Kaylea Hutson's Blog, page 59

Reflecting on 2010: Reverb10 Day 5

Let Go I bought this in Little Rock, as I processed this question. It really symbolizes the thought behind the prompt. It's the Angel of Freedom, and I hope it reminds me that there is freedom in simply letting go.
December 5 – Let Go.
What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)
See the original post, on Reverb10.com here.
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I've written this response several times in my head, as I've pondered just what I've given up this year – what I've "let go."

I'm not sure I've "let go" of much this year.

I think I need to let go of my need for perfection.

It's not that I expect perfection from others, so why do I expect it from myself?

The need for perfection leads to a lot of negative self-talk.

It also causes me to doubt my skills, and be afraid to try new things – because ultimately, I think, I fear disappointing not only myself, but others.


This book has been on my "to read, for pleasure" bookshelf for a few weeks now. I bought it at the recommendation of a friend. At the time, I was mildly interested in reading it. But now, it seems, as if God was just getting me ready to read it for more than just pleasure.

Perfection is paralyzing.

By letting go, I hope I'll instead find freedom and even joy, in the imperfections of life.

---
I have "let go" of several things this year.

I have "let go" a bunch of clothes, that simply didn't fit right. I keep thinking, thanks to a friend, "What if what I give away, helps a woman have the right clothes for a job, or job interview?"

I'm also striving to let go of some of my "stuff." (Yes, that also means I'll probably get rid of some of my books! I'd like to have less "stuff" and more "meaningful" items.

There's some other stuff I'm letting go of.... but I'm not sure I'm still processing it.

As a couple of my favorite kiddos say to make me laugh - "peace out!"

Reflecting on 2010: Reverb10 Day 4

Wonder This is my favorite "wonder" moment of 2010 so far.
I caught this moment: four-day-old Baby Grady's feet in his daddy's hands. I snapped this while taking photos for his parents. It is by far my favorite photo from the session, because I am amazed at how Grady's feet look in Morgan's fingers - and how Morgan's hands look almost "heart" like, as he cups the tiny toes.


Reverb10: December 4 – Wonder.
How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?
(Author: Jeffrey Davis) See original post on Reverb10.com here.

I really thought a lot about this question. How have I looked for wonder this year?

Honestly, this isn't the first time I've pondered this question.

Wonder was the first word I picked for the "One Word" idea in 2007.

That year, I deliberately spent time looking for wonder in a variety of ways – including during an ice storm and flowers emerging from the ground after a long winter.

Now, as 2010 moves to a close, can I really say that I seek out wonder.

Wonder is a huge thing.

It means looking at life filled with admiration, amazement or awe, or marveling at the different things in life – and being curious about what you find.

Sometimes, I let the everyday, ordinary, boring aspects of life dictate how I SEE life.

I forget to SEE with amazement and awe the wonderful things around me.

A life without wonder is like living a black & white existence, in a Technicolor world, because despite the amazing colors of the world, everything seems grey and bleak.

So, as 2011 starts, I hope to see life in a new way. (Yes, that word again – I think my 2011 word has picked me.)

I want to see wonder again. I want to live with a spirit of awe and marvel.

Coming Soon - More Reverb10

Yes, I'm officially behind.

But with the Christmas parade yesterday, and trying to get things done today, to be out of town for a meeting tomorrow, well, I'm two days, soon to be three days behind on Reverb.

I've written them in my head....but now, have to put them down in a post - but it's 10:54 p.m. and I have at least a 6-hr (round trip) drive to the meeting tomorrow.

So, I'll post soon.
K

Reflecting on 2010: Reverb10 Day 3

Reverb10 - Day 3: Moment.
Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards) See original post on Reverb10.com here.

I really had to think about this. Last night, when I got today's prompt - yes, I was on e-mail at 11 p.m. - my first thought was wow, what moment did I feel most alive? What memory can I describe in "vivid detail." What memory deserves this attention.

