Kaylea Hutson's Blog, page 16

Lenten Photo Day 8: Evil

Day 8: Evil. Human Trafficking.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that evil exists in this world.

I don't even need to dig up my papers/assignments from a long-ago "Problem of Evil" philosophy class from seminary.

Human Trafficking seems to be an evil that is growing larger with each passing day.

It's not just an "overseas" issue or a "big city" issue. It happens where you least expect it. Next door.

If we're called to help the widows and orphans (those who can't take care of themselves) - shouldn't those caught in the snare of Human Trafficking be included in that as well?

I want to learn more about this issue - which has been called modern day slavery.

The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein

Here's to doing something about evil.
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Lenten Photo Day 7: Evil

Day 7: Evil. Human Trafficking.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that evil exists in this world.

I don't even need to dig up my papers/assignments from a long-ago "Problem of Evil" philosophy class from seminary.

Human Trafficking seems to be an evil that is growing larger with each passing day.

It's not just an "overseas" issue or a "big city" issue. It happens where you least expect it. Next door.

If we're called to help the widows and orphans (those who can't take care of themselves - shouldn't those caught in the snare of Human Trafficking be included in that as well?

I want to learn more about this issue - which has been called modern day slavery.

The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein

Here's to doing something about evil.

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Home Run - Opens April 19

Last night, I had an opportunity - thanks to a friend - to go to a screening of Home Run.

The movie tells the story of baseball all-star Cory Brand, who must face life spiraling out of control both on and off the field due to his addiction to alcohol.

When his team suspension and a DUI sends him back to his hometown, Cory finds himself coaching his brother's youth baseball team - and spending eight weeks in the only recovery program in town, a Celebrate Recovery.

Ultimately, as Cory comes to terms with his hurts, habits and hang ups (the family he left behind, a painful past with an abusive father and an addiction to alcohol) he begins to find freedom and hope - through the redemption provided by faith in Jesus.

"Home Run reminds us of the power of forgiveness, the richness of redemption, and the wisdom of trusting God to revive us." - Max Lucado.

I found Home Run to be a powerful movie. It held my attention. It made me want to tell a friend who is establishing a new CR ministry all about it.

Just like Lucado said, the movie is full of redemption and hope. Ultimately, through an intense struggle, Cory learns to deal with his past in a way that brings about restoration in a variety of ways.

As a side note, the recovery group - Celebrate Recovery - was portrayed in an accurate and honest way. The layers of faith were appropriate to the story. It was not overwhelming or gratuitous. The testimonies given (by both men and women) during the worship setting were powerful. The scenes during the open share group gave the story another layer of authenticity.

This is not a "preachy" movie. It's a movie that accurately portrays faith in a honest, engaging way. It is instead, a story that is strong, well written and has a powerful message.

On the scale of one to five, it's definitely a four. The movie will leave you thinking. It will hopefully introduce people not only to Celebrate Recovery, but to the redeeming power of Jesus' love.



Find out more about the movie, and Celebrate Recovery (and other national sponsors) at http://www.homerunthemovie.com


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Lenten Photo Day 7: Wonder

Day 7: Wonder.

Tuesday's photo for ReThink Church focused on Wonder.

I decided to keep it simple.

I found this quote in a book I've been digesting in the last few days "Sent" a memoir of how a family sold everything, and spent three years in a Southeast Asian country, living among Muslims.

The author closed the book - which details her family's experiences - with this powerful quote from Jim Elliot, a missionary who lost his life serving God.

He is no fool who gives what he cannot
keep to gain that which he cannot lose.
Jim Elliot (Oct. 8, 1927 to Jan. 8, 1956)

I guess today's prompt simply caused me to look for the wonder the family found in serving God in an amazing, and unexpected way.

Original Source for image: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1381768

Lenten Photo Day 6: World

Day 6: World. Thinking about friends serving around the world. #rethinkchurch #stjamesumc #40days #lentphotoaday (original source for image: http://owuglobalmap.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/globe-in-hands.jpg)

Today's theme: World, was interesting.

