True Tales from Up North: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. XIII

 

MAKING A STAKE: A Redneck Love Story
Lynn Tormondson Lindstrom

1964. America was grieving the death of JFK, celebrating  -  or protesting  -  the Civil Rights Act, and idolizing a new British rock group called The Beatles. The largest earthquake in North America, 9.2 on the Richter scale, had devastated a large portion of Alaska, but it barely made the list of iconic events for the year. A small band of men in the blink-and-you'll-miss-it town of Tofte in northern Minnesota paid attention, rallied together, and decided to offer their services to their broken counterparts in Anchorage. Charlie left his wife and four small children behind to see what kind of investment could be made for their future.

Based on Charlie's actual letters home to Junie, you will have a front row seat to life after the earthquake, both in Alaska and on the North Shore of Minnesota. You will discover how the Tormondson family dealt with WWII, the Avon lady, UFOs, and commercial fishing on Lake Superior.

This book was written by one of my nothing-in-laws: The mother of my only daughter-in-law. I confess that, upon reading the first two chapters, I was kind of surprised at how well-written it is. What could have been a dull recitation of facts and events from the real-life ancestry of the author is actually rich in imagery and nuance; a true pleasure to read. And what a gift to Lynn's children to read of their North Shore heritage!

First Line: June watched as the dusty, old Ford pickup bounced down the dirt driveway, gravel crunching beneath the tires, rear brake lights pumping red as the truck approached its turn onto Highway 61.

Page 56 / Line 5: Wish I was with you all.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: What could compare to the beauty of a mountain, especially on an evening like this, as the sun stopped to kiss its lovely friend goodnight?

Last Line: And it looked nothing like riches, but it looked a lot like love.

Longmire Dispenses Justice AND Takes Revenge: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. XII

 

DEPTH OF WINTER: A Longmire Mystery
Craig Johnson

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and these times certainly are desperate. Sheriff Walt Longmire and Tomas Bidarte, the head of one of the most vicious drug cartels in Mexico, have been circling each other in a deadly cat-and-mouse game for more than a year. Now, Bidarte has kidnapped Walt's beloved daughter, Cady. The American government is of limited help and the Mexican one even less so. Armed with only his trusty Colt .45, a father's intuition, and the keen instinct on which he's staked his reputation and his life more than once, Walt must head into the 110-degree heat of the desert alone, one man against an army.

I don't usually return to Longmire so quickly, but with The Western Star having ended with the cliffhanger of Cady's abduction, I had to press on bravely. This episode in Longmire's saga stands out in that his normal small group of sidekicks/helpers are not by his side. Johnson's skill at making me physically feel every challenge Walt rises to is impressive, to say the least. The movie in my mind that happens whenever I read a book of fiction is well-lit and expertly directed when Johnson writes the script. The other standout with this book is that you're not sure how it's going to turn out until the very last page...and even that leaves us in the midst of an action-packed getaway.

First Line: I turned my water glass in the slick circle of condensation on the smooth, red lacquer of the table between us and studied the man across from me.

Page 56 / Line 5: He turned and looked at me.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: "There are so many things worth living and dying for, but only a few things worth killing for, and maybe the two are intertwined  -  I don't know."

Last Line: "The bull, he sometimes wins."

Toy Story 5: We Have Found the Enemy and They Are Us

 

Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they're introduced to electronics, a new threat to playtime.

IMDB

Bottom line first: This is another great addition to the Toy Story canon. (IMHO, better than TS4.) There were laughs, opportunities for tears, and plenty of action.

This is really Cowgirl Jessie's movie. She carries most of the plot on her small, hand-stitched shoulders. Having been abandoned by children because they outgrew their need for her and her ragdoll ways, she is especially zealous in her fight against electronic devices and "social" media and how they seem to make kids grow up too soon.

In fact, that "us vs them" mentality comes on really strong in the beginning, to the point of making me feel that Pixar was being too Afterschool Special about it. Turns out, that only made the eventual resolution (well...semi-resolution) sweeter.

And now, the morning after, I'm being struck by the irony of Pixar declaring war on tech. They are, after all, the prime instigators of computer technology taking over from hand-drawn animation. But then again, it basically all works out in the end.

