Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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

{Three Word Wednesday} I Get To …

November 12, 2014 by Kristin 28 Comments

Welcome to Three Word Wednesday! If you’re joining me from Beth Stiff’s lovely place, I’m so glad you’re here. Please make yourselves at home. 

152 Insights to My Soul

If you’re not sure what Three Word Wednesday is about, then please stay and let me tell you. Three Word Wednesday is a chance to pause in the hustle of life and hear God. Sum up what you’re hearing in three words. Those three words are enough. But I like stories, so feel free to elaborate with your words or pictures. Then link up your post below each Wednesday and visit your link-up neighbors. If you don’t blog, you’re still welcome to participate. Share in the comments below or on Facebook.

Feel free to grab the Three Word Wednesday button from my sidebar and share it at your place. 

And one more piece of business :: Ava Watkins, you’re the winner of “Bread & Wine” in Beth’s giveaway last week. We hope you love the book as much as we do.

Without further ado, I GET TO …

My kids were helping me unload the dishwasher recently when my 7-year-old daughter Cate stopped with a stack of plastic cups in her hand and said, “Didn’t we do this yesterday?”

Yes, we sure did. I reminded her that we eat multiple meals each day, thus continuing the unending cycles of loading and unloading the dishwasher. And as a family, we work together when things need to be done.

{I should have launched into how when Cate was born we didn’t even have a dishwasher. I washed all those bottles by hand. And then when she was about 8 months old, we had our kitchen remodeled, thus clearing the space for a dishwasher in our other house.}

But, yes, we unloaded the dishwasher yesterday. Because I cooked dinner yesterday too. And I did laundry who knows how many days in a row. And I drove you kids to school. And … the list could go on and on.

My girl’s question reminded me of how many chores and outings and tasks I do over and over again. Too often I take that repeating cycle for granted. I just go about our routine, sometimes even complaining about more clothes and more dishes that need washing, like the household chores own my time. But, really, shouldn’t I be thankful I have people to clothe and feed? Shouldn’t I be grateful we have machines that I can load and program to help me with my work?

That same evening – after the dishwasher was unloaded and loaded back again – I gathered in my basement with some other women for our weekly study of Beth Moore’s “Breaking Free.” At the beginning of the video session, Beth Moore said something that applied directly to Cate’s question not an hour earlier: “Don’t let familiarity cheat you of a blessing.” She was talking about how we assume we know what a scripture will speak to us because we’ve heard it so many times.

But her words applied to my heart that night in a different way.

I made a mental list of all the things I do every day that I don’t see as blessings. Dishes. Laundry. Dinner. Errands. Taking insulin. Setting my alarm. Packing my girl’s lunch. I see these things as chores and responsibilities.

But I love my life, especially the people in my house. I should go about those oh-so familiar chores and responsibilities and tasks with an attitude of “I get to …” rather than seeing them as a never-ending list of what I have to do before the day is done.

I want my attitude toward all these things that I do nearly every day to reflect how I feel about my people. I want to love my husband and kids through my housekeeping and meal planning. I want to serve and help and create and finish because I get to – and there most certainly is a blessing in that.

________


________

I’m sharing this post in two other link-up communities I love :: Jennifer Dukes Lee’s #TellHisStory and Holley Gerth’s Coffee for Your Heart. 

Want more stories? “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” is available on Amazon. 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 this 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: Cate, Coffee for Your Heart, faith, life, motherhood, quotes, Three Word Wednesday

Comments

  1. JViola79 says

    November 12, 2014 at 2:02 pm

    Kristin, great post! And I so remember Beth saying that in many of her studies. It's true though! I love how a Scripture can fall fresh & new & different. I had to laugh at Cate's question regarding the dishwasher as just yesterday my husband asked if the dishwasher was clean or dirty. We'd lost track of whether we had run it or not. It is amazing how so much of what we do becomes rote. Much wisdom in reminding us to look at our responsibilities through the eyes of blessings. Grateful to be here & many blessings on taking over the linkup!

