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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
    • Featured

March 6, 2015

Embroidered European Linen Pillow Giveaway!

Happy, happy Friday friends!! Notice anything different around the Picket Fence?

It’s a new day and a new look for our little ol’ blog! We kind of feel like those unsuspecting women who are plucked off the street by Hoda and Kathie Lee on the Today Show. It’s almost as though we didn’t know just how much we needed a makeover until we got to the big reveal!

thefrenchelementsredmonogrampillow2

So we thought it would be fun to celebrate our new look today with a fabulous giveaway courtesy of the amazingly talented Barbara from The French Elements.

Her shop is chock full of the most wonderful goodies!

 Embroidery Hoop Art

french elements1

 French Bistro Aprons

french elements3

 Pillow Covers

french elements2

 

And it’s never too early for stockings, right? 😉

french elements stocking

One At the Picket Fence reader is going to win a Custom Embroidered Monogram Pillow from the French Elements and will get to select the color of thread used.

thefrenchelementsredmonogrampillow2

And we won’t be jealous of you at all…nope…not one bit! 😉

Here’s how to enter to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We also want to give a great big shout-out to our incredibly talented friend Lesley from Chaotically Creative whose new venture Launch Girls made our makeover happen!

Happy Weekend to you friends!

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120 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Sponsors Tagged With: Giveaway, sponsors

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susie @ The Chelsea Project Blog says

    March 6, 2015 at 2:55 AM

    Love the new look. A refresh is good for the soul. Have a wonderful weekend….. 🙂 Suz

    Reply
    • Alice says

      March 6, 2015 at 2:11 PM

      Great new look, modern and streamlined. And fabulous pillow, everything is always better with a monogram!

      Reply
  2. Charla says

    March 6, 2015 at 2:58 AM

    Thank you for sharing all the lovely items.The pillow is beautiful!

    Reply
  3. Cynthia says

    March 6, 2015 at 2:58 AM

    I would most definitely put it in my living room,where I could show it off!

    Reply
  4. Teresa says

    March 6, 2015 at 3:39 AM

    I’d put it in my bedroom to sit in the chair by my husband’s bed

    Reply
  5. Janet says

    March 6, 2015 at 3:45 AM

    What beautiful pieces! The would brighten up any decor!

    Reply
  6. cecilee says

    March 6, 2015 at 3:47 AM

    ooohhh la la!

    Reply
  7. Barb says

    March 6, 2015 at 4:06 AM

    Love the new look. Thank you for sharing the giveaway. Lovin what I do. Xo

    Reply
  8. jo wyrosdick says

    March 6, 2015 at 4:06 AM

    I use lots of red in my home. I would put it in my Den or sun room.

    Reply
  9. Susan T says

    March 6, 2015 at 4:22 AM

    It would start out in my living room…….however, it seems that pillows rotate between our living room, master BR and guest BR. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Hope Williams says

    March 6, 2015 at 4:25 AM

    Gorgeous pillow. Definitely a perfect pillow for everyone to see ! My sofa.

    Reply
  11. Debbie says

    March 6, 2015 at 4:48 AM

    I would use it on the master bed with a navy thread!

    Reply
  12. Lisa Mothersead says

    March 6, 2015 at 4:53 AM

    Beautiful monogrammed pillow!! Love your new look, too!!

    Reply
  13. Barb says

    March 6, 2015 at 5:15 AM

    Hi. It’s me again. lol Don’t forget to visit my main website. https://www.thefrenchelements.com

    Reply
  14. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    March 6, 2015 at 5:26 AM

    Oh my goodness…I am so crushing over these gorgeous pillows…I am a “southern gal” and love everything monogramed….hey, I even had my shoes monogrammed when I was in high school!!…..Stunning items…great giveaway…hopping over to the shop now!…Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  15. Melissa says

    March 6, 2015 at 5:26 AM

    I would use mine in my master bedroom. I would choose a light blue thread color. I.love.this. hope I win!!!

