Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
    • Peace in the Process
    • Bringing Home More Than Groceries
  • Contact

{Review & Giveaway} Wherever the River Runs

August 1, 2014 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I’ve never been on over-seas mission trip, but reading about Kelly Minter’s adventures in the Amazon resonated with my heart. There’s no guilt to serve people and Jesus like she did, but there is encouragement to love and serve somewhere.

In “Wherever the River Runs,” Kelly tells of how spending some time in the Amazon with its people changed her faith and perspective. The way she tells these stories is really more like taking me there with beautiful word pictures. Scattered throughout the descriptions of life in the Amazon are nuggets of truth that flow naturally and make me think.

I appreciated how Kelly brought the lessons she learned home. Yes, she served the people of Amazon for a week at a time, but she lived what she believed regardless of where she was.

“Sometimes it takes encountering a world vastly different from your own to wake you up to what’s right in front of you. … I was quickly going to realize that Jesus’s specific call to love my neighbor was going to be, in some ways, more difficult than loving the people across the ocean with exotic wildlife. Loving the poor for a week at a time with your family and best friends on an exquisite adventure is rather different from slogging through the complexities and choices that surround the suffering and needy who dwell in your own community.”

{Kelly Minter in “Wherever the River Runs“} 

Lately, I’ve realized being needy isn’t always physical. People make choices that have ripple effects on themselves as well as their spouses, kids, friends, and relatives. Loving on people who are making poor choices near your own community is hard.

But it’s necessary.

“It was Jesus who said that we are to do His work while it is still day, and as long as I have breath, I want to make the daylight count, whether at home or in the Amazon.”

{Kelly Minter in “Wherever the River Runs“}

His work looks different for everyone. Sometimes feeding a soul means making a meal for someone who had a hard day or inviting a family over even on a school night. Loving someone may mean helping her find a home, a job and a car. We offer money, time, prayers, food, a listening ear, advice based on truth, rides, and invitations, but sometimes more than just that we can offer Jesus to someone who needs to know his love. “Wherever the River Runs” reminded me of such.

___________

ABOUT THE BOOK :: In “Wherever the River Runs,” Kelly Minter invites us on a journey down a river teeming with piranhas and caimans, as well as machete-wielding mothers, heroic jungle pastors, faith-filled children, and miracles too seldom experienced in our part of the world. Kelly’s honest and engaging narrative pulls back the curtain on one of the most captivating places on earth as well as on parts of the gospel we may be able to recite but have never fully believed.

On this beautiful adventure through the jungles of Brazil and the tangles of the soul, Kelly rediscovers Jesus among a forgotten people living well beyond the corners of her previously defined faith — a people who draw her back to their country, their pain, and their hope in Him, again and again.

This book officially released today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :: Kelly Minter lives in Nashville, Tenn., and serves the Lord passionately both across the U.S. and internationally in a variety of creative roles. An acclaimed author, musician, Bible study creator and teacher, she is passionate to see women impacted by Jesus and the Bible.

A GIVEAWAY! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win a copy of this book. Only U.S. and Canadian residents may enter. A winner will be chosen randomly on Aug. 8. Congratulations to Elise Daly Parker, who wins this book! It’s coming your way soon, Elise.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
________

FlyBy Promotions provided me with the book in exchange for this mention on my blog and will mail the winner of the giveaway a copy. I only recommended products my family has used and I believe you’ll like too. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. 

I’m linking up this post with Circles of Faith’s First Friday Book Faves and Creative Home Keeper’s monthly Book Notes.

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.”

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: books, faith, FlyBy Promotions, giveaway, review

Comments

  1. Tabitha Myers says

    August 1, 2014 at 4:17 pm

    I've learned that it really doesn't take a lot to share Jesus with others. Sometimes it is enough just to show that we are able to trust Him when we go through trials. Also, kindness goes a long way. Helping someone who needs it, or cooking for them, or just praying and inquiring how someone is doing shows a lot. When we were in the hospital last week with Kameron, the best thing for us was having people check on us and show that they cared. We didn't necessarily need anything tangible at the time, but we needed love.

    Reply
  2. Elise says

    August 1, 2014 at 8:19 pm

    Sounds like a really interesting book. And a challenge too!

