Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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{Three Word Wednesday} Choosing joy – again

January 7, 2015 by Kristin 46 Comments


I claimed this one three-lettered word for the new year. I knew God was giving to me because it’s what he’s been speaking into my life – for years, really. I believe change is possible, even when it seems so far away. I want some things deep in my soul to be different – like a better version of what is happening right now.

But I had no idea how JOY would be laid in front of me. Like God was reminding it’s really right here. I walk pass it and ignore its sounds far too often. But I don’t want to keep doing that this year. 

I want to choose joy – over and over. It’s not like I can choose it once and be done. I chose it before the year started. I got side tracked with kids’ sickness and life. And I chose it again. More life and expectations. So I choose it again. Today. And I’ll choose it again tomorrow too.

My husband likes to sing songs as soon as he steps out of bed. He is more relaxed and naturally joy-filled than I am. Our son is much like him. They aggravate me sometimes, but they also point me to joy. It’s hard to miss joy when you’re around them.

Joy is showing up in the songs I’m listening to and the books I’m reading. I recently finished “The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You” by Jessica Turner and on page 50 her words seemed to bridge my struggles and my goals in one paragraph.

“Life is not perfect. You are not perfect. But you are a glorious creation, and your life is meant to be lived with joy. Some days you aren’t going to get your makeup on, you will burn the bookies for the school bake sale, and you will spill wine on the rug. In our mess, God makes us strong. In your glorious imperfection, you can still shine beautifully bright. Embrace that truth. Stop trying to be everything for everyone and start investing in who and what really matters.”

{Jessica Turner in “The Fringe Hours”}

I believe the joy I’m choosing really matters. It’s a process so beyond myself that I know it’s going to stretch me and grow me in ways only God can orchestrate.

I also started reading “In this House We Will Giggle: Making Virtues, Love, and Laughter a Daily Part of Your Family Life,” thanks to Kayse Pratt’s encouragement. Greg and I are going to read this one together. And, of course, the first chapter is on joy. In it, author Courtney DeFeo quotes Kay Warren: “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.”

Um, what an amazing definition.

And I certainly don’t have joy figured out if that’s my standard, but it’s a good place to start.

So I’m keeping a list of moments that bring me joy. Some of them are little everyday conversations that come with being a mom. Others are surprises throughout the day that I want to recognize and remember. I’m keeping a note going on my iPhone and posting pictures on Instagram with #choosingJOY. {I’d love for you to follow along and even post your own moments of #choosingJOY.} Counting joys one by one because I know as I look back I will be remembered that God is indeed in control and that everything will be okay. 

And I want my kids to learn that too.

“I don’t want my children to obey only because they fear consequences or worry that Mom will lose it. I want to know their hearts understand and grasp the joy to be found in doing the right thing. This requires parenting through the daily grind with a long-term mentality.”

{Courtney DeFeo in “In This House We Will Giggle”}

So we played hide-n-seek this week before Daddy came home from work. Honestly, he’s better at starting such games. We turned up some music while we disinfected the house once Ben was recovered from the flu. We read and played when there were still chores to be done.

I still don’t want to sing songs when I first wake up or at the dinner table, but I do sense some freedom and joy that hasn’t always been present in our house. I believe this is the beginning of something more.

__________

In my post last week, I mentioned the playlist I’m making. Like me, it’s a work in progress, but this is what I have now. Some songs are about joy, others bring me joy, and some capture the message my heart needs to experience joy.

“Laugh Out Loud” by Jason Gray :: “… I was alive but I wasn’t living, a prisoner of my fear and shame. But when you find you’ve been forgiven laughter will rise like a holy kind of praise. So I throw my head back and offer up my thanks! Ha ha, don’t it make you wanna laugh out loud? Oooh oooh, and shout, “Hallelujah!” Oh yeah, if you got joy go and let it on out …”

“Joy” by Rend Collective :: “We’re choosing celebration, breaking into freedom. … You’re the song of our hearts. … You’re the joy joy joy lighting my soul, the joy joy joy making me whole though I’m broken, I am running into Your arms of love. The pain will not define us; joy will reignite us …”

“Joy to the World” by Shaun Groves :: This is beautiful combination of “Joy to the World” and “All Creatures.”

“Only Hope I’ve Got” by Ellie Holcomb :: “I don’t wanna tell some arrogant story or let myself believe I’m You. I don’t wanna be a thief who’s stealing your glory. Will you help remind me of what is true? The only hope I’ve got; it’s you …”

“More Heart, Less Attack” by NEEDTOBREATHE :: “Be the light in the crack. Be the one that’s been there on a camel’s back. Slow to anger quick to laugh. Be more heart and less attack …”

“Joy to the World (You Are My Joy)” by Rend Collective :: Another fun version of the traditional song.

