1 Peter, Holman Christian Standard Bible

This passage stuck out to me in chapter 4: 1-11

Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin--in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God's will. For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the pagans choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, in order to live the remaining, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry. So they are surprised that you don't plunge with them into the same flood of wild living--and they slander you. They will give an account to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. for this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, so that, although they might be judged by men in the fleshly realm, they might live by God in the spiritual realm.

Now the end of all things is near; therefore, be serious and disciplined for prayer. Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God's words; if anyone serves, it should be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

  

James, Christian Holman Standard Bible

 James, a short epistle discussing various topics, such as faith vs. works--- works are the fruit of faith. Our works do not save us, but they are a natural byproduct of our faith.  Also discusses the power of the tongue, which can bring about good, and can bring about evil, depending upon what is in the heart.

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The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, by Jonas Jonasson

The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, by Jonas Jonasson

While I was visiting my father in the hospital in Ontario, Oregon, after he had a hip replacement surgery, I discovered a Little Free Library, and this book caught my eye. Why wouldn't it, with a title like that? I was intrigued. I brought it home and added it to the top of Mt. TBR, but it didn't stay there for long. 

This is the (fictional) story of a centenarian in a nursing home who has decided that living there is for the birds, and escapes out the window on his birthday and ends up on an adventure that changes his life. Intertwined with this adventure are snippets from his past, where we learn that although he may not be the brightest crayon in the box, he has a passion for explosives, and helped create the atom bomb. From there it goes through dealings with communists, the cold war, and Korea, and meeting not only Albert Einstein and working with him, but also befriending Albert's dimwitted half brother Herbert.

You read and can't imagine how he's going to escape the clutches of the enemy, and then when he miraculously does, he finds himself in another impossible situation. 

This book was a very entertaining read, I definitely recommend it.

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Hebrews, Holman Christian Standard Bible

 Hebrews--nobody knows for sure who wrote it. It is not believed to be in Paul's style of writing. However, it is solid in its content. Hebrews 11 is known as the Faith Hall of Fame, and recounts many Bible characters whose faith was counted to them as salvation while waiting for Messiah to come. 

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Esther, Holman Christian Standard Bible

 Esther, the amazing story of a Jewish woman promoted to Queen, and saved her people. Esther's Jewish name was Hadassah, and she was an exiled Jew living in Susa. She was pulled away from her cousin Mordecai, who was raising her, and forced into a "beauty contest" to replace the banished queen Vashti. People don't always understand what this meant as far as the course of her life. If she didn't win, she didn't get to go back to her regular life. Her night with the King meant he had sex with her, whether she wanted it or not, and she became part of his harem, where she would remain, pretty much imprisoned in a gilded cage, for the rest of her life, unable to have a husband, a family, or do what she wanted with her life. 

However, she was the winner. She kept her Jewish heritage hidden, and she became favored in the eyes of the King. Because of this, she was able to approach the king (normally that would mean immediate death if not invited or pardoned) and eventually let him know of the conspiracy to destroy her people.

Would you like to buy me a book, or help keep my little free library stocked and maintained? You can donate here: paypal.me/AmyVanGaasbeck