• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

November 23, 2011

Dining Room Makeover Reveal

To say that I am thankful that my dining room project is finally done would not be an understatement (okay well almost done, there always seems to be a few little things to finish up… like the floor…but who’s keeping track. smile!) 
 The important thing is, that it’s done enough to show off here and done enough to host Thanksgiving dinner, and that my dear friends is a Thanksgiving blessing! I struggled posting these today, because our lighting has been so awful! Cloudy, rainy, foggy, tornado watches…the perils of a photographer! But I’m going to go ahead ahead and share…can’t promise I won’t retake them on a sunny day though! lol
If you’ll remember I first showed you my dining room for Debra at Common Ground’s Design Challenge.  Debra asked her readers to help me with some advise and ideas for making over this room.  Here are some before pictures…
dining-room-entry

dining-room-2 DSC_0660_edited-1 (1)
and here is my dining room now all ready for Thanksgiving dinner…
Mouse over for before and after transformation

dining room makeover2

So, are you ready for all of the details.  Remember you’ve been warned. Winking smile
The first thing we did is pull up all of the carpet from the dining room and staircase.  And I have to confess we are still waiting to lay the flooring, it’s our last project for this room.  Then I added custom board and batten around the entire dining room and down the hallway as you can see here.  Whew! It almost did me in!
DSC_0327
I still have to paint my door black and add the  double stacked molding to the top of these doors, like I did in the dining room.
My gallery wall.  I’ve always wanted to showcase our formal pictures in one place.

This wall makes me so happy every time I walk in my front door.

DSC_0312
The pops of red look so nice with the blue and white, but because they are changeable, if I tire of them I can always paint them another color…not sure I’ll ever tire of them though. grin.   I love the addition of gold. It’s back you know?! I think it’s just lovely with a blue wall color. You can also get a glimpse of the custom double stacked molding that I added above the door.
This is my new DIY drum chandelier, I’ll share how I made this in a future post.
DSC_0314
DSC_0319-1

You might remember this piece from my Halloween vignette I shared with you, where I gave you a sneak peek of this room.  Several people suggest I add a painted piece to the room and I aim to please!

I love this painted chest for extra storage and it makes a great buffet for extra food or a nice place for holiday vignettes.

These sweet Amish drawings are from my childhood.  I asked mom to send them and I think they look perfect framed in black against the blue wall.
DSC_0326

DSC_0328
I was so excited to find this gorgeous blue and brown fabric for $5.00 total! Enough to cover my four side chairs. 
DSC_0334
I will be adding white slipcovers to my captains chair this week.  Let me tell you how hard it is to find white slipcovers for armed chairs! C-u-r-a-z-y! I finally located some and they are on their way!
Some of my Thanksgiving décor…
DSC_0311
my freezer paper stenciled pillows
DSC_0337
My table all set for Thanksgiving…minus six more place settings. Winking smile 
DSC_0308-1
DSC_0309-1
Thanks for letting me show you my “new” dining room!
dining room makeover1
I hope to have the new floor in next week and will be sharing more details on how I created this look as well as a showing it off during our Christmas Block Party all decked our for Christmas! Don’t forget, Inspiration Friday will go up early this week! The party will start tomorrow (Wednesday) evening, be sure to join us  with your inspiring posts before your Thanksgiving festivities begin! See you then!!
signature

This post is partying with:

Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
DIY by Design: Fall Into Fall
Knick of Time Interiors: Knick of Time Tuesday
Ask Anna: Weekend Warrior
You’re Talking Too Much: Meet Me Monday
Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
Ivy and Elephants: What’s It Wednesdays

66 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Design Challenge, Dining Room, Good Ideas

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Simply Sunday…The Jar
Next Post: Inspiration Friday No. 42…Thanksgiving Edition! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie says

    November 22, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    Your dining room looks stunning! Love the rearrangement of the room, board and batten and the gallery wall. What color did you paint the walls?

    Reply
  2. Maury says

    November 22, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    I love it! It looks amazing!

    Reply
  3. Jacqueline says

    November 22, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    absolutely beautiful! Love everything you did, the light shade, the curtains the way you hung your wall art!

    Reply
  4. Daffodil Hill says

    November 22, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    Wow! Love the changes, especially the light over the table. Would love to see even more pictures. Also, where did you get the new drapes? They are so airy looking! If you get a chance, look at my blog. I have a decorating dilemma of my own going on. It’s the master bathroom.

    Reply
  5. Libby says

    November 22, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Love, love, love the material on your drum chandelier! Where did you find the fabric?

