Sunday Words of Encouragement October 8, 2023 - Spirit Gives Life.

Our Sunday School message was “I Will if Thy Will”, based on James 4:13-17. We cannot boast of our plans because God may have a different plan. We need to give up our pride for humility and submission to His Will.

Our service concluded with Communion. The Message was on the Spirit Gives Life based on the scripture of John 6:51-56 and 60-63. Verse 60 notes this is a hard saying that offends people because it requires a surrender, an acknowledgement of God’s justice. Verse 63 reminds us that His words are spirit and life.

Christ is our living bread. He's bringing more than physical food to the disciples and the people. He reminds us we are in a covenant relationship. Under a contract, either side might default or leave the contract. A Covenant with God, that He established, cannot be terminated. Celebrating communion, we are reminded of the covenant and we are celebrating becoming one through the sacrifice of Christ.

We are able to put our hope and trust in God because He has already shown His willingness to fulfill the promises.

Philosophies are circumstantial, but our scriptural covenant is based on truth. No matter how you feel, the commitment has been made by God. He paid the debt that we owe and asks us to remember.

The believer has accepted the gift of Jesus. He has given us the Spirit through His death and through His Word. Do we live according to His word and His will?

We all need energy for life, the word gives us energy for our spiritual life. Through Christ’s blood we have life giving power.

Communion is a time to ask God: Search me, cleanse me.
He is faithful and just to forgive all. Let the life giving word transform us.
Christ lives in me and God has made us a peculiar people.
We have to change our diet. What are we feeding on?
The word is supernatural. Are we feeding on the word that gives us life?

After listening to many songs, I chose this one for today. Whisper (and remind me of your love)

Verses for Today:
John 6:51-56, 60-63 NIV
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.


Lord, I give thanks for the covenant You gave. And I thank you for calling me to You. Help me live by Your Word.

Audible Book Review: Not Alone by Craig A. Falconer

This first contact story is long but mostly engaging.
Not Alone
By: Craig A. Falconer
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin

Length: 22 hrs and 59 mins
Release date: 08-09-16
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Aliens, First Contact, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's summary
Aliens exist, the government knows, and Dan McCarthy just found the proof. When Dan McCarthy stumbles upon a folder containing evidence of the conspiracy to end all conspiracies - a top-level alien cover-up - he leaks the files without a second thought. The incredible truth revealed by Dan's leak immediately captures the public's imagination, but Dan's relentless commitment to exposing the cover-up and forcing disclosure quickly earns him some enemies in high places. For his whole life, Dan McCarthy has searched for a reason to believe. Now that he finally has one, he might soon wish he didn't.... Not Alone is a stand-alone tale of contact and disclosure for the 21st century. ©2015 Craig A. Falconer (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Dan McCarthy is a sensitive, intelligent, but socially awkward man working two jobs to make ends meet. He stumbles upon proof that aliens have been on earth and a US agency has been hiding the truth. Rather than turning the information into officials, Dan releases it anonymously through the internet. His identity is soon exposed, and his efforts are condemned by a few but applauded by many. Dan could be overwhelmed by the media while he waits for his former military brother to get home to help him.

But suddenly a PR expert, Emma Ford, shows up to guide him. Emma doesn’t necessarily believe in aliens, but she has been assigned to take charge of the story for as long as it is worth news. Emma is sure Dan sincerely believes and as Emma lines up interviews, she slowly begins to accept that Dan may be right.

The American agency leader denies the story, calling it a hoax. Political figures, particularly the British Prime Minister and American President begin to take sides. Soon more evidence appears that supports Dan’s version of the facts. And Dan hasn’t revealed everything he found yet.

There is interesting worldwide discussion by experts and public reaction ranges from fear to excitement. There is political involvement and twists as the story continues. The public responses and political involvement may be a little overdone, but they are within the realm of possibility.

There is minimal alien activity and conflict. The story is focused on the characters and the author does a strong job of sharing the personal touches of the main character. The story is long at 738 Kindle (740 pint) pages and almost 23 hours of audio. Although the writing seems cliched and amateurish at times, the character driven story kept me engaged. I recommend this to die hard fans of first contact stories.

Audio Notes: James Patrick Cronin does an excellent job with the narration. He clearly portrays the characters as drawn by the author, even to the peripheral friends. I appreciated having this on audio rather than trying to read through 700+ pages.

Source: 1/27/19 Audible Daily Deal Rewind Sale $1.99. This qualifies for2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Book Review: Jingled (A Charlie Cooper Christmas Short Story) by Deany Ray

This is a short, fun Christmas disaster turned to joy story.

