Kristin Hill Taylor

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LIGHT :: Songs of Spring

April 14, 2014 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Here we are in the middle of April. After the winter we’ve had, I’m grateful for signs of spring. Yes, even the stormy morning we’ve having here.

I’m also grateful for the signs of new perspective in my life. A spiritual new life, if you will.

The process God’s had me on for awhile is intertwining imperfection and light. The message of letting go of my perfectionist tendencies so I can see Jesus in my ordinary moments is one that has been spoken into my life through books, songs and friends. Different versions of the same message have found their way into my heart.

And I’m noticing as I focus on this one message, I keep hearing it. Like songs of spring.

God created the light that is day and the darkness that is night. And he’s been in charge from the beginning. I want to be a light that glorifies him and in doing so I know he lightens my load, giving me more opportunities to delight in everyday life.

So I thought I’d share some of the songs that have been sung throughout my days as I embrace this transforming message of LIGHT :

“Pushing Back the Dark” by Josh Wilson :: “The city on a hill, it should be shining still. Every sinner saved by grace, has a purpose, has a place inside the bigger plan, we might not understand. But if we just keep walking on, we will see the Kingdom come. Whatever you do, just don’t look back. Oh somebody needs the light you have. Whatever you do, just don’t lose heart. Keep on pushing back the dark …” 

“Marvelous Light” by Ellie Holcomb :: “I am not who I once was, defined by all the things I’d done. Afraid my shame would be exposed, afraid of really being known. But then He gave my heart a home. So I walked out of the darkness and into the light, from fear of shame into the hope of life. Mercy called my name and made a way to fly out of the darkness and into the light … There’s no place I’d rather be. Your light is marvelous. Your light is marvelous. You have come to set us free. You are marvelous; your light is marvelous” 

“Shine On” by Needtobreathe :: “Somewhere between the end and the point where we begin, there’s a fire burning brightly that’s found it’s way too dim. When the feeling’s gone … Shine on, shine on …” 

“God of Brilliant Lights” by Aaron Shust :: “He is lord over all. His reign will never end. Through the fire and the flood, He draws his children in. He’s the light of the world, brighter than the brightest star. The God of brilliant lights is shining down over us, breaking through the darkness, covering all the earth. Oooh, his love is like an ocean. Oooh, forever overflowing. The God of brilliant lights is shining over us …” 

“My Lighthouse” by Rend Collective :: “My Lighthouse, my lighthouse. Shining in the darkness, I will follow You. My Lighthouse, my Lighthouse. I will trust the promise, You will carry me safe to shore … I won’t fear what tomorrow brings. With each morning I’ll rise and sing. My God’s love will lead me through. You are the peace in my troubled sea …”

“Let It Rain” by Zac Brown Band :: “Breathe in deep, let it out. Wash the bitterness out of your mouth. There’s no room left for darkness when you’re filled with the light it comes out …” {Read more about this song in my life.}

“All Things Possible” by Mark Schultz :: “Even when it feels like the light is fading and I’ve lost my way, still I’m holding on to the One who’s making all things possible … My God is strong and mighty. My God is faithful. My hope is in the Lord, for He is able.”

“Dancing in the Minefields” by Andrew Peterson :: “And we’re dancing in the minefields. We’re sailing in the storm. This is harder than we dreamed. But I believe that’s what the promise is for. So when I lose my way, find me. When I loose love’s chains, bind me. At the end of all my faith, till the end of all my days. When I forget my name, remind me. ‘Cause we bear the light of the Son of Man, so there’s nothing left to fear. So I’ll walk with you in the shadow lands till the shadows disappear …”

Now it’s your turn. Is it a theme of your year on you anticipated or one that surprised you? How has that message been reinforced through your life? Tell me about the songs you’re hearing these days. If you share in the comments, you’ll be entered to win a mix CD with these songs and others I’ve been liking. I’ll randomly choose a winner Monday, April 21. 

Updated to congratulate Barbie from My Freshly Brewed Life on winning! Barbie, you should have a tweet from me asking for your mailing address. Thanks to those who shared in the comments. 
________

I’m linking this post with others who are reflecting on their One Word for 2014 over at Circles of Faith. If you’re looking for more resources, “Love Idol” by Jennifer Dukes Lee and “No More Perfect Kids” by Jill Savage and Dr. Kathy Koch have been instrumental in my journey. 

The bracelets … a few people have asked about my bracelets. The silver one is from DaySpring.com and is designed by Lisa Leonard. See it and other bracelets, necklaces and charms here. The beaded bracelet is one piece that wraps around from WorldCrafts, which sells beautiful handmade jewelry, hand bags and other products that help women living in poverty. 

I’m linking this post with Circles of Faith, Soli Deo Gloria at Jen Ferguson’s blog, Inspire Me Monday at Angie Ryg’s blog, Three Word Wednesday with Beth Stiff, and Holley Gerth’s Coffee for Your Heart.

