Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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40 things for my 40th birthday

May 3, 2019 by Kristin 7 Comments

I’ve thought much about my 40th birthday. Those thoughts have mostly been reflective, led me down a path of nostalgia, and didn’t really even lead to me anything concrete. Greg and I celebrated life between our 40th birthdays this past fall. (Listen, it was a good excuse for a trip, right?)

So, anyway, here we are. Forty years. It seems like a worthwhile milestone. If you were on my porch, I’d offer you a piece of whatever birthday dessert I end up with, and we could talk about these things, things I’m thankful for, things that mark my life right now, things I’m remembering. There’s no particular order because rambling conversations are real life.

1. I’m really looking forward to going to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin in a few weeks. Jockey Being Family invited us to be one of the adoptive families recognized at its annual gala. We met the JBF folks in DC and I love how they support and encourage families created through adoptions. (Here’s more on that.)

2. I’m a summer girl. I don’t love sweating, but I love the pace of the season, being at the pool, and the longer days.

3. God’s taught me the value of seasons, though — both the ones on the calendar and the ones in our souls.

4. I make decisions fairly quickly. So does my husband.

5. I’m 64% extroverted, he’s 99% extroverted.

6. I like to analyze our personalities way more than he does.

7. Greg and I have been married for going-on 17 years. Most of the time we feel comfortable speaking for each other.

8. The first years of marriage were hard for me. We didn’t understand how to smoothly merge expectations, traditions, and assumptions. I was diagnosed with diabetes in January 2004, after almost 18 months into marriage, and that rocked our world for a while.

9. I wear an insulin pump and have since September 2011. I was nervous about always having it on me, but my doctor at the time said I would regret not replacing the shots sooner. My doctor was right.

10. I have a new diabetes doctor, an endocrinologist, who I adore. He’s from Guatemala and works in Madisonville, which is about an hour and a half away from me. I always learn something that has nothing to do with my pancreas when I’m in his office a couple of times each year. (I wrote about my doctor here because benches, or even doctor’s offices, can become sacred spaces.)

11. Turning 40 did prompt me to get a local primary care doctor.

12. I like going to the dentist. So do my kids.

13. I don’t really like exercising. I tried to like running twice in my life — once in middle school on the track team and several years ago as an adult.

14. When my two big kids were little, I was in a stroller exercise class and I loved it. We met at the park, walked and ran with our strollers, did stretches and using our stroller and park benches, and other cardio things with our babies nearby.

15. I do like to walk and talk with friends. Sometimes I will walk on my treadmill and read.

16. Giving and receiving experiences as gifts is my favorite.

17. Gift giving used to be my love language but as I’ve gotten older I’ve cared more about quality time. (I recently shared about that.)

18. I like medical TV shows, but I cover my eyes regularly when I watch “New Amsterdam,” “The Resident,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

19. I’ve never mowed the grass.

20. I made a turkey for Friendsgiving once. And I hope I never have to make it again.

21. But Friendsgiving is a favorite tradition. We’re going a decade strong. I hope it never ends.

22. Also Greg has shot some turkeys that are in my freezer. So I guess I need to fry those. Or he can deal with them in his new smoker.

23. I like to bake deer steaks. And my kids like to eat them.

24. I also learned how to cook steaks from cows in my oven. It’s easy and delicious.

25. I sound like a country girl. Maybe after living in the country on 100+ acres where I can’t see my neighbors, I am a little bit country.

26. I know for certain I’m a pool girl.

27. But I like to be at the ocean too. Although I’d rather swim in a pool.

28. Swimming was the only organized sport I’ve ever played.

29. I’m surprised by how much I liked our Disney World trip in 2014. Then we went on Disney Cruises in 2016 and 2018. We’re headed back to Disney World in October.

30. I like to travel — even with kids. Sure, it’s stressful sometimes, but we’re all better for it.

31. I like to be home too.

32. Being a lifeguard was my first job when I was 16.

33. I can’t believe 16-year-old kids are given life-saving jobs.

34. I did have to jump in from the lifeguard stand and help a boy to the side. He was more cared than drowning. But he shouldn’t have gone off the diving board.

