What I'm Reading - January 21, 2019

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This weekly reading list meme is hosted at Book Date. Join in to see what others are reading and maybe get some ideas of what to read next! Although the link-up happens weekly, I've had trouble keeping up with a weekly schedule, so I've decided to try for every other week! Here's the latest from my reading list.

I finished reading . . . 

Silent on the Moor (A Lady Julia Grey Mystery Book 3) by Deanna Raybourn - Lady Julia boldly follows Brisbane to his newly acquired estate in Yorkshire, intending to define their relationship, and finds mysteries and danger.  (Read my full review HERE.)

I'm currently reading . . .

Humorous Stories and Sketches by Mark Twain - I had read most of this little collection of short stories but had to turn it over to my daughter so she could read it in time for class. Now that she's finished with it, I need to get it back so I can read the last couple of essays!



The Alamo Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower) by Kathleen Y'Barbo - I recently got started on this latest in the Daughters of the Mayflower collection. As the title suggests, this one is set in Texas in 1836.




Dark Road to Darjeeling (A Lady Julia Grey Mystery) by Deanna Raybourn - At the end of their honeymoon, Julia and Brisbane are asked to help find out if foul play was involved in the death of a friend's husband in India.




The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte - I'm going to need to hustle in order to finish this Facebook book club pick in time for the discussion, but I'm finding it interesting so far (just a couple of chapters in).




Next on the stack... 

Kind Is the New Classy: The Power of Living Graciously by Candace Cameron Bure
American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt by Stephanie Marie Thornton (ARC)

   

On my blogs recently . . . 

Here on Just A Second:

Scripture and a Snapshot - Wait in Hope
30 Days to Understanding the Bible (A FlyBy Review and Giveaway)
Wordless Wednesday - Winter Sunrise
Recent Reads - Silent on the Moor
Scripture and a Snapshot - Trust in the Lord
The Devoted Life: A Creative Devotional Journal

And on my homeschool blog, Homeschool Coffee Break:

Becoming a Model Learner on Heart and Soul
30 Days to Understanding the Bible (A Review and Giveaway on Just A Second)
Homeschool Highlights - The Week It Really Felt Like Winter
Fostering Independence in Your Middle Schooler at Heart and Soul
Virtual Refrigerator - January 2019
Word of the Year - Trust

What are you reading?

©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Scripture and a Snapshot - Wait in Hope

We wait in hope for the LORD;

he is our help and our shield.

In him our hearts rejoice,

for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,

even as we hope in you.

~Psalm 33:20-22~

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Thank you for joining Scripture & A Snapshot. Leave a link to your own post sharing a Scripture and a Snapshot. Take time to visit some of the other links and bless each other with comments.

An InLinkz Link-up

I also link up at Sunday Scripture Blessings, hosted by Peabea Scribble Pad. and at Selah, hosted by A Spirit of Simplicity.

©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

30 Days to Understanding The Bible (A FlyBy Review and Giveaway)

This post contains affiliate links.

30 Days to Understanding The Bible by Max Anders - I was delighted to be able to review this handbook for learning about the Bible. Author Dr. Max Anders simplifies the themes and teachings of the Bible without dumbing them down and presents it all in an easy-to-understand format.

Section 1 gives an overview of the history of Israel told in the Old Testament. The wisdom, poetry, and prophetic books are placed into the historical narrative, making it clear where they fit together. Keeping the chronology of the Old Testament straight is a challenge for a lot of people, so I think this is so helpful! The major figures in the history and the general geography are also covered.

Section 2 does a similar overview of the New Testament, explaining the historical narrative and the letters to the churches, and discussing the geographical settings.

Section 3 provides a concise teaching of the ten great doctrines of the Bible, the "basic body of doctrine that nearly all Christians have historically agreed upon." In addition to the Biblical teaching about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, these doctrines include the reliability of Scripture, the nature and destiny of mankind, sin, salvation, and the church.

Readers are encouraged in Section 5 to master the Bible and its teachings, and to study it so deeply that these powerful words affect every part of life. In other words, as the title says, to "Master the Bible So Well that the Bible Masters You". For those wishing to use the book and gain understanding of the Bible in a group setting, Section 6 provides a Teaching Plan for doing just that. By following the suggestions in the Teaching Plan while meeting once a week, participants in a small group could complete the study over a thirteen week period. There is also a section of bonus content such as a comparison of the four gospels, studies of the parables and miracles in the Bible, and an explanation of how Passover and the Lord's Supper are related.

From the publisher:

Do you want to learn the Bible but don't have a lot of time? Do you need a quick refresher on what you already know? If so, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible is for you. With just fifteen minutes a day, for one month, you'll learn the Bible's key people, events, and doctrines. Using a proven study plan, author Max Anders breaks down the Bible's structure so you can learn and remember the key points of the Bible's text quickly.

30 Days to Understanding the Bible is the straightforward, easy-to-use guide to learning the Bible that's been recommended by Bible teachers and pastors for 30 years.

Dr. Max Anders is the author of over 25 books. He has taught on the college and seminary level and is a veteran pastor. Max was also one of the original team members with Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. He provides resources and discipleship strategies at MaxAnders.com to help people grow spiritually.

Find out more at the website: BibleIn30Days.com

FlyBy Promotions has made it possible for me to offer a giveaway for this book - enter using Rafflecopter form below, and good luck!
(Giveaway is open to residents of the continental US and Canada only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Wordless Wednesday - Winter Sunrise

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This post is linked at Wordless Wednesday, hosted by Life on Chickadee Lane; and at Pictorial Tuesday, hosted by Peabea's Scribble Pad.

