Kaylea Hutson's Blog, page 40
February 2, 2012
Project 365+1: January 2012 Photos
I did it.
I not only snapped a pic each day during January, but I also jotted down at least a sentence (or two - I am wordy) about each pic.
Here's a quick look at my pics for January (Using the Project 365pro ap)
Simple, but there's something about taking a photo each day that makes me stop and reflect on life. It also serves as a great reminder of living life "half-ful."
So here's to living life, one photo at a time!
I not only snapped a pic each day during January, but I also jotted down at least a sentence (or two - I am wordy) about each pic.
Here's a quick look at my pics for January (Using the Project 365pro ap)
Simple, but there's something about taking a photo each day that makes me stop and reflect on life. It also serves as a great reminder of living life "half-ful."
So here's to living life, one photo at a time!
Lenten Journey 2012: A "Road Map" For Kidz
First off, let me say, I'm a Lenten nerd. Ever since I had the blessing to work on the Destination: Easter project for Abingdon Press oh, so long ago, I've loved digging into everything surrounding Lent, and finding ways to make it "come alive" for the kidz in my ministry..
It's still available for the grand price of $4!
Just be prepared to laugh at some of the dated things!So when I saw an idea shared by Jessie, a fellow children's pastor, at a recent meeting, I was intrigued. She found it a few years ago on the web, and had successfully used it in her ministry.
I took one look at it and LOVED it. Some of the items were either created by Jessie and not electronic - so she could share - or not available anymore. So I found myself working on (and adding to) the "Great Lenten Road map of 2012."
I really hope this will be a good resource not only for my ministry, but also for others looking for a way to unpack Lent for their students.The one that Jessie had was made like a "lap book" and had you fold the file folder in a "tri-fold" - like the sample below.
The front view of the "tri-fold" version
The inside view of the "tri-fold" version.But since Jesus was "cut" down the middle (I really didn't like cutting the coloring sheet in half) AND because I would be folding a TON of the folders this way - I decided to stick with the "normal" folds.
"New version" front
"New version" inside.You can download the color sheet - on the cover - here
I loved the Lenten map - it's like an "advent calendar" for Lent - the resource was created by http://catholicicing.com. Honestly, it works as a great "focal" point for this project. It was one of the original items from Jessie's lap book that was still available. Links on this site gave me other ideas for the individual pieces.
The Lenten Navigational Page - Made by Catholicicing.comYou can download the "map" directly from www.catholicicing.com or here!
With each piece, I tried to include a "little bit more" that could not only teach the students in my kidz ministry, but also their parents. I figured this is a multi-generational project!
The original lapbook idea Jessie used - which you can see here - included the plus and minus card. I added the info about fasting, taking a lot of it from what we wrote in Destination: Easter.
Outside View (pst. the typo has been fixed!)
Inside ViewDownload the Plus & Minus card here.
It also included a "prayer slip" spot - see the original idea here - that helped give the kids "prompts" for their Lenten prayers. I changed it a bit - and made the pictures so they could be colored by the kids.
Download the prayer slips here
The original lap book also contained a Stations of the Cross booklet - which is no longer available. I looked online for a suitable replacement, but found myself re-typesetting it for two reasons.
First, the original was designed for Catholic users - which is great, but did contain non-Biblical stations. By re-creating it, I was able to focus on the Biblical stations (I used the list we created for Destination: Easter). This journey walks through the Gospel of Matthew, using the other gospels as secondary sources.
Second, I wanted this resource to include a small space, which could be used as a mini-journal, leaving space for either notes, journaling or even pictures. An added bonus: The clipart I used made it a "coloring book" version, which I think will make the youngest students happy.
A Journey To The Cross Cover (yes, same image as the front)
The inside viewDownload the Journey to the Cross book - Top Fold here.Download the Journey to the Cross book - Side Fold here.
I also included some recipes - so kidz could have some activities to do with their parents.
One is for soft pretzels, which were often made just during Lent. I included some information about the tradition surrounding the pretzel - how monks would shape it upside down, to look like a traditional form of prayer (arms crossed over your chest), as well as the recipe.
