Sunday Words of Encouragement January 23, 2011

I am not happy this is so late but we did not have internet until 8pm today. :-(
Other than my frustration with no internet, I had a nice day at church and did some other computer tasks.
This morning our Pastor preached about The Intermediate Heaven. I never thought about it that way but that makes sense since ultimately there will be a new heaven and new earth. Plus our spirits return to God, even though our bodies return to dust - Eccl 12:7. We do not get resurrected bodies until Christ's return to earth.
Consider this interesting perspective: Heaven has substance and is the source realm while Earth is shadow. Heb 8:5. The heavenly temple is filled with smoke, there are scrolls, horses, musical instruments an ultimately a world of purity and beauty.

I thought of this video in light of the sermon on Heaven.

I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me

A Verse for today:

Revelation 21:1 (NIV)

 ¹ Then I saw "a new heaven and a new earth," for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.

I pray tonight for an anticipation of heaven to influence how I live my daily life.

Enquiring Minds - Meme Week 21 PLUS Comment Giveaway

I didn't get to participate in week #20... which maybe was good since it was political.

This meme is hosted by Dollycas Thoughts for Thursdays - which are hard for me to make.  The goal is to get to know our fellow bloggers and visitors better. Each week Dolly asks some questions for us to answer and then link up. I am late doing the post but I am trying to to participate as I would like to learn more about blogger and follower friends.

WEEK 21 QUESTIONS

I like this weeks questions!

1. What is the outside temperature where you are today?

I was able to find the graphic below.  Our temperature is 34 outside - even in north Florida!  Inside we keep the temps closer to 68 so its a bit cold.  I am happy to go to work were I do set the temp at 73!

2. Do participate in any special winter sports or hobbies like skiing or snowmobiling, etc?
Sitting in front of the fireplace is my sort of winter sport... This is our Christmas morning fireplace. :-)

3. If you had to choose between a week long stay in a mountain lodge with lots of snow, activities, friends, food and beverages or a week alone on a deserted white sand island with just a bag of books and food and water which would you choose?

That is a really hard choice! Or not - I could do the lodge with everyone for a day or two but for a week... I'd rather the deserted beach and bag of books!

Your turn to share.  This week we will do the last Christmas book from the Christmas Books for Giveaway. Next week I have some Valentine and "Love" books planned to choose from.
Rules: a) Must be a follower; b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, January 28 at 10PM central

Book Review and Giveaway (older book): Alas Babylon by Pat Frank

How well would you survive and what would you contribute to a community isolated by nuclear war?

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 11 hour(s) and 14 min.
• Program Type: Audiobook
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: Audible, Inc. (December 21, 2010)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004GX2FQO

Price: Audible $20.95; Bargain Paperback $5.20
Genre:  Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
This true modern masterpiece is built around the two fateful words that make up the title and herald the end - "Alas, Babylon." When a nuclear holocaust ravages the United States, a thousand years of civilization are stripped away overnight, and tens of millions of people are killed instantly.
But for one small town in Florida, miraculously spared, the struggle is just beginning, as men and women of all backgrounds join together to confront the darkness. Will Patton's narration paints this classic tale as an ominous picture of the terrible possibilites of the nuclear age.

Review: This book is definitely an enjoyable classic.
I read this book initially when I was in high school or college.  I never forgot about it and a few years ago when I saw the book at a second hand shop I picked it up so it has been sitting on my shelf waiting for a re-read.  Earlier this month I saw the book on Audible so I got it with my monthly subscription.

This was particularly interesting because it was written and published in 1959 so keep in mind the impact on daily life would be even less than now with so many of our lives tied up with computers and other technologies that were not in use in the 1950s.  The story is set in a small river town in Central/North Florida and the protagonist is a lawyer (right up my alley).  Randy Bragg doesn’t have a lot of ambition and seems to be skating on his family’s reputation.  Randy’s ancestor was a prominent founder of Fort Repose. His older brother, Matt is a Colonel with the Strategic Air Command Base in Omaha.  As children the brothers developed a code for disaster: the phrase “Alas Babylon.”

Matt sends a telegram to Randy with the code phrase and tells Randy that he is sending his wife, Helen, and their two children to live with Randy because Matt has inside information and fears a nuclear attack by Russia. Shortly after Helen and the children arrive in Florida the fear because reality.  The bombs start in Miami and then continue to wipe out Tampa, Jacksonville and Orlando.

Although Fort Repose suffers only a little direct damage from the bombs, they suffer the lose of electricity, clean water, communication and food shortages.  Medical issues are addressed with difficulty but they are lucky to have Randy’s friend, Dan, the local small town doctor as part of their community. They also have to face looters and murdering highwaymen.

