BOOK REVIEW - "STANDING WATCH" (DAKOTA K-9 UNIT BOOK 3) BY TERRI REED

 Why is this long-haired guy attacking K-9 Unit Task Force Agent Zach Kelsey's Park Ranger wife Eden at the Mount Rushmore observation deck? And why did he strangle one of Eden's co-workers? Can Zach - with help of his K-9 partner Amber - protect his wife and their unborn child from the killer and salvage their crumbling marriage?

"Standing Watch," written by Terri Reed, is part 3 of 9 books in the Dakota K-9 series. The collection is looking at the formation of a task force to stop guns from being smuggled into the Dakotas from a crime ring that murdered one of their fellow officers and the young girl Joy who was dropped off at her unknowing relative, ATF Special Agent and Dakota Gun Task Force director Daniel Slater with a note. This book looks at the story of Zach and Eden Kelsey and, of course, Amber the Labrador K-9. 

As already mentioned, this is the third story in this series. Can you start with this book if you missed the first two books and not feel lost or ruin any surprises? Technically yes: The authors do a great job trying to keep the reader caught up with the story. However, considering I'm writing this review after reading the first six novels of this collection, I would strongly advise to read all the books in order. I can't say more without spoiling some of the coming surprises.

Now to this story. I really enjoyed the development of Zach and Kelsey (and no, I can't leave out Amber). Additionally, there are some twists and turns in this story.

I highly recommend this book and the full series (saying this without reading the final three books of the Dakota K-9 Unit.

BOOK REVIEW - "RADICAL LIKE JESUS: 21 CHALLENGES TO LIVE A REVOLUTIONARY LIFE" BY GREG STIER

If you want a challenge to live a Christian life that accomplishes something, this book fills that category. This book is designed to be a 3 week motivator to stretch out of the norm and take steps to walking in Christ-likeness.

This book has 21 chapters, between 8 and 12 pages each. They start with a story - most of them autobiographical. It then deals with the subject, giving Biblical illustrations (mostly from the life of Jesus, as you'd guess from the title of the book). It concludes with an assignment, with the difficulty level of each of these.

I've read several challenges on living a more revolutionary, life-changing life. One distinction of this one is having a short 21 day format (a similar book, "Pray & Go" by Thom Rainer, is a 30 day exercise). This book is also full of humor and humility on the author's part (including when he had an argument with his wife prior to a Bible study and was rebuked for his part). While similar, this book has no connection to David Platt's classic "Radical" and it's follow-up "Radical Together."

If this book looks like something you want to tackle, go for it.

 

BOOK REVIEW - "DEADLY BADLANDS PURSUIT" (DAKOTA K-9 UNIT BOOK 2) BY SHAREE STOVER

 Why has Protected Witness Cameron Holmes been incommunicado? How does the person who attacked U.S. Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick outside Holmes' ranch know Cameron's real name? Could it be a powerful politician, or could it be a rogue U.S. Marshal?

"Deadly Badlands Pursuit," written by Sharee Stover, is the second installment of Love Inspired Suspense (a Harlequin imprint)'s annual multi-author K-9 series. Stover does an excellent job both with the continuing stories of finding the leaders of a gun-running operation who murdered one of their fellow officers and the mystery of an abandoned girl left with Daniel Slater, the director of the Dakota Gun Task Force.

Allow me to answer a couple of questions you have. First, is this a book you'll enjoy? If you want a suspenseful story full of mystery and plot twists and characters that are engaging? Absolutely. The action starts early and does not let up, and there are plenty of surprises, including... no, I'm not going to give a spoiler here.

Second, do I need to read the kick-off novel of this series, "Chasing A Kidnapper" by Laura Scott, before I start this one? I won't say "need to," but I would advise it. I'm currently reading book 6 of 9 in this series, and there are some major twists at this point, so to enjoy it better, I'd recommend not only reading Scott's book before this one, but to commit yourself for the full set.

I highly recommend this story and the series.

ALBUM REVIEW - "STORYMAN" BY AMY SHREVE

 I am so excited to see a new project out by Amy Shreve. We first were acquainted with her when she and her husband Gary Wixtrom ministered at a Voice of the Martyr Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana back in 2003. Becky and I had the honor of having them perform in two different churches we attended.

It has been a while since I heard a new, original music project, and "Storyman" is worth the wait. From the strong start of "I'm Still Dreaming," each of the eight songs grab you. Included is an alternate version of the single "Eden," which was previously released 3 years ago. Also, Gary does the lead vocal on the concluding "Better Country;" this isn't the first time he sings the final song (he did "Fortress" on the classic album "Haven"). 

