Sunday Words of Encouragement December 17, 2023 - A Promise of Joy!

I made it to church today! There was a wonderful children’s program, The Promise of Christmas. God fulfilled His promise to man by providing salvation and a King through Jesus Christ. It was a wonderfully sweet program.

Pastor shared a few words from Matthew 1:24-25. 'They called his name Emmanuel, which means God with us.' Jesus came to save his people from their sin.

Jesus was not born of sinful nature but born of the life-giving Spirit. God did it for the love of ALL people. Yes, you and me, but He came for the “whole world”. John 3:16-17.

We have broken DNA. Habitual sin, addiction, and deliberate sin. Jesus had none of these. His blood was the atonement for our sins. The Father’s love, and the son’s sacrifice give each person the opportunity to have eternal life. John 3:18-21.

Not everyone knows the message. Not everyone will accept the message. But those who do believe have the directive to share with others the promise and the hope that brings the greatest of all joys!

I like this song video for today: The Shepherd’s Song! “The Joyous Refrain.”

Verses for Today:
John 3:16 New International Version
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.


I give thanks to a Father who loves the world and a Son who gives the greatest gift, and to the Spirit who speaks within my soul.

MarthaE Cooking #2

I had more cooking to do this week. First my two dinners (at least four meals for me).
Spicy Peruvian Chicken (includes Jalapeno) with fluffy rice. I didn't use as much Jalepeno as was available. Behind my bowl is the picture from the HelloFresh instructions. I need a wider bowl that will allow the rice bedding to be seen. 

And
Pub-Style Shepherd's Pie which made four portions for me instead of just two meals. This took a bit longer to cook for me but it is very tasty. 

I spent 5-6 hours on Saturday cooking. After making the Sheperd's Pie I did baking for a Woman's Club Cookies and Sweets Exchange on Sunday. This year I made Applesauce Oat Cookies...

and Ricotta and Jam Pastries.

I'm actually wondering if I should just make some regular sugar cookies. But I wouldn't have time to decorate them for tomorrow before the event.

Bon appétit!!

Sunday Post December 10, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 11, 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 have been busy at work and some Christmas activities. Tuesday night we had our Woman's Club auction and it was fun and a success. Friday night we joined our community parade and then hosted ornament bead tables for children.

It was great weather for the parade. We had our own special reindeer.

Helping children with beaded ornaments

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. And continuing prayers for Israel and Gaza and all the innocents who are being impacted by the war.

I've had better energy this past week. Clearer and warmer weather helped.  Then we got rain this weekend and I didn't feel like going out in it. The rain brings in cooler temperatures which are expected below 64 during the day, and 33-45 at night.

I've finished three audios but posted no reviews again. I am busy working on law work to catch up and I am cooking a bit so I'm not spending time on reviews. Not sure when I will start again. 

I visited 10 blogs again last week but still no new Shout Outs lined up.

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

• Sunday Post December 3, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 4, 2023.

• New to Me - Cooking (Instead of Reviews).

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 10, 2023 - Divine Interruption.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

12 Rules for Life
An Antidote to Chaos
By: Jordan B. Peterson, Norman Doidge MD - foreword
Narrated by: Jordan B. Peterson
Length: 15 hrs and 40 mins
4.5 My son encouraged me to read this and I am glad I did. So much common sense wisdom!
Source: May 15, 2022 Audible April Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio on Smartphone (ATBR).

A Fistful of Evil
Written by Rebecca Chastain
Narrated by Elise Arsenault
Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins
4.0 I was a little frustrated by the heroine who didn't follow orders well in her inexperience.
Source: 10/10/2019 Chirp purchase $.99.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio on Smartphone (ATBR).

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
Written by: Milly Johnson
Narrated by: Colleen Prendergast
Duration: 10 hours 22 minutes
4.5 I enjoyed the six characters who share an unexpectedly joyful Christmas stranded at a forgotten Inn.
Source: 12/18/2022 Two for One Credit Deal on Holiday Romance at Audiobooks.com.
SUMMARY
***The new festive treat from the Sunday Times bestseller***
It’s nearly Christmas and it’s snowing, hard. Deep in the Yorkshire Moors nestles a tiny hamlet, with a pub at its heart. As the snow falls, the inn will become an unexpected haven for six people forced to seek shelter there…
Mary has been trying to get her boss Jack to notice her for four years, but he can only see the efficient PA she is at work. Will being holed up with him finally give her the chance she has been waiting for?
Bridge and Luke were meeting for five minutes to set their divorce in motion. But will getting trapped with each other reignite too many fond memories – and love?
Charlie and Robin were on their way to a luxury hotel in Scotland for a very special Christmas. But will the inn give them everything they were hoping to find – and much more besides?
A story of knowing when to hold on and when to let go, of pushing limits and acceptance, of friendship, love, laughter, mince pies and the magic of Christmas.
Gorgeous, warm and full of heartfelt emotion, I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day is the perfect listen this winter!

