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} Living while waiting

February 18, 2015 by Kristin Leave a Comment

There’s a magnetic notepad and pen hanging on my refrigerator. One morning as we were somewhat frantically making breakfasts and packing lunches, my 7-year-old daughter said she thought the notepad would be a good place to list what she wants me to get from the grocery.

Hello, independence. Have I told you I love this age? And, um, she wins for being the first member of my family to want to invest in the grocery list. {Sorry, husband of a dozen years …}

So she wrote down “bagles” and “cream chees” – I told you, she’s 7. We had finished what we had of those two items that morning and she figured they needed to be replaced.

We went about our morning. I honestly didn’t think about the list as I went about my day because I wasn’t meal planning or grocery shopping that day. I figured I’d consult the list another day. When Cate got home from school that afternoon, she wanted to talk about the list.

“So did you get the bagels and cream cheese? You know I want the white cream cheese and not the pink one?”

“Yes, I know you like the white better. But I haven’t been to the grocery store yet.”

She seemed disappointed in me. “But we’re out of those things,” she said.

I started to explain instant gratification – and why we don’t need to live like that. Bagels and cream cheese don’t require a special trip to the grocery. They’re on the list. I’ll get them when I’m there next.

I think I was fairly convincing. She seemed to understand. It wasn’t long before she added other things to the list. {Another point for helping! Not that we actually keep score around here …}

And then I caught myself doing the same thing – with Amazon.com, because, hello, epitome of {nearly} instant gratification with Prime shipping. I was out of light bulbs – added them to the cart. I needed a certain size battery – check. Talk about convenience.

I suppose instant gratification doesn’t matter much when it comes to batteries and light bulbs or even bagels and cream cheese. But I’ve learned some of my most profound lessons of trusting God when I had to wait. {Tweet that.}

I waited to get pregnant, never actually did, and learned God hears the desires of my heart.

I’ve waited for the phone to ring or mail to arrive.

I’ve waited for clarity on pursuing adoption again. I’ve started to dive in – more than once – and then remember God works while we wait.

I’ve waited for a friend to understand or my husband and I to get on the same page.

I’ve waited for my kids to get well this winter.

Like I share in my ebook, we are sanctified and perfected in the waiting. {Tweet that.}

Even knowing that, I don’t always wait patiently. Sometimes I want to rush the silence and uncertainty. Other times I assume I’ve got it all figured out and don’t need to wait on anyone or The One who actually is in control.

I eventually bought a bag of blueberry bagels and whipped cream cheese, not the strawberry flavor. The batteries and light bulbs arrived on my door step 48 hours later. God led us to adoption twice after he made it clear we were supposed to stop trying to conceive. My phone rang. Necessary conversations happened in the right time. I still don’t know about that third adoption. And I’m not sure how long my kids will stay well.

But I believe God is working.

Sometimes he makes it clear what we should do, where we should go, and when the changes should happen. Other times we have to wait. But we can worship and live and serve and rest and learn while we wait because God’s got a plan – because our names are scribbled on the notepad in heaven.

________________

152 Insights to My Soul


   

An InLinkz Link-up
   

I’m also linking with Jennifer Dukes Lee for #TellHisStory and Meredith Bernard’s Woman to Woman Wednesday. 

Want more insights? “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 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: Cate, faith, life, Three Word Wednesday, Woman to Woman Wednesday

Comments

  1. Candace Creates says

    February 18, 2015 at 12:22 pm

    I love this story, Kristin! Your little girl is just precious, and sounds exactly like mine at that age :). My baby girl turns 21 today, so this is so perfect to take me down memory lane today. Thank you! I'm incredibly impatient and I adore Amazon too. I'm also so with you on this: "But I’ve learned some of my most profound lessons of trusting God when I had to wait." Me too, my friend!

    Reply
  2. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 18, 2015 at 2:26 pm

    Thanks, Candace! I'm glad you were encouraged and able to reminisce! Funny thing, I wrote about ordering stuff from Amazon here and then we had this snow storm … so UPS and our mail have been slow. I'm awaiting a couple orders! 🙂

    Reply
  3. baseballandtutus says

    February 18, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    Thank you for this lovely word today. God is certainly reminding me today that He's got me in His hands and HIs timing. It has been a very rough couple of weeks. And just this morning I was worrying – again. I am in the waiting right now. Waiting to see what great things God will do. And He always shows up! Thanks!! -Dana

    Reply
  4. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 18, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    Waiting is hard, especially when you're in the midst of it. But God is working. Even when you can't see that. I'm glad you're here today. I'm looking forward to checking out your post!

