Sunday Words of Encouragement November 26, 2017

We had our Preacher brother from Haiti in to visit at Sunday School. It was wonderful to see him and to hear his message sharing the importance of teaching and making disciples.

Our Pastor and family are away to celebrate Thanksgiving with family. The Illuminate Series continued with our assistant/youth Pastor in Galatians 5:1-12.

It is important to remember that the Christian life is more than a judgment message or trying to follow commands. The important element is the love message. The gospel is the good news.
Life to the fullest is in a loving relationship with God.

Some people have been raised with a scary view; raised in fear trying to stay on a narrow path above a floor of lava. The gospel is an Important message for eternity, but it must be based on love. Is your faith expressing itself in love?

Paul confronts difficult issues head on. He tells the people don't get tied back into law or works. No manner of dress, prayer, or fasting will make you more approved. It is better to live in grace than in the law.

There are 613 laws set out in the old testament. It is impossible to follow them all. You don't get to pick and chose which you must follow if you are trying to live under the law. Christ’s salvation is a gift that frees us from living under the law. We can't keep promises. We are fortunate that God’s love is based acceptance by faith, not by works. We are accepted in faith before being transformed to whom He wants us to be; before growing through the process.

The Point: What is important is faith expressing itself in love. Galatians 5:6.

The situation you are living in may not change, but how you live through it can change. People see how we live outside the church walls. We mustn’t live within the church like we are special. We each go to church because we are not perfect. We are always learning, growing. We need God and need to love the lost. If we love God, then we love people.

It's love that changes people. The love and acceptance of God and who we are is the key. It changes everything. The role we play is not to correct the lost but it's to love the lost.

1 Corinthians 13:13 says the greatest gift is love. Then that gift should be the most used. Allow God to reveal himself to you. Accept His free gift of love; acknowledge who you are and then share the love He has shown you.

I had this song in my list and I think it fits today.

Verses for Today:
Galatians 5:4-6 NIV
4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Lord, I pray that you help me to show Your love in the way that I live each day.

Sharing Beyond Books #330 Comment Giveaway November 25, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week. I enjoyed the quotes that were shared and hope others will read them too.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #329 comments is: #5 Alina who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #330

(One Question.)

bn100 asks: How do you feel about authors/publishers running contests where the only way to enter is to buy the book (which is different than the no purchase necessary contests)??

I am not in favor of giveaways where you have to buy the book. It usually requires that you send in the receipt which is an extra (annoying) step... assuming I would want to buy the book in the first place.
On top of that - it is an illegal violation of FTC rules. :-)

Image found at Rafflecopter.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.
Comments in November were from Elizabeth, Alina, Becky and bn100. Random.org chose 4 so bn100 gets to pick an book.

Your turn to share. bn100 asks: How do you feel about authors/publishers running contests where the only way to enter is to buy the book (which is different than the no purchase necessary contests)??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question 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 through Saturday December 2, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: The Letterbox by Layton Green

This ghostly thriller brings some soul searching.
The Letterbox
by Layton Green

File Size: 2336 KB
Print Length: 368 pages
Publication Date: September 2, 2016
ASIN: B01LHMCTSA
Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

What if you had the chance to uncover tangible evidence of the divine? How far would you go, what dangers would you brave, in pursuit of the greatest mystery of all?
Four companions of varying beliefs, on a journey to the forgotten corners of Europe, are about to find out.
On a desolate English moor, a team of scientists unearths a two-thousand-year-old wooden box, preserved in silver and inlaid with a map of patterned gemstones. A set of runes inscribed on the box claims the map is a pathway to God.
In an attempt to decipher the map, a wealthy New Orleans collector assembles an unlikely team: a specialist in cultural antiquities who dabbles in the occult; a jaded attorney searching for meaning; a brilliant linguist who loathes organized religion; and a Catholic historian with a reputation for acquiring pieces no one else can or will.
Shackled by secrets and hidden motives, pursued by a sinister religious order, driven by an insatiable desire for answers, the four companions trek across Europe as they search for a connection among the ancient sites revealed by the map. As the hunt for truth takes them deeper into the unknown, their lives and perhaps their souls in peril, they must determine whether the letterbox is part of an elaborate, centuries-old deception—or the answer to mankind’s ultimate questions.
From critically acclaimed and bestselling author Layton Green, The Letterbox is a thrilling new mystery that weaves danger, exotic locales, breathless suspense, romance, and ancient secrets into the tapestry of an unforgettable novel.

Review:
A unique artifact is found on a desolate English moor. A wealthy New Orleans collector, Lucius, is hired to retrieve the letterbox and investigate its origins and purpose. The collector calls in a brilliant linguist, Lou, an atheist, who drags along his best friend, Aidan, an attorney who is disgusted with his work and seeking some greater meaning to life. Lou determines that runes on the box may be interpreted as the “God path”. Not all the writing and mosaic work on the box matches the described or expected setting and historic time which adds to the puzzle. Lucius’ assistant, Asha, who dabbles in the occult, joins the team and they head off to Dubrovnik to pick up the team guide, Jake, a Catholic historian skilled in collecting, and protecting, rare pieces.

The four are quickly drawn in and committed to the search by individual drives and secret motives. Even as strange visions, ghostly apparitions, threatening druids and dangers stalk them across Europe, they cannot let go of the quest. Will the map lead them to a hidden treasure, druid secrets concealed centuries ago, or an encounter with God? It is a quest that may steal their lives if not their souls.