Currently Reading:
As I was looking for what I wanted to listen to next, I discovered about 44 of my Audible Plus free titles would only be available through 12/31. I am picking some of those to decide if I want to continue the series.

1. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)

The Xyania Project - Part 1 of 2
by J.V. Nolan
I found an “X” title in sci fi and I am enjoying this so far.
Source: Free Kindle title acquired on June 12, 2022.
An eerie deception unfolded when the crew struggled to escape the impossible.
Pex Aerospace - A privately owned company discovered a natural resource on the dwarf planet Pluto that will change space exploration forever. Five crew members volunteered to embark on a journey to the outer edge of the solar system and discovered something more than what they have signed up for.
What's real and what will they discover?
Read for FREE and join their space journey.

2. Audible on Smartphone (A2023).

New Frontiers
The Expansion Wars Trilogy, Book 1
By: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins
This extends a series I enjoyed.
Source: February 2021 Audible Plus Catalog expiring 12/31.
Publisher's summary
The Phage War had been a devastating conflict for the Terran Confederacy. Even with the destruction of their terrifying, implacable foe, humanity is still reeling. Political alliances are crumbling, and their mighty fleet is in tatters. There is nothing to celebrate, even after such a complete victory.
They soon learn that there are other stellar neighbors - and they've been watching the conflict with great interest. One species comes with an offer of friendship and alliance, but humanity is weary and distrustful, their only interactions with aliens having resulted in the near eradication of their kind.
Before the ashes of war have been fully swept away, Captain Celesta Wright is dispatched to the Frontier with a small taskforce to investigate a mysterious signal while the Confederacy struggles to hold itself together. A partnership with this new species could help accelerate the recovery effort, but is the offer too good to be true? Can humanity risk another fight with an advanced alien species right on the heels of the bloodiest war that had ever been waged?
New Frontiers is the first book of the Expansion Wars Trilogy, an all-new adventure in the Black Fleet universe.
©2016 Joshua Dalzelle (P)2017 Podium Publishing

3. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

Weaver: Four Horsemen Tales, Book 2
By: Kacey Ezell , Mark Wandrey
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart
Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
I liked the sample and want to listen to this.
Source: 8/15/2021 Audible Plus Catalog expiring 12/31.
Publisher's summary
A Tortantula and a Flatar. The most enigmatic teaming in the mercenary guild, it’s also a perfect pairing, where one’s strengths cover the other’s weakness. Raised together from birth, their lives are a brutal series of tests. From the moment they’re thrust together, they are forced to kill their own kind just to survive. No excuses, no mercy, no room for failure. Succeed...or die.
Azah isn’t like most other female Tortantula; she’s much smaller and made fun of constantly. No one expects her to survive, much less succeed, but she’s still given a chance and assigned a Flatar: Sadek. The two quickly bond and find they complement each other. Against all odds, they survive the breeding dome and join the ranks of their races’ mercenaries.
But Azah begins to exhibit some extremely odd abilities, and everything changes. When Sadek uncovers a plan to manipulate the Tortantula breeding program, he’s unable to determine what their goals are...only that they have plans for Azah. Powerless to stop their shadowy machinations, the two know one thing: They want to stay together "Zha Oort" - until the ending.
But Fate is calling, and Fate doesn’t care what anyone wants.
©2018 Seventh Seal Press (P)2018 Podium Publishing

I still plan to read a "V" and "Z" title this month and I have to find an "X" to finish my alphabet challenge.

December 10, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". This week's reading has been in John.
I am doing an advent study: "Waiting Here for You".

I finished three books and posted no reviews, putting me further behind.  

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.
No new purchases this week but I am posting the six Audibles I purchased early in December.
I still have 25 Audible Plus titles picked up over the past several weeks. I will list them another day.

I missed two Kindle new titles from the end of November.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/2/2023 Four Audibles for $10.15.

