Scripture and a Snapshot - Rock of Refuge

In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;

let me never be put to shame;

deliver me in your righteousness.

Turn your ear to me,

come quickly to my rescue;

be my rock of refuge,

a strong fortress to save me.

Since you are my rock and my fortress,

for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,

for you are my refuge.

Into your hands I commit my spirit;

deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.

But I trust in you, LORD;

I say, "You are my God."

My times are in your hands;

deliver me from the hands of my enemies,

from those who pursue me.

Let your face shine on your servant;

save me in your unfailing love.

~Psalm 31:1-5, 14-16~

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The 5-Minute Visual Guide to the Bible (Review)

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

The 5-Minute Visual Guide to the Bible by Michael Wittmer - The Bible contains lifetimes of wisdom and teachings about God and his plan for the world, but its story is simple enough for even a child to understand. Still, modern readers in western civilization often need help with the chronology, historical context, geographical settings, and cultural background of the Biblical narrative. This colorful guide does that in an easy-to-understand and visually appealing way. 

The guide works through the Bible chronologically, beginning with Creation and the foundational concepts of God's creative power, temple imagery, how humans are the crown of God's creation, and even the Biblical concept of marriage. The Fall and its consequences are similarly explained, then the remainder of Genesis and the historical books of the Old Testament are covered in detail in the chapters Israel and Exile. The Exodus, the giving of the Law, the significance of wilderness and covenant are explained. The major characters of Israel's history are introduced, and readers will see where characters like Ruth and Job fit into the historical timeline. The wisdom and poetry books are explained as well.

In the Exile section, you'll learn about the divided kingdom and get an overview of the kings and prophets during this time period and how they fit in. 

The section titled Jesus dives into the four gospels and breaks down what the gospel writers tell us about Jesus' birth and life, his miracles and teachings. To understand the context, it's helpful to know some of the other characters like Herod, the Pharisees, and the Saducees, and you'll get that info here. Near the end of the section are a couple of pages explaining the Christian doctrines surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection, and how we can be saved. Right there, simply explained, in the context of the story of Scripture. 

Following is another section of history, The Church, that discusses the events of Acts and how the early church developed. Paul's conversion and his missionary journeys and letters are explained. And finally, the last few pages explore Jesus' Return and the hope and promise of righteous judgment and the new heaven and earth.

I admit this beautiful full-color guidebook would take much more than five minutes to read cover to cover, but each page of valuable information takes five minutes or less to understand. You may wish to linger a little longer over some of the artwork, or pause to ponder some of the insights as well. I was absolutely delighted with the brilliant photos, beautiful artwork, and clear concise summaries of important events and teachings from Scripture. This is a book that is a valuable quick reference for personal Bible study, an introduction to the Bible for family reading, or as a guide to beginning an in-depth Bible study. 

From the publisher:

Want to read the Bible but find it daunting?

Wish there was a guide to simplify the overall storyline?

Think it would help to "see" the people, places, and events?

The 5-Minute Visual Guide to the Bible is designed to make scripture easier to approach . . . and come alive when you do. This brand-new guide keys beautiful, full-color illustrations - classic paintings, landscapes and artifact photos, maps and charts - to a helpful chronological time line of God's Word.

Inside, you'll find clear, succinct descriptions of

• events
• people
• places
• doctrines

of God's Word, along with numerous related references if you'd like to study further.

The 5-Minute Visual Guide to the Bible will point you to the most important, interesting, and inspiring aspects of scripture, helping you to get more from your time in God's Word.

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.

©2008-2021 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.

What I'm Reading - July 12, 2021

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

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 Book Date link-up happens weekly, I don't manage to post that often. I aim to post and link about once a month, although I sometimes link up my monthly summary as well. 

I finished reading . . . 

