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.

*****

Kristin Hill Taylor - Porch Stories
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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 ninth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear sixth-grade boy, and our joy-filled kindergarten 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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Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have picked up thi Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have picked up this book had a dear friend who always comes in clutch with book recommendations let me borrow it. My mind has been swirling this week. Just lots of life happening all around me. 

I picked up this book while Ben was at his counseling appointment and read most of that hour, then again that evening, and then again the next day. This book could be read slowly because the words are lyrical and lovely, but I couldn’t put it down. The scripture, stories, and songs were balm for my soul right when I needed it. 

“Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!” — Psalm 43:3

This book is about that invitation from God. Songwriter @sandramccracken  tells us how she’s accepted the invitation, lived in the light, and brought others with her. 

I started taking notes on the very first page, but I will leave you with this, for now:

“There will be a full telling of our stories, a reckoning of every injustice, and a mending of every broken system. This is the good news, the promise of peace, working backward from that future reality, bringing that healing light-filled promise to bear on our lives, to shine on our present sorrow and on our yet-unanswered questions. He is with us. It will be all right in the end. If it’s not okay, then it’s not the end.”

#KHTreads #bookstagram #recommendedreads #livingfaithfully #reallife #choosingJOY #storiesmatter
“Darkness does not define us. It attends to us, “Darkness does not define us. It attends to us, surrounds us in regular intervals, but it does not have the last word. God limits the darkness. He has authority over it and is not bound by it.” 

— @sandramccracken in “Send Out Your Light”

#KHTreads #countryliving #livingfaithfully
What is saving my life … My home is a refuge an What is saving my life …

My home is a refuge and shelter from the loud, crazy world. I love being here. I’m thankful for a break from the routine and busyness. I like a chance to have slow mornings and not much of a plan for the day. I’m also grateful for the chance to host others in our home. 

And, of course, books. I love reading and seeing those around me reading too. Stories are also such a refuge for me. 

#OneDayMay #maydays #reallife #88daysofsummer #choosingJOY #KHTreads #momlife
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.” - @brenebrown attributes this quote to Viktor Frankl

Months ago, I made a counseling appointment for today. And it certainly came at the exact right now. 

Honestly, the transition into my favorite season has been rocky — and I’m not totally sure why. I know some circumstances that are contributing to that, and I also know my responses haven’t been what I want them to be. But I’m not entirely sure what to do about it. 

Slowing down, listening to my body and mind, setting boundaries, being honest, and counting the wins and gifts should help. At least those are the things my counselor and I discussed when I talked for every minute of our session. Sometimes I go not knowing what we will dive into. Today I knew. She said these were good conversations. She reminded me of what I know to be true, that what I’m doing matters. Intentional parenting matters every single day even though there are no results to quantify. 

Many things are stimuli in my life. Yours too, I’m sure. I don’t leave even space between the chatter, lies, responsibilities, burdens, gifts, and routines to respond kindly and gracefully. I’m quick to be angry and anxious. I want to slow down my brain and give myself more space to truly live. I’m pretty sure that’s the space where God grows pretty things. 

📷: Cate Taylor, 15

#OneDayMay #maydays #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #reallife #momlife #flowerphotography #summerisbest #88daysofsummer
@emilyhenrywrites is really good at writing romanc @emilyhenrywrites is really good at writing romance novels that go deeper than a cheesy love story. Her characters navigate grief and disappointment that comes with real life. In the cleverly titled “Book Lovers,” Nora and Charlie work through a lot as people and a couple to discover what they’re happy ending looks like. Plus it’s set in a Hallmark-movie-like town that works well for this story for people who love books and lovers. 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #recommendedreads #favoritethings #amreading #Kindlebooks #kindlepaperwhite
Oh, Monday. It’s the first actual week of #88day Oh, Monday. It’s the first actual week of #88daysofsummer and it feels like fall out. That would be lovely, except my people and I were ready for pool time. 

One kid got up way too early and was having all the feels. I subsequently got up way too early and came out of my bedroom ready to implement morning habits and conquer boredom. Nobody else was very excited about my strategy. 

By 10 o’clock this morning, I suggested one kid take a nap and retreated to my own room with my phone, my Kindle, and lots of thoughts. I had a small revelation that helped me better see my kids as the individuals they are. 

I made plans to walk with a friend and later dragged all my kids along. Yep, even the one in a boot and on crutches for at least a few more days. You see, that injured kid also started Summer Break with his third strep diagnosis since February. He certainly needed fresh air after a couple of days stuck inside the house. 

We all needed fresh air, fresh perspectives, and a fresh start to the day. Today the walk outside is what helped. Another day there may be a different strategy, but I’m thankful I found way through all the feelings and disappointments this morning and can feel a little sunshine in my day, even if it’s only the figurative kind of sunshine. 

#momlife #maydays #reallife #kentuckyweather #kyweather #confusedweather #summerisbest #poolpeople #choosingJOY #thirdchild #monday #mondaymood #momconfessions #PorchStories
I miss … … a few particular friends from whom I miss …

… a few particular friends from whom I’m separated by circumstances, logistics, and distances. 

When I make a friend, I intend to stay friends forever. Of course, life doesn’t always work out that way. 

I don’t miss my kids being young, but I miss the ease of socializing with my friends during that season. It was easy then to meet at the park or go somewhere for lunch. Now there are so many schedules to work around. 

Scheduling time to lunch or get together is still my love language, it just takes a little more work, patience, and persistence now. And sometimes that’s exhausting. But it’s always worth it. 

#OneDayMay #maydays #bettertogether #livingfaithfully #reallife
School’s out FOR THE SUMMER! #88daysofsummer #mo School’s out FOR THE SUMMER! #88daysofsummer #momlife #siblinglove #summerisbest #maydays
I’m proud of myself for … … surviving and t I’m proud of myself for …

… surviving and thriving this school year. I resist change almost all of the time, and the past nine months have been full of so many transitions for our whole family. I know, that’s life, but these changes seem like the kind that will mark us forever. 

My kids navigated new beginnings in kindergarten, middle school, and high school. As a mom, sometimes I’m too close to see the growth, but this year it happened in each of them right before my eyes. They navigated friendship hurdles, embraced new friends, and settled a little more into who God created them to be. Middle school isn’t for the faint of heart, but I feel like I’ve come out of this year closer to my son, so I will take it. 

I’m proud of myself for leaning into where God has me. I’ve grown deeper friendships, invested in my kids’ school as a board member and business manager, and seen God work in our ordinary days. 

Y’all know I’m a summer girl, so I’m proud of myself through getting through the winter and coming into summer stronger and braver. 

#OneDayMay #maydays #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #momlife #summerisbest #bettertogether
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