35. Yes, I know. My 3-year-old girl goes off the divining board. I supervise; she’s part fish. And I’m not 16 anymore.

36. My first car was a two-door, hatchback 1987 Ford Mustang.

37. Until the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica I drive now, my favorite car I’d owned was the 1996 (?) Geo Prizm.

38. I don’t know how to drive a stick shift.

39. During pre-martial counseling, we did an assignment that had a list of chores and tasks and Greg and I individually said whether that was typically a husband’s or wife’s or shared responsibility. Driving was one of the tasks. I said shared; Greg said husband’s, which is actually what I wanted to put. Greg almost always drives when we’re together.

40. I’m happy to be turning 40. My 30s were my favorite decade yet, but I think there’s potential for even more adventures and joys in this decade.

*****

I’m celebrating with a fun giveaway on Instagram, so be sure to check that out before it ends Sunday night. {GIVEAWAY HERE!}

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God is faithfully for us

March 25, 2019 by Kristin 3 Comments

When I was 16 years old, I had lots of questions for God. The answers were a process, but he used words and people to draw me to him. The first truth I really grasped onto was Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Two decades later, I still hold tightly to that promise. I know God so much better now, thanks to words and people and experiences. But there’s still so much I can learn.

I’m slowly working through “If God Is For Us: The Everlasting Truth of Our Great Salvation” by Trilla Newbell. It’s a six-week study of Romans 8.

I keep underlining Trillia Newbell’s words that point me to truths about God’s faithfulness and the freedom he gives. She writes with encouragement and confidence, knowing God truly is for us. I really like the mixture of questions – some focus on studying God’s word and some are personal reflections – and I’m gaining so much context for that promise God showed me when I was a teenager. The margins are jotted with my thoughts as I work through this book and reflect on these past twenty-three years of following God and my recent focus on living faithfully.

About the book

This fresh and inviting approach to Romans 8 with its attractive layout is divided into six weeks of five days each. Every week begins with an overview of what’s ahead and includes prompts to get the reader engaged with the Word. “Respond” questions are for digging into the text and understanding it better. Each day the “Explore” devotions help apply the text to life, and the daily “Reflect” questions guide the reader into prayer and reflection.

The format “If God Is For Us” works well whether done individually or with a group. Newbell shows readers how to find and use various resources to enrich their study: cross-references within the Bible itself, websites, video, and others.

The first week is an overview of the first seven chapters of Romans. Newbell leads up to Romans 8 by examining some great themes of the faith: the fallen human condition and need for salvation; the doctrine of adoption; the struggle with the old nature; peace with God through Christ, and more.

Weeks two through six focus intently on Romans 8. As Newbell goes through the rich teachings of this chapter, the reader not only will become more comfortable with its theology but will appreciate its application to daily life. The keywords called, predestined, conformed, sanctified, justified, glorified are covered, as are major scriptural truths such as the Spirit’s intercession in prayer; our present sufferings compared with future glory; believers being conformed to the image of God’s Son; the promise that God is working all things together for His purposes, which are good. In the final week, five rhetorical questions Paul asks are answered.

  • Week 1: No Greater Message: an overview of Romans 1–7
  • Week 2: Life in the Spirit: Romans 8:1-11
  • Week 3: Heirs with Christ—God’s Children: Romans 8:12-17
  • Week 4: Future Glory: Romans 8:18-27
  • Week 5: Our Assurance: Romans 8:28-30
  • Week 6: Everlasting Love: Romans 8:31-39

When this workable and in-depth study is completed, the reader will better know God, His Son, and the timeless, ringing truths of His Word as declared throughout Romans 8: that God indeed is for us and that absolutely nothing can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

About the author

Trillia Newbell is the author of “Enjoy: Finding the Freedom to Delight Daily in God’s Good Gifts,” “Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves,” and “United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity,” as well as the kids’ book “God’s Very Good Idea.” (Learn more about Newbell and her books here.) A writer and speaker, she also is currently the director of community outreach for the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. She and her husband Thern reside with their two children near Nashville, Tennessee.

Giveaway

One of you gets a copy! Whoo-hoo! Just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter to win between now and Friday, March 29. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

I received a free copy of this study and the giveaway opportunity from Side Door Communications in exchange for a review.

