Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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

How to Find Community

May 24, 2017 by Kristin 23 Comments

In March, I spent the weekend with some of my favorite writer friends. That was the first time I met Christen Price in person. She had driven from Alabama to my lake house here in Kentucky, yet she radiated hospitality. One of my favorite parts of the weekend was going on a walk with Christen and our other friend Amanda. I’ve since read her book, “Invited: Live a Life of Connection, not Perfection.” She’s real and encourages women well. I’m glad to welcome her to my blog today as she shares about one of my favorite topics and includes one of my favorite scriptures.

*****

Women need friendship like a flower needs water.

When my husband and I moved to our hometown, I was thirsty for friendship. Sitting alone in my bedroom, I felt the pull of wanting to belong. One of the most difficult things about moving to a new city is finding community. We can easily experience FOMO – a fear of missing out – and make our homes in silos while hiding behind our smiles.

Loneliness is a disease. The best cure for this disease is to find community, which often involves vulnerability, risk-taking, and letting people into our not-so-perfect lives. In an effort to make new friends, I began to ask girls to join me in a small group. Soon, a group of us began to gather for dinner and discussion once a month.

Acts 2:46-47 describes how the early disciples experienced community by saying, “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Sharing beyond the walls of their homes, the followers of Christ gathered together to tell the message of Jesus to the people. They were not exclusive – daily God increased the number of people who were being saved. The breaking of the bread and extending of grace was an open invitation. All were welcome to listen, eat, drink, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

If God is inviting us to a table that is always open and never reserved, who are we inviting to sit at the table with us?

When I first began to be in fellowship with the girls from my small group, I felt like for the group to stay safe, it needed to be inclusive. But, as our group grew, the complete opposite happened. A fellowship of friendship formed, a kind that would never have happened if not for our group being centered on Spirit-led conversation. Adding more seats to the table has only increased our joy, not diminished it, which leads me to believe in the efficacy of an open table.

When a group is exclusive, there is a certain amount of trust and camaraderie between friends, but it can make those not part of the group feel very unwelcome, unwanted. If you’ve ever been on the outside of a group of friends, it’s easy to ask yourself, “What do I have to do to fit in, be invited, and belong with these people?” It’s like in the movie “The Help,” when Celia Foote shows up at Elizabeth’s house with a pie, and instead of inviting her in, Hilly tells all the girls from Junior League to hide and be quiet. Friendship becomes a game of cards, luck, and elitism. But fellowship is different.

Fellowship is unity, something that binds
people together from the inside out.

{Tweet that.}

Fellowship is not just about friends being together, it is about friends coming together to do God’s will. The early church went out each day to teach the truth about Jesus, help the sick, and share what they owned with the apostles. Fellowship was an action shown through generosity, hospitality, and serving.

Being a fellowship of believers, we each play our part in the body of Christ, but we also exist to connect to one another so that we display His perfection together. Next time you meet a girl new in town, remember what it was like to be in her shoes. Extend an invitation and help her feel connected in community. Widen your circle, and welcome her to the table.

About “Invited”

In “Invited,” Bible teacher Christen Price weaves together personal stories with a practical party planning handbook as she shares about her own struggle with perfection when she moved home and began to build community. Her desire for perfection causes her to experience anxiety and meltdown when parties (and life!) don’t always go as planned.

With kindness, honesty, and Biblical truth, Christen will encourage you to overcome the hurdles of perfection by finding balance instead of breaking down; receive others in love by releasing your anxieties to God so you can rejoice in the moments worth celebrating; and discover that the antidote to perfection is embracing the beauty of imperfection and present not only yourself, but your home in an artful way so you can give and receive joy.

Celebrations, whether they be special occasions, a surprise party, or a spontaneous cookout on a Saturday night, are about spending time with the people we love. Hospitality helps us to pursue Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, so we can invite others to join us in a party we will never forget. Connected to Christ, we find wholeness, completeness, and beauty so we can celebrate the life we’ve been given.

“Invited” officially releases June 1, but you can preorder it now.