Jingled (A Charlie Cooper Christmas Short Story)
By Deany Ray
Charlie Cooper Mystery #4.5

File Size ‏ : ‎ 2462 KB
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 15, 2018
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07K1LWD2Y
Genre: Christmas, Two-Hour Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Reads
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

This is a holiday SHORT story, but long enough for you to enjoy it with a glass of eggnog...or two glasses...*wink*
The holiday season has arrived in Springston…and at the Coopers’ house. Soft snow outside, creamy eggnog inside – it’s the perfect Christmas Eve for Charlie Cooper, the town’s most clumsy undercover detective.
Not to mention the yummy turkey, ham, sweet potato casserole, thick gravy and all the other delicious dishes made by Charlie’s mom for the whole family and Charlie’s two best friends and crime fighting partners, Marge and Celeste.
With such a perfect Christmastime in sight, nothing could really go wrong. Or could it? Well, there’s nothing like being held at gunpoint on Christmas Eve to bring joy into your heart.
When the food gets mysteriously ruined, the Christmas tree almost wrecked and apparently having a nice holiday feast just isn’t about to happen, Charlie wonders about that so-called Christmas spirit.
One thing is for Charlie will always remember this year’s holiday as “barely surviving Christmas at the Coopers’ house”.

Review:
Charlie Cooper is an undercover detective with her business partners and friends, Marge and Celeste. Charlie is looking forward to her friends joining her family for Christmas dinner. Charlie, whose cooking skills are minimal, has made a pie for dessert. Her mother, who is a wizard at food, has made a smorgasbord of dishes. The house is decorated, and everyone is ready.

The Cooper men, father and sons, are outside cooking chestnuts on the grill when things start popping. Next thing they all know, there appears to be an intrusion and attack on the festivities. Before the family and friends can sit down to the wonderful spread of food, one misstep after another takes the food to the floor.

Can Charlie figure out who is the culprit? And how will the family save Christmas dinner?

The story is full of quirky characters and humor from the outset. I realized that this is book #4.5 of the series but I was still able to enjoy the characters and the fun. The writing is straightforward and makes for an easy read. I was pleased that the disastrous dinner turned into a joyful event shared with more than expected. I expect that I will read more by this author and I recommend the story as a light, fun mystery that shares the joy of Christmas shared.

Source: I received this from the author newsletter sign up in June 2021. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023ebook goals.

Audio Book Review: What If It's True? by Charles Martin

Charles Martin shares an emotional and strong argument for faith in Jesus Christ.
What If It's True?
by Charles Martin
Narrated by Charles Martin

Run Time 9h 55min
Release Date: January 29, 2019
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Tags: Christian Nonfiction, Religious & Inspirational, Christian Living
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

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.

Review:
Charles Martin touched my heart with this study. Martin makes the story of Christ come alive through fiction based on the scripture. Then he studies the details in the time setting with the other people involved. Finally, he applies the passages to everyday living, particularly his own life, often sharing his own raw emotions. He concludes each section with a prayer that can be shared by the reader.

I enjoyed a fiction book by Martin a few years ago and was glad to try this one. It is informative and very moving. The studies strengthened my beliefs and faith. Martin is willing to expose his own thoughts and emotions to share the message. I recommend this to nonbelievers who are seeking, and to believers who would enjoy a chance to strengthen their understanding and faith.

Audio Notes: Charles Martin, as the author, does an effective job of narration. He presents his arguments and emotions in a clear and heartfelt voice. I made a point to pay attention to the audio so that I could absorb the message better. I enjoyed the audio version.

Source: December 2020 Chirp $4.99. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post October 1, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 2, 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.

Happy Fall (I missed this last week) and Happy October.
It is October so most of my reading this month will be Horror, ghostly, or paranormal. I'm lining up shorter works for Fraterfest.

We are working out checklists and sharing organization skills at the office to help training and minimize the natural stress of real estate and law office work.

My daughter was in an accident a week ago. A young driver pulled into traffic from a blind spot and she was there. She is sore and at least has a rental car covered while we wait for a determination regarding the car. She is feeling overwhelmed with this on top of her moving in August (due to the divorce earlier this year) and her upcoming surgery. All prayers and positive thoughts are appreciated!

We were busy in September with our GFWC Marianna Woman's Club.
On 9/30 we participated in GFWC National Day of Service by packing bags for students in our county schools.
Here are the ladies that came out and another image of us working in action.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival. We are also continuing prayers for family and church.
Adding prayers this week for the many who are impacted by the strikes in California and Michigan.

Our weather here is looking really nice. 80s during the days and 60s at night. 

I finished an ebook and two audios and posted three reviews with my memes. 

I visited 14 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to CHICK WITH BOOKS.  Suzanne says about her blog: "Book Reviews, eBook Reader chat, Book Giveaways, Publishing news is what it's all about."

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

• Sunday Post September 24, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 25, 2023.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher; Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Middle Grade, Mysteries; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• eB2023: Book Review: Con Crazy by Addison J. Chapple, Danny Kravitz, Eliza Marsh; Genre: Crime, Humor, International Mystery; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

• ATBR: Audible Book Review:  299 Days, The Preparation, Book 1, by Glen Tate; Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian, Prepper; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 1, 2023 - Delight and Meditate on God's Word.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

What If It's True?
by Charles Martin
Narrated by Charles Martin
Run Time 9h 55min
Charles Martin shares an emotional and strong argument for faith in Jesus Christ.
Source: December 2020 Chirp $4.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)