    Reply
  6. Michelle Paige says

    November 22, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    What a transformation! Absolutely gorgeous!

    Reply
  7. Calypso In The Country says

    November 22, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    The room looks beautiful! Your Thanksgiving guests will never leave!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  8. Ruby Jean says

    November 22, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Oh So VERY pretty… It looks so much lighter and refreshing… the wall color is just BEAUTIFUL as well as the woodwork on the walls…..Oh and the Gallery Wall is just Delightful…

    Reply
  9. Janel@hatingmartha says

    November 22, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    This looks great! The gallery wall is breathtaking…the red accents bring it to life!

    Reply
  10. Lisa @ Before Meets After says

    November 22, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    WOW! You’ve been busy! I love the board and batten 🙂

    Reply
  11. Shannon@FoxHollowCottage says

    November 22, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Adore the entire thing from top to bottom! The drum shade is soooo cute. I want it =) Everything is so well balanced and it looks fantastic, warm & inviting. Beautiful details abound. Yum!!

    Reply
  12. Gwen @ The Bold Abode says

    November 22, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    Stunning, striking and seriously SMASHING!

    Reply
  13. Renewed Upon a Dream says

    November 22, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Yea! This looks so great! It looks so much brighter with the wall color changed & the pretty new light! Nice job!

    Reply
  14. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    November 22, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Heather, your dining room is perfect minus the floor. Love the drum chandelier and your gallery wall. Well done. Have a very happy Thanksgiving in this gorgeous room.

    Reply
  15. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    November 22, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    GORGEOUS Heather!! I LOVE every detail!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Martina

    Reply
  16. Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria says

    November 22, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    Many Blessings to you and your love ones this Thanksgiving..Hugs and smiles Gloria

    Reply
  17. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    November 22, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    OMGosh! This is stunning!! Phenomenal!! Fantastic, terrific, swoonworthy, gorgeous, beautiful, sublime, amazing… It is a room of superlatives! 🙂 I love the pops of red. Pinned, stumbled, tweeted, etc.

    Reply
  18. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    November 22, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    Beautiful, Heather! Love the color, love the light fixture and the shade you made. Great gallery wall ~ the pops of red are unexpected but lovely. The lay-out looks great, too. You did such a good job and pretty quickly, too!

    Reply
  19. Judy says

    November 22, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    Heather – your dining room truly looks gorgeous. I LOVE the color (what color is it exactly…I may have to copy it in my dining room). Can’t wait to see how you made that drum shade. I think your gallery wall is beautiful. I love the idea of having all of the formal pictures in one location. I’m so happy for you that you were able to get it all done in time for Thanksgiving. Now that’s really something to be thankful for!

    Reply
  20. HHL says

    November 22, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    GORGEOUS!! what a fabulous make-over…Love the DIY drum chandelier. xo HHL

    Reply
  21. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    November 23, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    Heather, your dining room looks fantastic! Moving the china cabinet made a huge difference. I love all the wonderful details.

    Reply
  22. Kristin says

    November 23, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    Beautiful makeover!! I love the table runner, and the drum chandy is amazing!!

    Reply
  23. Sherry says

    November 23, 2011 at 12:16 AM

    Oh so pretty! And just in time!!! I need to know how to make that drum chandy…I need one.
    Love this project!
    Sherry

    Reply
  24. Stuff and Nonsense says

    November 23, 2011 at 12:57 AM

    your newly remade space
    looks absolutely delightful
    from the gorgeous gallery wall
    to the paisley chandy shade
    to the hint of blue on the walls

    thanks for sharing the creativity!

    alison

    Reply
  25. Debbie -refreshrestyle says

    November 23, 2011 at 1:21 AM

    It looks great! I love every inch of it! I’m glad it didn’t do you in! I can’t wait to see the floor! Have a great Thanksgiving!
    Debbie

    Reply
  26. Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says

    November 23, 2011 at 1:33 AM

    What a beautiful transformation! The light and the gallery wall are my favorite features, but it all looks amazing.

    Reply
  27. Debra @ Common Ground says

    November 23, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    Hallelujah, it looks fabulous! The board and batten, the paint, the new light fixture, oh my gosh, it’s all wonderful! you did an amazing job!!! It doesn’t even look like the same room! Can’t wait to see more. Have a great Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  28. Kelly says

    November 23, 2011 at 1:53 AM

    Your dining room looks great! Just in time for Thanksgiving too. Looks like it’s all set and ready to go. I love your light fixture. That is so unique. The molding turned out pretty and the gallery wall adds alot of personality to the room.

