Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Hope at home with Dolphin Island

March 2, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

We were at home a lot in February, thanks to sickness, quarantine, and winter weather. We had school-at-home days for my kids, who are 13, 11, and 5. We pulled out toys the kids hadn’t seen in a while. We scrolled all the streaming services for something new to watch.

And we were thankful for a family-friendly movie I got to screen from the comfort of our couch. My husband, mother-in-law, and I may have liked it more than the kids, but we also were glad for some clean entertainment to share with the youngsters in the house.

“Dolphin Island” is a heartwarming feature film about 14-year-old Annabel who lives with her fisherman grandfather on an island paradise. They operate a nonprofit marine research and conservation center. She is surrounded by an extended family of loving but quirky neighbors and her best friend, a dolphin named Mitzy. Everything changes when her maternal grandparents arrive with a shifty lawyer to bring her back to New York. Annabel and her friends navigate these circumstances to prove that love conquers all.

My kids all reacted like anyone who knows them would expect: Rachel, who is 5, talked about how much she likes dolphins and asked about going to the beach. The 11-year-old Ben liked the action that came with the pirate-like barrister, which of course we had to define as an attorney for him. Cate, the resident teenager, wasn’t so sure about an inspirational film, but she periodically made comments about the main character.

About the movie

This 91-minute movie is available on digital HD on most video-on-demand platforms starting today (March 2). It’s a sweet movie with some adventure mixed in is a good choice for families who want to watch a new movie from the comfort and safety of their own home.

Learn more at IMDB.com and the movie’s website, which includes additional resources such as a downloadable family discussion guide to spark meaningful conversations about courage, forgiveness, and faith. You can also watch the trailer on YouTube. It’s also available to buy or rent at Amazon.

Giveaway

One of you can receive a free digital code for unlimited access to this movie! This giveaway is open to North American residents. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter to win through Monday, March 8. I’ll announce a winner the following day.

Enter Dolphin Island giveaway here!

PLUS there’s an additional opportunity to win VIP access to “Dolphin Island” directly from the filmmakers. (Enter that giveaway here!) AND everyone who enters my giveaway with an email address will get a screen link to watch the movie.

*****

Many thanks to Entertainment Squad for providing this screener link for my family to review the movie. Opinions are 100 percent our own and not influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the screen link and digital access to the movie in exchange for this review and post.

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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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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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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
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