Jingled (A Charlie Cooper Christmas Short Story)
By Deany Ray
Charlie Cooper Mystery #4.5
This is a short, fun Christmas disaster turned to joy story.
Source: I received this from the author newsletter sign up in June 2021.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Not Alone
By: Craig A. Falconer
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
Length: 22 hrs and 59 mins
Release date: 08-09-16
This first contact story is long but mostly engaging.
Source: 1/27/19 Audible Daily Deal Rewind Sale $1.99
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)

Her Kind of Sheriff
by Ellen Knightley
I am continuing my effort to read on Kindle.
I thought this clean historical western romance would be an easy read – I was right.
I only have a little left to finish.
Source: November 2022 Bookfunnel download from Newsletter.
Life in Black Shaw is a constant struggle for Eve Stanton, between helping her mother with her six siblings and working as a seamstress. When her father approves a marriage proposal she has no interest in without even asking her, Eve is horrified. Barely eighteen, she’s not ready to commit to a life without romance. Making matters worse, a false accusation made against her suddenly turns her into an outcast. In the midst of her despair, she finds an unlikely ally in the handsome new sheriff. She can’t allow herself to hope he could ever be interested in her, but she also can’t seem to stay away from him. With her life in turmoil and her would-be husband looming, will Eve be brave enough to go after what she truly wants?
Logan Andrews has always dreamt of being a sheriff, so when an opportunity opens up in a small town of Texas, he jumps at the chance. Being a man with a strong sense of justice, he has a burning desire to put away all the criminals that have been terrorizing the town of Black Shaw. However, when he locks up a man who has everyone convinced he’s a hero, Logan becomes the town’s number one enemy. His only support comes from a beautiful and captivating young seamstress, with dazzling blue eyes he can’t stop thinking about. While he doggedly works to prove his worth and change people’s minds, will he also allow himself to give in to a love that could change his life forever?
Logan and Eve find common ground when their place in town is threatened and their integrity is questioned. Having each other to rely on, they struggle to regain everything they’ve lost while their feelings intensify beyond measure. With everything against them and their feelings intensifying, will their tender love survive the trials coming their way? Will they manage to stand up for what they believe in without losing each other in the process?

2. Audio App on Smartphone (ATBR)

Deadbreak
Author Jorge Sanchez
Narrator: James Fouhey
Duration: 10 h 59 min
I'm starting the month with a Zombie story.
Source: 10/30/2021 Audiobooks.com Two For One Credit Horror Audiobooks.
Summary
It's been three long years since Deadbreak. That's what everyone's calling it-the day the dead rose. Every day since then Jeremiah Reid has had one goal: to make his way back to his daughter. With his four-legged companion, Joe, Jeremiah has to travel a lawless wasteland teeming with zombies, bandits, and worse, like people who put anchovies on pizza (you know who you are). It's a new world out there and no one is safe. People are weary, cities are in ruin, supplies are scarce, and brains are on the menu. If he's going to have a chance, he'll need his wits, a little bit of luck, and lots of ammo.

3. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)

Outage Boxed Set: Books 1-3
(Outage Horror Suspense Series)
by T.W. Piperbrook
I’ll start the month with a longer ebook that I can break into shorter books if needed.
The paws on the cover make me curious what is waiting in the snow.
Source: 2/28/2013 free Kindle.
When an early snow ravages the small town of Plainfield, the residents are stripped of heat, power, and mobility. They’ll soon wish they had protection. Somewhere outside, something else is lurking. Waiting for the chance to strike…

October 1, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". My readings are still in Acts and I am enjoying reading the efforts of the apostles to preach and teach.
Looking at adding a 5 or 7 day study this month.

I finished three books and posted three reviews so I am caught up.

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.

Other Sources: I have a dozen or so books that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests. plus many titles through InstaFreebie over the past few years.

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 purchased three audios at Chirp.
I used a credit at Audiobooks.com for 2 for 1 romance audiobooks.

I picked up another 4 Audible Plus titles.
No new Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

9/27/2023 Three titles on sale at Chirp.

The Lost Bookshop
Written by Evie Woods
Narrated by Collected Narrators
$24.99 $3.99

Eye of Truth
Written by Lindsay Buroker
Narrated by Vivienne Leheny
$6.99 $0.99

The Elf Tangent
Written by Lindsay Buroker
Narrated by Vivienne Leheny
$9.99 0.99
 

Free

9/27/2023 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 Best Romance Audiobooks

Under the Tulip Tree
Written by: Michelle Shocklee
Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman
Duration 9 hours 31 minutes

Welcome to Seabury: The Perfect Summer Seaside Escape
Series: #1 of The Seabury Series
Written by: Beth Rain
Narrated by: Charlie Sanderson
Duration 4 hours 19 minutes


9/27/2023 Free from Audible Plus Catalog.

If You Only Knew
By: Kristan Higgins
Narrated by: Xe Sands, Amy Rubinate
Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

The Man in the Black Suit
By: Sylvain Reynard
Narrated by: Robertson Dean
Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins

The Summer That Made Us
By: Robyn Carr
Narrated by: Therese Plummer
Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

St. Nicholas Salvage & Wrecking
By: Dana Haynes
Narrated by: Victor Bevine
Series: St. Nicholas Salvage & Wrecking, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 28 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.