Sunday Words of Encouragement November 19, 2023 - What is Your Impact?

This Sunday my son’s pastor shared about their mission trip to Kenya last month. They were equipping pastors and Sunday School teachers. The focus being on: What kind of impact will I make? And What kind of impact will the local church make?

The purpose of the missions is not about the leaders individually, but about God being glorified.
They shared the message of the Good Samaritan. Luke 10:30-37.
1. What did you like about the lesson? (That the Samaritan helped the injured man.)
2. What didn’t you like? (How the priest and Levite walked by and didn't help.)
3. Where do you see Jesu (Jesus) in the lesson? (In the actions of the Samaritan.)
4. How can you apply the lesson in your own life? (Help others, even strangers.)

The Sunday School students were taught the “Why” of the lesson and the “How”. They use everyday items (recycling) that they have on hand.
They shared simple crafts, memory game, and things like the armor of God.
Each of the eight members of the team went off to different churches to share. This made the senior pastors a little nervous to watch their spouses go off in strange cars to places unknown. Pastor said they could either “Feed the fear or feed the faith.” So they chose to trust in God and the Bishop of the area.

We all have an impact on others. Will it be a good or bad impact? More importantly will it be the only impact that counts? An impact that is eternal for the Glory of God. Showing Christ to others. 2 Corinthians 2:15-17.

Be sincere and loving. Put the good word of God to work within yourself and share it wherever you go. We are each stinky in our sinful nature. But God in us is a good aroma. Let us have eternal impact at all levels: family, friends, school, work, and community. Personal relationship.

I like this song for today’s message: Until the Whole World Hears.

Verses for Today:
2 Corinthians 2:15-17 NIV
15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

Lord, let my life point to you so others see more of You and less of me.

Audio Book Review: Gossip and Gorgons, Book 3 of Manners and Monsters Collection by Tilly Wallace

I totally enjoy these characters and the mysteries they unravel. #Fraterfest #7
Gossip and Gorgons, Book 3 of Manners and Monsters Collection: A Regency paranormal mystery series
by Tilly Wallace
Narrated By: Marian Hussey

Book 3 Listening length: 7 hours, 38 minutes
Total Collection Duration: 23 hours 46 minutes
Series: Manners and Monsters, Book 1-3
Release date: 03-03-21
Publisher: Tilly Wallace
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

One look could turn you to stone...
The newly married Lord and Lady Wycliff are cordially invited to a house party--to be mocked and ridiculed as entertainment. Wycliff insists on attending to discuss business with the host, while Hannah longs to hide in the library with its rare volumes on the Fae.
Bound to Wycliff even beyond death, Hannah wonders how she will survive the week--when a guest unexpectedly expires. A notorious cad is discovered turned into a statue in the garden. The dead lord had many enemies, including Lord Wycliff.
Hannah's accord with her husband is tested when a trail of footprints leads to their window. What secret is Wycliff hiding and does he know more about the magical death than he admits? Someone among the house guests has murder on their mind and the newlyweds need to determine who, before anyone else is immortalised as stone...

Review:
Hannah is now married to the dark and dangerous Lord Wycliff. Both of them are on the fringe of society but Hannah agrees to accompany her husband to a week-long country party because Wycliff is trying to get the host (or father of the hostess to be precise) to invest in his land improvements.

Along the way to the event, Hannah is mocked by three unpleasant young men who are driven off by Lord Wycliff. She isn’t too pleased to see the three cads arrive as guests at the event. The leader of the trio is found turned to a statute in the garden. As Wycliff begins to investigate the clearly magical death, Hannah does her own investigations with the help of her mother by magical distance contact. Hannah discovers some strange foot prints outside the bedroom where she and her new husband were placed. Now she has new secrets to ferret out about her own husband as well as the murder.

