Kaylea Hutson's Blog, page 32

Peace

Found on FacebookHow do you define Peace? 
I love this picture, found on a friend's Facebook page.
It's really the truth. 
Peace doesn't mean a perfect world.
But instead, how you react to the storm.
A few final quotes.
"First keep the peace within yourself, then
you can also bring peace to others."Thomas A. Kempis
"I do not want the peace that passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace."Helen Keller
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Blog Tour: The God Box (Review)

More than a year ago, I stumbled across an article by Mary Lou Quinlan (I think it was this one from Real Simple magazine) that explored her how her mother used a "God Box" in her daily prayer time.

The boxes, simple in design, were found upon her death - were filled with tiny notes (prayer slips) that literally showed how Mary prayed for EVERYTHING that her family faced.

As described by the publisher, "Note by note, Mary Lou unearths insights into her mother’s compassion, faith, and perseverance."

From that original article, Quinlan has unpacked the story further. It is now the basis of a book, The God Box, and it's companion, The God Box Project.

I really liked the concept behind The God Box.

I try to tell my students that prayer is simply a way to talk to God. Like you are talking to your BFF (your Best Friend Forever).

You can tell God everything - and that's truly what Mary Finlayson did.

She put in her God Box everything - prayers for her family, her friends, even a waitress at a restaurant. It is a great testament to a mother's love for her family and more. It shows the prayer covering she placed over those whom she loved.

I like the concept of the God Box. It's like a prayer journal, in a "box." It gives you a way to write down a prayer, and "give" it to God.

On the scale of one to five, I give this book a solid four. It will give you something to think about. It will challenge the way you think about prayer. It will also make you grateful for the things your mom does for you.

Disclaimer: While Quinlan grew up Catholic, the book is more inspirational than "Christian." However, I think it it has something that we can all learn from.

More About The Project
The transformational story of one woman’s care and compassion: When Mary Lou Quinlan’s beloved mother, Mary Finlayson, dies, her family is bereft—until Mary Lou finds her mother’s “God Box,” or rather, boxes.

These simple containers are stuffed with tiny notes written by Mary, praying for everything from the right flooring for her daughter’s new home to a cure for her own blood cancer. Mary’s petitions for friends, family, and even strangers are presented with love and without expectation—the ultimate expressions of letting go. Note by note, Mary Lou unearths insights into her mother’s compassion, faith, and perseverance.

And through the journey, she discovers her own more empathetic, more engaged self—the woman her mother had believed in all along.

About The Author
Mary Lou Quinlan has written inspirational features for Real Simple, O, the Oprah Magazine, and MORE, and other magazines and, is the author of the books Just Ask a Woman, Time Off for Good Behavior, and What She’s Not Telling You. She is the nation’s leading expert on female consumer behavior.

As the founder and CEO of marketing consultancy Just Ask a Woman and Mary Lou Quinlan & Co., she has interviewed thousands of women about their lives. Mary Lou has keynoted hundreds of conferences around the country; has appeared on television programs such as The CBS Early Show, Good Morning America, and the Today Show; and has been profiled in The New York Times, the Wall St. Journal, and USA Today as well as many other media outlets.

Mary Lou is Jesuit-educated with an MBA from Fordham University. She also holds an honorary doctorate in Communications from her alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia where she earned a BA in English.

She and her husband, Joe Quinlan, live in New York City and Bucks County, Pennsylvania along with their dog, Rocky.

Online Resources
The article that started the journey
Discover The God Box Project
Check out the Reading Group Guide
Read a Sample Chapter of The God Box
Buy it at Amazon
Follow the project on Facebook
Buy it at Barnes & Noble
View the book trailer


Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by it's publisher, through the Net Galley's blogger program. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.[image error]

Learning From Tweens

Tonight at Tween Time, I gave the students a chance to ask questions.
Any question.Nothing was off limits.
I said I would "address" them all, but I might not answer them - because I would need to refer it to their parentsor get further research.
Honestly, two questions needed further research.I'm not sure how to answer "what is God" to a tween looking for something deeper.I'm not sure what answer she's looking for.
Another asked about what heaven was like.(Hope I answered that one ok.)
The restbesides whether or not I liked Peeta or Gailor if I think One Direction is better than the Beetles, involvedquestions about me.
Where did I go to high school?How did I decide to go into children's ministry?Who is my crush?(ok, asked WAY too many times)Did I have a boyfriend?(again.....asked multiple times)- then I was entertained by how they thought I'd act IF I had a boyfriend - How old am I - in human AND in dog years(um how do you figure dog years?)and last, but not leastDid I love them?(Always, I just don't like their actions sometimes...lol)
One student joked that I needed to try online dating sites since I have a "significant" birthday coming soon.(did I know about Match.com or eHarmony)
Got to love Tweenstheir enthusiasm for life, the craziness of thingsand, well, their curiosity.
At least they keep me hopping!
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Stepping Out Of The Comfort Zone.....