When I woke up this morning, I some how knew, I needed to write the post about my experience "tubing" for the first time this summer.You can read the original post: Lessons from Vacation - Part 1: Laughter here.

ok, so I never got all the way up on my knees like Kim (left) I did let go of the handles a couple of times!



It was a new (there's that word again) experience this summer that was amazing. It was also terrifying and totally out of character for me. Doing this was risky. I had to put aside my reservations and well, my fear, to try something that was so physical, and well, required me to do it in a swim suit.. (insert laugh here!)

Riding on the tubes was exhilarating. Riding on top of the water, feeling the wind in your face, was powerful. It was hard - wow, I can't believe how much arm strength it took to hold on to the tubes. But when I let go and decided to have fun, and not worry about how I looked in a "skin tight" life jacket, it was awesome.

Being on the lake itself was awesome. It was so quiet - no cell phones, no laptops, no electronic devices. The weather was nice - even on the hottest days.
It was funny to be swimming in the water, and feel warm water on the surface, but pockets of cold water at your toes.

This was a new experience, that taught me to put aside everything and jump in, to do something - even if it might mean I look foolish. Because honestly, with risk comes great reward - and the reward here was priceless.

Thanks Kim, for this awesome memory and for this opportunity. Oh, and thanks for teaching me how to play  Rummy 2000, and for just being a "life-long" friend. I value your friendship beyond words.

Blog Tour: God Loves Single Moms (Review)

Teresa Whitehurst knows what it's like to be a single mom. She faced many challenging times when money was short, when her back was aching, and when her spirits sagged from trying to "do it all" without letting anyone know she needed a little rest or assistance.

Over the years she learned that both she and her children benefitted when she stopped trying to be perfect; admitted her needs, frustration, loneliness, or fatigue; and reached out to God and to supportive friends and family.

In God Loves Single Moms, she offers you down-to-earth advice on navigating the world of single motherhood with confidence and hope for the future.

Packed with practical tips, smart strategies, and ways to improve your family's well-being, this book tackles your most pressing issues, like self-care, developing a support network, organization, finances, discipline, and more.

It can feel like you're struggling through life on your own. But you have a partner who wants you to succeed and wants your children to flourish. God loves you and wants to guide and support you every step of the way.

Whether you've never married, you're divorced, or you've been widowed, you and your children deserve the best life has to offer. And while you may get weary, you need never feel alone.

What I Thought 
I picked up this book because I thought it might be a good one to refer to, when working with moms who are learning to navigate life and parenthood as a single parent.

This book, filled with tips, nuggets from various sources, and what seems helpful - an inventory designed to give moms a chance to assess the lives of themselves and their children.

With chapters broken down covering a variety of topics, this book touches on subjects ranging from self-care, being organized, children's behavior and even, dealing with the child's father.

This book is a combination of a workbook and guide. It's not a "passive" read. It is designed to help a mom process what's going on in their life, and how they can move forward with success.

I plan to pass this book on to someone I know, struggling at the beginning of her new journey of single parenthood.

This is definitely a book I will add to my "children's ministry" resource list.

About The Author
Teresa Whitehurst is a clinical psychologist who provides counseling as well as personal and career coaching. She has worked as a psychotherapist for many years in private practice, at Harvard Medical School, and at Kaiser-Permanente.

Dr. Whitehurst writes and speaks on parenting and personal development issues and is the author of How Would Jesus Raise Your Child? She is a single mom who has two adult daughters and two grandchildren.

Online Resources
Read an online excerpt of God Loves Single Moms @ Revell books
Buy God Loves Single Moms @ Amazon
Buy God Loves Single Moms @Barnes & Nobel
Buy God Loves Single Moms @ CBD
Buy God Loves Single Moms in bulk 20+ or more @ Direct2church.com

About the Publisher
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell, 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.

Reflecting on 2010, Reverb 10: Day 2

Photo by: Nicole Holte from Stock.xchng Reverb 10: Day 2 Prompt

Writing
What do you do each day that doesn't contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)

I'm not really sure what keeps me from writing - or being creative each day. I can make excuses, but I seem to fill my days with lots of "stuff."