 Mortal Arts by Anna Lee Huber - Although I'm a little behind the pace, I am so enjoying the re-reading of this series along with many other fans and the author as we 'count down' to the release of the next Lady Darby novel. (Find the Lady Darby Read-Along group on Facebook if you're interested.) This is the second in the series. Kiera is able to reconnect with a family friend who had been her drawing master. He had been wrongfully held in an insane asylum for many years, and now is being accused of murder. Kiera teams up with Gage to find out the truth. (Read my full review HERE)

The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik - A young woman's hasty engagement becomes tenuous when a Secret Service agent investigating counterfeit money discovers a connection to a string of violent murders, and both are connected to her fiance. Based on the true story of a serial killer! (Read my full review HERE)

Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette - Lukio ran away from his adoptive Hebrew family to return to Philistia, where he has become an elite fighter. His climb to fame and success falters when he realizes his childhood sweetheart, a Hebrew girl, is a slave to the princess he's about to marry. (Read my full review HERE)

The Inviting Life by Laura Calder - I finally received this book from the library that was supposed to be part of my May theme reading! I've just started it - it's about hospitality and includes practical tips for things like spring cleaning. (Read my full review HERE)

The Beachcomber's Companion by Anna Marlis Burgard - finished as part of the June Online Book Club but haven't reviewed here yet. Will do that this week! In the meantime, see: Online Book Club - Wrapping Up June: Beach for a summary.

I'm currently reading . . .

A Grave Matter by Anna Lee Huber - As mentioned, working on a re-read of this series! In this third book, Kiera and Gage investigate a grave robbery.

The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict - finally got back to this novelized biography of Hedy Lamarr.

The 5-Minute Visual Guide to the Bible by Michael Wittmer - Watch for my review of this colorful overview guide in a day or two!

Hike Maryland: A Guide to the Scenic Trails of the Free State by Bryan MacKay and Easy Weekend Getaways from Washington, DC: Short Breaks in Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland by Jess Moss - I'm not really reading these so much as browsing through them a bit more, after having already browsed through them for my June online book club post. (See it here: Online Book Club - Wrapping Up June: Beach) I'll try to remember to post reviews here as well, but no promises!

   

Next on the stack... 

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell - provided I can find my copy!

A Study in Death by Anna Lee Huber

Britfield & The Rise of the Lion, Book II by C.R. Stewart

Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds by Michael Knowles

An Unexpected Peril by Deanna Raybourn

     

     

     

What I'm Highlighting . . . Along with a few blogging friends, I'm participating in an Online Book Club that is a little different. Instead of all reading the same title, we'll be reading books that have a theme in common. That way readers of all ages, homeschoolers or not, can participate. Our theme for July is Dream Destinations. Stop by HS Coffee Break to find out more.

On my blogs recently . . . 

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

Scripture and a Snapshot posts

Wordless Wednesday posts

Monthly Bookshelf Summary - June 2021

A Bible Study Journal for Women (Review)

And on my "first cup blog", HS Coffee Break:

The Inviting Life - Book Club Update

I Spy #27

Five Minute Friday - Summer

Online Book Club: July Theme - Dream Destinations

 Currently . . . July 7th

I Spy #26

Five Minute Friday - Deserve

June Photo Album

Online Book Club - Wrapping Up June: Beach

Five Minute Friday - Quiet

Share Four Somethings - June 2021

An Air Force Museum PhotoJournal

Five Minute Friday - Lift

What are you reading?

©2008-2021 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 - The Inviting Life

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

The Inviting Life by Laura Calder - I originally wanted this book to be part of my theme reading for the online book club back in May! It finally arrived at least a month later, so I've been browsing through it since. I wound up reading (rather than browsing or skimming) a lot more of it than I'd expected, which says something for how interesting I found it. Although it's a bit of a how-to book, sharing advice and encouragement for would-be hostesses, there are a lot of personal anecdotes and observations, and the author's delightfully self-deprecating sense of humor and welcoming, friendly personality come through.

 The book is broken into four sections, aimed at advising and encouraging readers to open their homes and invite others in - no excuses! The first section is about making a welcome home and discusses decorating and arranging whatever living space you occupy so that it's comfortable and functional for those that live there, and the guests that come in. Although how a room looks and how it reflects the personality of the owner is a big part of this discussion, it's also completely practical and down-to-earth, with acknowledgement that some of us live in very small spaces, in temporary spaces, or in spaces we rent or borrow. These are limitations, but should not be excuses for ungracious living! 

