Lara Casey Fruitful Summer

THE

GU I D E

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

INSIDE

lovingly sowed by Lara Casey and the Lara Casey Shop

WEEK ONE:

welcome to fruiful summer

WEEK TWO: how to embrace awkward WEEK THREE: WEEK FOUR:

how to let go of perfection

celebrate each other

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CONTRIBUTORS

ERIN CARROLL

JESS CONNOLLY

AMBER HOUSLEY

EMILY LEY

CARRIE MCQUAID

KAREN STOTT

KRISTIN WINCHESTER

CASEY CHAPPELL

JACEY VERDICCHIO

GINA ZEIDLER

KATELYN JAMES

VALERIE WOERNER

RUTH CHOU SIMONS

WYNNE ELDER

MICA MAY

NATASHA GILLYARD

RHIANNON BOSSE

SHAY COCHRANE

CHEYENNE SCHUTLZ

BECCA ATCHISON

ASHLEE LITTLE

MAGHON TAYLOR

VALERIE MCKEEHAN

ERIN MCLEAN

CHRISTINA FREDERICK

RANDI SMITH

CULTIVATE WHAT MATTERS

this summer

FIVE WEEKS TO STRONGER FRIENDSHIPS JOYFUL CONNECTIONS & NEW ADVENTURES INSIDE WEEK ONE: YOUR GUIDE TO CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION STARTERS - printable!

3 TOP TIPS FOR MAKING MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS HAPPEN FRIENDSHIP TENDING LIST - printable!

ADVICE FROM SOME OF MY CLOSEST FRIENDS SUMMER FRIENDSHIP GIFT GUIDE FREE SUMMER ART PRINTS TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

TOGETHER I spent far too long believing that I wasn’t good at friendship. I was “too busy,” too stressed, inconsistent, forgetful, and I felt like I often had my foot in my mouth. Okay, I did have my foot in my mouth a lot. But! I realized I was chasing “perfect” in friendships, and that was holding me back from making any connections at all. As my friend Em says, “I will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection.” I didn’t have to hold myself — or others — to a standard of perfection; I just had to do my best to love well through all my flaws and mess. Living in my imperfections authentically with others and allowing them the freedom to do the same has helped me cultivate fruitful, lasting, joyful relationships.

My hope is that this #FruitfulSummer Guide encourages you to let go of “perfect” and give others permission to let go, too, opening up the possibility for real connection.

Let’s get to it!

Fruitful Friendship

#FRUITFULSUMMER

GET GROWING PL A N T 路 T E ND 路 E NJ OY

3

T I P S F O R C U LT IVAT ING

M E A N I N G F U L F RIE ND SHIPS

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G E T GR OWING

PLANT SEEDS

IN GOOD SOIL. TIP 1: Be together, in person.

Surround yourself with friends who are traveling the path you want to take, and traveling it well. For me, that has meant soaking myself in local friendships (despite fears of aforementioned mess and imperfections!), intentionally getting to know our neighbors, and spending a lot of time with church family at our house, just enjoying being together. Last night, twenty of us descended on a local fast-food place for milkshakes and great conversation. It was simple and so good. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just get with people and talk about good things.

*If you are like I was not so long ago, and just read that and thought, “How in the world will I ever find community like that? I have no idea where to start!” Begin anywhere. Just be sure to begin. Break that soil of fear and doubt and take the leap of faith to plant what matters.

When we first started to get to know people here locally, it was hard and awkward at times. But, it was so worth it. Little by little, peaches grow with sun and water and daily tending. Dig in!

Also, take online relationships offline. I love the InfluenceNet community and their commitment to making life mean something. These ladies are also committed to making meaningful connections off the world wide web and doing life together in person. (Join us here.) # F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 8 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

G E T GR OWING

Conversation SEEDS PLANT THESE & LISTEN IN

HOW ARE YOU FEELING? TELL ME YOUR STORY… WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN THINKING ABOUT THE MOST L ATELY? WHAT’S WEIGHING ON YOU TODAY? HOW CAN I PRAY FOR YOU? WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER? WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES FROM SUMMER?

This is my favorite.

When someone asks that question, and wants to know the real answer, we have a choice. We can either brush it off as casual chit chat and say, “I’m fine,” or take a leap of faith and make an intentional connection.

And here’s the key: when I answer someone honestly and tenderly, it gives the other person unspoken permission to do the same.

It’s a gift of time and intentional connection.

Ask and really want to know the answer.

HOW CAN I ENCOURAGE YOU?

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 9 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

G E T GR OWING

Conversation SEEDS from Our Friends HOW ARE YOU REALLY

WHAT’S GOD SHOWING

IF YOU COULD GO BACK

DOING TODAY?

YOU OR TALKING TO

TO DAY ONE OF YOUR

YOU ABOUT THESE

JOURNEY (IN BUSINESS

DAYS?

OR PARENTHOOD OR

E M I LY LEY

WHATEVER JOURNEY HOW’S YOUR HEART? I

WHAT’S GOING ON

YOU ARE CURRENTLY

love that it’s open-ended.

They can answer about any area of their lives.

IN YOUR LIFE THAT’S

IN), WHAT PEP TALK

KEEPING YOU UP AT

WOULD YOU TELL

NIGHT?

YOURSELF?

JE S S CONNO LLY

KAREN STOT T

AMBE R HOU SL EY

I just like to ask questions. People want connection and friendship and want to be known, so I try to keep asking questions until we start to have those “me too” moments. Small talk is so awkward for me, so I look for something that we may have in common so the walls come down — and that usually involves me opening up, too. ASK HOW

ASK SOMEONE TO SHARE A MEANINGFUL STORY EITHER FROM RECENT LIFE EXPERIENCES OR FROM THEIR CHILDHOOD. You can learn a lot

relationships take time and investment, so just continue to reach out and be a listener. The walls will come down when people see how much you love them!

about someone when they share stories that have significance to them. You can glean their favorite things or what fires them up from. I also think it’s great to ask questions based on things you enjoy so that you can find common ground.

Meaningful connections often happen when one person looks to another and says, “me too.” It makes people feel like they have shared experiences and can often make us feel less alone or isolated in any hardships we might encounter.

E R IN CA R R O LL

CARRIE MCQUAID

SHE MET HER HUSBAND OR WHERE SHE GREW UP AND HOW SHE L ANDED WHERE SHE IS NOW. Meaningful

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 1 0 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

Friendship is born at that moment when one says to another: “What!

You too? I thought that no one but myself...”

C.S. LEWIS, THE FOUR LOVES

G E T GR OWING

TEND TO

WHAT MATTERS, LITTLE BY LITTLE. TIP 2: If it matters to you, tend it!

I forget things easily, so I need lists right in front of my face. That’s why I love my PowerSheets Tending List that stays out on my desk, reminding me where to focus. So, just for you, I created a FruitfulSummer Tending List to help you tend relationships! Find it on page 12 and make your list of people you want to grow with this summer!

Maybe it’s a new friendship, a revived marriage, a more joy-filled bond with your kids, or maybe there’s a relationship that needs a fresh start.

Little by little, fruitful relationships can happen. In my garden, it’s okay if I go a couple days without watering or weeding. But, if I were to forget about the garden altogether, I’d have a dried up amazon on my hands. Tend to your relationships in the same way, with little by little nurturing. You’ll be amazed at what will grow! # F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 1 2 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

G E T GR OWING

Friendship Tending Ideas: Simple but powerful: tell your friend you want to grow in friendship with them. When people have done this to me, it is such a gift!

Leave a pep talk note where your friend will least expect it. Get creative and think of what would delight you.

Send a encouraging postcard with words you know she needs to hear.

Don’t just think it and let it go — text or email your friend to let them know how much you appreciate them.

Invite your friend to dinner, to a park playdate, over for simple couch time to talk about life, or to explore the farmer’s market with you this weekend (my favorites that I did this week!).

Leave flowers and a note of encouragement on her doorstep. A friend did this to me a couple days ago and it was an answer to prayer. It changed my whole week and grew our relationship.

Just check-in to say “Hi, how are you?” and really listen. It doesn’t have to be complicated. The simple act of listening in can change everything!

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PRI N T T H IS! Make your list of friends you want to water to and grow this summer.

Post it somewhere you’ll see it often.

name

how I’ll tend to them

watered!

name

how I’ll tend to them

watered!

name

how I’ll tend to them

watered!

name

how I’ll tend to them

watered!

# FRUI TF ULSUMMER

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G E T GR OWING

ENJOY! EACH OTHER

CELEBRATE

TIP 3: Celebrate the simple things together.

Celebrate each other’s little by little progress or big leaps taken. Celebrate big and small decisions made. Grab a box of popsicles, a watermelon, or a basket of fresh peaches and spend intentional time telling your friend all the things you are proud of her for. What a delightful surprise this would be, wouldn’t it?

Celebrate “friend-iversaries,” answered prayers, and courage.

Celebrate what you want to see more of!

A Note of Gratitude

#FRUITFULSUMMER

WEEK ONE’S

VIDEO

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 1 7 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

G E T GR OWING

HOW DO YOU BUILD FRUITFUL RELATIONSHIPS?

EMILY LEY @EMILYLEY EMILYLEY.COM

My closest friends and most fruitful relationships are built on a solid foundation of love. That means loving someone big, wholeheartedly and relentlessly. I try and make important notes in my planner or iCal to remember things that are important to my friends so that they know I love and support them. If a friend has an important meeting, I’ll make a note in my planner and send her some encouragement the morning of.

I think unsolicited love like that goes a long way.