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: Coffee for Your Heart, faith, giveaway, music, Soli Deo Gloria, Three Word Wednesday, words

Comments

  1. kasmith03 says

    April 14, 2014 at 3:13 pm

    YES – all great songs!!

    Reply
  2. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 14, 2014 at 5:16 pm

    Glad to see your pretty face here, Kristin!

    Reply
  3. Elise Daly Parker says

    April 14, 2014 at 5:32 pm

    Wow…Ellie Holcomb is singin' my song. What a wonderful rich post Krisin. Love this!!!

    Reply
  4. Elise Daly Parker says

    April 14, 2014 at 5:34 pm

    Oh and your site looks awesome!

    Reply
  5. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 14, 2014 at 9:42 pm

    If you don't have that whole Ellie Holcomb album ("As Sure As the Sun"), I HIGHLY recommend it. It's been on repeat for awhile around here. 🙂

    Reply
  6. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 14, 2014 at 9:42 pm

    Well, thank you! I really appreciate that.

    Reply
  7. Jenn says

    April 14, 2014 at 11:10 pm

    Love this and these songs!! That bracelet I need!!

    Reply
  8. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 14, 2014 at 11:43 pm

    I'm going back to add the bracelet information because you're not the first person to comment on that. 🙂

    Reply
  9. Beth says

    April 15, 2014 at 1:09 am

    So many good songs. I love how you are able to combine your One Word and the Love Idol you are giving up. God is SO good!! My theme continues to be focused on my word JOY. I might not have a post directly related to an update but I feel as though every post is written with that desire to really know "The joy of the LORD is my strength." Blessings to you, friend. I'm counting down the days….

    Reply
  10. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 15, 2014 at 1:17 am

    Isn't that neat how God has this whole thing intertwined? It's been like that for more than a year now. Perhaps I just need to grasp what He's trying to teach me! 🙂 I'm counting down the days too, Beth! So looking forward to hanging out in person!

    Reply
  11. Jen Ferguson says

    April 15, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    I am so glad you introduced me to Ellie Holcomb and I also love God of Brilliant Lights. It's amazing the power of a song to lift me out of darkness.

    Reply
  12. Lyli Dunbar says

    April 15, 2014 at 2:51 pm

    I love that Andrew Peterson song — one of my favorites.

    Reply
  13. Glenda Childers says

    April 15, 2014 at 3:09 pm

    I always wish I listened to more music … it is time, eh?

    Fondly,
    Glenda

    Reply
  14. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 15, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    Just consider this some songs to start with. Come back when you need more recommendations. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

    Reply
  15. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 15, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    Mine too, Lyli! Love it!

    Reply
  16. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 15, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    I'm glad you liked her – she's been a good soundtrack for my life lately. Love seeing your face here, Jen!

    Reply
  17. Elizabeth Stewart says

    April 17, 2014 at 3:13 am

    Letting go of perfectionism and see Jesus in the ordinary is a great goal! With me, the older I've gotten the easier it is to let go of perfectionism. Oh, the stories I could tell of how miserable I must have made everyone in my younger years!

    Reply
  18. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 17, 2014 at 12:56 pm

    I'm right there with you, Elizabeth! Thanks for stopping by!

    Reply
  19. Barbie says

    April 18, 2014 at 4:29 am

    Thank you for sharing these songs, some of which I know, others I've never heard. Praying you have a blessed Easter.

    Reply
  20. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 18, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    You too, Barbie! Thanks for coming by!

    Reply

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About Me

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 ninth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear sixth-grade boy, and our joy-filled kindergarten girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

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Before I settle into a school time routine, I want Before I settle into a school time routine, I want to recap summer — my favorite season of the year that, honestly, just didn’t look like I expected & hoped in many ways. Even so, goodness was all around us. 

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📷: Cate, 15

#livingfaithfully #88daysofsummer #backtoschool #choosingJOY #PorchStories #reallife #momlife #faithlife #summerisbest
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#88daysofsummer #boymom #reallife #summerbreak #backtoschool #choosingJOY
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Introducing Backroads and Blooms Photography by Ca Introducing Backroads and Blooms Photography by Cate Taylor 🎉 

Cate has five different prints available as 5x7s or 8x10s and then matted and framed. She has in stock two of each print in each size, but she will order more. 

🖼 5x7s matted in 8x10 frame = $12
🖼 8x10s matted in 11x14 frame = $20

🌵 Cactus
🌸 Pink flower
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🌼 Yellow & orange flower
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Let Cate know in the comments what you’d like to order or message me. Local pickup/dropoff only right now. 

You can send PayPal friends & family to kristinhilltaylor@gmail.com, send Venmo to @KristinHillTaylor, or pay cash at pickup.

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