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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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  • Meet Vanessa
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November 29, 2016

My Christmas Home Tour

Welcome, welcome friends! I’m so excited to be apart of the Jennifer Rizzo Design Company Holiday Housewalk again this year and bring you some Christmas home decorating ideas and inspiration!

Winter vintage tabletop decor

You won’t want to miss out on all of the beautiful homes so be sure to head over to Jen’s to begin at the beginning.

Jennifer Rizzo housewalk buttn

If you are coming here after paying a visit to Jen at City Farmhouse I know you’ve already seen some truly beautiful eye candy and I’m so glad that you continued the housewalk and have found your way here.

City Farmhouse Housewalk button blank

As I began to hang the garland on my banister this year, memories of a Christmas long ago came flooding back.

In 1983, my grandmother, a long-time widow, found love again. And when she and her soon-to-be-husband, Chet, settled on a Christmas Day wedding, my parents decided that we would make the journey from Southern California to Michigan to be there. The wedding was to be held at the home of my Aunt and Uncle and this would be a chance for my mom to spend time with her family whom she dearly missed.

At 7  years old, I have to admit that I wasn’t too thrilled to be stuck in a station wagon for days on end right before Christmas. In her wisdom, my mom allowed me to open my ‘big’ gift from them prior to our departure and I have to admit that clutching my brand new Molly doll from The Pleasant Company (which was soon taken over by American Girl) definitely made me feel a bit less apprehensive about our trek across the country.

Christmas foyer decorations atthepicketfence.com

But, even a brand new doll can’t help when you run into horrible blizzards and encounter treacherous driving conditions. I will never forget the tense moments as the station wagon inched it’s way through the storm. Snuggled into the very back (this was before seat belt laws!), I was quite certain that we should have just stayed home.

Christmas entry table decor ideas

When we finally pulled up to my Aunt Christine and Uncle Bob’s home I could barely make out the outline of the huge, white historic house against the dark sky.

Tired, cold and hungry, we were just so relieved to be out of the car that we didn’t waste any time hurrying up to the door.

French country style Christmas living room

We trudged up the front steps just as the door was being opened for us and we were quickly enveloped in hugs and greetings. As we entered the house, the first thing I noticed was the enormous wood staircase and banister. I had never seen anything like it in my life. But, what really caught my eye was that the entire banister was covered in red stockings. There must have been 20 of them!

Music sheet banners on Christmas tree atthepicketfence.com

And to a little 7 year old girl, away from home on Christmas, the sight of those stockings filled me with the hope that maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

My mom and dad disappeared with the other grown-ups and a cousin was given the job of showing us to our rooms. I walked up that giant staircase with a kind of awe and reverence. I had never been in a home quite like this before and I felt as though I had stepped back in time.

Boxwood wreath hanging on a chalkboard atthepicketfence.com

The long hallway at the top of the stairs revealed more doors than I could have imagined in one house. And while the hallway was very cold, the warmth that greeted me when I entered my room took the chill off right away. My suitcase was brought in and then suddenly I was alone. And I didn’t like it.

I hurried back down the stairs and found my way into the living room where a huge Christmas tree stood in the front window with presents piled underneath. One glance revealed that my name was actually on some of them!

Presents on a sled and burlap ruffle tree skirt

(Jute Tree Skirt from Wayfair)

Following the sound of talking and laughter, I made it into the kitchen and was greeted by the most amazing aromas. Warm soup, bread, and something I had never seen before. Little oyster crackers covered in some kind of topping. It was that moment when my love affair with ranch crackers began. A love affair I have now passed onto my own children.

All throughout that evening, my eyes kept wandering over to the banister covered in stockings. Was it possible that one of those was mine? My aunt and uncle had a lot of kids and a lot of extended family plus they hosted foreign exchange students so I figured it was probably a long shot. Out of self-preservation, I determined that it didn’t really matter because it wouldn’t be my stocking. My familiar stocking that hung on the fireplace each year and was stuck back in Southern California.

