Overwhelming Account promotes thankfulness

I've just finished reading "Buried Alive" by Roy Hallums and found his account of being kidnapped and held hostage for 311 days by ransom-starved captors in Iraq to be overwhelmingly difficult to read. Yet I am so glad I did as my admiration was very much increased for those who endure the absolute worst of situations while remaining sane and hopeful.

Hallmus has told his story in heart wrenching detail. Gripping accounts of how he was treated made the book difficult to read while on the other hand difficult to put down.

Because this book is published by Thomas Nelson I had expected more detail of how Hallmus dealt with all of this spiritually. The lack of depth regarding his relationship with our Lord and how he was ministered to during these horrific days was my only regret. No doubt Hallums is a man of faith. And without the grace and protection of the Lord Jesus I doubt he could have survived.

Reading this book made me even more thankful to be an American and proud of our military as they worked to dramatically rescue Hallmus.

Here is the product page for "Buried Alive"

Do we really need to be afraid? My review of "Fearless" by Max Lucado

Max Lucado's newest book "Fearless" is timely, encouraging and exceptionally easy to read.


Some of the chapter subtitles are as follows:

Fear of Not Mattering

Fear of Disappointing God

Fear of Running Out

Fear of Not protecting our children

Fear of Dying

Fear that God is Not Real

Max takes these all too common fears and shares the scripture verses to give the

reader the spiritual tools to over come and live in trust and assurance of God's love and promises.


I love how Max can simplify complex topics by breaking them down to easy to grasp pieces.


No new revelations to be found in this book. Just a re-examine of the truths that
give us the assurance to live in peace even in the midst of life's storms.

This would be a good book to share with a small group for the encouragement it
provides. Included is a discussion guide to facilitate small group study and discussion.

Previously I'd not read many of Max Lucado's books; That is about to change!


Additional content and information about Fearless are available at The Fearless Book Site, and readers are invited to share their stories, pictures and words of encouragement there.

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Rex

Rex

By Cathleen Lewis

I’ve just finished reading one of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever encountered.

This account about a Mother who gives birth to a desperately disabled son was emotionally difficult to read. Cathleen’s son did not talk, walk or eat solid food. Initially thinking that the entirety of Rex’s problems were due to a congenital brain tumor; by the time he was 8 weeks old Rex had endured invasive neurosurgery.

There continued to be problems, ultimately Rex was diagnosed blind and profoundly autistic.

The reality of coping with all of this was excruciatingly hard. Cathleen’s marriage dissolved among other things.

Yet, I continued to be moved by each new step of her journey and the uniquely beautiful ways in which God intervened on behalf of Cathleen and her baby boy Rex.

It seems extremely difficult situations so often lead us to reaching beyond ourselves to cope.

When one is completely overwhelmed with life’s circumstances and the “hand that is dealt”, we can turn to the Lord and find Him always more than able to strengthen us and lead us through victoriously.
Then after all of the intensity of this raw emotion I am completely blown away by the incredible gifts we have all been given by God through Rex.

Rex is a musical genius a genuine savant. I love the quote at the beginning of chapter 9: “The human mind- so mystifying in its capacity to accommodate both disability and genius in the same person!” – Lesley Stahl, 60 minutes correspondent said regarding Rex.

At around the age of 40 my own life changed drastically as I began realizing that my physical abilities were being compromised. I was beginning to deal with the progressive symptoms of multiple sclerosis. And although many of the things I once did and enjoyed I am now incapable of accomplishing. Thankfully there are many other paths developing in my life that are far richer in regards to eternity; and these are truly the only things that count.

I am profoundly affected and inspired by reading “Rex” 2008 Thomas Nelson Publishing

Reviewing "My Little Girl"

My Little Girl


Reviewing this precious book by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas. And inviting illustrations by Julia Denos. Published by Thomas Nelson publishers. Here is the link for product info:

My_Little_Girl


ItI was so tempted to read this book when it first came. Yet, I’d promised myself I would wait until my 5 year old Grand daughter was here with me so I could share what I knew would be a memory making book.

So Saturday night she came to stay the night. It was late already and she danced and sang so long for us that ultimately fussy tiredness set in.
I was able to get her into bed easily with the reminder that I’d be reading our special new book.

I believe my little Breanna is the perfect age for this story. Immediately she and I were drawn in and absorbed because of the colorfully exciting illustrations.

Then once I began reading it became nearly impossible not to dramatize between the things that Katie (the little girl) was saying and the things said by her Daddy.

There are touches throughout that keep the attention and interest of little girls.

Katie’s oversized puppy, Palio. Her tu-tu skirt and messy hair and her tiara are all things Breanna totally relates to.

Katie’s Daddy initially confuses her by asking if she were ready for their “really big day” while at the same time telling her that they were doing “nothing in particular”.

This story was just fun. Katie learns very quickly that a spectacular day arises out of the most ordinary circumstances when you are spending your time with very special people.