Sometimes you just have to step out of your comfort zone.
Confession time.I really don't like going places by myself.
But sometimes, you just have to step out of the "norm" ok, the ruts of life, to experience things.Live life.Do something besides work.

So Friday, I ventured downtownby myself.To experience the "Jumbo Gumbo" cook-off.

I know, not very adventurous, but well, it made me step out to try something new.To experience life in downtown Little Rock on a Friday night.
This week's adventure turned out not to be a solo run.

I went tonight to see a seminary friend, Eric Van Meterread his short story at Tales From The Southa live radio show that features literary memoirsfrom authors currently living in the South defined as "the Confederate South"I ended up going with several women from the church(they bought tickets after hearing me talk about it on Facebook.)
It was fun.It meant I didn't work late tonight.I spent time with friends - and saw several people I haven't seen in forever -I relaxed.I rested.I just simply enjoyed the evening.


Sometimes I need to remember that you have to jump off the
high dive of life
in order to experience
pure joy.[image error]

Something To Think About

For all of my friends who are going thru some struggles right now.
"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!" - Dr. Seuss
If in doubt...
“Laughter is the shock absorber that eases the blows of life”[image error]

Blog Tour: Hiding In Plain Sight (Review)

Mixing together a bit of mystery, into a story set in rural Georgia, Amy Wallace has created a new series of books featuring her signature "dark chocolate" suspense.

In Hiding In Plain Sight, Wallace creates a world where Ashley Walters, a "weary" but artistic and caring police office struggles to solve a variety of issues - in both her personal and professional life.

This world also includes a Mennonite community, which re-introduces Walters to the peace found within a relationship with Jesus.

Through it all, Walters learns to trust God (and people) again, as she heals from the past.

This is the second book (and series) I've read written by Wallace. I love her style - which mixes real life and suspense. This novel, the first in the Place of Refuge Series, has a solid story line.

On the scale of one to five, I give it a four. It's well worth the read (although, her book "Enduring Justice" remains my favorite of her books so far.)

More About The Book
(From The Publisher)
Secrets of the Heart Never Stay Hidden
World weary and down to a threadbare faith, Police Officer Ashley Walters seeks refuge in Montezuma, Georgia, a quiet town with a thriving Mennonite community. Even in the peaceful surroundings, she can't escape the haunting memories of crime-ridden Atlanta.

Then handsome Marriage and Family Counselor Patrick James partners with a teenaged Mennonite runaway to offer Ashley a second chance at redemption…and romance. But when violence erupts over revitalization plans that pit the Montezuma and Mennonite communities against each other, Ashley is forced to stop the person responsible—even if he is someone she's come to love.

As God unlocks the secrets darkening Ashley's heart, she must answer two crucial questions: Who is in control? And can she trust Him?

More About The Author
Amy Wallace is the author of Ransomed Dreams, Healing Promises, and Enduring Justice. She is a homeschool mom, speaker, and self-confessed chocoholic.

Amy is also a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and a contributing author of several books, including A Novel Idea: Best Advice on Writing Inspirational Fiction and God Answers Moms’ Prayers.

She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

Online Resources
Buy it at Amazon
Check Out Amy Wallace's website

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

What do they really hear?

So at the end of Tween Time tonight, I walked in to find a group of my "tweens" aka fourth and fifth graders, compiling a list of "things Miss Kaylea says a lot."

I confess. I do say these things. Let me translate them for you.......

1) In the room: please don't run up and down the hallways (the choir is practicing down the hall).
2) Focus: let's get back on task....your attention please.
3) Cop-A-Squat: (Blame this line on Pretty Woman) - come one, have a seat.
4) Where are Lucy and Delaney?: (insert other names) - sometimes girls go to the bathroom in pairs, or trios or more.....
5) 5 minutes till your mine: Ok, free time is over in five minutes - and then it's time to get serious.
6) Be quiet: Um... have you ever tried to talk over a room of tween girls?
7) Circle up: Sometimes the only way to get them to focus is to have everyone sit in a circle.... which usually leads to the "focus and/or the "cop-a-squat" comment....

