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 this 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 this 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 this 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 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.

Subscribe for Updates

Recent Posts

  • Let’s go where trust is without borders
  • How to plan a cozy family night
  • Love Your Home Once Again
  • Creating Family Unity
  • Books of 2020

#PorchStories button

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation

On Instagram

I’ve loved Cate’s school experience at @ncca.l I’ve loved Cate’s school experience at @ncca.lions, a small but growing classical, Christian school. I knew there were both advantages and sacrifices of keeping her in a small class for middle school and agonized over possibly moving her to a bigger school. I only considered moving her because I wasn’t sure what her classmates, some of who are freshman this year, were going to do for high school. But they stayed, and we stayed. Now she’s an eighth grader in a class of nine. 

A couple years ago, I prayed for more girls. God gave her class two. Sometimes people move on, and sometimes people move in. But this sweet class of eighth and ninth graders has been faithful — to each other, to our school, to an unknown future. They’re paving a way for the students behind them, including my other two kids. 

God has been kind to my momma heart and given me some assurances she is where she’s supposed to be. One of these provisions is a basketball team that has become competitive with the other teams we’ve gotten to play. It’s more than just some games, though. I’ve watched my 13-year-old daughter become more confident on the court and in life. I’m grateful for her friends and their shared love of this game. I’m thankful for where God has us. 

#momlife #classicaleducation #choosingJOY #livingfaithfully #girlmom #momconfessions #bettertogether #middleschool #middleschoolbasketball
At a basketball game Thursday night, Ben told me h At a basketball game Thursday night, Ben told me he had a loose tooth and was going to go to the bathroom to maybe pull it. He pulled it. That’s #14, and he’s dealt with every single one, just as his older sister did with all 20 of hers.

Meanwhile, little sister has a loose tooth that she won’t wiggle, avoids using to eat, and won’t let her siblings pull. We’ve bribed, threatened, and failed to persuade.

#momlife #boymom #thirdchild #girlmom #reallife #momconfessions
I was overdue for some TLC to my hair, so I got it I was overdue for some TLC to my hair, so I got it trimmed and colored this week. You know it’s time when the stylist takes before and after pictures. My friend @whitneyrscott at @blushsalon always does a good job. 

In addition to the much-needed TLC, I also got bangs. After a few days, I can say I love them. The resident teenager at my home doesn’t like this — and she tells me daily. I tell her I don’t care whether she likes them because I do and it’s my hair. She also didn’t like the tennis shoes I bought a few weeks ago. Again, I do, so who cares. 

Anyway, it’s Friday! So let’s do some #fridayintroductions around here. Tell me three things you’re loving these days. I’ve already mostly told you mine: 

1️⃣ My bangs. I’ve included a picture of the fun waves that Whitney gave me at the salon and the more likely normal styling — by that I mean blow drying and some minor straightening to train the bangs. 
2️⃣ New tennis shoes, which are gray & purple Brooks Launch 7, if you’re curious. My nail color accidentally matches them. 
3️⃣ The teenager in my house. I’ve been giving her grief about her dislike of my fashion choices, but I really love being around her. Honestly, she’s the easiest kid in my house right now. 

✨ Bonus current love: Who can tell me what TV character inspired my hairdo? If you know, then that’s also the TV show I recently binged and am eagerly awaiting new episodes. 

So, what are you loving — even if nobody else in your life does? #momconfessions #reallife #reallifeconfessions #momlife #choosingJOY
It’s been a night of basketball! First, my girl’s middle school game. Now, our favorite college team. Turns out they’re both navy & gold so that’s good for wardrobe choices. 💛 #girlmom #momlife #RacerNation #WeAreRacers #MurrayState
“The Chicken Sisters” by @kjda was a fun, quic “The Chicken Sisters” by @kjda was a fun, quick read this weekend. I added it to my to-read list recently and then saw it as a @bookofthemonth add-on.

I enjoyed the feuding sisters story unfolding while filming a realty show about their family’s feuding chicken restaurants in a small Kansas town. Of course, not everything is quite as it seems, so the reality show helps uncover some reality both sisters were missing.

#amreading #bookstagram #booklover #recommendedreads #thechickensisters #weekending
We needed to get out of the house today — even t We needed to get out of the house today — even though the sun barely peeked through the clouds into the cold air. #countryliving #weekending #choosingJOY #boymom #thirdchild
A week into Peggy’s recovery at our house, and t A week into Peggy’s recovery at our house, and these two have spent a lot of time together. Rachel encourages her and stays close. Peggy plays games and watches movies with Rachel.

Honestly, this #thirdchild of mine was probably my biggest concern with having Peggy recover from open heart surgery here: I didn’t want Rachel to hug too hard. I didn’t know if she’d understand that her Gran-Gran looks fine on the inside but hurts on the inside. She’s been booted from her room, but she’s been sleeping well on her mattress in the back living room. She’s actually probably not going to know what to do when Peggy moves back home.

For now, we’ll let them make memories together. That’s part of caretaking I hadn’t considered. #bettertogether #weekending #choosingJOY
I’ve been in a reading slump. I returned one lib I’ve been in a reading slump. I returned one library book I couldn’t get into and then couldn’t decide what to read next. So I went with this library book — and I’m glad I did.

“The Unhoneymooners” by @christinalauren is a funny romance novel that helped distract my mind from heavy thoughts. It also made me want to go to Maui. The dialogue is delightful, the story of quirky from the get-go, and I definitely found myself rooting for Ethan and Olive.

I also discovered by reading the acknowledgements (possibly my favorite thing about books!) that @christinalauren is the pen name for a writing duo. What fun to write novels with a friend! 

As always, I’m happy to accept your recommendations on what to read next. I may also be pondering what friend with whom to write my next book. 📚 #amreading #fiction #authorlife #bookstagram #bettertogether #romcombooks
My friend Delana called before she brought us dinn My friend Delana called before she brought us dinner yesterday and asked if we liked chocolate pie. Um, yes. Turns out both Peggy and I love chocolate pie. Delana gave us chocolate chips cookies too, you know, just in case we didn’t like pie.

My friends are loving on us so well this week with dinner & dessert, obviously. Yes, the food is good, but the way they saw a need and met it is even more gracious. (I wrote a book about gathering & nourishing your people!) Having someone provide dinner has freed up some mental space I’m able to use for taking care of Peggy and parenting my kids, some of whom have needed a little extra love and guidance this week. 

Peggy is nine days removed from open heart surgery with quadruple bypass and is doing well. She had a good check up with her primary care provider this morning. We’re thankful for our community of people who continue to pray for us, feed us, and provide help, like today’s impromptu preschool pickup when an appointment ran long. (Thanks, @katie_cunningham85 & @tstanger25!)

#bettertogether #momlife #reallife #morethangroceries #choosingJOY
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorite Places & Projects

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 Kristin Hill Taylor | Design by Traci Michele | Development by MRM

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.