Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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

God unites families for His glory

November 28, 2018 by Kristin 8 Comments

My new friendship with Michaela Stanton is one of the sweetest gifts from our trip to Washington, D.C., in September. She tells the story of us meeting in her post, but our time together as part of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s Angels in Adoption program was just the beginning of God uniting our shared passions for advocating for adoptive and foster families. Our families have some shared birthdays, like to do some of the same things, and have plans in the year to come.

Please welcome Michaela to the porch today as she shares a piece of her family’s story as National Adoption Awareness Month closes.

*****

I woke the morning of Nov. 21, 2017, in Ethiopia, hopeful yet anxious. I’ll never forget the scripture on my mind on the day I got to tell a judge I will love my daughter forever. Once I read Isaiah 25:1 peace came upon me. “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” Perfect faithfulness. Wonderful things. Things planned long ago. Yes to all of that. I soaked those words deep into my heart and rested in them. Our wonderful daughter was God’s plan for our family long ago because of His perfect faithfulness. Praise The Lord!

His glory shines in every adoption story. Just as every birth is His miracle, so is every story of adoption. As I reflect on Nov. 21, 2017, as we celebrate our first anniversary of being a family of five, I rejoice, mourn, hurt, and love so much more deeply. That day was predestined by our Savior and happened right in the midst of National Adoption Awareness Month and Thanksgiving season.

Our daughter doesn’t deserve the heartache of her story, but I have faith the Lord will use it to redeem so much more than her first 26 months of life. Isaiah 25:1 not only gave me peace the day I went before the judge to claim her as ours, Isaiah 25:1 is God’s scripture for Sara claiming her as his. He has great things planned for her life.

I always pray our lives will glorify God and we will never seek to own our stories but let the world know they belong to our Savior. I had no idea what that looks like day to day, but when we were invited in July by U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell to join the annual Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s Angels in Adoption ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., I immediately began to ask the Lord to go before us and keep his story of our Sara’s adoption his and not let us make it ours. After all, Sara is his and he is the only one who has been with her since before her birth. He knows every coo she made, every tear she cried, every hunger pain, every smile, every fear and every trauma she has and is overcoming.

In late September, we joined hundreds of other families from across the United States to celebrate adoption and children finding forever families. I prayed Sara’s story would glorify God during this trip, but I was not prepared for the overwhelming burden for the orphan that resurfaced in my soul. Washington D.C. was more than just a trip to accept a pin, talk about God’s story, and spend time with my family.

God gave us so many gifts during this trip. The first was meeting Kristin Taylor! Seriously, how did God hide her and Greg from us for so long? I mean, my husband and Greg graduated from Murray State University in 2000 then Kristin and I graduated in 2001. So we went to college together for four years and we never met. We met in the lobby of a hotel in D.C.!

Another gift was meeting in person an adoptive momma who I connected with during our Ethiopian adoption walks. Kelli Belt from Oklahoma is a powerful, strong, supportive mom who (who knew!) also was good friends with Kristin! {Kelli also shared here recently!} It was a sweet three days of celebrating children, meeting friends face to face for the first time, and meeting new friends who you feel like you’ve known forever! Our God is in the details, friends! He is such the perfect gift giver.

James 1:27 has never rung truer than after our visit to Washington D.C. I had this scripture on the back of my tank when I ran my first half marathon. It’s a scripture that lays on my heart and sends me into prayer asking the Lord where He is leading me. Sara’s story is one of thousands of stories of children finding their forever home. Our time in Washington, D.C. reopened my eyes not only to children internationally without families but also to children in our own backyard who are begging for a family.

As Christians, we can easily get into our own bubbles without even realizing it. Serving those that are easy to serve, loving those that are easy to love, but James 1:27 calls us to pure religion, which is to take care of the orphans and widows in their distress and to not be polluted by the world. Meeting and spending three days with fellow adoptive families who have fostered 50+ children, those who have adopted 10 children, those who have adopted one, and those who spend their entire lives advocating for all children, I see God at work for His children.

All of this is overwhelming from a human perspective, but if we turn our heart toward Jesus and simply ask what our next steps are, He will guide us. And that’s exactly where I am right now. What are my next steps in helping foster children, supporting foster families, and advocating for those without a voice?

As I continue to pray about where the Lord is calling me next, please know I am praying for those of you who are in the trenches of adoption – whether it’s waiting, post-adoption, or serving these families. The spiritual warfare is real! But goodness, these children are so worth it!

*****

Michaela Stanton is a wife and mom to three who seeks Jesus every day. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, and is passionate about adoption and family.

*****

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: Porch Stories Tagged With: adoption, community, guest post

Comments

  1. Laurie says

    November 28, 2018 at 6:51 am

    Bless you all for advocating for adoption! You are living your words in a powerful way.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      November 28, 2018 at 7:08 am

      Thank you for the encouragement, Laurie!

      Reply
  2. Lauren Sparks says

    November 28, 2018 at 8:33 am

    Thanks for sharing another beautiful story. laurensparks.net

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      November 28, 2018 at 8:35 am

      Thanks for being here to hear it! xo

      Reply
  3. Susan Shipe says

    November 28, 2018 at 11:55 am

    All those parallel roads and you just met. God has a plan!!!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      November 29, 2018 at 12:25 pm

      I know! So fun, huh?! Glad you’re here and hoping our real-life paths cross one day!

      Reply
  4. Lisa notes says

    November 28, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    Praying with you for God to redeem those first critical months of her life. So thankful He is the God of miracles.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      November 29, 2018 at 12:25 pm

      The God of miracles, indeed! Thanks for being here, Lisa!

      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