Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Let’s come before the throne

April 26, 2022 by Kristin 2 Comments

We collectively are living in difficult times. I’m sure every generation has said that. But it doesn’t make the harsh world in which we are living any less true. We’ve weathered COVID-19 and the many ripples in our daily living, healthcare system, political climate, and soaring gas and grocery prices. 

Plus as individuals, we are all facing our own trials. I think the assumption is nobody will understand our difficulties as wives, moms, friends, sisters, and aunts. But that’s not actually true. We have a God who understands and wants us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help at the time of our need” (Hebrews 4:16). 

At the time of our need. Not after we’ve figured it out. Not after the difficult season has passed. Not when we’ve sought the advice of our best friends. (I’m preaching to myself here!) 

I’ve been disappointed with people, but I’m not the first person to navigate difficult relationships. Just think about Moses. God called him to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt and through the wilderness to the Promised Land. The people grumbled. Moses needed Aaron to speak for him. But God didn’t give up on Moses and Moses met with God regularly. Moses may have never gotten to see the Promised Land, but he had a faithful relationship with his God and his people. 

Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh, but he prayed even after his disobedience. Plenty of times in my life I didn’t want to do what I knew was right. I’m thankful we can approach God despite whatever circumstances and choices are keeping us from obedience. 

Those are just two examples of people who prayed in difficult times. “Before the Throne: Finding Strength Through Prayer in Difficult Times” is an eight-week Bible study I’m looking forward to working through this summer. Lord knows I have my own difficult times, but I still want to deepen my relationship with God in ways that come about through prayer. 

About the book

God’s people know they can turn to Him when times get tough. Instead of trying to fix things on our own, we can enter God’s throne room in prayer. The access granted to us by Jesus our High Priest is our comfort when the world is turned upside down. In “Before the Throne,” Crickett offers eight prayer warriors from Scripture who turned to God when times became difficult. You’ll learn to pray with:

  • Moses in times of disappointment
  • The Psalmists in times of need
  • Hezekiah in times of battle
  • Habakkuk in times of questioning
  • Jesus in a time of intercession
  • Paul in times of hardship
  • Revelation saints in times of worship

As you study these prayers, you’ll be strengthened as you see how these godly Bible characters poured out their hearts to God and how He responded to them. You’ll learn how to pray with the same power when you feel weak, helpless, stressed, or afraid. As you turn your focus toward God’s character through prayer, He will supply the strength you need to face whatever is before you.

“Before the Throne” is a 256-page paperback Bible study published by Moody Publishers (March 1, 2022). 

About the author

Crickett Keeth is the women’s ministry director at First Evangelical Church in Memphis, Tennessee, where she writes and teaches women’s Bible studies. She is the author of several published Bible studies, including “On Bended Knee,” “The Gift of Rest” and “Sumatra with the Seven Churches” (co-authored with Sandra Glahn). Crickett was on staff with Cru for ten years and is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. In addition to teaching regularly at her own church, she also speaks at women’s conferences and retreats. She offers free resources for discipleship and encourages others in their own walk with God through her website at www.crickettkeeth.com. Her life purpose is to encourage others to passionately pursue Jesus Christ.

Giveaway

And I’ve got a copy to share with one of y’all! The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. A winner will be chosen randomly Monday, May 2. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win!

ENTER HERE! –> Before the Throne giveaway

*****

I received a free copy of this Bible study from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I only recommend books I believe are worth your time. 

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Making connecting safe for kids

January 21, 2022 by Kristin Leave a Comment

My boy has always loved a watch and he’s been wanting to have more freedom to text and call friends. Gabb Wireless’ watch is the perfect solution. As a mom, I know he’s safe with this device. Plus he’s happy. 

We got the Gabb Watch for him for Christmas knowing the shipping would be delayed. It arrived this week and we’re already fans. He’s happy he can text and call the 10 pre-approved contacts whenever his watch is unlocked. I control who he’s messaging and calling and when he’s able to use these features. Plus I’m able to track his location. Yes, it’s a little more micromanaging on my end from the Gabb Wireless app on my iPhone, but it’s worth it. 

Our oldest started using a Gabb Phone when she turned 14 last year. (Read our review of that here.) We weren’t ready to take that step with our 12-year-old boy, but this is a good step toward him developing good habits with technology, having a little freedom, and being able to keep up with a few friends. 

