Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Initiate Peace & the new #PorchStories

March 15, 2017 by Kristin 25 Comments

I read a verse the other day and I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s among verses about loving your enemies, but it certainly applies to anyone we encounter.

“Here is the simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them.”

−Luke 6:31 (Msg)

I’m an initiator of plans. I invite people over and meet them for lunch. Quality time is my love language, hence my desire to get people on my calendar and disappointment when plans change.

But sometimes I get weary of being the initiator. Just recently I was feeling that way, and then a couple friends reached out even though I had no idea I was instigating an initiator pity party in my heart. I’ll take it as encourage from God to keep on doing what I’m doing because He goes with me.

And he wants us to go with peace.

Lisa-Jo Baker wrote about “shalom” in her coming-soon book “Never Unfriended: The Secret to Finding and Keeping Lasting Friendships.” This book is even better than I expected and I’m excited to share more of it with you.

But today I want to tell you about what she said about shalom, which is more than the absence of conflict. It’s interactive – and it’s used in the Bible more than 200 times. In her book, Baker quotes “What Is the Mission of the Church? Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom and the Great Commission” by Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert. (I now have that book awaiting me on my Kindle.)

“The kind of shalom we’re challenged to give to the people around us requires us to take an active interest in their physical and spiritual well-being. … In addition to caring deeply about seeing conflict come to an end, shalom is passionately invested in seeking the well-being of others – other people, other places and cultures and neighbors. … Shalom is a radical word that challenges us to wake up from our obsession with ourselves and instead start the deliberate choice of focusing on the people around us …”

– Lisa-Jo Baker in “Never Unfriended”

God’s been doing a new thing around here through our small group that has a mission to serve our local community. These words about the peace that comes when we think of others before ourselves strikes me deeply because it’s the foundation of so many other things.

The ripples of truly caring about
the people around us are everlasting.

{Tweet that.}

And I’m guessing we’ll be changed in the process too. Because that’s how God works. He doesn’t waste moments or relationships. He uses it all – for His glory and our good. But we certainly aren’t going to get there alone.

“We can see people as a source of influence, prominence, cool, or competition. Or we can see them as family, sisters, fellow pilgrims on the journey as we try to make sense of the everyday Tuesdays and Sundays and sadness and celebration. But we can’t do both. We can either love them or compete with them. We can either champion them or condemn them. We can either accept them or try to change them. We can either love them for who they are or try to twist them into our own image. But we can’t do both.”

– Lisa-Jo Baker in “Never Unfriended”

So let’s grab initiative and let’s bring peace to whoever is near.

*****

Welcome, faithful #ThreeWordWednesday friends. I’ve got a little news about the weekly linkup to share. To better go along with the community happening here, the new name is Porch Stories.

I hope you love it. And I hope you continue gathering on my virtual porch so we can swap stories. You’re invited to show up with your stories about your real lives, where you’re meeting God and learning truth. You’re invited to encourage others and make friends. There’s room for you and your faith-filled stories here.

As you share posts from the linkup, use #PorchStories and be sure to update your blog button with the new code on the sidebar. Feel free to linger awhile and bring a friend along.

Kristin Hill Taylor - Porch Stories
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*****

I did receive an advanced copy of “Never Unfriended” by Lisa-Jo Baker as a member of the launch team, but the opinions I shared here are my own – and you’re going to hear more about this book because I’m loving it. You can preorder it here or learn more about it at its own beautiful, new website.

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Filed Under: Porch Stories Tagged With: books, faith, friends, Never Unfriended

Comments

  1. Joanne Viola says

    March 15, 2017 at 6:23 am

    Kristin, I have been catching glimpses of this book here and there. It is definitely on my “to read” list which just keeps on growing lately. The second quote on how we view people is powerful and one I will be thinking on today. It is always good to join you on your porch!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      March 15, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      My to-read list is so long … but this is one that’s speaking quite deeply into my life. Thanks for being here with faithful encouragement, Joanne!

      Reply
  2. Dawn says

    March 15, 2017 at 7:04 am

    Love the changed name, because well… I LOVE the idea of sitting with you on the porch. I am an initiator too, though my introvert nature always pulls me to the side and lets other people take the lead or be the connector. It is uncomfortable to always be the initiator and it is tiring. But one thing I think we were all made to do was initiate grace wherever we are. And I needed these words this morning for an upcoming conversation that I will be having. 😉 Thank you!
    Blessings,
    Dawn

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      March 15, 2017 at 3:19 pm

      I’d love to have you on my real-life porch sometime, Dawn! You encourage me so well and spur me on toward grace. I’m praying for the conversation yo uhave to have and hope you know God is present with you.

      Reply
  3. Michele Morin says

    March 15, 2017 at 7:16 am

    I love how you keep changing your approach and trying new things here. Blessings to you as your porch fills up with lovely people and warm conversation.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      March 15, 2017 at 3:18 pm

      It’s like a take one step and God shows me which other steps to take and, of course, it’s all working together just like he does over and over again. Glad you’re here, Michele!

      Reply
  4. Susan Shipe says

    March 15, 2017 at 8:34 am

    I’ve got Lisa-Jo’s book on my Kindle; trying to finish two other books first! Love the new badge and linkup name. It’s perfect!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      March 15, 2017 at 3:17 pm

      It’s such a good book. Thanks for always being here, Susan! xo

      Reply
  5. Jennifer Jackson Linck says

    March 15, 2017 at 9:35 am

    I love the new link up name!!!

