Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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The sounds of Becoming

January 20, 2020 by Kristin 6 Comments

“I am miles from where I was
It’s so far from where I want to be
With each step I learn to trust
The maker is still making me …”
– Jason Gray in “Becoming”

In September, I sat with on my counselor’s couch and told her about this idea of transformation being a process of order to disorder to reorder. I stole the concept from singer/songwriter Jason Gray who was inspired by Franciscan friar and author Richard Rohr’s idea and wrote some songs about it. On the heels of a hard year, these songs helped me make sense out of conflict, disappointment, loss, and grief. They helped me see how God was working even when my heart and head hurt.

These songs are part of a three-part project that’s being released in segments. The first set of songs – “Order” – has been out since September and I’ve been listening to it frequently. There is also a five-day devotional that goes along with the songs and spoke truth into my wounded soul. I can’t carry a tune and I haven’t played my clarinet since 1993, but other people’s songs have always marked my seasons and helped me along.

So, of course, I looked to see if Jason Gray was on tour. He didn’t have any dates near me, but not long after he posted on Instagram about wanting to schedule some small shows with him and his guitar. My mind started intertwining lots of ideas I had to make a concert part of a bigger fundraiser for our mission team that’s headed to Guatemala in April and needed to raise thousands of dollars to build two houses, visit about 20 families and help meet some of the physical needs, and distribute 50 wheelchairs. Jason Gray and I exchanged some emails and got a date on the calendar.

The date was last night, and this morning my heart is full.

My natural Enneagram One way is to think about how more seats could have been filled or more money raised, but I know God is asking me to unclench my fists and hold my palms wide open. It’s an ongoing conversation God and I have and one we’ll probably continuing having because Jesus saved me from my sins but he’s still saving me from my anxious ways.

Last night Jason talked about how our weaknesses are what make us safe places for each other. Then he sang about how the wounds are where the light gets in, trusting is a lot like falling, and sometimes the truth is hard to tell ourselves. He sang about how we’re all still becoming and being made new. He sang about how it’s good to be alive, even if we have to be reminded who we are.

Before the concert, we had a chili cook-off with 11 pots of chili from my friends, a silent auction of donations from other friends, and a bake sale my daughter and her best friend headed up. There were lots of ways to support our mission projects and these families in Guatemala we’ll get to serve, but, more importantly, there were many ways to be connected to one another. That’s where God does beautiful work.

Maybe it’s on a counselor’s couch, through the songs of a stranger who seems to understand, or while planning an event so a team of people can serve together, but we are at our best when we make room for each other – even when the brokenness is obvious and the wounds are far from healed.

Jason Gray opened his show with “Becoming” – one of those songs from the “Order” project. That’s my word this year. In 2020, I want to focus on becoming more like Christ, resting in real life knowing living surrendered is far more productive than controlling and clinching. Jason didn’t know that’s where I am, but he knew that’s where he’d been and trusted he wasn’t the only one.

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Holy Roar (a review)

October 28, 2018 by Kristin 2 Comments

With his new album, Chris Tomlin does a wonderful job of leading listeners into worship wherever they are. I listened in the minivan with my kids, in the kitchen while cooking, and on my laptop while writing. Each time, I forgot about my to-do list, things I wanted to tell people, events I wanted to plan, and groceries I needed to buy. Instead, I remembered God’s goodness and faithfulness.

“Holy Roar” welcomes people to the throne of God right in the midst of their ordinary lives, and, really that’s the wonder of worship, which doesn’t have to happen in a designated sanctuary or on a certain day of the week. Of course, many of these songs would be great to sing on Sunday mornings with your church family.

As we praise God, we remember what matters
– both in this life and the one to come.

