Sunday Words of Encouragement September 24, 2023 - He is God of our Darkness.

I was out of town this weekend for a GFWC Florida convention in Orlando. My convention mate and I did attend the short and sweet meditation service this morning.

I am sharing notes from a Sunday School lesson a few weeks ago. Our ‘substitute’ Sunday School teacher shared a video message based on Psalm 88. The message was “How to Deal With Dark Times” by Pastor Tim Keller.
Summing up the lesson is to tell people that Jesus understands our pain.

The author (Heman the Ezrahite) of Psalm 88 cried out to the Lord from the pit, claiming “darkness is my closest friend”. Pastor Keller noted that darkness can last a long time. We live in a fallen world. Life is pain, not a rose garden. The message is realistic and merciful. Don't have false expectations.

There is no better place to learn of God's grace than the darkness. God wants us to be a witness for Him. He is in the moment. God knows how men speak when they are miserable. He understands.

There is no better place to become a person of greatness. Like the faithful servant, Job. Do we love God for who He is? This is not just transactional. Think of Samwise Gamgee at end of Lord of Rings... he is unflappable.

There is no better place and time to recognize the assurance of our Savior. Jesus took the wrath on himself. Darkness was His only friend.
Isaiah 43 tells us the Lord says: ‘you are my servant. I have redeemed you.’

Darkness is nothing the resurrection won't cure. Don't tell yourself a negative story. Continually give God a sacrifice of praise. He'll never forsake us. We are believers not feelers.

This song fits well with this message “Your Presence is a Promise”.

Verses for Today:
Psalm 88:1-2 (NIV)
1 Lord, you are the God who saves me;
day and night I cry out to you.
2 May my prayer come before you;
turn your ear to my cry.

Isaiah 43:1- 2 NIV
1 But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
…
Isaiah 43:10-11
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the Lord,
and apart from me there is no savior.

Audible Book Review: The Dragon and the George by Godon R. Dickson

This is a good dragon, magic adventure.
The Dragon and the George
By: Gordon R. Dickson
Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Series: Dragon Knight, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
Release date: 09-23-14
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Classic, Epic, Sword & Sorcery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's summary
Through no fault of his own, the once human Jim Eckert had become a dragon. Unfortunately, his beloved Angie had remained human. But in this magical land anything could happen.
To make matter worse, Angie had been taken prisoner by an evil dragon and was held captive in the impenetrable Loathly Tower. So in this land where humans were edible and beasts were magical - where spells worked and logic didn't-- Jim Eckert had a big, strange problem.
©1976 Gordon R. Dickson. ©2004 the Estate of Gordon R. Dickson (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
Jim and his fiancé, Angie, are house hunting in hopes of being able to marry soon and move in together. Jim is a little frustrated that he isn’t getting the promotion he wants and also that Angie spends extra time with her professor. When Angie is late coming out of the university,, Jim finds that the professor has accidentally transported her somewhere and sometime, but he is not sure where. Jim believes it would be with dragons so the professor agrees to send Jim’s psychic only to find Angie and bring her back. While focusing on Angie and dragons, Jim wakes up to discover he is a dragon!

When Angie as a human (a “George”) is taken prisoner by an evil dragon, Jim aka Gorbash the dragon, has to find a way to save her. He speaks to the local wizard who sends him on a quest for companions so that he can prevail in approaching the Loathly Tower and saving his lady love.

I was not aware of this classic dragon tale. The story is entertaining on a low-key level, likely because it was written in the 1970s. I enjoyed the collection of companions, both beasts (wolf and dragons) and human and the dangers and monsters they faced. I also enjoyed the medieval history and the magical elements. I am glad that I have more books in the series to listen to. I recommend this to fans of dragon adventures.

Audio Notes: Paul Boehmer does a nice job with the narration. He provides good energy and distinct character voices. I enjoyed the audio presentation.

Source: September 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post September 17, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 18, 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.

We continue to work away at the office working on new files and closing out older ones. All three of my staff are new since April. They are cross training in skills for the office and they are doing well. I'm pleased and thankful.

Last week I had a sweet picture from my backyard.
This week is a not so sweet picture from my TV/family room.
A week or so ago I found a small piece of snakeskin when emptying my vacuum dirt.
I thought it was just a small snake until my son spotted this under a chair in the back of the room.

In case you can't see it real well, here is another picture.
My Shark robotic vacuum apparently only got a piece of the tale.

So, clearly  I'm not so happy to have this type of visitor, especially in my house!
This is next to a fire wood door that goes outside.
I have to get some 'snake away' out around the house.

