A book that lives up to the hype – MICHAEL VEY: Prisoner of Cell 25



See FOOTNOTE for copyright information.

I’ll admit that when I first heard about MICHAEL VEY: Prisoner of Cell 25 written by Richard Paul Evans (author of The Christmas Box), it did not seem to be the type of story I’m usually drawn to, but because this was the debut offering of Mercury Ink, Glenn Beck’s new publishing company, I definitely wanted to check it out.

This book is nothing less than superb!  It’s enthralling, it’s intelligent, it’s decent and, yes, it’s dark, even to the point of being downright terrorizing at times, but it has HEART.  You immediately empathize with the protagonist, Michael Vey, who is trapped in his unique plight.  Richard Paul Evans has created an authentically principled character whose deep love for his mother is especially touching.

For you writers out there, I really liked the way Mr. Evans seamlessly switched between first person and third person narratives.

The book is classified as “young adult,” but I highly recommend it to grownups as well as teens old enough to handle the emotional issues and scary scenes.   I’m certainly looking forward to the next installment in the series!

FOOTNOTE:  This image is copyrighted.  It is believed that this use of this image for identification and critical commentary qualifies as fair use under the United States copyright law.

Don't keep all your eggs in one basket...

…keep some in a can!

Like Ida Mae McCann in our book, I’ve been stockpiling nonperishable food products for quite some time now in case of a hurricane or other disaster.  And like our character, Pastor J.C. McCann, who thought his wife was a little paranoid, Michael thinks I am, too.  But he patiently tolerates my obsession with preparedness and it has served us well on a few occasions.

Several weeks ago while I was baking a cake I smugly thought how I have plenty of baking products like flour and sugar squirreled away.  Why, I even have a supply of powdered milk!  Then it dawned on me.  What would I do if I couldn’t get fresh eggs?  There’d be no cakes or a lot of other things we enjoy!  (And we don’t have chickens like we did when I was a kid.)

Evidently I was one of the last ones to think of this because everywhere I checked on the Internet powdered eggs were out of stock.  I signed up for a waiting list with Honeyville Farms and a couple weeks ago they notified me that the eggs are now back in stock.

If you’d like to keep some on hand, you know, “just in case,” click here: HONEYVILLE FARMS to go to their Web site.  I haven’t opened the cans or used any of the product, but, according to the label, if the unopened can is kept cool and dry it should last from 5 to 10 years and up to a year after opening.  I was pleased how quickly Honeyville Farms shipped.  They also have several other dehydrated foods besides eggs.

It’s a good idea to regularly check the expiration dates on your emergency food inventory.  You can donate anything that won’t be used by that date to your local food pantry.  In these tough times, you know it will be appreciated!

Back 2 School Bash

For the second year in a row, First Christian Church in Leesburg, Florida, with the help of many local businesses, sponsored a Back 2 School Bash today.  Free backpacks filled with school supplies were given to area children.  Food, fun and, above all, a lot of God’s love was shared. Thanks to all of you who attended and to everyone who worked and contributed to make this event a success!

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so I’ll simply post some photos and let the smiling faces tell the story.

School supplies are also being sent to Joplin, MO.



IDs were offered by local law enforcement.



What kid doesn't want to grow up to be a fireman?





Some kids just never grow up!

Joy in a Shoebox

The joy in a shoebox comes not from the fashionable footwear you take out and put on, but from all the love you cram into the box for a needy child that otherwise might receive nothing at all for Christmas.

This video is an update from 2012 when the 100 millionth shoebox was delivered.

Several years ago, Donna, whose contagious love for kids has spawned many a worthwhile project at our church, suggested that the congregation participate in Operation Christmas Child (OCC), one of the ministries of the Samaritan’s Purse organization.   Last year over 8 million kids around the world received a shoebox filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, socks and T-shirts packed by generous folks across our great nation.

Believe me, filling a shoebox is FUN!  Every year Michael and I let our inner child loose in the toy department at Wal-Mart and Target.  It’s amazing how many things you can find that fit inside a shoebox!  One of our favorite items to include is a Slinky®. (They’re still made in the USA.)  And of course every kid needs a brand new box of Crayolas® .

With back-to-school sales in full swing, now is a great time to begin shopping.  (For you Florida residents, the annual Sales Tax Holiday on clothing and school supplies runs August 12th through 14^th.) You can also find appropriate gifts at craft stores like Hobby Lobby, Michael’s and Jo-Ann’s – and use their 40% off coupons to boot. 

If you use the EZ Give option to pay the shipping fee by credit card online, your specific box will be tracked.  Last year on Christmas Eve we received an e-mail from Samaritan’s Purse with a video taken of the children in Ghana as they opened their gifts.  What special meaning those happy faces gave to our Christmas celebration!

We realize these are tough economic times and some people simply cannot participate, but if you are able, we hope you’ll consider filling a shoebox this year.

For more information please click HERE.

BTW, if you live near Leesburg, Florida, our church is the OCC Drop-off Location for north Lake County again this year:

First Christian Church
1701 Vine Street
Leesburg, FL 34748
(352) 787-2962 

Shoeboxes will be accepted during the week of November 14th through 21st.