Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Seven Things I Learned in December

December 27, 2017 by Kristin 10 Comments

This year has been good and bad and hard and quick. It’s certainly been full of adventures! In a year that had me learning (more) about being more flexible, it’s only appropriate I had to adjust (or, rather, mostly sit out) some holiday plans while I had the flu, which was, thankfully, fairly short lived.

As I think about the new year and what that may look like here, I’m thinking I may change these end-of-the-month posts. I like them, but I need to breathe some new life into them. I don’t know what that looks like yet, but, if you have any ideas of what you’d like to read, let me know!

Until then, here are Seven Things I Learned in December …

1. Having the flu the week of Christmas stinks.

I was feeling like I was getting another ear infection and was coughing so much my back hurt. So I went to an immediate care center while we were in Louisville for a few days of Christmas there. Turns out I had the flu.

So I missed all my extended relatives and most of my family gatherings. I did get to see one high school friend with her kids as well as my sister and her family. But the time I knew I had the flu, I’d already exposed them.

Even though the nurse practitioner wanted to send me on my way with an antibiotic for an ear infection, I persuaded him to explore further because I knew I didn’t usually feel that bad with my previous ear infections. Thankfully, Tamiflu seemed to help.

We came home earlier than expected, which prompted my first use of Kroger’s Click List and Panera’s online ordering app. Both were quite helpful and will likely be used again soon!

I’d still like a Christmas do-over with my family!

Thankfully, I was able to get off the couch and enjoy Christmas Day with my family of five and then spend the afternoon with family and a friend we brought along to Greg’s Nana’s house. I was pretty worn out, but I was happy not to miss out on that gathering.

2. I don’t like to watch most movies more than once …

… although there are a few worth repeating for Christmas.

I like to watch “The Holiday” and “Love Actually” each year, although I also end up watching “Elf,” “A Christmas Story” and “Christmas Vacation” because I’m not the only one who lives in this house.

On the holiday movie note, I accidentally made my oldest into a Hallmark movie fan. That’s what happens when momma is sick and wants to do nothing more than lay on the couch and watch the Hallmark movies she’s recorded. At least they’re all rated G.

3. I only like dark chocolate in a York Peppermint Patty.

I know that’s weird. And I don’t know what to tell you, except you can keep all the other dark chocolate.

4. Needtobreathe’s acoustic show helped me process the year.

Plus it was my first experience at The Ryman, which was wonderful. Of course, I already wrote a post inspired by this, so I won’t repeat myself.

5. Talking out loud about counseling helps others.

I’m pretty much an open book, but I got a little nervous when I told some people I’d started going to counseling. But nobody has reacted negatively. It’s been a good conversation starter more than one and allowed others to share with me pieces of their story they might not have otherwise been so willing.

I wrote a fairly raw post about counseling as I reflected on the year recently.

6. “Wonder” is a wonderful book and movie.

I read the book during our Thanksgiving trip and then took the oldest two kids to watch the movie earlier this month. Cate (who is a fifth-grader) also read and loved the book. I’d say the book is best, but the movie is well worth your time too.

Speaking of books, here’s the list of everything I read this year as well as my favorites, if you’re needing recommendations.

7. Somehow I have a child with braces on her teeth.

I was just telling a friend who it’s weird to be in a season of parenting a child old enough to be experiencing things I remember so clearly experiencing myself. I remember later elementary school so clearly – the teachers, the classrooms, the friends, some moments – and now I have a girl walking through some similar journeys.

Of course, I had to have my last baby tooth pulled in high school so I could get braces and here Cate is with one baby tooth remaining and braces on most of her top teeth. She has an appointment in a few weeks to get braces on her bottom teeth.

*****

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Six Things I Learned in November

November 30, 2017 by Kristin 6 Comments

I’m not even going to pretend to understand how today is the last day of November or how it’s time to cut down a Christmas tree! Y’all, seriously, it’s almost 2018. Okay, I know, let’s not get ahead of myself. So, back to November. It was a fun whirlwind and before it’s totally gone, here are Six Things I Learned in November.

1. My book is at the library!

Seriously. The Calloway County Public Library has “Peace in the Process” on its biography section. Just a few books down from Tim Tebow’s book.

2. Two favorite foods combined are delicious!

Cracker Barrel has Cinnamon Streusel French Toast on its seasonal menu. We were driving home from Texas and I intended to get done vegetables at Cracker Barrel. But then I didn’t. Because cinnamon rolls and French toast are my favorites and I couldn’t resist having them combined.

3. Counseling is valuable.

I’m an external processor who doesn’t have much alone time so sitting down weekly this month with a third party has been valuable as I process some things about my personality, where I came from, where I want to go, and how so many are twisted together in my mind. Specifically, I’m navigating some parenting stresses.

Like I shared on Instagram the other day, I’m a Type A perfectionist and for so long I’ve channeled my personality into being efficient and productive. But here I am a decade into motherhood with a tween girl who requires deeper conversations as she learns how to process her emotions, a middle boy who requires training and guidance related to his behavior and choices, and a toddler girl who is into and onto everything with no fear.

Honestly, it’s stressful sometimes because my default is to micromanage them. Except that doesn’t work. Then I find myself stressed. They’ve got their own personalities and defaults. I come into this season with experiences that have influenced and warped my perspectives.

Right now I’m undoing and rebuilding and processing this new work God is doing in my heart. It’s taking some time because I’m stubborn and set in my own (sometimes unhealthy) ways, but I believe God is at work here. I’m grateful for the process that includes counseling and for the hope that is found in Jesus, who ushers peace into the chaos and light into the darkness.

