Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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

Search Results for: label/Love Idol

{Love Idol} Preapproved by the Creator

March 24, 2014 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Ben and Cate were late to school on Friday. I don’t like to be late, but I was given a chance to lay down, step on, and crush my idol of Productivity. I failed at first. I rushed people around. I was snippy with everyone while I was frustrate with myself for laying in bed 15 extra minutes.

But once we got in the mini van, I felt my heart relax, even knowing they were going to be late to school. And I let go of the hurried demeanor that too-often steals my joy.

Cate, my first-grader with perfectionist tendencies just like mine, had been wrestling with an insecurity that morning that began with her ponytail and went all the way to her heart. Once I stopped rushing, we talked about what was bothering her on our way to school. Sitting at that one red light and waiting to be able to turn at another intersection slowed us down from getting to school, but it also gave me time to talk to Cate about what was important:

God made her. Her hair isn’t going to look like her friend’s hair. She was created unique, both in her physical appearance and in every other way. As I told Cate about how God preapproves us because he made us and loves us and isn’t waiting on is to perform perfectly, God was speaking to my heart. She wasn’t the only one who needed the truth that morning.

And that applies to each of us.

“Until you are convinced of God’s incredible love for you, you will continue looking for replacement love everywhere but in the heart of Christ.”

{Jennifer Dukes Lee in “Love Idol“}

This truth has been wrecking my heart lately. And I mean wrecking in a way that is ultimately good, even if it’s painful and hard at some moments. I’ve been letting go of replacement loves, some of which are good things. But even good things distract from the best thing.

Jennifer Dukes Lee wrote “Love Idol” not as an expert but as an encourager. Even the subtitle speaks volumes: Letting Go of Your Need for Approval – and Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes. Jennifer’s words, which really are God’s message, have seeped into my everyday life. Isn’t that where truth changes us anyway? In her book, Jennifer reminded me “any average moment in this life is never really average if we’re living each ordinary moment for an extraordinary God.”

“To be preapproved means this: We love from our approval, not for our approval. We love without expecting anything in return.”

{Jennifer Dukes Lee in “Love Idol“}

I named my idol Productivity. That’s what distracts me from focusing on loving God and loving others. I’ve laid it down these past few weeks, although I’ve failed plenty of times since. But that’s not my only idol. I’m a people-pleasing, perfectionist-craving momma who often wonders if she did enough or said the right thing. The replacement loves abound in my heart and I have to give them back to the Maker moment by moment, again and again. 

But I know my perspective has changed. My to-do list isn’t as dominating as it once was. I’ve yelled less. I’ve seen my chores and relationships and roles differently. Yes, there’s still room for improvement, but at least I know the One is working in changing me. This is a process.

The kids and I walked into school a few minutes late Friday morning. Cate and I hugged each other a little tighter than usual. I reminded her that God loves her and chose her.

I signed in Ben and Cate at the school office at 8:05 and they walked down the hallway to the classrooms. I prayed they carried the truth of being created and chosen by God with them. I prayed they remember they don’t have to perform or fit into some mold to know that life-changing love.

And I left the school knowing being a few minutes late that morning wasn’t going to ruin our day. Those few minutes actually improved our day and most likely our lives.

________

I received a free copy of “Love Idol” for being part of the book’s launch team, but I believe in Jennifer Duke Lee’s words and am thankful to have this book as a resource. And it’s officially releasing early – today! You can buy it from Amazon or many other booksellers. Read the other posts “Love Idol” has inspired here. 

For more encouragement, visit Jennifer Dukes Lee’s website and The Love Idol Movement page on Facebook. I’m also linking up with Jen Ferguson’s Soli Deo Gloria party, where idols are also being smashed. 

Want more stories? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’, or subscribe to receive “Insights in Your Inbox.” This post contains affiliate links.

  • 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)

The 2014 Book List

December 29, 2014 by Kristin Leave a Comment


As a kid, I would sit at the kitchen table and read the back of the cereal box. Now as an adult, I have a Kindle full of stories and traditional books on one specific shelf awaiting my attention. 