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.
Adding prayers this week for those suffering from damage and outages from Cyclone Lee.

I think our weather is shifting cooler a bit. This coming week is predicted to have highs of 87 and evening lows of 60.

I finished two audios and posted two reviews and my memes.

I visited only 12 blogs last week. I'll try to do better.
Shout out this week to BOOK BY BOOK.  Sue has a busy book blog and says she enjoys "travel, the outdoors, and reading."

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

• Sunday Post September 10, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 11, 2023.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1) by Tui T. Sutherland; Genre: Action & Adventure, Dragons, Fantasy, Growing Up; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Hunted, A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1, by AD Starrling ; Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 17, 2023 - Encouragement by Refuge.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Dragon and the George
By: Gordon R. Dickson
Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
Series: Dragon Knight, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
This is a good dragon, magic adventure.
Source: September 2020 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking
Author T. Kingfisher
Narrator: Patricia Santomasso
Duration: 8 h 30 min
I totally enjoyed this charming story of a 14 year old magical baker.
Source: May 5, 2022 Two for One Deal Credit use at Audiobooks.com.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Kindle App on Smartphone (A2023)

Con Crazy
by Addison J. Chapple, Danny Kravitz, Eliza Marsh
I am at 80% and will finish this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

299 Days
The Preparation, Book 1
By: Glen Tate
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
I picked this as a 'prepper' book and a book for my number challenge.
Source: 3-3-2022 Audible Sale Purchase $3.74; (Regular Price: $24.95).
Publisher's summary
Meet Grant Matson: lawyer, father, suburbanite husband who awakens to the fragility of modern society and embarks on a personal journey that introduces him to a world of self-reliance and liberation. 299 Days: The Preparation, the first audiobook in the 299 Days series, depicts the inner struggles Grant must face as he exists in a social system he recognizes as unsustainable and on the verge of collapse, but one in which he has built his life around. What begins as a return to his roots, self-sufficiency and independence, becomes a full blown move to prepare for what may come.
Engaging, insightful, and a bit suspenseful, follow Grant's transition from a self-perceived "sheeple" to a full-blown "prepper". Will his fears come true? Is he an extremist? What if nothing happens? What if something does?
©2012 Glen Tate (P)2014 Sellerman and Sweeney, LLC

3. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

What If It's True?
by Charles Martin
Narrated by Charles Martin
Run Time 9h 55min
I picked this for my nonfiction book this month.
Source: December 2020 Chirp $4.99.
Publisher Description
See the Bible come to life before your eyes as New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin uses his storyteller imagination to present the Bible as a novel to help you engage with your faith in new ways.
Years ago, Charles Martin cracked open his Bible and began wrestling with a few fundamental questions: What if every single word of Scripture is absolutely true and I can trust it? How do I respond? Something in me should change, but what? How? This book is the result of that exploration.
In What If It’s True? Martin brings key moments from the life and ministry of Jesus to life through his descriptive, novelistic words. This unique book:
Fosters a stronger appreciation, love, and respect for Jesus. Covers topics including rejection, sexual sin, generational curses, and forgiveness. Draws on Old and New Testament references as well as cultural background information includes a prayer at the end of each chapter
Martin shares key moments from his own journey as a disciple—and bondservant—of Christ and a mentor to others. The result is an exploration of truth that will help you not just think differently but live differently—starting today.
Includes a song written by Charles Martin’s son, only available in the audiobook edition. Appendices that include topical verses from Scripture are available in the audiobook companion PDF download.

September 17, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". This week my readings have moved into the New Testament with Matthew- full of good life lessons!

I finished two audios and posted two reviews so I remain up to date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
No change- I have an older audio on my shelf I should listen to soon.
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 titles this week.
I picked my August 2 Credits from Audible.

I found 3 Audible Plus titles last week and three more this week.
No new Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

9/17/2023 Two August Audible Credits. These are both authors/series I like.

The Josiah Manifesto
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson
Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Lake Silence
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins

Free

9/3-10/2023 Audible Plus Catalog

Jonathan Cahn Prophetic: The Mystery Of Barbie, Ishtar, and Smashed Babies!
Aug 15 2023 Podcast
Length: 26 mins




I have books one and two in this series and found these free too.

Revelation
The Holy War Series, Book 3
By: Rick Partlow
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Armageddon
The Holy War Series, Book 4
By: Rick Partlow
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins


9/11-16/2023 Audible Plus Catalog - I liked the book by this author and found these free.