This is a fascinating mystery guided by a puzzle that might have readers thinking of The Da Vinci Code while the quest is reminiscent of a modern day Indiana Jones adventure traveling to spiritually rich sites. The history, action and danger of the quest are engaging, but I was anxious to discover the end result. I found the four varied reactions to the revealed ending to be consistent with their beliefs and preset attitudes, which provides an interesting psychological argument.

The writing is strong with unique and well researched settings. The story is told from Aidan's view which worked well since he is the one seeking meaning without a preset belief system. I recommend this as engaging reading to those who like a puzzling thriller with a touch of soul searching.

I received this from the author for an honest review.

Audio Book Review: Virus: Earth's Last Battle by Ray Jay Perreault

This is an entertaining, full of action Sci Fi.

Virus: Earth's Last Battle
By: Ray Jay Perreault
Narrator: George Napier

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-25-17
Publisher: Ray Jay Perreault
Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
This is the second book in the Virus series, which parallels the SIMPOC series.
A suspicious virus has killed 99.99997 percent of the people. A ruthless warlord who moved into the White House attacked the government at Camp David. The president moved the remaining government to an aircraft carrier in the Atlantic and left a military unit to deal with the warlord.
The decimated US Navy is still functional. They must defend themselves from the remnants of militaries with a grudge against the US that use the opportunity to get revenge.
Joan Herl and her remaining space station Oasis crew returned to Earth, and a computer playing by different rules attacked them. Their only ally was the first thinking computer SIMPOC and his surrogate Alpha. Dr. Julius, who was one of the moon colony crew members, steals the research for thinking computers, and with his expertise he creates another computer that rivals SIMPOC and who starts making its own plans.
Eventually, they all find out why the virus started and who is responsible.
©2015 Raymond J Perrealt (P)2017 Raymond J Perreault

Review:
A sudden, world-wide plague has killed over 99% of the people on earth. It was not a slow infection but simultaneous outbreaks throughout the earth that spread rapidly before there was a chance to identify and try to contain the virus.

The President and some staff support have been holed up at Camp David after a warlord and thugs took over the White House. A handful of survivors find themselves stranded on a naval ship. They are able to make contact and get support from the US Navy which still has some ships manned by uninfected survivors. There were some military attacks as certain power seekers tried to take advantage of the decimated forces. The Admiral fought off the initial attacks and is gathering what strength remains. They plan to move the President to a ship where they think he will be safer.

Joan Herl and the crew from the Oasis space station have returned to earth and are monitoring things from the space center in Florida. They received help from a sentient, growing computer known as SIMPOC, and his mobile assistant, Alpha. There are concerns about whether the computers will remain helpful since Dr. Julius stole the technology and created a rival computer that has no compunction about harming humans. This concern has cause to be addressed when Alpha steps in during a deadly attack by rogue humans who are intent on stealing Joan’s resources.

Meanwhile a group on Mars and another on the Moon try to decide if they should evacuate. There is no likelihood of supplies in the near future especially since the last shuttle out with relief staff and supplies is stranded in space as it is unknown if they carry the virus.

The story follows numerous threads of action which keep it moving and interesting once the reader/listener distinguishes the settings and groups. Unfortunately, this is a second book and it seemed to pick up where the first book ended and it was hard to tell quite what was missed in the first installment. Much of the society infrastructure is gone but radio or computer communication remains although it is not clear how unless it is because it is computer aided. It was also unclear why some pockets of people survived the virus.

Some of the storyline falls in the line of super hero/villain mode, which made me think of XMen. Still, I liked the action and am curious how the different groups survive the next wave of villain computer threat.

Audio Notes: George Napier does a good, if not stellar, job of narrating although some of the voices, particularly the women, seemed immature to me. There are background sounds that give the performance more of a movie element. I enjoyed the quick listen which I found entertaining.

I received this audio from the author. It qualifies for my Audio Book Challenge and as part of Sci Fi Month.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 24, 2017

Happy Friday!
I've had a strong, productive week and still have plenty to work on. Our weather is cool with beautiful clear skies.

Don't forget that I celebrate this event for the four weeks in November by selecting FOUR random winners! So be ready to make your picks to give books a new home or get a GC to spend toward book purchases!

We have been away this week enjoying visiting with family for the Thanksgiving holiday. 
I hope everyone had a lovely week!

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the November 17 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 17 Pick:
ELIZABETH gets To Tame a Highlander Warrior;
LINDA gets a GC;
MARJORIE gets a GC;
and
RITA gets Treasure Me..

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

If anyone is starting to shop with Black Friday, don't forget to give books!
Image found at North Gate Mall.

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017 (37 titles)
24 in the top picture and 13 in the lower picture. Not sure that you can read the titles so I will try to list these soon.

Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior

New Book Group #75 September 29, 2017

SINGLES:

JoAnn Ross: Confessions
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
Morning Song
Daring

Named of the Dragon
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing

New Book Group #74 August 25, 2017

SINGLES:
Treasure Me by Robyn DeHart
Cold Blooded by Lisa Jackson
House of Dreams by Brenda Joyce (slight spine wear)
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Surrender My Love by Johanna Lindsey (slight spine wear)
204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson – Audio Cassettes
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman


New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work.
SINGLES:
The Cowboy by Joan Johnston
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan

New Book Group #72 May 12, 2017
PAIRS:
Brenda Joyce: The Third Heiress and The Rival
Jayne Ann Krentz: Dangerous Affair and True Colors
SINGLES:
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
SINGLES:
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)

New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
SINGLES:
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLES:
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
SINGLES:
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)

New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016-- All Gone
The Champion by Heather Grothaus

New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette

New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014 -- All Gone

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.

BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

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 these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,122+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, 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.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. 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 too. :o)

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!