Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
    • Peace in the Process
    • Bringing Home More Than Groceries
  • Contact

More truth from Slugs & Bugs

May 24, 2019 by Kristin 1 Comment

When I heard Randall Goodgame, who created Slugs & Bugs family music, had two new children’s books, I knew I needed to have them. Randall’s creative work has influenced our family and, at this point, I want whatever he creates to be in my kids’ hands, minds, and hearts. (I’ve shared about Slugs & Bugs music in many other posts around here.)

“Who Will Play with Me?” is a story about fun and friendship and “Are We Still Friends?” is a story of forgiveness. Both incorporate biblical lessons, reference beloved Slugs & Bugs’ songs & characters, and use few words and many pictures to tell stories.

“Are We Still Friends?” is a story that brings to life Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” When Doug the Slug accidentally eats all of Sparky’s flavor-blasted pizza chips, Doug lies to cover it up, and the hilarious search for the chip thief begins! But when Doug admits the truth, he must apologize to Sparky. Come along as the friends learn that friendship is about forgiveness and trust, along with a good dose of shared laughter.

This book is particularly timely for our family as one of our kids’ has had some trouble with lying, which also happens in the story, and this is a good reminder that relationships can be broken but forgiveness is possible.

Philippians 2:3 says, “In humility, value others above yourselves.” That’s the message of “Who Will Play With Me?” That book also brings to mind Slugs & Bugs’ The Wagon song. In this book, Doug the Slug is thrilled to discover an awesome red wagon at the playground, but soon he is feeling pouty because he can’t find a friend to pull him while he rides. But when he decides to think about someone other than himself and pull Sparky the Lightning Bug instead, Doug learns that being a good friend is even more fun.

Now that I’ve given these books to my kids, I’m guessing my 9-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl will read them often in the days to come. Of course, my 12-year-old girl may even pick them up because Slugs & Bugs is certainly part of her childhood too.

About the books

Published by B&H Kids, they’re both 64-page hardback children’s books available on the Slugs & Bugs website, Amazon, and other places books are sold. Learn more about the books and music at slugsandbugs.com.

About the author

Randall Goodgame is a singer/songwriter and the creative force behind the family music brand, Slugs & Bugs. He has recorded eight solo albums and contributed to numerous others. He has written songs for Veggie Tales, Caedmon’s Call, Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Jill Phillips, Eric Peters, and other fine people. He lives with his wife and kids in Nashville.

*****

I bought these books with my own money, thanks to a friend of mine who was at a homeschool conference where they were available in late April. I do recommend them to you and your family, but nobody asked me to say that.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Don’t give up on doing good

February 6, 2019 by Kristin 22 Comments

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

I heard this familiar verse recently and it struck me in a new way. These words reminded me that with each conversation, boundary, ride home from school, and correction I’m investing in my kids and the life we’re building together for God’s glory. Parenting has required much mental energy lately as I navigate three different seasons and personalities.

But as I sat in the grocery store parking lot earlier this week finishing a podcast with newlywed guests, I remembered God’s faithfulness. I’m not a newlywed, but I needed this truth that transcends seasons. I needed to remember parenting intentionally is doing good and in God’s time I’ll get to see a harvest.

Parenting has involved conversations about cell phones, sleepovers, and vacations; discipline regarding grades and attitudes; and training and establishing habits. I’ve talked with like-minded friends and pow-wowed with my husband, who thankfully lives on the same page with these things. Articles have affirmed why my kids won’t have cell phones anytime soon and why we don’t do sleepovers, but they’ve also reminded me living counter-culturally is hard but not beyond where God has called us.

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” – Galatians 6:9-10 (The Message)

As I sat in the Kroger parking lot letting Rachel nap a little longer before we took the ever-growing list of food inside, I read Galatians 6:9 again. I remembered God’s faithfulness in my everyday life regardless of the season and recommitted myself to the good of this parenting adventure.

*****

RESOURCES!

READ: I put together a list of some books that have aided in this parenting journey. Included are some devotions my tween girl has used and sex talk books for both boys and girls. {SEE PARENTING PARTNER BOOKS HERE.}

LISTEN: I also put together a playlist of songs that remind me God’s faithfulness. {LISTEN HERE.}

*****

Kristin Hill Taylor - Porch Stories

#PorchStories Party

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Nine Things I Learned in October

October 31, 2016 by Kristin Leave a Comment

things-in-october-10-31-16

The other day Rachel got the first dose of her flu shot and I was making an appointment for the booster dose for four weeks later. Well, four weeks from last Thursday is going to be Thanksgiving. And we’re going to be on a Disney cruise, but that’s another story for another time. The point today: HOW ARE WE LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS AWAY FROM THANKSGIVING?! I feel like I say this every month, but, geez, time is F L Y I N G by so quickly.

