Monthly Bookshelf Review - June 2020

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June's Books Completed and Reviewed

The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma - based on a true crime story, Harriet and a young doctor try to find the origin of a mysterious illness that is killing members of a family. (Read my full review HERE)

Had someone hit her over the head, trying to get rid of her as they had the others? No, it didn't make sense. The others were poisoned.

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette - Tirzah becomes an accomplished spy, gathering information for the Hebrew army while working in the kitchen of an enemy commander. When things go wrong, Liyam poses as a mercenary in order to help get Tirzah out of danger. (Read my full review HERE)

How much had she heard of this conversation? Knowing Tirzah, much more than I hoped. Perhaps she'd followed me from the clearing and had been privy to all my brothers' admonishments.

   

Moving Beyond Anxiety by David Chadwick - a practical book offering help and hope for those dealing with anxiety. A timely resource! (Read my full review HERE)

In the pages that follow are several practical exercises you can do to cast your cares on Jesus. As you practice these exercises, you can be absolutely certain that Jesus cares for you -- that he wants to help you with everything that takes place in your life.

During June I started reading:

Ruby Moon by Jenny Knipfer - My review will be coming soon for this story set on the shores of Lake Michigan, where a young woman of mixed French and Ojibwe background struggles with the aftermath of a tragic death.

"You must remember, you did not intend it to be this way. Under the law I believe you will not be found guilty, so do not take this guilt upon yourself, Jenay."

The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Dare - Adunni is a young Nigerian girl who wants an education more than anything. She doesn't seem to be valued much by anyone in her village, but she keeps trying to find her voice.

Learning is not having age. Anybody can learn, and so I keep to my learning, keep getting good marks in my work, and it was when I was getting more better in my Plus, Minus, and English that Papa say I must stop because he didn't have money for school fees. Since then, I keep trying to not forget my educations.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa - A stray cat finds a home with a young man and travels with him to visit his longtime friends.

Acquaintances who understood each other, that's what the man and I had become. But when he and I had settled into a comfortable relationship, fate intervened to change everything.

During June I continued reading:

Church With No Walls by Noah Cleveland - I'm not very good at reading this one every day - or even almost every day - like I'd intended, so it's taking much longer than 21 days!

So for the next twenty-one days, I am challenging you to break down the walls in your life. In doing so, you'll begin to look more and more like the disciples Jesus sent out into the world.

   

Coming Up in July!

   
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas

        

On my blogs recently . . . 

Besides the reviews, here on Just A Second you'll find:

Scripture and a Snapshot posts

Share Four Somethings - June 2020

Wordless Wednesday - June Sunsets

Wordless Wednesday - A Scioto River Walk

What I'm Reading - June 8, 2020

Connect Five Friday - War Between the States

Wordless Wednesday - Sunset Clouds

And on my homeschool blog, Homeschool Coffee Break:

Five Minute Friday - Compromise

Twenty-Six Lists - Good Influences

June Photo Album

Five Minute Friday - Worth

Coffee Break Reading List (June 18, 2020)

Suddenly Homeschooling - Pro Tips - Carrying On At Home

Twenty-Six Lists - Some Favorite Photos

Five Minute Friday - Stay

Homeschool Highlights - End of the School Year

Five Minute Friday - Born

Twenty-Six Lists - National Parks

What I'm Highlighting . . . My friends that read Just A Second are invited to join me at Homeschool Coffee Break for the Twenty-Six Lists link-up. It's every other week and the list prompts are for everyone, not just homeschoolers.

This post will be linked at the June 2020 Wrap-Up Roundup and Giveaway hosted by Feed Your Fiction Addiction.

©2008-2020 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/ 

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Recent Reads - Like Flames in the Night

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Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette - I'm so invested in this series and extended family that I don't know what I'll do with myself now that it's reached the end. (I think this particular series is at an end, but I'm looking forward to anything else Cossette writes!) The series is set in ancient Israel, during the time after the conquest of Canaan, right at the beginning of the time of the Judges. The Cities of Refuge were Levite cities set apart for those who had unintentionally killed another person where they could be safe from a blood avenger. Moriyah was the first accused killer in the series, and the subsequent three books have focused on her children. 

Moriyah's youngest daughter, Tirzah, has always been bold and a bit tomboyish, and since she is still childless after the death of her husband, she is content to be part of the extended family as a beloved aunt. But when her father suggests it may be time to search for a new husband for her, she instead pesters her brother Malakhi to train her as one of his network of spies. She proves her ability and excels in the training, and finally Malakhi has a mission for her. She goes to a nearby city and secures work in the kitchens of the Aramean commander where she keeps her eyes and ears open for information about the movement of troops or schemes of Israel's enemy. She is able to overhear so much without suspicion because as far as the Arameans know, she only speaks and understands Hebrew.