Reindeer pine cone and greenery centerpiece arrangement

The next day dawned bright and clear and we kids were encouraged to head outside to get some fresh air. Now that I’m a wife and mother myself I realize this had nothing to do with us but everything to do with giving the grown-ups a chance to get things done before the Christmas Day wedding.

Stuffed into snow-clothes, we made our way to the front porch where we gleefully discovered that there was so much snow it was touching the bottom of the porch swing. This made for some very fun times as we took turns pushing each other on the swing and sending snow flying through the air.

Kitchen plate rack decorated for Christmas atthepicketfence.com

It was during this time that I finally had a chance to take in the beauty of my aunt and uncle’s home. The sight of it against the bright, white snow is something I have never forgotten. And I realized that it was beginning to seem less intimidating.

Uncle Bob and Aunt Christine's home

(Uncle Bob and Aunt Christine’s home circa 1980-something)

It was beginning to feel more like home.

Gingerbread men cookie cutters tied to canisters in Christmas kitchen

Later that day, after we had thawed out over hot cocoa, I mustered up the courage to ask my aunt if one of those red stockings hanging from the banister was mine. She took my hand and led me over to them and pointed up at the place where the banister began to turn. “See that one right there? That one is yours!”

I couldn’t hide my joy and marveled that I would have a place there among the others. That someone had thought about how much it would mean to two little girls, away from home at Christmas, to have stockings.

Advent candle arrangement with glass jars and white candles

Uncle Bob and Aunt Christine have always understood that hospitality is simply love in action. It’s the tangible form that love takes as we extend it to others. They have been opening their homes and their hearts to people from all around the world and from all walks of life for as long as I can remember and this Christmas was no exception.

Hot cocoa station on a buffet table atthepicketfence.com

Christmas morning brought with it a fresh snowstorm and concerns about getting my grandmother and her fiance from their respective homes some distance away.

Not to be dissuaded, my uncle and an older cousin braved the roads and delivered the bride and groom safely to the house.

Spode winter coffee mugs

Later that morning, I slowly walked down the stairs in front of my grandmother, thrilled to finally get to be a flower girl in a wedding. Everyone in the family had a role. My sister lit the candles, my dad performed the ceremony and my mom and aunt did the decorating and the food. It was to always be known as the most lovely Christmas wedding we had ever attended.

Winter woodland themed Christmas mantel decor atthepicketfence.com

But as wonderful as it was, it’s not the wedding that has stood out to me all of these years.

Flocked tabletop pine trees from wayfair.com

(Frosted Trees)

That Christmas of 1983 taught me that home was so much more than a place.

Christmas Trees for sale pillow from Wayfair

(Christmas pillow)

I learned that I didn’t have to be in my home to feel at home. And perhaps it was then that the seed was planted in my own heart to want to make others feel at home, no matter where we are.

Christmas buffet table decorations atthepicketfence.com

At Christmas, more than any other time of the year, people seem to be longing for a sense of home.

Cinnamon sticks in vintage silver creamer

And I believe that each one of us has the ability to create that for others. It doesn’t have to be complicated, or over the top.

It can be as simple as smiling and making eye contact.

Or seeing a need and meeting it.

Or inviting a neighbor to church with you.

Or adding one more stocking.

Christmas tree with white wood barrel tree stand

My Aunt and Uncle continue to provide a sense of home for so many people. And they have always been so incredibly supportive of Heather and me through all of our At the Picket Fence adventures. I’m pretty sure my aunt was one of the first, if not THE first, people to buy our book.  We’re so grateful that even though we live so many miles apart, when we are together there is always a sense of being right at home.

Christmas tree with wood signs as ornaments

And, speaking of homes, it’s time for us to say goodbye for now and for you to move on to the next stop on the Holiday Housewalk. You’ll be visiting the home of the incredibly talented and lovely (inside and out) Bre of Rooms for Rent and I know you will love it as much as I do.

