Tonight Kutless played in the Taco Bell Arena (mmm) at Boise State University. Lucky for me, this was a show I was able to hop on the bus for, and even better, I was able to see my grandparents who live here. Once they arrived, I walked with them through the crowds to find a good seat. We spotted four seats together, and decided to snag them while they were available. As we scooted by the two women sitting on the aisle, I noticed that one of them had a Kutless CD on her lap. I decided it was best to compliment her choice in bands (I’m a little partial), and asked her if she liked Kutless. This REALLY got her going, and she spouted off about 10 of her favorite Kutless songs, a couple of which my husband was able to write. We chatted, laughed and talked about how excited she was to hear them play. Her mother then asked, “Do you like Kutless too?” To which I replied, “I certainly do. My husband is this guy right here (pointing to the CD).” We exchanged names (Jessica and Deanne were theirs), shook hands, and I thanked them for supporting the band. They both had amazing things to say about how these songs had impacted their lives, and told me to thank the band for what they’re doing. 

I left that encounter beaming, and with tears in my eyes. I sat in that row with my grandparents during the Kutless set, and watched Jessica clap, sing, shout at the top of her lungs, and jump to her heart’s content. Filled with joy, Jessica heard and participated in worship along with her favorite band tonight. But you see, Jessica is blind. She couldn’t physically SEE her favorite band, but boy did she hear. She worshiped with those guys, without knowing a SINGLE thing about their appearance, about the confetti shooting out of cannons, or about the bright flashing lights. She just loved the music. She worshiped, and she danced with joy because of the message and the power of the music. I was so touched by meeting Jessica tonight, and pray that I have the opportunity to encounter more Jessicas. It is always good to hear that we are part of a ministry that is bringing people closer to Jesus, but to hear it from Jessica was extra special. 

Sorry for the blurry photo. This girl was dancing so much I couldn’t get a clear shot:) 

Today marked mine and Amanda’s second sewing lesson from our lovely teacher Chris. After having to reschedule due to tour travel, we were very ready for a new project. Today we decided to make reusable grocery bags which are perfect for living in Portland. Step by step, Chris walked us through our project. I still can’t believe I know how to sew! It feels so good to finish something and have it not fall apart. I made something functional! ME! 

Just wanted to drop another note to encourage you all to try things that you don’t think you can do. Try things that intimidate the crap outta you. 

Do any of you have any stories of times that you’ve tried something that scared you? Are there things that you WANT to try, and need a boost? Let’s talk!

Here are a few things you may not know about me, serious and silly. 

1. I am allergic to chocolate, but I eat it anyway. I can’t get enough! It’s actually the caffeine in chocolate that I’m allergic to, but since there’s not a TON in a chocolate bar, I can eat it still:) Coffee is another story sadly.

2. My first job was being a DJ. Now don’t think of me spinnin records, more of a fade in fade out CD type DJ. We’re talkin Bat Mitzvah’s, middle school dances, family functions, smallllll weddings, fundraisers, company parties, etc. Yeah I know… DJ ALLY. I’m pretty cool.

3. I didn’t seriously give my life to Jesus until I was 19 years old. I grew up in a Christian home, raised by AMAZING God loving parents, but I didn’t make the decision to FULLY walk with Jesus until the end of my freshman year at Oregon State. After a wild rebellion, I submitted, and my life changed forever.

4. I struggle with anxiety on a daily basis. It’s a battle I’m fighting, and guess what? I win! I wake up most mornings with butterfly feelings in my tummy, and I have to pray them away and face each day with the power God has given me in His name. I believe freedom is possible, and I’m trying to claim it everyday.

5. When I was little, I always said when I grew up I wanted to either be a librarian or a cheerleader. Quite mismatching choices if you ask me, but I always loved books, and better than that… scanning things. What a good combo. I also loved being girly, dancing, and being the loud center of attention!  Sadly my dreams of books and pom poms never happened. Haha

What about you? What are 5 things I may not know about you? Email me! Still loving getting to know you all. 

Spring tour is in full swing, and lucky me, I got to join! This 40’ beauty has been our home for the past week, and it has been a FUN week. 

Here are a few snippits from the week on the Rock and Worship Roadshow 2013. This group of musicians has been so awesome and welcoming, and the message that’s being spoken from those stages is incredibly impacting. 

Every morning people work tirelessly to set up the stage and production for a monster lineup. On RWRS ‘13 we have: Tim Timmons, Rhett Walker Band, Luminate, Family Force 5, Adam Cappa, Kutless, Jeremy Camp, Tedashi, and Mercy Me. They put on quite a show, but these crew that come along work their TAILS off to make this happen. They deserve an applause:)

With our lifestyle, I’ve learned to not expect holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries to be spent together, but sometimes they happen! Valentine’s day was spent in an unusual spot, but I’m super glad we were able to be together and share a smooch…. or seven…teen. We were in Springfield, MO for Vday and had a great time. So glad we got to be together.

It’s so fun to watch Nick in his element up on stage. I’m so proud of him, and am just in awe when I look around at a crowd with hands raised, worshipping the Lord with these men. It’s impacting lives, and I’m so glad that this is what he is able to share with people. 

Anddd we’ll throw a handsome shot in there for good measure. Gosh he’s a hunk!

Megan and Macy are out on the road after me, and they were at the Dallas show the other night. It’s always good to see our best friends, since we don’t live near each other anymore. I love seeing Macy change, and am also excited to meet their new baby come August!

The Baton Rouge show was such a fun day. After lunch we decided to go for a walk since it was so beautiful, and ended up stumbling across some guys doing parkour in the park. Ironic?:) Maybe someone can answer me this… why? Just why? I don’t get this “sport” in the slightest haha It was entertaining to say the least.

For a majority of the rest of the day, there were intense tournaments of Corn Hole going on by the buses. I’d never played before, and it was so fun! If you haven’t played it, you must. It’s like horseshoes but with bean bags. It was pretty entertaining to watch.

After dinner we had to go check out the sunset, because it was absolutely beautiful. This was a shot that Nick got of me which I loved. He’s a good little photographer.

Now I’m just hanging out in a hotel room in Dallas, waiting for Nick to get back from dinner with his friend. Tonight we head to Amarillo, TX for another day off, and then Colorado Springs, where I’ll be flying home from. Sad to leave, but excited to be home. I feel like I’ve hardly lived there this month.

Oh P.S. Roadshow isn’t over yet. Check to see if it’s coming to your town by visiting the tour site. Portland, they’re comin for ya on March 1st at the Rose Garden. Only $10! See you there!

Skin crawling, I sat on the bus today totally irritable, and completely insecure. I wasn’t sure where it was stemming from. Not quite sure if someone or something in particular had sent me into this downward spiral, but I was ready to burst into tears at any moment. I held it in most of the morning and into the afternoon, and then my intuitive husband, knowing me oh so well, asked me, “how are you doin?” You know that sweet, “I want to know you” question that you hate so much, because as soon as they ask it the floodgates break and you turn to mush? Yeah, he asked it. And I lost it. 

I had been avoiding the question all day, not wanting to cry and ruin my makeup (because yes, I am  thatshallow), yet wanting him to help me process through this feeling of despair and discomfort. I was feeling completely uncomfortable in my own skin, not feeling like I fit anywhere. You ever have those days? Well I do. Often.

As Nick patiently listened, I poured out every small thing that MAY be contributing to this weighted feeling. He helped me sort through a number of things: not feeling pretty that day, wishing I was in better shape, wishing I had different talents/gifts, not knowing what I’m supposed to do with the gifts I do have, comparing myself to other band wives, feeling like I don’t have anything to offer a conversation. You know what we came up with? Those are ALL lies. All of them.

