Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

When Change Finds You

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I ordered this book nearly forever ago, the moment I heard Kristen Strong was releasing a new book. I’ve never actually sat on a porch with her, but Kristen’s words have encouraged me before and I trusted they would again. 
Spoiler: Her words are wise and rich again in my life right when I need them. 

“When Change Finds You: 31 Assurances to Settled Your Heart When Life Stirs You Up” is a lovely companion. Change is going to happen, regardless of how much we resist, so let’s take this guide along with us. Plus the pages are slick and feel good, the words are accompanied by beautiful photographs, and the layout and fonts are pretty.

I trust we’ll be better for it. I know I’ll be better for acknowledging changes and losses and gifts. 

I think about a friendship that’s adjusting to a new season, a schedule that forces me to rearrange my capacity, three kids who are navigating their own changes, and the work God is doing in my mind and heart. Changes are happening before my eyes.

“Every single change that comes into our lives brings losses, and it’s right and good to lament the losses by naming them and giving them space at the table. … This change may feel like the end of things, but God will see you through it. Then you’ll be able to look at the view in front of you and realize that change is not the end. God’s Grace and goodness are.” 

— Kristen Strong

See? Her words are life-giving. And I’ve only read the first few days of Kristen’s new book. I’m looking forward to the next 27. 

Consider this a recommendation to go ahead and order it for yourself.

About the book

When difficult or unwanted change enters our lives, it can cause fear, anxiety, and anger to bubble up from within. We want to quiet that simmering stress, but how do we do that, especially when we know our circumstances aren’t going to calm down any time soon? By regularly meeting with God and exchanging our worries and fears for his assurances that he is using our difficult change for us, not against us.

Easier said than done? Not if you have Kristen Strong alongside you as your understanding guide. Offering thoughtful, humorous anecdotes and powerful prayers to recite, she invites you to think and feel differently about change on the inside so you can live and love differently on the outside. As the tender companion she is, Kristen will show you how not to get over difficult change but rather to get through it. She’ll help you acknowledge your change, give your anxieties over to God, and abide well in the days to come—no matter what transitions life brings.

Specifically, this book encourages readers to acknowledge, accept, adapt, and abide when changes come. “When Change Finds You” is a 224-page hardback book published by Revell (Oct. 12, 2021).

Learn more about the book and Kristen’s website, where she also has a fun quiz to discover what season of change you’re in. I’m sure it surprises no one that I’m in a season of summer, perpetually!

About the author

Kristen Strong, author of “Girl Meets Change“ and “Back Roads to Belonging,” writes as a friend offering meaningful encouragement for each season of life so you can see it with more hope and less worry. She and her U.S. Air Force veteran husband, David, have three children. Together this military family zigzagged across the country (and one ocean) several times before settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can find her at kristenstrong.com, DaySpring’s (in)courage, and on Instagram @kristenstrong.

*****

I bought this book with my own money and nobody asked me write a review, but I wanted to share this gem with y’all.

Roar Like A Lion

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I decided if we’re going to have a 20-minute drive to school each morning, I might as well use that time for good. “Roar Like A Lion” is a new devotional for kids that’s been perfect for our morning commute. 

“Roar Like A Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith” by Levi Lusko appeals the most to my sixth-grade son who recently accepted Christ and was baptized, but my kindergarten girl also loves the bold, beautiful pictures. He’s been the one to read it aloud to us. My 14-year-old daughter thinks the devotional is for younger kids, but she gets involved in our discussions. (And I will probably make her read aloud one of the days soon!) 

My son Ben especially loves the facts of lions. It’s been good to talk about why this animal is a symbol of courageous faith on the way to school because the school’s mascot is Lions. In a fun detail of God’s timing, Ben also was assigned lions as a topic for a science research project. He’s taking some facts right from this devotional!

More importantly, I pray for kids are encouraged to stand up for Christ among their friends. There are hard feelings and social situations to navigate, especially for my two oldest in middle and high school, even at our small, Christian school. Their homeroom teachers have been talking to them about being leaders among their peers, so this devotional is timely in our lives. 

In the wild, lions roar for three reasons: to let others know where they are, to show how powerful they are, and to scare off the enemy. Your life should roar for the same reasons: to let other believers know where you are and that they aren’t alone, to show how powerful God is, and to scare off your enemy.

