Sunday Words of Encouragement January 29, 2023 - Hungry for God

Our Sunday School teacher led this morning’s lesson from James 1:5-8 which he titled If You Need Wisdom. He distinguished wisdom from knowledge, noting that wisdom involves the proper use of knowledge. And part of Biblical wisdom is seeing the situation from God’s point of view. Going through trials helps refine us, to get out impurities.

We had a lovely time of praise and worship and then celebrated Communion.
Pastor’s message this morning was from 2 Kings 2:1-14 regarding being Hungry for God and the double blessing. You can't tell anything to a person who knows everything. It is hard for such a “know-it-all” to hunger for more when you think you have it all. But when you have an open, teachable spirit, you can recognize the many acts of Grace in your life.

When Elijah first invited Elisha to follow him, he went by and threw his mantle (cloak) on Elisha and kept moving. Elisha responded by chasing after Elijah. He wanted Elijah to mentor him. We all need mentors. We have to pursue and follow after wise and experienced believers who will help us grow in our relationship with God.

After Elijah defeated the pagan god, Baal and battled with Ahab and Jezebel, he was tired. As he knew he was going to meet God, Elijah took Elisha to three places where he told him to stay. First was Bethel which was considered a “house of God”, a good place. But Elisha said he would not leave his mentor. They then went to Jericho a place of victory. Again, Elisha would not stay. Elisha went on with Elijah to the Jordan, the place of transition. When Elijah asked what Elisha wanted, Elisha asked for a “double portion” of his spirit. Elisha wanted more. Elijah said that was a difficult thing, but to watch and if he saw him go, then it would be given. This was to acknowledge the sovereignty of God.

Part of the goal of fasting and praying is to seek more of God and more of our relationship with Him. We need to have a teachable spirit. Don't just be settled where you are. Don't be satisfied with your current level. Don't be so attached that you can't grow. Don't resist learning. Don't be too proud to learn.

Are you hungry? When you are hungry, you don't need a great cook. We count our hardship with joy. James 1:2-4. God is moving forward. Are we ready to move forward too? Paul encouraged Timothy to stir up the gift. 2 Timothy 1:6.

Our Pastor stated that he believes our church is at transition. We need to press in for more.
Are we hunger for more? Ask for the move of His Spirit.
Grace abounds greatly in a world full of sin.
Don't give up or grow weary...
Stay committed. Keep on doing. 2 Kings 13:15-18.
Stay committed. God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,...” Ephesians 3:20. Press in and Believe God for more.

I like this song for today’s message. I Need You More.

Verses for Today:
2 Kings 2:9-10 NIV
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”


Lord, I pray that You keep me hungry for more of You.

Audible Book Review: Navigating the Stars by Maria V. Snyder

I loved other series by this author. This is a well written start to another series.

Navigating the Stars
Sentinels of the Galaxy, Book 1
By: Maria V. Snyder
Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins
Release date: 01-17-19
Publisher: Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Adventure, Science Fiction, Space Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
“The answer is no, Lyra”, my mother utters her favorite - I swear - phrase.
No means I have to travel with them to another planet - again.
No means leaving all my friends 50 years in the past. Thanks, Einstein.
Seventeen-year-old Lyra Daniels can’t truly blame Einstein or her parents for their impending move across the Milky Way Galaxy. It’s all due to the invention of the Q-net, which made traveling the vast distances in space possible - with one big caveat: the time dilation. But that never stopped Lyra's ancestors from exploring the Milky Way, searching for resources and exoplanets to colonize. What they didn’t expect to find is life-sized terracotta warriors buried on 21 different exoplanets...Make that 22.
As the Galaxy’s leading experts on the warriors, Lyra's parents are thrilled by the new discovery, sending them - and her - 50 years into the future. Her social life in ruins, she fills her lonely days by illegally worming into the Q-net. The only person close to her age is the annoyingly irresistible security officer who threatens to throw her into the brig.
After the planet they just left goes silent - meaning no communications from them at all - security has bigger problems to deal with than Lyra, especially when vital data files go missing. But that's just the beginning, because they’re not as alone as they thought on their new planet...and suddenly time isn't the only thing working against them.
©2018 Maria V. Snyder (P)2019 Maria V. Snyder

Review:
Lyra’s parents are excited when exploration on a distant planet uncovers the 22nd set of buried, life-sized terracotta warriors. This is their specialty, and they are eager to go and excavate the treasure in person. But seventeen-year-old Lyra doesn’t want to go on a voyage to a far off planet, because she will be leaving her friends behind. Due to time travel, she would remain a teenager while all her friends would age. But, of course, Lyra, doesn’t get to choose.