{Tweet that.}

About the album

The album includes 12 songs:

  1. Holy Roar
  2. Nobody Loves Me Like You
  3. Resurrection Power
  4. Goodness, Love and Mercy
  5. Satisfied
  6. Impact
  7. Praise Him Forever
  8. Is He Worthy?
  9. Forever Young
  10. I Stand In Awe (featuring Nicole Serrano)
  11. Praise is the Highway
  12. How Sweet It Is (featuring Pat Barrett)

“Holy Roar” officially released Oct. 26, 2018 by Sparrow Records. Buy on Amazon or wherever else you like to buy music.

I’m also intrigued by the companion book by the same time that Tomlin cowrote with his pastor Darren Whitehead. “Holy Roar: 7 Words That Will Change the Way You Worship” shares a fresh perspective about the worship practices of the ancient world and provides insight and encouragement to deepen your practice of praise. This 128-page hardback book is published by Thomas Nelson (Oct. 23, 2018).

About the artist

Chris Tomlin is one of the most heralded singer-songwriters in the world who has amassed an impressive body of work, including 12 albums. He has sold more than eight million albums, 11.3 million digital tracks with 16 No. 1 singles. The GRAMMY winner’s list of music awards includes an American Music Award, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, and a BMI Songwriter of the Year Award. He also cowrote the bestselling children’s book, “Good Good Father.” More than anything, Chris loves being a husband to Lauren and a daddy to Ashlyn and Madison.

To learn more, visit www.christomlin.com or follow Chris on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Giveaway

I’m happy to be able to give away a copy of this CD to one of you too! U.S. residents may use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter to win. I’ll choose a winner on Friday morning.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

I received a copy of this album to review from FlyBy Promotions / Propeller Consulting, which is also providing a copy to the winner of my giveaway. These opinions are my own. If you have won a prize from our sponsor FlyBy / Propeller in the last 30 day or this same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win. The winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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New music from Tori Kelly welcomed

September 13, 2018 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I had recently told my oldest girl I wanted to hear more Tori Kelly music because I really love her with Lacrae on his “I’ll Find You,” which we hear on the radio a lot. My youngest girl has watched “Sing” more times than I could even count, so we’re also familiar with Tori as Meena.

Needless to say, I was excited to have some new Tori Kelly music to play around our house. Tori’s voice is so soothing and strong on her “Hiding Place” album. She was a wonderful companion while I cooked and cleaned the kitchen.

Here are the eight tracks on this new album:

  1. Masterpiece featuring Lecrae
  2. Help Us To Love featuring The Hamiltons
  3. Sunday
  4. Just As Sure featuring Jonathan McReynolds
  5. Psalm 42
  6. Questions
  7. Never Alone featuring Kirk Franklin
  8. Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well)

“Psalm 42” is a beautiful reminder of how Jesus quenches our thirsty souls. “Sunday” is about our everyday hallelujahs and need for grace regardless of the day. “Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well)” is a beautiful song of trust.

About the album

Tori Kelly’s new album “Hiding Places” honors her deepest musical passion and delivers an album that’s infused with R&B infused and is a melodic take on classic gospel music. She has teamed up with 12-time Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin on this one and the first single features him. In fact, half of the songs were written by Franklin. The other tracks were a collaboration between him and Kelly. This is the first time Franklin has ever co-written in his decades-long career that’s seen his songs performed by legends like Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston.

The album officially releases Sept. 14, 2018 from Schoolboy Records & Capitol Records. You can buy it on Amazon or wherever else music is sold. You can also watch the official “Never Alone” video.

About the artist

Now 25 years old, Tori Kelly first gained recognition after posting videos on YouTube at the age of 14. When she was 16, she auditioned for “American Idol.” After being eliminated from the show, she began to work on her own music. In 2012, she independently released her first EP that she produced, wrote, and mixed herself. A year later her first major label release was another EP. Her debut album was released in 2015 and included a single that became her first U.S. Billboard Hot 100 appearance. She was the 2016 Grammy Award nominee for Best New Artist. Learn more about her at her website.

*****

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting / FlyBy Promotions for providing a CD for me to review and another for me to giveaway, which is happening for TODAY only. {ENTER HERE!} The winner was chosen randomly. If you have won a prize from Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you aren’t eligible to win again.

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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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