Always Faithful
By: Sherry A. Burton
Narrated by: Bethanne Reid
Series: Jerry McNeal, Book 1
Join Jerry McNeal and His Ghostly K-9 Partner as They Put Their “Gifts” to Good Use.
Length: 2 hrs and 43 mins

The Spider King's Daughter
By: Chibundu Onuzo
Narrated by: Clifford Samuel, Nneka Okoye
Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins

Encounter [Dramatized Adaptation]
By: James Axler
Narrated by: full cast, Richard Rohan, Mort Shelby, Terence Aselford, Dylan Lynch, Johann Dettweiler, Ken Jackson, Nanette Savard, David Coyne, Eric Messner, Delores King Williams, Andy Clemence
Series: Deathlands, Book 0
Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

A Ghostly Grave
By: Tonya Kappes
Narrated by: Tiffany Morgan
Series: Ghostly Southern Mysteries, Book 2
Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins

12-02-2023 Two Audibles for $5.11.

Final Days
By: Nathan Hystad, Jasper T. Scott
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Final Days, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins

Of Blood and Bone
By: Nora Roberts
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
Series: Chronicles of The One, Book 2
Length: 13 hrs and 42 mins

Free

11/20/2023 I had these two free on Kindle that I missed.

Dead Letters: A Riveting International Police Procedural Mystery (Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Mysteries 8)
by Sheila Lowe

Jingle Bells, Rifle Shells: A clean read whodunit detective mystery (Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series Book 1)
by Bruce Hammack

 Two new titles 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 December 10, 2023 - Divine Interruption!

We shared worship and Christmas songs this morning. Pastor’s message was from Matthew 18-25. 

“Divine Interruption!”

As Matthew notes, Mary and Joseph were told of the child and to name him Jesus, God saves; Immanuel, God with us.

 Joseph and Mary were betrothed. In those days, the betrothal was one year leading up to the marriage. After learning that Mary was with child, Joseph could have divorced her publicly but he was thinking of doing so quietly. Joseph was a just man, a law-abiding man. He had a good relationship with God.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 Tells us that those who cleanse themselves from dishonor can become honorable, just vessels.

Joseph and other Biblical stories, as well as testimonies today, show that life can change due to a divine encounter or divine interruption.

James 4:13-15 speaks of human plans being disrupted by divine interruption.
Joseph was called by a divine interruption to be the earthly father of Jesus. He stayed with Mary and fulfilled his role as God directed.

I remembered this song which fits today. Joseph’s Lullaby.

Verses for Today:
Matthew 18-25 NIV
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Lord, thank you for the divine interruption that allowed Joseph to accept Mary and take on the role as the father of Jesus. And thank you for our Immanuel!

New to Me - Cooking (Instead of Reviews)

I have been spending some time cooking instead of writing reviews. I decided to share this new journey.

Those who have been around my blog for a while know that my husband was our cook. I have had to feed myself since his death on May 1, 2022. The easy and favorite recipes are pigs in a blanket, cheesy quesadilla, bacon and eggs, creamed dried beef, and packaged mix salads. I gathered recipes last year for sloppy joes, parmesan chicken, and keto broccoli cauliflower rice casserole. Then I made snacks and Christmas cookies last year: Pesto parmesan chips, almond bark drops, and Snowball Christmas cookies.

Over this past year I have tended to buy salads and single microwavable meals. I had to help cook while in Illinois in October and November. In addition to several of the favorites noted above, I made pancakes and spaghetti pie, which I hadn't made in years but is a fun dish and a hit with the kids (and my son).

As I returned home, I decided to try Hello Fresh for cooking better meals for myself. Over the past two weeks I have had four meals for eight dinners.  They provide all the ingredients and they are easy to make with full instructions. I get free breakfast items too.  (If anyone might be interested, email me at mesreads@gmail.com. I can send a link that has discounts to try, and also gets a credit for me inviting.)
Here are pictures of my meals so far:

Zucchini & Tomato Flatbreads with yummy lemon ricotta cheese!

Moo Shu Pork Bowls (red cabbage and scallions) with fluffy rice.

Onion Crunch Chicken with honey dijon dressing (plus cheese), mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.

Sweet Chili Beef and green bean bowls, again with fluffy rice and fried onion topping.

I was in the cooking mood last weekend and decided to experiment with some puff pastry recipes.
I made ham and cheese with herb and garlic cheese spread pinwheels which I took to a Christmas event on Tuesday night. They were a hit.

Then I made a cherry with cream cheese puff pastry which I shared for dessert and snack treat at work.

I plan to continue the Hello Fresh plan for a time and I will be doing some Christmas cooking over the next few weeks. I will share the photos with you!