    Reply
  29. Tammy @BeatriceBanks says

    November 23, 2011 at 1:56 AM

    This is awesome! Love every single detail. Looks like a totally different room. So pretty!

    Reply
  30. Angie says

    November 22, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    STUNNING! What a transformation! I love the new woodwork you installed. Your Thanksgiving table setting is gorgeous as well!

    I hope you’ll link up at Knick of Time Tuesday today!

    Blessings,
    Angie @ Knick of Time Interiors

    Reply
  31. Shelia says

    November 23, 2011 at 2:35 AM

    Your dining room is gorgeous! Love all the changes. Oh what a lovely room to be with family on Thanksgiving! Love it! I want to wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving.
    Be a sweeti
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  32. ritajoy@harbourbreeze says

    November 23, 2011 at 2:43 AM

    This looks so beautiful! I may have missed it somewhere, but what color of blue is that on the walls? I really like it with the white board and batten. Good job!

    Reply
  33. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    November 23, 2011 at 2:53 AM

    I remember when you posted your design dilemma,and I was wondering what you had done. Well, it is fabulous! I love every detail, and I eagerly await the tutorial on you shade.

    Reply
  34. Ange says

    November 23, 2011 at 3:20 AM

    Beautiful! I love it, makes the hard work of caulking and painting all that MDF worth it! Love the colors, the gold gallery wall, the light fixture, everything! Can’t wait to see what you do with the floor! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

    Reply
  35. Pamela says

    November 23, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Heather it looks wonderful ! I know you put your heart and soul into it!

    Reply
  36. Teresa says

    November 23, 2011 at 3:55 AM

    Your dining room looks fantastic and so colorful. Could you share your paint color with us? Love the drum shade too!

    Reply
  37. Carolyn@SweetChaos says

    November 23, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    Wow! Your dining room is wonderful! I love the new layout, the gallery wall and the drum shade. So, so pretty! Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

    Reply
  38. Cherished Bliss says

    November 23, 2011 at 4:09 AM

    I love it! Absolutely stunning : )

    Reply
  39. trumatter says

    November 23, 2011 at 4:37 AM

    This is absolutely GORGEOUSSS. Clean, fresh and warm. I love the transformation Heather. Honestly, Love it!

    Reply
  40. Cindy says

    November 22, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Gorgeous! Love your wall treatment and the portrait wall is perfect! Great transformation!

    Reply
  41. Becca says

    November 23, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    WELL, WELL done, Heather! I love the transformation! Your “new” dining room is gorgeous … and, the gallery wall is perfect. Your beautiful china cabinet looks wonderful on the back wall. And, love the pendant … the layers … the colors … everything!

    Reply
  42. Tina says

    November 23, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    Your Thanksgiving table look great! Love the little pillows.

    Hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

    Reply
  43. FABBY'S LIVING says

    November 23, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Your new dining room looks stunning! I love how clear and luminous it looks, it was dreary before, kind of dark and sad. Fab transformation! I love your memmory wall, gorgeous! Your tablescape is beautful with the wheat bunches as your centerpiece, just perfect for the season. Happy Thanksgiving. FABBY

    Reply
  44. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    November 23, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    Really pretty Heather and what a lot of work! I can’t imagine the hours you have spent. It’s obvious that your attention to detail is spot-on. I would so love to tear up my carpet in my living/dining rooms. Not sure I could install a floor though. :o) Have a wonderful weekend with your family. Blessings to you and yours!

    Reply
  45. Cindy says

    November 23, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    Your DR is gorgeous!!! I love every detail, you make gold beautiful. I have not been too sure about it, but you have done it so beautifully, maybe I can accept it again.:)
    Your chandy shade is lovely and your picture wall is adorable.
    Hugs, Cindy

    Reply
  46. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    November 23, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Your dining room is stunning! I love the board and batten you added! Every touch you added is perfect! Thanks for sharing this! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  47. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    November 23, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    Beautiful! Heather, you did such a wonderful job transforming the dining room. I love the gallery wall and the board and batten is fabulous! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  48. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    November 23, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    It is stunning! All your hard work paid off, love all the details. Happy Thanksgiving 🙂
    OX
    Kristin

    Reply
  49. Dawn says

    November 23, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Really beautiful!