What are my favorite songs on this project? I can honestly answer "all of them," but I'll mention which ones stand a little above the others: "I'm Still Dreaming," "How the Story Ends," "Eden" (though I like the single version better) and "Better Country."

BOOK REVIEW - "CHASING A KIDNAPPER" (DAKOTA K-9 UNIT BOOK 1) BY LAURA SCOTT

Who is vandalizing policewoman Trisha McCord's house and attempting to kidnap her six month old child? Is there a connection between these attacks and the two state gunrunning ring K-9 officer Wes Cole and the newly formed Dakota K-9 Unit are seeking to close down? And who does this abandoned ... hold on. I'm not spoiling this end-of-the-story plot twist.

This is the first installment of the Dakota K-9 Unit series. Like the continuity series of the last two years, Laura Scott has the honor of kicking it off. The characters are ones you can care about, as normal, and the plot will leave you guessing, with a couple of surprises waiting till the end.

One thing I like about this story: normally in these series, the K-9 team (both man and dog) are introduced in the chapter, already organized. In this one, you get to read about the organization of the team in about the 3rd chapter. Of course, you'll want to read the first two chapters to know why the K-9 unit is established.

At this point, I've read the first four of the series (as typical, written by different authors) and I highly recommend both this novel and the series (which will release a new story each month until November).

MY THOUGHTS ON THE ASSASSINATION OF CHARLIE KIRK AND THE MEMORIAL SERVICE

 

Copy of Charlie Kirk's profile photo on Facebook

On the morning of September 16, 2025 - six days following Kirk's assissination - I was at a men's prayer meeting at church, with six participants. The moderator asked us to go around and share our thoughts on Charlie Kirk; half of the attenders never heard of him before his death, including me. 

At this point in time, I had a blessing - my computer went on the fritz on September 2 and we didn't get it going again until the 19th. Why is this a blessing? I wasn't inundated by posts and replies on my Facebook Feed! 

I did get to hear several podcasts about Charlie Kirk and of the Memorial Service September 21, most of which were ones I regularly listen to (Al Mohler's "The Briefing," Alisa Childers, and Natasha Crain, and others I was familiar with to find out their slant ("Good Faith" with Curtis Chang and "Wretched Radio" with Todd Friel). I also had a couple of friends whose post was shared on my wall which I noticed once I got back on-line, and I looked up two other friends who I had a hunch would take a different (i.e. negative) perspective.

One last comment before I got started - this has taken me QUITE a while to write. At first, in late September, I thought of writing a blog on why I hadn't posted and following it up with one on Charlie Kirk. A day later, I thought Kirk was the hot story and was going to focus on that angle. I then went back to plan A, finishing the other blog on October 10th. And I felt a struggle getting back. Was that a hint that I shouldn't worry about it? Or was it telling me that this wrestling meant I was supposed to complete it? Well, if you're reading it, it's completed, so you can let me know your thoughts.

Allow me to start with two facts:

1. Charlie Kirk was a Christian. On Curtis Chang's "Good Faith" podcast - the most negative of those on Kirk himself - guest David French stated repeatedly that he disagreed strongly with Kirk on several issues, that Kirk was definitely a Christian. 

2. EVERYBODY is not quite the person their dog - or their greatest fans - think he/she is, nor as terrible as their opponents make them out to be. With all the info I've looked at - and I could find much more - I have a mostly positive impression of Kirk with some flaws, and the same with the Memorial.

Allow me to now give a rapid fire thought on several things concerning the Memorial.

• I was saddened by a pair of Christian friends who gave a "10 Spies" report on the Memorial. One was three one-word-sentences, all words negative; no mention of Erica Kirk's speech on forgiving the killer. The other mentioned Erica, but neither mentioned that Christ was preached, or that people are going to church now after the killing. Very sad.
• About Christ being preached - Todd Friel (Wretched Radio) played all the segments from where Memorial speakers spoke about Christ. He pointed out there were things from some of the speakers he disagreed with (e.g. altar calls, Arminian theology) but said repeatedly that Christ was preached, Christ was preached, and he rejoiced. It's sad not all Christians have that mindset.
• Pastor/Christian musician Steve Camp pointed out something interesting and without explanation: while Kirk's widow spoke, his parents and sibling didn't. Why not? No, I have no idea.
• On the theological end, there was a mixture. Alisa Childers gave five quick facts on the Memorial, and the final 3 were "There were wolves (i.e. false teachers) there, there was bad theology there, and there was good doctrine there. Dawn Hill, hostess of the podcast "The Lovesick Scribe", has focused on the first two episodes in a series on the Memorial that there was definitely false teaching there. 
• Okay, more about Kirk than the memorial, but on September 26, my Release Update had three songs about Charlie Kirk. No new ones since. One especially bothered me - "Godspeed Charlie" by Patriotic refers to him as the eternal patriot. No, I don't think so. Charlie's now in God's Kingdom. 
  