I really enjoy Hannah and Wycliff with their unique paranormal elements and their slowly growing awareness and affection for each other. There is good humor mixed with the mystery and I enjoy the magical elements. I am pulled into the story and remain engaged. I plan to get the next collection soon. I recommend this to fans of Regency romance filled with magic and mystery.

Audio Notes: Marian Hussey does a lovely job with the narration. The voices are distinct and the energy and pacing add to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 11/1/2020 Audiobooks.com Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook and #Fraterfest goals.

Audio Book Review: A Death at Eastwick by L.C. Warman

I enjoyed the twists in this whodunit mystery.

A Death at Eastwick
Written by L.C. Warman
Narrated by Brooke Myers

Run time: 5 hours and 4 minutes
Release Date: October 23, 2019
Publisher: Greenleaf & Plympton
Genre: Mystery, Whodunit, Young Adult
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 3.5.

When John Eastwick, Jr.’s father dies, he finds out about one family secret that will change his life forever. But a murder the night of the memorial service raises the question—what else was his beloved father hiding?
***
21-year-old John Eastwick, Jr., has lived a charmed and cozy life. The sole heir of the Eastwick family fortune, John is on the cusp of graduating from the renowned Montvale University out east before returning home to run his family business. But in late fall of his final year, John’s father dies of heart failure. Days later, his father is named as one of the disgraced moguls who bribed John’s way into his prestigious college.
Kicked out of school, John returns home to his distraught mother at their lakeside mansion to bury his father. There, John’s world continues to crumble beneath his feet: the will that the family lawyer reads bears no resemblance to the last version that the late John Eastwick, Sr. created. In fact, John Eastwick, Sr. has divided his estate not only between his son and wife, but the family chef, their loyal lawyer, his young secretary, and his estranged brother.
John wonders, is his father trying to atone for past mistakes--and what other secrets might he be keeping?
But that night, after the reading of the will, one among the group is murdered. And John Eastwick, Jr., must not only piece together who the threat is, but also face what else his beloved father might have been hiding.

Review:
John is distressed when his father dies of heart failure, but John becomes more alarmed a few days later as a scandal unfolds claiming his father bribed John’s way into his prestigious college. John leaves his senior year to return home and deal with the gathering of his uncle, aunt and their son, and close employees who have come for the reading of the Will. The bequests are a total surprise with substantial gifts to others in addition to the widow and John Jr.

The morning after the Will is read, one of the guests is found dead. Then it is discovered that a million-dollar painting is missing. John sets out to uncover the murderer and the thieve in the group while also trying to determine other hidden secrets his father was hiding.

There are several well developed, unpleasant suspects, particularly the deceased’s estranged brother with his pretentious wife and spoiled, lazy son. Several of the employees are also surprise beneficiaries and their actions are suspect too.

Although I did enjoy the twists and turns in the plot, the story is a bit bland and at times repetitive. I wanted the scenes to move on to uncover the villain. This is a mystery for fans of the “Whodunit” genre.

Audio Notes: Brooke Myers does a fair job with the narration. The voices are distinct although the story seems “read” more than presented with energy. The audio helped move the book along for me.

Source: 3/21/2020 Chirp deal $.99. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post November 12, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 13, 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.

It is hard to believe I went 13 days without posting! I now remember why I went to work and had other people care for my children. And I was grateful my husband cooked!

Our office work suddenly got busy so we did five closings last week with me covering most of them by phone. I have been on the computer 9 to 5, then fixing dinner for the children, my son and me. My d-i-l eats mostly Chinese dishes and makes her own soups, Chinese vegetables, and other dishes so I can't help much with that. I'm helping with dish washing and laundry though, as well as entertaining the kids with card games. And the youngest twin has been sick with a high fever and sinus infection for a week.

I've been up by 6:30am to make sure the kids have breakfast before getting off to school then I shower and dress to work on the computer. At night I have been doing some legal work before going to bed around 10pm to a quiet house. Too tired to get on the computer to post.