A little surprise saying, “I remembered that this is important to you - It’s important to me, too” is like receiving a big, bright delivery of flowers at your front door.

My biggest tip for building a really fruitful relationship is don’t hide your weaknesses.

Stay humble and soft, and admit when you’re wrong. Ask for correction and ask for help.

Say you’re sorry and grow. I cannot think of a better way to build a crazy intimate and fruitful relationship besides being real and being honest about who you are and what you need.

JESS CONNOLLY @JESSACONNOLLY JESSCONNOLLY.COM

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G E T GR OWING

KAREN STOTT @INTENTIONALHOME KARENSTOTTBLOG.COM

Show up. Be present. Don’t be afraid to ask the scary hard questions, because on the other side of the momentary awkward is another layer peeling back that lets the very best parts of people come forth. We need to do more friendship on purpose instead of waiting for them to happen. For years, I pouted about not having many friends. But then God whispered to my heart, “Do something about it. There’s someone out there feeling the same way. Maybe you should stop complaining and reach out yourself.” Instead of being sad that I had no where to go, I began texting friends to meet up at the park or come over for coffee.

Nothing about my circumstances changed. I didn’t move locations or magically join a community that was already alive and thriving. It started with me, where I was, with what I had. It started with me reaching out and asking myself if there was something I could do to gain the friendships I desired. It didn’t take long to see the fruit of those choices bursting forth.

Set aside a dedicated “date time” time far in advance. I like to say, “if it isn’t on the calendar, it doesn’t exist.” Dates are needed not just for spouses, but also for friendships and family.

AMBER HOUSLEY @AMBERHOUSLEY AMBERHOUSLEY.COM

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G E T GR OWING

Make the friendships happen and invite! If you want someone to grab coffee with, then invite someone to meet you for a cup of coffee. Ask questions, show others that you’re interested in knowing them and that you’re really listening. My friends and I have said that all we want is to have true authentic friendships. So love your friends the way Jesus loves them and don’t expect perfection. Provide a safe place for grace and life and authenticity. Put yourself out there. Be the friend you want to have.

Open your doors and let them see your mess. Serve them. Show up with coffee, send a text to say you’re thinking of them. Pick up their kids and keep them for the afternoon so she can grocery shop or go to a hair appointment. Life is so much sweeter when we get to do it with other people!

CARRIE MCQUAID @CARRIEGRACESHOP CARRIEGRACESHOP.COM

ERIN CARROLL @ERINAKINCARROLL ERINAKINCARROLL .COM

Just spend time with someone. There isn’t a greater gift than investing in someone else and listening to their interests. We often glamorize things and make things Instagram-worthy, but I often find the best conversations are ones that could never fit into a square. They are conversations filled with swapping stories and laughing over a warm drink.

I also think it’s important to follow up with people and continue to spend time with them. It is easy to hide behind the word “busy,” but making time for people is what leads to fruitful friendships.

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 2 0 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

FREE PRI N TA BL E for you and your friends!

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, FORBEARANCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS AND SELF-CONTROL. GALAT IANS 5:22-34

#F RU I T F U L S U M M E R

FREE PRI N TA BL E for you and your friends!

# FRUITF ULSUMME R

IN OUR FRUIT BASKET Our Summer Picks to Grow What Matters

SEND A FRIEND A LOVING REMINDER

of what matters most with an encouraging Desk Card.

Twenty bright, fun Encouragement Postcards means there are so many ways to REACH OUT TO SOMEONE and show them you’re cheering them on.

I N OU R F R UIT B AS KE T

START A BOOK CLUB and spend an

hour or two each week devouring a meaningful book with new friends.

We suggest Make It Happen, written

by Lara to help women live a more purposeful life.

WORK THROUGH YOUR GOALS WITH AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER and our PowerSheets! There

are even more new relationships to be built in our exclusive Facebook Group.

TUCK OUR SCRIPTURE CARDS INTO LUNCH BAGS, notes of

encouragement, or leave them as a surprise for your friends and family!

I N OU R F R UIT B AS KE T

KEEP TRACK OF FRIENDDATES and important reminders

to tend to others in the Simplified Planner by Emily Ley.

PREPARE FOR A MEANINGFUL MARRIAGE WITH FUN SOUTHERN DOINS. The Southern Weddings

Planner is chock full of ideas to bring you and your fiancĂŠ together!

GROW IN COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR SPOUSE . The Marriage

Field Guide from Val Marie Paper will walk you through the important parts of a strong marriage.

WORK THROUGH A DEVOTIONAL WITH A FRIEND.

The Abide Devotional from the Naptime Diaries shop focuses on the nine Fruits of the Spirit.

FREE FRUITFUL SUMMER DOWNLOADS FIND TH EM H ERE.

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Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.

“Pooh?” he whispered. “ Yes, Piglet?”

“Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand.

“I just wanted to be sure of you.”

A.A. MILNE, WINNIE-THE-POOH

GET OUT THERE THE FRUITFUL SUMMER GUIDE

week two

#FRUITFULSUMMER L A R A C A S E Y S H O P. C O M

GROW WHAT MATTERS

this summer INSIDE WEEK TWO:

FEARS ABOUT FRIENDSHIP: YOU ARE NOT ALONE! HOW TO EMBRACE “AWKWARD” WHERE TO START: FIND GOOD FRIENDS MORE MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION SEEDS FREE SUMMER ART PRINTS TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS - printable!

SCRIPTURE TO ENCOURAGE AND PASS ALONG - printable! ...AND MORE!

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

graham terh

une

OUT THERE! Where do you even BEGIN? I don’t know about you, but for a long time, I though, it was too late to make close friends. I felt like I had missed the friendship boat. I had so much fear about starting fresh, getting out there, and embracing “awkward.” What would I say? Where would I look for good friends? How do I learn to be a good friend myself when I feel so flawed?

@ L A R A C A S E Y - IMPERFEC T FRIEND,

L O V E R O F C O L D W AT E R M E L O N , M A N G O I C E C R E A M & PIN N E A PPL E C A N DY

robyn van dyk

e

This week, we’re digging into what might feel like lifeless, dry soil. Let’s get to watering and planting new seeds. It might be a challenge at first (expect awkward!) and you might feel like a freshly-hatched chick with wobbly legs, but here’s the thing: getting out there to make new friends is worth it. We were meant to do life together. We were created for community. There is a new friend out there who needs you just as much as you need them. So, let’s get to it and get out there—together!

FREE PRI N TA BL E for you and your friends!

YOU WANT CLOSE FRIENDSHIPS, BUT...

I don’t know about you, but I’ve experienced a lot of “but”s!

I don’t know where to start.

I’ve tried and I’m just not good at it.

I’ve been hurt by friends in the past.

Where do you even find friends who you really connect with?

What do you say when you feel awkward?

I’m afraid of not being perfect, not fun enough, too introverted, awkward in conversation, too broken, and too busy for friends.

Do any of these ring true for you?

As you’ll read in the next pages, you are not alone.

Fruitful friendships grow not because we don’t experience fear, but because breaking ground on meaningful relationships becomes more important than our fear. Taking big leaps of faith, embracing the awkward (lots of awkward!), and putting myself out there to do life with others has changed my everything. It’s worth stepping into all the hard stuff for — and stepping in again and again.

Fruitful friendships are worth embracing awkward for.

Fruitful friendships allow us to celebrate our imperfections together.

Fruitful friendships can heal a whole lot of hurt and they can turn fear into faith.

Fruitful friendship is possible.

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this week’s contributors KRISTIN WINCHESTER @KN_WINCHESTER SOUTHERNWEDDINGS.COM

JACEY VERDICCHIO @THEBALANCEDWIFE THEBALANCEDWIFE.COM

GINA ZEIDLER @GINAZEIDLER GINAZEIDLER.COM

CASEY CHAPPELL @CASEYCHAPPELL CASEYCHAPPELL.COM

NATASHA GILLYARD @CHERINOTES CHERINOTES.ETSY.COM

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 3 3 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I asked about friendship fear on Instagram and many of you shared similar thoughts.

Read these and know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. “I fear that it’s too late to cultivate real, lasting friendships. I fear that I was a bad friend.”

“My fears are mostly from past experiences of being hurt in precious friendships.”

“I fear that I’m not worthy of good, genuine friendships — that I’ll always be the one who gives, gives, gives, and gets nothing in return.”

“I’m afraid of missing my old friends so much that I won’t be able to make new friends.”

“I grew up in a critical female family. It’s hard for me to fully trust other women.”

“Too many times, I’ve allowed my introverted tendencies to get the best of me. I’ve lost so many opportunities for myself and chances to help others because of my fear of rejection.”

I fear that I won’t be well-liked. Or that others have too many friends. Or that I will be too much of a burden.

GINA

“I have often felt like I’m a burden on people and will eventually drive them away.”

“My fear is forgetting the love my friends showed me instead of remembering the dark place I was in that they helped me through.”

After moving to a new place for the first time in 11 years, when I had just become a new mom, I found it so difficult to make local friends.

I was afraid that they wouldn’t realize that this reserved, tired, new adoptive mom (happy, but still grieving the loss of our first child) was really a bubbly people person. I was afraid that they would see my limited wardrobe and the 80 pounds I had recently put on, and they wouldn’t see my heart for adventure. I was afraid they would only know me as the mother of the kids they could see, but not ever know about the infant loss I had gone through. I was afraid they would take me at face value, when what mattered most to me was so much more than met the eye.

CASE Y

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YOU ARE NOT ALONE. “I have a fear of not being thoughtful enough, not being fun enough, or not having enough time to spend with my friends.”