I read in the school pick up line and while waiting for my son’s allergy shots when he doesn’t beg me to play Memory or I Spy. I keep an ongoing list of what I’ve read over at Goodreads, but I like to share it here a couple times of year too. {This is an updated post of the one I shared in July.}

And, yes, my own book is on the list. I read it many, many times this year before self-publishing it this fall. 

Fiction

  • “Missing You” by Harlan Coben
  • “Fall From Grace” by Richard North Patterson
  • “That Certain Summer” by Irene Hannon
  • “One Perfect Spring” by Irene Hannon
  • “Made in the U.S.A.” by Billie Letts
  • “The Secret Keeper” by Kate Morton {Related Post}
  • “Full Disclosure” by Dee Henderson
  • “Unspoken” by Dee Henderson
  • “Undetected” by Dee Henderson
  • “Dangerous Passage” (Southern Crimes #1) by Lisa Harris
  • “Fatal Exchange” (Southern Crimes #2) by Lisa Harris
  • “Deceived” by Irene Hannon {Review}
  • “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
  • “Trading Secrets” by Melody Carlson {Review}
  • “Submerged” (Alaskan Courage Book #1) by Dani Pettrey
  • “Shattered” (Alaskan Courage Book #2) by Dani Pettrey
  • “Stranded” (Alaskan Courage Book #3) by Dani Pettrey
  • “Silenced” (Alaskan Courage Book #4) by Dani Pettrey
  • “Hidden Agenda” (Southern Crimes #3) by Lisa Harris {Review coming in January!}

Non-fiction // Christianity

  • “Let. It. Go.” by Karen Ehman
  • “Love Idol” by Jennifer Dukes Lee {Review & Related Posts}
  • “The Applause of Heaven” by Max Lucado
  • “Chasing God” by Angie Smith {Review}
  • “Restless: Because You Were Made for More” by Jennie Allen {Review}
  • “Storyline: Finding Your Subplot in God’s Story” by Donald Miller {Related Posts}
  • “Front Porch Living: A Faith Journey to the Summers of Yesteryear” by Lori Dunham
  • “Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace” by Anne Jackson
  • “Wherever the River Runs” by Kelly Minter {Review}
  • “Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity” by Jen Hatmaker
  • “I Am Hutterite” by Mary-Ann Kirkby
  • “Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes” by Shauna Niequist
  • “What Your Heart Needs on the Hard Days” by Holley Gerth {Review}
  • “Loop: What Women Need to Know” by Jennifer Camp {Related Post}
  • “A Life That Matters” by Ron Hutchcraft

Non-fiction // Parenthood

  • “No More Perfect Kids” by Jill Savage and Kathy Koch {Review & Related Posts}
  • “Bringing Home the Missing Linck: A Journey of Faith to Family” by Jennifer Jackson Linck
  • “Surprised by Motherhood” by Lisa-Jo Baker {Review}
  • “Trucks, Tantrums and Trusting Him: Confessions of a Boy Mom” by Jennifer Jackson Linck {Review}
  • “A to Z Summer Fun: Ideas to Inspire Family Fun” by Cathy Baker {Review}
  • “Small Talk: Learning From My Children What Matters Most” by Amy Julia Becker {Review}
  • “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” by Kristin Hill Taylor (me!) {Related Posts 
  • “Blessed Chaos: A Journey Through Instant Motherhood” by Ashley Wells {Excerpt}

Non-fiction // Marriage

  • “Worth the Fight: Lessons Learned in a High Maintenance Marriage” by Kayse Pratt {Review}
  • “The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted” by Gary Chapman {Review}
  • “The Antelope in the Living Room: The Real Story of Two People Sharing One Life” by Melanie Shankle
  • “Pure Eyes, Clean Heart: A Couple’s Journey to Freedom from Pornography” by Jen & Craig Ferguson {Review}
  • “A Lifelong Love” by Gary Thomas {Review}

Non-fiction // Writing

  • “Self-Publish: Moving from Idea to Product” by Erin Ulrich & Teri Lynne Underwood
  • “How to Market and Sell Your eBook” by Sarah Mae

What have you read this year that’s worth adding to my Amazon wish list?

________

You can check out my 2013 book list too. This post includes Amazon affiliate links. If you order through my links I receive a tiny percentage, but the price doesn’t increase for you. Thanks for supporting this blog. 

Want more stories? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’, or subscribe to receive “Insights in Your Inbox.”
  • 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)

Mid-week relief for all your days

August 20, 2014 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Sometimes I get to Wednesday relieved I survived Monday and Tuesday.

When I start my to-do list of things that need to happen the next week, I always write it on my Monday calendar. And then I spend Monday running errands, replying to emails, and taking care of all sorts of business – like it all has to be done before lunch the first work day of the week.

Whatever doesn’t happen Monday is rolled over to Tuesday. And surely I get it all done by Wednesday, right?

Of course not!

There’s always something to be done. It’s not always important or even necessary. Some days I get the priorities messed up. And other days I realize it’s OK to sit down with a fiction book that may not help me solve all the world’s problems.

My tendency is to bow down to productivity. I’m such a work-before-play girl. But I’m slowly realizing that’s no way to live – not on Mondays or any other day of the week.

Because it doesn’t all have to be finished today.

It’s impossible it’ll all be done today.

So don’t forget to rest. I’m encouraging you while reminding myself: Read your Bible. Write someone you miss a letter. Call your friend on the phone. Pick up that fiction book you’ve been waiting to read. Get a pedicure. Go on a walk with a friend. Play a game with your kids. Bake a pie, if that’s your thing. Watch a movie with your husband.

Or just sit there.

There’s no right way to rest.

But there’s power in remembering that to-do list doesn’t haven’t to be conquered by lunchtime on Monday. I’ve been telling myself: It’s OK to slow down and sit down. In fact, there are plenty of days it’s not until I sit down I remember to Whom I should bow down. I lose sight of God when I’m rushing around, striking the next task off my Monday calendar like it owns me.

________

I’m linking this post with Jennifer Dukes Lee’s #TellHisStory and Holley Gerth’s Coffee for your Heart. I’ve written on this subject before, inspired by Jennifer Dukes Lee’s “Love Idol.”

Want more stories? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’, or subscribe to receive “Insights in Your Inbox.”

  • 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 know, “everyone” is reading “Spare” by P I know, “everyone” is reading “Spare” by Prince Harry. But I also keep hearing different opinions about it. So here’s mine!

I am intrigued by the royal family and I liked watching “Suits,” just so you know my very loose interest. I had also watched the @netflix documentary Harry and Meghan released. 

Short answer: I really enjoyed listening to this book. 

An heir, then a spare. Deep grief as a child when his mom dies that he doesn’t really confront until he’s older. An institution that governs every decision in his life yet doesn’t protect him when he felt like he needed it. That’s some heartbreaking makings of a good story. And I appreciate Prince Harry telling it — even though I’m sure parts were incredibly difficult. I also appreciate why he and Meghan did what they did and are trying to establish new, different roots. 

Ultimately, this book is about death and life and all the moments in between. I’d recommend listening to it because his voice is a good one. 

One minor, silly complaint: There are 232 chapters, although they’re numbered starting with one in each of the three sections. That makes the audiobook not flow quite as well as it would otherwise because most of them are just a few minutes long. 

I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I’d love to hear what you think because, you know, everybody is reading it! #KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #readersofinstagram #audiobooks #audible #princeharry
We are all in for basketball season! Tonight was @ We are all in for basketball season! Tonight was @murraystateuniv Spirit Night at the @memgrizz game. We had some pre-game fun with friends, watched the Grizzlies come back from 19 down to win, and witnessed Ja Morant’s triple double.

#memphisgrizzlies #basketballseason #NBA #TeamTaylor #bettertogether #weekending #favoritethings #RacerNation #MurrayState #WeAreRacers
Cheering for our Racers — and, really, most ever Cheering for our Racers — and, really, most everything in life — is more fun with friends! What an awesome atmosphere at the CFSB Center today with a Murray State win, Ja Morant in the arena, and more memories.

#RacerNation #MurrayState #collegebasketball #basketballseason #bettertogether #WeAreRacers
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
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorites

Categories

Archives

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