Outside view of the pretzel card.
Inside view of the pretzel card.Download the pretzel card here.
The other recipes were included in a "don't open until Easter weekend" card. They include an "empty tomb biscuits" (thanks Julie for reminding me about them) and Resurrection Cookies.
Both could be made on Holy Saturday, for Easter Sunday treats.In this folder, I "tucked" it under the "road map" so it could be "revealed" at the end of Lent.
I ended up making it so it could be tucked
behind the "map" and revealed on Easter weekend.You can download the Easter recipes as a combined file
- to print as a two sided 8.5x11 sheetYou can download the Easter recipes as a combined file
- to print as a two sided 11x17 sheet.
Here's just the Resurrection Cookies
as a single 8.5x11 sheet (like a greeting card)
Here's just the Empty Tomb Biscuitsas a single 8.5x11 sheet (like a greeting card)
Feel free to use this for your ministry. I've included the sources below, because well, this idea was created on the shoulders of others. Please make sure you give credit, where credit is due, for any idea you use from this post!
Enjoy the Lenten Journey!
Sources:Pretzel Recipe CardGraphichttp://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/images/pretzel.gif
Recipe:http://catholicicing.com/2010/02/pretzels-for-lent/
History of Pretzel:http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=543
Lenten Navigational Map:http://catholicicing.com/2011/02/printable-lenten-calendar-for-kids/
Lenten Lap Book:(Idea based upon)http://thankevann.com/homeschoolgoodies/?p=4974
Prayer Strip Idea:http://paperdali.blogspot.com/2010/02/prayer-jar.html
Plus/Minus Explanation:Taken from Destination: Easter (Hershman/Hutson) Abingdon Press.
Resurrection Cookieshttp://www.iccreligiouseducation.com/easter.cfm?subpage=309406
Biblical Way of the Cross Destination: Easter (Hershman/Hutson) Abingdon Press
Clipart for Stations of the Cross, Prayer Card & Front CoverChurchartonline.com
FontsPea Jay
(www.kevinandamanda.com)
Century Gothic
It's still available for the grand price of $4!Just be prepared to laugh at some of the dated things!So when I saw an idea shared by Jessie, a fellow children's pastor, at a recent meeting, I was intrigued. She found it a few years ago on the web, and had successfully used it in her ministry.
I took one look at it and LOVED it. Some of the items were either created by Jessie and not electronic - so she could share - or not available anymore. So I found myself working on (and adding to) the "Great Lenten Road map of 2012."
I really hope this will be a good resource not only for my ministry, but also for others looking for a way to unpack Lent for their students.The one that Jessie had was made like a "lap book" and had you fold the file folder in a "tri-fold" - like the sample below.
The front view of the "tri-fold" version
The inside view of the "tri-fold" version.But since Jesus was "cut" down the middle (I really didn't like cutting the coloring sheet in half) AND because I would be folding a TON of the folders this way - I decided to stick with the "normal" folds. 
"New version" front
"New version" inside.You can download the color sheet - on the cover - hereI loved the Lenten map - it's like an "advent calendar" for Lent - the resource was created by http://catholicicing.com. Honestly, it works as a great "focal" point for this project. It was one of the original items from Jessie's lap book that was still available. Links on this site gave me other ideas for the individual pieces.
The Lenten Navigational Page - Made by Catholicicing.comYou can download the "map" directly from www.catholicicing.com or here!With each piece, I tried to include a "little bit more" that could not only teach the students in my kidz ministry, but also their parents. I figured this is a multi-generational project!
The original lapbook idea Jessie used - which you can see here - included the plus and minus card. I added the info about fasting, taking a lot of it from what we wrote in Destination: Easter.
Outside View (pst. the typo has been fixed!)
Inside ViewDownload the Plus & Minus card here.It also included a "prayer slip" spot - see the original idea here - that helped give the kids "prompts" for their Lenten prayers. I changed it a bit - and made the pictures so they could be colored by the kids.
Download the prayer slips here
The original lap book also contained a Stations of the Cross booklet - which is no longer available. I looked online for a suitable replacement, but found myself re-typesetting it for two reasons.