    Reply
  2. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 12, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    Hi, Joanne! I'm so glad you're here. It's true – so many days I go about my routine and have to stop and try to remember what I actually did. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Jennifer Frisbie says

    November 12, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    Great post, Kristin – and so nice to get acquainted with you here in your space. I loved hearing this quote from Beth again, "“Don’t let familiarity cheat you of a blessing.” – Amen!

    It's so often that I, too, forget the blessing in the middle of what we can often think are the routine, mundane tasks of the day-to-day. I'm going to stick this quote up on my mirror so that I don't forget. Thank you for this reminder! 🙂

    Reply
  4. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 12, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    Thanks, Jennifer. So glad to have you here. I'm glad you were encouraged – and I'm glad I'm not alone in getting distracted by the routine.

    Reply
  5. Katie Reid says

    November 12, 2014 at 3:08 pm

    Great reminder for this mama who tries to hurry through the "must do's" instead of slowing to enjoy them as "get to's". "I should go about those oh-so familiar chores and responsibilities and
    tasks with an attitude of “I get to …” rather than seeing them as a
    never-ending list of what I have to do before the day is done." Happy 1st Hosting Day of Three Word Wednesday Kristin!:)

    Reply
  6. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 12, 2014 at 3:10 pm

    Thanks, Katie! I'm glad you're here. This "get to" reminder is one I need regularly. Glad you were encouraged here.

    Reply
  7. Lyli Dunbar says

    November 12, 2014 at 3:14 pm

    That Beth Moore quote is gold. I need to tattoo that on my forehead or something so that I remember that piece of wisdom. 🙂

    Reply
  8. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 12, 2014 at 3:18 pm

    I scribbled it so quickly at the top of my listening guide that night. I didn't want to forget it – especially because it was just a side note to what she was actually teaching about. You know it's a good night when even the side notes teach. 🙂 So glad you're here, Lyli!

    Reply
  9. Mary Carver says

    November 12, 2014 at 3:27 pm

    Well, shoot. I need to remember this one, because I haaaaate laundry and dishes and cleaning. And, you know, basically anything domestic! But you're right – I GET TO do these things for the people I love and because we're blessed with food and clothes and a home. Great perspective shift that I should make each morning!

    Reply
  10. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 12, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    Yes, I'll be better off if I can remember to make this shift each morning too. Of course, that will have to come after I get going because, well, I'm not exactly a morning person. 🙂 Thanks for joining the link up today! So glad you shared the post you did – it's so stinkin' good for me.

    Reply
  11. Karrilee Aggett says

    November 12, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    Oh I love this… and needed it as today is a day of chores to get ready to host our small group tonight! As I am doing all those unfun things like vacuuming and dishes and cleaning all the things – I will remember and count them as blessings!

    Reply
  12. Mindy Whipple says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    Such a lovely way of looking at service to our families – we get to!

    Reply
  13. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 12, 2014 at 8:33 pm

    I'll need this reminder again, but I'm so glad God gave me the perspective.

    Reply
  14. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 12, 2014 at 8:34 pm

    I'm glad God used the perspective he gave me to encourage you. I hope y'all have a great small group meeting tonight, Karrilee. Thanks for coming by here!

    Reply
  15. Lisa notes... says

    November 12, 2014 at 10:53 pm

    This question makes me smile: “Didn’t we do this yesterday?” 🙂 I've asked myself that on many an occasion too. I love your take on it though–we GET to do these things. Beautiful, Kristin.

    Reply
  16. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 12, 2014 at 10:55 pm

    Oh, I ask myself that all the time. Or I try to remember if I gave myself insulin or closed the fuel cap after I pumped gas. Routine can make my brain mushy. 🙂 Anyway, I'm glad God gave me a fresh view of it all. And I'm glad to see you here today.

    Reply
  17. Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says

    November 13, 2014 at 12:04 am

    I love this post, Kristin! I recently posted 31 things I am thankful for. On that list was dishes. Don't get me wrong, I don't like doing the dishes, but I am thankful for a home, food, and a family to cook for. I try to let that be my focus when I'm not thrilled about the job that needs to get done. It is all perspective, isn't it? Thanks for hosting the link-up!