    Reply
  16. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    March 6, 2015 at 5:28 AM

    The makeover is beautiful! And that pillow is gorgeous! Life to the full! Melissa

    Reply
  17. Debi says

    March 6, 2015 at 5:35 AM

    On our bed! very classy pillow

    Reply
  18. Diva Kreszl says

    March 6, 2015 at 5:46 AM

    How positively gorgeous! This would most definitely find a place in my master bedroom!

    Reply
  19. Donna says

    March 6, 2015 at 5:56 AM

    Your blog makeover is gorgeous ! The pillow is so romantic and elegant…it would definately be perfect in our bedroom in coral thread .

    Reply
  20. Angelia W. says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:06 AM

    The new look is great! I have been wanting a monogrammed pillow for a sitting chair in our living room. This would be perfect! Thanks for the opportunity 🙂

    Reply
  21. karen says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:17 AM

    What a great giveaway! Love y our little blog! Thanks for the opportunity! karen…

    Reply
  22. Sandy says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:24 AM

    It seems a shame to put such a beautiful pillow on my bed. I would probably put it on the couch in my living room where everyone could appreciate it.

    Reply
  23. Kristen Shields says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:28 AM

    I absolutely love this pillow and don’t own anything with a monogram so I don’t just love it I NEED it. Lol Hope to win!

    Reply
  24. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:30 AM

    What a gorgeous pillow – I love all of their things! This pillow would go right in the middle of my bed. I love it. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  25. kelly says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:31 AM

    Beautiful update! I think this would make a lovely gift for my mother. It’s too precious for my busy active house.

    Reply
  26. Jean Louise Lilly says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    I would love to showcase this beauty in my living room, right alongside some treasured needle pointed pillows my mom made in the 1970’s. Bonne Chance!

    Reply
  27. Nancy Curitti says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:37 AM

    I would us this pillow in my family room on my new furniture.

    Reply
  28. Ellen Vogel says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:38 AM

    I would love this in Royal Blue or Navy embroidery to put on my bed. I would also be able to use it anywhere in my home. Love moving my decor around. I am a pillow addict. Can’t help myself. Love, love, love this classic pillow.

    Reply
  29. Martha Franks says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:52 AM

    Oh, my! What color shall I choose? It would be perfect on my bef!

    Reply
  30. Jean from Georgia says

    March 6, 2015 at 7:00 AM

    WOW! Beautiful monogram. This pillow will be beautiful on my den sofa. It is so pretty and feminine and would love to have it in my home.

    Reply
  31. Donna Jackson says

    March 6, 2015 at 7:07 AM

    Love the pillow! Mine would go in my bedroom!!!

    Reply
  32. julie h. says

    March 6, 2015 at 7:57 AM

    This amazing pillow would head straight to my brand new daughter-in-law:))
    She is a wonderful blessing to us! xoxo, and she loves ALL monograms!!

    Reply
  33. MichelleD says

    March 6, 2015 at 8:13 AM

    ooohh… la… laaa!! Love this! I would definitely place in my foyer chair or living room for the WORLD to see! Beautiful! Thanks for a chance to win!!

    Reply
  34. Pam Ballard says

    March 6, 2015 at 8:24 AM

    Oh there are so many places I could put a pillow. We just bought a home and have been here a short 6wks and still sorting things out. Thanks for the chance. I love the new look…

    Reply
  35. Carol Ann says

    March 6, 2015 at 8:33 AM

    Just finished redecorating my bedroom – all blue and white! Painted an old wood bed (ASCP, of course) in Napoleonic Blue. This adorable pillow would look AMAZING on my new bed! Thank you for sharing this with us. I always look forward to each post – never know what is coming next! Keep it up!

