quotes

On the bright side with tambourines

February 10, 2020 by Kristin 1 Comment

“For when the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his horsemen went into the sea, the Lord brought back the waters of the sea upon them, but the people of Israel walked on dry ground in the midst of the sea. Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing.” – Exodus 15:19-20

I’ve read and heard the story of God parting the waters as the Israelites fled Egypt multiple times before, but I never noticed the tambourines. They danced on the dry ground with chariots from a great army on their tails and unknown wilderness ahead of them.

Author Melanie Shankle pointed me to the tambourines in “On the Bright Side,” her new book: “Because, yes, they were afraid and, no, this wasn’t their plan, but they trusted God, so they packed their tambourines. They believed and trusted that a day would come when they would dance and rejoice again.”

I haven’t stopped thinking about the tambourines since.

In the church the week after I read this book in two days, a worship song brought the tambourines back to mind:

“I will not forget You are my God, my King
And with a thankful heart I bring my offering
And my sacrifice is not what You can give
But what I alone can give to you

A grateful heart I give, A thankful prayer I pray
A wild dance I dance before you
A loud song I sing, A huge bell I ring
A life of praise I live before You”

– “I Will Not Forget You“

I realized how I don’t carry my tambourine but rather anticipate how stressful a situation could possibly and get anxious before anything (good or bad) actually happens. I want to be like Miriam and live a life of praise before my God, my King – the one who makes ways when we can’t see very far in front of us.

But I sure do have a grateful heart for Melanie Shankle writing and publishing this new book. Goodness, I needed a shift to the bright side. I said I read the book in two days, but I should probably tell you they were rainy days. And, honestly, I’m over this wet winter we’ve had. The dreary, short days leave me longing for the next season. I find myself doing that with life sometimes too.

But Melanie’s new book is a breath of fresh, bright air. She’s real and funny while writing about the ordinary and important stuff that make up our lives. This book reminded me of the bright side of parenting, friendship, pain, marriage, faith, fear, and bravery.

On the bright side, the sunshine came out the other day before some more rainy days and gave me a renewed perspective of God’s faithfulness. That’s exactly what this book did for my soul. I was left encouraged and ready to finish this season well before another one begins – with my tambourine in hand, of course.

About the book

Big Mama blog founder and “New York Times” bestselling author Melanie Shankle helps us sort through our questions about being true to ourselves in a world gone crazy and what matters the most in the end.

These days, so many voices tell us what to do, what to think, and what kind of parent or friend or spouse to be that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated. Somewhere in the midst of online arguments and crazy politics and the ups and downs of life, we’ve lost sight of the gifts that are all around us: kindness, love, mercy, and joy.

In “On the Bright Side: Stories about Friendship, Love, and Being True to Yourself,” Melanie Shankle reminds us of the unchanging principles we can count on in a changing world. This delightful memoir highlights the joys of life told in Melanie’s down to earth, relatable, and totally enjoyable style. It’s a how-to guide to knowing – and living – what matters most.

“On the Bright Side” is a 224-page book available in paperback, hardback, and electronic versions. It’s published by Zondervan (Feb. 25, 2020).

About the author

Melanie Shankle writes regularly at The Big Mama blog and is the New York Times bestselling author of four previous books, including “Nobody’s Cuter than You.” Melanie is a graduate of Texas A&M and loves writing, shopping at Target, checking to see what’s on sale at Anthropologie, and trying to find the lighter side in every situation. Most of all, she loves being the mother of Caroline, the wife of Perry, and the official herder of two wild dogs named Piper and Mabel, who were the inspiration for a new children’s book. The five of them live in San Antonio, Texas.

*****

I preordered this book, but then I also joined the launch team so I got an early PDF copy and read it almost immediately. These opinions are my own and I’ve already recommended and quoted this book in real-life conversations.

Seasons of belonging

August 7, 2019 by Kristin 5 Comments

Even in my favorite season, I’ve hit some bumps. I’m enough of an extrovert that I’ve always created the community I crave. But, honestly, I haven’t had the energy to invest in relationships, so this summer has been filled with my few closest friends and whoever invited me into their life.

Kristen Strong’s encouragement and guidance in “Back Roads to Belonging: Unexpected Paths to Finding Your Place and Your People” helped me find my place in my own season of letting roots sink in more deeply while learning new things, processing how sorrow and hope can co-exist, and finding renewed perspective in belonging right where I am. She’s spurred me on to seek God’s beauty and adventure right in front of me. While doing so, God filled my soul when I feel empty and reminded me of his promises for me and my place with Him.

One of the gifts this summer was a Bible study my friend Megan hosted. Honestly, I shy away from regular commitments in the summer, but I knew when she asked me about it in the spring that I wanted to go. I didn’t anticipate backing off from some of my usual invitations to others. I didn’t realize sorrow could lead to feelings of not belonging. I didn’t know at the time I would need for someone to welcome me in. (Plus I’ve learned a lot from studying Hebrews.)