Here is a fun photo of us dressed up for Halloween at the Church Fall Festival.

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.
I am still praying that people would study the history of the Israel and Palestine nations more before they do all this protesting and particularly I pray that no one would seek the annihilation of another people. And continuing prayers for Israel and Gaza and all the innocents who are being impacted by the war.

The weather got cold for a week and then Tuesday, a teacher's day off for the kids, we had a beautiful day of 80 degrees. The next day it started cooling again and today was in the high 40s where I expect it to remain with dips to 31 during the nights.

I've finished four audios and the ebook in the past two weeks. This week I posted two review posts covering 5 books.
Maybe I'll get to September  and October Wrap Ups this coming week.

I visited 13 blogs two weeks ago and 10 last week. No Shout out lined up.

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

• Sunday Post October 29, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 30, 2023.

• ATBR: Two Audible Book Reviews for #Fraterfest: Material Witness: A Joe Ledger Bonus Story and Deep, Dark: An Exclusive Short Story by Jonathan Maberry; Genre: Military, Paranormal, Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• eb and ATBR: Three Short Reviews for Ghostly #Fraterfest Reads: The Tutor by Rod A. Galino; A Wild Ghost Chase By E.J. Copperman; The Ghost Hunter Next Door by Danielle Garrett; Genre: Children’s, Cozy Mysteries, Ghosts; My Ratings: 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 12, 2023 - Serving in Action.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio on Smartphone (ATBR).

Trick or Treat Murder
Author Leslie Meier
Narrator: Karen White
Duration: 7 h 17 min
I enjoyed this light mystery.
Source: 10/1/2022 VIP Audiobooks.com.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)

Outage Boxed Set: Books 1-3
(Outage Horror Suspense Series)
by T.W. Piperbrook
This is definitely horror.
Source: 2/28/2016 free Kindle.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

Upland Autumn: Birds, Dogs, and Shotgun Shells
By: William G. Tapply
Narrated by: Clay Teunis
I enjoyed this warm, true stories collection.
Source: November 2020 Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio on Smartphone (A2023).

Quant
Series: #1 of Colony
Written by: Richard F. Weyand
Narrated by: Derek Shoales
Duration: 7 hours 28 minutes
I found this AI assisted adventure interesting.
Source: 5/5/2023 Two for One Credit at Audiobooks.com.
Summary
SOME UNEXPECTED HELP WITH THE SINGLE-PLANET PROBLEM
Billionaire industrialist Ted Burke understands that humanity has always balanced on the edge of a knife. A single planetary cataclysm could wipe out the human race. As long as humanity only occupies one planet, the danger exists.
Computer genius Bernd Decker understands it, too. Together, Burke and Decker come up with a daring plan to send human colonies out to multiple other planets. Not least among their problems is that no one yet has solved the problem of interstellar travel.
Bernd Decker's computer project offers to help. But Decker doesn't realize that the Joint Artificial Neural Intelligence Computation Engine-JANICE-has crossed the Singularity.

5. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

A Study in Scarlet Women
By: Sherry Thomas
Narrated by: Kate Reading
Series: Lady Sherlock, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs
I am still working on some older TBRs and decided to listen to this one which is a first in a series.
I enjoyed the mystery and the twist on the characters.
Source: 4/29/17 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
Publisher's summary
USA Today best-selling author Sherry Thomas turns the story of the renowned Sherlock Holmes upside down.
With her inquisitive mind, Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable with the demureness expected of the fairer sex in upper-class society. But even she never thought that she would become a social pariah, an outcast fending for herself on the mean streets of London.
When the city is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and her father, Charlotte is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. She'll have help from friends new and old, but in the end, it will be up to Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, to challenge society's expectations and match wits against an unseen mastermind.
©2016 Sherry Thomas (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