About Christen

Christen Price is a writer for The M.O.M. Initiative and founder of Undivided Women, an online Bible study community. With the heart of a hostess, she writes devotionals, designs party printables, and creates inspirational art in her Studio that invites women to celebrate their people, place, and purpose. Christen is married to her best friend, Raleigh, and their crew of three little ones, two dogs, and four chickens call the countryside of lower Alabama home. Connect with her at christenprice.com.

*****

This post includes excerpts from “Invited: Live a Life of Connection, not Perfection.” Used with permission.

*****

Kristin Hill Taylor - Porch Stories
 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: books, Porch Stories Tagged With: community, guest post

Comments

  1. Michele Morin says

    May 24, 2017 at 6:37 am

    This sounds like a good companion read to Never Unfriended. Thanks for the heads up — Christen is a new author to me!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 25, 2017 at 7:48 am

      It definitely has some similar themes. This is Christen’s first book, so I’m glad you could “meet” her, Michele. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Patricia Krank says

    May 24, 2017 at 6:59 am

    I enjoyed reading Christen’s post. I have experienced some of the same feelings she did, being lonely in a new place. I also understand becoming anxious when my attempts at entertaining don’t always go as planned. Though we regularly open our home I always have a certain level of anxiety over it. Sounds like I need to read her book.
    Thanks my friend,
    Patti
    P.S. Kentucky is such a gorgeous state and I am a wee bit jealous that you have a lake house there!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 25, 2017 at 12:06 pm

      It’s a good book and I do think you would be encouraged by it, Patricia. I’ve lived in Kentucky my whole life. But, hey, you can rent out lake house – vrbo.com/741043. 🙂 I’m glad you’re here!

      Reply
  3. Lisa Appelo says

    May 24, 2017 at 7:05 am

    Christen (and Kristin), it’s early morning here and that book cover is making me all kinds of hungry. It’s so hard to be the new girl…whether it’s a new town or new situation. The older I get, the more I see how many women feel sidelined and so need that invitation.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 25, 2017 at 7:48 am

      Isn’t that book cover lovely? So inviting. Glad you’re here, Lisa!

      Reply
      • Christen Price says

        May 29, 2017 at 2:22 pm

        The cake on the cover is my husband’s grandmother’s pound cake. It is as delicious as it looks!!! Thanks for reading Lisa!

        Reply
  4. Liz Rigby says

    May 24, 2017 at 7:31 am

    Such a simple idea to invite gals over for some food and fellowship, and yet it was one I needed to hear! Thank you for sharing this post and linkup with us, Kristin.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 25, 2017 at 7:46 am

      So glad you’re here and could be encouraged, Liz!

      Reply
  5. Meghan E. Weyerbacher says

    May 24, 2017 at 9:43 am

    Just wanted to say, loved this. Love both of your hearts and I am praying I can be this kind of friend to others..but can I confess something here? I am also praying for someone like you all (with a hospitality heart/nurturing heart) to come into my life (in person, face to face). I need it and would love to bless them to. Blessings to you both!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 25, 2017 at 7:46 am

      Praying about it is a good place to start, Meghan. Sometimes reaching out being that kind of friend fosters those kind of relationships for you too. I sure wish we could talk about it in real life. Meanwhile, I’m glad you’re here.

      Reply
  6. Sue Donaldson says

    May 24, 2017 at 9:59 am

    So true – loneliness is a disease and all things hospitality fights it. Great post!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 25, 2017 at 7:44 am

      This goes along so well with what you write about. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Becky Hastings says

    May 24, 2017 at 10:23 am

    Beautiful reminders today about God’s heart for us! Thank you for reminding me to step out!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 25, 2017 at 7:44 am

      Christen’s words were good for me too. Thanks for being here, Becky!

      Reply
  8. Susan Shipe says

    May 24, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    Loneliness is a disease and is prevalent – in all ages and groups. Great guest post.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 25, 2017 at 7:44 am

      Glad you’re here, Susan, and that you enjoyed the post today!

      Reply
  9. Gayl says

    May 24, 2017 at 4:04 pm

    I love this! Connection is so much more important than Perfection. And this – “Hospitality helps us to pursue Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, so we can invite others to join us in a party we will never forget.”

    Blessings!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 25, 2017 at 7:43 am

      I love it too and definitely recommend her book when it releases next week! Glad you’re here, Gayl!