The story follows Randy’s conversion from no direction in his life before “The Day”, to taking charge of his neighbors as they pull together after “The Day”.  The story addresses issues of segregation and class strife in a small town in the '50s as well as the bigger problems of survival and isolation.

There are wonderful characters including the dedicated Doctor, a retired Naval Admiral who is an amateur Ham radio operator and Randy’s current love interest, Lib, who has to cope with Helen’s jealousy.

Will Patton is the narrator and does a very good job. The book moves along at a fast pace and held my interest well even though it is more than fifty years old.  I am looking forward to reading a more recent apocalyptic story to see how it compares to this classic Cold War story. I did enjoy listening to The Road by Comac McCarthy. 

--I am pretty sure this is the cover I remember from my youth.

 This is the cover for the book I have to giveaway:

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for this 1993 used book:

1.   Comment telling me what book you read when you were younger that you would like to read again.  Please leave your email address.

2.  For an extra entry tell me of an Apocalyptic story you DO or DO NOT recommend.

3.  For another entry tell me if you have seen the movie THE ROAD and what you think of that.

4.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For three entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Seven total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 6, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Quick! Help Me Pick Which Audio to Listen to on Monday!

Work requires that I drive eight hours Monday and eight hours home on Tuesday.  I don't have any review audio books but I do have four audiobooks available.  I'll be heading out at about 1pm on Monday afternoon so I will need a decision by 12:30 pm Central.  That gives about 42 hours for you to help by letting your vote be known.  Here are my choices:

  The Collectors            The Innocent Man    The Taste of Innocence  

Step on a Crack

Since all of these are 5-6 hours I will probably get to listen to two and still have time left for Audible or Kindle listening!
As incentive to help me pick - I will draw two winners from the votes.  Both winners will get the audiobook they choose unless they choose the same.  Then the first random winner drawn gets that audiobook and the second will have to pick another choice ... (and wait till I listen to it which I will do next if it wasn't the second one on the trip.)

Since audiobooks are lighter than print books I am willing to let international friends vote and win too so this is open internationally if you are interested in winning an used audiobook.  Thanks listening friends!

Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway January 21, 2011

Another Friday already?!? Sometimes I feel like I'm in a cave of books...good thing I like that idea.
Forgot to take the camera into the office again this week for the book pictures on list #17. I'll try to remember Saturday.

NOTE: New rules for international participants. I learned over the past weeks that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00.  If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy. :o)

1/14/11 New List  - I will have to get a picture next week.
#17
Scavenger by David Morrell
The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger
Wicked Prey by John Sandford
Moonfire by Judit Redman Robbins
In Silence by Erica Spindler
Night Sins: A Novel by Tami Hoag
Dead as a Doornail: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel by Charlaine Harris
Four to Score (Stephanie Plum, No. 4) by Janet Evanovich
No Ordinary Man by Suzanne Simmons
1022 Evergreen Place (Cedar Cove) by Debbie Macomber
Time to Run (Navy SEALs, Book 3) by Marliss Melton
Malice Domestic: An Anthology of Original Traditional Mystery Stories
Taboo by Susan Johnson
Turbulent Sea (Drake Sisters, Book 6) by Christine Feehan
Saving Faith by David Baldacci
Michal: A Novel by Jill Eileen Smith

12/3/10  Here is the newest Book Set:
#16

Adam by Ted Dekker
Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith
The Proposition by Judith Ivory
Cold As Ice by Anne Stuart
Veils of Silk by Mary Jo Putney
Sleep Softly by Gwen Hunter
Comanche Woman by Joan Johnston (part of a great series!)
Barefoot: A Novel by Elin Hilderbrand
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
Blueberry Hill by Marcia Evanick (small tear on cover)
Through the Grinder (Coffeehouse Mysteries, No. 2) by Cleo Coyle
Forever, Ashley  by Lori Copeland
She Loves Me Not by Wendy Corsi Staub
Cornered Tigress  by Jade Lee
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

Okay - I've been promising a new set of "used" books for giveaway and finally I got the picture!

