January 27, 2012

Book Review: Sherman, Ruthless Victor by Agostino Van Hassell

If I didn't know that author Agostino Van Hassell was of German origin I would be tempted to suspect he was from Georgia.

I picked this book out in hopes that it would shed some light on one of the greatest figures in the Civil War. I was deeply disappointed. Far from giving a "fair-and-balanced" view of the life of William Tecumseh Sherman, this book relied on heavy speculation as to what motivated him, and presented an overwhelmingly negative view of the man who--together with General Grant--made the northern army a victorious fighting force.

The author seemed unable to get past the warts and see the genius. His formative years were emphasized, his Civil War experience was spoken of in the broadest of terms, and his post-war years were given the briefest treatment. An example: no mention at all is made of his lasting friendship with his Civil War foe General Johnston.

I suspect that if Sherman himself were to read the book, he might say something like "Vox biographer, vox humbug!"

Brief Legal Notice: The book was free, the review is me.

The Astonishing Adventures of Missionary Max, Parts 1 and 2 are now available for Kindle and Nook!

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January 26, 2012

Max Moment: Missionary Max Giveaway!!!

Have a new e-reading gizmo? (and according to recent research, chances are you do!) Interested in a free e-book? (who isn't, right?) Today is your lucky day! We are proud to announce the first Missionary Max Giveaway. From now to the end of next week I will be giving away twenty (20) copies of The Astonishing Adventures of Missionary Max, Part 1.

Here is what you have to do:

1. "Like" the Missionary Max Facebook page*

2. Post either this link for the Kindle version, or this link for the Nook version, on your social media site of choice (e.g. Facebook/Twitter)

3. Leave a comment on this post telling me you have done so. Be sure to tell me in the comment if you prefer the book in Kindle or Nook format.**

The first twenty people to follow the above steps will receive a free copy of The Astonishing Adventures of Missionary Max, Part 1!

Happy reading!

*If you already "like" the Missionary Max Facebook page, that's cool! Just post one of the links on a social media site, and leave a comment on this post.

**If you already have The Amazing Adventures of Missionary Max, Part 1, but know somebody who you think would like to read it, follow the above steps, then send me an e-mail with their information and I will be happy to send them a copy. Unfortunately, I will only be able to send one copy per person.

The Astonishing Adventures of Missionary Max, Parts 1 and 2 are now available for Kindle and Nook!

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A Thoroughly Christian Response to Cancer

I've tried a couple times to write an introduction to this, and have failed. I'll make it simple. My Dad, upon being recently diagnosed with cancer, wrote these words at his blog:

I would be much more interested in talking about the trustworthiness of my Lord than about the untrustworthiness of the medical profession. I want this phase, wherever it takes me, to be exactly that platform I mentioned above: a time to express confidence in my God. By that I mean, not confidence that he will remove the overall threat of this particular cancer, but that he will see me through to the best conclusion and, in the grand scheme of things, that he will draw others to his unconditional forgiveness, love and destiny.

I can't think of anything better to say. Of course your prayers for our family are greatly appreciated.

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January 25, 2012

Brazilian Musical Interlude: Real in Rio

I have some issues with the movie Rio. I hated the entirely predictable glorification of Carnaval. I did not appreciate the unnecessary paeans to destructive alternate lifestyles. And it really bugged me that the Brazilian hero of the story only found his American female companion beautiful once she was decked out in the outlandish Carnaval costume that is long on feathers and short on...er...coverage.

Having said that, what I do not hate about Rio is this opening number. When I saw it the first time it took my breath away, and it continues to do so. Real in Rio has just been nominated for an Oscar in the "Best Original Song" department, and if it wins, it will be well-deserved.

The Astonishing Adventures of Missionary Max, Parts 1 and 2 are now available for Kindle and Nook!

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Some Online Updates

The last few days have been somewhat hectic. Our boys began their studies in their respective schools, the youth group began it's 2012 ministries, English classes started again, and planning began in earnest for several ministries that will take place this year.

Another reason for the lack of posts here is that we have been busy working on our online presence of the Kerigma Baptist Church here in São Luís. Since last week we have updated our church website with a map and a retrospective of 2011 activities. And on Monday we launched the Facebook page of Juventude Kerigma--our church youth group. Both of these are works in progress, but they are already beginning to bear fruit in terms of visibility for our little congregation.

Also, while you are on Facebook, don't forget to check out the Missionary Max Facebook page!

The Astonishing Adventures of Missionary Max, Parts 1 and 2 are now available for Kindle and Nook!

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