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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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April 3, 2015

Good Friday Doesn’t Feel Good

Every year I find myself compelled to go.

I know it will probably feel painful and even a bit dark. I know I will once again sit in a pew with tears streaming down my face as I recognize how unworthy I am of being treated as someone of worth. To be valued, treasured, sacrificed for.

When Good Friday Doesn't Feel Very Good

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?

When Good Friday Does't Feel Very Good

Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. The songs are upbeat, hands are clapping and everyone is dressed in their Easter best.

Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It just feels so much better!

But, I don’t know how to sit in the pew on Easter Sunday and 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 and I will sit in that pew surrounded by my family and celebrate with the best of them! But I can’t skip ahead in the story.

“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” John 17:1-5

He knew what was ahead. 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? It is hard to comprehend isn’t it?

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.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10

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.

“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:28-30

Why is it called “Good Friday”?

Because that wasn’t the end of the story….

When Good Friday Doesn't Feel Very Good

…It was just the beginning!

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18 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals

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Comments

  1. Donna says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:03 AM

    I felt the same inadequacy last night sitting in church with my best friends. Thank God that was not the end.

    Reply
  2. Cheryl Ann says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:10 AM

    May the Grace of Easter be with you and your family.

    Reply
  3. Traci RUDAKAS says

    April 3, 2015 at 5:10 AM

    AMEN! Praise God!

    Reply
  4. Hope Williams says

    April 3, 2015 at 5:54 AM

    Ironically, I feel the same, unworthy. How, why, for, who….. It makes my insides hurt so bad sometimes when I think how horrificly Jesus was treated. I can’t comprehend his gift on that level. But after the tears, I know one thing for sure. God lets me feel this so I can feel worthy of being called his daughter. For that I am blessed. I am loved. I am forgiven. I am wanted. I am worthy. And what matters most is that I accepted Jesus’s gift, salvation. And what a gift it has been!
    Blessings to all and may the Holy Spirit be upon your heart and soul this weekend. We are truly worthy, ALL IF US!

    Reply
  5. Nancy says

    April 3, 2015 at 6:31 AM

    G
    R
    AMAZING
    C
    E
    Happy Easter! He has risen. He has risen indeed!

    Reply
  6. Nancy says

    April 3, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    My iPAD corrected my cross. It evidently had not heard we received this Grace on the cross!

    Reply
  7. Renee @ The Refined Relic says

    April 3, 2015 at 6:36 AM

    What a beautiful post! I completely agree with how you feel. This week is so emotional for me as well. Within a few days of Jesus entering the city, the crowd went from cheering “Hosannah” to “Crucify Him”. The pain that he suffered was beyond what I can comprehend and even imagine. Yet, Jesus died for me and you. Good Friday doesn’t feel good when you understand the price he paid for us and the pain he suffered. However, it was part of God’s plan and the purpose that Jesus was called to fulfill so that we can have everlasting life. For that I am thankful and will strive to live my life to please him. After what Jesus has done for me, how can I not. I wish you and your family a wonderful weekend and a very Happy Easter! God Bless.

    Reply
  8. Kathy says

    April 3, 2015 at 6:42 AM

    Thank you for reminding us. He is risen indeed.

    Reply
  9. Janete Peres says

    April 3, 2015 at 7:17 AM

    Thank’s so much for this message. God blessed you!

    Reply
  10. Beverly Hollrah says

    April 3, 2015 at 7:58 AM

    Today we celebrate the mercy God showed all of us by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on the cross. Because of His Death and Resurection we celebrate this mercy everyday. Thank you for such an inspirational post.

    Reply
  11. Lori @ Dining Delight says

    April 3, 2015 at 8:14 AM

    Thank you for using your beautiful blog to spread the Word and tell others what “Good” Friday really means. Your post is well thought out and written in an easy to understand way. Praise be to God!

    Reply
  12. Rose L. says

    April 3, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    Such a sacrifice and all out of love. Amen.

    Reply
  13. Sharon O says

    April 3, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    I wrote the same ‘question’ on my blog… will share it with you.
    https://www.sharono-somethingtothinkabout.com/

    Reply
  14. Jan Fusco says

    April 3, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    Amen. This is a good time of year to watch Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of the Christ”. It really hits home with the suffering he went through for us. Happy Easter to you and your family.

    Reply
  15. Carol Weiler says

    April 3, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    This is a beautiful post and provided me with a moment of reflection and prayer during a very hectic day. Amen.

    Reply
  16. Julianne Mudric says

    April 3, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    In this day and age it is so heartwarming to hear someone express their devotion to our Lord.
    Your writing is so expressive and beautiful. Thank you for putting my thoughts in words. jm

    Reply
  17. Julie says

    April 3, 2015 at 7:25 PM

    Vanessa…this is beautiful. On my way to church tonight I was thinking about why today is called “Good” Friday. I love this service and its somberness. I love sitting in the dark listening to the bells toll. But “Good”is not the feeling I felt as I sat on the pew
    weeping

    Thank you for this beautiful post to remind me if the good, the beauty, the joy of this day.

    Reply
  18. Bren says

    April 3, 2015 at 9:09 PM

    I have always thought that Jesus was a victim…a willing victim. But this year He has become more of a hero who took the bullet for me. One who willingly dove in front of the bullet of the penalty of sin for me. I can’t begin to tell you how thankful and humbled I feel!! The great thing is that He did this for everyone who will accept it! I mean, I know my husband would take a bullet for me and our kids and grandkids, but Jesus did it for everyone!!! What an amazing Savior we have!!

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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