    Reply
  3. KristinHillTaylor says

    August 2, 2014 at 7:48 pm

    Yeah, it was different than most of the non-fiction I read, but it was beautifully done with lots of powerful truth. Thanks for coming by here, Elise!

    Reply
  4. KristinHillTaylor says

    August 2, 2014 at 7:49 pm

    I missed that Kameron was in the hospital! Poor guy! I hope he's doing better. You're right – being kind and meeting needs is powerful.

    Reply
  5. Mary J says

    August 7, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    Sounds like an insightful book! Like someone else said, I've learned that actions play a big and main part in sharing Jesus' love. Sometimes it's the gentlest and quietest moments that can speak the biggest volumes.

    Reply
  6. KristinHillTaylor says

    August 7, 2014 at 1:42 pm

    I love how you said this: "Sometimes it's the gentlest and quietest moments that can speak the biggest volumes." So true. I'm glad you entered, Mary!

    Reply
  7. KimberlyAmici says

    August 8, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    This sound like a great book. I love reading other people's stories especially when it is likely something I may not experience.

    Reply
  8. KristinHillTaylor says

    August 8, 2014 at 3:41 pm

    Yes, me too, Kimberly! Thanks for coming by here.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

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 high school girl who never forgets, our middle school boy who has no fear, and our joy-filled first-grade girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

Learn more about my story here.

Subscribe for Updates

Recent Posts

  • How & why to travel with kids
  • From snow to sand
  • Books of 2022
  • How to enjoy winter days at home
  • How to cook new recipes

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation

On Instagram

I know traveling is a privilege, but I will always I know traveling is a privilege, but I will always tell you: Take the trip. It may not be easy or convenient, but it’s always worth it. And always take lots of snacks along for the ride! 

HOW & WHY TO TRAVEL WITH KIDS is #ontheblog today. The post includes some of our travel experiences, tips for including the kids, and a tip to make it more affordable. Plus there are links to posts about some of our recent trips. 

#linkinbio #bloggerlife #momlife #travelwithkids #adventurers #getoutside #travel #travellife #travelers #choosingJOY #favoritethings
I know, “everyone” is reading “Spare” by P I know, “everyone” is reading “Spare” by Prince Harry. But I also keep hearing different opinions about it. So here’s mine!

I am intrigued by the royal family and I liked watching “Suits,” just so you know my very loose interest. I had also watched the @netflix documentary Harry and Meghan released. 

Short answer: I really enjoyed listening to this book. 

An heir, then a spare. Deep grief as a child when his mom dies that he doesn’t really confront until he’s older. An institution that governs every decision in his life yet doesn’t protect him when he felt like he needed it. That’s some heartbreaking makings of a good story. And I appreciate Prince Harry telling it — even though I’m sure parts were incredibly difficult. I also appreciate why he and Meghan did what they did and are trying to establish new, different roots. 

Ultimately, this book is about death and life and all the moments in between. I’d recommend listening to it because his voice is a good one. 

One minor, silly complaint: There are 232 chapters, although they’re numbered starting with one in each of the three sections. That makes the audiobook not flow quite as well as it would otherwise because most of them are just a few minutes long. 

I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I’d love to hear what you think because, you know, everybody is reading it! #KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #readersofinstagram #audiobooks #audible #princeharry
We are all in for basketball season! Tonight was @ We are all in for basketball season! Tonight was @murraystateuniv Spirit Night at the @memgrizz game. We had some pre-game fun with friends, watched the Grizzlies come back from 19 down to win, and witnessed Ja Morant’s triple double.

#memphisgrizzlies #basketballseason #NBA #TeamTaylor #bettertogether #weekending #favoritethings #RacerNation #MurrayState #WeAreRacers
Cheering for our Racers — and, really, most ever Cheering for our Racers — and, really, most everything in life — is more fun with friends! What an awesome atmosphere at the CFSB Center today with a Murray State win, Ja Morant in the arena, and more memories.

#RacerNation #MurrayState #collegebasketball #basketballseason #bettertogether #WeAreRacers
I’ve worn a favorite sweatshirt that says “Let I’ve worn a favorite sweatshirt that says “Let heaven and nature sing” twice this week. I may not be singing Christmas carols anymore, but I still felt the depths of winter this week. The sweatshirt seemed right. 

