Free Book by Brian Tome

If I had purchased this book and wasn't reading it for a book review, Brian would have lost me on the first page. I'm not sure what he was hoping to gain with some of the language he used in this book.

But...if I had put the book down, I would have missed out on some valuable material. That's the conflict I was left with after reading this book. Brian addresses some issues that desperately need addressing such as strongholds and getting rid of those "squatters" in your life. He's open and honest (almost to a fault) about issues he's dealt with himself. I know Brian is genuine in his desire to lead others to a life of freedom---which is what this book is all about. And you can see that he's living that life himself.

The thing I felt this book was lacking was love. Brian seemed angry and irreverent. The verse that kept coming to my mind was Ephesians 4:29 (Amp.) which says, "Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it."

I think if I'd been Brian's mama (and I'm almost old enough to be!), I would have bent him over my knee for some of the things he said (and he's actually old enough to know better!). But I have a feeling that this statement is only going to bring a grin to his face and is just the response he was hoping for!

I'd give this book 1 1/2 stars out of 5. The information is vital. But the way it's presented keeps me from wanting to share the book with those who need it.

Banner

Would you consider adding this banner to your blog? Go to their website and right click on the banner you want. You'll save it as a photo. Then when you add to your blog, go to "Customize," "Add a Gadget" (either under your blog name or on the side. Then you'll click the + on "Picture." You'll browse and add the photo you saved. Then in the "Link" box, add the website's address.

THANKS!

Benjamin

Benjamin is my 7-year-old nephew who isn't sure where he fits in the line-up of my grandkids, but is sure he does! Recently, at our family reunion, we took Dietz family photos. Later, he asked his mom why he wasn't in our pictures. He fits right in that stairstep of our 7 grandkids.

I'm amazed at Benjamin's heart. And not just his heart, but his theological knowledge. When he was recently saved and then ready to be baptized, his pastor was asking him questions to make sure he understood what he was doing. He gave better answers than most pastors---seriously!! He's amazing. I sincerely believe God's Spirit is on this little boy.

Benjamin is very concerned about what is happening in Haiti. He's heard the same story of Ti-Fam that I did at his age. That acquainted him with Haiti before the earthquake. So...he's going to help. And I have no doubt that God has placed this mission on his heart. Benjamin is going to raise money to send to Ti-Fam's mission. He's going to read books and is looking for supporters for each hour of reading that he does.

This mission is a great ministry that has been in Haiti for the past 60 years. And they're doing a great work. They're up to their necks in rescue operations right now. They have over 300 people in a 150-person clinic. And the missionaries are stretched to their limit in helping those who are suffering. Michael Kelley blogged an update about this mission's work today.

So...if you can help Benjamin, just jump on over to his blog (guest blogger on his mother's blog) and commit dollars to his hours of reading. (He plans on reading 1 hour a day for 21 days.) You'll make one little boy very happy. And you'll be helping Haiti. Will you help?

My dream

Before I fell asleep last night, I was reading a book. This book was bothering me. It was written by a young pastor whom I'd never heard of. The message was good but his attitude behind it was bothering me. So before I fell asleep, I asked God to show me what was wrong--what was missing?

At 3:45, I awoke from a vivid dream! In this dream, I was young and single. I was working for a young man who was quite handsome. It was the end of the year and my "boss" sent a group of women to me to tell me to come to him. He wanted to give me a gift. So I went to him. He presented me with a wonderful gift---in front of a huge crowd. I can't for the life of me remember what the gift was, but I just remember that it met a specific need/want in my life---and no one should have had a way of knowing what it was. I was astounded. And happy---oh, so happy! As I received the gift, gauzy fabric blew all around me and beads were placed over my head. (Not by anyone, it was just the whole atmosphere.) He told me it wasn't the last gift. He took me from gift to gift and each had the same effect. At the end, he brought me to a treasure box and I knew--I just knew--that it was a proposal. And in fact, it was! I was ecstatic!! He also honored another woman who had helped him get started in the business. She was a good friend and was witness to all that had taken place with me. I remember there was no jealousy among us as we were honored.

When I awoke, I knew. I looked at the clock and saw it was 3:45 a.m. I smiled and said, "That was you, God, wasn't it?" But I also knew the answer to the question about the book. LOVE! There was no love behind the words. It left the book clanging in my heart.

Buried Alive by Roy Hallums

Buried Alive by Roy Hallums is a compelling book. It is the true story of a 56-year-old man who was working for a company in Iraq, supplying food for the American army in Baghdad. He and his coworkers were used to carrying AK-47's at work, but on the day he was kidnapped, his guns were not within reach. He never learned the name of the group that held him hostage for a $12 million price tag until after his escape, but he just prayed he wouldn't be beheaded like other hostages before him.

Even though this book is graphic in its details of captivity, Roy's moments of humor throughout his story keep you engaged. The thing that amazed me about his story was his retention of details--time and days--throughout his ordeal! It was also surprising that his spirit wasn't broken in spite of his torture. I found myself cheering him on as he survived each trial and excited for his rescue by Second Army Special Forces in Rambo-type style.

As Roy was being held hostage (for 311 days!), his family was doing everything within their power at home for his release. They knew the American government wouldn't give in to the demands of the hostages, but they made television appearances to keep his situation in front of the public. I was amazed by their treatment of our own FBI. At times, I wondered whether they were considered the enemy by our own government.

You need to read this book. You'll want to acquaint yourself with the thinking and workings of extremists and terrorists. And you'll learn a lot from Roy in how to handle intense situations.

Slumber Party

Alexis

Caitlin

They're getting so big. But they still like the same things we were doing 5 years ago at our slumber parties. Fake nails and movies. Just doesn't get better than that! (Of course, a little sugar thrown in for good measure. I'm the grandmother after all!) But the last two times we've done this, they're not satisified unless I get nails, too. Too much fun--and I figure I'm building memories. They wanted me to get some wild nails but I told them they probably weren't appropriate for grandmas. (Plus the last time we did this, those nails would not come off! I finally went to the beauty shop and soaked my fingernails in acetone until they melted off. The glue has improved.) This was also Alexis' first time to get to use glue instead of press-on nails with--mom's permission, of course. She was so excited!!

We had a movie marathon of Cloudy with the Chance of Meatballs and G Force. Both cute movies, but I had no idea hamsters had so many body noises....

These girls certainly have the sarcasm going on. Of course, their grandfather knows how to push buttons. For instance, on the way to Amarillo--taking them home...

Andy: "Did you know cows don't like to eat hay from the round bales of hay?"

Girls: "No."

Andy: "Yeah, they can't get a square meal."

Caitlin: "WHAT does that even mean, Pops?"

Andy: "You know...a square meal. It means a well-balanced meal."

Alexis: "Pops, that isn't funny."

Caitlin: "You don't know how to tell a joke, Pops!"

Andy: "It's FUNNY!! Cows want a square meal."

Girls: "It's not funny, Pops."

Andy: "Tell the joke to Granny and see if she laughs."

Joke is told to Granny (my mom) and she laughs a bit which brings about the whole conversation again.

Andy: "Tell the joke to Honey (their other grandfather) when you get home and see if he laughs.

Caitlin: "He's going to say, 'Who told you that joke??' and when I say, 'Pops,' he's going to say, 'Oh...that figures."

Yep, they're getting big.

Donate

I encourage you to donate to the Haitian recovery if you haven't already. There are so many organizations that are well-oiled machines in times like these. One of the easiest ways to give is to text Haiti to 90999. $10 will be donated to Red Cross if you do that. Samaritans' Purse (Franklin Graham) was one of the first on the scene bringing food, medicine, water, etc. And then they were transporting U.S. citizens out on their return flights out of Haiti. You can donate on their webpage. I know YWAM is also doing a great job in Haiti. They have permanent missionaries on the field there. You can donate here for YWAM. These are just a few ministries that I know are doing a wonderful job.

But most of all....pray for the people. A lot of suffering is taking place. And praying is our part.

Father, we come in agreement for the people of Haiti. Comfort them in this hour of their need. Bring the help they need. Let your kids be your arms and legs. Wrap your arms around the families who have lost so much and demonstrate your love towards them. Get food and water to everyone who needs it. Bring help to those who are suffering. Give complete rest to those who are ministering day and night. Fill them back up by your Spirit. And Father, please help us to not be so wrapped up in ourselves that we miss this opportunity to reach out and give. Thank you for all you've blessed us with. Don't let us lose a minute praying for these needs. Quicken our hearts, Father. In Jesus' name, Amen.