I know, I know. I say these things a lot.
I would probably add...
1) It's all good......
2) cool beans (and weenies)...
3) no worries....
4) um...no, but always feel free to ask....(thanks Cydni for this one)
5) um do you want to live long and die of old age (blame my mom for this one)...aka are you sure you're making the right choice right now?
6) It takes three nice things to make up for one mean/bad thing....

Let's face it. I have a few "standard lines" in my arsenal.

While I say these things, I really hope the tweens also hear....

I love you.
I think you are amazing.
I know you can do great things.
God has an amazing plan for your life.
I have high expectations for you.
I care for you.
I will do anything for you.
You can always call me (if it involves bail, we'll talk...)
I'll always be there for you - which also means I'll go with you if you need to tell your folks something.

I hope they hear this message, along with my "standards."
Maybe I need to say a few more of those things instead of what showed up on their list.....

Just pondering my "message" tonight after T2 (Tween Time).

Blog Tour: Artemis Fowl (Review)

I have a confession. I love reading young adult fiction.

I totally enjoyed reading the Harry Potter series until it reached its conclusion, and I couldn't put down the Hunger Games trilogy (just ask the youth girls I borrowed books from - until picking up my on set).

So when someone suggests a new YA series,  I often pick up the first book to see if it would be a good series to give to my nephew - a sixth grader who loves to read. (And because I'm looking for a new read for me!)

Enter the newest (or new to me) series to cross my path - Artemis Fowl. With book 8 (The Last Guardian) set for a July 2012 release, the publisher (Disney-Hyperion) is promoting the past books with reviewers. (Call it a "catch up" with the series before the new book comes out.

I decided to review the first two books for my nephew - really, seriously. I wanted to see how the series compared to the Percy Jackson books (which he loves). He is always looking for a series where the main character is a boy. And I'm always looking for a well written series to tempt him his interest.

What I found with Artemis Fowl: a series which centers around a solid and wee bit devious (ok a lot) lead character, along with a lot of lessons surrounding good vs. evil, and of course, an alternative universe that features fairies, LEPrecons and more.

It's fun, suspenseful and kept my attention. My guess - boys (and gals) looking for a new hero will fall in love with Artemis (flaws and all.) The series is exciting but not as "dark" or heavy as some of the current YA offerings.

I'm looking forward to reading the other books - if only so I can talk to the boys I work with about this series. (It's amazing the conversations you can have with students when you read the books they are interested in!)

In all, I give the series (I've read the first two books) a solid three out of five.

More About Artemis Fowl
(Book 1 - From the Publisher)
Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is the most ingenious criminal mastermind in history. With two trusty sidekicks in tow, he hatches a cunning plot to divest the fairyfolk of their pot of gold. 

Of course, he isn't foolish enough to believe in all that "gold at the end of the rainbow" nonsense. Rather, he knows that the only way to separate the little people from their stash is to kidnap one of them and wait for the ransom to arrive.

But when the time comes to put his plan into action, he doesn't count on the appearance of the extrasmall, pointy-eared Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaisance) Unit--and her senior officer, Commander Root, a man (sorry, elf) who will stop at nothing to get her back.

More About The Arctic Incident
(Book 2 - From the Publisher)
Artemis Fowl receives an urgent e-mail from Russia. In it is a plea from a man who has been kidnapped by the Russian Mafiya: his father. 

As Artemis rushes to his rescue, he is stopped by a familiar nemesis, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. Now, instead of battling the fairies, Artemis must join forces with them if he wants to save one of the few people in the world he loves.

About the Author
Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) is the New York Times best-selling author
of the blockbuster Artemis Fowl series as well as Airman; Half Moon Investigations; The Supernaturalist; Eoin Colfer's Legend of... books; The Wish List; Benny and Omar; and Benny and Babe.

He was born in Wexford on the southeast coast of Ireland in 1965, where he and his four brothers were brought up by his father (an elementary school teacher, historian and artist of note) and mother (a drama teacher). He first developed an interest in writing in primary (elementary) school with gripping Viking stories inspired by history that he was learning in school at the time.

His first book, Benny and Omar, was published in 1998, based on his experiences in Tunisia; it has since been translated into many languages; a sequel followed in 1999. In 2001, the first Artemis Fowl book was published worldwide to much success - shortly thereafter he left teaching to concentrate fully on his writing.
To this day, Eoin has written 6 Artemis Fowl books which have sold over 12 million copies worldwide.