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Stories from the Porch in November

November 30, 2018 by Kristin 2 Comments

November included some of my favorite traditions – Friendsgiving and our Christmas Tree Hunt. Surprisingly, it also included a snow day. November also means Thanksgiving, Ben’s birthday, and National Adoption Awareness Month. This month’s view from the porch is actually my son throwing a snowball at the kitchen window while I was watching the kids enjoy the early snow that gave them a day off school.

Highlights

In 2011, we started cutting down our own Christmas tree on my mother-in-law’s land. Then we moved to the country and continued the tradition on our own property. Thing is, these trees weren’t raised and trimmed to be Christmas tree, so we’ve had unruly trees right in our living room. Despite all my Type A ways, I really love the perfectly imperfect trees. They help me enjoy the holiday season more.

The perfectly imperfect one from 2013 may have been my favorite tree. You can read about the adventures from 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2016 too.

With November having five Thursdays, we have more time after Thanksgiving before December begins. This is the earliest we’ve ever put up our tree, but that’s just how the calendar worked out. And I’m not sad to ease into December.

Earlier in the month, went to see Zach Williams and Matt Maher in concert. It’s one I’ll remember for a long time. Of course, I shared about that in a post too.

In honor of National Adoption Awareness Month, I shared about our past Novembers, offered a free download of the Kindle version of my book (that 173 of y’all downloaded!), and welcomed two friends to share their stories on my blog. (If you missed those, Kelli shared about how waiting for and adopting her daughter gave her passion for other mommas that she’s turning into a ministry and Michaela shared about how God unites families for his glory.) I also got to see “Instant Family” with some of my dear friends.

Favorite things

Good Grit magazine – I heard about this on That Sounds Fun because Annie Downs was the guest editor of the November/December Beholden issue. It’s a beautiful magazine filled with so many lovely stories. The actual magazine even feels beautiful. I’m happy I subscribed. Magazines in general have been among my favorite things this year. I currently also subscribe to Southern Living, the Magnolia Journal, and the Pioneer Woman’s magazine.

Canvas pictures – I really love documenting our memories on our walls. My new canvas is a favorite addition. And I’ve actually added a couple things to the gallery since I took the picture in this post and have another canvas (which I got free during Black Friday sales!) on the way.

Thirty-One’s Casual Carry-All – I’d been on the hunt for the right everyday bag. I wanted it to be big enough for my planner, Kindle, and all the normal purse things, cross-body strap, pockets, and durable. I don’t change purses often, so I wanted to find the right one. And I did!

Lego Table – For Ben’s birthday, I wanted to give him a huge Lego table that would fit in his bottom bunk, and I love how it turned out! Greg got a piece of wood cut at Lowe’s that would sit down in the bunk bed. I ordered enough off-brand base pieces to cover that piece of wood and glued them down. Greg trimmed the edges with a Dremel tool. Ben told me it was the best birthday present ever, and I’m happy the Legos now live off the floor.

From the bookshelf

“Secret Daughter” by Shilpi Somaya Gowda – I bought this paperback at a book sale for 50 cents this past summer. I wish I’d picked it up sooner because I really loved this fiction story about family that spans two countries. The story provides bittersweet peeks into culture in India, international adoption, and motherhood.

“The Storm-Tossed Family: How the Cross Reshapes the Home” by Russell Moore – Usually I read quickly, but I’ve been taking this one slow over the past several weeks because there is a lot to digest. Moore’s perspective on marriage, children, and church family is encouraging, convicting, and thought-provoking.

“Come Let Us Adore Him: 24 Daily Advent Devotional” by Paul David Tripp – I’m excited to read this devotional as Christmas approaches.

On the screen

“Manifest” – Greg and I have been binging the episodes we had on our DVR. We’re caught up and totally intrigued.

“Grinch” – On Thanksgiving evening, we went to see this new movie in the theater. I love going to the theater and I especially loved watching this one with my youngest, who laughed at all the right parts and ate her body weight in popcorn.

How’s your November been?