      Reply
  10. Ginger Harrington says

    May 25, 2017 at 1:01 pm

    Loved this on friendship and fellowship. Looks like a great book to enjoy sharing. Best wishes on the book launch to Christen! I’ll share and pin to help get the word out:)

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 25, 2017 at 1:47 pm

      Thanks for helping spread the word. I know Christen appreciates it!

      Reply
    • Christen Price says

      May 29, 2017 at 2:24 pm

      Thank you so much Ginger!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Truth: Look for it With Eyes and Ears Wide Open - Words, Photos and ArtWords, Photos and Art says:
    May 24, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    […] up with: #FiveMinuteFriday, #Glimpses, #InspireMeMonday, #MomentsofHope, #LMMLinkup, #TeaAndWord, #porchstories, […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Susan Shipe 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 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.

Learn more about my story here.

Subscribe for Updates

Recent Posts

  • Books of 2022 … so far
  • Helping adopted teens belong
  • Laundry talk
  • Brave Ben & his broken heel
  • Fifteen

#PorchStories button

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation

On Instagram

While the big kids went bow hunting yesterday, Gra While the big kids went bow hunting yesterday, Gran-Gran, Grandmom, and I took Rachel to @countrybumpkinfarm. It was perfect for her. She fed animals, played by herself, made friends, and played some more — for 3 1/2 hours. I found an Adirondack chair and finished my third book of the trip. 

#wisdells #wisconsindells #thirdchild #momlife #choosingJOY #favoritethings #88daysofsummer #summerisbest #wisconsin
These three went bow fishing today. Cate wasn’t These three went bow fishing today. Cate wasn’t even sure she wanted to go and the shot one right in the mouth — something the guide said he’d never seen in his 20 years of bow fishing! 

#momlife #wisconsindells #wisconsin #88daysofsummer #firstborn #boymom #girlmom #bowfishing #wisdells
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. 💦

#WildernessWI #WildernessResort #roadtrip #88daysofsummer #TeamTaylor #reallife #wisconsin #wisconsindells #wisdells
Nothing like starting a road trip by finishing an Nothing like starting a road trip by finishing an @elinhilderbrand book. I’d held off reading “Winter in Paradise” because the premise that a father’s death exposes his secret life hits way too close to home. But, really, fiction books can be therapeutic. 

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. 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #kindlebooks #kindlepaperwhite #roadtrip
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! 

#memorylane #highschool #livingfaithfully #yearbooks #choosingJOY #reallife
Cat nap! 💕 #catsofinstagram #thirdchild #napt Cat nap! 💕 

#catsofinstagram #thirdchild #naptimeshenanigans #PorchStories #reallife #88daysofsummer #summerisbest
A weekend mostly at home meant I read this domesti A weekend mostly at home meant I read this domestic thriller. I’ve always seen @diane.chamberlain.author’s books, but this was the first one I read. I’ve already downloaded others to my Kindle. 

Living with a secret is all Eve Elliot knows. Her life unravels when she confesses to what she knows and there are ripple effects for her husband and two daughters. I thought I had it all figured out and then there was another surprise right at the end! 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #kindlebooks #kindlepaperwhite #booklover #weekending
Little fish 🐠 big pool 💦 happy place ☀️ Little fish 🐠 big pool 💦 happy place ☀️

#poolpeople #thirdchild #88daysofsummer #choosingJOY #PorchStories #weekending #momlife
Well, COVID has changed our vacation plans. Honest Well, COVID has changed our vacation plans. Honestly, it’s hard to believe two-plus years later, and COVID is still interrupting all kinds of things. I know it’s a privilege to travel, but there’s still disappointment. Regardless, we can’t board a cruise ship in Canada on Monday to go to Alaska when my boy tested positive for COVID last night. (Yes, twice. 🤦🏻‍♀️)

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. 

Anyway, who has been to Wisconsin Dells area? We found a condo and have a list of things going, but I’m accepting all entertainment and restaurant recommendations.

#wisconsindells #reallife #covid_19 #covid #momlife #88daysofsummer #summervacation
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorites

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2022 Kristin Hill Taylor | Design by Traci Michele | Development by MRM