    Reply
  50. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    November 23, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Nice work, Heather! I love that you have a “happy wall” — and I love the china cabinet focal point. Still trying to get my head around how you managed the wainscoat challenge, but it looks amazing! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

    Reply
  51. Leslie says

    November 23, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    All that HARD work was worth it!
    It is
    B
    E
    E
    Y
    O
    O
    T
    E
    E
    F
    U
    L
    !
    !
    !
    When’s turkey time?

    Reply
  52. LowCountryLiving says

    November 23, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    Love the gallery wall!!!

    Reply
  53. Stacy Curran says

    November 23, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    Heather that is simply amazing! What a difference. You should be very proud to thanksgiving in your new room!
    Stacy

    Reply
  54. Shiloh says

    November 23, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    I love what you did with it! You added so much visual interest, but it’s not busy. It’s brighter too.:)

    Reply
  55. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    November 23, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Beautiful! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  56. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    November 25, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    You have done an awesome room transformation! I love love love the light over the dining room table, it is so pretty.

    Reply
  57. Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures says

    November 28, 2011 at 1:53 AM

    Really great makeover. My favorite parts are the gallery wall and the pretty color combinations of it all.

    Reply
  58. Deana says

    November 28, 2011 at 3:03 AM

    So cheerful! Looks much more cozy. Great job!!

    Reply
  59. MELANIE says

    November 28, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    What a beautiful transformation. I love the pops of red too! That lampshade is gorgeous…love the colors and the pattern.

    What a beautiful room to sit and have a meal with family & friends.

    MJ
    Lucky 7 Design

    Reply
  60. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    December 4, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    Featuring your dining room at tonights “Meet Me Monday” linky party! One of the most viewed links. Party starts at 8pm. Had over 70 links last week!!! I was soooo excited! Hope to see you there! Love, Reb
    http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com

    Reply
  61. Jamie Lott says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:31 AM

    Oh Heather! Let me tell you! I just finished a dining room redo and I hate it…well, not all of it but I’m just not satisfied so it’ back to the drawing board. Hate it when that happens! Wish I’d seen this a few months ago. Love the blue on the walls. That’s my fav color!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    Reply
  62. Cat says

    January 7, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    I HAVE to know where you got that paisley fabric for the drumshade. Pretty please?

    Reply
  63. Heather SettingforFour says

    October 10, 2012 at 3:44 AM

    Thanks for linking up your beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape at the Traditions Thanksgiving Linky Party….Luv those big oat sheaves 🙂

    Reply
  64. Minna says

    January 11, 2014 at 6:34 AM

    Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images
    on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if
    its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back
    would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Living Room Makeover Reveal says:
    May 9, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    […] Dining Room Makeover […]

    Reply
  2. 10 Inspiring Autumn and Thanksgiving Projects // Features from Thanksgiving Traditions N~S~E~W Linky Party! - Setting for Four says:
    May 11, 2014 at 6:59 AM

    […] Turkey Handprint T Shirt Dukes and Duchesses   Dining Room Reveal and Thanksgiving Tablescape At The Picket Fence     DIY Dictionary Maple Leaf Wreath  Keeping Up With the Times     17$ […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

Must Reads

Recent Posts

  • Why We’ve Chosen Vacations Over Projects April 26, 2022
  • A New Look for the Family Room March 1, 2022
  • Christmas Kitchen and Family Room December 19, 2021
  • Christmas Home Tour Part One December 10, 2021
  • Easy Hot Cocoa Station November 21, 2021

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the pa When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the payoff of your investment in your children, it is truly one of the greatest gifts. We had that experience twice this week with our 18 year old son and were overwhelmed by this opportunity we had to watch as he handled two very different situations (one personal and one professional) with grace, maturity, integrity and courage. Those of you mamas of little ones, don't ever minimize the job you are doing in raising this next generation. 

Every story read at bedtime
Every correction made to strengthen character
Every outdoor exploration
Every nose wiped
Every bandaid applied
Every time you say no when the world says yes
Every night of helping with homework
Every difficult conversation
Every prayer uttered

The final pieces of the puzzle of his childhood are falling into place and the picture revealed is one that is more wonderful than we could have imagined. And we know that it is only by God's grace on us as we sought His wisdom and guidance that we have come to this point. We have been FAR from perfect parents, but one of my most sincere prayers for the past 18 years was that the Lord would stand in the gaps that were surely to be revealed by our imperfections. And He has answered those prayers again and again. He's taken my humble petitions and most sincere intentions and knocked our socks off with the young man we are so privileged to call our son. And we can’t wait to watch as his future unfolds!
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence