Sunday Words of Encouragement July 2, 2023 - Called to Freedom!

Our Sunday School teacher taught this week on James 1:16-17 expounded with Hebrews 4:14-16 and Romans 5 and 6. We are given the gift of mercy and grace. We are no longer enslaved to sin and dealing with sin is part of growing in Christ.

Pastor’s Sermon was title “Called to Freedom” with scripture from Galatians 5:1 and 5:13-14.
Paul is writing to Galatians. There was a sect teaching salvation by works, and another group proclaiming freedom to do whatever you want (sloppy grace).

Our freedom is found in Jesus. We have freedom within the authority of our submission to Christ. We are His servant, not the servant of sin. The enemy comes and creates a slippery slide of sin. We must learn to stand firm.

There is a spirit of antichrist at work in the world, We need to stand firm.

Paul says in Galatians 5:13, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Our freedom is not for the flesh but for love to serve. We are called to experience His kingdom and the King’s dominion. If you feel oppression, stand firm on the Spirit of God. Our lives are not our own. We give up our sinful nature as a sacrifice to serve. When you walk by the Spirit, you will not gratify the flesh. Don't let sin grow in your life.

Pastor had two side comments. First, he spoke about how we need to be careful not to act on feelings and not to allow love and compassion to accept sin. We always love the sinner but not the sin. We cannot abandon truth to promote love. Showing true love is to lead sinners to the truth of God’s way.

Second, a lack of faith can lead to doubt which then can hinder the moving of the Spirit. Worship is an expression of faith. It is more than a religious act.

I found several videos to pick from. I chose this: Greater Still.

Verses for Today:
Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:13-14
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Lord, I thank you for Mercy and Grace. Help me to use your gift of freedom to serve and to show your love to others.

Audible Book Review: To Serve and Protect by Glynn Stewart

I enjoyed this action story with supernatural villains and heroes.
To Serve and Protect
Onset, Book 1
By: Glynn Stewart
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 10-24-17
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Action, Paranormal, Superhero, Supernatural, Urban
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A small town cop with an unexpected gift. A shadowy government agency on the side of justice. A call no good man could turn away.
When vampires attack David White's small town, only luck, firepower, and the intervention of an elite government task force saves his life. The aftermath of the attack leaves him in the middle of the world's biggest secret: the existence of government agencies that regulate the supernatural.
They insist that David's "luck" is actually a supernatural gift, and he's immediately recruited into ONSET, the most shadowy part of America's thin blue line of police protectors.
Questioning both his gifts and the agency he now serves, David is drawn into an escalating battle that threatens all of humanity. If he isn't what ONSET thinks he is, the entire world may pay the price.
©2016 Glynn Stewart (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Review:
David White is a small town cop, dedicated to the mantra of “serve and protect”. One day he chases after a group of young ‘punks’ who have murdered a store clerk in a bloody fashion, and on their escape path they also brutally murdered his own partner, a young, new officer.

A secret government police force known as Onset sees his valiant efforts to fight the pack of vampires. They barely save his life and take him to their secret facility to heal his injuries. When he wakes up they offer him the chance to work with the elite supernatural team. They recognize he has skills that he isn’t even aware of, just as he wasn’t aware of the existence of vampires, werewolves, and other creatures from the realm of fantasy and myths.

Initially David isn’t sure but a discussion with an old friend convinces him that he can “serve and protect” in a broader sense with this covert organization. Can David really help this team that includes a werewolf leader, a good demon, a mage and more? His initial training doesn’t reveal the extent of his powers but when he gets in the thick of battle a hidden ability appears. The dangers progress to a deadly battle with a large terrorist organization and the evils they summon. Not all of the good guys will make it out alive.

I liked the moments of introspection included in a consistent pace of action. I enjoyed the development of the primary character and the uniqueness of the supporting teammates. I will be getting more in the series. I recommend this to fans of action and supernatural characters.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter is a wonderful narrator. As with most of the works he narrates, his performance with distinct voices and fitting energy, added to my enjoyment of the audio.

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

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Bewitching a Highlander by Roma Cordon

This is a sensual Scottish romance.

Bewitching a Highlander
By: Roma Cordon
Narrated by: Moira Quirk

Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins
Release date: 06-07-22
Publisher: CamCat Books
Genre: Historical Romance, Scottish Historical Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Defying all for the love of a bewitching lass.
Breena MacRae, a healer from Skye with a touch of witchery in her blood, embarks on a dangerous search for her missing father. She arrives on the Isle of Coll, seat of the vile Campbells. There, she encounters the debonair future chief to the Dunbar Clan, Egan, who rescues her from a Campbell sentry.
Egan Dunbar is on Coll to keep the peace between the feuding Campbells and Dunbars. But when he catches Breena in a lie, he agrees to help her find her father to pay back an old debt and get to the bottom of the secrets she's hiding.
As their attraction for each ignites like a firestorm, Breena and Egan realize a future together could trigger deadly consequences—a clan war between the Campbells and the Dunbars. Is Egan willing to betray his clan for love, even though he knows Breena is keeping secrets from him? Can Breena trust him with her family secret and put those she loves at risk?
©2022 Roma Cordon (P)2022 CamCat Books

Review:
Breena is a 25 year-old young woman who lost her parents at age 6 and was raised by her wise grandmother. Breena comes from a family of healers…and witches. They have been good witches, but she hides this part of her nature because of the prejudices of others and the dangers disclosure presents.

Until very recently Breena thought her father was dead. Now she has learned that he may be alive an a prisoner of the chief of the Campbells who had her mother hung as a witch. Breena insisted on her uncle taking her to the Campbells land, the Isle of Coll, to secretly hunt for her father. Breena faces resistance and danger before even getting into the keep. She is ‘rescued’ by Egan, the debonair future chief of the Dunbar Clan, who helps her gain entrance and introduction to The Campbell.

Egan is enchanted but puzzled by this young woman. She has introduced her companion as her father, but something doesn’t ring true to her story. Egan is already having to walk a fine line as he is there to confront the vile Campbell chief over the death of some of the Dunbar men. It doesn’t help that he has to worry about Breena and her secrets as she sneaks around the keep.

Egan has been directly instructed by his father not to instigate a war between the Dunbar clan and the Campbell clan. Egan is also keenly aware that he is expected to marry a woman of high blood, not a common born woman like Breena. How much is Egan is willing to risks to help this woman who has ensnared his interest? And how far will he go to protect her?

The story pulled me in and I basically liked the characters and the touch of magic. I also enjoyed the underlying story but not the extra drawn-out sensual scenes. I could sense the chemistry without the extensive scenes and flowery descriptions to draw it out. Breena really seemed like a younger character as it didn’t seem likely that she would remain unmarried at 25 and she was obsessed with secrets and insecurities. Romance readers who like the long build up and tension will likely enjoy this more than I did.

Audio Notes: Moira Quirk does a nice job with the narration. She provided distinct voices and fitting emotional energy. I was glad for the opportunity to listen to this historical romance.

Source: June 2023 "Listen Now" audiobook at NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023 NetGalley and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Phule's Company by Robert Asprin

This is a fun Space Military story and I want more in the series.
Phule's Company
Phule's Company, Book 1
By: Robert Asprin
Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins
Released: September 20, 2017
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Humor, Sci Fi, Space Military
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
After being court-martialed by the Space Legion for ordering the strafing of a treaty-signing ceremony, multimillionaire Willard Phule receives his punishment: He must command the misfit Omega Company on Haskin's Planet, a mining settlement on the edge of settled space. At his duty station, he leverages his personal money and a knack for managing people to get the company to come together as a unit. Phule convinces the governor to leave the contract for an honorary duty up for competition between the Space Legionnaires and the Regular Army. The Army sends some of their most elite troops to take part in the competition, but Phule's company operates with their own unique tactics....
©1990 Robert Asprin (P)2017 Tantor

Review:
William Phule (pronounced “fool”) was a junior officer who made some inappropriate decisions based on lack of pertinent information. The judges at his court-martial have to issue appropriate punishment. The problem is that Phule’s family is excessively wealthy and an important military resource. They decide to punish Phule by promoting him to give him command of the Omega Company. That is the company where all the military misfits go and their duty is limited on the edge of settled space.

Phule, who travels with his faithful Batman, Beeker, takes his command seriously. He quickly begins to get the misfits into shape, helping the individuals to find the tasks they each can do well. He provides them with state-of-the-art facilities, uniforms, and tools/weapons. As they train on a specially prepared “obstacle course”, aka “confidence course”, he trains with them and shows them how to succeed by being creative and thinking outside of the box. Bit by bit he builds their confidence. He believes in his company so much that he is willing to set them up in competition with the Regular Army in order to win a special contract. Phule didn’t expect that the Army would send their most elite force to the competition.

Can the Omega Company show how much they have improved? And if they succeed what will the higher command choose to do with the misfit troop?

I felt like a Space Military story and this was recommended by my son. I enjoyed to the creative way that Phule manages to get around all of the obstacles – not just the course. There are fun supporting characters, including a very shy officer who comes to life in the right job and gets dubbed “Mother”. I do plan to pick up more in the series soon. I recommend this to fans of fun space military action.

Audio Notes: Noah Michael Levine provides good accents that make the characters easily distinguishable. I enjoyed his energy and presentation of this story. The narration added to my engagement.

Source: 9/20/22 Audible under $3.50. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post June 25, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 26, 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.

I'll be interviewing a lady this week regarding the office work. Time is moving faster than I expect!

This little fellow (and sometimes a friend) greets me almost every night when I get home.
(And, yes, we leave the porch wreath up year round.)

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival. We are also continuing prays for family and church.

I didn't get caught in any rain this past week. The coming week forecast is less rain but more heat -  temperatures ranging from 72 nights to 97 during the day.

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

I visited 15 blogs last week.
Shout out this week: SUSAN LOVES BOOKS. Check out some of her cute images.

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

• Sunday Post June 18, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 19, 2023.

