Commotion in the Pews

This Easter season, I am presenting the Gospel of John. John tells the story of resurrection better than the others, and so it is logical to present his version of Christ as the focus is on the miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

So, without further ado, the Gospel of John: Chapter 10.

I appreciate your coming to visit. I truly do. I ask but small favors:

First, pray for me. I am always in need of prayer.

Second, grab a copy of one of my audio books and help me fund my retirement.

PANIC SWITCH by Michael DiMercurio

The oily and brackish waters of the Russian Northern Fleet submarine base part for the passage of the colossal special purpose Omega II-class submarine Belgorod, on a mission to hold the United States hostage. This gigantic submarine is armed with three Poseidon unmanned submersibles, each with a 10-megaton warhead. Her goal: placing them offshore in US ports in a nuclear-blackmail chess move.

In response, the United States dispatches the newest special operations attack submarine, the Virginia-class USS New Jersey, which lies in wait to follow Belgorod under the polar icecap. Because every submariner knows that what happens under the ice…never happened.

Legendary former admiral and current National Security Advisor Michael Pacino and his son Anthony, a combat-decorated veteran of undersea warfare, return in this epic novel of submarine-versus-submarine warfare.

THE U.S. NAVY’S ON-THE-ROOF GANG, VOLUME 2: WAR IN THE PACIFIC 

The US Navy’s On-the-Roof Gang, Volume 2: War in the Pacific is an historical novel based on the unknown true-life story of the “On-the-Roof Gang”. It is a sequel to The US Navy’s on-the-Roof Gang, Volume 1: Prelude to War.

This second volume begins with the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and documents the contributions of the On-the-Roof Gang during World War II. It focuses on the wartime stories of the On-the-Roof Gang intercept operators, some who were stationed in Hawaii, some who survived a tortuous existence in a POW camp, others who had to evacuate their intercept sites, and still others who performed intercept operations while at sea during some of the most famous naval battles of World War II. 

This Easter season, I am presenting the Gospel of John. John tells the story of resurrection better than the others, and so it is logical to present his version of Christ as the focus is on the miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

So, without further ado, the Gospel of John: Chapter 8.

I appreciate your coming to visit. I truly do. I ask but small favors:

First, pray for me. I am always in need of prayer.

Second, would you be so kind as to buy some of my audio books and keep me rolling in the green it takes to publish this website?

THE CORN SIEGE by ANTHONY HORVATH (A.K.A. A.R. Horvath)

Average Americans were told, “You will own nothing, and be happy.” They are not happy, but now they have nothing, so have nothing left to lose. But what to do? A mysterious ‘Corn King’ proves to be the catalyst. The ‘Corn King’ explains how activist-soldiers like Saul Alinsky have targeted them, and reveals how Americans can turn the tables on their oppressors using the same tactics that were used against them.

Individuals are tired of being chewed up and spit out in the progressive’s bid to create a ‘perfect society, ‘ but is it too late to do anything about it? In The Corn Siege, America finally ruptures, the rage spreading from ‘fly over’ country in a great wave that ultimately reaches the coasts, threatening to drown them.

The Corn Siege is satirical fiction, not prophecy. It glories in skewering the people who don’t believe we need farms because we have grocery stores. It mocks the people who believe you can plant a cow and harvest lettuce. In The Corn Siege, people get what they deserve: the harvest of the kinds of seeds they actually planted.

WHIRLWIND by Dana McNeely

A king’s downfall and a love that transcends war

Spurned by potential suitors, Miriam travels to Jezreel to care for her cousin’s son. There, the precocious seven-year-old works his way into her heart. When Arameans swarm the land like locusts, Miriam focuses on the safety of her young ward but promises adventures beyond the city walls when the war ends.

Gershon, a quiet and kind vintner, is happily building a life for his wife, son, and aging parents. But when his wife dies during childbirth and war looms on the horizon, he must make a decision—will he take a new wife before his heart can mend? 

