Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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{No More Perfect Kids} Parenting is risky business

March 14, 2014 by Kristin Leave a Comment

This week we’re hearing real-life stories from dads. Letting go of perfection is a message from which everyone in your family can benefit. “No More Perfect Kids” by Jill Savage and Kathy Koch has been a fabulous resource for me. You can buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Book Distributors.

Let’s welcome my favorite dad. Yep, he’s my husband! Greg balances my perfection tendencies with this risk-taking, entrepreneur ways. 

________


Parenting is a risky business. There are no guarantees, no perfect way to do everything that will ensure your child has a meaningful relationship with God or has success in life or any of a million things that you want for your child.

My suggestion is to embrace risk in parenting, in life, and in your relationship with God. Our Creator isn’t interested in us living risk-free lives. He is about transforming us from the inside out and calling us to something greater than what this world has to offer. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

In thinking about my life, the decisions that have brought me the most joy and satisfaction have been leaps of faith. Whether it has been the decision to adopt, start my own business, put our children in Christian school, or many other things, trusting in Him has proven to be the path to a fulfilling life.

Were things a little scary when I stepped out on my own or we decided to adopt (twice)? Of course they were. Have things been perfect for our little family since we stepped out in faith? Or course not. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Growing up, I saw my parents make some decisions that went against the grain of the conventional American culture. They were convicted that television was a bad influence and we did not have broadcast or cable television in our home. They were convicted that we needed to have home worship services, so we had home worship services instead of attending a normal church for several years. When I was in fifth grade, they made the decision to start sending me to a small Christian school about 45 minutes away.

All these decisions weren’t popular to me as a child, but I have seen the value of making bold decisions for God. I’m convinced that character and faith are mostly caught, not taught. As parents, if we want our children to have a meaningful relationship with God, they have to see us making sacrifices and hard decisions as we step out in faith in Him.

So next time you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you to take a risk, to be a little radical, to do something out of your comfort zone, take the opportunity to be obedient. While you may be uncomfortable and anxious about how everything will turn out, and things will surely get messy, submission to God is the only way to live the abundant life that we were all meant to live.

________

Greg Taylor is a self-employed attorney who is the oldest of three boys. He’s an elder at Christian Community Church, a member of the Murray City Council, and a lifelong Murray State Racer fan. Greg and Kristin have been married for 11 years and have two adopted kids — Cate is 6 and Ben is 4. 

Want more stories? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’, or subscribe to receive “Insights in Your Inbox.” 

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Filed Under: family, Greg, guest post

Comments

  1. Beth says

    March 15, 2014 at 11:06 pm

    All kinds of wonderful to hear from Kristin's other half. By the way, Greg, I adore your wife!! 🙂 Great post and a good reminder that God isn't looking for us to live a risk-free life. I think of my family following His lead to become a military family…a great big risk…but oh how it has impacted us all and grown our faith in Him.
    Blessings to you both.
    I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

    Reply
  2. Jenn says

    March 16, 2014 at 12:14 pm

    This is awesome to get the better halves input and a men's perspective!! Love what your hubby said about not conforming to the world, so many do and that isn't what we are called to be when we are followers of Jesus!!

    Reply
  3. KristinHillTaylor says

    March 17, 2014 at 1:25 am

    Thanks, Jenn! I've got some good dad posts coming up this week. They've been good for me to read, that's for sure!

    Reply
  4. KristinHillTaylor says

    March 17, 2014 at 1:26 am

    You're so kind, Beth! Becoming and living as a military family is a huge risk – one that blesses so many people. Your bravery in it has been encouraging to see, even from this Internet distance. Much love to you!

    Reply
  5. Wani says

    March 17, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    I love getting the dad's view of the book! Thanks!

    Reply
  6. KristinHillTaylor says

    March 17, 2014 at 9:33 pm

    He heard more of a summary of the book through me, but I'm so thankful he balances me, especially in this area! Thanks for coming by, Wani!

    Reply

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Telling stories is my therapy and I love sharing them with friends on my porch.

The main characters in my stories are my entrepreneur husband, our eighth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear fifth-grade boy, and our joy-filled preschool girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

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Happy, happy 70th birthday to my wonderful mother- Happy, happy 70th birthday to my wonderful mother-in-law. We all are especially happy to celebrate her life this year after her recent quadruple bypass heart surgery and recovery. 🎉 #weekending #TeamTaylor #birthdaygirl
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Seven weeks after quadruple bypass heart surgery, Seven weeks after quadruple bypass heart surgery, my mother-in-law moved home today. We were happy to care for her and we are thrilled she’s doing so well. 

I knew she was faithful and strong before, but watching her recovery from open heart surgery convinced me even more of her steadfastness and courage.

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After three weeks, they’ve returned to school! H After three weeks, they’ve returned to school! Here’s to hope on a Monday morning for whatever comes our way. #momlife #reallife #choosingJOY #siblinglove
Often I don’t want the weekend to end or the sea Often I don’t want the weekend to end or the season to change, but I’m looking forward to Monday after three weeks of quarantine and sickness then snow. I’m looking forward to the snow melting away and eager for spring to bloom.

I’m grateful for health and family and home and a fresh start. A walk through the melting snow with the sun shining and temperatures in the 50s was a sweet spot today. So was gathering with friends we hadn’t seen in too long after church.

Just a few days ago I felt defeated and weary. Now I’m feeling ready and hopeful. Transitions can be rough, but ultimately I’m thankful for new mercies and new seasons.

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I share about Psalm 68 and how God built a sanctuary for me at our house in the country and how I want to share that with others. I end the devotional with these questions and a prayer:

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