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. 

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery

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I was able to read the majority of “The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery” in one sitting, which worked well for Amanda Cox’s new novel. The dual timeline of this story unfolds as the characters live through secrets, loss, and love. These are the kinds of characters I’ll remember joining me on the banks of a north Georgia creek while my husband was fly fishing. 

I loved the grocery store setting, which worked perfectly for a family legacy that was built on caring for each other and the community. Redemption and grace are part of this story that’s so well written. Cox’s words tell a story but, more importantly, capture feelings and experiences to which so many people can relate. There are so many beautiful nuggets of truth illustrated by Cox’s words. 

This is the second book by Amanda Cox. I thoroughly enjoyed her first book, but this one may be even better. (Read my review of her book here!)

About the book

“The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery” is a 336-page paperback published by Revell (Sept 7, 2021). This fictional story explores the complexity of mother-daughter relationships, the way the secrets we keep shape our lives and the lives of others, and the helping power of telling the truth.

From the back cover:

Present Day. After tragedy plunges her into grief and unresolved anger, Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home determined to finally follow her long-denied dream of running Old Depot Grocery alongside her mother and grandmother. But when she arrives, her mother, Rosemary, announces to her that the store is closing. Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, make a pact to save the store, but Rosemary has worked her entire life to make sure her daughter never follows in her footsteps. She has her reasons–but she’ll certainly never reveal the real one.

1965. Glory Ann confesses to her family that she’s pregnant with her deceased fiancé’s baby. Pressured into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve the family reputation, Glory Ann vows never to love again. But some promises are not as easily kept as she imagined. 

About the author

Amanda Cox is a blogger and curriculum developer for a national nonprofit youth leadership organization. She has a bachelor’s degree in Bible and theology and a master’s degree in professional counseling, but her first love is communicating through story. “The Edge of Belonging” is her first book. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and their three children. Learn more at AmandaCoxWrites.com. 

*****

I received a free paperback copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.