Rooms for rent Housewalk button blank

 

As you enter this season, may your own homes be filled with joy and may you be watching for ways to bring that joy to others.

Much love to you sweet friends,

Vanessa signature

And don’t forget, our book ‘Life in Season’ makes such a lovely gift!

Find out how to buy it here

Life in Season resized

44 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Family, Good Ideas, Holidays Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas decor, Christmas decorating, Christmas home tour

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Comments

  1. Marty Oravetz says

    November 29, 2016 at 3:34 AM

    Your home is stunning, so beautifully decorated and your story is such a perfect Christmas story.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 30, 2016 at 7:18 AM

      Thank you so much Marty!

      Reply
  2. Dorothy Terwilliger says

    November 29, 2016 at 4:49 AM

    What an enjoyable story to start my day with. Your home is beautiful and the story of your early Christmas with your family surely epitomizes Christmas and the love a family should share. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Lynn H. says

    November 29, 2016 at 5:11 AM

    Such a sweet story, it brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for sharing your lovely home!

    Reply
  4. Debbie York says

    November 29, 2016 at 5:27 AM

    I feel as if I not only took a walk through your beautiful home, but of your beautiful heart as well. Thank you.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 8:00 AM

      Oh thank you so much Debbie! What a lovely thing to say. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  5. Laura says

    November 29, 2016 at 5:40 AM

    Your home looks beautiful Vanessa – and your story is just perfect! Merry Christmas sweet friend! I picked up your book and can’t wait to spend some time digging through it and enjoying it. Miss you!

    Reply
  6. Jennifer Rizzo says

    November 29, 2016 at 6:44 AM

    Thank you so much for being a part of the tour and sharing your beautiful holiday home! I hope everyone picks up your beautiful book that is just filled with your heart!!!

    Reply
  7. Doreen Cagno says

    November 29, 2016 at 6:46 AM

    Your home is so beautiful all decked out for Christmas! Love every nook and cranny! And, your book is an amazing Christmas gift idea – I’ve purchased a few for gifting this year! I shared it with my daughter-in-law and she loved it!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:15 PM

      Thank you so much sweet friend!! And thank you for purchasing books! Truly, we appreciate it so much and are so grateful for all of the support. Love to you this Christmas season! xoxo

      Reply
  8. Linda says

    November 29, 2016 at 8:04 AM

    Hospitality is really just about showing love. Best definition ever. Following my mom’s example we honor that in our home wherever we are across the globe. Loved being taken back to some sweet Christmas days in my heart. And by the way, totally loving your holiday house! Linda

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:14 PM

      Thank you so much Linda!

      Reply
  9. jen says

    November 29, 2016 at 8:38 AM

    Love, love the tour girls and the story was so lovely. Thank you for sharing, I was so inspired! Happy Holidays to you both!! Jen

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:14 PM

      Thanks Jen!!

      Reply
  10. Christine Simmons says

    November 29, 2016 at 9:32 AM

    Thank You Vanessa for the beautiful posting of a time in the life of our family that has left a wonderful memory to share. Even knowing the story it brought tears once again. The setting of your beautiful home is a perfect match for the story. Now that we are older and life has changed we relive these memories often. Am so enjoying the book and it adorns our coffee table for quick reads as we bake the cookies and make the oyster crackers again this year. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and also wishes to your many followers on The Picket Fence.

    Reply
  11. Jeanie says

    November 29, 2016 at 9:50 AM

    What a lovely story!! Thanks so much for sharing..

    Reply
  12. Bonnie says

    November 29, 2016 at 10:46 AM

    I loved reading your story Vanessa. Thank you so much for sharing about your wonderful aunt and uncle and how they made you and your family feel so welcome when you were small and away from your own home.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:08 PM

      Thank you so much Bonnie!