I may not be a musician, and seeing everyone put on amazing shows on tour makes me think I HAVE to do that. I may not have a super model body, but that’s just not always realistic… and not what it’s all about anyway. I may be sweatin my makeup off, or have frizzy hair today, but that doesn’t make me beautiful. I may not have a clear vision of what I, Allison DePartee am supposed to do with my gifts, but I do have gifts, and I do have a God who guides and answers my prayers. 

The point I want you all to get here is that it’s okay to talk about our insecurities. We don’t need to fake it with each other. However, what I don’t think is necessary is to wallow in them, because all of that introspection can become downright selfish and narcissistic. Let me tell you, as soon as I was able to release these crazy thoughts to Nick, he was able to give me some true perspective, and I ended up being able to go out of that dressing room with a smile on my face, uplifted by truth.

God made me special. He made me a brown eyed, dirty blonde haired, 5’4” woman who LOVES people. He made me to be a jokester. He gave me a passion for handicapped people. He called me into wifehood and is teaching me how to be a good one. My God loves me and I need to love me. Sometimes I may need a reminder, but I need to live from that truth. That I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and He has equipped me for every good work. You want to know what else is cool? He’s done the same thing for you!

I’d love to hear what you all are dealing with on a day to day basis. I’m super passionate about us not hiding our insecurities from each other, and I’m on a mission to expose them! SO, let’s talk it out. What are you all believing that’s not true? What helps you overcome those lies? What scriptural truths do you cling to? How can I encourage and/or pray for you?

Email me! I’d love to chat.

Hey everybody (not sure how many actual “body’s” there are reading this, but hello anyway)! I was inspired this week after a conversation with a good friend to really start using this blog as a way to connect people and to be able to talk openly with readers about things that are going on in our lives. I believe that God has gifted me with a passion & love for people of all kinds, and I want this blog to be not only a place for me to record my memories, but a place where I can interact with you amazing humans on a deeper level. 

That being said, I’m really NOT a big fan of facades. I believe as Christians we are called to help each other. How do we help each other if we’re all   “doing fine” all the time? On the contrary, I do not believe that we are to wallow through life always complaining and always “suffering for the sake of the gospel.” I believe there is a balance. We are told in Scripture point blank that we WILL suffer persecution simply for believing Jesus is Lord. However,  I also bank on the verse where Jesus says, “I came that you may have life and life abundant.” 

Just as Jesus connected with people of all cultures, upbringings, and pasts, I too want to do the same. I want this to be a place where I can share REAL things that are on my mind, that will hopefully spark some conversations amongst you all. You in? 

So from now on, interspersed between my pictures and de Partee updates, I’d like to share some personal things the Lord is putting on my heart, and ask for people to respond. I’m not quite familiar with how people can comment on tumblr accounts, but I do have a tab on my page that says “Contact” where I’d love to hear responses to these blogs. I’d love to get connected and start doing life together! If you are checking this on an Rss type feed, then my email is lifeofdepartee@gmail.com 

Honest posts coming soon… Thanks for listening!

I have a friend named Rachel, and boy is she wonderful. I’ve known Rachel pretty much her whole life, and it has been really neat to see her grow up. Rachel and I are buds. We both like our nails painted, we enjoy the lovely world of Disney, and we’ve been known to have a dance party or two to Hannah Montana songs. Well lucky me, I get to now hang out with Rachel every week! Her parents are lending her to me so we can have some girl time a few hours a week. 

We started out our date by heading to Target to pick out a baby outfit for a gift for a friend, then we headed to the baking aisle to pick up some cookie ingredients.

Apron on, ingredients measured, we got started. Rachel helped me pour ingredients in and pushed the lever to keep the mixer in place. I loved watching her sweet hands, with hot pink nails, oh so carefully pour the sugar in teaspoon by teaspoon.

If you know Rachel, you know that she is a woman of few words, but I could tell by her involvement and face that she was thrilled to be my assistant. Once our cookie sheets were loaded, we popped the cookies in the oven, watched High School Musical 3 and ate our lunches. 

What a nice day we had. Didn’t we Rach? Can’t wait to hang out with you when I get back. Love you miss!