    Reply
  36. Jennifer Hoppie says

    March 6, 2015 at 8:46 AM

    I just LOVE this classic pillow .. No one does monograms anymore
    This lovely item will have pride of place, in the center spot, on my bed ♥

    Reply
  37. Rosa says

    March 6, 2015 at 8:49 AM

    I would use it in our den. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Reply
  38. Lynn Czap says

    March 6, 2015 at 9:04 AM

    This pillow is beautiful-it would look wonderful in our master bedroom! Also love your blog and look forward to it arriving in my inbox:)

    Reply
  39. Debra C says

    March 6, 2015 at 9:54 AM

    I would put it on my bed.

    Reply
  40. Laurie Carmack says

    March 6, 2015 at 10:02 AM

    Oh my goodness how pretty…on my bed, what a classic look. I just recently gave my room a make over and this would be a lovely addition .Thank you for the lovely give away’s.

    Reply
  41. Dawn says

    March 6, 2015 at 10:09 AM

    I would use it in our office.

    Reply
  42. Tina F says

    March 6, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    Thank you for showing us these beautiful pieces of work. I would definately love to put it in my livingroom

    Reply
  43. Susan Crozier says

    March 6, 2015 at 11:04 AM

    This would be on my bed with Navy thread!

    Reply
  44. Marilyn in Mt. Vernon, VA says

    March 6, 2015 at 11:20 AM

    Hmmmmm. It might be simpler to imagine where I wouldn’t use this gorgeous pillow…the bathrooms! Maybe. I love monogrammed anything, but lush, plump, beautiful pillows are the best. Keeping my fingers crossed.

    Reply
  45. Rachel Scarvey says

    March 6, 2015 at 11:46 AM

    I would put my pillow on the Master bed where I could see it every morning when I wake up and every night when I go to sleep! Luuuuuuv it!

    Reply
  46. Cindy says

    March 6, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    Stunning…I would use them on couch in front of the fireplace!!

    Reply
  47. Cathy farmer says

    March 6, 2015 at 1:35 PM

    I love this pillow and am definitely going to check out their aprons.

    Reply
  48. Mia White says

    March 6, 2015 at 1:54 PM

    I would def put one of these fun pillows in my new living room. Nice re-design, Ladies!

    Reply
  49. Kaye Killgore says

    March 6, 2015 at 2:18 PM

    Beautiful pillow. Awesome giveaway

    Reply
  50. Gwen says

    March 6, 2015 at 2:19 PM

    I think it is fun to redecorate every once in awhile. Your blog looks clean! I’m still reading it ( I did not think it needed a change but isn’t it always that way? We ourselves see the need for the change and when we do a big overhaul change, our friends now say Oooh Ahhhh We love it Great idea!
    Keep up your hard work that I truly enjoy for free. It is most amazing and now you want to give out a present for a lucky “viewer”. I feel like I’m on an old I Love Lucy episode!!!! Will I win Ethel?? Lol

    Reply
  51. ruthann says

    March 6, 2015 at 3:34 PM

    What a beauty! Would look great on my bed.

    Reply
  52. maureen b. says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:26 PM

    So pretty!

    Reply
  53. debby messner says

    March 6, 2015 at 7:33 PM

    I like your new look. Wouldn’t you love being plucked out of the crowd for that makeover.

    Reply
  54. debby messner says

    March 6, 2015 at 7:36 PM

    I like your new look. Wouldn’t you love being plucked out of the crowd for that makeover. I’d put the pillow on my white sofa.

    Reply
  55. Pam Spear says

    March 6, 2015 at 9:06 PM

    Everything is better with a monogram.This would be lovely in a chair in my living room.

    Reply
  56. nancy says

    March 6, 2015 at 9:37 PM

    Love the new look!! The pillow is gorgeous and would look lovely on a bed…thanks for sharing your blog with us…it always brightens my day!!

    Reply
  57. Darla says

    March 6, 2015 at 9:53 PM

    I would put them on my bed- LOVE em!!!!