“Greater” by MercyMe :: “Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed when others say I’ll never be enough. And greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world … Bring your doubts. Bring your fears. Bring your hurt. Bring your tears. There’ll be no condemnation here. You are holy, righteous and redeemed.”

“Your Love Never Fails” by Newsboys :: “You stay the same through the ages. Your love never changes. There may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning. And when the oceans rage, I don’t have to be afraid because I know that You love me. Your love never fails …”

“Open Up the Heavens” by Meredith Andrews :: “Open up the heavens. We want to see you. Open up the floodgates, a mighty river, flowing from your heart, filling every part of our praise. … You’re the reason we’re here; you’re the reason we’re singing.”

“Outsiders” by NEEDTOBREATHE :: “Cause if you’re not laughing who is laughing now? I’ve been wondering if we start sinking could we stand our ground? And through everything we’ve learned we’ve finally come to terms we are the outsiders. … On the outside, you’re free to roam. On the outside, we’ve found a home. On the outside, there’s more to see. On the outside, we choose to be.”

“I Am” by Crowder :: “There’s no space that His love can’t reach. There’s no place that we can’t find peace. There’s no end to amazing grace. Take me in with your arms spread wide. Take me in like an orphan child. Never let go, never leave my side. … Love like this, Oh my God to find! I am overwhelmed what a joy divine!”

“Promise of Summer” by Jackopierce :: “The winter fields begin to recover and finally it’s the promise of summer. Lights are shining round and the guards are coming down …”

“Eyes Wide Open” by Jars of Clay & Third Day :: “Keep our eyes wide open. (Love is kind and love is daring everything we need to keep our eyes.) Draw us in, send us out. Draw us in, send us out. Draw us in, pull us out. Help us to believe.”

“Joy to the World” by Bebo Norman :: Another great version!

“Mighty to Save” by Mac Powell :: Just wait for the African children to join him!

“Hey Mama” by Mat Kearney :: “Singing hey mama, don’t want no drama, just a kiss before I leave …”

“Multiplied” by NEEDTOBREATHE :: “God of mercy sweet love of mine, I have surrendered to Your design. May this offering stretch across the skies and these halleluiahs be multiplied …”

___________

Where do you find joy? {Leave a comment sharing and two people will win a copy of my playlist! I’ll randomly choose the winners next Wednesday.}

152 Insights to My Soul

An InLinkz Link-up


___________

I’m also linking up with Holley Gerth’s Coffee for Your Heart and Jennifer Dukes Lee’s #TellHisStory. Be sure to read Jennifer’s post on fighting back with joy. It’s beautiful and true. 

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.”

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Filed Under: books, Coffee for Your Heart, Fringe Hours, JOY, life, Three Word Wednesday, words

Comments

  1. Kaylie Hodges says

    January 7, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    Isn't amazing how recording a few little moment can change your whole life. I think maybe that's why 1000 gifts never gets less popular. Also? Can you come be the DJ at my house? I'm just gonna flat copy that playlist!

    Reply
  2. Karen Brown says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    I'm right there with you. Your perfectly crafted words tugged at my heart today. I'm in a season where joy seems so mysterious. But your message and this definition spur me on: "Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.” Thank you, Kristin. I'm always inspired when I visit your place. Write on, friend.

    Reply
  3. aly d. chase says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    Great playlist, Kristin! Music can bring joy to my soul every time. I'm visiting from #TellHisStory. Have a joyful day!

    Reply
  4. Bethany Boring says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:41 pm

    I love your three letter word my friend! SO many equate happiness and success to joy. Indeed…I love your word! I look forward to more playlists too!

    Reply
  5. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:43 pm

    Thanks! It's really amazing how music does that. I'm glad you visited today. Enjoy your day!

    Reply
  6. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:43 pm

    That definition is kind of rocking my world, but it's so good for me to remember joy isn't just standing up, dancing around, and clapping my hands, because, honestly, those things don't come naturally anyway. 🙂 I'm grateful for your sweet comment today and your presence here lately.

    Reply
  7. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    Isn't it neat how God gives the same message through such different sources sometimes? He knows I need some repetition to even begin to learn. I'm glad you're here, Joanne!

    Reply
  8. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    I'm glad you like the playlist! 🙂 I've listed gifts/joys before and it's always helpful to put life into perspective. Thanks for being here, Kaylie!

