Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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

Truth, goodness & beauty

January 11, 2017 by Kristin 26 Comments

“We think to determine three things: whether something is true, whether something should be done, and whether something commands our appreciation. In other words, we think to know truth, goodness, and beauty.” – Andrew Kern, founder of CiRCE Institute

This quote – especially those three words: truth, goodness, beauty – stopped my mindless social media scrolling.

I read that quote on Instagram the other day and have been thinking about it. My kids’ have outgrown their school shirts that have those same three words on them along with the New Covenant Christian Academy logo.

(Upon searching older pictures, I think the shirt I’m thinking about actually says “Truth. Beauty. Virtue.” But, you know, virtue and goodness are synonyms, so same thing.)

I knew this was a foundation of classical education, of which I’ve learned about since enrolling my daughter in this school 4 1/2 years ago, but I’ve been gaining a new perspective about how truth, goodness, and beauty fit into everyday life. These foundations of our faith prompt us to be aware of from where we’re gaining truth, how God is faithful and good even when our society cries out otherwise, and how there is so much beauty around us and in us that there’s so many reasons we should be praising God.

Truth, goodness, and beauty sound
old-fashioned, but they matter today.

{Tweet that.}

I’m thrilled my kids learn about that at school. And I’m grateful God continues teaching me two decades into following Him.

Lately I’ve been thinking about what’s true as I parent, as I reflect on longtime and everyday friendships, as I strive to seek God in all things, as we step out in faith to begin a new small group to serve our local community. Sometimes I complain about the weather, or my kids’ behavior, or how long my husband takes to put away his clean laundry.

I get distracted by things that don’t matter,
but God’s goodness abounds right here.

{Tweet that.}

I’ve been known to overthink things, replaying or anticipating conversations, reading between the lines that aren’t actually there, and planning reactions before they’re even necessary. I’m learning when I let my thoughts be captive and obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5) and think about whatever is true, noble, and lovely (Phil. 4:8), then I’m not left overthinking and dwelling on things of this world. Rather my focus is on what matters.

And that’s a beautiful thing rooted in truth and goodness.

*****

After seeing that quote, I researched who said it and happened upon the article from which the quote comes. Regardless of whether classical education is part of your life, the whole article is worth reading.

*****

Kristin Hill Taylor - 3 Word Wednesday
 Loading InLinkz ...
  • 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: Three Word Wednesday Tagged With: faith, quotes, school

Comments

  1. Michele Morin says

    January 11, 2017 at 7:06 am

    And this is why I have persevered in homeschooling, but, as you say, we need truth, goodness and beauty in our lives no matter what else we are doing with our days.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      January 11, 2017 at 7:12 am

      In everything, which is a reminder I need regardless of the season. Thanks for being here, Michele!

      Reply
  2. Candace Playforth says

    January 11, 2017 at 7:20 am

    Being rooted in truth and goodness is truly a beautiful thing. I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m definitely an over-thinker too and could use some work in this area ;). Good to see you today, friend.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      January 11, 2017 at 7:22 am

      I’m right there with you, Candace. It’s a constant thing in my mind! I hope you’re doing well. I’m glad you’re here today. xo

      Reply
  3. Joanne Viola says

    January 11, 2017 at 7:32 am

    Kristin, my desire is to be less distracted this year. My word last year was “see” and I learned quickly that I can easily see things that truly won’t matter a hill of beans. Only as I stay focused, taking my thoughts captive, will I be better able to live boldly and courageously this year – moving forward into all that He has for me.
    My granddaughters are also receiving a classical education so I very much appreciated the quote and will read the entire article. The website looks wonderful and will be passing all of this along 🙂
    Thank you for blessing me in many ways this morning! Have a great Wednesday!

    Reply
    • Kristin Taylor says

      January 11, 2017 at 10:38 am

      I was just talking to Cate last night about faith I’d be willing to act when we can’t see what’s going to happen. I’m so glad you could be encouraged this morning and I’m grateful for your encouragement for me. xoxo

      Reply
  4. Jennie says

    January 11, 2017 at 7:42 am

    Yes and yes, I have that wrote on our homeschool white-board, need that reminder everyday to keep the focus on what is important.

    Reply
    • Kristin Taylor says

      January 11, 2017 at 10:38 am

      It’s a good quote and I know I’m not done thinking about it. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jennifer Linck says

    January 11, 2017 at 8:29 am

    We are so much alike. I’m the same way – the whole overthinking things and reading between the lines that aren’t there. I love that you use the verse about taking our thoughts captive. Our message at church on Sunday was about cutting off fruitless thoughts in our life. I’m trying really hard to do that – to think on whatever is pure and lovely.