      Reply
  13. Carol Reddin says

    November 29, 2016 at 10:58 AM

    Ahhh, love this so much, Vanessa! It brings back many wonderful memories. Your aunt and uncle really are very special people and have always treated Heather and you with much kindness. Thank you for letting me re-live that time in our lives. Love, Mom PS Your home is beautiful all dressed up for Christmas

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:07 PM

      Love you mom! xoxo

      Reply
  14. Lisa Mothersead says

    November 29, 2016 at 12:16 PM

    Beautiful story and beautiful holiday home. Love your hot chocolate bar and olive bucket with greenery, especially.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:07 PM

      Thank you so much Lisa!

      Reply
  15. Carol Neibling says

    November 29, 2016 at 12:18 PM

    Thank you for the beautiful thoughts. My Aunt Ida had a house like that in Ashton, Ill. We always went there for Christmas and we always received some hand knit mittens.

    I have given several of the books and I am reordering because it’s the perfect gift.

    May you have a blessed Christmas Season.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:07 PM

      Oh I love that you always received mittens!! And we can’t thank you enough Carol for purchasing so many books!! We appreciate it more than we can possibly express. Many blessings to you and yours this season!

      Reply
  16. Amanda Marie says

    November 29, 2016 at 12:18 PM

    I don’t typically comment on blog posts, but I had to on this one. This was such a sweet story! I had to read it all first, then go back through the pictures. What you said about hospitality being love in action is so true! We live in a college town, and each year there are young couples who can’t make the trip home for Christmas. We always keep Christmas Eve for family and Christmas morning for each other (just my husband and myself; no kids yet), but Christmas afternoon and evening, our home belongs to those couples who are missing theirs. It started as a way to stretch out the festivities, but it has turned into the biggest blessing for the two of us! We can’t imagine Christmas without it now. Thank you so much for the lovely story!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:02 PM

      Oh that means so much to me that you left a comment on my blog post Amanda! What an absolutely amazing example of love in action you and your family are displaying by opening your home to those who needing a place to belong during a season that can be very lonely. I just think that is such an amazing gift you are giving them. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Blessing to you this Christmas!

      Reply
  17. Lynn says

    November 29, 2016 at 2:18 PM

    I loved your Christmas story! Your home is beautiful

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 6:48 PM

      Thank you so much Lynn!

      Reply
  18. Kelly Elko says

    November 29, 2016 at 5:41 PM

    A lovely story and an even more lovely home – Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 6:37 PM

      Thanks girl!

      Reply
  19. Mary W Ferguson says

    November 29, 2016 at 7:18 PM

    I loved the story about your grandmother getting married and the beautiful home. The pictures of your home is very lovely. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Mary

    Reply
  20. Brooke Christen says

    November 29, 2016 at 7:40 PM

    What a fun idea with the banners on your tree! So festive and cozy- loved all the little details. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  21. laura janning says

    November 30, 2016 at 12:26 AM

    what a precious and sweet story vanessa. Happy Holidays to your entire family! your home looks beautiful.

    Reply
  22. Becca says

    November 30, 2016 at 4:21 AM

    Beautiful story, Vanessa … and gorgeous holiday home! Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  23. rose l. says

    November 30, 2016 at 10:56 AM

    You sure have a nice place!

    Reply
  24. BJ says

    November 30, 2016 at 11:17 AM

    Everything about this post was stunningly beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  25. Jennifer @ T says

    November 30, 2016 at 7:22 PM

    What a heart-warming story, Vanessa! It immediately brought back memories of my own childhood – traveling in a station wagon in the dead of winter to visit relatives. Clutching a new doll during the holidays. Running outside to play in the snow with cousins. Your home is beautiful, too! Thanks for sharing your memory with us. 🙂

    Reply
  26. Shannon Fox says

    December 1, 2016 at 7:05 PM

    Love your tour and your story telling!! Merry Christmas Vanessa!!

