Sunday Words of Encouragment October 6, 2013

This morning our Pastor preached on a Psalm that is so wonderfully familiar to many of us --
Psalm 23, often referred to as the Shepherd's Psalm. The Shepherd is responsible to provide the appropriate pastures and water for sheep. Sheep will only drink from still water. They must lay down to rest and absorb their nutrients. What is the job or purpose of the sheep? They eat and drink, mature and bear young.

Pastor noted that this Psalm really is about Relationship. We should not see ourselves like “dumb” sheep. But we too are given life to eat, drink, mature and raise young. No matter how old you get you can still have, or mentor, spiritual offspring. Healthy offspring can only come from the protected relationship of the herd of sheep led by the wise hand of a shepherd. Pastor pointed out that relationship is like the herd of water buffalo at the Battle at Kruger. The herd stopped to protect and help the weak and injured calf.

Some animals have a relationship of convenience, like Pastor’s feral cat who hung around for food, water and shelter. But there was no intimacy, no touch, no commitment. When the cat decided to go off there was no way for Pastor to know where it went or to help it. This happens in churches too with people, like those who come in late, leave early and do not connect to others in the congregation.  Pastor proclaimed that ours is a Church of ‘restoration.’ We accept strays and hope that they will become connected; will find a relationship within the church, to be mentored as offspring to find a full relationship with God.

If we recall when we first got saved, or accepted Christ as our personal savior, we recall that everything in our live changed. Sometimes it came suddenly, other times more slowly, but always there was change. Usually there is a point where a new Christian is very excited to share what God has done for him/her.  Paul advised Timothy to “Stir up gift within you.” 2 Timothy 1:6. If we are alive in Christ, we should show it. We should not be like a “bump on a pickle.” We should not just sit and wait for our own death. Instead we should share and help others. We should show our excitement as one of those who is yearning for His appearing. Pastor referenced 2 Timothy 4:8 but I found all of chapter 4 is applicable to this message.

There are several versions of songs featuring Psalm 23.

I found this one to be inspirational!

A Verse for Today
Psalm 23:6  (NIV)
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Thank you Lord for all the blessings that you pour down on me as my Shepherd. Help me to be obedient to follow your direction: to eat and drink of the nutrients (physical and spiritual) that you provide, and to mentor spiritual offspring so they may have a relationship with you too.

Sharing Beyond Books #120 Comment Giveaway 10/5/13

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.

Hey everyone! Are you getting ready to celebrate Halloween or anything special this month?
I am pleased to say that I feel much better. Thought I was having a relapse earlier in the week but now I feel good.

Twenty-one of us do not cover our books although several of us do have covers for our ereaders. Only two commenters actually use covers and Liss is thinking of doing it.

There were twelve definite "nos" to roller coasters. Five who love them and another five who like the rides but maybe haven't ridden in years.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #119 comments is: #14 Di who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #120

Q1. Becky asks:  If you are in a bookstore, where do you go first??

A: Hmm... I don't go to bookstores very often but when I do I admit I hit the bargain table first. Then I might check out the gift section. And often I stop for a coffee and treat if available. :-)

Doesn't this look charming?

Image found at Bookstores of the World.

Q2. My nonbookish Question this week: Which would you 'prefer' to visit: Dentist or Doctor??

A: Well really I don't 'prefer' either. :-) I think maybe I would choose to go to the dentist because usually it is quick and painless. At least I haven't had a root canal for years. Besides I don't really go to the doctor unless I am sick or need the annual check up things and I don't look forward to the 'vice machine!' (That happens to be on my mind since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month.)

I had a guy like this - just once!
Image found at Funny as a Duck.                                             Image found at Wub Boo Mummy.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Becky asks:  If you are in a bookstore, where do you go first??

Q2.My non-bookish Question: Which would you 'prefer' to visit: Dentist or Doctor??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two 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, October 11, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: My Lady Quicksilver by Bev McMaster

This has great, strong characters and wonderful relationship tension.
My Lady Quicksilver
by Bec McMaster

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 1, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 140227033X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402270338

Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
"Deftly blends elements of Steampunk and vampire romance with brilliantly successful results...darkly atmospheric and delectably sexy."—Booklist Starred Review for Kiss of Steel
In the mist-shrouded streets of a steam-fueled London, a clockwork army is on the rise, vampire blue bloods rule the streets, and war is brewing...
I Will Come For You...
He will find her no matter what. As a blue-blooded captain of the Nighthawk Guard, his senses are keener than most. Some think he's indestructible. But once he finds the elusive Mercury, what will he do with her?

It's his duty to turn her in—she's a notorious spy and traitor. But after one stolen moment, he can't forget the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her, or the sharp sting of betrayal as she slipped off into the night. Little does Mercury know, no one hunts better than the Nighthawk. And his greatest revenge will be to leave her begging for his touch...

Review:
Mercury is a leader of the humanist rebellion against the powerful, blood sucking Echelon. She was raised to be a spy and an assassin. When her brutal, blue-blood, father slaughtered her beloved husband in front of her she managed to escape his clutches, along with her brothers. Her older brother, Jack, is frail due to the experiments and tortures of their father. Her younger brother, Jeremy, had gotten into the wrong crowd of machinists and has been missing since Mercury foiled the machinists plan to bomb the Echelon leadership.

Mercury has her own mechanical arm that was cut off trying to free her husband. The arm was then replaced by expert biotechs engaged by her father. Although Mercury sympathizes with the machinists, she did not agree they were ready for the all out war that would follow a vicious attack against the Echelon. Still she continues with her plans to face the brutal Coldrush guards of the Echelon. But her activities are being investigated by Lynch, “The Nighthawk” himself, who is the head of the Nighthawks, the rogue, outcast blue-bloods who serve as spies and enforcers for the Echelon along with the guard.

