Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Overcomer – a movie & a message

December 9, 2019 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Race finish lines make me teary – and I’m not usually the one running. I’ve run a few 5K races, and I only liked them because there’s victory in crossing the finish line. More often these days, I stand near the finish line with my fourth-grade son finishes his mile races as part of his school’s running club. And I get teary every time, even watching kids I don’t know finish.

Of course, I got teary when I watched “Overcomer” too.

My family of five watched “Overcomer” in September in our local movie theater and all enjoyed it. My 12-year-old Cate was inspired enough from the movie to join the running club at school. And my youngest, Rachel, who wasn’t quite four at the time, even liked it and later referred to it as “the Hannah movie,” referencing the young runner at the center of the story. My husband and I loved being able to take our kids to a movie that everyone could enjoy and also offered meaningful faith lessons.

About the movie

“Overcomer” is an inspiration, family-friendly sports drama created by Alex Kendrick, the actor/writer/director also behind “War Room” and “Courageous.” The digital version was released Nov. 26 and the Blu-ray and DVD comes out Dec. 17 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, AFFIRM Films and Provident Films. The movie stars Priscilla Shirer (“War Room” and “I Can Only Imagine”), Shari Rigby (“October Baby” and Wildflower”), Cameron Arnett (“Meet the Browns” and “Stand Your Ground”) and newcomer Aryn Wright-Thompson.

This movie received a 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and now is available in time for holiday gifting.

In “Overcomer,” life changes overnight for coach John Harrison (Kendrick) after he loses his basketball team and is challenged by the school’s principal (Shirer) to coach a new sport he doesn’t know or like. As John questions his own worth, he dares to help the least likely runner take on the biggest race of the year. Filled with a powerful mix of faith, humor, and heart, this inspirational story will have you on the edge of your seat.

The Blu-ray, DVD, and digital release come with an extensive array of bonus material, including 10 minutes of extended and deleted scenes, fun bloopers, exclusive commentary by Director Alex Kendrick and Producer Stephen Kendrick, and in-depth looks at the power of forgiveness and identity. During these features, viewers can learn about how the crew worked together with faith and prayer to create this incredible film, hear the cast and crew discuss what the theme of identity means to them, and enjoy the lip-sync music video for Mandisa’s popular song “Overcomer.” The Blu-ray and digital versions have additional exclusive content, including segments about how the stunning opening drone shot of the film was realized with a lot of ingenuity and a well-organized crew and how Alex, Stephen, and Shannon Kendrick found their path to filmmaking through authenticity and faith; behind-the-scene looks at editing, composing, coloring, and sound design; and a lyric video for “Enough” featuring Koryn Hawthorne.

For more information, visit the movie’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and website, which also includes resources for churches and families. Of course, it’s available for pre-order and purchase at Amazon.

*****

I received a copy of “Overcomer” on Blu-ray and a signed promotional poster in exchange for a review, but my family of five paid to see the movie in the theaters in September. Thanks to Fly By Promotions for this opportunity.

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Singing a story worth telling

June 7, 2018 by Kristin 16 Comments

“I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When you face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine …”

I know the song. You probably do too. But I love learning more about the story that inspired Bart Millard to write this song.

“Dreams don’t pay the bills” was something Bart heard early on from his dad, but it was the same sentiment from the music executives who discouraged him after he arrived in Nashville. As he pursued his dream, he also realized he had to face the pain from which he was running.

The road to forgiveness is messy and hard,
but the redemption that comes is always glorious.

{Tweet that.}

Dennis Quaid and Trace Adkins star in this inspiring true story behind MercyMe’s beloved hit song. Running from a troubled home life and a broken relationship, Bart Millard found escape in music. Hitting the road in a decrepit tour bus, Bart and his band MercyMe set out on an amazing journey none of them could have ever imagined, in this uplifting, music-filled movie that beautifully illustrates the power of forgiveness and God’s love.

This is a beautiful story of relationships healed, dreams realized, and truth proclaimed. Bart recognized his father’s transformation from a man he hated to an example of the man he wanted to become.

On a lighter note, the late ‘80s and early ‘90s culture references were spot on and made me a little nostalgic for my own coming-of-age story. “I Can Only Imagine” is a well-made movie obviously held to excellent standards, which, let’s be honest, isn’t always the case for Christian movies.

I will also say my 11-year-old girl watched this movie with me and I was totally comfortable with her doing so. Younger kids probably wouldn’t be as interested and there are multiple references to the abuse Bart experienced in his childhood home.

The home entertainment release of “I Can Only Imagine” features more than three hours of extras, including seven deleted scenes, seven in-depth features, and audio commentary. This movie from Lions Gate studio is rated PG.

Watch the trailer. Buy the movie. Learn more on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine …”

Giveaway

Who wants to have a copy? I’ve got one to giveaway! Between now and Friday, June 15 use the Rafflecopter widget to enter to win. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

I received two copies of this DVD – one to review and one to share – courtesy Propeller Consulting / FlyBy Promotions. The giveaway winner and opinions are not influenced by monetary compensation.

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Some days it’s easy to forget what day it is

April 15, 2016 by Kristin Leave a Comment

It’s Friday! I can say that with assurance, despite my forthcoming post about how it’s been easy to forget what day it is this week. And speaking of EASY, that’s this week’s prompt for Five Minute Friday. Do you know about #FMF? Kate Motaung offers a prompt and then writers write. Five minutes. Just write. And then we all link up together. 

On Wednesday I was walking and talking with my best friend and said, “It seems later in the week than Thursday.” Um, wrong day. In my head I meant to say Wednesday but Thursday came out, probably because it never did feel like Wednesday.

This week, it was easy to forget what day it was. In some ways, my weekdays look similar but in other ways each day is its own.

I have a lot of ideas and thoughts and plans on my mind. And they’re making the days run together.

I started making summer plans because somehow that helps me embrace the moment. Making plans is my love language. (I watched “Leap Year” this week and loved when Declan said to Anna: “I don’t wanna not make plans with you. I wanna make plans with you.”)

I have ideas of things to write. By things I mean blog posts, ebooks, and notes to friends. It’s easy to push those aside because other things seem more pressing, but, really, for the way my soul processes life, that’s not true.

I’ve showed our house, thought about our new house, and watched Fixer Upper with my oldest girl. (All that’s separate and related …)

Greg and I have both been up at 2 a.m. with our baby girl different days this week. Maybe those teeth are really coming though, but in the middle of the night, it’s easy to forget what day it is. During daylight, she’s happy and moving and discovering and soaking in life, whatever the day.

When my mind is swirling in different directions, it’s easy to forget what day it is, but, y’all, I’m glad for Friday and I don’t want to not make plans.

_____________________

I’m linking up with Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday. 

Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I’ll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

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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 eighth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear fifth-grade boy, and our joy-filled preschool 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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I’ve been in a reading slump. I returned one lib I’ve been in a reading slump. I returned one library book I couldn’t get into and then couldn’t decide what to read next. So I went with this library book — and I’m glad I did.

“The Unhoneymooners” by @christinalauren is a funny romance novel that helped distract my mind from heavy thoughts. It also made me want to go to Maui. The dialogue is delightful, the story of quirky from the get-go, and I definitely found myself rooting for Ethan and Olive.

I also discovered by reading the acknowledgements (possibly my favorite thing about books!) that @christinalauren is the pen name for a writing duo. What fun to write novels with a friend! 

As always, I’m happy to accept your recommendations on what to read next. I may also be pondering what friend with whom to write my next book. 📚 #amreading #fiction #authorlife #bookstagram #bettertogether #romcombooks
My friend Delana called before she brought us dinn My friend Delana called before she brought us dinner yesterday and asked if we liked chocolate pie. Um, yes. Turns out both Peggy and I love chocolate pie. Delana gave us chocolate chips cookies too, you know, just in case we didn’t like pie.

My friends are loving on us so well this week with dinner & dessert, obviously. Yes, the food is good, but the way they saw a need and met it is even more gracious. (I wrote a book about gathering & nourishing your people!) Having someone provide dinner has freed up some mental space I’m able to use for taking care of Peggy and parenting my kids, some of whom have needed a little extra love and guidance this week. 