First, the original was designed for Catholic users - which is great, but did contain non-Biblical stations. By re-creating it, I was able to focus on the Biblical stations (I used the list we created for Destination: Easter). This journey walks through the Gospel of Matthew, using the other gospels as secondary sources.
Second, I wanted this resource to include a small space, which could be used as a mini-journal, leaving space for either notes, journaling or even pictures. An added bonus: The clipart I used made it a "coloring book" version, which I think will make the youngest students happy.
A Journey To The Cross Cover (yes, same image as the front)
The inside viewDownload the Journey to the Cross book - Top Fold here.Download the Journey to the Cross book - Side Fold here.I also included some recipes - so kidz could have some activities to do with their parents.
One is for soft pretzels, which were often made just during Lent. I included some information about the tradition surrounding the pretzel - how monks would shape it upside down, to look like a traditional form of prayer (arms crossed over your chest), as well as the recipe.
Outside view of the pretzel card.
Inside view of the pretzel card.Download the pretzel card here.The other recipes were included in a "don't open until Easter weekend" card. They include an "empty tomb biscuits" (thanks Julie for reminding me about them) and Resurrection Cookies.
Both could be made on Holy Saturday, for Easter Sunday treats.In this folder, I "tucked" it under the "road map" so it could be "revealed" at the end of Lent.
I ended up making it so it could be tucked behind the "map" and revealed on Easter weekend.You can download the Easter recipes as a combined file
- to print as a two sided 8.5x11 sheetYou can download the Easter recipes as a combined file
- to print as a two sided 11x17 sheet.
Here's just the Resurrection Cookies
as a single 8.5x11 sheet (like a greeting card)
Here's just the Empty Tomb Biscuitsas a single 8.5x11 sheet (like a greeting card)
Feel free to use this for your ministry. I've included the sources below, because well, this idea was created on the shoulders of others. Please make sure you give credit, where credit is due, for any idea you use from this post!
Enjoy the Lenten Journey!
Sources:Pretzel Recipe CardGraphichttp://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/images/pretzel.gif
Recipe:http://catholicicing.com/2010/02/pretzels-for-lent/
History of Pretzel:http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=543
Lenten Navigational Map:http://catholicicing.com/2011/02/printable-lenten-calendar-for-kids/
Lenten Lap Book:(Idea based upon)http://thankevann.com/homeschoolgoodies/?p=4974
Prayer Strip Idea:http://paperdali.blogspot.com/2010/02/prayer-jar.html
Plus/Minus Explanation:Taken from Destination: Easter (Hershman/Hutson) Abingdon Press.
Resurrection Cookieshttp://www.iccreligiouseducation.com/easter.cfm?subpage=309406
Biblical Way of the Cross Destination: Easter (Hershman/Hutson) Abingdon Press
Clipart for Stations of the Cross, Prayer Card & Front CoverChurchartonline.com
FontsPea Jay
(www.kevinandamanda.com)
Century Gothic
February 1, 2012
Blog Tour: Sound of Red Returning (Review)
A concert pianist, Lisel Bower uses her music as an escape - but what happens when the very music, she loves, becomes part of a nightmare?Since her mentor was killed as a result of his espionage efforts for the KGB, Bower has felt like someone has been watching her. It's only after her life is threatened that she find out that she has a piece of music - which contains a secret coded message "outing" a Russian mole in the Israel's Department of Defense.
Through a variety of twists and turns - some very unexpected - Brower goes on the run trying to find the music and along the way, find a way to rely on God.
This was an interesting book. I'll be honest, it took a few pages for me to "jump" into the story - I kept feeling like I was missing something.
But once the plot captured my attention, the twists and turns built in by Sue Duffy kept me reading for more.
This story weaves together political intrigue - pitting Russians against Americans, along with the complications of the Israeli government and the CIA.
It also captures the journey Bower's faith takes in the light of personal heartbreak and struggles.
In all, I found this to be a well written book. It has a strong plot line that will keep your attention. The ending, while it wraps up the book, leaves little doubt that Duffy plans to write a second installment in this series.