Mercury is distracted from her own revenge efforts while seeking news of the whereabouts of Jeremy. Mercury goes undercover as Rosalind, an able and determined secretarial assistant.  She convinces Lynch to engage her and they begin a careful, but oh-so dangerous, dance. The more Rosalind gets to know Lynch the more she respects him, even knowing he is the enemy. She knows she shouldn’t grow close but this is the first time her senses have been stirred–even her heart– since her husband’s death.
Lynch feels a growing attraction for Rosalind but he is confused by his lustful reaction to the seductive play of Mercury. He is having a hard time keeping his usual cold, controlled demeanor while challenged by two attractive, but both unattainable, women.

Lynch is given an ultimatum by the Prince Consort: he has two weeks to bring in Mercury for execution or submit himself in her place. But how can he turn over a woman who makes him feel alive?

There is plenty of action in addition to the deceptive intrigue as Lynch and his team, with Rosalind in tow to take notes, investigate the sudden rampaging and killing of loved ones and households among several Echelon leaders.  The reader knows that Rosalind is going toeventually get caught and exposed as Mercury. The fun is getting there and learning how Lynch reacts!

I enjoy the steampunk elements in this series and the strong characters. I really loved the intrigue and sensual play throughout this book. It kept my attention riveted waiting to see the next step or play in the game.

Although I recommend this whole series I think this could be read as a stand alone and it is my favorite so far. I read two of the prior books and missed one. I think the background was sufficiently recounted to identify the players and how they got where they are. There are still characters who have stories waiting, and I am especially interested to learn what happens to Barrons and to the ongoing battle between humanists and the Echelon.

I received the ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest reviewing.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

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I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

 For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open to those with US address only.
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Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

BookBlast Blog Tour Feature and Giveaway: Just Ella

Tour Schedule

Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen

Book Summary:

A Proper Romance

Ariella was only looking for a distraction, something to break up the monotony of palace life. What she found was a young man willing to overlook her title and show her a new and vibrant way of life. But when her growing feelings for Gavin spiral out of control and clash with the expectations of her station, she will discover that the consequences of her curiosity are far more severe than she’d imagined.

I watched in helpless horror as two guards hauled Gavin to his feet and dragged him from the room. My voice was frozen, unable to protest as another guard took hold of my arm, leading me upstairs. From the confines of my room, I stared into the darkness beyond my window, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Gavin. He was gone, and I wondered if he would have been better off if he had never met me.

I write clean romance. Why? Because that’s what I love to read, but over the years I’ve discovered it’s quite a challenge to find good clean romance. I believe it’s a genre that many people are looking for and too few authors are writing. My first novel, Just Ella, took me many years to write because I wanted it to be more than just a cutesy love story. I wanted it to have depth, to feel genuine. Hopefully I succeeded, but you’ll have to be the judge.

Amazon Paperback * Amazon Kindle

Praise for Just Ella

"I fell in love with this book. Treat yourself to something wonderful. You can't go wrong with Just Ella!" ~Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

"By far one of the best romance novels I've ever read. Pulls you in with great, likable characters and keeps you going with a sweet and exciting love story--plus a good plot to give it even more substance. Full of those tender moments you want to go back and read again, plus exciting moments, clever humor, and some suspense as well." ~Jana Miller

"Annette Larsen writes a love story that takes time, is complicated, and yet still sweeps you up in the romance (without the cheese, thank you). It's compelling and emotional and sweet and you will love every page." ~Kimi

Book Blast/Blog Tour Special

Grab your copy of Just Ella for just $3.99!

Excerpt

“Now, wait just a minute. You can’t just plunge into a pool of water.”
“Why not?” I should have said something cleverer, but I felt a bit scatterbrained, all thoughts having fled when Gavin’s arm went around me.
He made a noise of exasperation. “Why not, she asks. Because, Princess, what’s going to happen when you show up for your lessons completely drenched? Or, what happens when we both show up on the palace grounds completely drenched? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to have to explain that to anybody.”
Unfortunately, he had a point. “Don’t call me Princess.” He had been so relaxed today, so willing to be himself and let me be myself. I hated that he felt the need to remind me of my rank. I was tempted to be angry and walk away but I also wanted to see how long he would keep his arms around me. Simply out of curiosity, of course.


Author Annette K. Larsen

I was born in Utah, but grew up in Flagstaff Arizona and St. Louis Missouri, the fifth of seven children. I attended college at Southern Virginia University and Brigham Young University where I studied English and Theater. I now live in Idaho with my husband and four children.

I have Charlotte Bronte to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to sacrifice what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but it the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it.

I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 10/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Saturday Snapshot October 5, 2013 Bahamas Cruising - Parade of Animals

As noted last week, the last day, Cruise Day 5, was at day at sea. I mentioned that we went out on deck early and my DH's first few shots were all fuzzy - but below the fuzzy is what he was taking pictures of!

Fogged over:

Becky was partially correct when she said it was the ship pool. 

The fun part was the parade of towel animals around the pool deck!

 Note the paired swans to the left below. :-)

These were great fun to look at and I was surprised by all the variety! 

We of course had the usual offerings in our stateroom each night too. :-)

Thanks to all who stop by and visit. I didn't get to visit until the end of last week. Wonder when I will this week? 

A big Thank You to Alyce of At Home With Books who has hosted this meme for a number of years. She is taking a summer hiatus at her blog and the new host will be Melissa at West Metro Mommy. Thank you to Melissa for picking up the responsibility.

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky being hosted this summer by West Metro Mommy. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.