    I also love Lisa Jo’s new book! I could not put it down! I will be writing about it really soon over on my blog. It’s definitely a must read!

    I also love how you talk about being the one who initiates and how sometimes you just want someone else to initiate in return. I get it! I am the exact same way. Sometimes I feel like if I didn’t reach out, make plans, etc. I would never see/hear from anyone.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      March 15, 2017 at 3:17 pm

      Oh, I’m pretty sure I’ll write about it more. I just couldn’t shake these thoughts. I’m glad you’re here, and I’m looking forward to the day we get to hang out in real life … on a porch somewhere! I’ll initiate that one, friend! xo

      Reply
  6. leah says

    March 15, 2017 at 11:41 am

    Yay! and even a new button that still features a wonderful porch swing! Back in a while… congrats on the new feature for this new season of spring!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      March 15, 2017 at 3:16 pm

      Spring seems like a good time for something new & fresh. Thanks for being here, Leah!

      Reply
  7. Lisa-Jo says

    March 15, 2017 at 2:08 pm

    LOVE this — thinking about shalom in this new way has been such a game changer for me too! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      March 15, 2017 at 3:14 pm

      It’s one of those message that keeps creeping in my life from all directions – which is really cool and beneficial because God knows I need repetition. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by here, Lisa-Jo!

      Reply
  8. Becky Hastings says

    March 15, 2017 at 2:14 pm

    I love this! So exciting to see how God develops ideas!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      March 15, 2017 at 3:14 pm

      Thank you, Becky!

      Reply
  9. Tara says

    March 15, 2017 at 3:11 pm

    Ooh I love it..gathering on your porch and swapping stories. I wish we could do that in real life. I’ll have to add Lisa Jo’s new book to my to read pile. Shalom is how I want to live and be transformed too. What a beautiful definition you shared.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      March 15, 2017 at 3:15 pm

      It’s really rocking my world, in a good way. I’m glad you’re on my porch here, and it would be delightful in real life. Thanks for your faithfulness to show up here, Tara!

      Reply
  10. Tiffany Parry says

    March 15, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    I’m such an initiator too, Kristen. In fact, I’ve had to let some friendship go because my efforts were received with indifference, which is truly heartbreaking. But God has also brought those friends into my life who see and value my willingness to not give up. It’s such a fine balance though, isn’t it? Knowing when to keep going and when to throw in the towel.

    And, I’m so excited for porch stories. Someday I’d love to sit on one with you and share ours!! Hugs.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      March 15, 2017 at 4:17 pm

      Oh, yes, it’s such a fine line. Thanks for being real and faithfully showing up around here. I really do hope we get a chance to talk face to face, on a porch, or wherever works! xo

      Reply
  11. Katie says

    March 21, 2017 at 12:29 pm

    I adore the new link up name! I’m all about swapping stories, cheering for the good and hugging through the bad. I look forward to coming back to share stories week after week 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      March 22, 2017 at 2:15 pm

      Thank you, Katie! I love having you and your stories here. xo

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Spring Rains Encourage Growth, Beauty and Refreshment - says:
    March 15, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    […] I’m linking up with: #InspireMeMonday, #LMMLinkup, #Glimpses, #TeaAndWord, #TestimonyTuesday, #TellHisStory, #RaRaLinkup, #porchstories […]

    Reply
  2. Seven Things I Learned in March says:
    March 31, 2017 at 8:17 am

    […] written one post about something the book taught me, and I expect to write more. I’ve also shared recently on Facebook a snippet of one of my […]

    Reply
  3. Our shared stories matter says:
    April 14, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    […] {Read the previous related posts How Community Heals and Initiate Peace.} […]

    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 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.

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🎶 All throughout my history / Your faithfulness 🎶 All throughout my history / Your faithfulness has walked beside me / The winter storms made way for spring / In every season, from where I'm standing / I see the evidence of Your goodness / All over my life … 🎶 @joshbaldwin in “Evidence”

I love summer. But my summer has started off busy: appointments, book edits deadline, establish new habits with the kids at home. All that’s necessary and good, it just cuts into my down time beside the pool. 

Today we have two open gyms for our basketball players, my book study with a few friends, a new weekly high school girls’ book study at our house, and a monthly dad-son character study. 

I long for a little more white space on the calendar, but I also wouldn’t change a thing because the kids are only 16, 13, and 7 once. This summer will only be this summer once. And I’ve already learned time flies with big kids. 

So here we are finding out footing, singing praises with church friends on our porch, grilling delicious chicken, and squeezing in the wide-open spaces when we can. This is evidence of the good stuff. 

#84daysofsummer #poolpeople #momlife #momconfessions #faithlife #livingfaithfully #favoritethings #choosingJOY #countryliving #reallife #PorchStories
The Hill family reunion at @shelterpointretreat ha The Hill family reunion at @shelterpointretreat has become a favorite tradition to kick off summer! The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed one another. 

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Hello, #84daysofsummer! ☀️ #TeamTaylor #girl Hello, #84daysofsummer! ☀️ 

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“The moments you collect may not be loud or flashy. They might be quiet or covered or a far-off view you were lucky to catch. But this I know to be true: A moment savored says to your soul, ‘You have lived something beautiful.’ And it keeps you buoyed. It sustains you when you’re running empty. It lifts you up and carries you forward.” — Joanna Gaines in @magnolia summer 2023 journal issue no. 27 

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