©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Reads - Silent on the Moor

This post contains affiliate links. 

Silent on the Moor (A Lady Julia Grey Mystery Book 3) by Deanna Raybourn - This is the third in the Lady Julia mystery series, and follows the bold heroine as she and older sister Portia travel to Yorkshire to visit Nicholas Brisbane at his recently acquired estate. Except that Brisbane doesn't know they are coming! He had asked Portia's help with setting up the household, but had specifically told her not to bring Julia, which meant that nothing in the world would stop Julia from going. She loves Brisbane, and knows he loves her, so she is determined to run him to ground and establish what their relationship will be. Unconventional for an upper class Victorian lady, to say the least!

Julia and Portia arrive to find the buildings in disrepair and the inhabitants of the house an odd lot. Brisbane has allowed the elderly widow of the former owner to continue living in the house along with her two daughters while he fixes up a cottage for them. They have no money or prospects, and there had been no provision for them in the wills of the father or brother, so it seems that Brisbane has been very charitable. But Julia quickly intuits that something is very wrong. The two daughters act strangely, as does their cousin, who is the farm manager. There is an uncatalogued collection of Egyptian antiquities that hides its own sinister secrets, and as Julia endeavors to uncover them, there's an attempt on Brisbane's life.

There is also a Gypsy healer living in a neighboring cottage that has some connection to Brisbane. And Brisbane's own behavior is inconsistent and mysterious. Julia throws herself into discovering the secrets of the house and its inhabitants, and into seizing the chance at love and happiness with Brisbane. When their lives are in danger, will she know whom she can trust? 

By the same author: A Treacherous Curse, A Perilous Undertaking, A Curious Beginning, Night of a Thousand Stars, Bonfire Night, Twelfth Night, City of Jasmine, Whisper of Jasmine, Midsummer Night; A Spear of Summer Grass, Silent in the Grave, Silent in the Sanctuary, Dark Road to Darjeeling, The Dark Enquiry, Silent Night, The Dead Travel Fast

This is one of three books by the same author, for the 2019 Modern Mrs Darcy Reading Challenge.

©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Scripture and a Snapshot - Trust In The Lord

Trust in the LORD and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,

your vindication like the noonday sun.

~Psalm 37:3-6~

Early in the week I wrote this as part of my Word of the Year - Trust article on Homeschool Coffee Break:

What's a mom to do? The only thing that makes sense is to trust. Not myself, not my heart, not chance or fate. I have to trust the only One who does know what's coming next, who knows the answers to all the questions, and whose plans are for our good. Often I think I've got things figured out, or know what's best, but I don't have all the information. I might think my plan is a good one, and it might seem so from my perspective, but God sees from eternity's perspective. His plans are good for me and for others too. And God's Word even tells us that he can do so much more than we can ask or imagine! In other words, my plans are sometimes too small - God might have something so much greater in mind! Whatever it is, his ways are best.

And then some of the tests of whether I believe that and will live it started to come my way, or to intensify. Do I really trust God? Will I live like I trust him and will I obey him? 

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Thank you for joining Scripture & A Snapshot. Leave a link to your own post sharing a Scripture and a Snapshot. Take time to visit some of the other links and bless each other with comments.

An InLinkz Link-up

I also link up at Sunday Scripture Blessings, hosted by Peabea Scribble Pad. and at Selah, hosted by A Spirit of Simplicity.

©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

The Devoted Life: A Creative Devotional Journal

This post contains affiliate links.

The Devoted Life: A Creative Devotional Journal by Marjorie Jackson - Coloring books have become popular for teens and adults in recent years, and there's been some emphasis on journaling as well, especially Bible journaling. But it can be hard to know where to start. This creative journal is targeted to teen girls and is a nice balance of guidance and space for creative expression, and would make a good keepsake as a reminder of commitments made and prayers answered.

The journal is a slim volume with an elegant leather-look cover. After the introduction, teen author Marjorie Jackson offers thirty-one devotional sections. Each section has a devotional thought about a page and half long, along with some relevant Scripture. Then there are two pages of journaling prompts with room for you to write down your own thoughts, questions, favorite Scriptures, and prayers on the topic. Each section also features some coloring book style artwork with Scripture as well. The topics covered include aspects of Christ-like living such as Prayer, reading the Bible, Setting an Example, and Ministry; developing godly relationships (Forgiveness, True Love, Being a Good Friend); and topics especially important to many young women today - Identity, Standing Up for What's Right, and True Beauty. 

I enjoyed looking through this beautiful devotional journal, and was pleasantly surprised that my seventeen-year-old daughter seemed eager and excited to have it. She was especially pleased to see one of the Scripture illustrations featuring a favorite verse that has been the focus in our youth group for several years: Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)



From the publisher:

Come Experience It for Yourself . . . Life Is Good With a God Who Is Great!

This topically guided creative journal for teen girls offers inspiration and encouragement for those who desire to live their lives fully devoted to Christ. Amidst the loud, confusing voices of the world, trying to tell them which way is the right way to go, girls need to stop, rest, refuel, and reflect in the presence of their truest Friend and most loyal heavenly Father. Whether it's through creativity, meditating on scripture, prayer, or writing, readers will join young author and artist, Marjorie Jackson, for a time of life-giving fun, faith-strengthening encouragement, and God-glorifying growth. As girls connect with their first love, Jesus, they will begin to understand that life is truly good with a God is absolutely great!

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.