On the scale of one to five, I give this a a solid three. If you like political intrigue and suspense-filled novels, I think you'll enjoy this read.
About The Book
(From The Publisher)
After losing everyone she loves, concert pianist Liesl Bower has nowhere to go but to escape into her music. Searching for the peace she usually finds in her concertos and sonatas, Liesl can't shake the feeling that she is being haunted by her past . . . and by someone following her. When she spots a familiar and eerie face in the audience of a concert she's giving for the president in Washington, DC, the scariest day of her life comes back to her with a flash. It has been fifteen years since Liesl watched her beloved Harvard music mentor assaulted on a dark night in Moscow and just as long since the CIA disclosed to her that he'd been spying for Russia. She had seen that man--that eerie face--the night Professor Devoe was attacked. And now he's back--and coming for her.
On the run and struggling to rely on the protection of CIA agent Ava Mullins and handsome newspaper reporter Cade O'Brien, Liesl learns she is the prey of an underground cell of Russian KGB agents determined to restore their country to its former Soviet might. But what she doesn't know is that she is in possession of something--a piece of sheet music--that Russian intelligence is now frantic to find. Inside that music is a secret code, the hidden transcriptions of her deceased mentor, that clearly identify a Russian mole operating inside Israel's Department of Defense, a mole with enough power and access to execute a daring assassination that no one would see coming.
Caught in a deadly conflict between American and Russian undercover agents, this innocent young pianist is just trying to survive her own personal trauma. Through it all, Liesl must learn that no matter how dark her world grows or how fiercely her enemies pursue her, God is still in control--if only she can yield herself to His grace. Read an excerpt here: http://www.sueduffybooks.com/#!vstc1=books
More About The AuthorSue Duffy is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in Moody Magazine, The Presbyterian Journal, Sunday Digest, and The Christian Reader.
She is the author of Mortal Wounds (Barbour, 2001) and Fatal Loyalty (Kregel, 2010). Duffy has also contributed to Stories for a Woman's Heart (Multnomah).
She and her husband, Mike, have three grown children.
Find out more at www.sueduffybooks.com.
Online Resources
Buy it here: http://ow.ly/8B9HT
Find out more at www.sueduffybooks.com.
Read an excerpt here: http://www.sueduffybooks.com/#!vstc1=books
Follow the blog tour: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13452833
It's A Contest
Win a Kindle Fire from @SueDuffy2 and @KregelBooks in the "Red Returning" Giveaway!
Sue Duffy and her publisher, Kregel Publications, are celebrating the release of The Sound of Red Returning by giving away a Kindle Fire prize package worth over $200 to one lucky winner!!!! (1/23-2/11)
Enter the Sue Duffy's Giveaway today and you could win:
* A brand new Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
* The Sound of Red Returning (Book One in the Red Returning series) by Sue Duffy
To enter click one of the icons below. But, hurry! The giveway ends on 2/11. Sue will be announcing the winner of the "Red Returning" Giveaway on February 13th on the Litfuse website!
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. 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.
OLW Blog Hop: January Wrap-Up
Welcome to the February 1
One Little Word Blog Hop.
The blog hop is designed for alumni and members of the Ali Edwards' class at Big Picture Scrapbooking to show off their progress in this year's class or just showcase what they are learning about their word for 2012.
My word for 2012 is Rest.
Here's my completed January assignment.
I'm still trying to embrace my word - which is hard, since I'm neck-deep in several big projects at work (church).
I'm really enjoying the class because it's making me stop and focus on my word. Which means I turn off the world (and work) and really reflect on things.
So in a way, the class is making me "rest" in my word.
For that, I'm grateful.
You can read other posts about my One Word journey (I've been doing this off and on since 2007) here:
Oh yeah, I'm doing the project digitally, so my credits are:KitDeLovely - Paislee Press, originally purchased at Songbirld Avenue in 2009(Paislee Press is based out of www.oscraps.com)
Fonts:typewriter hand - dafont.comaa typewriter - dafont.compea jay - kevinandamanda.combefore the rain - dafont.com
Actionschalk - atomic cupcakeburnished silver - atomic cupcakecorner rounder brush set - jessica sprague
Ready For The Next Stop On The Hop?