The sun didn’t shine much this week, although seeing on Friday as we wrap up the work and school week was welcomed. It’s mostly been cold and gray. It’s felt like winter. 

A lingering tension needs resolution and understanding, but honestly the gap between seems so vast. I crave slow time at home and meals around our table. I miss some friends and was reminded of the heartache that can come with community, but I also felt the deep appreciation of friendship and remembered the beauty of sharing this life with others. I was excited for an invitation and easily accepted it. I started a new habit (hopefully) walking with a friend. 

While driving through my days, I remember how uncertainty is what makes me look up. I remember my Creator when I am slapped in the face with the reality I’m not actually in control. I remember (again) to surrender. 

Goodness happens in the gray of winter. Life may look and feel different, but new life is always preparing to break through the cracks of the ground. The gloom that tempts us to look down doesn’t last long when we believe the sun will break through the icy trees and the fog will lift. 

This is hope. Even in winter. Thank God for it all. Let’s let heaven and nature sing. 

#countryliving #latergram #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #reallife #weekending
I heard mixed reactions about this book from two d I heard mixed reactions about this book from two different friends, but I enjoyed it! 

I liked the backward timeline, although I was uncertain about how it would work until the end. Some of the twists and connections were so good! 

I also liked the bigger ideas Gillian McAllister tackles: We miss things when we are living our life at our normal pace. What if we could go back? What would be notice that would change our reality? And, of course, perhaps, there would be unintended consequences. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It did get a little slow in the middle, but the end and beginning are quite good! #KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #kindlebooks #kindleoasis #readersofinstagram
This about sums up motherhood: My teenage girl in This about sums up motherhood: My teenage girl in the middle rebounding and playing hard and little sister photobombing the moment! 

Honestly, parenting has been hard lately. Nothing major. But so constant and always adjusting. 

Even so, I love watching them on the court and in life. There is so much excitement and goodness among the repetition and exhaustion. 

This is real life. And those are our 10-0 Lady Lions out there. 🦁💛

@ncca.lions #momlife #reallife #basketballseason #momconfessions #livingfaithfully #girlmom #firstborn #thirdchild
I finished studying Colossians today with my Prece I finished studying Colossians today with my Precept group. Paul wrote this letter to an established church that was still growing and learning and maturing in the faith — like us all.  I really loved this study because it spoke right into my life with encouragement for knowing Christ, walking in wisdom and truth, praying continually, letting peace rule, and giving grace. Plus Paul deeply loved his people. 

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” — Colossians 2:6-7

Too often I step out of God’s presence for two minutes while are loading up the van in the morning or I’m rushing kids to bed. Too often I don’t surrender my fleshy desires and feelings to the One who holds this whole wide world in His hands. Too often I think my plans are worth holding onto tightly. Too often I think I can bring peace to my household, minivan, or dinner table. 

But real peace passes all my understanding. It rests in God’s wisdom and knowledge alone. How amazing we have access to that, thanks to Jesus. How easily I forget where I’m rooted. 

I want to let peace rule — in my home, in my head, and in my heart. 

Today while I was driving, I noticed how lovely the road, land, and sky looked. But today was really windy, like feel-it-move-my-vehicle and knock-over-trash-cans windy. It almost felt deceptive with the beauty before me, but, really, that’s like life. 

Sometimes it seems I have it together. People know my gifts of organizing information and people. I show up on time and am responsible. But so many thoughts and feelings are swirling in my mind. I replay conversations and fight against the same insecurities from the previous day. 

I feel both lovely and like my swirling mind could knock me over at any moment. And that’s why I needed God, particularly through His words through Paul to the Colossians. 

#livingfaithfully #faithlife #churchlife #reallife #countryliving
This girl has been complaining of a sore throat th This girl has been complaining of a sore throat the last couple of days, but she hasn’t had a fever or any other symptoms so I kept telling her she was fine. Truth be told, she a bit of a hypochondriac and generally happy, so it’s hard to tell if she sick sometimes. 

The folks at Aligned Health took care of her this afternoon and are treating her for strep or whatever bacteria is making her throat look and feel rough. 

I’m thankful for access to medical care and an unexpected night at home.

#momlife #thirdchild #reallife #momconfessions #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #sickday
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorites

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2023 Kristin Hill Taylor | Design by Traci Michele | Development by MRM