I’m the kind of girl who wants everyone to like her, so a big fear is being rejected. I’m an extrovert, and I love meeting new people, but that doesn’t mean that putting myself out there isn’t scary. Other fears?

Not being “cool” enough.

Not fitting in. Being too loud and obnoxious.

Being too talkative.

KR I S T I N

“I’m fearful of people I love leaving me. I hold all of my ‘stuff’ close for fear that friends will leave or I’ll mess up.”

“A fear of mine is that people don’t want to be my friend just to be my friend, but rather, to get something out of it: to have someone to hang out with only when they are bored, or to have someone cater to their needs.”

“The fears I’m feeling now are that I’m new to my area and I work from home. My kids aren’t in school and we haven’t found a church.”

I’m scared that sharing my burden will make people run for the hills and that I may come off as too intense. Vulnerability is a challenge for me, but it’s also where I really thrive, because vulnerability forges a connection that lasts.

As for the intense part, I know that I get passionate about things and say hard things, and that isn’t always comfortable for people.

NATASHA

My biggest fear about friendship is a common one: rejection. The early stages of friendship have felt oddly like dating, and if a new friend reschedules or says no to an invitation, I struggle not to take it personally. I’ve grown in this, but still sometimes find myself replaying social situations over and over, embarrassment and regret washing over me as I remember my contributions to the conversation. In more established friendships, rejection is still the root fear, but it’s almost more acute because these are the friends who know me well enough to know my faults. Friends like this, that you can live honestly with, are so valuable, but fear bubbles up when I show weakness and failure.

JACEY

“I don’t know how to start friendships. I think I fear the other party won’t want to be friends with me.”

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WEEK TWO’S

VIDEO

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 3 6 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

F REE PRI N TA B L E for you and your friends!

S EE K F RI E N D S N OT WI TH H O U RS TO K I L L B U T WI TH

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 3 7 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

EMBRACE AWKWARD TIPS FOR OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF BEING AWKWARD, AND PUTTING YOURSELF OUT THERE WITH PEOPLE IN PERSON.

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 3 8 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

EMB R AC E AWK WARD

How do you EMBRACE AWKWARD & put yourself out there to f ind good friends?

I embrace awkward by reminding myself that LIFE IS MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE WHEN SPENT IN COMMUNIT Y WITH OTHERS, rather than

sitting at the kitchen table feeling lonely. I’m in a season where I have to embrace awkward and put myself out there again.

We just moved to Florida and I am back at square one, so I’m having to take my own advice. K R I S T I N

Roll with it! SAY THE OBVIOUS, like, “Hey, I need a new lady-friend, can we go on a date?” or, “I’m not great at having girlfriends, but I want to be better at it, will you give me a chance?” Awkward, but go for it. We are all craving real connection. Make a sacrifice of your time for them and show them you truly care. G I N A

My husband and I moved to Charleston, where we knew absolutely no one, almost four years ago. I SAID YES TO ANY INVITATION I got in those first months, even if the activity wasn’t something I’d normally choose to do on my own and might feel silly doing, like bowling.

I also became a great initiator, willing to be the first in a relationship to set a coffee date, send a birthday card, or invite a friend over. My self-protective instinct would sometimes urge me to hold back from extending a second invitation until my new friend extended one to me, but I learned that scorekeeping and love don’t coexist. J A C E Y

My husband makes fun of me because of how often I’ll go somewhere, strike up a conversation with someone, and leave as their new Facebook friend. It feels strange and even awkward to ask someone you just met, “ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK? COULD WE BE FRIENDS?” But you know what, I have yet to meet someone who said, “I’m not comfortable sharing that info with you.” In fact, they usually grab my phone and help me find their profile. Facebook allows you the chance to remain casual friends, if that is what is desired, or it gives you the starting point for a potentially deeper friendship. I met a friend in the car valet line when I complimented her hair and asked for a hairdresser recommendation. Chit chat about hair led to work and then to family (we both have adopted kids!). We got to the good stuff right as our cars were being pulled up, but I asked her if we could connect on Facebook and I’m so glad we did. She’s one of my favorite friends! C A S E Y # F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 3 9 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

EMB R AC E AWK WARD

Where do you f ind friends you can genuinely connect with?

Putting yourself out there can be scary, but the reward is so great!! First, GET OUT AND DO THINGS YOU LOVE . There is a great

chance that you might meet someone else who is also looking for a new friend. Take an exercise class, go out to lunch with people at work, or go on a blind friend-date. Second, remember that great friends don’t always look like you expect them to look. Some of my most treasured friendships are with gals with grown kids and with girls just entering “grown up” life. One of my very best friends has tattoos and piercings, and I met another best friend by complimenting her handbag at an event.

You never know where your new BFF is hiding! KR IS TIN

When I’m at a get-togethers with people I don’t know, I’ll usually find one or two to talk to, and I try to go a little deeper than small talk. Once I’m home, I try to friend them on social media in order to keep that line of communication open. You won’t be best buds with everyone you meet, but you’d be surprised how many people you cross paths with each day who are actually kindred souls. I think if you’re naturally more introverted, it’s helpful to put yourself in SITUATIONS WHERE OTHERS MIGHT BE NEW AS WELL, and therefore more apt to reach out, like a book club or a group with similar goals. CASE Y

I met some of my best friends by finding a great church and diving headfirst into a small group. LOOK ONLINE FOR ALREADY ESTABLISHED GROUPS THAT MEET IN PERSON AROUND A CERTAIN TOPIC , like

Toastmasters or a local running club. Or, start your own around one of your interests. I started a “non” book club—a gathering to meet with women where we could discuss what we were each reading, rather than the typical book club model. I invited a handful of friends, and also extended the invitation to anyone they knew who would be interested. J A C E Y

I find friends by making time for the things I’m passionate about and doing them in a group format, whether that’s through a location, meetup.com, or asking people I see often. SOMETIMES IT JUST TAKES LOOKING AROUND YOU and saying, “Hey, I’d like to get to know you. Do you want to grab lunch or ice cream this weekend?” N ATA S H A

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 4 0 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

EMB R AC E AWK WARD

What are your favorite CONVERSATION SEEDS? I LOVE GETTING TO KNOW PEOPLE BY ASKING ABOUT WHAT MAKES THEM TICK.

I try to use context clues as a starting point; I’ll ask how they met their significant other, where they grew up, where they went to college, what their dream job is, or what they do for a living. Also, the Favorites game is really fun when exploring a new friendship: favorite breakfast food, favorite season, favorite holiday, favorite travel destination, etc. It’s a great way to get to know a new friend and learn little things that make them who they are! K R I S T I N

For an acquaintance, A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION about something I saw online or an event they mentioned in passing is a great conversation starter. “How did that half marathon go?” or, “How was your trip to visit your family?” Remembering to ask shows genuine interest, and also moves the conversation away from the superficial and toward the meaningful. If I’m talking to someone for the first time, I try to connect over the context. “How do you know the host?” if we’re at a friend’s party, or, “HAVE YOU BEEN HERE BEFORE? WHAT’S GOOD?” in line at a restaurant. Lastly, you can never go wrong with a compliment. J A C E Y

I sometimes lead with something that might benefit me, such as, “That lipstick color looks great on you. It’s hard to pull off red, but you’re rockin’ it! What brand is it?” or “Is this your favorite playground to bring your kids to?” I ask store employees who are serving me if their day has been busy or slow, or how they celebrated a recent holiday. When I ask someone what they do and the answer is, “I work at Capital Assessment Company up on 3rd Street,” the temptation is to nod and say “Cool,” even if I have no idea what they really do. So I will then say, “TELL ME WHAT A T YPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU.” You’ll learn so much and really get to know that person on a deeper level. C A S E Y

BEST AND WORST PARTS OF YOUR DAY / WEEK is

always my go-to. It helps us share the praises and the tough. G I N A

“What was your favorite part about today?”

“What do you like to do to rest?” or, “WHAT’S ONE THING YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO?” N ATA S H A

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 4 1 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

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# F R U IT

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MMER

Make a with all of your printables and ideas for how to cultivate what matters this summer. We love this one from @JessicaMcLain!

FRU ITF U L S U MMER A R E ON Let’s make meaningful connections and embrace awkward together — no perfection required : )

HOST OR JOIN IN YOUR CIT Y

NEW FREE PRINTABLES! LEARN HOW TO BE A MORE

Ask for fruitful friendships Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

MATTHEW 7:7-8

Pray for guidance in growing fruitful friendships

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

PROVERBS 16:3

FREE PRI N TA B L ES for you and your friends!

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

JOHN 15:13

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

PSALM 133:1

Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

JOB 6:14

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:11

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

PROVERBS 17:17

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

PROVERBS 27:17

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

EPHESIANS 4:2

HEBREWS 10:24-25

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

EPHESIANS 4:32

Finally, all of you, be likeminded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

1 PETER 3:8

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

COLOSSIANS 3:13

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

1 PETER 5:5

FREE PRI N TA B L ES for you and your friends!

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

1 JOHN 4:7

JOHN 13:34-35

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Be devoted to one another in love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

JAMES 1:19

1 JOHN 4:12

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 JOHN 3:11

JAMES 3:17

ROMANS 12:10-13

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

1 PETER 4:8-10

ROMANS 12:10

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

ROMANS 12:14-16

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.

Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

ROMANS 14:13

GAL ATIANS 5:13

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TEND TO WHAT MATTERS

this summer INSIDE WEEK THREE:

HOW TO TEND TO WHAT MATTERS, LITTLE BY LITTLE DIGGING IN: HOW TO GROW DEEPER FRIENDSHIPS A FRESH NEW VIDEO! MORE MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION STARTERS ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS - printables!

JOIN OR HOST A FRUITFUL SUMMER MEET-UP - printables!

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

TOGETHER Confession: I was once really good at killing plants. I’d see an orchid in the grocery store, buy it on a whim for my desk, and then four days later it would be bloomless. But I now have a thirtyfoot vegetable bed on the side of our house and a genuine love for cultivating new life.

I was addicted to instant gratification. I didn’t want to tend to anything in my life, much less a plant grown from seeds. I wanted to have stuff that was already pretty. I didn’t care if a plant died—I’d just buy another one. I didn’t want to do hard work or get my hands dirty—I just did whatever was easy and instant.

It took a heart change for me to relish the “little by little” instead of overnight instant gratification and my life is completely different now. When we surrender our fears, take leaps of faith, and let go of the chase for “perfect,” we begin cultivating what matters -- what lasts longer than us.

So, let’s get to it! an in next week’s Fruitful Summer Guide. Stay tuned for details!

WIN

TENDING TO OTHERS LITTLE BY LITTLE babies grow.

LITTLE BY LITTLE peaches ripen on trees.

LITTLE BY LITTLE tending is the key to growing fruitful friendships.

If we strive for overnight results, we might miss the good fruit that waits for us in the LITTLE BY LITTLE. LITTLE BY LITTLE, let’s make what matters happen—together!

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE

Chasing perfect is comparing our worth with someone else’s.

Chasing perfect makes us believe we are bad moms, wives, friends. Chasing perfect makes us believe we are average and insignificant. Chasing perfect makes us believe we don’t have enough friends, fun, or adventures. Over time the impossible standards we set for ourselves become the measuring stick for our worth. We start to believe that if we don’t measure up, we aren’t enough. We begin to feel worthless.

Be still, friend. Wherever you are is exactly where you are supposed to be to ignite intentional change. The lies of perfection and shoulds tell us we aren’t enough, but the truth paves a path for us to an abundant life of joy where we are more than enough.

Start now. Today. Choose purpose over perfection, forgiveness and grace over guilt, and this week - and always - choose to love people ridiculously. We all need someone to come alongside us and remind us that IT’S OKAY TO LET GO OF THE CHASE.

Get more in Lara’s book, MAKE IT HAPPEN

this week’s fruitful CONTRIBUTORS

KATELYN JAMES @KATELYNJAMES KATELYNJAMESBLOG.COM

MICA MAY @MICAMAY | @MAYDESIGNS MAYDESIGNS.COM

RUTH CHOU SIMONS @GRACELACED GRACELACED.COM

VALERIE WOERNER @VALMARIEPAPER VALMARIEPAPER.COM

WYNNE ELDER @WYNNEELDER WYNNEELDER.COM

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 5 4 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

T EN DING

What are some MEANINGFUL, SIMPLE THINGS friends have done for you?

SOME OF THE MOST MEANINGFUL THINGS FRIENDS HAVE DONE FOR ME ARE THE SIMPLEST : dropping

by on a morning they know I’ll be home with coffee in hand and some time for conversation, texting me on the way to the grocery store to see if I need anything, having my kids over to play when mama is under the weather and needs some rest, checking in with me on a day of an important appointment or meeting. W Y N N E A SWEET NOTE IN THE MAIL means so

much. Recently, I spoke at a conference and I talked about how I had to create systems in my life to bring sanity to my work and family. I said, “Rules bring freedom!” A few weeks later, a dear friend and calligrapher who was in the audience, lettered that phrase and sent it to me as a beautiful art print. It made my day to receive that little surprise, and to know that she took the time to not only remember something that was important to me, but to make it a print and send it my way! I felt so loved and cared for! M I C A

I HAVE TWO SINGLE GIRLFRIENDS WHO EACH FAITHFULLY OFFER TO WATCH MY BOYS ONCE A MONTH so that

my husband and I can get out on a date. Not only has it made us more regular about date nights, it’s also been a relational investment in my kids. Babysitting is not so hard to come by, but friends who want to be a part of your kids’ lives? That’s really meaningful. R U T H

SPEAK GOD’S TRUTH TO ME when

I’m too deep in something to see it. Pray over me. Send random snail mail. VA L

Recently, a friend showed up with a tray of Diet Cokes and on the back of each one, there were VERSES OF JOY AND ENCOURAGEMENT. She saw on Instagram that I had a hard week and took the time to drop those off! Every day when I had my daily diet coke, I was encouraged! K AT E LY N

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 5 5 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

WE ASKED YOU ON INSTAGRAM: WHAT ARE MEANINGFUL THINGS FRIENDS HAVE DONE FOR YOU?

My BFF was kind enough to puppy sit and house sit when I was on my honeymoon. As a frantic DIY bride, I had absolutely wrecked my house leading up to the wedding (dishes, clothes, crafts EVERYWHERE!). @JULIECBARNHILL:

My husband and I came home from the honeymoon to a perfectly clean house!! @LIFEBEAUTIFUL1:

My friends presented me with a care

package and card in an effort to “pick me up” when I had

been poring into an emotionally deficit relationship. A few days later, I finally found the courage I needed to end the relationship, as their unexpected and kind gesture

encouraged me and reminded me of my value.

A friend @ R A C H E L J A C O B U S : When surprised us with gift I was struggling with certificates during a hard grief a friend came over time. I will never forget that! and pulled me off the couch and into the yard with ice @ K AY L A J N E L S O N : My friend cream. :) @JOYFULHOKIE:

and her mom made my family a couple of meals and brought them over for us since my hubs is on annual tour with the USAF.

Listening without trying to solve anything for me, but ready to offer advice when I ask. @ L I G H T S E E K E R 3:

Several of my bridesmaids (and closest friends) have asked what they can do to help during these last few weeks before our wedding. Even though they’re miles (sometimes states) away, I know they genuinely want to help, and just their offers @ C H E L S E AV E R H A G E :

during a chaotic time have meant more than I can fully express!

Prayed for me without asking. @GEOMYRALEWIS:

@ECENOCKSON:

As a single

gal, I am blessed beyond

measure when friends invite me over, even when their house is messy and the kids are throwing food on the floor. True community doesn’t look for excuses but invites people where they are to do life together.

A friend sat up all night, crying and praying with me! @ A L L B E F O R E T H I R T Y:

T EN DING

How do you TEND TO FRIENDS ?

MY CLOSEST FRIENDSHIPS ARE THE ONES THAT I’VE GIVEN THE MOST TIME TO.

This can be hard when life is busy and it’s a constant battle to make time for people over to-do lists but I have found that when I do make time for friends, it’s always so rewarding!

I never regret giving my time away to friend!

K AT E LY N

For me, it’s spending time with my friends that are local, and making time for the friends who live far away, whether that means a phone date, a string of voxer messages throughout the week, or simply a text to let someone know I’m thinking of them. I WANT TO KNOW HOW THEY ARE DOING, HOW I CAN PRAY FOR THEM AND ENCOURAGE THEM, AND I WANT THEM TO KNOW I AM ALWAYS THERE. W Y N N E I HAVE “LUNCH/PL AY DATE/DINNER WITH A FRIEND” ON THE WEEKLY TENDING SECTION OF MY

I try to plan some sort of hang out time before the week even starts. VA L POWERSHEETS.

Nothing makes me happier than finding an opportunity to have a friend over for dinner at the last minute, minus all the stress and desire for perfect. See a need, meet a need.

I love surcees, or little gifts for no reason. Because I’m trying to manage a company as well as my family of five, sometimes I don’t get a birthday gift in the mail at the perfect time. But I do send or deliver little surcees to all my besties throughout the year! Getting and giving a gift at a time other than a significant holiday seems so much more special. Other than surcees, I THINK JUST SHOWING

SPONTANEOUS DINNERS

THING YOU CAN DO AS A FRIEND. Most of us have a

WHERE I CAN COOK FOR

hard time asking for help, and the best way to love on people is to just show up! Take their kids, deliver food, bring over their favorite coffee or wine, or have a listening ear if they are in the mood to verbally process. M I C A

FRIENDS AND THEIR FAMILIES IS REALLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE WAYS TO CARE FOR THEM. R U T H

UP IN TIMES OF NEED IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 5 7 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

T EN DING

How do you take a friendship from SURFACE TO DEEPER?

Nothing brings friends closer than LIVING LIFE ALONGSIDE OF EACH OTHER IN COMMUNIT Y, ASKING THE HARD QUESTIONS, DIGGING DEEP INTO EACH OTHER’S STORIES, AND THEN SHOWING UP FOR EACH OTHER. I

also believe that there is nothing like travel that bonds someone, whether it’s halfway around the world, or just a road trip to the next city. Having that uninterrupted time to tell stories, sing, laugh, and snack is priceless. Also, serving together is a huge opportunity to deepen your roots with your friends. W Y N N E

1. CHALLENGE THEM. When we

don’t just say what the other person wants to hear because it’s easy, friendships become real.

2. ASK FOR HELP. It tells the other person they can be vulnerable, too. Think about that person you can call at midnight with a problem. That’s a sign of a great friendship. It was serving each other like that in the past that bonded y’all together in the first place. 3. GIRLS’ WEEKEND! When you share a few meals, a bed and a bathroom, you bond. VA L I think if you want a deeper friendship, you have to have BOTH QUALIT Y AND

I JUST OPEN MY DOOR. We

love to have people over, even if the house is messy, or if the kids are running around wild. I don’t worry too much about being “perfect.”

