Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

Focus {a Five Minute Friday post}

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It’s been almost a year since I’ve joined the Five Minute Friday crew to write. So here I am. The word this week is FOCUS, so I set my timer and focused on this for five minutes. It’s straight from my mind to you. And I’m linking up with others at Kate Motaung’s place. 


Ready, set, go … 

{FOCUS}

The week after Christmas break, I had trouble settling back into a routine. Then we had some snow days, and I blamed them the following week for feeling unsettled. And now, here I am, at the beginning of February and I’m still feeling unfocused.

Except I see God working. I’ve been reading some valuable books and having meaningful conversations. Greg and I have been dreaming together and waiting to see how that unfolds. We’ve been soaking in time together as a family in the evenings.

But I get distracted. I want to solve people’s problems, but know I’m not in control of much. But I keep thinking about the friend I know who had to decide whether to terminate her pregnancy because her baby’s brain isn’t developed; the friend whose adoption is suddenly messier and harder than expected; and the friend fighting cancer.

So this unfocused feeling I’m feeling? I think it’s God reshaping some things, shaking up some priorities. The to-do list never ends, but that’s okay. I have more ideas than time. But I’m confident God has me where he wants me. I believe he’s working in my life, even when I can’t seem to get a grip on my day. I’m blessed with people to do this life with me.

Perhaps I should focus on that – and stop blaming the school schedule and the weather.

{And stop.}

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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.”

Happy birthday, Jesus! {a party tradition}

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We like to celebrate Jesus’ birthday around here.

On Sunday, we gathered friends from different circles and had a birthday party for Jesus because that is the meaning of this season. This is the fifth year we’ve had this event. While each year looks different, the party itself helps kids remember why Christmas matters. We had such a good turnout this year with 47 kids.

{I’ve written about past events before. 2010. 2011. 2012. 2013. And today I’m at Circles of Faith sharing How to Host a Jesus Birthday for your Community. Come join me there!}

We made some crafts (thanks, Oriental Trading!) as people arrived and then Greg led a few carols on his guitar and then read “The First Christmas Night” written by Keith Christopher and illustrated by Christine Kornacki. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Jesus and then we ate cake and ice cream.

Families were encouraged to bring gifts to Jesus. Specifically, we collected canned goods for the local food pantry; first aid and school supplies for Light of the World Ministries, which is working on starting a rescue center in Guatemala; or clothing for Bethel Ministries International to add to its distributions in Guatemala.

On Sunday evening, we were worn out from a full but fun holiday weekend, but I was already brainstorming ideas for next year’s birthday party for Jesus. This is one of those traditions we let go last year because our calendar seemed too full, but I’m glad we made it happen this year. Yes, we do it for the kids, but it certainly helps my weary soul rejoice.

What Christmas tradition in your life do you love?

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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.”

Place to Stand {a #ThreeWordWednesday post}

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Blogging and building a platform often go hand in hand. Sometimes success is judged on the numbers, like the amount of likes and shares of how many times a post was viewed.

But God is showing me how having a platform isn’t about attracting the masses, but rather it’s about standing on his promises in whatever he’s called me to do.

My platform may be small and local. It probably looks nothing like yours. And that’s okay. In fact, that’s how it’s supposed to be. We each have our part to play, our place to stand. That’s how God is best made known anyway.

I’ve seen pictures of writer friends at conferences. I’ve been invited to gather with like-minded people who write for a contributors’ site in which I’m involved. I’ve hoped to meet people from the Internet in real life or visit the ones I’ve already met.

But God keeps telling me to stay.

He’s showed me where I’m supposed to be. And, yes, I like it here, even though this was never my plan. Here is where my husband and I are together. Here is with my three kids. Here is with my local church, my kids’ school, and friends who are like family. Here is with an adoption community I believe God has called me to help lead.

I like to travel. I like connecting with people I already love. And I like conferences. But sometimes saying no to good things opens the door for God to do great things. {Tweet that.}

And that’s what I want, so I’m saying yes to what God has made clear is my place to be.

For this season in my life, here is my platform. Yes, it looks more like a messy kitchen and chaotic mini van than a stage with pretty lights. My husband and children are my neighbors. My conversations with other adoptive mommas happen on Facebook, in texts, around tables. My service happens in my local community and my kids’ school hallways.

These are the yeses I have no doubts about. And right here is the kind of platform I’m ready to stand on.

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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.”