This summer has definitely been a season of growing down, letting roots sink in more deeply while learning new things about myself and my family. My tendency is to make plans and invite people over and fill the wide-open spaces. But this summer I drew the circle a little smaller and found fresh perspective in belonging right where I am.

“The specifics of how we relax in this growing down season aren’t important. Using the time and not wasting it is. This is not the time to fret about growing up or out to be seen in our belonging place. This is the season to be known by growing down, to build a stronger sense of belonging that is rooted in Christ, in whom our closeness overshadows our place here on earth.”

– Kristen Strong in “Back Roads to Belonging”

Kristen’s words in that paragraph and her whole book came when I needed them most. I preordered “Back Roads to Belonging” long before this season and then I received a copy for being on the launch team. It’s one of those books that literally feels good to hold and figuratively feels good for your soul.

I actually gave my early copy away to my friend Becky who moved at the end of July because she’s been important to my belonging — to this season, to this community, and to Christ. (I also gave her a copy of the mix I made for myself because I needed to hear truths of about how sorrow & hope could mingle together. Here’s that playlist, if you’re interested.)

My friendship with Becky surprised me in the sweetest ways this summer because I didn’t see all our conversations and time around tables coming. But God knew. He knew I needed her wisdom and authenticity. He knew she needed to belong in a different way too. He knew things we haven’t even learned yet because that’s how he provides and sustains us in our eternal belonging.

I’m grateful for my own back roads, Kristen’s words, and the belonging that happens here. As my kids head back to school and we fall into a different routine, I’ve still got belonging on my mind. So here’s to saying yes to others, welcoming others in even when it looks different than expected, and believing hospitality matters because it helps heal.

So, in Kristen’s words: “When you believe you’re in a season of wandering around a barren belonging landscape, may you know you don’t wander purposelessly. God is aware of every bump and bend, and Jesus walks with you through every setback and delay. May you never stop participating in your own life, even through the mystery — because God is moving for you in your life. May you remember Jesus was brought outside so you could be brought inside forever.”

About the author & book

Kristen Strong, author of “Girl Meets Change,” 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 her website, DaySpring’s (in)courage, and on Instagram.

“Back Roads to Belonging” is a 208-page paperback published by Revell (Aug. 6, 2019).

Giveaway

And I’m sharing a copy of this book with one of you. Thanks for being here and sharing pieces of your story. Use the Rafflecopter below for various entries. I’ll randomly choose a winner Tuesday, Aug. 13.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stories from the Porch in July

July 31, 2019 by Kristin 10 Comments

July was the slower season I needed, like a deep breath for my soul. I told a friend the other day my insides are calmer than they’ve been in a long time. We didn’t travel, we hosted some family and friends, and I read a lot of books.

Highlights

I love our small-town Independence Day celebration that included watching the traditional parade in the heat, grilling and swimming with other Taylors here at our house, and keeping the kids up way past their bedtimes for the fireworks.

I may have mentioned my sister and her family only live four hours away now (after having lived in New Zealand, Dallas, and Buffalo), so I was excited they came for another visit. It was the second of the summer and we’re making plans to visit them this fall. I love being grown-up sisters and watching our kids play together.

Okay, and actually, I did travel once. I spent one time in Winchester, Kentucky, celebrating my dear friend Sarah’s 40th birthday. It was a quick but soul-filling trip for me with best friend Jaclyn. I also got to see my longtime friend Katie. Being around a table with them is my favorite thing – and to be with all three of them at the same time is a gift.

And, truly, the highlight was being at home soaking in our #88daysofsummer. In addition to swimming, we’ve been eating many meals on the porch and taking rides through our woods, part of which a company has been logging pine trees. It’s all totally fascinating and such a neat process to watch from a distance.

Favorite Things

“Unpack Your Heart” by Phillip Phillips – I often turn on Needtobreathe radio on Pandora when we are outside on the porch or by the pool. I was so happy to hear this song. Of course, I added it to my “sorrow & hope” playlist I’ve

The Couch podcast – I got to chat (again) with my friend Mary Carver about a short-lived TV show that makes me so nostalgic. Come join us on her couch and find out how I feel about Jordan Catalano.

Google Calendar – A couple of months ago I set aside my old-fashioned paper planner, and I don’t have any regrets. Greg and I have shared Google Calendar for years now, and that’s definitely improved our communication. But I’ve recently started using the reminders for my to-do list and putting all my things on our color-coded calendar. I still find myself writing myself Post-It Notes of which errands I need to run on a given day or things I want to remember next time I sit down at the computer. But I feel like this is a simpler process. (I shared more about my going digital in Facebook and Instagram posts. I loved hearing about how others organize their lives too.)