Another perk I didn’t know about before ordering is the tasks feature. I can add tasks (aka chores) I want Ben to complete and approve them once he’s completed them. He earns virtual coins that allow him to play a pet game on his watch. This motivates him to get the things done that end up helping me. So, again, win-win. 

Unlimited access to the internet is a growing problem among children. Kids are easily exposed to harmful content and unhealthy interactions. We have security measures in place at our house, but we are still particular about what technology our kids get to use and when they have access to it. Gabb Wireless helps us as parents yet allows our kids to be connected in healthy ways. 

Use the code KRISTIN at checkout to save 25% off either the watch or phone or shop through this link. 

*****

These are affiliate links that save you money and earn me money, but we bought both Cate’s phone and Ben’s watch with our own money and truly believe in what Gabb Wireless is doing to protect kids. 

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The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water

January 4, 2022 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Starting “The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water” by Erin Bartels at the end of one year and finishing it on the first of a new year felt poetic. In the novel, the main character Kendra Brennan is trying to move beyond her childhood trauma in order to write her second book. Some of her childhood trauma was the catalyst for her debut novel, which was successful but also prompted a mysterious note from a Very Disappointed Reader.

While inching closer to her upcoming deadline, Kendra learned there were secrets from her past that complicated what she thought to be true and who sent that mysterious note. This first-person novel switched to a second-person voice when Kendra addressed her childhood best friend, who was a main character in the story but never actually appeared in the current day plot. I don’t know that I’d ever read a book with that alternating voice, but it worked well and allowed the reader to understand Kendra’s friendship with the estranged Cami and gave insight to Kendra’s thoughts. 

The summer lake setting worked well for this story of Kendra unraveling the past so she could move forward with her life. The supporting characters had depth that helped move this well-written story along and straight into the depths of many human emotions. Plus I’m always rooting for love — both the friendship kind and the romantic kind. 

This novel is emotional and suspenseful — and I really enjoyed it. I’m always glad to see a new-to-me author has other books and I’m looking forward to reading more from Bartels. 

“The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water” is about how secrets shape us and unravel us, how forgiveness is a process, and how love is possible even among the pain. This is an example of how the best stories, even the fictional ones, are built on truth and love.  

This 352-page paperback is published by Revell (Jan. 4, 2022). 

About the author

Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of “All That We Carried,” 2020 Christy finalist “The Words between Us,” and “We Hope for Better Things,” a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, 2020 WFWA Star Award-winner, and 2019 Christy finalist. A publishing professional for nearly twenty years, she lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.

*****

I received a free, advanced paperback copy of this book from Revell in exchange for a review. These opinions are my own. 

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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 ninth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear sixth-grade boy, and our joy-filled kindergarten 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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My kids had a yearbook signing party today. And ki My kids had a yearbook signing party today. And kids today don’t know how to sign yearbooks. Cate, my rising sophomore, says it’s because they have phones to take photos and text each other. She’s probably right. 

But the whole conversation and experience took me down memory lane. So much so, I got these yearbooks from my high school days off my bookshelf and read notes. Admittedly, I can’t remember a few people who proclaimed what a great friend I was and I never called some people who wanted to KIT — that’s Keep In Touch, kids — and left their phone numbers (and pager number in one instance!)! 🤣 

I also proceeded to text the three friends (well, really, five, because two girls married two guy friends of mine) with whom I do actually KIT. I have their numbers saved in my iPhone, thankfully. We have made grown-up memories together. We message and try to see each other. My husband knows their maiden names. 

Truly, how has it been 25 years since I graduated from Oldham County High School? I’m sitting on the porch now, rememebering how faithful God has been and thinking about how high school seems like a lifetime ago but also like yesterday. 💙

HAGS, everybody! 

#memorylane #highschool #livingfaithfully #yearbooks #choosingJOY #reallife
Cat nap! 💕 #catsofinstagram #thirdchild #napt Cat nap! 💕 

#catsofinstagram #thirdchild #naptimeshenanigans #PorchStories #reallife #88daysofsummer #summerisbest
A weekend mostly at home meant I read this domesti A weekend mostly at home meant I read this domestic thriller. I’ve always seen @diane.chamberlain.author’s books, but this was the first one I read. I’ve already downloaded others to my Kindle. 

