• We still gather together.

    ByKristin community, life

    Some friends and I laughed about the already apparent shortage of Clorox wipes on Friday, March 13, 2020. We were gathered together to eat Megan’s delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and play Nertz. We knew by that evening that school was shutting down one week at a time to let COVID-19 run its course. 

    That was our family’s last gathering with people for 11 weeks. Of course, we saw some of our people in porch or parking lot meetings when we turned in schoolwork, picked up library books, picked up groceries, and delivered things to each other. We missed our usual Easter gathering, the fun events that conclude a school year, and three birthday celebrations in our immediate family. I talked on the phone to my best friend while we walked on our separate streets. 

    We widened our circle on Memorial Day weekend with my extended family and then my best friend and her family. That summer we gradually widened it more. My kids started back to school in August and went almost all of the 2020-21 year – minus the weeks in February we had to shut down, just as our teachers and staff were getting their first COVID vaccines, because we had too many Upper School students testing positive. Mostly the virus made its way through the basketball teams. The summer of 2021 felt more normal, and gradually we’ve weathered variant strands and roller coaster local case numbers. 

    But life just hasn’t been the same since March 13, 2020. 

    We got vaccinated as we could in 2021 – me first with the school staff in February and then March, Greg shortly after mine in March thanks to an extra dose where a friend works, Cate in August because that was six months after she had COVID with her teammates, Ben and Rachel in November when the pediatric dose was available. I got my booster dose in November; Greg in December. Cate is getting hers soon. Of course, the medical aspects continued into 2022 when Rachel tested positive for a very mild case of COVID in January. 

    I could tell you all sorts of things I learned about my people, our family, the beauty of downtime, adjusting perspectives … and on and on. The pandemic ended up prompting us to look at our church life … and change churches. My capacity for a crowded calendar changed, but now I’m having to adjust again. Disappointment comes a little easier for certain people in my household because activities and events are rescheduled quicker than they would have been before. During the past two years, there has been so much information and so many lessons in my mind and heart. 

    But here’s the biggest thing I’ve learned: Gathering with your people matters. 

    Of course, I already believed this. I wrote a whole book about it. But here we are two years removed from when our worlds shut down. People reopened their lives when they were ready, but I wish we’d never shut ours down, at least not in the ways we did for those 11 weeks. 

    I was scared of what people were telling us, especially about how we could be carrying the virus and not know it and infect elderly loved ones. Of course, I’d never want to do that to anyone. Of course, I’m willing to take precautions for the sake of others. Of course, hindsight to 2020 really is 20/20. 

    But here we are. Two years later. 

    I know I’ve changed. I know my kids have changed. I know my family has changed as individuals and as a collective group of five. Relationships have changed – some certainly for the better. We attend a church that is exactly where we need to be. We know better now who are people truly are. We know those things because social distancing deepened our desire to gather as a family, as friends, in a church, and at school events. 

    Right now, gathering together looks different than before March 13, 2020. Some of that is pandemic-induced, but some of it is just our season of life. 

    We have two kids who play basketball. One of those and another kid play soccer, which is basically when it’s not basketball season. But gathering in the stands to cheer on our kids or with other little kids and moms while we wait for the big kids to finish practice matters too. We’ve become Wednesday night church people because we get to gather with a crew of people who make us laugh and point us to Jesus. We have developed new relationships when we gather in Sunday school class or when we chat in the pick-up line after school.

    We gather as we go. We gather as we live out our lives. We gather together because we want to. And I’d have it no other way – especially when I think back to those 11 weeks in 2020. 

    Now bring on more Nertz games and grilled cheese sandwiches. 

    *****

    Ironically, I did self-publish a book called “Bringing Home More Than Groceries: Stories of Gathering & Nourishing People” in September 2020. Yeah, I don’t know who releases a book about gathering when much of the world is still social distancing. But I did. I don’t regret it, but I do feel led to share about it now that we are far beyond March 13, 2020. So much has changed, and so much has stayed the same. 

    On my website, you can learn more about my book, find some fun free resources including a printable about how hospitality looks in each season and a playlist, and read endorsements. Of course, you can buy the book at Amazon too. 

  • Growing slow right here

    ByKristin books, review

    This spring felt normal. And normal is welcomed after the grief I walked through in 2019 and the social distancing we experienced in 2020. But normal also means house projects, plans, relationships, and responsibilities are in progress. 

    I have to remind myself progress is valuable and is where we spend the bulk of our life. Yes, of course, I’d rather the house be cleaned, all the outside property projects be completed, every conversation in my head to become reality, friendships to be secure, and my to-do list be wiped clean. I had a hint of being caught up in 2020, but only because plans and commitments were canceled, people were distanced, and normal pace was slowed. But 2020 also offered some internal healing for me — and I want to hold on.

    I was to keep growing slow in my everyday life, regardless of the external circumstances. 

    “We need a way to recover from hurray sickness. Healing will come from the inside out, in our hearts, where Jesus dwells and where wild things grow. This Jesus actually sees us as we grow good things in our families, friendships, and faith journeys.” — Jennifer Dukes Lee in her new book “Growing Slow”

    “Growing Slow: Lessons on Unhurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl” is one of the few non-fiction books I’ve read this year and one I can’t get enough of. I got to read an early copy of the first six chapters as part of the launch team, but I’ve been eager for the actual book to show up in my mailbox (which it did yesterday!) so I could read more. I’ve got quotes and notes in my journal and I have no doubt I will have plenty more to add to them. 

    Jennifer Dukes Lee writes as if she gets me, because she does. She gets the pressures and expectations that I put on myself and understands there are seasons to grow and change and adapt throughout life. She tells stories and encourages readers as she shares about an entire year on her family’s Iowa farm. 