While the majority of the classic Toy Story characters had very little to do in this installment, kudos go out to the addition of Conan O'Brien as the electronic toilet training toy, Smarty Pants. His frantic energy and sly humor are a perfect fit. Easter Egg hunt: Look for the scene where the animators get to include O'Brien's rooster-comb hair.

4 out of 5 stars.

Got Hope? Need It?: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. XI

 

DESPERATE FOR HOPE: Hanging on and Finding God During Life's Hardest Times
Bruce W. Martin

With sincere sympathy and ready encouragement, Bruce W. Martin takes hurting readers through a grieving process that helps them reconcile their deep suffering with their beliefs about a good God. He helps them find deep meaning in the midst of tragedy so that they can enjoy a deeper intimacy with God and others.

A unique and compassionate take on the age-old questioning of suffering, this book is perfect for readers who have experienced life-shattering pain, such as divorce, the loss of loved ones, bankruptcy, cancer, addiction, and even violent crimes, giving them real answers to their toughest questions and helping them move forward in life after tragedy.

I met the author at a conference we both attended  -  he gave two keynotes and led two breakout sessions, all of which I happily soaked up before eagerly buying his book. Bottom line is, I'm glad I did. This is a well-told tale, combining lessons from the story of Job with the author's own experience of pain, loss, and grief. I came away forewarned that "in this world, you will have trouble," but also encouraged that "God is always up to something good, because he is good."

First Line: I still remember the phone call five days before Christmas 2002.

Page 56 / Line 5: So far, so good.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: God is far more intent on perfecting our faith through trouble than on protecting us from trouble.

Last Line: Jesus is with you.

Two Stories, One Sheriff: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. X

 

THE WESTERN STAR: A Longmire Mystery
Craig Johnson

Sheriff Walt Longmire is enjoying a celebratory beer after renewing his weapons certification when a younger sheriff shows him a photograph of a group of armed men standing in front of a large steam locomotive. It transports him back to when, fresh from the battlefields of Vietnam, then-deputy Longmire accompanied his new boss to the annual meeting of the Wyoming Sheriffs' Association, held on a vintage excursion train known as The Western Star. The young Walt did not anticipate being thrust into the center of a mystery himself, as the train bearing 24 veteran sheriffs chugged across his home state, from Cheyenne to Evanston and back.

     But the sheriff isn't in town for the certification alone. He's on his way to the capital for the parole hearing of one of the most dangerous men he has encountered in a lifetime of law enforcement.

This is an exceptionally fine read, even though I had a little bit of trouble knowing which of the two storylines I was in at the beginning of each chapter, and during jumps in the midst of chapters. Johnson does a good job of hiding a major twist at the end that finally connects the two. Obviously, I really enjoy the Longmire series of books, otherwise I wouldn't be reading through all of them, right? A major difference in this one is that it ends with a cliffhanger. (Bring on Depth of Winter!)

First Line: I pressed in on the knurled end of my Colt 1911A1 with my thumb at the same time rotating the barrel bushing a quarter turn clockwise to free the plug and recoil assembly, my hands working from rote.

Page 56 / Line 5: Feeling someone approaching from behind, I whirled with a snarling anger that caused Lucian to step back, whereupon he stumbled and almost fell, catching himself on the railing.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: The Belvedere wasn't my idea of a dream car, but it had a heater, and beggars should avoid being choosers on I-80 in the winter.

Last Line: "Business."

Life Lessons for the Overachiever I Never Was: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. IX

 

WHAT I LEARNED WHEN I ALMOST DIED: How a Maniac TV Producer Put Down His Blackberry and Started to Live His Life
Chris Licht

"Chris Licht had always been ambitious. When he was only nine years old, he tracked down an NBC correspondent while on vacation to solicit advice for a career in television. By the time he was thirty-five, he landed his dream job: a fast-paced, demanding spot at the helm of MSNBC's Morning Joe  -  one of the most popular shows on cable TV. He felt invincible. Then one day Chris heard a pop in his head, followed by a whoosh of blood and crippling pain . . . .

Another one of those "4 for a Dollar" library finds, this one seemed like it might have some significant life lessons that I could learn vicariously, and yes, I guess it did. The majority of the book told Licht's story, and it was an interesting read. The "lessons learned" mostly resided in the last couple chapters, and they were significant for the author's Type-A personality and driven nature. For me...I was pretty much already there just because of my temperament and upbringing. It feels noteworthy that Licht was encouraged by a friend to write the book before he even had a sense of having learned anything through his experience: He even came up with the title at that lunch, knowing fully that I didn't yet have the answer to the question. Still, it was a worthwhile read. 4 out of 5 stars.