    Reply
  9. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    Thanks, Bethany!

    Reply
  10. Britta says

    January 7, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    Kristin, I am so like you! I really need to choose Joy too…I am seeing it more as an obedience to the Lord than a perk of the Christian life…you've given me something new to think about today 🙂

    Reply
  11. Sharon says

    January 7, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    I just love what God is already teaching you about JOY! He had much to reveal to me last year. Surprising things, hard lessons, but in the end, a heart knowing that JOY is so much more than mere happiness! I used that quote from Kay Warren on my sidebar. It's a wonderful definition. Indeed, joy is found in settled assurance. As I always said, Jesus, Only You!!

    Great playlist! Isn't it amazing how music can bring joy to our hearts. I have had many times when a song or a particular lyric fills me with this feeling that I cannot describe. Music is a powerful tool, sometimes reaching our souls before we know it!

    Thanks for sharing.

    GOD BLESS!

    Reply
  12. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 3:42 pm

    I keep writing things down and highlighting quotes and adding songs to my playlist. That's me learning. 🙂 Now, I'm praying it soaks in deeply! Thanks for your kind comment, Sharon.

    Reply
  13. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    I'm glad you were encouraged, Britta! Thanks for sharing the link on Facebook too. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Susan says

    January 7, 2015 at 4:05 pm

    The quote by Kay Warren is profound in light of the grief they live every single day. I admire her. And, I would be joy-filled to hear Multiplied by Needtobreathe non-stop all day long!!!

    Reply
  15. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    Needtobreathe pretty much could always fill my days with joy too. My husband and I saw them in concert in September … talk about JOY. So much goodness. Glad you're here, Susan!

    Reply
  16. Beth says

    January 7, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    I woke up this morning and broke our coffee maker. No coffee was had until 8am (3 hours later than usual). I hate that I was such a crabby pants without my morning cup. But JOY is so much more than the happiness found in a morning cup of coffee. I know that . . . but still snapping out of my crabbiness even after a cup. Oh the reminders that are needed to choose JOY. I so love that this is your word as I know God still has plans for me with this little word. Much love to you. xoxo

    Reply
  17. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    A little word that means so much, really. And it's already rocking my world. We aren't always going to get it right. If we did, we wouldn't need Jesus. Or coffee. (Although you know I'm not a coffee drinker, right? I have other caffeine vices, like Diet Dr Pepper. But I love you anyway!) Love you. xoxo

    Reply
  18. Alecia Simersky says

    January 7, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    Joy, so easily could have been my word too. I'm trying to find joy in the small and insignificant and thank God for it all. There are so many words that could be mine right now, guess that's why I couldn't choose.

    And those quotes you used, some amazing words. I need to add those books to my list 🙂

    Reply
  19. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    I'm glad you were encouraged here, Alecia! And I'm glad to see your smiling face here. Keep shining that joy, friend.

    Reply
  20. Kendra Roehl says

    January 7, 2015 at 8:22 pm

    Yes, choose joy. That actually was something my sister would say as she battled cancer and became the tag line for the fund we set up in her honor after she passed. You're right, it's not something we choose and then move on, it's something I must choose again and again. Thanks for the encouragement!

    Reply
  21. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    I have chills hearing about your sister. What a testimony and legacy she must have left here. Thanks for joining the conversation here, Kendra!

    Reply
  22. Candace Creates says

    January 7, 2015 at 9:55 pm

    "I want to choose joy – over and over." Me too, Kristin :)! I just love that itty bitty word. What a great one to choose to focus on. Thanks for sharing your playlist and what looks like some fantastic books. Reading and worship music bring me great joy. Many blessings and much joy to you and yours!

    Reply
  23. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    Thanks, Candace! I'm glad you could be encouraged here.

    Reply
  24. Mary Carver says

    January 7, 2015 at 10:21 pm

    Oh, I love this so much!!! I'm going to have to make this a spotify list for my book-writing hours! 🙂

    Reply
  25. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 7, 2015 at 10:26 pm

    Book-writing hours! I'm still so excited for you. Obviously, I'm thrilled about your topic. 🙂

    Reply
  26. melody hester says

    January 8, 2015 at 3:24 am

    Kristin I'm coming over from SDG where I saw a comment you posted. I've enjoyed reading your blog tonight and have loved seeing similarities in our stories of adoption as well. Margaret Feinberg, in her new study Fight Back with Joy, talks about God sending "joy bombs" and how they are all around us. I've written down several books to read after reading this post – thanks for the suggestions.