    Here in my life in Kentucky, I’m tempted to miss those days from last year, even though in the midst of them I longed for normal. The grass is always the greener, but all grass has to be mowed eventually. I’m just thankful we have grass that grows right where I am. And I’m trying to remember this season of normal is the rhythm of life right now and is bound to change again, so I might as well enjoy it and grow with it. 

    About the book

    Jennifer Dukes Lee offers a path to unhurried living by returning to the rhythm of the land and learning the ancient art of Growing Slow. You can live the great life you want, but it’s not the way you think. It isn’t about chasing that life down, it’s about slowing that life down. Hurry says everything is a task to be attacked. Slow says that you get to decide what’s important, and you get to reprioritize life in a way that lines up with what matters most. Start by building the habit of slow into your life, one act at a time.

    This book presents a message of encouragement with practical application and journaling prompts. 

    “Growing Slow” is a 272-page hardcover book published by Zondervan (May 11, 2021). It’s available most anywhere you buy books, including Amazon. 

    About the author

    Jennifer Dukes Lee lives on the fifth-generation Lee family farm in Iowa, where she and her husband are raising crops, pigs, and two beautiful humans. She writes books, loves queso, and enjoys singing too loudly to songs with great harmony. Once upon a time, she didn’t believe in Jesus; now he’s her CEO. Find Jennifer at and on Instagram at @JenniferDukesLee.

    *****

    I did receive an advanced PDF copy of the first six chapters, but I paid for my copy of this book and will buy others as gifts. I truly am thankful for this message from one of my favorite authors. 

  • How to plan a cozy family night

    ByKristin family, hospitality
    1 Comment

    In any given year, January can be a tough time with dark nights and dreary weather. Throw in a global pandemic that has restricted many of our normal activities, and, well, you have the perfect recipe for a gloomy month. Instead, let’s embrace what my husband calls “an attitude of gratitude.”

    My kids know I don’t like them to complain about being bored. Rather I want them to enjoy our space, their toys, and each other. Likewise, I want to see our extra time at home this winter while we’re staying warm and avoiding the coronavirus as time to unwind, take care of ourselves, and reconnect with one another without some of the usual daily pressures.

    This winter isn’t a normal winter, but that’s how seasons work. There are rhythms even when circumstances change. I remind myself of this often during these short days that have me longing for summer.

    “God has made each season beautiful and appropriate in its own time. Yes, spring, summer, fall, and winter repeat, but each winter looks different than the one before because God is transforming me. I’m not the same this year as I was as a child or even just last year. There can be similarities and traditions from one year to the next, but the details change from one season to the next, from one year to the next. That’s both wonderful and terrifying. …

    Nothing in this life stays the same. That almost seems like a threat, but really it’s a promise too. Traditions anchor us, but our God won’t leave us where we were in the winter by the time springs starts blooming new life.”

    – From my book “Bringing Home More Than Groceries: Stories of Gathering & Nourishing People”

    Let’s look at a few ways to plan the ultimate cozy night in – with your family, whoever else lives under your roof, who you’re quarantining with, or a larger social circle once the pandemic passes.

    Curl up with a good book

    Okay, so, I miss having a fire place, but y’all know I always want a good book!

    Apparently when speaking of happiness, relaxation, and self-care, some people use the Danish word ‘hygge’ as it encapsulates those feelings and activities. I associate comfort with being snuggled up the couch we love, wrapped in a soft blanket, a kid cuddled in close, and a book that I can’t put down.

    I tend to prefer actual books, but Kindles and other devices sure are handy. Take a look at Troypoint for some of the best sites to download books or stream your favorite shows, movies, or music. Of course, if you’re looking for some recommended reads, I’ve got y’all covered there too.

    Order a takeout

    My mother-in-law has been recovering from a quadruple bypass heart surgery at our house for the past couple of weeks. That’s added some extra logistic details to our life, but it’s also prompted our great community of friends to feed us! I’ve barely cooked this month, which has been nice. I enjoy cooking, but a break has been welcomed for my shrinking mental capacity. Plus we just learned Murray Eats delivers food from restaurants to our porch. We live seven miles from town, so we didn’t think we could have pizza – much less Cracker Barrel – delivered to us.

    Yes, COVID-19 has interrupted eating out plans, but so many of our local restaurants have upped their carry-out game. So take a break, and order dinner in. Perhaps even enjoy it on some paper plates!

    When our friends are feeding us, I will get back to recruiting my oldest daughter to help me in the kitchen. I do cherish that time together making memories and meals.

    Have a sleepover

    We don’t really do sleepovers outside our house for various reasons that have nothing to do with a cozy night in. With Peggy recovering from her open heart surgery here, we’ve had to play musical bedrooms. Cate moved to Rachel’s room and Rachel has a spare twin mattress in our back living room. Seeing Rachel set up with her stuffed animals, favorite blankets, and unicorn sleep mask reminds me of how cozy and fun it can be for kids to vary their sleeping situations.

    Dig out some fairy lights, sweet and salty snacks, and tell your kids all about your own sleepover experiences – or at least the parts you want them to know about!

    Play board games

    Y’all know we love games around here! We’ve been playing a lot of Monopoly Junior and Othello recently, but ask me next week and we’re likely to have other boxes sitting on our dining room table. Of course, I have a list of all our family favorites, if you’re looking for some at-home entertainment and competition.

    *****

    This is the fourth in a series about why hospitality matters in every season. (October. November. December.) And, yes, hospitality happens right in your home with your people. Learn more about this and get some free resources on the “Bringing Home More than Groceries” page.