• A2023: Audible Book Review: Extinction Shadow, Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 1 by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, Anthony J. Melchiorri; Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Extinction Inferno, Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 2 by Nicholas Sansbury Smith; Genre: Horror, Post Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker; Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller & Horror; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 25, 2023 -Learning by Correction.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Phule's Company
Phule's Company, Book 1
By: Robert Asprin
Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine
Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins
This is a fun Space Military story and I want more in the series.
Click on book title for full description.

2. NetGalley App Smartphone (A2023)

Bewitching a Highlander
By: Roma Cordon
Narrated by: Moira Quirk
Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins
This is a sensual Scottish romance.
Source: June 2023 "Listen Now" audiobook at NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

To Serve and Protect
Onset, Book 1
By: Glynn Stewart
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
I searched out another action story with supernaturals. I am enjoying it and have less than two hours left.
Source: 7/31/2022 July Audible Credits.
Publisher's Summary
A small town cop with an unexpected gift. A shadowy government agency on the side of justice. A call no good man could turn away.
When vampires attack David White's small town, only luck, firepower, and the intervention of an elite government task force saves his life. The aftermath of the attack leaves him in the middle of the world's biggest secret: the existence of government agencies that regulate the supernatural.
They insist that David's "luck" is actually a supernatural gift, and he's immediately recruited into ONSET, the most shadowy part of America's thin blue line of police protectors.
Questioning both his gifts and the agency he now serves, David is drawn into an escalating battle that threatens all of humanity. If he isn't what ONSET thinks he is, the entire world may pay the price.
©2016 Glynn Stewart (P)2017 Podium Publishing

2. NetGalley App Smartphone (A2023)

Leila Nugget Mystery: The Case with No Clues
By: Deserae Brady, Dustin Brady
Narrated by: Emily Eiden
Length: 1 hr and 32 mins
I decided to listen to this short title from my NetGalley shelf.
Source: 4/1/2023 NetGalley Title.
Publisher's Summary
Mr. McGee was the principal of Englewood Elementary in 1947, and the students have just discovered that he created a massive treasure hunt all those years ago... But Mr. McGee disappeared before he could share any of the clues. Seventy years later, Leila and Nugget are ready to crack the case and find that missing treasure.
Leila & Nugget Mysteries reward developing listeners with nonstop laughs, twists, and—of course—cute pets.
©2023 Dustin Brady (P)2023 Andrews McMeel Publishing

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Evolution Impossible
12 Reasons Why Evolution Cannot Explain the Origin of Life on Earth
By: Dr. John F. Ashton
Narrated by: John McLain
Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins
I chose this for my nonfiction this month.
Source: September 2022 Audible Plus.
Publisher's Summary
One of the most compelling and authoritative rebuttals of evolution today, Evolution Impossible shows listeners how fossils are evidence of extinction, not evolution; why mutations never produce new genetic information; how the lack of transitional fossils undermines secular timelines; and why living cells and new classes of organisms don't form by chance.
Using recent discoveries in genetics, biochemistry, geology, radiometric dating, and other scientific disciplines, Dr. Ashton explains chapter by chapter in straightforward language 12 compelling reasons why Darwin's theory of evolution is just a myth.
Taking the evidence refuting evolution to a new level with a wide-ranging analysis, this is a must-listen book for all students, Christian educators, scientists, and anyone eager to defend a biblical worldview.
©2017 Dr. John F. Ashton (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Chances are I will get to another book but I haven't decided which one yet. :-)

June 25, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". We are now reading in Song of Solomon.
I enjoyed the five day study titled Greatly Loved by Hosanna Wong, a wonderful Spoken Word Artist.

I finished two audio titles and posted three reviews. I am up to date with two current reviews due and one I am holding. I have written the review for Never Ending End of the World but thought I would save it for a few weeks closer to the release date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I am now down to one shorter (under 6 hours) audio left 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 new review title.
I'm showing six new audios from Audible plus over the past two weeks.
One free Kindle title last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

These are Audible Plus titles from June 5- June 20, 2023.

Murder on Black Swan Lane
By: Andrea Penrose
Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
Series: A Wrexford and Sloane Mystery , Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins

Murder at Half Moon Gate
By: Andrea Penrose
Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
Series: A Wrexford and Sloane Mystery , Book 2
Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins

The Thirty-Nine Steps
By: John Buchan
Narrated by: Robert Powell
Series: Richard Hannay , Book 1
Length: 3 hrs and 53 mins

Black Flags, Blue Waters: The Epic History of America's Most Notorious Pirates
By: Eric Jay Dolin
Narrated by: Paul Brion
Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

The Godling Chronicles: The Sword of Truth, Book 1
By: Brian D. Anderson
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
Series: The Godling Chronicles , Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins

Summer Days and Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories
By: Stephanie Perkins, Nina LaCour, Libba Bray, Francesca Lia Block, Leigh Bardugo
Narrated by: Cherise Boothe, Christopher Gebauer, Michael Bakkensen, Jessica Almasy, Erin Moon, Stina Nielsen
Length: 16 hrs and 2 mins

Free Kindle:
Hello, My Love (aka: A Modern Love Story) (Between Two Worlds Book 1)
Evy Journey


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