Nikki - http://www.inkyart.com.au
Want To Sign Up For The Class?It's Not Too Late!
Click here for details.
One Little Word - February 2012 Blog Hop
Posts go live at 8 a.m. PST, February 1
Margie - http://xnomads.typepad.com
Sharyn - http://www.lavieenchic.com
Jill - http://jillconyers.com/
Lynn - http://www.crafty-creativity.blogspot.com
Jenn - http://www.studiojenn.blogspot.com
Carmen - http://www.carmenpaulsorthner.com
Marilee - http://rose-brier.blogspot.com
Kristina - http://hrinspirationfromthe403.blogspot.com/
Cindy C - http://www.cynthiacrysdale.com
Kelly - http://mindingmynest.com
Cheri - http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com
Amanda - http://scrappnbee.blogspot.com
Cindy - http://seriousplay.typepad.com
Brooke - http://www.everysnapshot.com
Naomi - http://www.poeticaperture.com
Melissa - http://www.smudgetime.com
Karen - http://breathenowsmile.blogspot.com
Melissa S - http://blog.mshanhun.com
Devon - http://www.youhadmeatneurotic.com
Donna - http://holimess.blogspot.com/
Dawn - http://www.sunshineandcreativity.com
Katrina - http://www.katrinasimeck.com
Sam - http://learncreatedo.wordpress.com
Monica - http://scrapinspired.com
Kimberlee - http://scrapsandsass.blogspot.com
Missus W - http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com/
Kaylea - http://www.myscrappylife.com
Nikki - http://www.inkyart.com.au
Erin - http://erinsparkes.typepad.com/optimstic-fascination/
Jo - http://www.curlyscrapbooker.blogspot.com
Coley - http://coleybelle.blogspot.com/2012/01/focus-word-for-2012.html
Beth - http://www.thesingularlyordinary.blogspot.com
Veronica - http://www.veronicanorris.typepad.com
Jamie - http://jmpgirl.blogspot.com/
Monica B - http://questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com/
Lisa - http://backtoallen.com/writers_blog
Rebekah - http://istampscrapcraft.blogspot.com/
Jan - http://mysimplelittlelife.typepad.com
Veronica - http://www.veronicanorris.typepad.com
Cate - http://www.lifebehindthepurpledoor.com
Stephanie - http://www.scrapworthylives.com
Orange Gearle - http://orangegearle.blogspot.com
Tere - http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com/
Junelle - http://yesandamenblog.blogspot.com/
Ruth - http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com
Becky - http://www.becky-handforth.blogspot.com
One Little Word Blog Hop.
The blog hop is designed for alumni and members of the Ali Edwards' class at Big Picture Scrapbooking to show off their progress in this year's class or just showcase what they are learning about their word for 2012.
My word for 2012 is Rest.
Here's my completed January assignment.
I'm still trying to embrace my word - which is hard, since I'm neck-deep in several big projects at work (church).
I'm really enjoying the class because it's making me stop and focus on my word. Which means I turn off the world (and work) and really reflect on things.
So in a way, the class is making me "rest" in my word.
For that, I'm grateful.
You can read other posts about my One Word journey (I've been doing this off and on since 2007) here:
Oh yeah, I'm doing the project digitally, so my credits are:KitDeLovely - Paislee Press, originally purchased at Songbirld Avenue in 2009(Paislee Press is based out of www.oscraps.com)
Fonts:typewriter hand - dafont.comaa typewriter - dafont.compea jay - kevinandamanda.combefore the rain - dafont.com
Actionschalk - atomic cupcakeburnished silver - atomic cupcakecorner rounder brush set - jessica sprague
Ready For The Next Stop On The Hop?
Nikki - http://www.inkyart.com.au
Want To Sign Up For The Class?It's Not Too Late!
