Scripture and a Snapshot - Spread the Word (Advent III)

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

~Luke 2:15-20~

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

~Jesus, in John 15:11

I will exalt you, my God the King;

I will praise your name for ever and ever.

Every day I will praise you

and extol your name for ever and ever.

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation commends your works to another;

they tell of your mighty acts.

They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty --

and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

They tell of the power of your awesome works --

and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They celebrate your abundant goodness

and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

~Psalm 145:1-7~

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The Loneliness Solution - A FlyBy Review

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

The Loneliness Solution by Jack Eason - Much earlier this year when most countries were "locked down" in some way as a response to a virus, there were popular slogans to encourage us. One of the most popular was something about us being "alone together". Yes, most of us were alone, and since most of the people we knew were also staying home and were alone, we thought we were "alone together" but really . . . we were just . . . alone. And more and more people realized that they were lonely and that they had been lonely for a long time, even when they were together with others. That is one of the paradoxes of our modern world - that we are lonely even though we seem to have so many connections. This book by Jack Eason addresses the epidemic of loneliness, its causes and some practical and compassionate solutions for the problem.

Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty. ~Mother Teresa

Part One opens with this quote, and goes on to describe The Problem of Loneliness. We think we're connected because technology opens so many channels of communication and social networks. Yet many of us only have acquaintances, and not many genuine friends. Eason defines loneliness and discusses the problems that people of all ages face because of loneliness, and the situations that contribute to isolation and loneliness in the first place. Even in these chapters that are describing and presenting the problems, Eason offers a few thoughtful questions and a practical assignment for readers at the end of each chapter.

Part Two focuses on The Loneliness Solution. These chapters present practical and encouraging ways to build relationships in community, church, and family settings. Many of us want to be with others and experience togetherness in a meaningful way, but don't know how to make it happen. Eason's suggestions are great because they are small and incremental steps that inspire courage and growth in relationships. He also addresses the roadblocks to friendship that we need to deal with - things like our selfishness and pride, and being unwilling to forgive. These chapters encourage readers to do things like pray with others, to meet the needs of others, and work with others for a common cause. Adjusting our thinking about friendship and community, and bringing it in line with what the Bible teaches us the church should be. Each of these chapters also ends with questions to think about, and an assignment to put the principles into practice. The book ends with a letter to Christ-followers and some specific encouragement to leaders (who are often especially lonely). 

This is a year when we are seeing the effects of loneliness all around us, and I'd venture to say we all need some of the encouragement, challenge, and accountability to others that true community would offer. And we could all use some help in finding solutions for our own loneliness and offering solutions to those around us.

Here's a short video trailer about the book:

From the Publisher:

You are not alone.

We are lonelier than ever. As countless students travel home for the holidays, many may feel especially isolated and lonely, even while "keeping up" with friends on social media. Social media tricks us into thinking that we are engaged in genuine friendships. Yet instead of intimacy, we get little more than what amounts to digital small talk. But there is a solution.

With plenty of good humor and practical advice, Jack Eason invites you to discover the benefits of doing life together with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Grounding his message in Scripture, Eason helps you:

• learn the obstacles to real community
• reimagine what real friendship looks like
• discover a place of true belonging
• and more

If you're tired of feeling lonely, this encouraging and community-building book is just what you need.

NOW is the time to share this book with parents, students--everyone--to foster a healthy, relational community for all!

Purchase through these websites: The Loneliness Solution on Amazon and The Loneliness Solution

“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.

#LonelinessSolution

Recent Reads - To Dwell Among Cedars

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

To Dwell Among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette -  One of my very favorite authors is back with another novel exploring the ancient history of Israel, during one of the time periods about which the Bible doesn't offer much detail. We have the familiar story of how Israel took the Ark of the Covenant into battle against the Philistines, was soundly defeated, and the Ark captured by the enemy. Later the Philistines return the Ark on a cart drawn by cows, and the Ark is kept by a Levite family for many years before the Biblical narrative picks up again.