First Line: Lately, if I happen to be looking through my address book for a phone number, I'm apt to stop when I come across the name of someone I haven't been in touch with for a while.

Page 56 / Line 5: Cerebral aneurysms are balloonlike bulges in the walls of arteries, which are the high-pressure freeways that deliver blood from the heart throughout the body, as opposed to veins, which return blood to the heart at lower pressure.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: To sit passively and bemoan bad luck solves nothing.

Last Line: What a great evening.

One Surprise After Another: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. VIII

 

JACK & JILL
James Patterson

"In the middle of the night, a controversial U.S. senator is found murdered in bed in his Georgetown pied-a-terre. The police turn up only one clue: a mysterious rhyme signed 'Jack and Jill' promising that this is just the beginning. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. homicide detective Alex Cross is called to a murder scene only blocks from his house, far from the corridors of power where he spends his days. The victim: a beautiful little girl, savagely beaten  -  and deposited in front of the elementary school Cross's son attends.

"Could there be a connection between the two murders?"

My answer to this question? Well, duh. But then I read the book and  -  spoiler alert  -  the only connection is that Alex Cross worked both of them. I will say that my well-of-course response wasn't the last time my plot expectations were wrong. Patterson knows how to write a twisty tale, to be sure. I especially appreciate that the longest chapters were still only 4 or 5 pages. Even if several chapters in a row were part of the same "scene", he breaks everything down into digestible beats. Probably what made it so easy to turn the first two Alex Cross thrillers into movies. Fair Warning: There seemed to be a bit more R-rated language in this third installment, but at least it was character-driven and believable...not just for the sake of making it "grittier."

First Line: Sam Harrison swung his agile body out of the silver blue Ford Aerostar, which he had parked on Q Street in the Georgetown section of Washington.

Page 56 / Line 5: I kept seeing her brutalized face.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: Always appear to belong, to fit in, and soon you will .

Last Line: Until next time.

Surprise Treat on the Title Page: This library find was autographed by the author!

"For Penny-- Hope this keeps you guessing, J Patterson"

Hey, Dewey, What'd You Read for Lent?: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. VII

 

HEAR THE SAVIOR: Readings for Lent and Easter Based on the Words of Jesus
Kristin Saatzer

"Famous last words are important as they draw our attention to the heart and soul of the speaker. What could be more important at Easter than being drawn into the heart of Jesus through his own words? In this devotional journey to Calvary, you will prepare your heart for Easter by examining the last words of Jesus, as well as his first recorded words in ministry, and crucial ones in between."

I bought this while attending The Well Conference for Christian Creatives last year and have been looking forward to February 18, 2026, through Easter ever since. Saatzer doesn't only focus on the final words of Jesus (i.e., the sayings spoken from the cross), but several key phrases from throughout his earthly ministry. There's a page or so of personal commentary, a quotable quote relevant to her take on what Jesus said, and a couple questions or further Scriptures to think/journal about. Not a bad way to walk through the 40 days leading to Easter at all.

I admit to having a personal shortcoming when it comes to reading plans like this. I seldom slow down and savor any of the thoughts presented. I squeeze in the day's reading so I can feel like I lived up to a commitment. That is solely MY fault, and I am a lesser man for treating this book that way.

First Line: I began the year 2020 with plans to start and finish my second book.

Page 56 / Line 5: One that required a Savior.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: But the unpredictable Savior did not play the brutish game of bigotry.

Last Line: I thank You for the power of the Holy Spirit living in me and that You will be with me always.

 

Timely and Terrific: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. VI

 

BETTER TOGETHER: Making Church Mergers Work
Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird

"Mergers today work best not with two struggling churches but with a vital, momentum-filled lead church partnering with a joining church. This much-needed resource provides a complete, practical, hands-on guide for leaders of both struggling and vibrant churches, so they can understand the issues, develop strategies, and execute mergers for church expansion and renewal. No matter what your motivation for merging your church with another  -  to begin a new church life cycle, reach more people for Christ, multiply your church's impact, or better serve your community  -  Better Together will give you the tools you need to create a thriving new entity."

