Kara’s Collection: Homecoming

Kara’s Collection: Homecoming

From an article originally posted November 6, 2013…

We enjoyed every last minute in California. The kids giggled with cousins, and we talked and laughed with our siblings. They introduced us to their favorite cheap Mexican food, their favorite breakfast spot, and their favorite beaches. Disney will always have a special corner of my heart, the happy exhausted place, but the living near family was a gift. I grieved a little that it took us so long to make the trip. Fifteen years to be exact. Josh was Jason’s college roommate, he introduced him to his lovely little sister, and now his best friend is his brother. Isn’t that beautiful? It was so good to be with them last week.

Community Series Q&A: Unsolicited Advice

Community Series Q&A: Unsolicited Advice

What does it look like to be there for others without offering unsolicited advice?
Answered by Allie de Graaf

This topic is very close to my heart, since my own story has involved crushing circumstances. More than once, I have received grace from people at times but have also been hurt when I have shared. I remember being told during an acutely agonizing season that You have the Lord! In other words, knowing Christ means that I have no reason or excuse to struggle or bleed or break: everything in my life should be tidy and in order, regardless of the pain my soul might know.

Kara’s Collection: Pixy Dust, Pain, and the Tension of Reality

Kara’s Collection: Pixy Dust, Pain, and the Tension of Reality

From an article originally posted November 4, 2013…

Life is lived in tension. I have always wondered at the thrill of fear, but after experiencing Disneyland for the first time, I understand. Some dear friends, some strangers, and a volleyball team made it possible for us to sneak away this week. We played on the beach, we giggled endlessly with family, we enjoyed our grandparents, and we decided to spend two days in Disney. It was never on my radar of things to do, but after an oppressively hard month, we needed a break.

6 Reasons to Invite

6 Reasons to Invite

One of the reasons Kara and I clicked right away was our similar understanding of hospitality. The first night we met the Tippetts, they came over after dinner at a restaurant to hang out. I had a newborn baby and my house had blankets, binkies, and burp rags strewn all over; yet, it didn’t matter—no one was uncomfortable because of a bit of baby paraphernalia. In fact, Kara was one of my few friends that I didn’t mind if she did The Popover because I knew she couldn’t care less about the state of my house. And she saw it in many states over the course of our friendship… We both loved gathering people in our homes, and while our hosting styles were different, we loved the heart of hospitality and the difference inviting others over can have on hearts. If you are on the fence about hosting, maybe these six quick reasons to invite will encourage you!

Kara’s Collection: My Moments

Kara’s Collection: My Moments

From an article originally posted October 29, 2013…

We hopped on a jet plane and decided to run away to visit family in San Diego for a time with our little people. When we heard that cancer had returned so quickly, we decided we needed time away. Time spent relishing our moments together. Time trying to exhale. Time spent trying to capture memories. We are all more tired than we admit, more needy of rest than we can comprehend.