on her way back to Earth, after an exceptionally successful series of missions that have once again saved the world. The ship needs a serious refit, and her exhausted crew just wants a break from constant clandestine warfare against a vicious and superior enemy. Wishes come true, right? Not for the Merry Band of Pirates.
Includes special bonus note from the author.
©2018 Craig Alanson (P)2019 Podium Publishing

Review:
The Flying Dutchman made it back to Earth to report their bizarre but successful missions that saved the world, temporarily. The crew also had to report to authorities that the enemy is headed to destroy Earth. As the ship is being worked on, the officers get heavy debriefing, and some of the crew gets much needed R and R. Skippy is creating a cult following among the humans but he is following the secretive government meetings too. It appears that Bishop will not be asked to lead the next mission and the other decisions don’t look too good to Bishop and the former crew.

In the nick of time Skippy manages to round up a bare crew of former members of the Merry Band of Pirates and a handful of new recruits who volunteer to sacrifice their Earthly lives to take control of the ship and head out to face the enemy. Bishop and the makeshift crew have to face the impossible again – find a way to stop the two vastly superior enemy ships that are heading to attack Earth. Bishop and Skippy trade awful insults (to the point of “Enough, already!”) while waiting for “the monkey” to come up with a beyond logic idea to meet the mission.

This is the seventh book in this serries and I am still enjoying it. Yes, the insults are becoming almost unpleasant and thereby losing some of the humor. Still, I enjoyed the energy, the camaraderie, and the tricks pulled out of the hat to meet their goal. I suppose it makes sense that the ship commander has to remain apart and alone but it would be nice to see something new develop for Bishop. I will continue in the series and recommend this to fans of military space opera.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray is the voice of these characters. The variety of accents is remarkable. His narration absolutely adds to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 7/31/2022 July Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post April 23, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 24, 2023

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Last week was a bit of a push for me as I prepared to be out of office Friday for a GFWC Conference. I expect to be doubly busy this week but we'll see how it turns out.

The Conference theme was "Puttin' on the Ritz" and here are most of us from our District 2 (members from 5 clubs) in our flapper dresses:

I sort of hide in the back row when it's picture time!

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival.
Things are moving in my office so we may see some changes soon.

Our weather has been pretty nice and not too hot yet.

I finished two audios this past week and posted two reviews and my memes.

I visited only 13 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to GULFSIDE MUSINGS. JoAnn shares on books she reads as well as some lovely images and family moments too.

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post April 16, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 17, 2023.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander; Genre: Civil War, Historical Romance, Sweet Romance; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0. 
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Werewolf Cop by Andrew Klavan; Genre: Occult, Police Procedure, Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 23, 2023 - The Lord's Prayer.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Renegades
Expeditionary Force, Book 7
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 7 mins
I enjoy this series with the snarky AI and the pirate crew who manage to pull off miracles.
Source: 7/31/2022 July Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Fifth Victim
The Cherokee Pointe Series, Book 1
By: Beverly Barton
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
I liked the occult element and the suspense (but not the amount of sex.)
Source: 6/10/2021 Free from Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

The Instructor
By T.R. Hendricks
Narrated by: Jay Snyder
Series: Derek Harrington, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
I am enjoying the military survival training in this suspenseful story.
Source: 2023 NetGalley.
Derek Harrington, retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor, is barely scraping by teaching the basics of wilderness survival. His fledgling bushcraft school is on the cusp of going out of business and expenses are piling up fast. His only true mission these days? To get his ailing father into a full care facility and to support his ex-wife and their son.
When one of his students presents him with an opportunity too good to be true―$20,000 to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York―Derek reluctantly takes the job, despite his reservations about the group's insistence on anonymity. But it isn't long before the training takes an unexpected turn―and a new offer is made.
Reaching out to an FBI contact to sound his concerns, Derek soon finds himself in deep cover, deep in the woods, embroiled with a fringe group led by a charismatic leader who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. When what he wants becomes Derek's head, the teacher is pitted against his students as Derek races against time to stop what could very well be the first attack by the domestic terrorist cell.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Get Up and Grow: 21 Habits of Successful People
By Duke Matlock
Our Pastor gave this to Board members in March. I started it but set it aside. Now I am reading it daily to have it fresh in my mind for our next Board meeting early in May.
I am enjoying the learning process.
Source: March 2023 gift from Pastor.
Get Up and Grow is about developing habits that foster personal and professional growth in four critical areas: spirituality, success, health, and margin. In six chapters, Get Up and Grow will enable you to shift your paradigm and create a culture of growth and investment in your life. By utilizing your mornings as opportunities for development, Get Up and Grow will change the way you view success and will create the space to see exponential growth.

I will get to a third book (an audio) and I will decide when I get there, again.

April 23, 2023 - I continue to enjoy another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen".
I am reading the paperback instead of the an App study.

I finished two audio titles and reviewed two so I remain up to date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I still have one more audio and one newer ebook on my NetGalley shelf.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles.

I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer. (I need to look back and see which one this is.)
(Plus a few that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me, and newest to the team, Emma at Words and Peace.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No review titles and no wins last week.
Only one Audio from Plus Catalog last week.
I got one free Kindle title last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

4/20/2023 Free Kindle (author newsletter):

Silenced Witness (Jessie Black Legal Thrillers Book 6)
Larry A. Winters

The Postman
By: David Brin
Narrated by: Kevin Kenerly
Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
(I stumbled onto this and I do like the movie.)


One new title added to Kindle library. 
Free titles might be found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 23, 2023 - The Lord's Prayer

I was away at GFWC Florida Conference this weekend and just arrived home. We attended a sweet memorial service this morning for those members who died over the past year. We said the Lord's Prayer together and I found this song to share.

The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)

Verses for today:
Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
     hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
     your will be done,
     on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
     as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
     but deliver us from the evil one.’