You can put a checkmark beside each of the possible motivations for merger just mentioned and that would apply to what seems to be on the near horizon for Valley Christian Church and a new "church plant" happening in Lakeville, Anchor Community Church (pre-launch website under construction). There are still T's to be crossed and I's to be dotted, but it certainly seems like God is leading the leadership of both these churches to join forces to have an impact on Lakeville, Minnesota that neither could have on their own. And that's why I read this book. And it is so very, very good: A solid 5 stars.

First Line: 2% of congregations each year vote (or are required) to close, a number likely to increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but some of them could instead restart as a merger.

Page 56 / Line 5: The multisite factor was only on Healing Place's side.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: Successful mergers are vehicles of change, not preservers of the status quo.

Last Line: Is there a church merger on your horizon?

The Audible and the Angry: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. V

 

THE SOUND AND THE FURY: The Complete, Definitive Edition
William Faulkner

"The tragedy of the Compson family features some of the most memorable characters in literature. Their lyrical voices mesh to create one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century."

My beloved Wyoming niece gifted me this book, I think, because she could barely believe I had never read a piece of classic literature that she almost loves. And I admit that having to admit I had never read ANYthing by Faulkner was, admittedly, a sad omission in my educational journey. But I've got to say, I could barely force myself past the opening section that was written in the voice of a 33-year-old person of little intellect and zero sentence structure. Yee-ikes. I spent the whole time trying to guess who was related to whom, how old they were, and what color their skin was. It was a jumble of names with precious little biographical info to put with them. The second section was only slightly more coherent, whoever's viewpoint it represented. Part three gained a bit more sentence structure, but very little actual exposition or plot. Part four was finally written from what seems to be an omniscient narrator's point of view, but by then, I was so thoroughly used to not knowing who anyone was and nothing making sense placed up next to anything else, it still just felt like someone took a newspaper, cut it up into sentences and phrases, threw it in the air and then pasted it together however the pieces landed.

And then, in 1946, Faulkner included an Appendix for any reprints, purporting to be the key to the whole book. Well, he did indeed explain who all the main characters were and their relationships to each other and spelled out some events that were merely hinted at or reacted to in the main text, but man . . . slogging through 321 pages of gobbledygook to get there? I'm sorry, literary experts, but this is most definitely NOT "one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century." But that's just my opinion.

First Line: Through the fence, between the curling flower spaces, I could see them hitting.

Page 56 / Line 5: What you want to get her started for, Dilsey said.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: The part ran up into the bald spot, like a drained swamp in December.

Last Line: The broken flower drooped over Ben's fist and his eyes were empty and blue and serene again as cornice and facade flowed smoothly once more from left to right, post and tree, window and doorway and signboard each in its ordered place.

 

Meanwhile, Back in 1985: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. IV

 

FUTURE BOY: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum
Michael J. Fox and Nelle Fortenberry

"Fox's nightly commute from a soundstage at Paramount to the backlot at Universal Studios, from one dream job to another, would become his own space-time continuum. It was in this time portal that Alex P. Keaton handed the baton to Marty McFly while Michael J. Fox tried to catch a few minutes of sleep. Alex's bravado, Marty's flair, and Fox's comedic virtuosity all swirled together to create something truly special.

In Future Boy, Fox tells the remarkable story of playing two landmark roles at the same time  -  a slice of entertainment history that's never been told. Featuring new interviews with the cast and crew of both projects, this book is a vividly drawn and eye-opening story of creative achievement by a beloved icon."

I bought this book using a Target gift card I had been given. Sure, I could have purchased a supply of socks or underwear instead, but where's the joy in that? The Back to the Future trilogy was our first DVD purchase, and attending a 40th Anniversary screening with Curtis and Dustin was a highlight of 2025...how could I not own this book full of behind-the-scenes anecdotes? It's like a several-hour special feature in book form...just my cup of Tab.

First Line: The concept of the space-time continuum was first introduced by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of gravity and the nature of the universe.

Page 56 / Line 5: I had a work visa, granted because producers were able to make the case that I was special and unique in America: old enough to work the long hours of an adult, but with a look that allowed me to play a much younger character.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: I worked harder on the "Johnny B. Goode" scene than any other portion of the movie.

Last Line: It's a reminder that some of the best parts of our future can come from the past. One more gift from the year 1985.

 

Liberty and Justice for All?

