Before I read this book I had no idea who Tm Bete was. After reading the first two pages, I was rolling on the floor with laughter. Suffice it to say, Tim Bete’s name will be permanently etched in my memory. This reaction repeated after reading nearly every page. Sometimes I was doubled over in laughter three times while still reading the same page. It was at that moment I knew I wouldn't get through this book without a box of tissues nearby. The tears flowed and everyone around me wondered what in the world was wrong with me. As you will see, all of this is just the normal reaction to reading Time Bete's book, In the Beginning... There Were No Diapers.

     Tim Bete goes through his life and fills us in on his most amazing discovery: small miracles happen everyday. His first miracle was his baby girl sleeping through the night. He explains the long and sleepless nights before the miracle as an entry to his journal and an, "Are You Sleep Deprived?" quiz. His phrase to describe these small miracles is "Botta bing, botta boom", which makes me wonder if he has spent any time in Brooklyn, New York.

     The book starts out with past miracles. We are regaled by tales of his interactions with the "fertility police" and his diagnosis of the disease "stop-the-clock-itis". He shares with us a handy chart for help with potty training (which will have you rolling on the floor in laughter). He goes on to talk about how he handles those late night calls for Dad from his children. Further on he shares his view on the timeless classic, "Hush Little Baby", which will have you roaring with laughter. Later he talks about how his family celebrates the holidays - you won't look at another baby Jesus quite the same.

     In the midst of all of this craziness, he takes the time out to honor his wife, who is a stay-at-home Mom.. He sets aside chapter 11 to point out all of the ways her "super powers" have helped her do her job so well. I really appreciated this chapter and loved his job description. After all of the jokes he ends on a slightly serious note and lets everyone know just how much he values his wife.

     After the past miracles, he lets us in on his present miracles. He sets aside one chapter for his insights on his health. After reading a memorandum from his brain to his body parts and his three steps to exercise safety, you will be doubled over with tears in your eyes. All will become clear as you ponder why he considers himself a modern miracle.

     In the last chapter he looks ahead to future miracles and writes a heart-rending conversation with his youngest daughter who is, by now, learning how to drive. In the rest of the chapter he reviews all of the minor miracles throughout the book and tells us that he considers his sense of humor to be the biggest miracle of all. It takes a very talented man to present the truths of God in side-splitting humor. I don’t know about a miracle, but his talent has certainly made a way for him.

~I received In the Beginning... There Were No Diapers by Tim Bete from Mind & Media. I receive no income for posting this review~

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