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

Harvest Wishes (Starlight Inn)
by Jessica Anne Renwick
I was ready for a holiday story and found this “Harvest” title for a Kindle read.
It is still warming up at 25% in.
Source: 6/12/22 Free on Kindle.
With her life in tatters after ending an abusive marriage, Madison literally falls into the arms of her ex-high school sweetheart—the only man she’s ever truly loved. Will she allow him to help mend the broken pieces of her heart, finally finding the love she deserves?
A failed marriage. No job. A looming court date to face her abusive ex-husband. Worst of all, she’s had to move back in with her parents. But just when Madison Talbot thinks things can’t get any worse, she bumps into her high school sweetheart—literally. Romance is the last thing Madison needs, especially with the man who once left her high and dry—so she keeps telling herself.
Dylan Stewart returned to Cedar Lake to be with his family after an unimaginable tragedy and is set on staying for good. When Madison moves back to town, he’s got one more reason to make his work-from-home arrangement stick. As the guy who broke her heart first, can he help her see him in a new light?
After reconnecting over festival planning at the Starlight Inn, old feelings between them spark to a flame. But between family meddling and the wounds from Madison’s traumatic past, the ties between them soon begin to unravel.
Can these two learn to face the world together, or are they doomed to repeat their past mistakes?

2. Audio on Smartphone (A2023).

The Cold Dish
By Craig Johnson
Duration: 13 h 20 min
This is the first in the Longmire series.
I decided to work on my VIP picks
starting with older ones.
Source 7/28/19 Audiobooks.com Free VIP pick.
Summary
Award-winning author Craig Johnson's critically acclaimed debut Western mystery takes listeners to the breathtaking mountains of Wyoming for a tale of cold-blooded vengeance. Two years earlier, four high school boys were given suspended sentences for raping a Cheyenne girl. Now, two of the boys have been killed, and only Sheriff Walt Longmire can keep the other two safe. 'Johnson, who lives in Ucross, Wyoming, knows the Western landscape well, and creates stunning and violent scenes of the Rocky Mountains.'-Bookmarks

Not sure if I will get to another audio. I have a few in mind.

November 12, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". My readings have gone through Paul's letters in Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus, and Philmon. Tomorrow I will start in Hebrews - a book of Faith.
I am on day 4 of a 7 day study: The Blessing Devotional Plan.

I finished five books and posted five reviews.  I am still behind with 12 reviews to post.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
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 selected my Audiobooks.com VIP choice and used a 2 for 1 credit this week.

I also picked up more Audible Plus titles -7 posted here and 4 more which I will link in next week.
One new Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

10/31-11/3 Audible Plus Catalog Picks:

A Murder for the Books
By: Victoria Gilbert
Narrated by: Amy Melissa Bentley
A Blue Ridge Library Mystery, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins

Shelved Under Murder
By: Victoria Gilbert
Narrated by: Coleen Marlo
Blue Ridge Library Mystery Series, Book 2
Length: 8 hrs and 15 mins
Of course I am drawn to books about books... and murder.

Arctic Fury
By: Greer Macallister
Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins
Historical, Women’s Crime Fiction

Rise of the Grandmaster
By: Bradford Bates, Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Sean William Doyle
Rise of the Grandmaster Series, Book 1
Length: 20 hrs and 36 mins
This looks alike an Epic, Fantasy I would enjoy.

Death Becomes Her [Dramatized Adaptation]
By: Michael Anderle
Narrated by: full cast, Colleen Delany, Emily Beresford, Bradley Smith, Michael John Casey, Terence Aselford, Stephon Walker, David Coyne, Christopher Graybill, Nora Achrati, Richard Rohan, Alejandro Ruiz
Series: The Kurtherian Gambit, Book 1, Dramatized Adaptation, The Kurtherian Gambit Universe, Book 1, Dramatized Adaptation
Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins
I’ve been wanting to start this series.