• This leads me into "Christian Nationalism." What is Christian Nationalism? Is it when one equates Christianity with their nation? Or is this a name bullies use to silence those opposed to progressive/liberal ideas on abortion, the alphabet soup group, etc.? I always cringe when Patriotism is considered a virtue; in Russia, this means praying for victory over Ukraine. If we qualify patriotism to be righteous nations, what if our nation becomes unrighteous? And yes, persecution can arise here. The assassination, the martyrdom, of Charlie Kirk shows that possiblitiy.

Okay. I've gotten that off my chest.

AND I'M BACK! HOPE YOU DIDN'T MISS ME TOO MUCH

No, I don't know what kind of flower/tree this is, but it's at Hopewell House, Louisville, KY.
Yours truly took the picture.

Yes, I only posted one  blog in September. However, technically, I shouldn't count that: the September 2 post was actually posted before hand and was scheduled for September 2. So allow me to catch up a little.

There's a ministry called Further Still headed by Kurt Souder, who also has a radio program/podcast titled Solid Steps Radio, which is focused on men. He also hosts a day long "Desert Days" once a month at Hopewell House in Louisville, KY, where you can get away with other men (or women - there's a monthly Desert Days for the ladies as well) can write, meditate on Scripture, pray, and if necessary nap. Most of those who come are from the Louisville area, but I've taken a couple trips down, the most recent being August 13, 2025.

My arrival was not indicating a good start. I got there a few minutes late ... Actually, I turned into the next door neighbor's long driveway, and when I got turned around, I was blocked by a landscaping truck. He asked me to wait when he got his mowers out and I had to ask if I could get around him. Then, I reached in the back seat for my notebook and realized I left it on my dining room table two and a half hours away. Ugh.

Praise the Lord, the time was useful. I ended up in the library room as I did five years earlier (in the midst of COVID). Then, some of my meditation was looking through all the books, but there were two blessings. The first was the tree with white flowers that was right outside the window. My grandparents owned a nursery before I was born; Dad did not inherit any of that botanical knowledge, and I took after him. But that tree for me was a sign of hope, a blessing that calmed me from my hectic morning.

The second was a white board with multi-colored dry/erase pens. I found writing on the board and erasing/editing when I needed. By the time lunch was done, I did a lot of brainstorming that came in handy. (No, it's not neat, but as long as I could read it...

Why am I sharing this? I didn't think of sharing this until a few days ago. And the reason I thought of this was because on September 2, when I turned on the computer, I got a blue light, which turned into an orange light, which again became blue, and then orange and orange and orange... it didn't stop flashing until I unplugged it, but when I turned it back on, the orange flashing resumed. It took us two and a half weeks before I got the computer taken care of. 

The bad part was that I wasn't able to keep up with the blog. However, it kept me from being inundated with pro and con remarks after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Of course, half the world is wondering what my thoughts are on this (can I take my tongue out of my cheek now?), so I'll share them in the next blog.

I'm behind on a lot of things as well. One of my most recent blogs (meaning in August) mentioned the upcoming Love Inspired Suspense Dakota K-9 Unit series. Since then, I've read the first four of nine, and yet to review any. There are a couple of other books I haven't reviewed yet either, as well as a review of the long-awaited new EP by one of my long-time favorite singers... no, you have to guess until I share it. You may have missed interviews - I'm  behind on that as well. 

Two related highlights. On September 21st, we had our first annual missions fair at Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis. Becky was with friends behind the table for Child Evangelism Fellowship, while I was asked to host the table for World Missionary Press, which publishes literature for missionaries around the world. Others involved were Right to Life, Kid's Hope (headed up by a friend from church that ministers in Nigeria, CRU (previously known as Campus Crusade for Christ), Gideons, Crossroads Association (the local part of the Southern Baptist Convention), Send Relief (a joint venture of the North America and International missions), Metro Baptist Association, and Covenant Foods (Northside's pantry ministry). 

The other highlight was the same morning. Outside the side door are a pair of steps heading to a square "porch" with a rail. When I headed that direction, I saw a squirrel sitting on the porch. He looked at me, then he hid his head behind the rails, not realizing that while I couldn't see his head I could see the rest of him. He looked my direction to see if I was still there, hid his head behind the railing again, turned back to looking at me, and then  ran off.

I'm glad to be back blogging, and glad you're reading it.

Yours truly at the World Missionary Press Table. Photo by Jim Myers.