Online Resources:
Read More Online: http://www.artemisfowl.com/
Buy Artemis Fowl (book one) here: http://www.amazon.com
Pick Up The Arctic Incident here: http://www.amazon.com

Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by it's publisher, through the Net Galley's blogger program. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.[image error]

Blog Tour: The Wedding Dress (Review)

A year ago, I crossed something off my bucket list.

I attended a writing workshop in Tulsa, Okla., led by Rachel Hauck.

It was a cool day, because I met a couple of neat writers, got some ideas (I'm really a non-fiction writer who dreams of writing a novel) and met Hauck.

Basically, I got to sit at her feet (OK, it was at a table in a church's meeting room), and listen to her talk writing and how she got lots of her ideas.

She also talked about writing a book a book about a wedding dress that fits four women - kind of a "traveling pants" meets romance and bridal wear.

Kind of a cool concept. (Although, I'm still waiting for the vampire Amish tale the workshop participants kept joking about.)

Well, fast forward - a year later, I had the opportunity to review The Wedding Dress - the book Hauck talked about in the workshop.

A book about four women - who all fit inside the dress WITHOUT alteration.

Spanning multiple generations, Hauck crafts a tale that unites a group of women - three still living - showing their common interests, ties and faith. She also weaves in a hint of mystery and intrigue (and a really interesting character wearing purple!). 

It's a fun book. In the beginning the dialogue jumps back and forth between Charlotte and the original owner. We see similarities to their struggles for love and acceptance. As it continues, we meet the other two owners and see how they are all linked together by the dress and more.

Like other books I've read written by Hauck, the novel's characters are enjoyable and the plot captures your attention.

On the scale of one to five, I give this book a four.Fun and humorous, The Wedding Dress would make a great "tuck in your bag" on a vacation or "rainy day" read.

More About The Book
(From The Publisher)
One dress. Four women. An amazing destiny.

Charlotte Malone is getting married. Yet all is not settled in the heart of Birmingham's chic bridal boutique owner. Charlotte can dress any bride to perfection-except herself. When she discovers a vintage mint-condition wedding gown in a battered old trunk, Charlotte embarks on a passionate journey to discover the women who wore the gown before her.

Emily in 1912. Mary in 1939. And Hillary in 1968. Each woman teaches Charlotte something about love in her own unique way. Woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte's heritage, the power of faith, and the beauty of finding true love. 

About The Author 
Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of Carol Award winner Sweet Caroline, and RITA Finalist Love Starts With Elle, and of the critically acclaimed fiction collaboration with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, The Songbird Novels.

She lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her husband and their ornery pets.

Rachel earned a degree in Journalism form Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan. She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now sits on the board as an Advisor. Visit her web site at www.rachelhauck.com to reader her blog, and to follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Online Resources
Follow the blog tour
http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/134...
Link to buy the book:
http://www.thomasnelson.com/the-wedding-dress.html
Like her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck
Follow her on Twitter: 
http://twitter.com/#!/rachelhauck
Catch her writing at:
http://www.southernbelleview.blogspot.com/

It's A Contest
What is "true" beauty? Join the conversation at Rachel's Author
Chat Party Event Page . On the eventing of 4/19 we'll gather to talk about inner
and outer beauty and share moments of beauty in our lives.

In the meantime, celebrate with Rachel by entering her True Beauty
Giveaway!


One "beautiful" winner will receive:
A $200 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend
get-away!)The Wedding Dress (by Rachel Hauck)Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends
4/18/12. Winner will be announced at Rachel's "True Beuaty" Author Chat Facebook Party on
4/19 . Rachel will be hosting an evening of beauty (inner/outer) chat, fun trivia,
laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends!

She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes:
gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of
the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Rachel
via Skype.)

So grab a few of your friends and your copy of The Wedding Dress and join 
Rachel on the evening of April 19th for an evening of fun.

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 - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.[image error]

Happy Easter

My friend Nicole made a declaration of faith and re-affirmed her baptism during the contemporary worship service.

I LOVED this moment. The day went from being "a regular" work day for me, to being an amazing moment to watch and experience.


Thank you Nicole for sharing a piece of your journey today. Your expression of faith blessed me immensely.

It made my Easter.


One last Easter happy.......
Source: http://www.gocomics.com/bc/2012/04/08A BC comic to end your Easter day. BC is one of my favorite comics, and I love the subtle, yet amazing nuances in this strip.

From the "crack" of dawn, to the footprints ON the water.
Then the references to baptism, resurrection and ascension.

Subtle, yet good reminders of what today is all about.

Happy Easter.
May the risen Christ bless your socks off.
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