List #15

Double Exposure (Brio Girls) by Kathy Wierenga

Wicked Widow  by Amanda Quick

A Little Magic by Nora Roberts

Imitation in Death by J. D. Robb

A Heart Speaks by LaVyrle Spencer

The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster

Almost Forever (Sarah) by Linda Howard

Silver Falls by Anne Stuart

Deadly Gamble by Linda Lael Miller

List #14

The Cobra Event by Richard Preston

Proof of Intent: A Charley Sloan Courtroom Thriller by William Coughlin, Walter Sorrels

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) byLarson Reed

Off Season by Jack Ketchum

The Color of Law: A Novel by Mark Gimenez
Atlantis by David Gibbins
Depraved Indifference by Joseph Teller
Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Must the Maiden Die (Seneca Falls Historical Myster) by Miriam Grace Monfredo
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom
The Summons by John Grisham - Audio CDs

Here is set #13 of "new" Used books!

Flamingo Diner by Sherryl Woods
Death Cruise (St. Martin's True Crime Library) by Don Davis
The Angel by Carla Neggers
Anansi Boys by Neil Gairman
The Hellion by LaVyrle Spencer
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
The Outside Man by Richard North Patterson

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read.  Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!"  Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....
Group #12
The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson
First King of Shannara (Shannara Trilogy, Prequel)  by Terry Brooks
Seal Team Oneby Dick Couch
Motion to Suppress by Perri O'Saughnessy
Presumption of Death by Perri O'Saughnessy
Pandemic by Daniel Kalla
Lethal Practice by Peter Clement
The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin
The Burning Man by Phillip M. Margollin
Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt
The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case
The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower, Book 1) by Stephen King

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods - CD Audio
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher
Looking Back by Belva Plain
The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly
Rainmaker by John Grisham - Audio Tapes

PLEASE NOTE UPDATED RULES IN RED BELOW!

I am going to continue to include the full list updated with chosen books crossed off.  You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see each post and the book pictures if you want!  I am happy to say that so far about 132 books have found new homes! YAY.  I pulled a couple of hardbacks and larger books as the postage cost was prohibitive. 

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books!  And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by the Friday Pick Giveaways.

I originally posted ten Friday Pick posts with 16 books each.  I will strike out the books as they are chosen. Some of the books may be chosen by winners in the SaSR weekly drawings. So it will be first pick to the one who claims it.  SaSR winners are announced Friday mornings (or afternoon if I get busy!) and it usually takes that person a bit of time to get back to me. That means the Friday Pick winner who is drawn Thursday night will usually get the choice named in their comment as I will have time to remove it from the file list before announcing the winner at SaSR.

Note new rules at the top of this post regarding international winners.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists (less whichever books might be picked by the comment or SaSR winners each week).  PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM SETTING A NEW CUT OFF TIME AS THURSDAY  NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce the next Friday.
ALSO, TO SAVE ME EXTRA WORK, I WILL ASK THE WINNERS TO CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND E-MAIL ME THEIR ADDRESSES at mesreads@gmail.com.  I will confirm receipt of the addresses.  If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder over the weekend but I won't be so rushed on Fridays!  So I still recommend that you leave your e-mail especially if you are new and I don't have a way to find it!

Thanks for helping these books find a new home!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Almost Single by Advaita Kala

Pick #2
Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann
The Crush by Sandra Brown
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The Sixth Sense
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)
The Forgotten by Faye Kellerman
Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee
Montana Bride by Barbara Clark (A)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Jake's Return by Liana Laverentz (A)
The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes
The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole
Misfortune by Nancy Geary
False Prophet by Faye Kellerman
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes
A Kiss of Fate by Mary Jo Putney (SC)

Pick #6
Tin Man by Dale Brown
The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*
On Bear Mountain by Deborah Smith
The Edge of Town by Dorothy Garlock
The Healer by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan
Mistletoe and Mischief by Patricia Wynn

Pick #7
In Her Defense by Stephen Horn - Audio Tape
A Perfect Gentleman by Barbara Metzger (slightly creased)
Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
The Path to Her Heart by Linda Ford (Personally Autographed)
X-Men 2
Hunted by William W. Johnstone (spine frayed at top)
Man of My Dreams by Johanna Lindsey (spine frayed a bit at bottom)
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
Stormy Weather by Carl Haasen - Audio Tapes
Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland - Audio Tapes (box creased but tapes good)
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes
Vertical Run by Joseph R. Garber (sc)

Pick #9
Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes
The Closers by Michael Connelly
Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology
Final Appeal by Lisa Scottoline (spine creased)
The Lost World by Michael Crichton - Audio Tapes
Evil Whispers by Owl Goingback
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Darkfall by Stephen Laws
Runaway Heart by Stephen J. Cannell
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10
The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)
Double Blind by Ken Goodard
Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief by Dorothy Gilman - Audio Tapes
The Trouble with Mary by Millie Criswell
Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)