    Reply
  18. Beth says

    November 13, 2014 at 12:10 am

    This is such a great message, Kristin. One I really needed, not only in terms of the chores and responsibilities I have at home, but also at work. And work has been a struggle for me in recent months so I need to remember this and work on applying. Thank you, friend. I just love seeing Three Word Wednesday here. Makes me smile big. Love you.

    Reply
  19. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 13, 2014 at 1:54 am

    I'm glad you were encouraged. I love when God takes a message and gives it for different people in different situations. He's good at that. 🙂 I love seeing you here on this first TWW. So grateful for you. Love you, Beth.

    Reply
  20. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 13, 2014 at 1:55 am

    Amen. It's true when we stop and are grateful for what's around us and part of our daily life, the blessings become easier to see. I'm glad you're here.

    Reply
  21. Britta says

    November 13, 2014 at 3:13 am

    I love this! So true…I try to say when I start to complain about dusting…I am thankful to have beautiful things to dust. I am thankful for clothes to wash. I am thankful for food to prepare and the dirty dishes that mean I fed my people…good stuff Kristin!

    Reply
  22. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 13, 2014 at 3:20 am

    I've been reminding myself of this as I'm folding much laundry tonight. I am enjoying the quiet and the time to catch up on some TV shows on the DVR too. 🙂 I'm glad to see your pretty face here, Britta!

    Reply
  23. kortney says

    November 13, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    yes-Ive let familiarity breed complacency in many ways-with how beth moore was referring, and also taking for granted that I have a wonderful family I get to take care of. Thanks so much for the reminder! Visiting from Tell his story!

    Reply
  24. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 13, 2014 at 8:48 pm

    Thanks for coming by here, Kortney!

    Reply
  25. Robyn Gleason says

    November 14, 2014 at 4:56 pm

    Visiting from Mindy's blog today and I'm so happy to find this beautiful party! I'm so looking forward to reading and getting to know the contributors! Have a lovely day, Kristin.

    Reply
  26. KristinHillTaylor says

    November 14, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    Hi, Robyn! I'm so glad you came to visit! Enjoy your weekend!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. What's Good Enough? - Katie M. Reid says:
    April 10, 2017 at 2:52 pm

    […] with Kristin and Holley today for their lovely link-ups. Join us for encouragement and fresh […]

    Reply
  2. Enough Moments - Mary Carver says:
    April 23, 2018 at 2:30 pm

    […] linking up to my friend Kristin’s carnival called Three Word Wednesday. (My three words are Win Enough […]

    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 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.

Learn more about my story here.

Subscribe for Updates

Recent Posts

  • Love Your Home Once Again
  • Creating Family Unity
  • Books of 2020
  • How to make time for books
  • The Advent of Hope

#PorchStories button

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation

On Instagram

My friend Delana called before she brought us dinn My friend Delana called before she brought us dinner yesterday and asked if we liked chocolate pie. Um, yes. Turns out both Peggy and I love chocolate pie. Delana gave us chocolate chips cookies too, you know, just in case we didn’t like pie.

My friends are loving on us so well this week with dinner & dessert, obviously. Yes, the food is good, but the way they saw a need and met it is even more gracious. (I wrote a book about gathering & nourishing your people!) Having someone provide dinner has freed up some mental space I’m able to use for taking care of Peggy and parenting my kids, some of whom have needed a little extra love and guidance this week. 

Peggy is nine days removed from open heart surgery with quadruple bypass and is doing well. She had a good check up with her primary care provider this morning. We’re thankful for our community of people who continue to pray for us, feed us, and provide help, like today’s impromptu preschool pickup when an appointment ran long. (Thanks, @katie_cunningham85 & @tstanger25!)