It matters more to me to share our life and home with people that we love. To me, friendships are built over time, in late evenings over cocktails, or in long brunches that turn into afternoon drinks.

We do this with everyone. Sharing all the beautiful parts and all the messy parts of our lives and home over time is how we’ve built some of our deepest, most sincere friendships. M I C A

QUANTIT Y . Quality conversations require

that we ask more intentional questions and lead with more deliberate things to share about ourselves. Quantity, because there’s really no substitute for time together. Some of the most meaningful relationships are forged out of serving in a ministry together, working to pack up a house together, or making meals together.

My favorite friend times are rarely set in the context of playdates or events, but rather spontaneous opportunities to do mundane things alongside each other.

RUTH

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 5 8 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

WE ASKED YOU ON INSTAGRAM:

HOW DO YOU TAKE A FRIENDSHIP FROM SURFACE LEVEL TO DEEPENED?

@ E M I LYAY E R T H O M A S :

When you invite someone into your space, you’re giving her the chance to @T R A C I 0213: If I know a friend has been dealing with (literally) see what you something hard, I try not to tiptoe around it —I ask them straight-up, how are you feeling about this? How are you value and how you live on coping with this? What can I do to help? It strengthens our a day to day basis. I feel so connections when we don’t try to avoid the hard things, but instead, embrace them together. @ECENOCKSON:

Spend quality time together. I’ve

found that road trips are often the best way to deepen a friendship. Sometimes, the best and truest things are said when traveling in the car to a great adventure! @ PA R A B L E _ P R O J E C T:

@7 N E L L A 7 : Ask questions.

Inquire about what they talk about the most.

Be willing to be real and share about yourself. Listen.

Encourage. Don’t rush it.

Don’t Prove yourself trustworthy try to have all the answers. and don’t talk about other Keep asking questions together. friends. Love well! @ELIZABETHMAXON:

much closer to friends after I’ve had a chance to see the environment they create for themselves and the things they surround themselves with!

@AMYMARIEHANN:

Allowing

them to see your messy. @HAPPY_LITTLE_LOVELIES:

Go out of my way to serve them sacrificially. @LISA JANELKIRK:

Be part of each other’s lives consistently. Seeing

a friend frequently or on a routine basis makes it so much easier for me go from “acquaintance-ship” to true friendship.

HOW TO TEND TO FRIENDS PL ANT A SEED: Start a conversation. Get out there and say hello!

WATER: Send and invite, send a text, and get together in person.

WATER SOME MORE: Ask a second question, share your heart, dig deeper. Little by little, keep going.

FERTILIZE AND PULL THE WEEDS: Love ridiculously and be humble. Keep showing up, forgiving, loving, and saying yes, even if you feel imperfect. Your friend may feel that way too.

Embrace imperfection together!

ENJOY: Watch your friendship bloom and keep cultivating what matters.

FRUITFUL FRIENDSHIP IS ABOUT

LITTLE BY LITTLE, KEEP GOING.

WEEK THREE’S

VIDEO

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 6 2 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

FREE PRI N TA BL E !

love WELL

#FRUITFULSUMMER

#FRUITFUL SUMMER

WE ASKED YOU ON INSTAGRAM: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE CONVERSATION STARTERS?

@ K A D I A S A R A F:

What fires you up? @LMARZOLL A:

What have you been reading lately?

From there it can be as in-depth as the Bible, a book, or maybe a good blog or article. Either way, the topics are endless. If a friend happens to not have a good book on her plate, I’m never short of recommendations.

@ J U S T WA L K I N FA I T H :

What did you want to be when you were growing up? @ A U S T I N B O AT:

@LOVEONEANOTHERPROJECTORG:

I ask strangers, How’s you heart today?

I ask people I know, What’s God been speaking to you lately? @ M A E V E R A F F:

@ H E AT H E R B U S E Y:

Tell me about where you’re from. @MADIMAGEZ:

I love hearing what people’s first job was!

So many funny stories!

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten this week?

Normally that leads to inviting them over for a meal. And what’s better than that?

What’s something that consistently makes you happy?

A silly and fun way to learn a friend’s quirkiness. I love a specific French vanilla coffee creamer with my coffee (and Chick-Fil-A is always a crowd pleaser!).

@ H E AT H E R L I LY 1161: @ S H E I L A D PA L I G A :

I love asking people about their hobbies. There is no

better way to get a conversation going than asking someone to talk about something the love.

What’s your story? @L AIL AMCCLOUD:

What was the best part of your day?

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 6 4 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

FREE PRI N TAB L E LOVE N OT ES !

you are

loved

I AM SO

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YO U A R E TH E

PINEAPPLE O F MY EYE

YOU ARE AMAZING

HOW DO YOU TEND TO OTHERS?

I love sending unexpected encouragement mail.

Including confetti is especially my favorite! :) @K_CRU

Snail mail and putting important dates on the calendar (first half marathons or baby showers) so I can follow up. Sometimes just remembering is enough to make someone feel valued! @GRACEHAHN2

I love spending time with friends but scheduling can be a challenge. Doodle polls make it easy to find a time that works for everyone, if we’re trying to meet up with multiple couples! @ E M I LYAY E R T H O M A S

Tending to friends is most fun (for both parties) when it’s based off their interests. One of my best friends loves to cook, so I regularly send her recipes I think she’ll enjoy when I’m going through my daily blogs. @ N I C O L E AYA N G

I love to invite friends over for a midweek supper or get together, whether it’s a beer at the pub or having a cookout. @BECCANNE_

A simple “Love you, thinking of you!” text or note to friends who I don’t see often helps to make sure they know that I’m always there if they need me. A simple “touch” now helps me to keep long lasting, strong friendships when busyness often gets in the way. @BIRCHANDBOKEH

Call them when I know they’re awake. Cook for them and just say the words we all love to hear: “I’ve been thinking about you” or “I love you, my friend.” @GLOHERMOSABEACH

I keep a list of quirky things I learn about them to suprise them with.

(Like knowing they love pretty straws and diet coke.) @ELIHAMM

This year I decided to “birthday bomb” my girlfriends that live within driving distance. I show up unexpectedly either on their birthdays or close to it. I bring them flowers (because everyone deserves flowers on their special day) and a card. In the card I tell them how special they are and how I am blessed to have their friendship. So far I have “bombed” five of my friends :) @ C A R O L I N AW E D D I N G D I R E C T O R

I tell them I’m praying for them in good times and bad! @JOIEINTHEJOURNEY

I love to check up on them in the middle of their work day, treat them to lunch, go for walks around the lake, or call them and pray when I know something big is coming up in their lives. @ D A N I D O R T C H 28

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 6 6 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

FREE PRI N TA BL E for you and your friends!

Be devoted to one another in love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

ROM ANS 12:10

#FRUITFUL SUMMER

HOW DO YOU TEND TO OTHERS?

When I started college, I was spending time with a larger group of five or six girls at a time.

While this was fun and helped to avoid any potential awkwardness, I was only getting to know each girl on the surface. I started asking each individual friend to hang one on one, often times to take a break from work or go grab a snack. This gave us the opportunity to have deeper conversations that have lead to strong, lasting friendships. @ELIZABETHEL ANE

I love gifting devotionals like Jesus Calling or Savor by Shauna Niequist. @MEGANMCCURRY

Being face to face to tend to friendships is so important but can be a challenge! FaceTime (or Skype) can be a great way to connect with friends and say hello when you have a few minutes and have the chance to get face time with a dear friend! I love being able to see emotions!! @KN_WINCHESTER

We have “iPhone church” (when life is crazy and can’t pause to meet) via group text. Lots of amens, shoes being thrown, scripture shared, encouragement, prayer, words of wisdom and counsel. All through text! It’s powerful to say the least. @JOURNEYWITHRITZ

I used to do mail box drops, where I would randomly buy cookies or wine or balloons and leave them in mailboxes. I just moved away two states away, so now I text them my favorite things about them whenever I’m thinking of them. @CARRY YOURHEARTEVENTS

I think casserole delivery is a lost art. Everyone loves a little home cooking! Also, emoji encouragement! I LOVE silly emoji texts. No need for words, just throw a series of icons in your friends’ inboxes, and they’ll know you’re thinking of them! @MARISSAKLOESS

I like to schedule meetups and phone dates so that my friends and I stay up to date on each others’ lives. @LEELEEWRITES

I try to make touch points with others a consistent part of my schedule.

After realizing one day that I hadn’t talked to my brother in a few weeks, I started “brother Wednesday.” Now, every Wednesday, he and I connect to catch up. Even if it’s just a few texts or a five-minute phone call, it has been a great (and effective!) way to make sure we stay part of each other’s lives. My immediate family is spread out across the globe, so different time zones and schedules can make it extra challenging for us all to keep in touch. Thank heavens for our family group text chain. It keeps us all connected so that no one misses a thing, and we can all take part in one conversation. @LISA JANELKIRK

FREE PRI N TA BL E for you and your friends!

LITTLE by LITTLE

MAKE WHAT MATTERS HAPPEN

#FRUITFUL SUMMER

FR U ITF U L S U M M ER A R E ON Let’s make meaningful connections and embrace awkward together.

No perfection required : )

FRUITFUL MEET-UPS NEAR YOU!