So, dear October, you were hotter than usual and faster than usual, but you were good to us. We saw friends during Fall Break at the beginning of the month and then more friends at the end of the month for Murray State’s Homecoming. We closed on our now-old-to-us house, had family pictures taken, and stayed busy with school activities. Before you’re history, October, let’s remember what you taught me.

1. The bacon maple doughnut our local doughnut place makes is amazing. And, yes, doughnut is the proper spelling. Donut is Dunkin’ Donuts’ fault. I had it twice this past month.

2. Evan McMullin is getting my vote in the presidential election. I was going to write a whole post about this, but I decided not to. Even so, I’m happy to talk about why I don’t believe voting for a third party is a wasted vote, if you want to talk more about that kind of thing. (Evan McMullin shares about this same philosophy on his website and Facebook page regularly.)

3. My baby is a toddler. And watching her toddle around makes me so happy. And while I’m not doing monthly posts to document her growth, I’m thankful for the ways social media allows for that.

(She is currently into walking, attempting to run, turning off lights, laughing at herself on Snapchat, and opening cabinets, if y’all were wondering.)

4. Carrollton’s album is worth putting on repeat. I heard “Let Love Win” on the radio and looked it up later. While doing so, I listened to other songs and ended up with the whole album. Also, turns out some of the band members are Kentucky boys, so that’s a fun fact!

5. Seeing one of my kids embrace generosity makes me proud. And by proud I mean relieved that I may be doing something right.

If you missed the post about the bake sale Cate and two friends organized to raise money for Guatemala, then I encourage you to check it out – and not just because she’s my girl. We’re also packing shoe boxes for other children soon too.

6. Likewise, when my boy edited his birthday party invitation, my word-loving, mom heart was proud.

(Turns out there wasn’t an error, but rather an opportunity for a conversation with a first-grader about plural and possessive nouns.)

7. I always say summer is my favorite (and it is for so many reasons), but I really do love fall. I think I say this every year, but it always falls fresh on me like a new revelation. It’s a busy season, but there are many opportunities for parties and events and that makes us happy. Hello, family of extroverts.

8. I went to a paint party and enjoyed myself. I just said I liked parties, but I don’t like to paint. But I successfully painted a wooden Kentucky with gray and aqua chevron stripes. It was a fun girls night out with my oldest daughter and some of our friends. Plus the party raised money for our church’s adoption grant fund.

9. One word can rock my world, in the best and hardest ways. And then when God shows me that one word in a couple places in a way that encourages and convicts simultaneously, I become mush. This time is was AMBASSADOR in my Precept study of the Sermon on the Mount and in “Parenting” by Paul David Tripp. I wrote a whole post about it, and am I’m giving away a copy of “Parenting,” so be sure to go enter to win a copy.

How did October treat you?

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
Next Page »

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

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.

Subscribe for Updates

Recent Posts

  • From snow to sand
  • Books of 2022
  • How to enjoy winter days at home
  • How to cook new recipes
  • How to have fun as a family

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation

On Instagram

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
What a fun night at the Racers’ game! Welcome to What a fun night at the Racers’ game! Welcome to the rafters, @campayne! 💛 

#racernation #basketballseason #momlife #boymom #girlmom #weekending #choosingJOY #MurrayState
We are four years into basketball at New Covenant We are four years into basketball at New Covenant Christian Academy and I’m not sure when games and wins and teamwork are going to stop making me emotional. I’m just so proud of these girls. They’re building something together — yes, it’s a basketball program, but it’s the bigger picture of a school and a community. 

These girls are going first — in the classroom and on the court — so other kids can come behind them and build on what they’re building. In 2012, when I enrolled my oldest child at a school that was just a couple of years old, I had no idea these were the blessings we’d get to experience. 

And having these Lady Lions sitting at 8-0 is just icing on the cake. 

#momlife #basketballseason #girlmom #firstborn #livingfaithfully #classicalschool #privateschool #choosingJOY #teamwork @ncca.lions
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The first book of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

The first book of the year for me gets all the stars! “Everything Sad is Untrue” by Daniel Nayeri is beautiful and heartbreaking. But it’s a story meant to be heard. (I’m sure it’s lovely to read, but good audiobook for this one!)

My story is so different than Daniel’s, but this is what I took away: Stories are counting memories in the parlor of our minds. I’m thankful he counted his memoirs aloud for me. 

#KHTreads #audiobook #booklover #bookstagram #Audible #memoirs #bookreview
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorites

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2023 Kristin Hill Taylor | Design by Traci Michele | Development by MRM