    Reply
  27. Rachel says

    December 2, 2016 at 12:38 PM

    Vanessa, I’m in love. That story! You are so blessed with an amazing family. I was imagining every detail and following along in all those gorgeous images and vignettes… and I love that you showed a picture of their house! IT was beautiful! and then your message at the end… I just love your heart. This post was everything.

    Reply
  28. Hayley says

    December 2, 2016 at 2:16 PM

    Oh my goodness, all the tears over that sweet story. What a wonderful thing to share with us all and your home? simply stunning. I have to go now, because I need to buy your books. Merry Christmas and thank you for the wonderful lessons!

    Reply
  29. Rose says

    December 3, 2016 at 7:57 AM

    Your Christmas story is just the story I needed today.
    Our daughter has a special relationship with my sister – her aunt.
    My sister is just like your aunt always wanting to make others feel so at home.
    When my daughter was just a little girl her aunt made special cookies and Kristin helped her make them – Kristin continues to make these cookies every year.
    Right now there is a distance between them – a political distance. To see the distance is killing me.
    As I read your story it brought back so many wonderful memories of Kristin and her aunt.
    My prayer this Christmas is that she will remember those special memories and their lives will be filled with joy for each other again.
    Thank you for sharing your story
    Have a wonderful Christmas.
    Much love,
    Rose

    Reply
  30. Suzy says

    December 3, 2016 at 9:39 AM

    I came here from Thistlekeeping at Thistlewood Farms.. I enjoyed the story so much that I had to go back and see the pictures of your home. So beautiful! Thanks for the story and Christmas decorating ideas.

    Reply
  31. sharon stanley says

    December 5, 2016 at 7:13 AM

    oh my goodness your home is a beauty and your photos divine, but as a children’s writer i was so engrossed in your charming christmas tale, i had to go back and re-visit all the pics just to make sure i didn’t miss anything! you have a way with words in addition to your obvious talents for making a house a warm and inviting christmas home. well done you!

    Reply
  32. Leslie says

    December 13, 2016 at 5:52 AM

    Lovely. And such a beautiful memory of home, hospitality and family. May you have the merriest of Christmas seasons!

    Reply

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Instagram post 18118328449043115 One of my favorite Christmas songs is ‘O Holy Night’ and while each word, each lyric is as familiar to me as the back of my hand, there is one line that somehow, until recently, I managed to never really pay much attention to. It says, “Long lay the world, in sin and error pining till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” Think about that for a moment. Our souls are longing to feel their worth. Prior to the arrival of the infant King in Bethlehem, the world waited, pined, engulfed in their sin and their error. And it was only through His birth, death and resurrection that our souls would experience their true value, their full worth.

Titus 3:4-7 says, “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” The world tells us that our worth is based entirely on the external, on what can be seen. We’re not measured simply by our existence but rather by what we can offer.

But, thousands of years ago, when our Savior was born, we were told something very different. Before he walked among us. Before he performed miracles. Before he challenged the leaders of the day. Before he was betrayed. Before he was sacrificed. Before he rose from the dead. Before all else, he simply appeared. And it was through his lowly, humble, anything but royal appearance that our souls were given the opportunity to experience the fullness of their worth. It is only through being in his presence that we are able to feel the full magnitude of our value.

Who he is allows us to know, really know, just who we are.

We are beloved.

We are cherished.

We are worth it.
Instagram post 18074214343167043 It always seems like the simplest things are my favorite when it comes to Christmas decorating. I found four transferware egg cups in a vintage shop and knew they would be perfect for our advent candles! Aren’t they just so sweet? With the little paper Putz village underneath this centerpiece in my dining room brings a smile to my face every time I walk by. ✨
Instagram post 18042969043211010 Raise your hand if these cold, dark mornings have you feeling a bit befuddled. 🙋🏻‍♀️ So far this week I’ve put a sweatshirt on backwards resulting in me getting a really good look at the inside of the hood and today I tried to put sweat pants on without taking my pajamas off first. 😂 #winning.