    Reply
  27. Dawn says

    January 8, 2015 at 4:18 am

    Ah… Joy.. the elusive 3 letter word, that sometimes seems too far out of my grasp. That is until I stop and look for it, really look for it. I am not good at games, or pausing to take a break, or being goofy but that is ok, I am learning. I dance with my kids a lot. We sing. And God gave me this girl who has made JOY her personal mantra in life, so she is teaching me to laugh a little while I teach her the importance of being genuine and diligent to look for truth. And Joy, it is in the heart connected with God, because Psalm 16:11 says that joy is in His presence. Your playlist looks amazing! Don't foret to dance.

    Blessings,
    Dawn

    Reply
  28. Tiffany says

    January 8, 2015 at 9:37 pm

    Oh, Kristin, it made me laugh when you said your husband and son's "natural" joy sometimes aggravates you. Boys! Funny how joy follows joy – it's contagious. So encouraging to see the way you are intentionally embracing this great big promise wrapped up in three little letters. Love your plan to jot down your daily joy – what a treasure you'll have a year's end. Thanks for sharing and as always, hosting. Blessings!

    Reply
  29. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 8, 2015 at 10:40 pm

    I love SDG. 🙂 I'd love to hear more about your adoption story sometime, Melody. Feel free to email me at kristinhilltaylor (at) gmail (dot) com, if you're willing to share some! I keep hearing about "Fight Back with Joy" and have it added to my Amazon wish list. I'm excited to read it! I'm glad you're here and hope to get to know you more.

    Reply
  30. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 8, 2015 at 10:43 pm

    Yes, what you said – I have to STOP, SLOW DOWN, CHILL OUT … and then I see joy all around me. 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement. I like having you here, Dawn!

    Reply
  31. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 8, 2015 at 10:44 pm

    Boys are a whole different breed! 🙂 But it's true – they're contagious with their joy! I've tried keeping a journal of thanks before, like #1000gifts, but, honestly, having it in the Notes section of my phone is just easier. It's right there when something happens while we're not at home or whatever. Thanks for being here, Tiffany!

    Reply
  32. Marisa Slusarcyk says

    January 8, 2015 at 11:43 pm

    I love this! I think choosing joy really is more difficult than it sounds. We live in a world where everything is telling us our lives could be better if we only had something newer or fancier or more expensive but at the end of the day the only thing that really brings us joy is forgetting about all those things and focusing on the One and the ones who really matter, giving them our time, our energy and allowing them to refuel us for the days ahead. Our lives won't always be easy, and honestly, they rarely ever are easy, but that doesn't mean we can't be excited or joyful during the hard. I pray that while you SEEK joy that Joy finds you 🙂

    Reply
  33. Marisa Slusarcyk says

    January 8, 2015 at 11:46 pm

    I did the 1000Gifts in 2014 and have started again and wow life changing, i normally noted things at night in bed. Though, this year i am using the 1000gifts app as well so i can easily put things in when they happen and i can share them right away or not at all 🙂 Its a free app and naturally it isn't perfect but I love the idea of it! Whatever the case just keep counting no matter how you do it because those are the moments you will look back on and be excited about. (((hugs))) to you new friend!

    Reply
  34. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 9, 2015 at 12:11 am

    So true! Thanks for your encouragement and prayers, Marisa!

    Reply
  35. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 9, 2015 at 12:12 am

    Yes! I love hearing about your experiences doing that, Marisa! I'm glad you're here!

    Reply
  36. Mary says

    January 9, 2015 at 1:42 am

    Choosing joy each and everyday is a choice that can empower us to truly have a joy filled day. I am with you on choosing joy and I will pray that we seek the joy in our days and give thanks to God for blessing us with the chance to give it back to him. Blessings!

    Reply
  37. Michelle Anderson says

    January 9, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    Oh boy I need some joy today.

    Reply
  38. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 9, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    Me too, Michelle. 🙂

    Reply
  39. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 9, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    I'm glad we're not alone, Mary! Good to see you here.

    Reply
  40. Sarah Donegan says

    January 9, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    Oh how I love turning up some good music! I want to keep choosing joy too! 🙂

    Reply
  41. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 9, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    I listened Rend Collective's Joy on repeat for awhile today. Talk about joy, goodness, it's a great song. Glad you're here, Sarah.

    Reply
  42. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 16, 2015 at 12:13 am

    Hey! You won a copy of my playlist. Will you email me your mailing address to kristinhilltaylor (at) gmail (dot) com? 🙂

    Reply
  43. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 16, 2015 at 12:14 am

    Hey, Kendra! You won a copy of my playlist. Will you email me your mailing address to kristinhilltaylor (at) gmail (dot) com? 🙂

    Reply
  44. Kendra Roehl says

    January 16, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    Oh wow! Thanks Kristin! Emailing you now!

    Reply
  45. Courtney Stanford says

    January 21, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    Kristin, I am so glad your friend, Mary Carver sent me your way today! I had written a very similar post today about my own joyful playlist and she knew I would enjoy reading yours, as well! Isn't "Joy" be Rend Collective the best?! Even our baby sings along! Ha! I love the way you refer to joy as "freedom." Yes! I nod along with you that there is so much freedom in choosing joy. Thank you for the reminder to choose joy again and again and again! If you're interested in my post about this topic, it can be found today on courtneystanford.com. May your day be filled with moments of freedom as you choose to live in joy!

    Reply
  46. KristinHillTaylor says

    January 21, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    Hi, Courtney! I'm so glad you're here. I'm heading over to your place now. Have a joy-filled too!

    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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We are having fun — and some forced sibling love We are having fun — and some forced sibling love — at @wildernessresort in Wisconsin Dells. We’ve played at four water parks here since we arrived yesterday afternoon. 💦

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I appreciated the raw emotions of a wife, two brothers, and others learning of tragedy and processing the ripples of that moment. Of course, who doesn’t love a story set in the U.S. Virgin Islands? AND it’s this the first in a three-book series, and I’ve got the next two ready to go on my Kindle. 

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My kids had a yearbook signing party today. And ki My kids had a yearbook signing party today. And kids today don’t know how to sign yearbooks. Cate, my rising sophomore, says it’s because they have phones to take photos and text each other. She’s probably right. 

But the whole conversation and experience took me down memory lane. So much so, I got these yearbooks from my high school days off my bookshelf and read notes. Admittedly, I can’t remember a few people who proclaimed what a great friend I was and I never called some people who wanted to KIT — that’s Keep In Touch, kids — and left their phone numbers (and pager number in one instance!)! 🤣 

I also proceeded to text the three friends (well, really, five, because two girls married two guy friends of mine) with whom I do actually KIT. I have their numbers saved in my iPhone, thankfully. We have made grown-up memories together. We message and try to see each other. My husband knows their maiden names. 

Truly, how has it been 25 years since I graduated from Oldham County High School? I’m sitting on the porch now, rememebering how faithful God has been and thinking about how high school seems like a lifetime ago but also like yesterday. 💙

HAGS, everybody! 

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But the real point of this post: we are regrouping and going to Wisconsin Dells next week. I’m excited to see somewhere new, even if it’s not what I’d been planning. Let’s be honest, the logistics to get to the cruise were already a lot, so maybe this closer-to-home trip is meant to be right now. 

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I don’t really want to get into an abortion deba I don’t really want to get into an abortion debate here, but I will always champion the unborn, advocate for life, and support mothers and families. When I say “choose life,” I mean in and out of the womb. Choosing life begins with not having an abortion, but it continues to advocating for adoption, foster care, support for moms in lots of different situations. 

Western Kentucky is blessed with resources that do this, including @lifehousemurray in Murray and @_hopecenter in Mayfield. Those are great places to send your money and diapers, recommend to moms expecting or raising little ones, and keep in your prayers. 

If you know someone fostering, we have Partners In Care Foster Closet that offers clothes and supplies to western Kentucky foster families. No strings attached. 

I will forever be an open book about adoption, so I’ll be happy to talk about that with anyone who desires to know more. I even wrote a book about our adoption stories: bit.ly/PeaceInTheProcess #linkinbio 

My three kids have life because three women chose it for them. Those decisions changed my life for the better, and that’s only one piece of a much bigger story. 

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Here we are halfway through the year, and so far I Here we are halfway through the year, and so far I've read 40 books. That pace is well beyond my usual number for the year. Last year I read 62 total. I don't join challenges, plan what I'm going to read next, or even have a goal. But I still love keeping track. 

Some things to know about my reading habits: I like actual books, but I've been reading often on my waterproof Kindle Paperwhite. I introduced audiobooks into my life this year and especially enjoyed some memoirs while I was driving around while the kids were in school. I will quit books if I can't get into them, and I've done that a few times this year. I almost always have a book (or books, hello, Kindle) with me, you know, just in case I happen upon some time to read. Here are some other tips for making time for books and reading more.

Today #ontheblog I'm sharing the list of the 40 books I've read so far this year. #linkinbio What else do I need to read this year?

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #kindlebooks #librarybooks #bloggerlife #amreading #favoritethings #choosingJOY
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