This picture was taken during the time of my first year at the University of Washington at the home where our new friends gathered, took photographs, and developed them in a homemade dark room. Musicians, a band, cameras, such talent. Fun people. Fun times. A very long time ago.
Father, thank you for being patient with me and knowing me inside and out. I regret so much as you know. Thank you for rescuing me from myself. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Only the Dead by Jack Carr is Book 6 in The James Reece Thriller Series.
Lovers of this series, be sure to read the Preface before diving into the story. Jack wrote those words as an introduction to this book in the series which will delve into the process of plans, actions, and consequences while highlighting the passage of time and the secret emotional struggle.
Before I review this sixth book, I want to commend Jack Carr for his bravery in writing this story. It's as contemporary as a thriller can possibly be addressing many of the deepest issues of our day attacking the generational foundations of these issues straight up. It's gutsy, unquestionable, and will be revelatory for many of its readers. Yes, of course, he takes some liberties, but I would suggest if the truth be known, outside of not naming actual current people, the liberties are few. I want to thank him for daring to define and address the current dilemmas that have been brewing and ongoing for a long, long time.
****Potential Spoilers****
In Book 5 James Reece was taken away in cuffs by the FBI from his Montana household and accused of assassinating the President. As the pages of Book 6 open, we learn he is in solitary confinement, darkness, naked, fed maybe twice a day through an opening to his concrete cell. He has lost the ability to determine how long he's been incarcerated with absolutely no light to attempt to define day and night. At some point, he is taken out of that cell, allowed to clean up, and some explanation follows given to him by his CIA associate/boss Vic Rodriguez.
****Potential Spoilers Concluded****
Readers of the series will remember "Alice", the quantum computer in the secret lower echelons of a government facility who was rather fond of James Reece. "She" played a part in clearing his name but has gone dark. From this moment on, the past plays a very important part of the present and begins a long, hard journey for James Reece to uncover what his deceased father has secretly provided for him – if he can figure it all out.
Needless to say, it's a brutal path leading to some startling conclusions, and the road to definitive answers is a bloody and deadly one with a critical message from James' dad: "Trust no one."
Jack does a brilliant job of casting aspersions on each character trying to figure out the mystery Tom Reece has left for his son as James has no choice but to trust a small group of men and one older woman who knew or were close to his dad.
Only the Dead is a fascinating story with a lot of truth in fictional form. Written superbly by Jack Carr, this thriller is so much more than just a story. For new readers, I highly recommend you start at Book One to understand the history and motivation of James Reece, but IF you can't do that for whatever reason, this is a must-read book.
Truly, thank you, Jack.
Father, it's a brutal world right now, but then it has been since The Fall of Man. Please guard and protect Jack as he continues to write and reveal things most of us will never know or experience. Thank you for his courage. Please bless him and his family and keep them safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Glory Hallelujah!
Father, Your Truth Is Marching On. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Freedom isn't free. We honor those who gave it all. Thank you is not enough. Their sacrifice will always matter.
Memorial Day 2023
Lord God, thank you is never enough for this One Nation under God in the Name of Jesus.
He [Jesus] said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 1:7-8 (NIV)
Acts 2:2-4 (NIV)
Many years ago at The Flying Horseshoe Dude Ranch in the Teanaway Valley, Washington state. The filly's name was Minnie-Ha-Ha and she was a lovely horse to ride. My BFF and I went for three summers, for one week the first year, and two for the remaining two years. Some of the best times of my early life. Loved it.
Father, thank you for my precious childhood. No words are adequate to express how thankful I am. The memories are beyond wonderful. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Do you have particular phrases you enjoy using? I do. One of my absolute favorites is this one because it "fits": "comfortable in my own skin". It took me a long time to get to this place of comfort, but I made it.
Another simple one: "the go-to person" signifying a problem solver, dependable, easy to count on for what is needed.
How about the descriptive "scatter-brain" or "running around like a chicken with its head cut off"? Incredibly descriptive of having too many things to do and no idea where to start or how to best do them.
How about the visual and tactile expression "smooth as silk"? So many applications for this versatile phrase.
This one was used by a friend. Not very complimentary, but I confess I laughed: "Dumber than a box of rocks" or how about "Dumber than dirt"?
It took me a while to warm up to this little two-word phrase, but I confess I really like it now because it makes me think of toughness in both men and women, a description they've earned because of what they can do in hard situations. I tend to think of those in the military when I hear it and everyone knows that whoever is labeled with these two words is not to be trifled with. So here it is: "Bad Ass". (It will offend those who for some reason have decided that "ass" is a cuss word when it's not. Yes, it can used in vulgar ways, but I still like this phrase when it's used in appreciation for tough individuals.)
Let me see your favorite phrases.
Father, you know my heart. Continue to help me be the one you designed me to be. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
In "The Equalizer" Robyn McCall (Queen Latifah) is always able to handle the serious trouble that comes her way. Former CIA, she has skills. Deadly skills she prefers not to have to use. Extremely well-cast and acted, it can get a little preachy, but overall it's a well-written thriller-type drama. Harry (computer genius) and his wife Mel (she's a former sniper with all kinds of defensive skills), and Dante (a police detective – on suspension in the finale) unite to help fix sometimes impossible problems for Robyn's diverse clients who need her to find or remedy whatever will solve their needs – people who no one else will or can help. But, in the finale, she and those very important friends are in dire trouble because of a past incident in a foreign country. And the finale leaves us in a terrifying cliffhanger where there appears to be no viable solution for getting this one under control.
What became my favorite NCIS drama, "NCIS-LA", ended its 14-year run Sunday night in its Series Finale. It was exciting, tear-jerking (for me), and a fitting conclusion to the entertaining drama of some very rewarding seasons of great acting/writing/character development/and occasional laugh out loud moments with each character. (Interesting that "Sam Hanna" appeared in the Season Finale on Monday night's "NCIS Hawaii", saving heroine "Special Agent Jane Tennant".) The final scene of "NCIS-LA" was fitting to conclude the drama, letting the never-ending mystery of Hetty's disappearance end in a continued mystery.
Father, thank you for these amazing actors. Please bless each one of their lives with the absolute knowledge of who you are and how you've given them their incredible abilities. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
This has got to be my favorite Elvis song. Really features his crooning voice. Great lyrics. So well done.
Father, only you know our hearts and where we will spend eternity. Thank you for rescuing me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
TV Seasons are coming to an end and their finales are often cliffhangers, sometimes heartbreaking, and hopefully always done especially well. In the "heartbreaking" department, one of my favorite new shows "Fire Country" pictured above with its main cast came to an end of their first season. A definite gut-punch. Highly recommend this one. Definitely start from Episode One to get the full effect of this amazing family drama.
"So Help Me Todd" wrapped up its season Thursday night with a shocking last scene and a bit of intrigue from Todd. Extremely well-cast and a mixture of drama, slapstick, life pains, and comedy, this investigative court drama brings laughter and tears in the same episodes. Highly recommend.
"NCIS-LA" will end its 14-year run Sunday night in its Series Finale. I've loved this one from start to finish and am so sorry to see it go. Here are the primary characters that have survived cast changes and are at the heart of this action drama with great writing and wonderful character development. It always hurts when the good ones say goodbye.
"The Equalizer" will have its Season Finale Sunday night and there's little doubt it'll be a good one. My guess is there will be a bit of a cliffhanger, but I won't know until I watch it.
Many people don't watch series television anymore. I find the good ones inspiring. When the writing is noticeably well done, it's a pleasure to watch the characters come to life on the screen.
Father, thank you for the beauty of acting, creating, writing – all the talents you so generously give. May each one know from whom their gifts come. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