Click here for details.One Little Word - February 2012 Blog Hop
Posts go live at 8 a.m. PST, February 1
Margie - http://xnomads.typepad.com
Sharyn - http://www.lavieenchic.com
Jill - http://jillconyers.com/
Lynn - http://www.crafty-creativity.blogspot.com
Jenn - http://www.studiojenn.blogspot.com
Carmen - http://www.carmenpaulsorthner.com
Marilee - http://rose-brier.blogspot.com
Kristina - http://hrinspirationfromthe403.blogspot.com/
Cindy C - http://www.cynthiacrysdale.com
Kelly - http://mindingmynest.com
Cheri - http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com
Amanda - http://scrappnbee.blogspot.com
Cindy - http://seriousplay.typepad.com
Brooke - http://www.everysnapshot.com
Naomi - http://www.poeticaperture.com
Melissa - http://www.smudgetime.com
Karen - http://breathenowsmile.blogspot.com
Melissa S - http://blog.mshanhun.com
Devon - http://www.youhadmeatneurotic.com
Donna - http://holimess.blogspot.com/
Dawn - http://www.sunshineandcreativity.com
Katrina - http://www.katrinasimeck.com
Sam - http://learncreatedo.wordpress.com
Monica - http://scrapinspired.com
Kimberlee - http://scrapsandsass.blogspot.com
Missus W - http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com/
Kaylea - http://www.myscrappylife.com
Nikki - http://www.inkyart.com.au
Erin - http://erinsparkes.typepad.com/optimstic-fascination/
Jo - http://www.curlyscrapbooker.blogspot.com
Coley - http://coleybelle.blogspot.com/2012/01/focus-word-for-2012.html
Beth - http://www.thesingularlyordinary.blogspot.com
Veronica - http://www.veronicanorris.typepad.com
Jamie - http://jmpgirl.blogspot.com/
Monica B - http://questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com/
Lisa - http://backtoallen.com/writers_blog
Rebekah - http://istampscrapcraft.blogspot.com/
Jan - http://mysimplelittlelife.typepad.com
Veronica - http://www.veronicanorris.typepad.com
Cate - http://www.lifebehindthepurpledoor.com
Stephanie - http://www.scrapworthylives.com
Orange Gearle - http://orangegearle.blogspot.com
Tere - http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com/
Junelle - http://yesandamenblog.blogspot.com/
Ruth - http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com
Becky - http://www.becky-handforth.blogspot.com
January 30, 2012
Blog Tour: Jerk Magnet (Review)
Chelsea Martin lives life as a wallflower.That is, until her future stepmother turns into a "fairy godmother" and helps her transform from geek and gawky into a "hot" blond "popular" gal.
Suddenly, Chelsea is no longer living life from the sidelines.
But she finds that life as a popular, "hot" girl, has its disadvantages - especially when she discovers that she is a "jerk magnet." Attracting all of the wrong types of guys, Chelsea only has eyes for one guy - who decides based upon her looks, that she's not the gal for him.
Through a series of events - including a surprise "make under" at camp, Chelsea and her friends learn that true beauty isn't just what you see on the surface.
What I Thought About The Book
This is a fun read. It really highlights stereotypes of today's teens - especially what revolves around the "popular" or "beautiful' people, and those, who well, find themselves on the outside of the popular crowd.
I loved the lessons Melody Carson highlights in this book - in subtle, yet humorous ways.
I really liked some of the twists she included - including the "make under" at camp, and the lessons that Chelsea learned as she grew in her faith.
Ultimately, this is a good read. I'd be glad to pass it along to a tween reader - in fact, it might even be a good book to use for a middle school girls book club.
On the scale of one to five, I give this book a solid three. I It has a solid plot line, lots of humor and a great moral message.
More About The Book
What if beauty is more than just skin deep?
When Chelsea Martin's future stepmother helps her transform from gawky and geeky into the hottest girl at her new school, Chelsea is pretty sure it's the best thing that ever happened to her. But her hot new look has a downside. She's attracting lots of guys who all have one thing in common: they're jerks. Oh, and stealing the attention of all the guys in school doesn't exactly make her BFF material for the girls.