    Reply
  58. Elena says

    March 6, 2015 at 11:48 PM

    I would display the pillow in my living room as it is decorated in burgundy and gold colors. I can imagine the beauty in there now..

    Reply
  59. Debbie S. says

    March 6, 2015 at 11:50 PM

    I would love it in my bedroom with dark blue stitching.

    Reply
  60. Linda Sellers says

    March 7, 2015 at 2:52 AM

    So love this monogram pillow. On my bed is where I would put it. I love the Red or even blue.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  61. Judy says

    March 7, 2015 at 3:51 AM

    Love the new look! And would love the pillow on my antique rocking chair.

    Reply
  62. Anne b says

    March 7, 2015 at 10:38 AM

    just bought a new couch..a pillow is perfect

    Reply
  63. libby says

    March 7, 2015 at 4:09 PM

    The pillows are beautiful, would love to have a monogram one

    Reply
  64. MARTHA says

    March 7, 2015 at 9:49 PM

    I would make sure to show it to all my visitors so the living room would be so festive….TY

    Reply
  65. Pamela says

    March 8, 2015 at 5:33 AM

    It will go on my bed!

    Reply
  66. Myrna says

    March 8, 2015 at 9:30 AM

    I would be torn …… gift it or keep it ….. probably KEEP!!

    Reply
  67. Michele Chabot says

    March 8, 2015 at 9:52 AM

    Lovely embroidery. I would have the pillow in my living room. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  68. Pat says

    March 8, 2015 at 9:58 AM

    Beautiful design ~ very professional and looks like spring! I would love to win this gorgeous pillow! It would go on my bed as I’m redoing the bedding.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    xo
    Pat

    Reply
  69. Becky Borgia says

    March 8, 2015 at 7:45 PM

    I would definitely place this on the bed in our master bedroom.

    Reply
  70. Terri S says

    March 8, 2015 at 8:49 PM

    I would put it in my living room.

    Reply
  71. June Ebinger says

    March 8, 2015 at 9:37 PM

    IN MY BEDROOM

    Reply
  72. Kim R says

    March 9, 2015 at 6:14 AM

    Beautiful pillow – and the new look is fabulous too! The chair in my guest bedroom has no pillow at all, and one like this would be perfect! I hope I win :).

    Reply
  73. Alina says

    March 9, 2015 at 6:40 AM

    I’d place it in the center of my bed. This is a gorgeous pillow.

    Reply
  74. Sean says

    March 9, 2015 at 6:41 AM

    I’d place it in my reading nook in the first floor office. Lovely pillow.

    Reply
  75. Alison says

    March 9, 2015 at 5:59 PM

    I would put it on my couch.

    Reply
  76. carol clark says

    March 10, 2015 at 4:27 AM

    id put in the bedroom

    Reply
  77. Megan Swinney says

    March 10, 2015 at 5:21 AM

    This would go on my bed 🙂

    Reply
  78. Laticha A says

    March 10, 2015 at 9:21 AM

    would look perfect on my side of the bed, luv it

    Reply
  79. Sherry says

    March 10, 2015 at 1:32 PM

    The pillow would go in my living room for all my guests to see if I won. It is beautiful!

    Reply
  80. Gabrielle Lynn O'Brien says

    March 10, 2015 at 5:31 PM

    I would love to place a pillow in my living room on my couch.

    Reply
  81. Alison Gibb says

    March 10, 2015 at 9:22 PM

    This awesome pillow will go on my bed in my bedroom!!

    Reply
  82. Sharon says

    March 10, 2015 at 10:26 PM

    I’d use the pillow in my Living Room as a lovely accent. When I look at it, it’ll make me wish you gals were coming over for a spot of tea!

    Reply
  83. wendi says

    March 11, 2015 at 2:31 AM

    i would go on my davenport in the family room

    Reply
  84. wen budro says

    March 11, 2015 at 1:14 PM

    Hmmm….I would probably put the pillow on my bed.

    Reply
  85. Audra says

    March 11, 2015 at 4:48 PM

    I would put it in my living room

    Reply
  86. Lisa Vanhook says

    March 11, 2015 at 7:22 PM

    would probably put the pillow on my bed

    Reply
  87. lindsay hess says

    March 11, 2015 at 7:39 PM

    I would put this on my Wedding Display Case! Its Beautiful!

    Reply
  88. allyson tice says

    March 11, 2015 at 8:26 PM

    this pillow would go on our bed!!

    Reply
  89. Leah Shumack says

    March 11, 2015 at 9:52 PM

    I would put mine on my chair!

    Reply
  90. shea balentine says

    March 12, 2015 at 1:05 AM

    It would go on mine and hubby’s bed!

    Reply
  91. grammygoodwill says

    March 12, 2015 at 4:49 AM

    I like your new look.
    I also really like that monogrammed pillow cover. If I were lucky enough to win, I would try it first on my couch in the living room and then on the bed. It would probably move back and forth between those two rooms! Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
  92. Annmarie W. says

    March 12, 2015 at 5:36 AM

    My daughter would love this! It would go into her bedroom!

    Reply
  93. amy tolley says

    March 12, 2015 at 6:06 AM

    beautiful this would make a great addition to my bed or livingroom

    Reply
  94. megan Tilley says

    March 12, 2015 at 6:33 AM

    I think I would put it in the living room on the rocking chair!

    Reply
  95. Kimberly says

    March 12, 2015 at 6:45 AM

    I would put this is my daughter’s new big girl room. The pretty, classic style is perfect for her princess theme.

    Reply
  96. latanya says

    March 12, 2015 at 7:01 AM

    the bedroom

    Reply
  97. Amanda says

    March 12, 2015 at 7:49 AM

    If I win this pillow it would either go on my couch or bed, or maybe when we get a new chair, in the corner 🙂

    Reply
  98. Melissa B. says

    March 12, 2015 at 8:05 AM

    It would go on my daughter’s bed. Then, she would probably put it in her dorm room this Fall.

    Reply
  99. Wehaf says

    March 12, 2015 at 8:21 AM

    I’d keep this in the master bedroom.

    Reply
  100. Juliana Rezaiezadeh says

    March 12, 2015 at 8:28 AM

    I would love a pillow like this for our bed.

    Reply
  101. Diana Hatch says

    March 12, 2015 at 8:46 AM

    It would go in the front porch rocking chair

    Reply
  102. mechele johnson says

    March 12, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    This would be for my bed. My hubby and I are in the midst of redecorating our room.

    Reply
  103. Heather M says

    March 12, 2015 at 9:27 AM

    this would go in my bedroom – I’d be able to look at it every day, but since it’s one of the few pet-free zones in the house, no cats could claim it!!!

    Reply
  104. Vicki says

    March 12, 2015 at 9:56 AM

    I would put the pillow either in our family room or in my bedroom.

    Reply
  105. jeremy mclaughlin says

    March 12, 2015 at 10:29 AM

    Would go in our living room.

    Reply
  106. Brandy williams says

    March 12, 2015 at 11:25 AM

    The pillow will be going to my MIL. And I am sure it will go on her bed.

    Reply
  107. Angela Saver says

    March 12, 2015 at 12:19 PM

    If I win, I would put the pillow on the couch in my family room!

    andysavi.mom@gmail.com

    Reply
  108. ken ohl says

    March 12, 2015 at 1:51 PM

    in the bedroom

    Reply
  109. Donna Teller says

    March 12, 2015 at 2:52 PM

    I would put this on the couch in my living room. It would look great.

    Reply
  110. Marnie G (Derrick Todd) says

    March 12, 2015 at 3:04 PM

    I would love to get this for my daughter. She would keep it on a chair in her living room or in the center or her bed.

    Reply
  111. Jennifer Shelton says

    March 12, 2015 at 3:35 PM

    Oh my goodness!!!! This is absolutely adorable!!! If I won this, it would go on my daughters bed 🙂 Thank you for the giveaway!

