Fool-Proofing Your Life Review

Fool-Proofing Your Life

(Wisdom for Untangling Your Most Difficult Relationships)

by Jan Silvious

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

Fool-proofing is protecting something from fools.  Fool-proofing your life is protecting your life from fools.  The author of this book, a well-known counselor, noted speaker, and popular Christian radio personality from Chattanooga, is co-host with Kay Arthur on Precept Ministries national radio program, “Precept Life with Kay and Jan.”

In part one of the book, “Is there a fool in your life?” the writer begins by quoting from Proverbs 24:14 NASB, “Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; if you find it, then there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”

From this point, Ms. Silvious describes for the reader, using stories from her case files, how many people want a decent relationship with a person, usually someone close, and that person refuses to take personal responsibility for their own actions.  It seems that the concerned person is virtually taken hostage by one whose “open rage, passive anger, oily manipulation, or sullen silence stubbornly refuses to release his or her grip.”  The author says her “passion is to offer you hope for a better way to life – a way that honors God and yet is free from the often tyrannical nature of the difficult person in your life.”

This writer uses many Biblical references and describes the fool as deceitful and completely self-serving who cannot be dealt with in an ordinary loving Christian way. There are ways to minimize his constant harmful effect on you, but he is not amenable to change. 

“To hug a fool is like hugging a fan, you will only be stirred up in the process.”  Ms. Silvious tells us that she is not as concerned for the fool (although we must love and forgive him.)  She is concerned about the relentless physical and emotional damage that one suffers, sometimes over a period of many years, as one tries to live with, apologize for, apologize to, and change this person who is utterly beyond hope.  She is absolutely certain, and uses the Bible to back her up, that this type of person is without hope (except perhaps by God.)

If you do not understand just what a fool is, or an ordinary person’s relationship to one, let me urge you to read this fascinating book.  I was impressed by how easy it was to understand the author’s meanings.  She writes to the reader as if she were talking to him face to face.  Perhaps one of the most interesting portions of the work is in the chapter, “New Strategies for Old Battles” – under the simple word “Detach”.

If you struggle with difficult relationships or know someone who does, take a look at this fascinating work by Jan Silvious.

For more book reviews by Pat Beaty, check out his blog at http://patbeaty.blogspot.com/

April 20, 2012

Review of Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World

Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World

(What on Earth Should We Do Now?)

by David Jeremiah

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

In his introduction to this revealing work, Dr. Jeremiah reminds us that, in his previous book, he summarized ten world events and related them to the prophetic Word of God.  The author lists in this present book a number of previous events and relates them to the time just before the time when Jesus is to return to Earth.  He defines the word catastrophe and says, “the full picture is one of overthrow, of everything turning over in sudden and violent change.”  The author indicates that jobs and homes can be lost, but he stresses that the love of Christ is forever.  He ends this portion of the book by stating: “In the power and love of almighty God we can live with confidence in an age of chaos.”

This excellent work is divided in ten challenges.  They are listed simply as: stay calm, stay compassionate, stay constructive, stay challenged, say connected, stay centered, stay confident, stay consistent, stay committed, and stay convinced.  As you can guess, some of these areas carry over to others, but the author explains each subject in a very readable, intriguing manner.  In other words there are numerous references to truth from the Bible and various illustrative stories from Christians and their lives in this present time.

“Stay Calm” is as comforting to the reader as its title suggests and asks that you “believe.”  “Stay Compassionate” is based on several Biblical principles and will cause the reader to think deeply. “Stay Constructive” will surprise you with its list of things we have torn down in today’s world and has an interesting section about Peter. (Please take note of the section that covers self-edification and building others up.)  “Stay Challenged” concentrates on Christian diligence, no matter what you face in life.  “Stay Connected” is one of this author’s favorite subjects, as it deals with togetherness, in the church and other areas.  “Stay Centered” deals with keeping our focus on Christ, no matter what.  “Stay Confident” accentuates our need for a “word from God” and, as you can guess, faith.  “Stay Consistent” urges good habits in our daily walk with God and emphasizes that we are citizens of heaven.  “Stay Committed” points toward faithfulness and staying firm in the Lord.  “Stay Convinced” discusses our soon returning Lord and how we must walk in Him and wait on Him.

In the summary chapter, the author asks, “What’s going to happen on the day you die?”  He urges the unsaved reader to accept God’s free gift of eternal life.