More practicality awaits in the second section which is all about cleaning and maintaining your home. It's titled "Hug Your House" and that gives a good overview of the inspirational aspect of housekeeping highlighted. Most people don't find scrubbing bathrooms or doing household chores exciting or amusing, but most of us will admit to at least feeling more at peace and harmony when our living spaces are clean and orderly. Calder argues that cleaning our home should remind us that we are blessed to have one, and that housekeeping can be empowering, cathartic, satisfying, and can even help us be more productive. 

With the world in the state it's in, if we're in a position to be puttering around with a soft cloth and a bottle of furniture polish, we're damned lucky. ~Laura Calder

Section three gets into the specifics of keeping a sensibly stocked and functional kitchen, because let's face it - if you want to invite people over, you should feel equal to the task of feeding them. There are practical lists and recommendations of what should be in your pantry and what gadgets are worthwhile, an inspirational list of positive outcomes of hosting dinner parties, a few recipes, and advice on how to set a table. And in section four, Calder discusses the finer points of being an exceptional host and being comfortable in the role. Your ability to make your guests feel at ease and welcomed is much more important than your wealth or your ability to cook or decorate. Calder gently instructs on gracious inviting, planning, serving, and managing of gatherings from casual lunches to formal dinners. Etiquette is important and there's a brief primer on some table manners and other social graces, along with pointers on delegating to co-hosts, serving food and drinks, and making conversation. 

We can have money by the truckload and still make horrible hosts. What we can never buy, and therefore never offer to others, are imagination, a generous spirit, a genuine interest in other people, a willingness to be vulnerable, and an ability to put people at ease. . . something that more or less anyone with the will to do so can adopt. ~Laura Calder

I thought this book was charming and practical. The author's cooking style is much more adventurous and entertaining style more cosmopolitan than mine, but it struck me that the "inviting life" her book encourages is another name for the "hygge life" of a couple of the books I read during the winter. Creating an atmosphere that is welcoming and homey for all.

©2008-2021 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 - Lift Up Our Banners

May he give you the desire of your heart

and make all your plans succeed.

May we shout for joy over your victory

and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the LORD grant all your requests.

~Psalm 20:4-5~

But you, LORD, do not be far from me.

You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

I will declare your name to my people;

in the assembly I will praise you.

You who fear the LORD, praise him!

All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!

Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

For he has not despised or scorned

the suffering of the afflicted one;

he has not hidden his face from him

but has listened to his cry for help.

From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;

before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows.

The poor will eat and be satisfied;

those who seek the LORD will praise him -

may your hearts live forever!

All the ends of the earth

will remember and turn to the LORD,

and all the families of the nations

will bow down before him,

for dominion belongs to the LORD

and he rules over the nations.

All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;

all who go down to the dust will kneel before him - 

those who cannot keep themselves alive.

Posterity will serve him;

future generations will be told about the Lord.

They will proclaim his righteousness,

declaring to a people yet unborn:

He has done it!

~Psalm 22:19, 22-31~

We have a prayer request - for us and for many facing a similar situation. Many universities and colleges are requiring that all students receive the covid-19 shots before the school year begins. And because many students do not want or need these shots, they are trying to get exemptions or make other arrangements to continue their studies. Exemption requests are not always honored, and even when they are, students are told they will have other restrictions that are unfair. Some employers are doing the same thing. Each of us should be able to make our own choice about whether to get a medical treatment, especially one so new and still experimental, based on our personal health, circumstances, convictions and principles. I believe that everyone should be advocating for this right, and the body of Christ should be praying that these rights will protected. Please join us in calling on our God to lead and guide the decision makers at these institutions to do the right thing and treat all fairly. Pray for the students to know what to do as well - should we delay for a semester or a year and see what changes? Should we pursue a different school after all? 

We need to be on our knees bringing these concerns and so many others to our heavenly Father. And may we be faithful in praising his Name and declaring his goodness no matter what comes.

Amen.

 

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©2008-2021 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 - Between the Wild Branches

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette - Lukio has spent the past ten years building his fame and wealth as a fighter in the Philistine city of Ashdod, and has finally achieved the status and position he craved. He's preparing to step out of the fighting career into an administrative role and to marry the king's daughter, but a glimpse of someone from his years spent in Hebrew territory awaken memories and old loyalties.