    Reply
  5. Meredith Bernard says

    February 18, 2015 at 3:55 pm

    These thoughts on waiting are ALL OVER MY LIFE this week…through The Pointed Life group I'm in to every blog I read (it seems like.) These words are powerful and true, "But we can worship and live and serve and rest and learn while we wait because God’s got a plan – because our names are scribbled on the notepad in heaven." Thank you for this Kristin! xoxo

    Reply
  6. Lisa notes... says

    February 18, 2015 at 3:58 pm

    I love your little Independence. 🙂 It's funny when our kids pick up things before our husbands do. ha. I've recently become distracted by the instant gratification of my library offering Kindle books. I have plenty of books to read; I don't need more. But the lure of one more free one to tack on is often too much. But waiting is good… God works in the waiting. Thanks for this, Kristin.

    Reply
  7. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 18, 2015 at 4:00 pm

    My little Independence is so much like me that it really shouldn't be a surprise she gets my system around here. 🙂 Books on the Kindle is another good example of instant gratification in my own life, Lisa! I'm glad you're here!

    Reply
  8. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 18, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    God does that with messages for me too. He knows I need repetition to really learn something. I'm glad to see you here, Meredith! xoxo

    Reply
  9. Susan says

    February 18, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    Like you, I've learned to wait over the IMPORTANT things – the things we have zero control over. And, like you, I've learned not to wait for things I can get via Amazon Prime! Oh, let me back up, I do put things in the wish list once in a while and wait…maybe 2 days! I love your posts!!!

    Reply
  10. Tiffany says

    February 18, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    Wouldn't you just love a peek at that heavenly notepad … what's up next on the to-do, Lord? 🙂 Loved this post, Kristin. So true – as hard as the waiting and the wondering and the longing are – God moves in beautiful ways and teaches us through the stillness. He is always worth the wait! Blessings to you, friend!

    Reply
  11. Ginger Harrington says

    February 18, 2015 at 9:35 pm

    Waiting can be so very difficult, especially when we are in pain. How encouraging to be reminded that God grows us through waiting.

    Reply
  12. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 18, 2015 at 10:57 pm

    Yes, amen! Thanks for being here, Ginger!

    Reply
  13. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 18, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    Oh, yes, there are days I'd love to know what God is up to! 🙂 Thanks for your encouragement, as always, Tiffany!

    Reply
  14. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 18, 2015 at 10:59 pm

    You should have seen the big 'ole box that showed up from Amazon today. On a snow day, it was lovely to have bottled water, toilet paper, dish soap, and dryer sheets show up on my front porch. But, yes, there is plenty we have absolutely NO CONTROL over! Thanks for your sweet presence here, Susan!

    Reply
  15. Melody says

    February 18, 2015 at 11:21 pm

    Love the picture of you and your youngens. Ya'll are so cute. And yes…..patience is so very stinkin' hard at times. I love how you are leaning into His timing.

    Reply
  16. Michelle Anderson says

    February 19, 2015 at 1:58 am

    because our names are scribbled on the notepad in heaven — love it! I think I may be really slow because I just now, this second realized your kids are adopted! I'm slow like that. AND they do look just like you and each other! A. Maz. Ing! 🙂

    Reply
  17. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 19, 2015 at 4:23 pm

    Yep, they're both adopted AND they do somehow still look like us. Funny thing is, we fully expected our daughter not to look like us. God's always surprising us! I'm glad you're here, Michelle!

    Reply
  18. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 19, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    Thanks, Melody! Glad to have you here.

    Reply
  19. Laura says

    February 20, 2015 at 5:47 am

    I love this pic of you and you kids! So much joy! 🙂 And waiting…just like your 7 year old, I don't like it either. I'm trying to learn to rest in the timelessness of the Lord.

    Reply
  20. Ifeoma Samuel says

    February 20, 2015 at 10:59 am

    Thank you Kristin for the Link up. I guess I have to schedule my timing properly. God Bless

    Reply
  21. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 20, 2015 at 3:23 pm

    You're welcome! The link up is open from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 11:55 p.m. Saturday. Join us anytime!

    Reply
  22. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 20, 2015 at 3:24 pm

    Thanks, Laura! I don't really know anyone who likes waiting, but it's a relief to me to know God doesn't waste that time. Thanks for being here!

    Reply
  23. Anne Dahlhauser says

    February 20, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    Sweet picture of you guys! Thank you for your words on waiting. As I get older (I'm really not that old, right?!), I feel like I'm learning more and more vividly about patience and waiting. Good reminder here – thank you, friend!
    Anne

    Reply
  24. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 20, 2015 at 8:40 pm

    Hi, Anne! Waiting is one of those lessons I feel like I'm continually being taught. That and letting go. 🙂 I'm glad you were encouraged here.

    Reply
  25. Mindy Whipple says

    February 20, 2015 at 10:07 pm

    Living while waiting – yes. Sometimes we put ourselves in a holding pattern (and are not usually very happy about it…) begging God to move when really He just says wait. And oh the lessons we learn in the waiting, right? Great post Kristin – but they always are : )

    Reply
  26. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 20, 2015 at 10:38 pm

    You're so kind, Mindy! Thank you for that.

    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