Among other notable sayings of the author is, “Sad times are good times for realizing God’s goodness.”  As it says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Review of Tom Collins of Kenya

Tom Collins of Kenya

Son of Valour

By: Kenneth N. Phillips (Retold by Malcolm B. Collins)

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

This book is a telling, and retelling in some instances, of the life of one who has to have been one of the most loved and devoted missionaries to have ever brought the gospel to one of the wildest areas of Africa.  Mr. Collins’ parents had been missionaries in Kenya, and when Tom was saved, the Lord put in his mind to bring the Word to the tribes in a very remote part of the country:  the territory of East Pokot.

Tom Collins was sickly as a child and suffered from a number of conditions throughout his life.  He had cataracts in both eyes as a mere tot, having to have his eyes needled since this was the only treatment that early in the twentieth century.  He became ill with rheumatic fever at age ten, followed by heart complications and a nervous system disease called Chorea.

This wonderful follower of Christ devoted himself over the years to learning all he would need to be a competent missionary in an area of not only physical danger but of detriment to his physical disabilities.  However, Mr. Collins felt very strong in his faith and determined he would not be denied what he felt was his God-given life’s task. 

This worthy Christian was turned down by the AIC (African Inland Church) several times before he finally decided to go it alone.  He became a nomadic missionary.  Working in conjunction with the AIM (African Inland Mission), Tom was eventually able to gain their respect and receive their backing.

The determined child of God spent many years on safaris, not only to East Pokot, but also to other nearby African territories.  He had any number of bouts with his physical disabilities and other illnesses.  However, over the years, he brought the influence of Christ and the Word to a large number of Kenyans and gained influence and recognition in many theretofore-unreached regions of that great nation.

Tom Collins was advised often that, because of his declining health, he should step down from his strenuous work for others.  However, he was so devoted to Christ, he would not stop for any reason, even his own physical well being.  He died as an active missionary of God, on the job for his Savior, and will be remembered from now on by the believers in Christ in Kenya.

This was an excellent book that can serve as a primer for missionaries of all kinds.  It demonstrates how to survive and flourish as a Christian in the most adverse of circumstances.  Because he was British, the language was not as easy to follow as some of the books I have reviewed in the past, but it was still an engaging read and will be well worth your time.

Previous book reviews can be read at:  http://patbeaty.blogspot.com/

Review of Billy Graham's Nearing Home

Nearing Home (Life, Faith, and Finishing Well)

By:  Billy Graham

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

This is an absorbing book.  Written in a clear, easy to read and understandable manner, it reflects the thoughts of a Christian who is nearing his ninety-third birthday.  He wants to share his feelings and God-given wisdom with other believers, with whom he seems to feel a strong kinship – you and me.

            Reverend Graham pens this work at times with a humorous undertone.  “Old age is not for sissies,” he says.  But this does not detract from the serious issues he addresses, not only for those in the latter part of life, but younger “children of God” who need to be planning for this time of life.  He invites the reader to explore with him “not only the realities of life as we grow older but also the hope and fulfillment and even joy that can be ours once we learn to look at these years from God’s point of view and discover his strength to sustain us every day.”

            In the chapter, “Running for Home,” the evangelist recounts the dreams of his youth and tells of his feelings about growing old.  He quotes from the Bible and tells some of his numerous examples of men and women who were used by God in their old age.  In the section, “Nearing Home with Triumphant Expectations,” the author urges us to “pass on foundational truths of God’s Word so that younger generations will be as Joshua, filled with the spirit of wisdom.”

            In the part, “Don’t Retire from Life,” the writer points out our responsibility to others and he again points to his own life as well as others.  “The Impact of Hope” is perhaps my favorite chapter in this wonderful work.  In it are found numerous Biblical references and the author’s feelings on what our attitude should be during this time in life.  Reverend Graham also points to other experiences people have had and points out one of the Bible's central truths: “Every day – without exception – is a gift from God.”

            In “Consider the Golden Years,” the author discusses practical as well as personal matters, speaking to topics such as finances, wills, and the impact your leaving will have on adult children and others.

            The remainder of this enlightening book is filled with information the readers would do well to know and refers liberally to the Holy Bible.  You will enjoy “What is Heaven Like?”  He ends with a verse we all should know: “Behold, now is the accepted time; Behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

www.patbeaty.blogspot.com

Review of Rumors of Another World

Rumors of Another World:  What on Earth Are We Missing

By Phillip Yancey

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

It has become the Christian Readers habit it seems, to expect more food for thought when beginning a book by this author, than one can possibly ingest, let alone spare time to contemplate.  This wonderful work is certainly no different.  However, you will find the contents so absorbing, so riveting, that you will truly enjoy every thought, every revelation, from this writer’s mind.