Meanwhile, Dov, a young officer crosses paths with the “bird girl” he remembers from the past. That she is a beautiful woman matters not, as he is a career soldier. Unexpectedly charged with leading Ahab’s army against the Arameans, Dov anticipates death and defeat in Samaria, but when a prophet pledges victory, Dov vows to fight to the end.

When an unlikely victory brings freedom, a bright future seems imminent. Then one afternoon Miriam witnesses a tragedy and must flee with the boy to keep them both safe. With henchmen on their trail, will they find refuge—and her heart the home she’s longed for?

This Easter season, I am presenting the Gospel of John. John tells the story of resurrection better than the others, and so it is logical to present his version of Christ as the focus is on the miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

So, without further ado, the Gospel of John: Chapter 6.

I appreciate your coming to visit. I truly do. I ask but small favors:

First, pray for me. I am always in need of prayer.

Second, I would be grateful if you’d consider buying some of my audio books, as that is how I fund this website.

Sub Tales 3 is the third entry in the “Sub Tales” series written by authors and brothers Charles and Frank Hood. The Hoods have established a niche in the storytelling of exploits both famous and obscure in the captivating history of the US Submarine Force.

Sub Tales 3 comprises 18 original lengthy stories that cover a wide variety of topics, historical figures, and eras. From tales of heroism and courage under duress to more lighthearted discussions about the Silent Service, Sub Tales 3 is crammed full of interesting details that are sure to please the submarine veteran or enthusiast.

You’ll ride with the legendary submarine captains Howard Gilmore and Whitey Mack.

You’ll circumnavigate the globe with the men of the USS Gudgeon and the USS Archerfish.

You’ll stand alongside the pharmacists mate tending to the medical problems of his fellow World War II submariners.

You’ll learn about the taming of the atom to create the first atomic bomb and then come to understand how one mans vision of the peaceful use of nuclear power came to transform the US Navy.

You’ll take detailed looks at the operations of the second US nuclear submarine, the USS Seawolf, learn about the amazing career of the man largely responsible for the rescue chamber that saved submariners aboard the USS Squalus in 1939 and go aboard the NR-1the unique mini-sub that combed the ocean depths.

Sub Tales 3 contains several heart-pounding tales of men skirting death aboard submarines; not all episodes ended well, but the brave actions of those who stayed at their posts or found novel ways to mitigate disaster will inspire you. 

Another great one, this time back to the category of Police Officer Mental Health. I’m proud to announce Mental Health Fight Of The Heroes In Blue: How To Mentally Survive Working as a Police Officer  by Scott Medlin. 

Once a job of serving their community by providing safety, police officers could rest relatively easy knowing their efforts were worth the sacrifice. However, over the past decade, the trade-offs between the rewards and risks of policing have increasingly sloped toward the latter. Today, officers are routinely being confronted with more pressure and scrutiny because of unfortunate bad actions by a few of their own. Then they still encounter constant threats of danger, and continued exposure to the darkest corners of society. It is no surprise that policing remains one of the most stressful occupations on the planet – stress that dramatically increases suicide risk among this population. There currently exists very little avenues police can turn towards for help with such a unique problem. This is detrimental because of not only the suicide risk, but it affects an officer’s capability of being the upstanding hero the citizens want.

This book was written by a police officer who, speaking from personal experience, and sourcing the help of trusted experts, walks anyone through the steps law enforcement officers can take to be shielded from having mental breakdowns and God forbid, become a suicide statistic.

Within this resource are five key methodologies proven to increase mental clarity as a police officer:

1. Acknowledging and counteracting the “warrior socialization” of police officers. You’re not a tough person – you’re a person.

2. Realizing the truth about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and how to overcome it.

3. Uncovering the secret system of your mind that can make or break your mental health as a police officer.

4. Unraveling and addressing the numerous and often surprising contributors to on-the-job stress.

5. Introducing habits and strategies for developing the strongest defense against the traumas and other stressors involved with policing.