Living with a secret is all Eve Elliot knows. Her life unravels when she confesses to what she knows and there are ripple effects for her husband and two daughters. I thought I had it all figured out and then there was another surprise right at the end! 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #kindlebooks #kindlepaperwhite #booklover #weekending
Little fish 🐠 big pool 💦 happy place ☀️ Little fish 🐠 big pool 💦 happy place ☀️

#poolpeople #thirdchild #88daysofsummer #choosingJOY #PorchStories #weekending #momlife
Well, COVID has changed our vacation plans. Honest Well, COVID has changed our vacation plans. Honestly, it’s hard to believe two-plus years later, and COVID is still interrupting all kinds of things. I know it’s a privilege to travel, but there’s still disappointment. Regardless, we can’t board a cruise ship in Canada on Monday to go to Alaska when my boy tested positive for COVID last night. (Yes, twice. 🤦🏻‍♀️)

But the real point of this post: we are regrouping and going to Wisconsin Dells next week. I’m excited to see somewhere new, even if it’s not what I’d been planning. Let’s be honest, the logistics to get to the cruise were already a lot, so maybe this closer-to-home trip is meant to be right now. 

Anyway, who has been to Wisconsin Dells area? We found a condo and have a list of things going, but I’m accepting all entertainment and restaurant recommendations.

#wisconsindells #reallife #covid_19 #covid #momlife #88daysofsummer #summervacation
I don’t really want to get into an abortion deba I don’t really want to get into an abortion debate here, but I will always champion the unborn, advocate for life, and support mothers and families. When I say “choose life,” I mean in and out of the womb. Choosing life begins with not having an abortion, but it continues to advocating for adoption, foster care, support for moms in lots of different situations. 

Western Kentucky is blessed with resources that do this, including @lifehousemurray in Murray and @_hopecenter in Mayfield. Those are great places to send your money and diapers, recommend to moms expecting or raising little ones, and keep in your prayers. 

If you know someone fostering, we have Partners In Care Foster Closet that offers clothes and supplies to western Kentucky foster families. No strings attached. 

I will forever be an open book about adoption, so I’ll be happy to talk about that with anyone who desires to know more. I even wrote a book about our adoption stories: bit.ly/PeaceInTheProcess #linkinbio 

My three kids have life because three women chose it for them. Those decisions changed my life for the better, and that’s only one piece of a much bigger story. 

#prolife #chooselife #adoptionislove #momlife #authorlife #livingfaithfully #PeaceInTheProcess #reallife #unplannedpregnancy #adoption #family #sisters #siblinglove #currentevents #roevwade #lifematters
Here we are halfway through the year, and so far I Here we are halfway through the year, and so far I've read 40 books. That pace is well beyond my usual number for the year. Last year I read 62 total. I don't join challenges, plan what I'm going to read next, or even have a goal. But I still love keeping track. 

Some things to know about my reading habits: I like actual books, but I've been reading often on my waterproof Kindle Paperwhite. I introduced audiobooks into my life this year and especially enjoyed some memoirs while I was driving around while the kids were in school. I will quit books if I can't get into them, and I've done that a few times this year. I almost always have a book (or books, hello, Kindle) with me, you know, just in case I happen upon some time to read. Here are some other tips for making time for books and reading more.

Today #ontheblog I'm sharing the list of the 40 books I've read so far this year. #linkinbio What else do I need to read this year?

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #kindlebooks #librarybooks #bloggerlife #amreading #favoritethings #choosingJOY
The third installment in Abby Jimenez’s The Frie The third installment in Abby Jimenez’s The Friend Zone series may have been my favorite in this enjoyable rom-com series that also takes on some serious topics. (See two previous #KHTreads posts for the other two!)

I was reading it on my Kindle, but then I was early to pick up one of my kids … and realized I forgot my Kindle. I swung by the library and read a few chapters in print while I waited. I couldn’t waste reading time! 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #librarybooks #kindlebooks #kindlepaperwhite #reallife #momlife #romcombooks
We’ve taken Cate on two mission trips to Guatema We’ve taken Cate on two mission trips to Guatemala with our family, but sending her with our @hardinbaptistchurch family still felt like a big deal. I’m so thankful for the influence @cbright2, @j.essicalouis, @maggiehelms, and others get to have on my girl during these important high school years.

Cate and her friends got to help host a block party, serve at a local church, work in community gardens and at a foster home, and see some Chicago sites. Through it all, I’m thankful she could draw nearer to Jesus and experience ministry in a new way. 

#livingfaithfully #momlife #firstborn #churchlife #88daysofsummer #missiontrip
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