            From the first chapter, “Life in Part,” to his last chapter “Stereoscopic Vision,” Yancey includes the reader in his story of how he views God’s creation with gratitude and bemoans the vast amount of God’s grace that we are missing, living in a “Reductionist” world, as we must do.  He states “no society in history has attempted to live without a belief in the sacred, not until the modern west.”

            The author states that he “began to listen to his own longings as rumors of another world, a bright clue to the nature of the Creator.”  He states that “nature and supernature are not two separate worlds but different expressions of the same reality.”

            “Paying attention” is a particularly fascinating chapter. It is interwoven with stories of people he encountered over the years. As in every chapter of this book, it is interlaced with references to many other works including the Holy Bible.

            In “Stereoscopic Vision” the reader will find some contrasts that will remain in his mind, I am sure.  The story of Clarence Jordan and his beliefs during the Civil Rights struggle is engrossing as well as moving.

            Finally, the two statements below by the author in his chapter, “Paying Attention” might sum up what meaning he wanted his words to convey in this work.  “I need only read the Psalms to realize that God wants us to love and honor Him, through the creation, not apart from it.” And, “one day I realized with a start that God sees all the wonders of the earth at all times.  Not only does God see them, God is their source, and each reveals something of the Creator. “

            There is so much more in this treatise than this reviewer can tell. Suffice it to say, you will enjoy and be blessed by reading it. And, don’t overlook the explanation of “Reductionism” in the early pages. 

Review of Levi's Will

Levi’s Will

By: W. Dale Cramer

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

“God is love, love is the proof of God, and forgiveness is the proof of love.”

            “Levi’s Will” is fiction. It is a Christian novel by a writer with considerable skill and depth of feeling.  The story actually begins with Will, Levi’s son, running away from his Amish farm and his strong-willed father.  In subsequent passages, the author explains the reasons for Will’s unhappiness, not only with his father but also with the constraint of Amish life.

            Our main character and a younger brother, Tobe, who accompanies him, have some exciting adventures out in the “English” world; and when World War II begins, Will finds himself in the middle of Belgium repairing tanks for the U.S. Army.

            This intriguing story carries our hero into a marriage with a Georgia woman and through the lives of his sons and the lives of his many Amish relatives.  He does not return home to his Amish roots in Ohio for many years.  When he does, he finds that his father has not forgiven him.  He visits his father’s home a number of times over the years, never receiving the forgiveness of his father. 

            There are many moving episodes in the story, leading up to a dramatic understanding by Will regarding love and forgiveness and his relationship with God.  This book is a learning experience and the reader will find it spell-binding.  You may wonder – does the title refer to Levi’s son Will, his strong will in controlling his children, or his last will and testament?  You’ll have to read it to find out.

Review of Every Day Deserves a Chance

Every Day Deserves a Chance

(Wake Up to the Gift of 24 Hours)

by Max Lucado

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

Max Lucado is a cheerleader.  He spurs us on to greater service to others…and to the Lord and makes us happy while we do it.  I must admit that his enthusiasm rapidly became mine as I eagerly read each page of this inspiring book.

He begins this work with a humorous, and messy, incident he had with a seagull and refers back to this experience in the ensuing pages.  In a tongue-in-cheek effort to differentiate between good days and bad days, he ends up admitting that, as proclaimed in Psalms 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Mr. Lucado then attempts to separate yesterday, today, and tomorrow for us and explains God’s role in providing a formula for our happiness as we face each day.

In his section on “Shame-filled Days”, the author captivates the reader with his description of the captives, the deep feelings, and the walk to the Cross; and he movingly highlights God’s gift of grace.  The writer then describes, in order, his answers for ungrateful days, bitter days, anxious days, catastrophic days, depleted days, and fear-filled days, along with a host of intriguing experiences as illustrations.

In the section, “Service for the Fork in the Road Days”, Mr. Lucado discusses the “Society of the Second Mile,” which, if you have never heard of it, you will find fascinating.

The author concludes this very readable work with “The Blades of Uncommon Color” (no, not about sword fighting), and refers the reader to some very useful words from a “very useful” book.  “Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground…Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ…see things from his perspective,” Colossians 3:2 (Author’s translation).

Penned in Mr. Lucado’s own irrepressible writing style, this book is a “must read”.

October 14, 2011