4. A gratitude challenge was what my soul needed.

Jennifer Dukes Lee initiated a #30DaysOfGratitude challenge that has been good for me. It’s prompted me to remember the details that matter and gain some perspective about how truly blessed we are. (I posted each day on Instagram and Facebook, so follow me there, if you don’t already.)

I’m also excited about the Project Life collage I’m going to put together to document these 30 days of naming specific things for which I’m thankful.

5. Two trips in less than two weeks is a lot.

But we had fun in (and around) Austin the second (long) weekend of the month and then in Branson, Missouri, for the long Thanksgiving weekend.

When we weren’t traveling those two weeks, Greg squeezed in a lot of work, we hosted Friendsgiving, we celebrated Ben’s 8th birthday, and we had our kitchen floor tiled. Yep. It was a busy month.

6. I need to be less like a factory.

I listened to Jason Miller preach about seasons, fields, and factories on a podcast Annie Downs referenced on her podcast. I started listening while I was driving one day, but I had to wait and listen one morning at my kitchen table so I could take notes.

You should listen.

But if you don’t, basically, faith and life journeys are more like fields, where there are variables we have to discern as we prune and plant and grow. Too often I function more like a factory, where there’s a system in place that controls all the variables and produces the same thing every time.

On repeat in my head: I need to be more flexible than a factory.

(And, yes, this ties back into what I’ve been learning through counseling too. God is coming at me from all angles with the same messages!)

*****

It’s been a fun month sharing our story across the internet for National Adoption Awareness Month as I’ve hosted others’ stories here …

  • Makenzie Shewcraft: How God Surprises
  • Monica Bidwell: How God Adopts Us
  • Caitlin Dunbar: How God Has a Plan
  • Melody Hester: How God Makes Beauty

… and shared pieces of our story elsewhere.

  • The Holy Ordinary at Kayse Pratt’s Intentional Moms blog
  • Practical Ways to Support Adoptive Families at Ashleigh Slater’s blog
  • How Cate Accepts Her Story at Caitlin Dunbar’s blog
  • Giving Thanks for Adoption & Community at Kathleen Guire’s Whole House blog
  • How Open Adoption Built My Faith at Emily Wood’s Splashes of Joy blog
  • How Cate Was Adopted Twice at Jennifer Jackson Linck’s blog

I also have autographed copies of my book available if y’all still need to get one. Just let me know!

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Six Things I Learned in October

October 31, 2017 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I’m a summer girl through and through, but I’m sad October went by so quickly. I’ve worn tank tops, flip flops, gloves, and winter boots this month alone. I do like a cozy hooded sweatshirt too! Our November is shaping up to be crazy with two trips and lots of other fun plans, but I want to savor October before it’s completely over.

With that, here are Six Things I Learned in October …

1. Jep and Jessica have a TV show about adoption.

I asked a few friends if they knew about “Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty.” When they said they did, I felt like they were holding out on me, but I’m glad I’m no longer in the dark. Jep Robertson reminds me of one of my dearest friend’s husband, so that’s fun. Plus, adoption stories are my favorite. And it’s acceptable to watch the kids so it’s been fun post-dinner entertainment now that our pool is closed.

2. I survived speaking into a microphone.

Y’all, this is where my introverted extrovertedness comes out. I love to talk with people, but throw in a microphone and require earbuds and I get nervous. My friend Katie Cunningham interviewed me for the podcast called This House she does with her husband, Kory. It was a fun experience.

Being on This House podcast as my first-ever podcast interview is appropriate because Katie is my friend who persuaded me to listen to podcasts in general … and hers was the first one I listened to! Now we chat about what we’ve heard lately that we think the other would like.

On the podcast, I shared about my book and adoption community. There are other things I wished I’d said and plenty I’m sure I could have said better. But it was fun and I’m grateful to have friends like Katie & Kory who bring truth into people’s everyday lives. Plus they make me laugh during the episode’s introduction.

Go listen, and subscribe to This House while you’re there.

3. And then I survived a radio interview.

Sandra Flach interviewed me for her radio show, “Orphans No More,” which is part of the Justice for Orphans ministry she leads. My interview will officially air on Dec. 1 on the local Albany, NY radio station, so I will be sure to share the online broadcast with y’all. It was fun to connect with Sandra through a mutual friend and share the story of what God has done in our family.

4. Hearing people talk about my book is humbling.

Seeing and hearing people’s comments – on social media, in text messages, and in real life – as they read my book is humbling and encouraging. I love hearing how God has encouraged them even when their story doesn’t look like mine. At least two churches and a local campus ministry have copies available in their libraries. I’ve connected with other people because I was willing to share God’s story from my own life.

With that said, if you have read “Peace in the Process,” I’d love for you to take a few minutes to leave a review on Amazon.

5. You can swim in October in Kentucky.

Our pool is officially closed, but my husband and kids swam a couple times in October before we had it winterized and covered. It was fun watching them swim while the nearby tree’s leaves turned red. I know this isn’t news to y’all, but we really love being pool people and are grateful for this first season of hospitality that happened in and around the pool.

6. Five ear infections in eight months is no joke.

Ear infections hurt. And I keep getting them. I’m hoping to go to the ENT soon to hopefully address the recurring issue.

How was your October?

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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, “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
I really loved this book! “Life is the stuff th I really loved this book!

“Life is the stuff that happens in the cracks between your plans and expectations.” — from “One Night on the Island” by @josiesilverauthor 

The writing is excellent, the setting works well, and the story unfolds in some predictable but sweet ways. I also think it was the right book at the right time for me. 

#KHTreads #romcom #romcombooks #bookstagram #booklover #librarybooks #readersofinstagram
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