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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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  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

April 6, 2012

Inspiration Friday No. 59 and a Giveaway!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1

 How is it possible that we are nearing the end of the first week of April??!!
Yowza! Time is just flying right by us and we know it is for you too, so we are honored that you would take a few moments out of your day to come by, pay us a visit and par-tay with us!
You ready?
Let the fun begin!

 Up first,

It is time for us to announce the winner of  our Designs by Thara Giveaway winner of this gorgeous necklace!

IMG_9094

And the winner is….
Rachel from The Philosopher’s Wife!!
Rachel, please contact us through out contact page and we’ll put you in touch with Tahra!
Don’t forget Thara is ALSO generously offering 10% off purchases for our friends here At The Picket Fence through the month of April..think Mother’s Day gifts!  Just type in Tahra10 when checking out!  

 And, while we are on the subject of Giveaways, well, how about another one???!!!
This one comes to us courtesy of our wonderfully talented and generous friend Vicki of 
Her shop is filled with the most amazing Greeting Cards, Digital Scrapbooking Paper and Artwork!
Here is a peek at just some of her lovely items:
We love these “Whimsical Magpies” Greeting Cards!
Greeting card, Whimsical, Humorous, Card collection, Birds, Magpies, Turquoise, Blue
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are quickly approaching and we love the wonderfully vintage feel of these cards.
Greeting card, Mother's Day, Pink, Aqua                               
Greeting card, Father's Day, Navy, Gold, Airplane
And this Spring Greeting Card with Matthew 6:33 printed on it might just be one of our favorites!
SPRING, Greeting card, Inspirational, Matthew 6, Floral
Ummm…well…maybe THESE are our favorite!
How adorable is this set of Spring Greeting Cards?
SPRING, Stationary, Greeting card, Bird, Umbrella, Floral, Ball Jar, Motivation Set
Now, for the 
GIVEAWAY!
One lucky Picket Fence reader will win a 
$25 credit  to 
Ahhh…the gift of shopping. 
Want to know how you can enter to win it?

Here’s how!

(Mandatory) 1. Head on over and visit Vicki at Curly Willow Collections , and come back to let us know which item(s) you liked best. (one entry)
(Optional) 2. “Like” Curly Willow Collections on Facebook and come back to let us know you did by leaving a comment. (one entry)
(Optional) 3. Subscribe to Vicki’s blog Vicki Designer: Joyful Expressions leave us a comment letting us know you did. (one entry)
(Optional) 4. Share about this giveaway on Twitter or on your Facebook page and leave us a comment letting us know you did. (one entry)
And because she is so VERY generous, she is offering this beautiful Easter Card Printable for...FREE to our friends! Isn’t it gorgeous?!  You can just print it our right from here and you’ll be all set with your Easter cards.  Perfect for your Easter dinner hostess or how sweet to give your Pastor or Priest a lovely Easter card on Easter Sunday!

Just click on this attachment to download a full size version pdf file of the card

Ok, we know you are ready to see some of the highlights from last week’s party right??
Here we go!

picketfence_20010_thumb[18]

INSPIRED ROOMS

Stacey from A Sort of Fairytale showed just how far $150 can go in transforming a space when she shared her absolutely charming bathroom. And yes, that is a vintage First Aid kit on the wall!


and while we’re hanging out in the bathro… “salle de bain” hehe…. That’s french for bathroom, sounds slightly more sophisticated ;)… we have to show you this amazing room transformation from Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage. You have to go see the before…it was a crime scene…;) You have to head over to read what we’re talking about! 

MAKEOVERS

Vikki of The Quirky Quail did an incredible job making over this once sad chair into a beautiful French-i-fied masterpiece!

                     








We love to see things repurposed, and Jessica from Mom 4 Real did a great job repurposing by turning an old outdated mirror into this lovely chalkboard! She gives you the full tutorial on her blog.  Isn’t it beautiful!?

Rosemary of Villa Barnes can turn anything into pure gorgeousness, and one again she did not disappoint! These items certainly did not start out looking like this, go check out the transformation!



CRAFTS and CREATIONS

Lisa of Take Six shared this incredibly lovely Spring Tablescape.
Photobucket
Christie of My Ocean of Notions showed us how to make this adorable Bunny Skirt.

Myric from Peties Passion created this gorgeous French Wall Art…from old toys found at the Goodwill! Amazing!

Our friend Courtney from French Country Cottage built the most darling “Wee Little Birdhouse”, we’re sure she’ll be having new neighbors moving in very soon! 😉
RECIPES and PARTIES

Kelly of Notable Nest threw her son the most awesome Pirate Party. 
How perfect that her son is named Jack! Argh!