First off, it made me think of my friends, serving overseas.

People who are serving as missionaries or pastors in non-American settings (especially a friend who just arrived in South Africa, as well as a good friend serving in Germany).

It helps remind me of how big this world is, and how much of it exists outside of my midwestern perspective.

Secondly, it made stop and take stock of my "current" world.

--Watching two little girls help each other learn a Bible verse.
--Wearing a crazy pair of glasses to make a kidlet smile.
--Writing (and focusing) at Starbucks (Earl Gray tea is my friend right now).
--Digesting a new sermon series that makes me think.

Ultimately, today's photo made me realize that I need a double perspective when it comes to my world.

I need to remember why I do what I do and who I am.

I also need to remember that no matter what I "see" in front of me, there truly is a larger world out there.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)
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Blog Tour: Rebekah (Review)

Jill Eileen Smith has a rare talent.

She can not only write solid novels, but she uses Biblical knowledge and facts, to help her readers dive into the lives of her subjects.

In her newest book, Rebekah, Smith continues the "Wives of the Patriarchs" series, telling the love story of Isaac and Rebekah in a new way.

The novel opens with Rebekah, living as a young woman in her father's house. It spans the years - including her romance with Isaac (and how she ended up in his household) to her numerous years of infertility.

You'll laugh, cry and identify with Rebekah in a new way - especially as you see her change as the mother of Jacob and Esau.

Smith's talent is such, that you'll find yourself diving into the Bible to read along with her narrative. Yes, ultimately, her tale is fiction - but it is Biblical sound and a joy to read.

On the scale of one to five, I give her books a solid three. I've had several opportunities to read Smith's books, and honestly, each are a joy. I can't wait to see what is next in this series.

More About The Novel
Can love heal the rift between two souls?

When her beloved father dies and she is left in the care of her conniving brother Laban, Rebekah knows her life has changed forever. Though she should be married by now, it’s clear that Laban is dragging his feet, waiting for a higher bride-price to line his pockets. But then Rebekah is given a chance to leave her home to marry Isaac, a cousin she has never even seen, and her hope for the future is restored. Little does she know what a wondrous and heart-wrenching journey she is beginning.

As Rebekah experiences the joy of young love and the bitterness of misunderstanding and betrayal, her resolve is tested. When the rift between Isaac and her grows so wide it is surely too great to be mended, can she trust the God of Isaac’s father Abraham to bridge the gap?


About The Author
Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, all part of The Wives of King David series, and of Sarai, book 1 in the Wives of the Patriarchs series.

Her writing has garnered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

Online Resources
Buy it online
Download reader resources, find out more here!

Special Opportunity
Jill Eileen Smith will be the featured guest during a LIVE Interactive Video Chat Session sponsored by "Shindig" at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 19, (EST). It's free. Participants will have a chance to meet Jill and ask questions!

Join best-selling author Jill Eileen Smith as she presents ten facts and/or possibilities you might not know about the Patriarch Isaac's wife Rebekah. Do you have a question about the people in the Bible you've always wanted to ask? Jill will take questions about biblical characters, biblical fiction, and about any of her books in the Wives of the Patriarchs or Wives of King David series. So please, plan to join us!

Go here: http://shindig.com/event/jilleileensmith  to find out more and to RSVP for the event.

Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.

Blog Tour: Love Finds You In Glacier Bay, Alaska (Review)

Have you ever read a book, that makes you want to visit another place?

Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska did that for me.

As I read the novel, written by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss, I was suddenly transported to Alaska and the land where Ginny Marshall discovered the key to her heart.

Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska isn't a typical "mind candy" romance. Yes, boy and girl meet again, and rekindle a lost romance, but the layers Goyer and Fleiss add to the text make it stand out.

It was a sweet read, with meaning. It will make you think about things - including how we follow our dreams - and what happens when you seek out and find healing and love.

