Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Love one another {a giveaway}

February 9, 2015 by Kristin Leave a Comment

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

{John 13:34-35}

It’s the week of love. I know people have all sorts of feelings about Valentine’s Day. But I’ve decided this year to just embrace it. I mean, what’s so bad about encouraging others to love on their people? I may have even ordered my kids a little gift. Shhh. Don’t tell them.

I personally love Valentine’s Day because it’s the anniversary of my first date with my husband … before he was my husband … 17 years ago. My, how time flies. We’ve since dubbed Feb. 14 “First-Date Day” and would celebrate even if the rest of the world wasn’t.

You people are my friends. We may not get to lunch together or show up with dinner when it’s been a hard day. But we can love on each other anyway. That’s the beauty of technology.

So I raided my gift closet and pulled out some of my favorite things to give you!

  • John 14:27 Print from HopeInk.com & a PDF copy of “Peace in the Process“ :: It’s one of my favorite scriptures and there are butterflies on the 8×10 print. Butterflies remind me of when I decided to follow Jesus at a weekend that was built on the metaphor of transforming from caterpillars into butterflies. 
  • “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” & Loved plaque :: “Joy to the World” is one of my favorite songs and the one that spoke so deeply into my life about #choosingJOY this year. The plaque quotes Holley Gerth, a favorite author of mine who encourages and loves so well. Both come from DaySpring.com, which is a great place to shop. 
  • “Sing the Bible” by Slugs & Bugs :: This may be “kids’ music,” but I love it. 
  • Package of 12 Sharpies & PDF copy of “Peace in the Process” :: Um, who doesn’t love Sharpies?
  • Romans 8:28 plaque :: This is one of my two all-time favorite verses. 
Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter to win. The giveaway will be open through the weekend and then I’ll announce the winners, which will be chosen randomly, on Monday. Speaking of giveaways, did you see my daughter’s first-ever book review? And we’re giving away the book she loved. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

________________

I’m linking this post with the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood Gathering, one of my favorite places on the internet. 

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.”

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Filed Under: ebook, faith, friends, giveaway, holiday, music, Soli Deo Gloria, words

Comments

  1. Tabitha Myers says

    February 9, 2015 at 11:49 pm

    I actually have a love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day. I really like the theme of love and I like cards and romance. I don't like how commercialized it seems. I don't think we all have to get dressed up and go on a date. I don't like that my kids bring home tons of sugary hearts and tiny cards that just end up in the trash. I think if you're going to celebrate it you should do something meaningful and not just do it because "it's what people do." That being said, I do wish I had a babysitter and plans for a date with my husband, but we'll be staying home and having a family night, which will be just as good. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Hannah McAllister Billington says

    February 10, 2015 at 12:06 am

    I like Valentine's Day, My husband and I started dating on Febuary 9th (which is today come to think of it! haha) 6 years ago. We aren't ones for extravagant dates or anything like that, but a trip to Patti's once a year has always been a treat. Aside from the lovey part of it, I may or may not have a secret chocolate addiction and I love roses. Food and flowers, the way to my heart, all of which I normally get on Valentine's Day 🙂

    Reply
  3. Teaque says

    February 10, 2015 at 3:35 am

    So my overall feelings on Vday is that I love it, but my involvement in it seems to vary from year to year. I remember a special teacher in high school always made such a big deal out of it. It was her way of showing Christ's love as best she could in a public school. I should be better at doing the same for my children.

    Reply
  4. Jennie says

    February 10, 2015 at 1:20 pm

    You are awesome, I love vday and we actually celebrate it all month long!! 🙂

    Reply
  5. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 10, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    You are awesome too, Jennie! (Let's do lunch soon!)

    Reply
  6. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 10, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    That's such a great perspective, Teaque. Now, the only real question is … will you start blogging again?! Pretty please?!

    Reply
  7. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 10, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    I'll always take a trip to Patti's! Yum! Chocolate is good too … 🙂

    Reply
  8. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 10, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    Yes – celebrate with the people you love in the ways you want! That's what I want to do. The less pressure the better, hence the store-bought valentines my kids have filled out for their school friends. 🙂 Hopefully you'll get a date soon, Tabitha!