I ask Breanna if she would like to add something to my review and she said “well.. I like Katie’s life but she might need blond hair”

My review of "The Chronological Study Bible NKJV"

I was blessed to receive “The Chronological Study Bible” New King James Version from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review blogger’s program.

Initially I was quite confused with the layout of the Bible. I was trying to find Daniel chapter 10 and couldn’t locate it because this Bible is not arranged like you would think. It is actually broken into time periods called Epochs. Thankfully this Bible contains exceptional indexes and glossaries and a comprehensive concordance. So, needless to say I was able to find chapter 10 of Daniel. Some passages are moved because they fit into a different Epoch.

There are also great maps and cultural and historical perspectives throughout the Bible. The Chronological Study Bible is an amazing study tool.

After using it for a few weeks I felt overwhelmed to share it with a sister who is a Bible teacher and loves to help our small group to grasp a larger perspective of the historical and cultural significance of the portion of scripture we’re studying. Needless to say she was really thrilled to receive it.


I recommend this Bible to anyone who is serious about his or her Bible study time. Not for your regular take to church Bible; but for your studies.

I enjoyed reading Lynne Spears book "Through the Storm"

“Through the Storm” by Lynne Spears

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I was sweetly surprised that I very much enjoyed reading Lynne’s Story!

I did not intend to enjoy reading Lynne Spear’s book, “Through the Storm”. Like others I expected a sort of tell all Mother, writing a book to make money off the sensationalism that surrounds her daughters Jamie Lynn and Britney Jean Spears.

First, let me say that I was immediately taken in by Lynne’s story. I connected with her in such a way through reading her book that I believe we could have been close friends. I found her to be authentically desirous of telling the story of her life not to exploit her children but to leave a written legacy about their lives growing up for them and their children. She felt that if she didn’t write this story the paparazzi and tabloids would have.

Lynne’s sister died young and I think this placed the passion in Lynne to get her story in writing.


And in the early years of her marriage Lynne did not spend any extra amount of time sharing details of Britney or Jamie Lynn over their older brother Bryan James Spears. Just as any other Mother would share her memoirs. There were chapters of her life that dealt with one child being born and their needs and then the next child and then 10 years later the last. So nearly a third of the way through the book I was only enjoying the story of a young family with three children.

Also Jamie’s battle with the bottle was a difficulty that Lynn shares about with heart-felt honesty as she talks about “the other woman in their lives”. She often spoke of the fact that when Jamie was sober, they enjoyed the best years of their lives. Jamie had the best recipe loved by all and was charming and delightful. I felt transported inside of the Spears household; I was watching first hand how Lynne would hold on to the good times when things were bad. During periods of Jamie’s drinking Lynne doesn’t spare the effect that she knew this was all having on her children. Some wonderful memories and some deeply wounding memories are shared.

Lynne was passionate about being a mother. It was clearly evident that Lynne loved her children so much. When she became pregnant with her third child after Britney was nearly 10 years old, I was excited for her as she so quickly became joyous about the prospect of having another precious baby in her arms.

Later when Lynne becomes a Grandmother ultimately to three little children. She clearly loves these little ones too. I connected on a personal level there as well because her grand kids refer to her as MeMaw and this is what my Grandchildren have chosen to call me!

Lynne includes some serious times in her life too, an especially traumatic time when Bryan became seriously ill after suffering a seizure. And the time some young boys on bicycles pulled out in front of Lynne’s vehicle when she was driving her brother to the emergency room. One of these boys was killed when Lynne hit him. (I cannot imagine enduring just this one storm and getting through -how difficult this must have been for her)

Another deep emotional crisis she endured was when her Momma died at a fairly young age after suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. She was so very close to Lynne and all three of her children. This was a huge emotional storm in itself.


Around this time Lynne does get in to sharing how she was involved with getting little Britney to dance classes and competitions. Much like you would be hauling your son around to basketball practice and basketball games. Little Britney excelled in performing: Singing and dancing from a very young age. Lynne had no idea where this might lead Britney. She is just living one day at a time helping Britney move towards her dreams. Lynne felt fortunate that Britney was doing so well and wanted to facilitate her as well as any Mother would. I did not get the opinion that Lynne ever felt caught up in the whole stage Mom thing. In fact I think she says later on in the book that she wished she had maintained a more “hands on approach” towards the advice Britney was getting etc. Feeling that maybe she could have at least kept her daughter around the right people.

Later in the book Lynne deals with death of her sister Sandra, who dies after a long battle with cancer. Lynne and the kids were especially close to Sandra. I came to realize that her death had a big impact on Britney’s behavior as a young adult. Grief is hard enough on adults. It would be nice if children could be spared. But of course this affected them all deeply. Indeed Britney suffered quite a lot of emotional grief for such a young woman. Lynne does a great job of sharing how she felt each of the children were affected by the great heights and deep lows this family experienced.