 For Renee Good & Alex Pretti

I've watched enough cop shows in my life to be familiar with what happens when there is an officer-involved shooting: The officer involved hands over their gun and badge (or shield, as the case may be) and is put on administrative duty while an investigation takes place.

Regarding the recent officer-involved shootings in the streets of Minneapolis, I'm wondering if that protocol is being followed.

I'm forced to wonder about that because all I've heard from the governmental entities overseeing the work of the involved officers are immediate statements of exoneration: Statements that are direct contradictions to the available video evidence.

In all fairness, the February 6 statement from the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is hopeful, but not exhaustive.

In no news conference have I heard an official say anything close to "The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation."

I reserve the right to be wrong about that. I mean, I admit to not seeing or hearing every statement made by every deputy director of this or that acronym. I had to turn things off for a bit. I was overwhelmed by the level of lies spewing out of the mouths of government spokespeople.

So...

I'm left wondering. What is happening with the people who pulled the triggers? Has the news cycle moved on already and now we're all upset about the Epstein files (again) and Border Patrol is breathing a sigh of relief because the spotlight is no longer on them?

American citizens have been killed. I'm wondering where the liberty and justice for all is.

Wisdom from an Empath: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. III

EGO AT THE HELM: The Hidden Cost of Narcissism in Leadership
Robert A. Damon

In [this book, the author] pulls back the curtain on an extraordinarily painful season he endured, and shares lessons learned. He paints a compelling and disturbing picture of a narcissist who wounded countless people, including his own family. Robert's description of the events will leave you a little breathless, but the story is not just about identifying the danger but also dealing with the destructive aftermath. To all who have been pushed out by a narcissist, or who are trying to outlast a narcissist, there are vital nuggets of encouragement, hope, and wisdom throughout this book. Read through these insights thoughtfully and prayerfully and integrate these principles into your life (~Dr. David Timms, from the Foreword).

I bought this book because I know the author; used to be his co-worker during my final youth ministry gig. We even shared an office. What he writes about took place in the church he went to after leaving where we were, and I confess to being grateful I didn't have to go through it with him. It sounds absolutely horrible, and yet he not only lived through it, but grew because of it and became a major pathfinder toward the church's healing.

Bob has always been an empathetic pastor, and he demonstrates both aspects of that two-word phrase throughout the pages of this book. He doesn't just recount his experiences under narcissistic leadership; he provides wise counsel and practical resources to help others in a similar boat.

First Line: Narcissism is a growing issue for organizations, especially when leadership roles require visible trust and interaction with the community to achieve mission success.

Page 56 / Line 5: Personally, I have come to realize that while there are many causes for discouragement in all this, I have several major disappointments that will require time and effort to overcome.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: Narcissism is not the same as being self-centered or selfish; there is a fine distinction here.

Last Line: May that never be true when talking about faith-based leadership, and may our informed leadership be a benchmark for others coming behind us to face successes and challenges with humor, grace, and tact.

 

Soundtrack to a Life: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. II

 

SING IT OUT
Ryan Weaver

Some people journal. Some people run. I’ve always had songs. Music cuts through the noise. Sometimes, it cuts right through you. It goes straight to your heart before your head even has a chance to catch up. A single lyric can say what you’ve been trying to put into words for months. A melody can calm you down, or get you hyped up, depending on the day.

These chapters are stories from my life, each one connected to a song that helped me get through something, or helped me understand who I’m becoming. It’s part memoir, part mixtape, and 100% real.

This book hasn't been published yet. I got to read it as I was formatting and editing it... preparing it so the author can self-publish. Ryan is the son of a couple Beloved and I were in a Sunday School class with back at our Home church in Markle, Indiana.

I think the concept for the book is really interesting, and Ryan does a great job at weaving the story of his life around the songs he listened to and was influenced by through the years. He also proves he has the heart of a pastor by having a strong life lesson as part of each chapter so it all goes far beyond just "strolling through the park and reminiscing." (Not that he quotes that song. The boy ain't that old.)

4 out of 5 stars. Look for it on Amazon later this year.

First Line: Life's a journey.

Page 56 / Line 5: And I hope that, as I continue on this journey of faith, I can give others the same gift of accountability, honesty, and grace that I received in that D Group.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: The seats were piled with empty fast food bags, the air smelled like a mixture of gasoline and freedom, and we always had enough space for one more person.