The wee bit of historical story, woven into the tale, was an added bonus. I also loved how they talked about written letters - and how they can be deeply meaningful for years to come.

Ultimately, this would be a fun, read on a rainy, blustery day book - sitting in front of a fire with hot chocolate (ah, bliss). It's a delightful escape from the world, with a touch of romance, faith and more.

I know one thing - it's painted an amazing picture of Alaska, that someday, I would like to see in person.

On a scale of one to five, I give it a solid three. Once again, Tricia Goyer (along with her writing partner) succeed in creating a novel that speaks volumes.

More About The Book
Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams-a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood.

But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests-her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA's pressures.

In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children's governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover-as Ellie did-that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

More About The Authors
  Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Goyer is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.

Ocieanna Fleiss is a published author and editor. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area.

Find out more about Ocieanna at http://ocieanna.com/.




Online Resources
Buy this book online: http://ow.ly/gQiNn
Check out other reviews here: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/glacierbay 

Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity Group. This review was not influenced by a free book (or my friendship with Tricia Goyer) - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail. 

Lenten Photo Day 5: Settle

Day 5: Settle.

I thought a lot about what to take for this picture.

Actually, this entire list is making me stop, ponder and struggle with each day's theme.

It feels like I'm diving into the thought process behind every word, stopping and examining what the theme might mean in my life.

To say that it has started to make this a very unique Lenten journey, is well, an understatement.

Today's theme is Settle.

This word and the quote I found in #rethinkchurch's accompanying meditation ran through my brain most of today:

"It may even be that this is the year you'll say, Yes, God, I hear you calling. What will you have me be and do?....Where is your wandering and journeying leading you to settle down?"

Who ever said one word can't have a lot of power or meaning was flat out wrong.

What does it mean to be "settled."

Does it mean a perfect job, 2.5 kids, a house, husband and more?

Or does it mean stepping out in faith all while living out a calling given to me by God.

It may also mean having a faith like the song writer Horatio Stafford, who penned "It Is Well, With My Soul" - a "praise God, in the hallways" type of song.

Stafford wrote it the song at sea, as his own ship passed the spot his daughters perished in an earlier accident. Only his wife survived that tragedy. This of course, came after his family suffered tremendous setbacks and loses.

Through the song, Stafford chose to say, no matter what happens, or no matter the circumstance, it was well with his soul.

So, today, I'm "settling" taking a moment to stop, breathe and simply soak in the peace that comes from God, because it truly is well with my soul.

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Lenten Photo Day 4: Injustice

Day 4: Injustice. Dunking Out Malaria at St. James UMC Upward.
Today's photo started out being difficult.

I mean, I live in the first world, and by many standards, in a pretty WASP part of Little Rock.

Not much injustice in my "everyday" life.

Then I started thinking about things I'm trying to teach the tweens (and other students) in the children's ministry.

To think of others - instead of themselves.

Several ideas poured into my brain, but the one that stuck out, is this "set" of photos.

It shows one of my kidlets "dunking" change into the basket - to "Dunk Out" Malaria. It's part of the Imagine No Malaria awareness/campaign we added to Upward this year.

You can see some more images from today here:


$10 saves 1 life.

Isn't a life worth that?

Think about it this way.

You can spend $10 at Starbucks (my vice) or McDonalds or... (insert favorite vice) or the same $10 and save a life.

Which lives out the intent of this verse:
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NLT)

Just something to think about this Lenten season.

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Standing in the hallway

I came across this today on Facebook and this image has stuck with me.

(I assume the original source is the T-shirt company whose logo is across the bottom.)

It's challenged me.

I praise God when doors open, but do I praise him when standing in the hallway waiting?

Waiting.
For yes or no.
Or not yet. (The hardest answer).

Do I praise God at all times?
Maybe that's a better question.

Or at least what has been bouncing around in my thoughts.

So for all my friends standing with me in the hall. May The Lord bless us and give us peace - as we praise our hearts out.

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