    Reply
  9. Michelle Faile says

    February 10, 2015 at 9:07 pm

    I love Valentines. It's a day to make others feel special!

    Reply
  10. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 10, 2015 at 9:08 pm

    So true! And fun!

    Reply
  11. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 10, 2015 at 9:37 pm

    I like the way you think, Melanie!

    Reply
  12. Heather S says

    February 11, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    I love Valentines Day! Especially all the chocolate 🙂

    Reply
  13. Sharita Knobloch says

    February 11, 2015 at 4:05 pm

    Not going to lie– I actually loathe Valentine's Day a bit (but am learning to tolerate it) probably because my Beloved is usually away doing army-ish things (Including this year, we have been in the same zip code 1 out of 6 Vdays. He's in GA this year.) BUT– I have a savior who loves me and makes everyday like a Valentines Day (only way less cheesy 🙂

    Reply
  14. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 11, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    Yes. The chocolate … 🙂

    Reply
  15. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 11, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    I get that, but I'm glad you're being encouraged anyway. 🙂

    Reply
  16. Jen Ferguson says

    February 11, 2015 at 10:48 pm

    I love your giving spirit! You are such a blessing to SO many. I'm glad to be included in those who get to know you!

    Reply
  17. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 11, 2015 at 10:52 pm

    And YOU are a blessing to me, Jen! I hope you entered the giveaway. 🙂

    Reply
  18. Jennifer Jackson Linck says

    February 11, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    SO. MUCH. FUN! I love giveaways and all the things you are giving 🙂 Especially those Sharpie markers…

    Reply
  19. Dawn says

    February 12, 2015 at 5:21 am

    Happy Anniversary! what a fun give away… you are a generous heart!
    Blessings,
    Dawn

    Reply
  20. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 12, 2015 at 6:42 pm

    Thanks, Dawn! I'm glad you joined in the fun!

    Reply
  21. KristinHillTaylor says

    February 12, 2015 at 6:42 pm

    What is it about Sharpies?! They always inspire me to want to organize and write something! 🙂

    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 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.

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I drive the same routes over and over. I know wher I drive the same routes over and over. I know where I am likely to see deer — even if I have to look closely. God sure did camouflage these creatures for this time of the year when trees are bare. 

I think about how everyone is going through some things. We are journey through lives, our paths crossing as we navigate circumstances and feelings people can’t always see. But we should know they’re there. 

Maybe we are waiting to fall in love or have a baby or get a new job. Maybe we are in the midst of grief from a friendship falling apart or a business decision providing in ways we never expected. Maybe decisions are haunting us or stumping us. Maybe we are anxious about the future or facing our past. Maybe we aren’t sure what’s next. 

There’s a million little and big things we face that not everyone we meet can see. The situations and emotions are camouflaged while we survive daily tasks, caring for our people, and figuring out how to adjust once again to whatever life throws our way. 

I don’t know what you’re facing, but I am certain you’re not alone. Your story won’t be camouflaged forever. The seasons change. New life comes. The deer usually travel together through the woods along my routes, and I’m convinced our lives are best when we journey together too. 

#countryliving #bettertogether #livingfaithfully #PorchStories #lessonsfromnature
Romantic comedies have fit my mood lately. I reall Romantic comedies have fit my mood lately. I really enjoyed this story and the characters’ history being woven into their current circumstances. I did have to skim some sex scenes that didn’t add much to the story for me. #amreading #romcombooks #bookstagram
I’ve loved Cate’s school experience at @ncca.l I’ve loved Cate’s school experience at @ncca.lions, a small but growing classical, Christian school. I knew there were both advantages and sacrifices of keeping her in a small class for middle school and agonized over possibly moving her to a bigger school. I only considered moving her because I wasn’t sure what her classmates, some of who are freshman this year, were going to do for high school. But they stayed, and we stayed. Now she’s an eighth grader in a class of nine. 

A couple years ago, I prayed for more girls. God gave her class two. Sometimes people move on, and sometimes people move in. But this sweet class of eighth and ninth graders has been faithful — to each other, to our school, to an unknown future. They’re paving a way for the students behind them, including my other two kids. 