Last Line: And He always will be.

Well, When You Look at It THAT Way: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. I

 

STAR WARS FROM A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW: 40 Stories Celebrating 40 Years
Various Authors

On May 25, 1977, the world was introduced to Han, Luke, Leia, a pair of droids, a Wookie, an old wizard, a villain in black, and a galaxy full of possibilities. Forty years on, Star Wars remains an unparalleled cultural phenomenon, having inspired and influenced generations of fans and creators. Decades of rich storytelling were sparked by one film, in part because the Star Wars galaxy feels alive. Strange and wonderful characters fill the edges of the screen and make us wonder: What are their stories? This unique anthology celebrates that legacy, as more than 40 contributors lend their vision to this retelling of the original film. Each of the 40 short stories reimagines a moment from the film through the eyes of a supporting character.

I stumbled onto the sequel to this volume, based on The Empire Strikes Back, while browsing the library shelves and thoroughly enjoyed it. (Read about that by clicking here.) I vowed to back up and read this as well ... and well ... here I am.

This collection does a much better job than the first book I read (which is the second book in the series, blah blah blah...) of revealing the thoughts and off-screen activities of characters you actually remember seeing. It tells the tales of a member of Jabba the Hutt's house band, the stormtrooper whose mind was tricked by Obi-Wan ("These are not the droids you're looking for"), Greedo, and even the creature in the trash compactor that nearly drowns Luke. If you're a fan of the movie, I think you'll end up enjoying these short stories, too.

First Line: "What is it they've sent us?"

Page 56 / Line 5: She cast about until she found a long, heavy bar with a notch at the end.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: It is strange, still, to think of death as only the beginning of wisdom.

Last Line: Princess Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen plan that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy.

The First Time I've Ever Recommended a Podcast

ONCE WE WERE SPACEMEN
A Podcast with Nathan Fillion & Alan Tudyk

"Since co-starring on Firefly, they have also been aliens, mystery writers, veterinarians, superheroes, chickens, robots, and policemen. 

Now, they’re doing a podcast where they get to know their fellow creatives, learning about who they once were and what they’re up to now.

So, if you are looking to learn something new that will alter the course of your life, or discover something that will change the way you see the world, or you are simply looking to better yourself… keep looking. 

But, if you’d like to have the feeling of hanging out with two old buddies… You’ve come to the right place."

Can't argue with the final two paragraphs of this podcast's self-description. I've listened to the first six episodes and it is abundantly clear these two guys formed a lasting, hilarious bond when they worked together on the short-lived and much-missed TV series, Firefly. In those six episodes, they have had a guest half the time, but I've got to say I have a slight preference for the episodes where they are just chatting with each other.

There is talk about the unglamorous realities of an acting career, least-favorite auditions, how to not be a jerk, and plenty of mutual admiration that sometimes dissolves into self-deprecating humor and sarcastic digs into each other's humble egos.

So far, there hasn't been much PG-13 language, which I appreciate, so I feel fairly safe in recommending the show to the adult members of the elite group of friends who read Dewdrops.

You can find the show practically anywhere you find podcasts, but here's a link to its website and the YouTube introductory trailer.

Song Sung Blue: Proving There's More to Neil Diamond Than "Sweet Caroline" (And It's Not Even a Biography)

 

SONG SUNG BLUE: Inspired by a Legend. Bound by a Dream.
Starring Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson

"Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together."

When I first saw the poster for this, I thought it was a biopic, and I thought, "What a perfect choice for someone to play Neil Diamond!" Then, when I saw the trailer and realized it wasn't actually about Diamond but about, in the words of Kate Hudson's character, "Not a Neil Diamond impersonator, but a Neil Diamond interpreter," I was a little disappointed but still no less enthusiastic about the casting.

In terms of the overall effect of the movie, it is really "just" another love story with obstacles to overcome and troubles to live through until love conquers all, but the added spice of Neil Diamond's music and Jackman and Hudson's musical chops made it more fun than that description sounds. There were moments of pure joy and also times when my tears almost broke through.

And then, on top of that, add the fact that it's all based on fact.

Cool.

Weird Thing: I don't know if it was like this in the theaters, but watching this through Fandango at Home, there were times when the lip-syncing to the pre-recorded vocals was PDB: Pretty Dang Bad.