Like I said at the beginning of my review. This is a Mother’s book. It is from her perspective a written record of their lives as a family.

But Above all else, “Through the Storm” is a testament to the grace and love of our Lord Jesus and His transforming power.
As a Christian myself… I am so encouraged. By knowing of Britney’s solid Christian upbringing and the Christian body guard who cared for her (and may still) even to the point of a precious Christian woman who lives with Britney to help with housework etc. God is protecting this young and talented lady. I feel confident that she will ultimately sing for the Lord. Certainly when Britney comes through her “storm” and chooses to use all of her experiences for the kingdom of God she will have a profound testimony of our Lord’s love and protection towards her.

There are so many facets to this 211-page book. I think these things:

You will really enjoy your time reading it.

I believe you will come away feeling endeared towards this woman who has weathered some big Storms yet remains steadfast in her faith. You will see a woman of great sincerity and faith.

You’ll very likely be reminded of how deep a Mother’s love can be taken down and instead of relenting only grows deeper.

Thomas Nelson Publishers, thank -you for allowing me the opportunity have this book to read. In exchange for my agreement to blog about it good or bad.

Reviewing The Faith of Barack Obama

My Perspective on the book

The Faith of Barack Obama by Stephen Mansfield

Had I not taken Michael Hyatt CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers up on his twitter offer to get a free copy of this book in exchange for a review on my blog, I likely would not have even read "The Faith of Barack Obama". I figured that this book was going to present the “faith” of Barack Obama as Christian. And this conclusion alone I completely disagree with.

However I did sign up for this, and am honestly really glad that I did.


This book arrived in my mailbox on Nov 5th! I had not voted for Obama. And thought Wow the timing of getting this book is important. This man is going to be our president. I must come to know what his “faith” consists of.

Immediately this Author grabbed my attention by saying “We must
Remember that if Obama ascends to the presidency in 2009, he
will be the first American president to do so having not been raised
in a Christian home!”

I learned a lot about Barack and the influences of atheism, folk
Islam, and humanism had on him as a young child.

Mansfield says eloquently speaking of young Obama “ His life was
a religious swirl. He lived in a largely Muslim country. He prayed
at the feet of a Catholic Jesus, He attended a mosque with his
stepfather and learned Islam in his public school. At home, his
mother taught him her atheistic optimism.”

Obama has written of his Mother, Ann Dunham: “ My Mother was
in many ways the most spiritually awakened person that I’ve ever
known.”

My particular thought there is how can one be “spiritually
awakened” when one is not even spiritually discerned? If Obama
is a Christian how can he say that a professing atheist is a “spiritual”
person at all?

The spiritual inconsistencies Barack grew up with just broke my
heart for him. “While living in Indonesia he was to live in a Muslim country but be taught by his stepfather’s example to ignore the most
fundamental teachings of Islam. He was to attend a Roman Catholic school, but regard Christianity as no more than superstition.”


Mansfield deals with the question regarding weather Barack is Muslim and the fact that if he is indeed - then an apostate - in some jurisdictions, marked for death.

Considerable time is given to Obama as a young adult and his personal crisis of faith.

And much history exposed surrounding the two decades that Obama spends at Trinity United Church of Christ and the controversial pastor Jeremiah Wright.

Mansfield does his research well taking great depth to try and explain how Wright’s theology was shaped and in later chapters
Seems even to defend him some.

I liked how it was written. And appreciated what I learned about Barack’s faith.


It is left to the reader to decided just what is the faith of Barack Obama.


However I walked away from this book more certain than ever to be in prayer for my country and our future President.

I feel that we have moved from the absolutes of the Word Of God and atoning sacrifice of the shed blood our Lord Jesus Christ into a social gospel where people pick and choose what they want from God’s Word.
A feel good spirituality where universal salvation is believed. No one wants to offend another so for the sake of unity truth is placed aside.

I wish Mansfield had been able to interview Barack. Because I believe he was fair and worked hard to get his information. I believe he would have ask the questions that would have helped us better define what Barack Obama believes his “faith” is.

From the book I find that” Barack made a decision to enter a faith by joining a people of faith, to come home to a community and so home to God.”

So when Barack “felt God’s spirit beckoning him and submitted himself to His will and dedicated himself to discovering His truth”

Was he born again?

Or was he officially beginning his search for Faith?

The Faith of Barack Obama is great read which I think will move many to a deeper level of prayer for Barack and for our country who’ve so quickly moved into this liberal understanding of faith and away from the Saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

The Bible clearly says “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” Proverbs 14:12

And I am sad that our society is liberalized to the point of believing that
all sincere attempts lead to God. Because again the Word of God states in the book of John chapter 14 vs 6 “ Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”

Yes I am moved to prayer. Open his eyes Lord.. Grant mercy unto him, help him be able to answer with assurance when his children ask him about the hope of glory! God save this sincere yet lost man.