U. S . C I T I E S : ALABAMA

Birmingham Mobile ALASKA

Anchorage ARIZONA

Phoenix

ARKANSAS

Hot Springs

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles San Clemente San Diego San Mateo COLORADO

Denver

FLORIDA

Fort Meyers Gainesville Hollywood Jacksonville Jupiter Naples Orlando Palm Bay Pensacola St. Petersburg Tampa West Palm Beach GEORGIA

Atlanta Conyers Cumming Dallas Marietta Newnan

GEORGIA

Riverdale Rome

M I N N E S O TA

OHIO

ILLINOIS

Mankato Minneapolis New Ulm Rochester

INDIANA

Oxford

Portland

I O WA

Kansas City Saint Charles M O N TA N A

Doylestown Philadelphia Pittsburgh

Chicago

Fishers Indianapolis Waterloo KANSAS

Kansas City KENTUCKY

Henderson Louisville Lexington

LOUISIANA

Baton Rouge Pinehurst MAINE

Bangor Portland MARYLAND

Baltimore Bethesda Damascus Rockville

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston

MICHIGAN

Detroit Genesee /Oakland County Royal Oak

MISSISSIPPI

MISSOURI

Kalispell

NEBRASKA

Lincoln

NEW JERSEY

Madison

NEW YORK

New York Poughkeepsie Rochester N .C A R O L I N A

Apex Asheville Cary Chapel Hill Charlotte Durham Fuquay Varina Greensboro Holly Springs Raleigh Thomasville Wake Forest Winston-Salem Youngsville

Cincinnati Youngstown OKLAHOMA

Norman Oklahoma City Tulsa OREGON

P E N N S Y LVA N I A

S. CAROLINA

Charleston Greenville Mount Pleasant Rock Hill TENNESSEE

Chattanooga Knoxville Memphis Nashville TEXAS

Austin Cypress Dallas Fort Worth Grapevine Houston Kilgore Longview Midland San Antonio Trophy Club

VIRGINIA

Alexandria Charlottesville Lynchburg Purcellville Reston WA S H I N G T O N

Seattle

WASHINGTON, DC

Washington, DC

WEST VIRGINIA

Bridgeport, WV Hurricane, WV WISCONSIN

Appleton, WI Madison, WI Milwaukee, WI I N T E R N AT I O N A L

London, England New Brunswick, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Ontario, Canada Panama Tokyo, Japan Vancouver, Canada ... A N D M O R E !

WANT TO HOST A MEET-UP IN YOUR CITY?

1.CO N N EC T WI TH PE O PLE IN YO U R CIT Y (CL ICK HERE).

More than one person can host in each city—do it together!

2 . P I C K AN E AS Y PUB L IC LO CATIO N: a park, outdoor cafe,

coffee shop, or a summer garden. You could meet to pick fruit, picnic, or—if you are feeling adventurous—try a watermelonseed spitting contest.

3 . PI C K A DAY AN D TIM E that will work well for most people—

maybe a weekend afternoon or after work hours.

4. I N VI TE PE O PL E via Instagram, email, and snail mail!

Printables and graphics are on the next page.

FOR INSTAGRAM: make it easy for people to connect with you to get

details! Post the invitation graphic or an image of your choice with the location and date of your meet-up. Important: add the #FRUITFULSUMMER hashtag plus your own city tag (#FRUITFULSUMMERCIT YNAME ) too so others can connect and join easily! Examples: #FRUITFULSUMMERDALLAS, #FRUITFULSUMMERTAMPA, #FRUITFULSUMMERTOKYO

5 . G E T RE ADY: print the conversation cards and nametags.

6 . H AVE FU N! Be sure to get everyone’s contact info at your

meet-up, take a group pic (tag #FRUITFULSUMMER), and make a plan to meet again! # F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 7 2 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

hosts,

Post the graphic below with the #FruitfulSummer hashtag and your own city hashtag (#FruitfulSummerCityName) to invite others to join your local meetup!.

click to download!

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 7 3 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

MEETUP INVITATIONS - FREE PRINTABLES!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A

FILL-ON-THE-BLANK DIGITAL INVITE.

PERFECT FOR EMAIL OR INSTAGRAM!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A

GENERAL DIGITAL INVITE. PERFECT FOR INSTAGRAM!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE

FILL-IN-THE-BLANK PRINTABLE INVITE.

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 74 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

FREE NA ME TAG PRIN TA B L E compatible with Avery labels!

FREE CONV ERSAT IO N C A RD PRIN TABLES for your summer meetup or anytime!

WHAT I WANT MOST IN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IS...

TODAY, I AM MOST GRATEFUL FOR:

IF YOU WERE A HOLIDAY, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

#FRUITFULSUMMER

#FRUITFULSUMMER

#FRUITFULSUMMER

FAVORITE SUMMER FOOD AND DESSERT?

MY “HAPPY DANCE” LOOKS LIKE THIS:

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT SUMMER IS:

#FRUITFULSUMMER

#FRUITFULSUMMER

#FRUITFULSUMMER

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TV SHOW

FRUITFUL FRIENDSHIP IS:

#FRUITFULSUMMER

#FRUITFULSUMMER

#FRUITFULSUMMER

WHAT MATTERS MOST TO ME

THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE SO FAR WAS:

DO MOSQUITOS LIKE OR DISLIKE YOU?

#FRUITFULSUMMER

#FRUITFULSUMMER

#FRUITFULSUMMER

IF I WERE A PIE, I’D BE:

THE FRUIT Y LIBRARY OF INSTAGRAM GRAPHICS C LIC K TO D OWN LOA D and share the love!

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 7 7 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

FREE FRUITFUL SUMMER DOWNLOADS FIND TH EM H ERE!

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 7 8 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

ENCOURAGEMENT POSTCARDS Send love and encouragement across town, across the country, or across the world!

make friendships happen at L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 7 9 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

CELEBRATE EACH OTHER THE FRUITFUL SUMMER GUIDE

week four

#FRUITFULSUMMER L A R A C A S E Y S H O P. C O M

TEND TO WHAT MATTERS

this summer INSIDE WEEK FOUR: HOW TO CELEBRATE FRIENDS SUMMER ACTS OF KINDNESS THE FRUITFUL SUMMER PHOTO LIST! AN INSTAX CAMERA GIVEAWAY

THANK YOU CARDS FOR YOUR FRIENDS - printables!

FRESH ART PRINTS FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS - printables!

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 8 1 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

TOGETHER As the sun set behind the Carolina pines last night, Ari and I sat with friends and talked about friendship, loving others well in times they experience grief or challenges, mistakes we have made in relationships, and what will matter most when we, Lord willing, reach the ripe age of eighty. What will matter to you then?

A bigger question: what won’t matter to you when you’re eighty? Will that thing that’s keeping you up at night still matter? Will the number of followers you have on social media matter? Will comparison or striving for perfection matter? Will all the things matter?

Or will people matter—relationships and intentional connections cultivated over time? What will matter most to you when you’re eighty? Live like it today. Celebrate and cultivate what you want to see more of. My hope is that this week’s Fruitful Summer Guide, video, and downloads help you to do just that!

Let’s make what matters happen this week and use our time on purpose —together.

Love, WIN AN

ERA! INSTAX CAHM E A D .. .

D E T A IL S A

THIS WEEK’S

fruitful CONTRIBUTORS

RHIANNON BOSSE @HEYGORGEVENTS HEYGORGEOUSEVENTS.COM VALERIE MCKEEHAN @VALERIEMCKEEHAN LILYANDVAL.COM

SHAY COCHRANE @SHAYCOCHRANE SHAYCOCHRANE.COM

ASHLEE LITTLE @ASHLEELITTLE ASHLEELITTLE.COM

CHRISTINA FREDERICK @CL_EVENTS CHRISTINALEIGHEVENTS.COM

BECCA ATCHISON @ RROSEEVENTS RROSEEVENTS.COM

MAGHON TAYLOR @ALLSHEWROTENOTES ALLSHEWROTENOTES.COM

CHEYENNE SCHUTLZ @CHEYENNESCHULTZ LOVETHESCHULTZES.COM

RANDI SMITH @SUGAREUPHORIA SUGAREUPHORIA.COM

ERIN MCLEAN @ERINMCLEANEVENTS WEDDINGPL ANNERNC.COM

CELEBRATING FRIENDS

ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE WAYS TO CELEBRATE MY FRIENDS IS THROUGH THE LOVE L ANGUAGE OF SURPRISES! Whether it’s

sending an unexpected snail mail package of treats to a friend just because or flying cross-country to visit someone on a whim, a well-executed surprise shows so much love and intention. Even a surprise that doesn’t go as planned means just as much— the thought and care behind good intentions to celebrate a friendship never go unnoticed! R H I

Blair (my hubby) and I are growing our “couple friends” group and IT’S SO MUCH FUN TO GET TOGETHER FOR BIRTHDAYS, HOLIDAYS, AND ANY THING WE CAN THINK OF TO CREATE MEMORIES.

We all pitch in with hosting and bringing items so no one couple has to foot the entire bill. When Blair and I host, he puts his love for grilling to use, and I put my event planner touch on all of the corresponding pieces. There isn’t anything better than face-to-face conversation and food that fills your soul. C H R I S T I N A

What are your favorite ways to celebrate friends?

Being really intentional when you spend time together is my favorite way to celebrate my friends. To me, that means giving them all of my attention and not just glossing over what they have to say. I ALSO REALLY LOVE TO COOK FOR MY FRIENDS AND DEMONSTRATE MY LOVE BY MAKING A MEAL FOR THEM. I love planning girls’ nights out—

or in! Sometimes, that includes renting rom-coms or binging on Netflix shows while enjoying our favorite snacks. Other times, we get all dressed up and head to a fancy restaurant. R A N D I

I love celebrating my friends by showing up, surprising them, and supporting them during important moments. I love writing them cards or notes and leaving them little presents that made me think of them. EVEN WHEN I AM PRESSED FOR TIME, A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO CELEBRATE SOMEONE IS THROUGH A THOUGHTFUL TEXT LOADED WITH EMOJIS!!