In Cossette's telling, two Philistine children follow the ark in obedience to the last words of their Hebrew nurse, and are adopted into one of the Levitical families. Eliora (formerly Arisa) and Natan (formerly Lukio) are welcome additions to the large family of Elazar the Levite. Eliora is especially drawn to the Ark, wanting always to stay near to it. About eight years after this escape from Philistia, Ronen, the young Levite musician who originally found the two children, returns to the mountain and the two are reacquainted. 

Ronen has spent the years trying to get over the death of his father and brothers who had been killed in battle, and his bitterness has been fed by the radical ideas of his uncle and cousins. They have a plan to remove the ark from its mountain resting place and bring it back to what they believe is a more suitable place. Ronen is expected to help them find the ark, but to do so, he will have to deceive Eliora. Something he grows increasingly uncomfortable with as he gets to know the beautiful young woman she's become.

Trust, obedience, finding purpose in worship and God's plan, and the beauty of adoption are themes of this beautifully told novel. Eliora and Ronen are the narrators of their own tale and each has a distinctive and believable voice and story. The research and the detail paid to history, setting, and evocative description bring a realism to the characters and to the Israel of this time period. 

As always, Cossette delivers a compelling and imaginative story that is firmly rooted in Biblical history. The struggles and even the dialogue of the characters is realistic and sensitive, and the truths they discuss and discover are timeless and inspiring.

If you enjoy ancient or Biblical settings, you will love this novel, and you'll probably want to keep an eye out for the second in this set when it comes out in spring. I know it is already on my wish list!

From the publisher:

Eight years ago, when the Philistines stole and then surrendered the ark of the covenant back to the Israelites, Eliora left her Philistine homeland to follow the ark to the community of Kiryat Yearim. There, the family she was adopted into has guarded the ark at the top of a mountain in seclusion.

Ronen is a Levite musician determined to secret away the ark to a more fitting resting place, watched over by priests who would restore the Holy of Holies. He never expected that the Philistine girl he rescued years ago would now be part of the very family he's tasked to deceive.

As Ronen's attempts to charm Eliora lead them in unexpected directions, betrayal leaves Eliora with strained family ties and Ronen questioning his own loyalties. Ultimately, Eliora and Ronen are caught up in the battle for the soul of Israel and its future under the leadership of Samuel, the last judge before the era of the kings begins.

By the same author: 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

This is the third of Three Books by the Same Author for the Modern Mrs. Darcy 2020 Reading Challenge.

©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 - Glory and Peace (Advent II)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

~Luke 2:8-14~

*************************

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!"

"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"

"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

~Luke 19:37-40~

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©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. 

Monthly Bookshelf Review - November 2020

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

Time again to review what I've been reading over the past month. November has been busy in many ways, and I tried to do a lot of reading. Once again my ambition was greater than what I actually accomplished, but it does feel good to see so many books completed or close to completed.

November's Books Completed and Reviewed

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - Aspiring scientist Victor Frankenstein successfully animates his human-like creation, but bitterly regrets his ambition when he realizes the creature has truly become a monster. (Read my full review HERE)

Great God! if for one instant I had thought what might be the hellish intention of my fiendish adversary, I would rather have banished myself for ever from my native country, and wandered a friendless outcast over the earth, than have consented to this miserable marriage.

The Calm I Seek by Christina Lourens - Rebecca is just opening her heart to Gabriel when a betrayal sends her reeling, and a family tragedy strikes as well. A novel about forgiveness and second chances.(Read my full review HERE)

Women were much better off with a parrot. Same life expectancy - and even longer in some cases - as a man, and it wouldn't hurt you.

A Stroke of Malice by Anna Lee Huber - Kiera and Gage attend a Twelfth Night house party only to be drawn into a murder investigation when a decaying body is found in the crypt. (Read my full review HERE)

After all, the three youngest Kerr brothers had been some of the only people in residence for nearly the entirety of the month of December, which meant that any one of them could have been involved in the murder and concealment of that body in the crypt. Perhaps they all were.