I wonder if Facebook is keeps me from writing. Maybe it's my "addiction" to TV (Criminal Minds, Law & Order, NCIS, etc.)

It seems like I can find time to do "meaningless" things....

But something else keeps me from writing. Maybe it's the subconscious fear that my thoughts, written down will be imperfect. Maybe it's the fear of trying.

Maybe it's simply fear.

I've joked with friends in the "biz" about writing a novel. Actually, I've joked about it for 10 years. Wonder what's kept me from trying.

Fear.

Maybe that's my goal for 2011. To step away from the fear and enter the unknown. To try something that could be a challenge.

I think I'll definitely check out this website: 750 Words or at least try this method of free writing. I have a creative friend who does this, and he talks about how freeing this is - he writes his "freehand" each morning on a yellow legal pad (I believe). Maybe this will be the way to "de-clutter" my brain.

Maybe I'll try something new....

Hum... New, that word keeps coming up. Maybe New will be my 2011 words.

I'll keep you posted.

Want to see what started this all? www.reverb10.com. You can follow what others are doing with this prompt on Twitter. Just search for #Reverb10 or @Reverb10. There's also a blog list, of participants, at http://www.reverb10.com/participate/.

Reflecting on 2010: Reverb10, Day 1

How is your year "wrapping" up? I ran across this today - one day into the "Reverb 10" prompts.

Reverb 10 is an annual event and online initiative that lets you reflect upon your year and "manifest what's next."

"Use the end of your year as an opportunity to reflect on what's happened, and to send out reverberations for the year ahead. With Reverb 10 - and the 31 prompts our authors have created for you - you'll have support on your journey."

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So, I've decided that I'm going to try this. Thirty-one days of blogging. Thirty-one days of thinking about life in 2010, and getting ready for 2011.

Dec. 1's Prompt From Reverb10: One Word
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you're choosing that word. Now, imagine it's one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? - (Author: Gwen Bell)

My word(s) for 2010 - I never can seem to stick with one word, were: Thanks to Spell With Flickr)




And



I've spent the last year trying to look at life differently. To see life, not as half-empty, but rather, half-full. I've also spent time, since reading Mary Beth Chapman's memoir, to see my life though God's eyes - through his expectations (and gifts).

I'm not sure if my outlook on life has changed. But I'm trying. Yes I know, trying isn't "doing," but I'm making an effort.

I know God has a plan for my life. I'm trying to sit back and SEE what that plan is, rather than trying to "MAKE" it happen.

I'm already thinking about next year's word (or at least the word that will start my year.) I'm not sure what it will be. I'm tossing around a few ideas, but nothing has "claimed" me.

What word would summarize 2010 for you? What word do you want to capture your life at the end of 2011?

Something That Made Me Smile

Sesame Street: Will.i.am's Song
"What I Am" A friend recently posted this video, and well, it made me smile.So today, here is your "smile" from Sesame Street.

If the video doesn't load, you can find it here: Sesame Street: Will.i.am's Song "What I Am."


From Sesame Street:
Will.i.am sings "What I Am" as part of Sesame Street's 41st season premiere (September 27) on PBS KIDS.

If you're watching videos with your preschooler and would like to do so in a safe, child-friendly environment, please join us at http://www.sesamestreet.org

Sesame Street is a production of Sesame Workshop, a nonprofit educational organization which also produces Pinky Dinky Doo, The Electric Company, and other programs for children around the world.

Blog Tour: Nightingale

Esther Lange doesn't love her fiancé-she's trapped in an engagement after a mistaken night of passion..

Still, she grieves him when he's lost in battle, the letters sent to her by the medic at his side giving her a strange comfort, so much that she strikes up a correspondence with Peter Hess, an Iowa farmboy. Or is he? 

Peter Hess is not who he seems. Indeed, he's hiding a secret, something that could cost them both their lives, especially when the past comes back to life. A bittersweet love song of the home front war between duty and the heart...a battle where only one will survive.