4 out of 5 stars

Watching and Weeping in the Land of the Free

 

I know, I know, I said I was going to avoid “current events” in my posts, but when a trusted friend shares something so unimaginable, to say nothing feels like complicity. FATHER GOD, open our eyes to what You would have us do in these troubling times!

From my friend: This is a hard post to write but last night I was in an ICE ambush raid & witnessed the abduction of 5 U.S. citizens. 

This horrific ICE abduction was the most violent assault on human life I have ever seen in my life.

No due process was followed. Not one ICE agent identified themselves. Not one ICE agent asked for names, legal status, or paperwork. These “men” were masked & heavily armed and immediately & viciously assaulted the young Latino men, workers from my local Mexican restaurant. 

They immediately attempted to try to also illegally seize me, a U.S. citizen and legal observer, but by a true miracle I was able to get into my car and lock the door. The ICE agents were ripping at my doors and threatening me and the other peaceful observers with huge guns like AR-15s, handguns, tasers, batons & devices to break car windows. They attempted to box me in with multiple vehicles but I escaped. The other car of men was violently broken into & taken. 

This is NOT the land of the free. Watching firsthand as U.S. citizens are brutally beaten & dragged by a paramilitary group of 8 unidentifiable men is unconscionable. This is not the FREEDOM my husband, my grandpas or my friends fought & continue to fight for. I am appalled and you should be too. This is both unconstitutional AND illegal. If you’re not already, wake up to this reality right now of ALL U.S. citizens, regardless of OUR skin color. 

It could be you next.

To Post or Not to Post

 

I'm struggling.

It seems like every day, there is a shocking event or executive order or tragic occurrence that overtakes the news cycle and results in a flood of social media posts:

• The Left Wing decries the echoes of Nazi Germany and the waves of racism and authoritarianism and, yes, I'll say it, Trumpism.
• The Right Wing explains how the tragic event wasn't really tragic, the illegal action wasn't really illegal, and the nonsensical rant really made sense . . . besides, if a Democrat had done it or said it, the News Media would be praising it.

And me?

With a very few exceptions, I have avoided weighing in. Pouring gasoline on a fire seldom results in the fire going out. That has proven to be true on the occasion of those few exceptions.

Besides, I honestly am more interested in people falling in love with Jesus than in hating Trump or Woke Culture or whatever either side views as The Enemy.

In addition to that, what will my cries into the void change or accomplish, anyway?

But then I think of the famous quote from Martin Niemöller:

"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

I really have been struggling, but I think that writing this down has helped me come to a conclusion.

I think the long-term betterment of life as we know it will be best served by me if I lift up the name of Jesus and pray for his words in John 12:32 to be fulfilled:

"When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself."

Cramming Two Months' Worth of Study Into 52 Weeks: Books I Read in 2025, Vol. XVIII

 

EXPERIENCING THE HEART OF JESUS FOR 52 WEEKS: A Year-Long Bible Study
Max Lucado

Jesus' name is familiar and his story is universal, but few of us could really call him a close friend. Just as over time we learn the familiar expressions of our closest friends, so we can come to know the personality of our Savior. This book is about really knowing him. In this study, Max Lucado invites you to step closer to Jesus.

I started this workbook in January, aiming to complete one of its 52 chapters each week as designed—and for the first time in a long time, I actually met that goal! I suppose I was successful partly because the "work" part of each week consisted of 6-8 content-oriented questions about two short Scripture passages...certainly not a week's worth of reading or contemplation. (When I say "content-oriented," I mean that the questions asked to follow up each reading had very little to do with considering how the truth I had just read might influence my attitudes and behaviors, and an awful lot to do with testing whether I actually read the verses, e.g., Having read a statement about Jesus similar to "I have come that you may have life and have it to the full," the workbook would then ask, "What did Jesus say he came to accomplish?").

In terms of a good collection of Lucado stories and analogies, I give it 5 stars. In terms of a Bible study resource, 2.5. There is more Scripture in Beloved's 9-week study, Blue Tassels, than in this 52-week "study."

First Line: When I was young, we used to take our family vacations in Colorado.

Page 56 / Line 5: We come to Christ as is  -  or we cannot come to him at all.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: We say our prayers as casually as we would order a burger at the drive-through: "I'll have one solved problem and two blessings, cut the hassles, please."

Last Line: What especially stands out to you about what you have learned?