MAGHON

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 8 5 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

THE FRUIT Y LIBRARY OF INSTAGRAM GRAPHICS NE W A D D I TI ON S! click each to download and share the love!

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 8 6 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

ONE OF MY FAVORITE WAYS TO CELEBRATE MY FRIENDS IS TO SURPRISE THEM WITH SMALL GIFTS THAT I KNOW THEY WILL ENJOY, JUST BECAUSE. They aren’t expensive, just little

things I come across that I can pop in the mail or give when I see them that show my friends how much they mean to me. I’M A HUGE FAN OF HAPPY MAIL AND THE POWER OF A HANDWRITTEN NOTE. I started keeping an address book so I can surprise my friends without asking for their addresses. VA L E R I E A celebratory trip to a restaurant is always a great idea, and IF I’M TREATING A FRIEND, I ALWAYS INSIST THAT THEY ORDER A DESSERT COURSE. What’s a

celebration without a little sweet treat? Sometimes, it’s enough to just spend time together with no agenda. Life is so full of times that we’re busy, so my favorite way to spend time celebrating is just to get together, be in the same room, and take our time. B E C C A

Show up! I listen when friends are telling me about their next big thing (meeting, presentation, event) and then I show up.

That may mean CHERING HER ON FROM THE FRONT ROW OR SHOWING UP THE NIGHT BEFORE WITH A PIZZA AND AN OFFER TO HELP FINISH L AST-MINUTE DETAILS.

What are your favorite ways to celebrate friends?

Oftentimes, it involves helping with things that don’t necessarily interest you, but knowing you’re there will mean the world to your friend. A S H L E E

I love celebrating friends with a meaningful little something—even if it’s just a cup of coffee and a bouquet of flowers after a hard day. However, I DON’T THINK WE CAN UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF BEING GENEROUS WITH OUR WORDS. We may think that our friends

know that we love them and are proud of them, but I am asking God to continue to work in me to make me more generous with my compliments, encouragement, and verbalizing my love for my friends. When there is something good to be said, don’t hold back! S H AY

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 8 7 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

WE ASKED YOU ON INSTAGRAM:

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE WAYS TO CELEBRATE FRIENDS?

I keep a little bin of cute, inexpensive gifts (journals, pens, dark chocolate,candles; scripture prints...) on hand. When @ECENOCKSON:

there is a reason to celebrate or a friend needs cheering up I can easily put together a bag of goodies for them. Target and Michaels dollar section, @thekindnessbox and of coarse @laracaseyshop are some of my favorite places to stock up on goodies!

Sending snail mail or secretly leaving flowers on their porch are some fun touches :) I love keeping a running list of prayer requests (and answered prayers!) for friends and family, too! @STEPHANIESCHOLL:

@ J O I E I N T H E J O U R N E Y:

Encouragement in all forms! A quite

note, a treat from the target dollar bin, a Starbucks drink on a hot or cold day. Telling them how important they are to me when I see them. Remembering little details and acting on them. @ A L L I S O N J PA S S O N :

Thank you notes randomly thanking them for being such a great friend.

@RACHELFRIEDRICHS:

I always try to write down their important dates —

also means celebrating their children. A card

@ E M I LYAY E R T H O M A S :

big tests, interviews, even fun things like vacations - as notes in my planner to help me to remember to check in with them, encourage them, and cheer them on!

I like to help celebrate the little things like remembering important dates and special events. Celebrating friends celebrating the child after a performance or something special is as meaningful for the child as it is for the friend. @5 00 D AY S O F E N G A G E M E N T:

I actually sent them all valentines from the

@southernweddings shop this year # F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 8 8 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

WEEK FOUR’S

VIDEO

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 8 9 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

Sending letters and postcards are great ways to show your friends their value to you because it takes a little bit of effort. ASKING

This may sound obvious, but SHOWING UP IS

ABOUT BOTH THE FUN AND NOT-SO-FUN

WHEN MAKING FRIENDS

PARTS OF THEIR LIVES SHOWS THAT YOU’RE REALLY INVESTED IN MAINTAINING A FRIENDSHIP. Your

relationship will become deeper and more meaningful when you’re invested in their hopes and dreams. Praying for and with friends is another awesome way to make them feel valued. R A N D I TELL THEM HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM. I speak

the words to my friends that I love them, I am grateful for them, and I am proud of the women they are. M A G H O N

What are simple things you can do to make your friends feel valued?

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FEEL VALUED.

Calendars can get out of control and, unfortunately, sometimes it’s tempting to cancel or reschedule time you’ve set aside to spend together. Although I’ve been guilty of this, I realize how important it is to keep plans and make sure my friends know I’m not going to cancel on them. WHEN I AM WITH MY FRIENDS, PRACTICING

REMEMBERING BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES,

BEING PRESENT GOES

BEING INTUITIVE WHEN A FRIEND MAY NEED YOU

A LONG WAY. No one

MORE THAN USUAL, REACHING OUT FOR SMALL

wants to feel like they’re having a conversation with someone who is looking at their phone and not paying attention.

These are simple things, but I think they have a huge impact on all relationships. VA L E R I E

TALK AND TO LEND AN EAR, BEING ACCEPTING AND ENCOURAGING, SHOWING UP —these are such

simple ways to let a friend know how valuable they are. As much as I love a good surprise, and it sounds rather glamorous to hop on a plane and show up on a friend’s doorstep five states away, a simple phone call to a friend, amongst the busyness of life, can really mean the world. R H I

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 9 0 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

A friend of mine recently dropped off some treats and a note on my doorstep that explained how SHE AND HER HUSBAND WERE COMMITTING TO PRAY FOR MY FAMILY AND I FOR A YEAR, and that at the end of each month,

she would be sending a little treat our way with an explanation of what they had been praying for us. I was blown away by the thoughtfulness. I like to make room to spend time with my friends, whether that be in person or on a Skype call for a virtual coffee date.

Respond to her text message. Genuinely ask how she is doing and then listen. C H E Y E N N E ASK QUESTIONS AND LISTEN MORE THEN YOU SPEAK. Phil 2:3-4

provides an amazing guide to making other people feel valued. “But rather in humility, value others above yourself. Not looking to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” Asking questions communicates that we are more interested in their needs than our own. How is your marriage doing?

What are you struggling with these days? How can I pray for your children?

These are the questions that my most deep and meaningful friendships are built on. S H AY

What are simple things you can do to make your friends feel valued?

With busy schedules and friends in different states, it can be hard to get together. Sending a random text message from my devotional or just to say hello while I am sitting in the airport, waiting on a meeting, or eating my lunch may be just the small act of kindness a friend needed that day. I SURPRISE MYSELF WITH HOW MUCH A FRIEND MAY ACTUALLY NEED TO CHAT, AND HOW GOOD IT IS FOR ME, TOO. CHRISTINA

I LOVE TO CELEBRATE THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MY FRIENDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA. So many

of them do such amazing things and they’re too modest to toot their own horns. I’m also a big fan of a random, unsolicited text message with positive encouragement and kind words. I feel like a million bucks when I receive a kind text message that I’m not expecting, so I try to remember to give others the same little boost. How cool is it that we live in an age where we can send instant notes to people even when they’re three time zones away?! I may not be able to show up on my friend’s doorstep with chocolate cake, but I can always shoot her a message to say I’m thinking about her! B E C C A

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 9 1 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

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# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 9 2 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

Once a month or so, a group of girlfriends and I get together after the babies have all been put to sleep for a late dinner or dessert, just to CATCH UP ON LIFE AND L AUGH UNTIL IT HURTS. I treasure those evenings! C H E Y E N N E My college friends and I always spend Homecoming together. It’s a great time to hang out and revisit our old stomping grounds. We also started a tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve together during college, and we still try keep the tradition going. With my friends from home, we try to meet up at least once a year to hang out. The distance can make it difficult, but group texting and video conferencing has definitely made it easier to communicate with my long-distance friends. GRABBING COFFEE, HAVING MOVIE NIGHTS, AND MEETING FOR BIBLE STUDY ARE WEEKLY TRADITIONS THAT I HAVE WITH MY AMAZING FRIENDS RIGHT HERE IN

MY BEST FRIEND AND I HAVE A SIGNATURE “BESTIE” POSE THAT WE BREAK OUT FOR PHOTOS. If you look back at our decade

of friendship, we can be seen bestie posing at every single Christmas, both of our weddings, a National Championship, and the finish line of a half marathon, just to name a few. M A G H O N

What are some traditions you have with friends?

My friends and I make a point to all come together for A WEEKEND IN THE MOUNTAINS EACH YEAR.

We cook together, explore the local town, play board games, and relax. A S H L E E

I have a core group of girlfriends that I grew up with, and since we all have gone separate ways since high school, it can be really tricky to get together! WE TRY OUR VERY BEST TO KEEP A RUNNING ONLINE MESSAGE BOARD OF WHEN WE ARE ALL GOING TO BE HOME SO THAT WE CAN SCHEDULE DINNER OUT TOGETHER. When we do, it always turns into a late

night of reminiscing, laughing, and thinking about how in 20 years, we will be telling the same stories over and over again. TRADITIONS DON’T HAVE TO BE FANCY. SOMETIMES THE SIMPLE ONES ARE THE VERY BEST. R H I

THE TRIANGLE. R A N D I # F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 9 3 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

FREE PRI N TA BL E for you and your friends!