What I Thought
I like Susan May Warren's writing style. I like how she weaves romance and suspense together in a novel. I also like how she dives into history - especially in this series - and helps bring new life into the past.

I'll admit, this book was hard to read at times, and let's face it, it's not a "mind-candy" novel. It has depth and is complicated.

Words have power, and through her novel, Warren reminds readers the power of the written word - and how letters a.k.a. the written word - can and do propel relationships forward.

Honestly, you may find yourself wanting to write a letter to someone special in your life.  (In fact, just keep reading, because you can AND enter an awesome contest as well.)

On a scale of one to five, with five being the hightest, I give Nightingale at least a 4.5. It's a novel that you may find yourself reading again and again, simply to delve into the depth of the characters.

It's A Contest
The Letters From Home Giveaway!
Nightingale is about letters, the power of written correspondence to convey thoughts and emotions to those far away. And sometimes near.

Letters are forever, they are something we savor and pull out to read again and again. They are often cherished and kept in a special place.

To celebrate the release of Nightingale, Susan May Warren would like you to write a letter. One grand prize winner will receive a Flip HD Camcorder. Five runner's up winners will win a signed copy of Nightingale.

There are two ways to enter the contest by writing letters.

1. Write a letter to a soldier. At the end of the contest we'll print out and mail your letter for you.

2. Write a letter to a friend, loved one, family member, enemy. Tell them something you wished you'd told them before. Tell them you love them, or maybe how they touched your life. Perhaps an apology is in order or a thank you. Or perhaps you'd like to relate a funny tale or just share life. Whatever it is, submit it here along with your email address and we'll send it for you.·

Enter at the contest page or at the SHARE page on the Brothers in Arms website.
Or simply click on the button (the contest photo) in this photo..

But wait - there's more!
Help Spread the Word and enter to win a $30 gift certificate to Amazon.com!

Share this on Facebook: Nightingale from Susan May Warren is available now! To celebrate Susan's giving away a FLIP HD Camcorder in her Letters from Home Giveaway! Follow this link for all the details about the book and the contest! http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/nightingale-by-susan-may-warren.html

***(once you share that, send Susan's assistant, Amy (amy@susanmaywarren.com) an email letting her know you shared it.)

Share this on Twitter: Win a Flip HD Camcorder in @SusanMayWarren's Letters From Home Giveaway http://ow.ly/37Ta4 #litfuse

***(must use hashtag #litfuse to be entered into the contest)

Other Books In The Series
Book 1: Sons of Thunder
Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America.

One of these sons of thunder offers a future she longs for, the other the past she lost. From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, theyll discover betrayal, sacrifice and finally redemption.

Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, she'll learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder.

Sons of Thunder launched the new Romantic Suspense line for Summerside Press. Its uniquely written - its an epic suspense story written as three novellas - three points of view, three settings.

Read my review of Sons of Thunder by clicking here.

More About the Author
Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists.

After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Warren returned home to a small town on Minnesota's beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.Learn more about Warren here: www.susanmaywarren.com.

Online Resources
It's A Blog Tour - Follow It Here

Editor's 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.

Blog Tour: Christmas At Harrington's (Review)

Sometimes the best gift is a second chance

Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. 

When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?

What I Thought
I liked this Christmas novella. It was an easy, friendly read that weaves the meaning of Christmas into a modern tale.

I will admit, when I initially picked up this book, I expected it to be about a "time long past." But instead, I found a novel set in modern times - so I was a bit confused at first.

If you are looking for a Christmas gift book, or even a new book to add to your "traditional" reading list, Christmas at Harringtons may fill the bill.

Melody Carlson has successfully created characters that draw you into the small novella, and keep you hooked until the very end - in fact, you may find yourself wanting more.

About The Author
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 200 books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Carson was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie.

She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Carlson's website at www.melodycarlson.com.

Online Resources
Read an Excerpt of Christmas At Harringtons
Find it at Amazon
Find it at Barnes & Noble
Find it at CBD


About the Publisher
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell, 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.