On the spaceship Lyra continues her schooling in an awkward situation where the only other youth her age is a sullen young man, Niall, who turns out to be the son of the ship chief security officer. Naill, born and raised on the ship, has no desire to make friends with a passenger. And as a junior security officer, he isn’t even willing to look the other way when he realizes that Lyra is hacking the Q-net, the governmental computer system. Hacking the system will normally earn time in the brig… but soon the security officers realize Lyra has a special skill ‘worming’ the system. When the planet they came from goes silent and data files related to the excavation team go missing the authorities fear threats from space pirates. they determine they need to train and fine tune Lyra’s skills to help protect the exploration.

In addition to trying to uncover the attacks on the Q-Net files, the crew will soon face space pirates. Lyra develops a relationship with the Captain and the Security team, including a growing friendship with Naill. Then someone sets their sights on Lyra when they recognize her special skills.

I loved the Study and Storm Series by Ms. Snyder and I am sorry I waited this long to get into this series. Snyder delivers likeable characters and a plot full of suspense and emotional situations. I’m not always drawn to stories of teens who tend to be a bit self-absorbed, but I was pulled into the story and it read very quickly as I pushed to find out what would happen. I will be continuing with the other books in the series. I recommend this to fans of well written science fiction suspense.

Audio Notes: Gabra Zackman does an excellent job with the narration. She conveys most of the characters with spot on emotions and personality. The voices are strong and distinct and the narration increased my enjoyment of the entertainment.

Source: 1/15/2020 December Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: North! Or Be Eaten The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2 by Andrew Peterson

This is book 2 of an engaging children’s series.

North! Or Be Eaten
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 01-05-21
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Action and Adventure, Growing Up, Family Life, Religious Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
First they found themselves On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Now they must make their way North! Or Be Eaten....
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Ben, and the dreaded Fork Factory.
But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, North! Or Be Eaten is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can listen to together, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning.
This audiobook includes a PDF of maps, illustrations, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Andrew Peterson (P)2020 Listening Library.

Review:
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby are still on the ‘run’ with their mother, grandfather and a few other adult guardians. There are enough dangers on the journey but there are also petty squabbles among the children who have not yet accepted, much less understood their roles as the royal Lost Jewels of Anniera.

There are also dangers from betrayal as it is hard to distinguish friend from foe. Some foes are natural but others are willing to trade loyalties for financial gain or promises of future power. There are new allies but losses to deal with too.

The characters are well defined with good uniqueness. I enjoyed the active adventures experienced by the family. I am listening to this series so I can enjoy the stories with my grandchildren. I was not thrilled with all of the violence and dishonest issues but I think it is good for parents/adults to read/listen to with children so these issues can be discussed. The series is now available to watch through Angel Studios. https://www.angel.com/ I recommend this adventure series to families.

Audio Notes: The author, Andrew Peterson, does a wonderful job on the narration. He delivers distinct voices, appropriate energy, and pacing that fits. I am glad I got to listen to the audio version.