Paladin's Grace
Saint of Steel Series # 1
By: T. Kingfisher
Narrated by: Joel Richards
Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins

Swordheart
By: T. Kingfisher
Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky
Length: 14 hrs and 32 mins

Bryony and Roses
By: T. Kingfisher
Narrated by: Justine Eyre
Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins


No 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 September 17, 2023 - Encouraged by Refuge!

Our ‘substitute’ Sunday School teacher shared a video on Psalm 88. The message was “How to Deal With Dark Times” by Pastor Tim Keller. Summing up the lesson is to tell people that Jesus understands our pain in the darkness.

We had a guest US missionary speak during Service as our Pastor and his wife were away for a weekend of restoration. His message was from Paul’s experiences described in Acts 27:40- 28:6.
Paul had already experienced trouble in arrests and shipwrecks. These verses tell of another shipwreck. When the ship ran aground, everyone on board made it to land.

Believers will always face opposition. When the snake bit Paul, some said he must be bad and ‘he deserved what he got’. After he suffered not harm, they said he was a God. Opposition may come from different points of view, inside and outside.  We have to know not to stop the journey when there is trouble.

God is faithful to us in calm and storm. In word and action. How many times has Jesus helped you? Preach the word l, be sensitive to the Spirit.

You don't lie in discouragement, but you recognize it. You recognize the one who can help – Jesus. Jesus carries us to the end. Call on His name and He will see you through your circumstances. Don't give the devil any credit, but rather give praise to God.

The island where they landed was Malta which means refuge. Many times the scriptures tell us that God is our refuge: Psalm 46:1, 99:1, Psalm 57:1 and more.

Get into God's presence and wait. God will lift us out of the miry clay and He brings us to a place of refuge. Then He provides our needs.

Our refuge is also a place of restoration. In between times of immersion in God's presence there may be struggles. Paul went to work gathering wood for the fire because it was in his nature to serve.

The enemy wants to keep God's children beaten down, unable to do God’s work. We must remember that God gives us rest when we are burdened. Matthew 11:28. Jesus is the bread of life to sustain us. Christ lives within.

Satan attacks again as the snake. But we are told, ‘no weapon formed against me shall prosper’.
Paul shook the snake off and suffered no harm. He had the peace of God described in Philippians 4:7.

Satan tries to keep you from refuge. Don’t let him. Seek God and Be Encouraged.
The message concluded telling briefly of a story from Nehemiah where the people near the rebuilding work showed interest in the things of God. They made more room in the house for those who were interested.

I like this song of Refuge for today:

Verses for Today:
Acts 27:40 – 28:6. NIV
40 Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.
42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.

28
1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.



Jesus/God, help me to remember that You are Always my refuge!

Audio Book Review: Hunted, A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1, by AD Starrling

This is full of action and I liked it.

Hunted
A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1
By AD Starrling
Read by Michael Bower

Run Time 10h 2min
Release Date: July 21, 2015
Publisher: AD STARRLING
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

After over a century being hunted, Soul, a half-breed of two immortal races, treks across the world to uncover the mystery behind the target on his back. Can he stop a terrible war before he dies his seventeenth — and last — death? An action-packed, heart-pounding listen!

Review:
Soul is a half-breed of two immoral races. The races, Bastian, his mother’s family, and Crovir, his father’s clan, have been at war for hundreds of years. Soul has already spent 350 years running from Hunters as the clans hate him as a half-breed and because he is one of the few known immortals who can permanently kill other immortals.

Recently, the Hunters have found Soul again and an attack has resulted in Soul's 15th death. Since the immortals only get 17 deaths before being permanently dead, Soul decides to turn on the Hunters and find out why they are after him again. Soul is joined in his quest by his friend and human PI business partner Reid, a former US Marine.

The investigation takes Soul and Reid racing from New York to Paris, Prague, and more, ultimately planning a raid on a private Mediterranean island. Soul is searching for a professor who was studying immortality and a female companion. Soul and Reid are one step behind the Hunters who set up scenes to make Soul and Reid appear to be murderers. As Soul finally catches up with those he is seeking he faces revelations about his own past and they uncover a diabolical plot that could wipe out the majority of the immortals leaving only a tyrannical elite to rule the world.

I enjoyed the action and intrigue in this story. There is plenty of violence and there are twists that keep the reader moving forward in the suspense. I had previously listened to one of the short stories and I may pick up more of the series in the future. I recommend this to fans of suspenseful fast-paced action.

Audio Notes: Michael Bower does a good job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and empathetic energy. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source 2019 Chirp Purchase. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.