We spent some time this week talking about what “roaring” like this looks like in our everyday lives. I really like thinking about how believers are in this life together and should be able to find each other easily, despite everything else going on in this world. I’m thankful Cate and Ben, even as young Christ-followers, also have this kind of community in their lives. Rachel likes to talk about how she loves God too. 

I like driving my kids to and from school because some days that’s when they really talk to me and each other. So it’s good to have some thought-provoking information, prayers, and questions for my kids. Honestly, it’s a good way for me to start my day too. 

About the book

With eye-catching art, fascinating stories and facts, Bible verses and prayers, and simple action steps, this 90-day devotional will help your kids approach both fun moments and tough times with their hearts set on God’s faithfulness.

Relevant topics include:

  • Facing fears about school and friendships
  • Dealing with peer pressure and bullying
  • Handling new challenges, disappointments, and grief
  • Having the courage to try something new
  • Understanding how we each fit into God’s great story

This 192-page hardcover book is aimed at readers 6 to 10 years old, but, as I said, my sixth-grade son really likes it. It’s published by Thomas Nelson (Sept. 14, 2021). Learn more at the book’s website or Amazon. There’s also free resources available: Parents Discussion Guide and Four Rhythms to Setting the Pace of Your Home.

About the author

Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church. He is the bestselling author of adult non-fiction books “Through the Eyes of a Lion,” “Swipe Right,” and “I Declare War.” Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven. 

About the illustrator

Catherine Pearson is a Swiss illustrator based in the hills of Lausanne, Switzerland. With a European Bachelor in illustration, Catherine through her career and experiences has refined a unique and playful illustration style. She is passionate about bringing clients’ ideas to life and believes illustration can speak to you where words cannot.

Giveaway

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Enter before Sept. 28, when I randomly choose a winner. Just comment on the blog, Facebook, or Instagram posts about this book as a chance to enter to win. Extra entries are public shares of my posts about this book on any social media channel. 

*****

Find other family devotionals we’ve enjoyed through the years at my idea list on Amazon. 

I received a hardback copy of “Roar Like A Lion” in exchange for a review from the publisher as part of my participation in the Momentum Influencer Network. They are also providing the book to the winner of my giveaway. Much thanks! The opinions here are my own. 

Ben’s new life in Christ

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Ben accepted Christ into his life last Sunday night! We had done the whole usual bedtime productive and he called me into his room. I admit, I sighed, wondering what required me to get out of my own bed. The second he started talking, I could tell this was going to be a different conversation. I listened for a minute and then called Greg into the room. 

Earlier that night, Ben and Cate had been to their first monthly youth worship at church. A high school acquaintance of ours shared his testimony that night and something he said really struck my boy. Ben realized he too was far from God and didn’t want to run away anymore. 

I had been praying especially for my boy that weekend after Chase, who is both the middle school youth minister and teaches an Old Testament class to the sixth-grade boys at school, shared something with me. He texted me after class one day to tell me he read over some class notes Ben has left behind. After a class about the fall in the Garden of Eden, Chase said Ben seemed to understand sin, forgiveness, and our need for Jesus. I screenshot the text to Greg and a couple of friends. 

I was already in awe of how God was affirming our church move earlier this year and continued enrollment at the private school our kids attend. I wasn’t doubting. I wasn’t asking for confirmation. But God gave it to me anyway in multiple conversations and connections in just a matter of a few weeks. 

That same week Chase texted me about Ben, small groups started for the middle & high school kids. One of Ben’s two leaders is a college student Greg and I had gotten to know a little bit over the summer through our Sunday school class. We only know a few college students, so this seemed like kindness from God to a mom. 

Ben talked to us about not wanting to run from God anymore. I was thrilled he wanted to change directions and run to God. For almost 12 years, this boy of mine has always wanted to be on the move. He was a cranky baby … until he could crawl, then walk, then run. He liked stroller rides, car rides, and swings. He’s kept me on my toes with all his movement. But now I’m witnessing his willingness to move to be exactly how God reached his soul. 

Today he stepped out in faith and proclaimed in his new life and direction when he was baptized. And this momma is praying for all the movements, transitions, pivots, and changes to come as he continues to live. 

*****

Watch the video from Hardin Baptist or my video from beside the baptistry.