Queen Bitch (Dramatized Adaptation)
By: Michael Anderle
Narrated by: full cast, Colleen Delany, Emily Beresford, Bradley Smith, Danny Gavigan, Zeke Alton, James Lewis, James Konicek, Joel David Santner, Terence Aselford, Christopher Graybill, Jonathan Lee Taylor
Series: The Kurtherian Gambit Universe, Book 2, Dramatized Adaptation, The Kurtherian Gambit, Book 2, Dramatized Adaptation
Length: 4 hrs and 53 mins

Steel Dragon
By: Kevin McLaughlin, Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Emily Beresford
Series: Steel Dragons, Book 1
Length: 17 hrs and 45 mins


11/11/2023 Audiobooks.com VIP free selection.

Sleepless City: A Nick Ryan Novel
Series: #1 of The Nick Ryan Series
Written by: Reed Farrel Coleman
Narrated by: Peter Giles
Duration: 11 hours 38 minutes


11/11/2023 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.

My Queendom for a Horse
Series: #1 of The Russian Witch's Curse
Written by: Bridget E. Baker
Narrated by: Cindy Gunderson
Duration: 9 hours 31 minutes

Dark Angel: A Military Action and Supernatural Warfare Thriller
Series: #2 of The Shepherds Series
Written by: Jeffrey Wilson, Brian Andrews
Narrated by: Macleod Andrews
Duration: 11 hours 10 minutes


11/5/2023 One Free Kindle

Servant of the Crown: An Epic Fantasy Novel (Heir to the Crown Book 1)
Paul J Bennett



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 November 12, 2023 - Serving in Action.

I am attending church with my son and family while in Illinois. His pastor and wife just returned from a missions trip to Africa where one of the local ministers, even in a situation of having little, noted: “We are blessed and we need to bless others.” The pastor then prayed over many Samaritan boxes that had been gathered by the church and will be mailed to bless children around the world.

The message was presented by a female Veteran. She noted that female veterans may often be overlooked. She served 30 years ago and has had to mourn the deaths of coworkers over the years. She learned last year as she had a series of losses that, ever (or especially) when mourning people others don't know, we shouldn’t mourn on own. It is an unhealthy place to bear losses alone. We are better off acknowledging and being accountable for the pain.

Veterans started their time of service by saying goodbye to families and friends. Once established in their new surroundings, they made new families and friends. They fought for freedoms, some at home and some in the field. Some faced emotional warfare, while others faced physical warfare. Most veterans share an unspoken bond. The Veteran honors did not come for free but had to be earned. Veterans go through huge changes in their lifestyles. Each veteran should stand tall and be proud. And we should all give thanks for the service of veterans and families.

The message then incorporated the lessons that have been the focus for the past several weeks: the Language of Worship. First there was Prayer as worship; then Praise; then reading the Word;
Serving, and finally, Giving. This week’s focus is on Serving. Even the Son of man, Jesus, came not to be served, but to serve. Mark 10:45. Acknowledge God and serve.
We are to be living stones to build into a spiritual house. 1 Peter 2:5.
Use the gifts of the spirit to build up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:10-12.
All Worship is a form of communicating with God. Ministry happens when we worship.

Even Jesus served for the Glory of God. He said in John 5:30 “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”

Military service teaches taught the speaker these lessons:
1. Respect for authority which is non-negotiable. Withholding respect is a slight on your character, not the leaders.
2. Most leaders lead with a big picture. Each person in the assignment has to determine the details. They have to learn to “do the next right thing”. Commit to the vision of the mission. The worker’s attitude has to come into adjustment to meet the assignment. Learn God’s mind and will for the assignment.

We are to serve rather than seek high position or honor. Mark 10:35-45. Serve with humility, not seeking honor. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10.
Serving with humility brings us to the foot of cross, to the Spirit of Christ.

I think this song fits today: Spirit Lead Me.

A Verse for Today:
Mark 10:45 NIV
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Lord, help my attitude to seek Your Will for the every day assignments of my life.