When one of her contacts and protectors is compromised and captured, Tirzah is left without any protection, and Malakhi must come up with a plan to get her out. About that time, Liyam shows up - he is searching for the man who killed his daughter  - he is a blood avenger. But he is also a skilled warrior and in exchange for information about the man he seeks, he agrees to go to the city to bring Tirzah out. He poses as a mercenary soldier and wins the trust of the Aramean easily, but Tirzah is more of a challenge. She talks him into staying longer so she can get a bit more information before leaving, but the delay puts them both in terrible danger - and they are barely able to escape.

But before Liyam can leave, Malakhi is able to talk him into another mission. One is which he enters a marriage with Tirzah so he can protect her while she infiltrates another enemy home. By this time, you can guess that Liyam and Tirzah are developing true love for each other, but they are in serious danger, and Liyam is still determined to bring his daughter's killer to justice.

This is a gripping story of danger and intrigue and a romance off to a rocky start. But it also gives fascinating insight into what life may have been like during the early years of the nation of Israel and the challenges faced by the fledgling nation as they fall away from the worship of Yahweh and then must return to trusting him to rescue them from their enemies.

By the same author: Until the Mountains Fall, Shelter of the Most High, A Light on the Hill, Wings of the Wind, Shadow of the Storm, Counted With the Stars

©2008-2020 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 - One Approved

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

~II Timothy 2:15~

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I also link up at Sunday Scripture Blessings, hosted by Peabea's Photos 'n Scribbles; and at Selah, hosted by A Spirit of Simplicity.

©2008-2020 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.

Share Four Somethings - June 2020

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Last month I wrote my Four Somethings on Day Seventy of Lockdown. I think that makes today Day Ninety-six or so?! But who's counting?

Okay, I am. I'm counting. The shackles are looser, but it's still not right or normal. However, God is still good and He is still on the throne! And there are always good things going on, am I right? Let me see if I can come up with some new things to share this month.

Something Loved

Here we go. I love Pampered Chef. I especially love the stoneware and have for a long time. A friend of mine started selling PC in the fall and I was like, "cool, now I know somebody". And then this spring it's seemed like I was getting invited to a PC party on Facebook every week! I have a wishlist and I didn't mind getting one thing on my list from each hostess and helping out, but it was getting a little out of hand. But when I saw that the June hostess special was the cast iron skillet set, I couldn't help myself - I told my friend I was ready to host a Facebook party. I rarely step up to host a "purchase party" of any kind, so it was a reach for me, but it's been fun and I'm looking forward to getting my deal on the cast iron and maybe a few perks too. Since I'm talking about it, I might as well share my party's shopping page here just in case anyone else is interested: Kym's Summer Fresh and Fun Pampered Chef Party

What's in the Pampered Chef batter bowl? It was sourdough, which I turned into these bacon cheese rolls and cinnamon rolls.

Something Read

I completed and reviewed only two books in June. There are two I'll be finishing and reviewing very soon, but as of now those reviews aren't scheduled. You can see more about my reading in my Monthly Bookshelf Review for June 2020, which will be posted shortly.

The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma

Moving Beyond Anxiety by David Chadwick

   

Something Treasured

We always value our good health, but it's easy to take for granted too. This month I had an opportunity to be especially thankful for good health in general, but specifically for my vision. Near the beginning of the month I noticed new 'floaters' in one eye and while they were mildly annoying (it always looked to me like I had dirt on my nose!) I knew that they weren't unusual or anything to be worried about all on their own. But of course I was keeping an eye on them. Ha!! A few days after these appeared, we were having dinner with friends and while sitting on the patio in the evening, I had the sensation of a flash of light in my peripheral vision. This DID concern me a bit, and I called my eye doctor the next morning to set up an appointment. I spoke with the doctor on the phone and he referred me right to a retina specialist. When I spoke with the specialist, he had me come in for an exam the very next business day. And it turned out that I did indeed have tears in my retinas! Yes, both eyes. They repaired the eye with symptoms that first visit, and yesterday I returned to have the other eye repaired. They do it with a laser, which is pretty freaky, to be honest, but it's not painful and it's relatively quick. 

Our oldest son had serious tears in his retina when he was a teenager and had to have surgery to address the problem, so that experience taught me that it was important to have it checked right away. And overall, I'm so thankful for my vision and that I was able to have it looked after promptly.

Something Ahead

Well, this month I started doing an Introduction to Beekeeping course online. It's a basic non-credit course, but it's giving me the information I need to decide whether to pursue this idea of beekeeping that we've toyed with for a couple of years. I'm not certain it will happen, but we are looking at it and I think it's a strong possibility! A new adventure!