Finally a great guy catches her eye. But he's the only one around who doesn't give her a second glance. Can Chelsea come up with a plan to get his attention? Or will her new image ruin everything?
About The AuthorMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington's, which is being considered for a TV movie.
She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, The Jerk Magnet, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. Carson was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books in 2010 and 2011.
She and her husband live in central Oregon. For more information about Carson visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.
Online Resources
Buy at Amazon
Find it at Barnes & Noble
Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell Publishing, a division of Baker Books. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.
January 29, 2012
OLW: Rest: Sunday Sabbath Wisdom
Words of wisdom from one of my favorite writers - I really need to dig out some of my Merton books and become reacquainted with him. Maybe this will be a good way to rest on a day off.... Merton and Starbucks....hum....maybe a plan for next Friday.
A Prayer for the Simplicity of Life and Love
By Thomas Merton
Justify my soul, O God, but also from Your fountains fill my will with your fire. Shrine in my mind, although perhaps this means "be darkness to my experience," but occupy my heart with Your tremendous Life. Let my eyes see nothing in the world but Your glory, and let my hands touch nothing that is not for Your service.
Let my tongue taste no bread that does not strengthen me to praise Your great mercy. I will hear Your voice and I will hear all harmonies You have created, singing Your hymns. Sheep's wool and cotton from the field shall warm me enough that I may live in Your service; I will give the rest to Your poor. Let me use all things for one sole reason: to find my joy in giving You glory.
Therefore keep me, above all things, from sin. Keep me from the death of deadly sin which puts hell in my soul. Keep me from the murder of lust that blinds and poisons my heart. Keep me from the sins that eat a man's flesh with irresistible fire until he is devoured. Keep me from loving money in which is hatred, from avarice and ambition that suffocate my life.
Keep me from the dead works of vanity and the thankless labor in which artists destroy themselves for pride and money and reputation, and saints are smothered under the avalanche of their own importunate zeal. Stanch in me the rank wound of covetousness and the hungers that exhaust my nature with their bleeding. Stamp out the serpent envy that stings love with poison and kills all joy.
Untie my hands and deliver my heart from sloth. Set me free from the laziness that goes about disguised as activity when activity is not required of me, and from the cowardice that does what is not demanded, in order to escape sacrifice.
But give me the strength that waits upon You in silence and peace. Give me humility in which alone is rest, and deliver me from pride which is the heaviest of burdens. And possess my whole heart and soul with the simplicity of love.
Occupy my whole life with the one thought and the one desire of love, that I may love not for the sake of merit, not for the sake of perfection, not for the sake of virtue, not for the sake of sanctity, but for you alone.
For there is only one thing that can satisfy love and reward it, and that is You alone.
January 28, 2012
OLW: Rest Reminder
A few reminders I've found on Pinterest in the last month, to help me remember my word for 2012 - Rest.I'm still working on being better at resting....
How do you rest?
http://pinterest.com/pin/123426846007334340/
http://pinterest.com/pin/123426846007322560/
http://pinterest.com/pin/123426846007409435/
How do you rest?
http://pinterest.com/pin/123426846007334340/
http://pinterest.com/pin/123426846007322560/
http://pinterest.com/pin/123426846007409435/
January 27, 2012
The quest for 50 states
My friend Stacey's daughter "M" is collecting postcards from all 50 states for a class project. This afternoon, I (along with a friend) went on a quest - thanks to her Garmin - to find the perfect Arkansas postcard for her. (We found two...because we couldn't decide which one was best!)It's been fun to talk to friends - via email and Facebook - all over the country, asking them to pitch in to help M "rock" her assignment. So far if they all come in, we have at least 75 percent of the states represented - hopefully even Alaska and Hawaii.
It was fun and random to help M with this project. Sometimes living so far away from friends, I can't be part of their everyday life. This was one chance to do something - despite the miles that separate us.
Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things.
~Author Unknown
What little things have you done for a friend this week? How has it made a difference in your friendship?[image error]
January 26, 2012
Blog Tour: Alienation (Review)
For Colt McAlister, life changed dramatically when his parents were killed in a car accident - which wasn't quite the accident people initially thought.Through a series of events, Colt learns of a world that he never imagined - filled with jet packs, flying motorcycles and a grandfather who was the "Flying Phantom" during World War II.