But, hey, at least I can take comfort in the soft glow of twinkling lights and having my halls decked for Christmas!

Today on the blog I’m sharing the details of my soft and simple mantel decorations and I’d love for you to stop by! ✨
Instagram post 18116596168021683 Happy Saturday friends! Can you believe that tomorrow is December 1?! I think it’s time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our kids or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap.

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
Instagram post 17937591637321018 Have you ever longed to belong?

Have you ever felt like you are on the outside looking in at everyone else who seemingly have it all together?

Are you craving more peace in your heart and your home?

Well, today I’m having a conversation with @drbarbaralowe on her podcast and it could not be more timely with the holiday season now upon us!

You can find the link to it on her page and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it and what resonates with you! ❤️
Instagram post 17903771584388964 Confession...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
Instagram post 17846094718750175 Temperatures are dropping here in the Willamette Valley and I got our hot cocoa station set up just in the nick of time! My kids LOVE this sweet (literally!) spot in our house and my daughter added her own personal touch with the little sign on the wreath. I’ll be happily restocking ingredients over and over throughout the season as my kids and their friends make a pit stop here. We’re definitely ready to cozy up!! Do you have a hot cocoa or coffee station at your house? What are your must-haves for the perfect hot beverage? ☕️🎄
Instagram post 17880974047462626 It’s begun!! 🎄🎄 My best girl LOVES decorating the family room tree (we do a fresh tree in the living room after Thanksgiving) but she does NOT like me to take her picture while she’s doing it (see photo two). Ahhhh...preteens. 😂🤪 I’m just so grateful to have a buddy who is as obsessed with Christmas as I am and who still wants to be apart of it all with me!
Instagram post 17864348974529213 I'm struggling to find the right words on my book proposal for a book that I never thought I would dare to write. The words are in me, I just can't seem to get them onto the page. I'm so passionate about this message even though it is so different from anything I've ever done and might not be considered 'on brand'. And yet it's never been more clear to me that I'm supposed to keep moving forward. It's a message that might not be considered very 'popular' (this ain't a 'pull yourselves up by your bootstraps' kind of message about being a Christ-follower) but it's one that God has placed on my heart and in my very BEING and I have to get it out there.

But at every step of the way I find that the enemy of my soul tries to keep me silent and what should be so simple (writing two paragraphs giving an overview of the book or writing an outline) ends up being paralyzing. He whispers words into my ear that are lies tinged with just enough truth to tempt me to keep silent. “You're first book didn't sell well enough so why should any other publisher take a chance on you? They won't care that it wasn't really your fault." "You write a lot about home decorating so why would you have any authority to talk about scripture?” And that's how satan works...he is masterful in his deception, weaving our fears and insecurity into the lies so that we are much more likely to believe them. And if we believe them, we stop being obedient to the Lord and the callings He places on our lives.

But, I WILL NOT BE HINDERED. “Since the first hour in which goodness came into conflict with evil, it has never ceased to be true in spiritual experience, that Satan hinders us. He checks our importunity, and weakens our faith in order that, if possible, we may miss the blessing. Nor is Satan less vigilant in obstructing Christian effort. There was never a revival of religion without a revival of his opposition. What then? We are not alarmed because Satan hindereth us, for it is a proof that we are on the Lord’s side, and are doing the Lord’s work, and in his strength we shall win the victory, and triumph over our adversary." - Charles Spurgeon
Instagram post 18114202198050565 Happy weekend friends!! This has been one of my favorite kind of days today. The boys went and had some guy time and my daughter and I got some sweet girl time and now we’re all cozied in together at home enjoying just ‘being’. I’m doing some baking and dreaming about this year’s Christmas mantel. This photo is from a few years ago but it’s still one of my all-time favorites!

What’s been the best part of your day today? ❄️
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