This post will be linked at Share Four Somethings hosted by HeatherGerwing.com

 ©2008-2020 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/ 

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Scripture and a Snapshot - Worthy of His Calling

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

~II Thessalonians 1:11-12~

Happy Father's Day!

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I also link up at Sunday Scripture Blessings, hosted by Peabea's Photos 'n Scribbles; and at Selah, hosted by A Spirit of Simplicity.

©2008-2020 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.

Wordless Wednesday - June Sunsets

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We've had a beautiful view from our front porch over the past week or two. Some gorgeous sunsets!

This post is linked at Wordless Wednesday, hosted by Life on Chickadee Lane, and at Pictorial Tuesday, hosted by Peabea Scribbles.

Pictorial Tuesday

©2008-2020 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 - Do Right

"Wash and make yourselves clean.

Take your evil deeds out of my sight;

stop doing wrong.

Learn to do right; seek justice.

Defend the oppressed.

Take up the cause of the fatherless;

plead the case of the widow.

"Come now, let us settle the matter,"

says the LORD.

"Though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be white as snow;

though they are red as crimson,

they shall be like wool."

~Isaiah 1:16-18~

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I also link up at Sunday Scripture Blessings, hosted by Peabea's Photos 'n Scribbles; and at Selah, hosted by A Spirit of Simplicity.

©2008-2020 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.

Moving Beyond Anxiety - A FlyBy Book Review

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Moving Beyond Anxiety by David Chadwick - This book certainly came out at a time when strategies for dealing with anxiety are greatly needed. Anxiety is a growing problem in our society, and touches almost everyone at some point. This practical book focuses on a response for anxiety based on the truth of Scripture.

Author David Chadwick, who is a pastor with a degree in counseling, opens by explaining the foundation. Anxiety and fear are linked, anxiety is harmful, and at its root anxiety is a battle for our minds. The weapons with which we must that battle are truth and faith, and in the rest of the book Chadwick discusses how to apply Biblical truths to build our faith and overcome fear and anxiety.

There are twelve chapters that focus on how to apply those truths to specific areas of life and thought habits and so overcome anxiety. The chapters are:

• Focus on Faith
• Pray
• Fast
• Cast
• Consider Creation
• Ponder the Prepositions
• Remember
• Sing
• Remember Your Body
• Develop an Eternal Perspective
• Get Good Teammates
• Realize God Did Not Give You a Spirit of Fear

The chapter about prepositions points out that God is with us, before us, behind us, for us, over us, and works through us. I like this reminder that God's power and presence is everywhere around us and we are not left unprotected in any situation. Another chapter I found particularly helpful was about singing. I completely agree with Chadwick that music can change moods and thinking, communicates deeply, and that singing was God's invention in the first place! The Bible has many commands to sing and make music. And when it comes to worry and anxiety, since singing can lift our mood and help us memorize and connect with Scripture, it makes sense that singing and music will help defeat anxiety!

The chapters are short and the book is an easy read overall. Each chapter is full of examples from the Bible as well as modern anecdotes. The Epilogue lists some of the most powerful Scripture passages of reassurance and summarizes each of the twelve strategies. And a very valuable Appendix discusses how to avoid parenting from a place of anxiety, and how to pass on a legacy of faith and courage instead of anxiety. 

While most of the ideas and strategies presented in the book are probably not completely new or unique, all are explained well and based solidly in Scripture, and just having these strategies cataloged in an easy-to-read guidebook is a practical help. And a timely one.

Author David Chadwick graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in communications. He also has graduate degrees in counseling from the University of Florida and a Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry degrees from Columbia Theological Seminary. He has been a pastor for almost forty years. He presently pastors Moments of Hope Church in Charlotte, NC. Along with a radio ministry, he has written eight books. (Author info from Moments of Hope website) 

From the publisher:

The keys to overcoming your anxiety are found in the person of Jesus. He frequently called his followers to trust rather than give in to fear - be "anxious for nothing" (Matthew 6:25), and to cast all our anxieties on him (1 Peter 5:7).

MOVING BEYOND ANXIETY shares 12 ways you can overcome life's fears and worries - all of which come straight from Scripture and include . . .

• Focusing on faith
• Praying
• Caring for your health
• Remembering
• Developing an eternal perspective
• Finding good teammates

Moving Beyond Anxiety will equip you to defeat worry and fear forever by trusting God and exercising your faith daily. As you immerse yourself in God's truth, you will discover the most powerful antidotes to anxiety.

Find out more at the websites: Moving Beyond Anxiety and Moments of Hope

You can also follow Moments of Hope on Facebook or check out the related Bible reading plan.

“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 the product/product information. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did/will receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

©2008-2020 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.