#FRUITFUL SUMMER

My best friends from elementary school and I get together once a year to rest and reconnect. WE ALWAYS GET EACH OTHER MATCHING PA JAMAS AND ORDER ROOM SERVICE! There is nothing like spending time with someone who knew you when you had braces and a home perm! E R I N The “tradition” I hold the most dear is my Wednesday morning “meeting” with my best friend, Ashlee. DESPITE SEEING EACH OTHER IN PASSING MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK, WE HAVE TO FIGHT TO SET ASIDE SPECIAL TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE THINGS THAT MATTER THE MOST. We meet on Wednesday mornings while the house is quiet

and the kids are still asleep. She usually has a cup of coffee in hand ready for me and we take one quiet hour to talk through how we can pray for each other in the areas of marriage, business, parenting, and spiritual growth. Even after being friends for over ten tears, doing life together intentionally has proved to be so vital. S H AY A monthly lunch, Black Friday shopping, and BIRTHDAY DINNER CELEBRATIONS are some of the traditions I have with friends. VA L E R I E

What are some traditions you have with friends?

My favorite traditions include cooking together, curling up on the sofa for college football, or treating ourselves to a mani/pedi after a lengthy stretch of work. My favorite tradition of all is one that I keep with my cousin, Starley. WE’VE MADE A PROMISE TO TAKE A TRIP TOGETHER EVERY FIVE YEARS FOR AS LONG AS WE’RE ALIVE AND ABLE! We want to invest in

that time together no matter how old we get or how busy our lives become. We’re dying to go to Ireland someday and we’re coming up on the next five-year trip very soon! B E C C A

Blair and I love our friends!

We dress up for Halloween and tacky Christmas sweater parties. Friendsgiving is growing each year and I love that we have a little “family” that we can do life with. WE SEEM TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE GET-TOGETHER EACH QUARTER, AND OUR REASONS TO ADD MORE ARE GROWING. The fact

that these things happen year after year is exciting, and fun to add to our traditions list. C H R I S T I N A

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 9 5 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

WE ASKED YOU ON INSTAGRAM: WHAT ARE SOME TRADITIONS YOU HAVE WITH FRIENDS?

There’s a walk up window at a local chocolatier (perfection for us non-coffee drinkers), @ L O V E S A R A LY N N : 6:30 am pre-work breakfast at our and a gal pal and I snag our favorite local spot! Most of us are married and we all work favorites then walk the trail full time so it’s almost impossible to get us ALL together around the lake across the in the evening! So we commit time to each other biweekly! street. Some of the deepest The early start is hard but SO worth it!

After every sleepover (when we were 18 or now that we’re 28), we always make @STEPHANIESCHOLL:

@RACHELFRIEDRICHS:

Thursday lunch date at Chik fil A !!

@ B A I L E YJ R O B E R T:

chats and sweetest prayers have come from those walks!

Galentine's Day! I love celebrating the women in my life any chance I get. The past two @ESSZEESEA:

@T H E FA B G I V E R : banana pancakes (with peanut butter!) and play Jack Backstreet Boys concerts with @fashionableobserver and years I've arranged a small Johnson songs (especially get together in February to an annual trip to visit her/ the one about banana celebrate these ladies and her family pancakes)! It’s a favorite meet over good food & great tradition of ours and the @W I T H A S M I L E B L O G : My conversation. One of my

perfect way to catch up and reminisce!!

closest group of girlfriends have started a fun tradition of exchanging

‘favorite things’ twice a year- at Christmas and in the summer! We keep it

affordable and low key and so look forward to spoiling each other!

favorite details is giving a challenge before we part. A challenge that leads them to claim God's truth in their life and to encourage other gals around them. I look forward to continuing the tradition next year!

FREE THANK YOU CARD PRINTABLES DOWNLOAD ALL THREE PRINTABLES CLICK HERE!

# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 9 7 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

FRUITFUL ACTS OF

KINDNESS From our friend, Carrie!

1. Leave flowers on a friend’s car 2. Hand write a card to a friend who needs it.

3. Send a quick text message to let someone know that you are thinking of them.

4. Mail someone their favorite candy with a little note of encouragement.

5. Call a long-distance friend out of the blue.

6. Treat a friend to coffee or lunch.

7. Ask a neighbor to join you for a walk.

8. Bake cookies for a friend.

9. High five someone and tell them to just keep going.

10. Leave a treat on a coworker’s desk.

11. Share the produce from your garden.

12. Compliment a friend.

13. Introduce two of your friends who don’t know each other.

14. Invite a friend to join you on a mundane errand—grocery shopping is more fun when done together!

15. Hug a friend! Hugs are said to increase your lifespan by three minutes, so get to hugging!

✁

# F R U I T F U L S U M MPRINT E R | 9 THIS 8 | L ALIST! R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

FRUITFUL ACTS OF

KINDNESS From our contributors

Sending each other surprises in the mail! One of my favorite parts of owning a stationery business is getting to be in on the little secrets when my clients order special gifts for their friends. M A G H O N If I know a friend of mine is struggling with something I love to send them one of my favorite books that I found helpful, or send them a tiny bouquet of flowers. E R I N I’m avid baker and I love showing up to a friend’s house and surprising her with a sweet treat for us to enjoy!

Everything’s better with sprinkles on top, right? A S H L E E My business partner, Betsy, and I always know when the other one needs a pick-me-up. It means the world when she texts me in the morning to say “Heading to Dunkin’ Donuts...small black iced?” I make sure to do the same for her. Every once in a while, there’s a donut with that coffee too! B E C C A

I try to do something practical to help when I know a friend has an immediate need, like coordinating a meal calendar for a friend in a busy season, dropping off a care package for an overdue mama-to-be who needs encouragement to hang in there, or sending an online gift card for a coffee to a friend studying for finals. C H E Y E N N E I think some of the most meaningful acts of kindness are the ones that show that you have been listening. Holding a crying baby so that a weary friend can shower or making a meal for a friend who is feeling under the weather are all beautiful ways to say, “I care about you and I’m here to help.” S H AY

THE

CAMERA GIVEAWAY!

ENTER TO WIN

by sharing your #FruitfulSummer pics on Instagram!

WINNER ANNOUNCED JULY 15TH @LARACASEYSHOP

THE

PHOTO CHALLENGE Snap a photo of these Fruitful Summer activities, and tag #FruitfulSummer. The more photos you share, the more entries you’ll have in our INSTAX CAMERA GIVEAWAY and, more importantly, the more fruitful adventures you’ll have shared with others!

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7

10

13

16

SEND A HANDWRITTEN NOTE TO A FRIEND IN THE MAIL

WALK, HIKE, SWIM, OR BIKE WITH A FRIEND

ENJOY A NEW TRADITION WITH YOUR FRIENDS

PRINT A FAVORITE PHOTO AND SEND IT TO A FRIEND

EXPLORE THE FARMER’S MARKET TOGETHER

SEND THREE FAVORITE RECIPIES TO A FRIEND

2

SEE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER

5

3 SHARE A FAVORITE FRIENDSHIP MEMORY

6 ENJOY A COFFEE OR LUNCH DATE

8

BAKE UP SOME GOODIES AND DROP THEM OFF AT A FRIEND’S HOUSE

11

9

12 HOST A FRUITFUL SUMMER MEEETUP

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15 SHARE A MEAL WITH A FRIEND

17

LEARN SOMETHING NEW WITH A FRIEND

PRINT THIS LIST!

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SHARE THE PRODUCE FROM YOUR GARDEN

COMPLETE A FRUITFUL ACT OF KINDNESS

SURPRISE SOMEONE WITH THEIR FAVORITE SNACK OR DRINK

GIVE A FRIEND ENCOURAGEMENT ON INSTAGRAM

PICNIC, BBQ, OR SIP SWEET TEA WITH OTHERS

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FREE PRI N TA BL E for you and your friends!

LOVE IS PATIENT, LOVE IS KIND. IT DOES NOT ENVY, IT DOES NOT BOAST, IT IS NOT PROUD. IT DOES NOT DISHONOR OTHERS, IT IS NOT SELF-SEEKING, IT IS NOT EASILY ANGERED, IT KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS. LOVE DOES NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL BUT REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH. IT ALWAYS PROTECTS, ALWAYS TRUSTS, ALWAYS HOPES, ALWAYS PERSEVERES. LOVE NEVER FAILS.

(1 CO R I N T HI A N S 1 3 :4 -8)

#FRUITFUL SUMMER

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# F R U I T F U L S U M M E R | 1 0 3 | L A R A C A S E Y S H O P.C O M

WHAT YOU ’V E BEEN D OI N G D URI N G

@BN SCH ULTZ E

@ JU D G EM IC

H A EL A

@CH RIST IEBA RKER 24

@ SW EE TT EA

GRACE

@ AH RE NF

@BRITTANYCOTTLE

@H AR PE RH AD LEY EV

NER @ B E G IN

@K AY SE BL AIR

EN TS

BEANS

@EMILY_DEARDO

@ K R Y S TA

LN C L A R K

@STACIEMWESLEY

@ TA M A R A M

EN G ES

@B YE RIN CR EATIV

@SARAH

@S AR AH DE GR AF

EC O

A P O T TS

FE NR IED

THAN K YOU FOR F IV E share this with a friend and enjoy it together!

WEEK S !