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma - Ingrid helps Nils search for clues about what happened to his brother, who disappeared after coming to town to marry Belle Gunness, Ingrid's sister. A chilling mystery based on a true crime story. (Read my full review HERE)

She couldn't face it. Never would admit it.
Nils wanted her to say that Belle was involved in his brother's disappearance.

During November I started reading:

Silas Marner by George Eliot - I've been working on this classic along with the students in my high school Literature class. The lonely and bitter weaver despairs after his hoard of gold is stolen, but he takes in a little orphan girl who softens his heart again. We wrap up our study of this book later this week so my review will come sometime after that.

Nobody in this world but himself knew that he was the same Silas Marner who had once loved his fellow with tender love, and trusted in an unseen goodness. Even to himself that past experience had become dim.

To Dwell Among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette -  I'm reading an ARC of this novel from a favorite author but its release date is December 1st. A young orphan girl runs away from her Philistine homeland and follows the Ark of the Covenant to Israel. There she is taken in by a Levite family and tries to find her place as tensions rise all around her.

"Azuvah said to remain with the Ark," I said, hoping that Lukio could not see my hands shaking in my lap, nor sense the double-mindedness beneath my show of certainty. "And that is what we will do. No matter what happens, we stay."

A Pretty Deceit by Anna Lee Huber - Verity and Sidney are still on the trail of the suspected traitor Lord Ardmore, but they also are helping Verity's aunt by investigating some strange occurrences at a family estate.

"You must be aware of the forgeries and thefts my aunt has told us about," I began, leaning against the edge of the desk as I assessed his demeanor, having already deduced that his body language would tell me more than his words.

 

Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks by Diana Butler Bass - A thoughtful look at what gratitude really is, and how we understand and express it in different ways. We know gratitude is good but many of us have trouble sustaining a life of gratefulness.

Gratitude is both a noun and a verb. Gratitude is both a feeling and a choice. The first often arises unannounced and the second takes a lifetime of practice.

During November I continued reading:

The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick - This novel is required reading for a co-op class I teach. I've read it before so I'm mostly looking at it to refresh my memory rather than re-reading it start to finish.

I'm sitting on the gutter curb, thinking the world is stupid if this is what happens to the best person ever born. What's the point if you have to live behind cutwire and steel doors and be afraid of gangs and then get sick and die because normals are too numb to remember the cure?

 

Coming Up in December!

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Everyday Confetti by Karen Ehman & Glynnis Whitwer

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

Wordless Wednesday posts

Share Four Somethings - November 2020

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional

And on my homeschool blog, Homeschool Coffee Break:

Five Minute Friday posts

Twenty-Six Lists - The Thanksgiving List

November Photo Album

International Flavors - Africa - Morocco

From the High School Lesson Book - The Blessings of Homeschooling Teens

Twenty-Six Lists - Favorite Museums

Dear Homeschool Mom - Come To A Quiet Place

Online Book Club - November Theme: Thankful/Thanksgiving

Coffee Break Reading List (November 3, 2020)

All Hallows, All Saints, and All Kinds of Celebrations - 2020

Twenty-Six Lists - Favorite Costumes

October Photo Album

This post will be linked at the November 2020 Wrap-Up Roundup and Giveaway hosted by Feed Your Fiction Addiction; (and at the weekly reading list meme hosted at Book Date.)

 

©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. 

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 - Good Hope (Advent I)

In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!" Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her.

~Luke 1:26-35, 38~

The hope of Israel, the hope of the whole world - announced to a young girl who had put her hope in the Lord and believed that his word would be fulfilled.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

~II Thessalonians 2:16-17~

May our hope in Christ encourage and strengthen us until he comes again.

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Scripture and a Snapshot - Always Giving Thanks

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.

Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

~Ephesians 5:8-9, 15-20~

Happy Thanksgiving!

This post is linked at Scripture and a Snapshot, 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.