Source: 4/8/2021 March Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness My rating 4.25

Audible Book Review: The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams

I had seen mixed reviews but I enjoyed this easy listen mystery.
The Secret, Book & Scone Society
By: Ellery Adams
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart

Series: The Secret, Book & Scone Society, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 11-03-17
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Miracle Springs is a place of healing. Strangers flock there hoping that the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. And, if none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked scone from the Gingerbread House bakery, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That's Nora's special talent: prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person's deepest pain and lighten their heaviest burden.
But when a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, he's found dead on the train tracks before he can keep their appointment. Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman's demise, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, and, as the society works to untangle the web of corruption surrounding the murder, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge.
©2017 Ellery Adams (P)2017 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Nora Pennington is the owner of Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, a town known for resting and healing. The bookstore is in the old train station and her tiny home is a former caboose. Nora has a special talent for getting patrons to share their stories while she picks just the right books for their situation. She has become known as a local “bibliotherapist”. She isn’t trained in psychology, but she is well trained in observation and empathy, especially after experiencing a traumatic event in her own past that left her emotionally and physically scarred. Although she welcomes sharing stories in exchange for book ‘therapy’, Nora tends to remain on her own with books as her best friends.

Nora has just met a visiting businessman and is anticipating his visit to the bookshop. Instead, the man is found dead, having been pushed onto the train tracks. At first Nora is afraid the police department will treat the incident as a suicide. Then she is concerned when they arrest a local woman.

Nora soon gathers several other local shop owners or employees into a group they name ‘Secret, Book and Scone Society’. Hester runs a bakery across the street and makes "comfort scones," that fit the customers. Estella is a trashy hair stylist, with a blatant tendency to flirt. June works at the hot springs hotel where tourists are attracted. These women are initially a loose group willing to help investigate and solve the murder. Along the way they agree to share their own secrets and solidify their friendship.

The women get some help from other locals. One is a nice paramedic who, to her surprise, seems to be interested in Nora. Another it a town deputy who is involved in the case but is willing to listen to the conjectures of Hester and the other ladies. Finally, there is a bartender who expresses great affection for Estella.

I enjoyed the characters and their unique ‘abilities’ which might be a bit magical, or just insightful and led by experience. The mystery winds around with greed and corruption and one of the evil does stands out pretty quickly, while another appears in a twist. I enjoyed the mystery and plan to read more in the series. I recommend this to fans of cozy mysteries and small town settings.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Cris Dukehart. The voices are sufficiently clear and distinct for each character. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 5/6/18 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post January 22, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 23, 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.

Heather had a week off last week for vacation ... and hopefully restoration! Of course that left the rest of us juggling her work with ours. This is the way of small business.

I am pretty sure the deer keep getting the bird seed. Here they are under the feeder one frosty morning last week.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations and a calmer atmosphere in 2023. Continuing to pray for friends and families dealing with grief.

This week the weather was nice until we got rain on the weekend. The coming week will dip down to 32 again one or two nights. The days will be 55 to 65.

I finished two audios and posted three reviews (trying to get caught up a little at a time) with my memes.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to SAVVY AUTHORS. I was recommending this to a young lady at my church so I thought I'd do a shout out to them today.

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

• Sunday Post January 15, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 16, 2023.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Audible Book Review: Detroit Christmas, A Grimnoir Chronicles Audio Drama, by Larry Correia; Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Joy to the Wolves, Red Wolf, Book 1, by Terry Spear; Genre: Holiday, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Crisis Shot: The Line of Duty, Book 1, by Janice Cantore ; Genre: Clean & Wholesome, Police Procedural, Thriller & Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 22, 2023 - Fasting for God's Will.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Forging Zero: The Legend of ZERO
By: Sara King
Narrated by: Liam Owen
Series: Legend of ZERO, Book 1
Length: 21 hours and 54 minutes
I'm glad I listened to this and I want to go on to the next book in the series.
Source: 11/28/2016 Audible Sale.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Last Tribe
By: Brad Manuel
Narrated by: Scott Brick
Length: 22 hrs and 42 mins
Release date: 06-14-16
I liked this post-apocalyptic which is full of characters and only a little violence.
Source: 05/17/2020 Audible Credit pick.
Click on book title for full description..

Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

How Great Science Fiction Works
By: Gary K. Wolfe, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Gary K. Wolfe
Series: The Great Courses: Genre Fiction
Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins
This showed as expiring on 2/8/23 so I decided to listen. It is very informative!
Source: September 2022 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Robots, spaceships, futuristic megacities, planets orbiting distant stars. These icons of science fiction are now in our daily news. Science fiction, once maligned as mere pulp, has motivated cutting-edge scientific research, inspired new technologies, and changed how we view everyday life - and its themes and questions permeate popular culture. Take an unparalleled look at the influence, history, and greatest works of science fiction with illuminating insights and fascinating facts about this wide-ranging genre. If you think science fiction doesn't have anything to do with you, this course deserves your attention. And if you love science fiction, you can't miss this opportunity to trace the arc of science fiction's evolution, understand the hallmarks of great science fiction, and delve deeply into classics while finding some new favorites.
These 24 captivating lectures reveal the qualities that make science fiction an enduring phenomenon that has been steadily gaining popularity. You'll grasp the context and achievements of authors like Arthur C. Clarke, H.G. Wells, Isaac Asimov, Ursula K. LeGuin, and many more. You'll experience the wonder, horror, and incredible imagination of works like Frankenstein, the Foundation series, Stranger in a Strange Land, and dozens of more recent stories as well. You'll also see this genre's influence in movies like Star Wars and TV shows like The Twilight Zone.
Science fiction can take us places in time and space where no other form of fiction can - outer space, the far future, alternate universes, unfathomable civilizations. The best science fiction expands our imaginations and makes its mark on our reality. And while few writers would ever claim to predict the future, sometimes authors get it almost eerily right: Gernsback describing radar in 1911, Bradbury describing giant flatscreen TVs in 1951, Gibson inventing "cyberspace" in 1984, and so on.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.
©2016 The Great Courses (P)2016 The Teaching Company, LLC

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Heaven's River
Bobiverse, Book 4
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 16 hrs and 57 mins
I'm still working on some mid-length titles. This is a series I enjoy and a 'Location' title.
Source: October 17, 2021 - September 2021 Audible Credits.
About This Audible Original Civil war looms in the Bobiverse in this brand-new, epic-length adventure by Audible #1 bestseller Dennis E. Taylor.
More than a hundred years ago, Bender set out for the stars and was never heard from again. There has been no trace of him despite numerous searches by his clone-mates. Now Bob is determined to organize an expedition to learn Bender’s fate — whatever the cost.
But nothing is ever simple in the Bobiverse. Bob’s descendants are out to the 24th generation now, and replicative drift has produced individuals who can barely be considered Bobs anymore. Some of them oppose Bob’s plan; others have plans of their own. The out-of-control moots are the least of the Bobiverse’s problems.
Undaunted, Bob and his allies follow Bender’s trail. But what they discover out in deep space is so unexpected and so complex that it could either save the universe — or pose an existential threat the likes of which the Bobiverse has ever faced.
Heaven’s River is the fourth installment in the blockbuster Audible Original Bobiverse series—which has sold more than 1 million copies.
©2020 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC
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Again, I will decide on the next book when I get there. :-)

January 22, 2023 -  I am enjoying this new plan on YouVersion. I totally enjoyed watching the devotion videos so I am doing another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen" .  I have never done a Chronological reading before.
I added Matthew so I could follow along with my son who is reading with the BOBs (Band of Brothers). I will add the applicable New Testament book to read along.
I did a five day study during the week that was good: The DNA of Your Identity.

I finished two audio titles and reviewed three so I am making slow progress. I am now behind 9 reviews.  I continue to work on these.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I still have three current titles from NetGalley, two audio and one ebook.
I still have the two old ebook titles. I went ahead and said "no feedback" for A Place Called Armageddon as a DNF.
I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(Plus a few that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I didn't better this week with no purchases. I do have credits and VIP to use over at Audiobooks.com before the end of the month.
I added two free titles through Audible Plus Catalog.
I got no free Kindle titles again this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

1/20 and 1/22/2023 Audible Plus Catalog:

Edgewater Road: The Rumors in Ross County Series, Book 1
By: Shelley Shepard Gray
Narrated by: Chelsea Stephens
Series: The Rumors in Ross County, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins

The Lost Lieutenant: Serendipity & Secrets Series, Book 1
By: Erica Vetsch
Narrated by: Mary Sarah
Series: Serendipity & Secrets, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins


No new titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.