    Reply
    • Kristin Taylor says

      January 11, 2017 at 10:39 am

      Pruning is always hard and I think cutting off fruitless thoughts is especially hard because the smallest things prompt them to creep back in. Praying for you (and me!) as we work on this. Thank you for being here. Love you!

      Reply
  6. Susan Shipe says

    January 11, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Are the children being taught the Classical Conversation curriculum? I know how awesome that is!!!

    Reply
    • Kristin Taylor says

      January 11, 2017 at 10:41 am

      They go to a classical Christian school that uses a combination of a few different curriculums. We’ve loved it so much.

      Reply
  7. Melody says

    January 11, 2017 at 9:20 am

    Truth Goodness and Beauty – yes, great words to focus on and how blended make such a sweet aroma of Christ. Blogging a bit about truth and grace today at my place. This was a wonderful read for me today.

    Reply
    • Kristin Taylor says

      January 11, 2017 at 10:41 am

      I’m looking forward to reading your post today. I love when God puts his people on the same page like that!

      Reply
  8. Tara says

    January 11, 2017 at 10:15 am

    Oh friend, I am so guilty of THIS too: “I’ve been known to overthink things, replaying or anticipating conversations, reading between the lines that aren’t actually there, and planning reactions before they’re even necessary. I’m learning when I let my thoughts be captive and obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5) and think about whatever is true, noble, and lovely (Phil. 4:8), then I’m not left overthinking and dwelling on things of this world. Rather my focus is on what matters. And that’s a beautiful thing rooted in truth and goodness.” Amen sister! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin Taylor says

      January 11, 2017 at 10:42 am

      It’s good not to be alone. 🙂 Glad you’re here!

      Reply
  9. Becky Hastings says

    January 11, 2017 at 10:19 am

    Oh, how my focus has been so clouded by everything in the world (both real and online). I am desperately needing some soul space to clear the fog and find Jesus.
    Thank you for the reminder.

    Reply
    • Kristin Taylor says

      January 11, 2017 at 10:42 am

      Soul space is precious. I hope you have some. I know how those clouds are. Thanks for being here, Becky!

      Reply
  10. Tiffany Parry says

    January 11, 2017 at 1:31 pm

    Yes! Captive thoughts and thinking on goodness. I’ve been focusing on that in this season that feels a bit murky and uncertain – remembering that God is good and that while I feel like I don’t know, He does. Love your words today, friend – but then I always do. Have I mentioned that we should do coffee?! If only. xoxo

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      January 11, 2017 at 2:21 pm

      We should totally do coffee. I mean, I wouldn’t drink coffee because I don’t like it, but I would drink something else there. And eat pastry. AND TALK TO YOU FACE TO FACE. One day, friend. I would love it so. I’m glad you’re on this journey with me. xoxo

      Reply
  11. Lisa Appelo says

    January 11, 2017 at 4:34 pm

    Kristin, I’ve seen quotes on these 3 virtues as well over the years as we’ve homeschooled. In a word gone wild, those virtues are a helpful filter for sure. They seem old fashioned but boy are they refreshing! Thank you for hosting. Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      January 12, 2017 at 7:17 am

      It’s one of those things I’ve heard before but it struck me in a new way, which is always good. 🙂 Thanks for being here, Lisa.

      Reply
  12. Simply Beth says

    January 12, 2017 at 6:17 am

    Good stuff. I miss reading your words on a regular basis. Need to change that. Glad I stopped by today. I adore you, friend. I really, really do.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      January 12, 2017 at 7:18 am

      You know I miss you, love you, and adore you right back. Come back to Tennessee, and let me know when you come. 🙂 xoxo

      Reply
  13. Dawn says

    January 12, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Andrew Kern is one of my all-time favorite speakers, writers, thinkers. And he Truth, Goodness, and Beauty….sister, there is so much depth there. The world twists all three words, taking them out of context and covering them with the gloss of autonomous theology. And how grateful I am that we found the nugget of blessing in choosing Classical Education. Solo Deo Gloria!!! You’d love Leigh Bortins books on classical education if you want to read mor and Norms and Nobility is one of my most favorites!!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      January 12, 2017 at 8:44 am

      Thanks for the other book recommendations! 🙂 It’s so true that people twist what’s God’s truth and make it into something so distorted that it’s not even recognizable anymore. Parenting has prompted me to look at my own faith in such a deeper way. Thanks for being here, Dawn!

      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