    Reply
  112. Dusty Schnur says

    March 12, 2015 at 4:36 PM

    It would go on our bed.

    Reply
  113. Karen Propes says

    March 12, 2015 at 5:15 PM

    I would put this on our new couch in the living room. It would fit there perfectly and make the couch really stand out!
    ncjeepster@aol.com

    Reply
  114. liz l says

    March 12, 2015 at 5:18 PM

    It would go on my Queen Anne chair

    Reply
  115. kathy dalton says

    March 12, 2015 at 5:33 PM

    I Love the pillow! Mine would go on my bed

    Reply
  116. Trish says

    March 12, 2015 at 6:00 PM

    The pillow would go on my bed … it is lovely!

    Reply
  117. jennifer says

    March 12, 2015 at 6:04 PM

    This is so pretty! I would put this in my living room!

    Reply
  118. Julie says

    March 12, 2015 at 7:24 PM

    I would display this on the banquette that my hubby built for me in the kitchen..

    Reply
  119. Stacy F. says

    March 12, 2015 at 7:29 PM

    maaaaybe in my living room, but I have a reading chair in my room that seems a little empty these days and this would go perfectly !

    Reply

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I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 y I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 years now and every year I ohhhh and ahhhh over the blossoms like it's the first time I've ever seen them. I gush and I take photos (that look exactly like the ones I took the year before and the year before that) and I make my family come outside and look at them with me which you know they just LOVE to do. 😉 I think that is one of the main reasons why I love spring so much. On the one hand, it's predictable and yet, on the other hand, it still feels like such a surprise after the long months of barren branches.

And yesterday, as I was staring at the gorgeous blossoms for the umpteenth time, I couldn't help but think that I hope this is how I feel when our lives return to some semblance of normalcy.

I hope that the predictable feels special and that the typical feels anything but. I hope that I ohhh and ahhh over the simple things I've realized I've taken for granted. And, most of all, I hope that feeling doesn't go away for a very, very long time! 💗
Are you living with great expectation friends? Bec Are you living with great expectation friends? Because He is risen!

Happy Easter from my home to yours!
Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to be a different kind of Easter for sure but some things don’t change. Have you been baking and getting ready for tomorrow? What’s one thing on your menu that you have to have every year?
If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”? It all seems backward doesn’t it?

What could be good about the unspeakable pain he suffered? What could be good about the shame and betrayal?

Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It just feels so much better!

But, I don’t know how to rejoice over His resurrection, unless I have felt the pain of His death. I have realized that in life the sweetest victories are the ones which were realized after a pain-filled journey.

And, so it is with Good Friday. I know there will be victory over death, but I can’t skip ahead in the story.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew what he would experience. And he knew why he would go through it. He did it for me. He did it for you.

Do you know that? Have you felt it down in the very core of your soul? 
Sometimes it makes me squirm a bit. Why would anyone do that for me?

Well, because, I can’t do it for myself!

There is nothing I can do to earn that kind of love and mercy.

That is why it is called GRACE.

His grace is freely given. We don’t have to pay for it. He paid the price for us already.

Do you remember that movie from years ago called “Ransom”? A couple’s young son was kidnapped and the parents went to hell and back trying to find him and pay the “ransom” demanded by the kidnappers.

Well, Jesus is our “ransom”. (1 Timothy 2:6) His life was the payment.

Why is it called “Good Friday”? Because that wasn’t the end of the story….
.
…It was just the beginning!
Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house that’s become the landing zone for ALL THE THINGS! 🙋🏻‍♀️🤪 I’ve never been more thankful for our rarely used dining room table as it’s become command central for school books and laptops and games.

Where are things collecting in your house right now?
“Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every si “Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every single one of these emotions has made their way through our home in recent days and, my guess is, they have in your home too.

I SO needed this reminder today from the new book ‘Adore’ by @sarahagertywrites.