From the Bookshelf

“The Stormchasers” by Jenna Blum – I learned of this author because I read her World War II book “Those Who Save Us,” which was excellent. This book was excellent too, but this story was set in modern times and dealt with different issues that affect relationships. This book touches on family relationships that are complicated when one twin has a mental illness and the other doesn’t understand it like she thinks she does. I read it in two days, mostly by the pool.

“We Were the Lucky Ones” – I packed this book around with me to the lake, beside the pool, in my purse in case I have a few spare minutes, and next to my bed. I used to swear I didn’t like historical fiction, and now I’ve lost count of how many (mostly World War II novels, as this one is) I’ve read. I stayed up way past my bedtime last night because I needed to know how this family’s story ended. This one sure ranks up high on the list. It’s heavy and hard but beautiful and brave.

“High Water” by Lynn Hightower – I read this book in a weekend. It was heartbreaking and heartfilling. It’s labeled as a mystery, and I was surprised a couple of times, but the writing is beautiful and true. This story is heavy but I didn’t want to put this book down.

“How to Walk Away” by Katherine Center – I spent two days by the pool reading this book. I’d kind of been looking for a happy book, but, truthfully, I’m drawn to stories with suspense, secrets, and struggles. It’s weird, really, because there’s been too much of that in real life and my reading life lately. But I thought maybe this cover with the flowers meant happy was coming for these characters. I was mostly right. I mean, they did get happy, but they had to walk through pain and heartache to get there. They had to face their pasts and be willing to step forward. They had to trust and hope and live. And then I remembered that’s true in real life too.

“I would never tell you that the life you wanted couldn’t have been exactly as great as you planned. But you have to love the life you have. You have to find inspiration in the struggle, and pull joy out of the hardship. That’s what we try to do — counterbalance the suffering with laughter, fizzy blankets, hugs, sing-a-longs, sunny-day picnics, chocolate chip cookies, and wildflowers. Because that’s all we can do: carry the sorrow when we have to, and absolutely savor the joy when we can. Life is always, always both.” Well written, Katherine Center. I mean that paragraph and the whole novel that made me teary and make me smile. Just like real life.

“Happiness for Beginners” by Katherine Center – Again, I read this one in two days, mostly by the pool. And yet again I found myself completely invested in the story and characters while also wanting to jot down some quotes. The way the plot is woven around nuggets of truth is masterful.

Here’s one of the quotes I want to remember: “But the things we remember are what we hold on to, and what we hold on to becomes the story of our lives. We only get one story. And I am determined to make mine a good one. After all, life will hand each of us our fair share of despair and loss and suffering — and then some. That’s certain. But just as certain: It will also give us slices of chocolate cake, and sunny-seventy-two-degree days, and breezes that rustle the trees. Good things are easy to overlook, but that doesn’t make them any less there. A forgotten song will come on the radio. A stranger will help you change a flat. A lady walking by will love your red scarify. A mistake will turn out to be a blessing. An old friend will forgive you. A new friend will make you laugh.”

This book left me thankful that happiness can be found despite circumstances, aware of why it’s important in living out my own story, and ready to read more Katherine Center books. It did not leave me wanting to go on a survival hike, but that was a great setting for this story.

“Slammed” and “Point of Retreat” by Colleen Hoover – I picked up “Slammed” when I was at the library because I loved another book by this author (“It Ends With Us”). Then I got totally sucked in and went to the library to get the sequel so I could have it when I finished. I read most of “Slammed” in one day, but I was glad to have a little left to carry over to the next day. And then I read “Point of Retreat” in another day, almost entirely while floating in the pool one afternoon when my kids decided they needed a pool break and surprisingly didn’t need me for a few hours either. Colleen Hoover writes stories with all the emotions I can relate to, even if my circumstances look different. And I’d say that’s a successful storyteller.

“Back Roads to Belonging: Unexpected Paths to Your Places and Your People” by Kristen Strong – This non-fiction book was right for me this summer. I’ve quoted in on Instagram multiple times with peeks into my real life. (Here. Here. And here.) Kristen is such a wise guide with her words and I’m looking forward to sharing more in an official review soon.

“The Middle Matters” by Lisa-Jo Baker – I’ve told you about this one before, but it officially released this month, so I wanted to tell you about it again. (Read my whole review here.)

If you need more book recommendations, I shared a list of the books I’ve read so far this year. Plus I keep a list of recommended reads on Amazon.

On the Screen

“Suits” – I realized there was a whole season of this show I hadn’t seen on Amazon Prime, so I’ve been catching up with Harvey Specter and company. Meanwhile, the ninth and last season is currently accumulating on my DVR. There’s also a spin-off show called “Pearson” I’m recording.

How was your July?

*****