Colt wants to be normal, but normal is no longer an option.
Instead he finds himself in the midst of a epic battle to save his life - and attend school at a top secret training center for C.H.A.O.S. - the Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural.
Ultimately, Colt has to decide who he can trust - and what friendship truly means.
What I Thought
I thought this book was well written and filled with intrigue and suspense. You can tell how writing for D.C. Comics has played a role in the development of Jon Lewis' writing style, because his words seem to come alive due to his vivid descriptions and wording.
This novel - and ultimately the series - plays on Lewis' writing strengths as he creates an alternative universe, where aliens and humans can come into contact, and people can ride around on flying motorcycles and use jet packs to fly.
It was interesting and fun to watch Lewis unfold Colt's character, as he not only learns to be with- and understand - his grandfather. He is also left maintaining his new and sometimes fledgling friendship with Oz and Danielle.
Because it's the second book in the series, readers may find it easier to "track" what is happening if they read the first book - Invasion. I know I found myself understanding Alienation more, once I went back and explored the first novel.
In Alienation, Lewis uses an allegory to structure his manuscript - drawing inspiration from the story of David, Jonathan and Saul. The parallels between Jonathan and David, and Oz and Colt are striking. This allegory added an interesting rhythm and strength to the story line - and truly served as the backbone of the novel.
Ultimately, this novel is written for young readers - but like most well written young adult fiction, this novel (and series) will appeal to readers of all ages.
However, unlike many young adult novels in today's marketplace, this book (and series) is not dark and depressing. It does deal with some strong themes, but somehow Lewis keeps it from being too harsh.
On the scale of one to five, with five being the highest, I give it a four. From reading the ending, I'm guessing there's at least one more book - because Lewis closed with a cliffhanger. I'm really hoping my 11-year-old nephew will dig into this series - so I have an excuse to check out the next book in the series.
About The Book:
From The Publisher
After his parents were killed in a car accident, Colt McAlister was drawn into a world he thought only existed in comic books-one where mind control, jet packs, and flying motorcycles don't even scratch the surface.
Along with his best friends Oz and Danielle, Colt is now training at the secret Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural academy. But strange accidents seem to follow him. . . even with the security of the school grounds. What first seems random soon turns deadly. But who is targeting Colt?
As the alien invasions increase in frequency and force, C.H.A.O.S resources are taxed to the limit and they're forced to utilize the new recruits. In the midst of battle, Colt will discover some startling revelations . . . about himself, his friendship with Oz, and why he has been chosen to defeat this alien attack against earth.
About The AuthorJon S. Lewis is the coauthor of the Grey Griffins trilogy (over 500,000 books in print) and the upcoming Grey Griffins Clockwork Chronicles. He also writes for the DC COMICS family of publishers. He resides with his family in Arizona.
For more about Jon and the series, visit www.chaosnovels.com.
Read my review of book one: Invasion here.
Online Resources
Link to buy the book & see an excerpt online: http://ow.ly/8wW4O
Buy it at Amazon: here.
It's A Contest
Win an iPad from @JonSLewis and @NelsonFiction in the Alienation iPad2 Giveaway!
The invasion was only the beginning! Jon Lewis is celebrating the next adventure in his fast-paced C.H.A.O.S. series with an explosive giveaway!
One thrill-seeker will receive:
iPad2 with Wi-FiCopies of the C.H.A.O.S. novels, Invasion and AlienationEnter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on February 7th. Winner will be announced at the Alienation Facebook Party on 2/7 . Jon will be hosting an Author Chat, giving away copies of the books and gift certificates to iTunes and Amazon.com! Don't miss a second of the intrigue!
Grab your copy of Alienation and join Jon on the evening of February 7th for an author chat, spy training (How much do you know about alien invaders?) and lots of giveaways.
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!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.
January 25, 2012
Quote of the Day: Life is...
Something to think about.....
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.~ Mother Teresa
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.~ Mother Teresa