Shoshana never forgot Lukio and what they meant to each other back in Kiryat-Yearim, and certainly never expected to see him again. She was captured and enslaved, and serves a princess in Ashdod. Seeing her childhood sweetheart making his living as a brutal fighter in a pagan city is a shock. Shoshana and Lukio both have secrets and commitments, and their reconnection puts both of them - and many others even more vulnerable - in danger if any of their secrets are revealed.

I felt Shoshana's anguish as she was torn between different loyalties, and Lukio's struggle to understand mercy and forgiveness. There are many twists and turns as the characters have to decide who they can trust and who might betray them, and I couldn't help but root for them both to be set free from the very different prisons they find themselves in. 

Lukio and Shoshana narrate their own stories, alternating every couple of chapters, so they really come alive as characters. How they see themselves and their own failures and regrets is in contrast to how they see each other. As usual, Cossette's settings are richly drawn, with an attention to detail that brings new insight into the historical setting and the culture. Although almost all of the story takes place outside of Israel's territory and alongside what is mentioned in the Bible, it also made me want to turn to the corresponding Scriptures to see how it fits in. 

If you enjoy ancient or Biblical settings, you will love this novel! If you've read the first in this duology, To Dwell Among Cedars, you'll remember Lukio as the younger brother of Arisa. The pair are Philistine children who come to live among the Hebrews and are adopted by one of the priestly families guarding the Ark of the Covenant. While Arisa quickly embraces the Hebrew beliefs, Lukio is skeptical and troubled. This story picks up the thread years after Lukio runs away from Hebrew territory and all the family he knows. Between the Wild Branches explores purpose and meaning in life, and how the God Who Sees is always faithful and carries out his purposes. You can read Between the Wild Branches on its own, but it will make you want to read To Dwell Among Cedars to get all the background.

From the publisher:

Ten years ago Lukio fled Kiryat-Yearim, where he'd been adopted by the Levite family who guarded the Ark of the Covenant. Feeling betrayed by everyone, he returned to his birthplace in Philistia to become a famous fighter. Now the champion of Ashdad, Lukio has achieved every goal with the help of his ruthless cousin. But just as he is set to claim the biggest prize of all, the daughter of the king, his past collides with his present in the form of Shoshana.

After a heartbreaking end to her secret friendship with Lukio, Shoshana thought to never see the boy with the dual-colored eyes and the troubled soul again. But when she is captured in a Philistine raid and enslaved in Ashdod, she is surprised to find that the brutal fighter known as Demon-Eyes is Lukio himself.

With explosive secrets and unbreakable vows standing between them, finding a way to freedom for both may cost them everything.

By the same author: To Dwell Among the Cedars, Like Flames in the Night, 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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed are my own.

©2008-2021 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 - Unity

How good and pleasant it is

when God's people live together in unity!

~Psalm 133:1~

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could experience unity and harmony instead of division and discord? Most of us want unity, even most who do not follow the Lord would prefer peace and unity, but we tend to disagree on how to reach it. Even within the church we have trouble finding unity, or the common ground we can unify around. How can we work towards unity in our country when we have trouble having unity within the body of Christ, sometimes in local congregations, and sadly, even in our own families? 

The Psalmist sings of how pleasant unity is, but it's not just a wistful sigh and wishful thinking. God's Word tells us a lot about how to live in unity, and it starts with being one with God. It sounds simple but there's no other way to begin. When we come to the Lord, we find that we are in harmony with others that are coming to him, and as he makes us more like him, our hearts begin to beat in time with his and with his people.

 

Happy Canada Day! Happy Independence Day! 

May we all pray and work for unity among God's people, and peace in our nations.

In the last days

the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established

as the highest of the mountains;

it will be exalted above the hills,

and peoples will stream to it.

Many nations will come and say

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,

to the temple of the God of Jacob.

He will teach us his ways,

so that we may walk in his paths."

The law will go out from Zion,

the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

He will judge between many peoples

and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide.

They will beat their swords into plowshares

and their spears into pruning hooks.

Nation will not take up sword against nation,

nor will they train for war anymore.

Everyone will sit under their own vine

and under their own fig tree,

and no one will make them afraid,

for the LORD Almighty has spoken.

All the nations may walk

in the name of their gods;

but we will walk in the name of the LORD

our God for ever and ever.

~Micah 4:1-5~

 

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This post will also be linked at Inspire Me Monday.

©2008-2021 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.