Hospitality

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.

Kara’s Collection: Laundry Love Unfolded

Kara’s Collection: Laundry Love Unfolded

From an article originally posted August 30, 2013…

I’m not sure I know many people who love doing laundry; I certainly don’t. I was given the task of my own laundry at a rather young age, which meant that I mostly wore dirty clothes. As I entered domestic life, I knew this was an area I wanted to love my family. I will not mind if I have to teach my children to do laundry as they leave for college. I feel this is an area I’m happy to love them. Not simple love, but love that pushes through a task I don’t really love. Shoot, I can snuggle-love all day, but laundry love, that costs.

Kara’s Collection: The Gift of Two Months

Kara’s Collection: The Gift of Two Months

From an article originally posted May 30, 2013…

One cannot know how they will face cancer. The sick nights and long days in anguish fighting for a good attitude for the people you love living next to you as you struggle. The stupor of drugs and pain is exhaustingly long. When we started this journey, we knew we needed help to navigate this mine field. We knew we needed the kids to be supported in a gentle, loving way. This was going to break us all.

Kara’s Collection: The Crowded Table

Kara’s Collection: The Crowded Table

From an article originally posted March 7, 2013

I know I will always be writing about cancer, church planting, suffering, and life with kids, but what I really love is sharing my table! I love what I have seen happen to hearts around a meal. Love it! I always looked for a home where I could have a giant table. This house, well, we took out a wall, and Jason built the table. Build the table, cook the food, and they will come!

Kara’s Collection: The Power of Coffee

Kara’s Collection: The Power of Coffee

From an article originally posted January 2, 2013… 

I love coffee. Love it! I struggled through chemo when I couldn’t drink it because of the awful taste in my mouth. But coffee is powerful. The smell reminds me of the place where Jason and I connect every morning. When I was really sick in bed, Jason would put a cup of coffee beside my bed. The smell encouraged me to wake up even if I couldn’t drink it.