#bettertogether #momlife #reallife #morethangroceries #choosingJOY
We are all happy to feel some sunshine today! ☀️#thirdchild #catsofinstagram #winter #choosingJOY
Sweet @ashleelyoung brought us delicious dinner to Sweet @ashleelyoung brought us delicious dinner tonight and the dessert became a craft. I’m so thankful for the way our people love us. 💛 #bettertogether #reallife #choosingJOY
Today is National Milk Day, so Saputo, which has a Today is National Milk Day, so Saputo, which has a dairy plant here in Murray, donated chocolate milk for all the kids at @ncca.lions. This girl has never turned down chocolate milk and basically celebrates milk every day. #momlife #reallife #thirdchild #nationalmilkday #preschool
Honestly, I’ve been in a reading funk. I’ve qu Honestly, I’ve been in a reading funk. I’ve quit one book and started another today, so we’ll see how that goes. 

I did finish this one by @booksbyheather last week and enjoyed it. I loved the Southern setting, charm, and magic. And I loved how the characters untangled assumptions and expectations from their pasts to find where they belong.

What are you reading these days? #amreading #bookstagram #fiction #recommendedreads
I’ve said “I don’t know” more times the pa I’ve said “I don’t know” more times the past few days and months than ever before. I’m a planner, and I’m apparently raising kids who want to know the plan for the day and what’s coming next. Perhaps, really, that’s human nature. 

But I don’t know. 

I don’t know how Covid will affect school, basketball, and summer vacation plans. 

I don’t know how long Gran-Gran’s surgery recovery will take or what she will need from us. 

I don’t know if it will snow. 

I don’t know ... 

There are at least one million things I don’t know. But I do know this was a good weekend to hunker down inside, meet our new cousin/nephew/grandson, eat warm food, and praise God for the way my mother-in-law is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery.

#TeamTaylor #weekending #reallife #livingfaithfully #bettertogether #choosingJOY
I’m happy to report my mother-in-law Peggy is ho I’m happy to report my mother-in-law Peggy is home ... well, at our home, which is her recovery home for the next several weeks. We are grateful for all the prayers, so keep them coming as she recovers from quadruple bypass heart surgery. 

We are also grateful for all the offers to help. Today I accepted them from the @puperson27 (and @carolinemaetompkins & @norah.grace.t), @megandelaneythomas, and Julie because I needed a whole village to get my kids to and from various places and various times. 

And these flowers are lovely, courtesy Friendship Church of Christ and @serenityhcarr. Thanks, y’all!

#TeamTaylor #reallife #weekending #bettertogether
I bought a recliner that doesn’t match and only I bought a recliner that doesn’t match and only awkwardly fits in our living room. When two guys delivered it today, I looked at it up against the couch we bought last year from the same store. 

When we bought the couch at the beginning of 2020, we had no idea how much it we would use it. This house has become a refuge for us. We’ve sat in those gray cushions while having church at home, binging countless seasons of Survivor, watching some basketball games and Christmas movies more recently. Rachel has taken naps. Cate has claimed her favorite cushion. Ben will always have blanket near. 

Now we have this random recliner we never expected because Greg’s mom, Peggy, who is dear to me, had quadruple bypass heart surgery this week and needs a safe place to land when she’s discharged in the coming days. She’s going to recover here, and I was worried she would sink in the couch cushions without using her arms to push herself out. 

The recliner won’t live here forever, and Peggy probably won’t either! But the whole furniture setup is a reminder we don’t know what the future holds. This past year taught us about interrupted plans and smaller social circles. I’m thankful I had a soft place to land with my people and I want the same thing for my mother-in-law, who didn’t even know she had heart problems until recently. 

So here’s to finding refuge in the places that make sense for whatever season we find ourselves. #choosingJOY #socialdistancing #livingfaithfully #reallife #thirdchild
I’m sharing #ontheblog today about creating fami I’m sharing #ontheblog today about creating family unity. Of course, this is always a work in progress around here, but commitment, compassion, communication, compromise, traditions, and Christ all help get us there. While #socialdistancing has required all kinds of adjustments, the time together has allowed for more family game nights, home church on our couches, and deeper bonds within our home.

#linkinbio #bloggerlife #reallife #momlife #thirdchild #TeamTaylor #choosingJOY
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorite Places & Projects

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 Kristin Hill Taylor | Design by Traci Michele | Development by MRM

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.