Adoration isn’t just sitting at His feet gazing longingly with stars in my eyes. It’s bringing my fears and my sorrows and gray roots in my hair that desperately needs to be colored and my messy house and all of the things that threaten to send me over the edge right now and laying them down before Him, soaking up His word and His presence so that when I stand back up, I am changed for having spent the time adoring the ONE who is... Healer, comforter, peace-giver, deliverer, redeemer.

What do you need to bring to Him today? I’ll share mine in the comments and I’d love to hear from you too!
I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole lockdown thing began, I’ve come to appreciate this time of day even more.

It feels the most...normal. Daytime is strange and foreign right now. My husband has taken over our home office, I’m suddenly taking over the responsibility of managing my kids’ distance learning and let me just say that teaching 7th grade algebra to my daughter is hugely ironic since I struggled with math all the way through school. I’m trying to do my own work but it feels utterly futile with the constant interruptions which take precedence right now. In the daytime, I’m constantly reminded of how upside down life feels.

But, in the evening, I cook dinner like I’ve always done and we gather around the table like we’ve always done and we laugh and tell stories and then clean up and play games or go on a walk or watch a show. And that feels SO gloriously normal.

So now I love evenings even more than I ever did before and I’m so grateful for this little chunk of time where the rhythms we established years ago are helping to sustain us now when so much of life feels outside of our control.

What feels ‘normal’ to you right now? Whatever it is, keep doing it. 🌿
When I was in college I would frequently call home When I was in college I would frequently call home and pour my heart out to my mom, sharing with her all that was happening in my life in that completely unfiltered way that you can talk with the person who potty trained you. These phone calls usually took place at night and my mom would patiently listen as I vented frustrations about professors, roommates, boyfriends and the food in the cafeteria. And, inevitably, they would end with my mom saying, “Everything seems worse when you’re tired. Try not to overthink things or make any major decisions tonight, especially when you are feeling emotional.” Dear friends, may I pass along this advice to you today?

If you don’t absolutely HAVE to make a decision right now, I want to encourage you to wait until life gets back to normal. If you are finding yourself over-analyzing relationships and family dynamics, I want to encourage you to remember that everything seems more dramatic when looked at under a microscope. And, let’s face it, being homebound with our loved ones non-stop makes us all feel like lab rats in an experiment.

If you are tempted to quit a job, start a business, start homeschooling permanently, stop homeschooling permanently, move to a new city, buy a farm, quit pursuing your dream, join a commune or make any other major life decision just…wait. Because, if it is in fact the right decision, it will be made even clearer once our lives return to their ‘regularly scheduled programming’. Instead, in this strange season, let’s all just take a deep, collective breath and let it out slowly, releasing the anxiety that threatens to overtake us. Let’s help each other maintain some perspective and not slip into a posture of over-thinking every little thing in our lives. Let’s remember that the enemy of our souls would love nothing more than to use this time when things feel dark to manipulate us into thinking that aspects of our lives are worse than they actually are.

My prayer for you in these days is that you will have the clarity to know what is true and that you will be filled with peace even while we live in this season of so many unknowns.
Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking thes Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking these days! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m trying to avoid gaining the #corona15 but my daughter and I LOVE baking together and it does help to pass the time plus it counts as a science lesson right?

If you’re able to find flour in the stores (for the love people please stop overbuying!) and you’re doing more baking at your house too you need to add this apricot bread to your list of new recipes to try!

Normally I’d point you to my blog for the directions but I’m going to do you a solid and leave the full recipe in the comments.

What have you baked so far during this time of social distancing? I’d love some new ideas!
There are a LOT of people out walking in our neigh There are a LOT of people out walking in our neighborhood right now (but still social distancing!) and she decided that she wanted to bring them some joy and put a smile on their face when they pass by our house. Also, the square with ‘say no to coronavirus’ is priceless. 😂 I just love her so much!
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