God has been kind to my momma heart and given me some assurances she is where she’s supposed to be. One of these provisions is a basketball team that has become competitive with the other teams we’ve gotten to play. It’s more than just some games, though. I’ve watched my 13-year-old daughter become more confident on the court and in life. I’m grateful for her friends and their shared love of this game. I’m thankful for where God has us. 

#momlife #classicaleducation #choosingJOY #livingfaithfully #girlmom #momconfessions #bettertogether #middleschool #middleschoolbasketball
At a basketball game Thursday night, Ben told me h At a basketball game Thursday night, Ben told me he had a loose tooth and was going to go to the bathroom to maybe pull it. He pulled it. That’s #14, and he’s dealt with every single one, just as his older sister did with all 20 of hers.

Meanwhile, little sister has a loose tooth that she won’t wiggle, avoids using to eat, and won’t let her siblings pull. We’ve bribed, threatened, and failed to persuade.

#momlife #boymom #thirdchild #girlmom #reallife #momconfessions
I was overdue for some TLC to my hair, so I got it I was overdue for some TLC to my hair, so I got it trimmed and colored this week. You know it’s time when the stylist takes before and after pictures. My friend @whitneyrscott at @blushsalon always does a good job. 

In addition to the much-needed TLC, I also got bangs. After a few days, I can say I love them. The resident teenager at my home doesn’t like this — and she tells me daily. I tell her I don’t care whether she likes them because I do and it’s my hair. She also didn’t like the tennis shoes I bought a few weeks ago. Again, I do, so who cares. 

Anyway, it’s Friday! So let’s do some #fridayintroductions around here. Tell me three things you’re loving these days. I’ve already mostly told you mine: 

1️⃣ My bangs. I’ve included a picture of the fun waves that Whitney gave me at the salon and the more likely normal styling — by that I mean blow drying and some minor straightening to train the bangs. 
2️⃣ New tennis shoes, which are gray & purple Brooks Launch 7, if you’re curious. My nail color accidentally matches them. 
3️⃣ The teenager in my house. I’ve been giving her grief about her dislike of my fashion choices, but I really love being around her. Honestly, she’s the easiest kid in my house right now. 

✨ Bonus current love: Who can tell me what TV character inspired my hairdo? If you know, then that’s also the TV show I recently binged and am eagerly awaiting new episodes. 

So, what are you loving — even if nobody else in your life does? #momconfessions #reallife #reallifeconfessions #momlife #choosingJOY
It’s been a night of basketball! First, my girl’s middle school game. Now, our favorite college team. Turns out they’re both navy & gold so that’s good for wardrobe choices. 💛 #girlmom #momlife #RacerNation #WeAreRacers #MurrayState
“The Chicken Sisters” by @kjda was a fun, quic “The Chicken Sisters” by @kjda was a fun, quick read this weekend. I added it to my to-read list recently and then saw it as a @bookofthemonth add-on.

I enjoyed the feuding sisters story unfolding while filming a realty show about their family’s feuding chicken restaurants in a small Kansas town. Of course, not everything is quite as it seems, so the reality show helps uncover some reality both sisters were missing.

#amreading #bookstagram #booklover #recommendedreads #thechickensisters #weekending
We needed to get out of the house today — even t We needed to get out of the house today — even though the sun barely peeked through the clouds into the cold air. #countryliving #weekending #choosingJOY #boymom #thirdchild
A week into Peggy’s recovery at our house, and t A week into Peggy’s recovery at our house, and these two have spent a lot of time together. Rachel encourages her and stays close. Peggy plays games and watches movies with Rachel.

Honestly, this #thirdchild of mine was probably my biggest concern with having Peggy recover from open heart surgery here: I didn’t want Rachel to hug too hard. I didn’t know if she’d understand that her Gran-Gran looks fine on the inside but hurts on the inside. She’s been booted from her room, but she’s been sleeping well on her mattress in the back living room. She’s actually probably not going to know what to do when Peggy moves back home.

For now, we’ll let them make memories together. That’s part of caretaking I hadn’t considered. #bettertogether #weekending #choosingJOY
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