Peggy is nine days removed from open heart surgery with quadruple bypass and is doing well. She had a good check up with her primary care provider this morning. We’re thankful for our community of people who continue to pray for us, feed us, and provide help, like today’s impromptu preschool pickup when an appointment ran long. (Thanks, @katie_cunningham85 & @tstanger25!)

#bettertogether #momlife #reallife #morethangroceries #choosingJOY
We are all happy to feel some sunshine today! ☀️#thirdchild #catsofinstagram #winter #choosingJOY
Sweet @ashleelyoung brought us delicious dinner to Sweet @ashleelyoung brought us delicious dinner tonight and the dessert became a craft. I’m so thankful for the way our people love us. 💛 #bettertogether #reallife #choosingJOY
Today is National Milk Day, so Saputo, which has a Today is National Milk Day, so Saputo, which has a dairy plant here in Murray, donated chocolate milk for all the kids at @ncca.lions. This girl has never turned down chocolate milk and basically celebrates milk every day. #momlife #reallife #thirdchild #nationalmilkday #preschool
Honestly, I’ve been in a reading funk. I’ve qu Honestly, I’ve been in a reading funk. I’ve quit one book and started another today, so we’ll see how that goes. 

I did finish this one by @booksbyheather last week and enjoyed it. I loved the Southern setting, charm, and magic. And I loved how the characters untangled assumptions and expectations from their pasts to find where they belong.

What are you reading these days? #amreading #bookstagram #fiction #recommendedreads
I’ve said “I don’t know” more times the pa I’ve said “I don’t know” more times the past few days and months than ever before. I’m a planner, and I’m apparently raising kids who want to know the plan for the day and what’s coming next. Perhaps, really, that’s human nature. 

But I don’t know. 

I don’t know how Covid will affect school, basketball, and summer vacation plans. 

I don’t know how long Gran-Gran’s surgery recovery will take or what she will need from us. 

I don’t know if it will snow. 

I don’t know ... 

There are at least one million things I don’t know. But I do know this was a good weekend to hunker down inside, meet our new cousin/nephew/grandson, eat warm food, and praise God for the way my mother-in-law is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery.

#TeamTaylor #weekending #reallife #livingfaithfully #bettertogether #choosingJOY
I’m happy to report my mother-in-law Peggy is ho I’m happy to report my mother-in-law Peggy is home ... well, at our home, which is her recovery home for the next several weeks. We are grateful for all the prayers, so keep them coming as she recovers from quadruple bypass heart surgery. 

We are also grateful for all the offers to help. Today I accepted them from the @puperson27 (and @carolinemaetompkins & @norah.grace.t), @megandelaneythomas, and Julie because I needed a whole village to get my kids to and from various places and various times. 

And these flowers are lovely, courtesy Friendship Church of Christ and @serenityhcarr. Thanks, y’all!

#TeamTaylor #reallife #weekending #bettertogether
I bought a recliner that doesn’t match and only I bought a recliner that doesn’t match and only awkwardly fits in our living room. When two guys delivered it today, I looked at it up against the couch we bought last year from the same store. 

When we bought the couch at the beginning of 2020, we had no idea how much it we would use it. This house has become a refuge for us. We’ve sat in those gray cushions while having church at home, binging countless seasons of Survivor, watching some basketball games and Christmas movies more recently. Rachel has taken naps. Cate has claimed her favorite cushion. Ben will always have blanket near. 

Now we have this random recliner we never expected because Greg’s mom, Peggy, who is dear to me, had quadruple bypass heart surgery this week and needs a safe place to land when she’s discharged in the coming days. She’s going to recover here, and I was worried she would sink in the couch cushions without using her arms to push herself out. 

The recliner won’t live here forever, and Peggy probably won’t either! But the whole furniture setup is a reminder we don’t know what the future holds. This past year taught us about interrupted plans and smaller social circles. I’m thankful I had a soft place to land with my people and I want the same thing for my mother-in-law, who didn’t even know she had heart problems until recently. 

So here’s to finding refuge in the places that make sense for whatever season we find ourselves. #choosingJOY #socialdistancing #livingfaithfully #reallife #thirdchild
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