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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 eighth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear fifth-grade boy, and our joy-filled preschool 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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Happy, happy 70th birthday to my wonderful mother- Happy, happy 70th birthday to my wonderful mother-in-law. We all are especially happy to celebrate her life this year after her recent quadruple bypass heart surgery and recovery. 🎉 #weekending #TeamTaylor #birthdaygirl
A new book by a favorite author is always a welcom A new book by a favorite author is always a welcomed thing, and @kristinhannahauthor didn’t disappoint. Plus it was my @bookofthemonth pick. 

#TheFourWinds is set during some sad years with the Dust Bowl, migration to California, and the Great Depression. Yet this is a story of hope and belonging. Hope kept a mom and her two kids going, despite circumstances that destroyed. Hope led to this mom finding her voice, recognizing her worth, and discovering love that lasts.

Follow #KHTreads for more book talk. #recommendedreads #fiction #amreading #bookstagram #historicalfiction #bookofthemonth
Seven weeks after quadruple bypass heart surgery, Seven weeks after quadruple bypass heart surgery, my mother-in-law moved home today. We were happy to care for her and we are thrilled she’s doing so well. 

I knew she was faithful and strong before, but watching her recovery from open heart surgery convinced me even more of her steadfastness and courage.

#TeamTaylor #livingfaithfully #reallife #choosingJOY
After three weeks, they’ve returned to school! H After three weeks, they’ve returned to school! Here’s to hope on a Monday morning for whatever comes our way. #momlife #reallife #choosingJOY #siblinglove
Often I don’t want the weekend to end or the sea Often I don’t want the weekend to end or the season to change, but I’m looking forward to Monday after three weeks of quarantine and sickness then snow. I’m looking forward to the snow melting away and eager for spring to bloom.

I’m grateful for health and family and home and a fresh start. A walk through the melting snow with the sun shining and temperatures in the 50s was a sweet spot today. So was gathering with friends we hadn’t seen in too long after church.

Just a few days ago I felt defeated and weary. Now I’m feeling ready and hopeful. Transitions can be rough, but ultimately I’m thankful for new mercies and new seasons.

#weekending #reallife #socialdistancing #countryliving #bettertogether #winterweather #springiscoming #choosingJOY #girlmeetschange #livingfaithfully
We’re sad tonight was the last #MurrayState home We’re sad tonight was the last #MurrayState home basketball game of the season, but we are thankful we had some live winter entertainment. Of course, games looked and sounded different than usual, but the season isn’t over and we’ll be rooting for our blue & gold. 💛 #WeAreRacers #RacerNation #collegebasketball #TeamTaylor #weekending #socialdistancing #thirdchild
We all benefitted from getting outside today. Hone We all benefitted from getting outside today. Honestly, I was so bundled up I got a little warm because somehow I now live where 30 degrees (that feels like 21) is a heat wave. These three help me remember to loosen up and enjoy the moment. ❄️ 

#momlife #snowday #countryliving #socialdistancing #choosingJOY #reallife #winterweather #kentuckyweather
I'm glad I was able to contribute to "Songs of Hop I'm glad I was able to contribute to "Songs of Hope (Vol. 2)", which was compiled by fellow writers @kerilynnsnyder & @sarah_e_frazer. This devotional spends 31 days in the Psalms. 

I share about Psalm 68 and how God built a sanctuary for me at our house in the country and how I want to share that with others. I end the devotional with these questions and a prayer:

"Songs of Hope" offers encouraging truth to bring hope to your weary soul. The devotional is a digital product so you receive the PDF immediately and can read it on any device.  There's a #linkinbio to buy this devotional and more info #ontheblog. #bloggerlife #authorlife #amreading #psalms #psalm68 #bettertogether #hope #KHTreads
I ended 2020 saying it had been a weird year, but, I ended 2020 saying it had been a weird year, but, truthfully, the first six weeks of 2021 have been weird too. Weird seems like a weak word, but I can’t think of another. These past six weeks haven’t been bad, have included plenty of great moments, and shifted so many things in our house. Through it all, my best friend Jaclyn and I haven’t gotten to hang out much.

I’m thankful Greg picked up her and her girls in his four-wheel drive truck yesterday after his short day at the office. We bundled up for some time outside, the kids had legit snow cones, we combined food to make dinner, and various people played various games. Jaclyn and her girls went back to their house this morning, but we are all thankful for old friends & new memories.

#bettertogether #winterweather #reallife #countryliving #snowday #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY
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