Pirate Party Invitations
Sylvia of Sylvia’s Simple Life invited us to a Spring Afternoon Tea and showed us how to make these exquisite Crystallized Pansies!

Who can resist Hot Cross Buns to celebrate Easter! Rebecca from Natural Mothers Network shared with us the history of Hot Cross Buns, as well as a great recipe!
INSPIRING STORIES


Virginia shared a great article she wrote for Inspired by Family Magazine. “Favoritism in Blogging.”   This article speaks to those insecurity and self doubt many bloggers feel.  We encourage you to read this great post and hear Virginia’s insights on how to overcome this struggle!

Katie of Adventures of a DIY Dork proved that there is definitely nothing “dorky” about giving of yourself to support and encourage others. She participated in a walk to raise awareness about Muscular Dystrophy and was blessed to be apart of “Amanda’s Angels”. We would love for you to go read more about this experience and the precious little girl who inspired Katie…and us!
 
If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located in on our Buttons Page found under our header!

Are you following At The Picket Fence on Facebook? Don’t forget we feature many of your links during the week on our Facebook Page! If you’ve been featured there, grab a button as well!

Thank you to everyone who shared so many fabulous posts with us last week! We appreciate you!

Now it’s time to share with us what has inspired you this week!
Thank you so much for joining us for Inspiration Friday at the Fence,
And…one last thing we want to share with you…Are you following us on

Pinterest

We sure hope so! BUT…We have a SPECIAL REQUEST of you, if you visit INSPIRATION FRIDAY and like to PIN the great projects you see here! Please pin from the ORIGINAL SOURCE and not our blog…unless it’s one of our own creations, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉

When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends:

vif187 Redoux



Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s some instructions for Inspiration Friday
  • Link Up any post you’ve written that has Inspired You and will Inspire Others-it can be a home improvement project, craft, recipe, story, devotional…if it inspires link it up!
  • Be sure to link back to your original post  and not just your url (main blog address)
  • Please post our button (code on our Buttons Page found at top of blog) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! (MANDATORY to be featured At The Picket Fence) Tutorial on how to link up a button: Blogging 101
  • Visit another guest. Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you! We try to visit as many posts as we can but as Inspiration Friday grows sometimes we miss some and for that we apologize. It makes us feel good knowing others are visiting people as well! Thank you..it truly means a lot to us!

    And while it’s not a requirement, we’d sure love ya to be following along with us in some capacity! Below are some great options!
Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest

And before we close, we would like to say that with all  of the recent posts and thoughts around out in blogland right now on Linky Parties, we hope that each of you knows how much we appreciate you partying with us each week! We work hard to make this a fun place to be and our heart’s desire is to showcase YOU! We’re not perfect, by any means, but we do our best each week to bring you a quality party! Thanks for being a part of that. 




This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!!!


UPDATED: Linky Tools seems to be glitching when links are submitted.  Before you resubmit, please refresh Inspiration Friday post once or twice to see if your link has appeared.  It appears they are linking and by resubmitting it is causing links to show up multiple times. We are monitoring the party and if a link shows up more than once. we’ll try and fix it on our end. 🙂
Thanks and we apologize! 

71 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Good Ideas, Inspiration Friday, Sponsors

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Comments

  1. Savvy Seasons says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    Lovely features, thanks for hosting!
    Have a wonderful and blessed Easter! xo ~Liz

    Reply
  2. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls and have a wonderful Easter!!

    Reply
  3. Nova says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    i like the cute art print: “SUNSHINE”

    Reply
  4. Nova says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    “Liked” Curly Willow Collections on Facebook

    Reply
  5. Nova says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    Subscribed to Vicki’s blog Vicki Designer: Joyful Expressions

    Reply
  6. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Those features are beautiful! Thanks for hosting again! I’m following you on Pinterest now too!

    Reply
  7. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    I love Stacey’s and Shannon’s bathrooms!! Stacey’s is filled with vintage goodness and I can’t believe what Shannon’s before bathroom looked like!! Two amazing jobs!

    And I really love Curly Willow’s spring stationary!
    Kelly

    Reply
  8. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Great featured selections ~ thanks for hosting, ladies!

    Reply
  9. How to Nest for Less says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Such beautiful features!! Those pirate invitations are too cute 🙂 Thanks for hosting again this week. Hope you ladies have a WONDERFUL Easter weekend!!

    Reply
  10. Desire Empire says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    I hope you girls have a wonderful and blessed Easter.

    Carolyn xx

    Reply
  11. Renewed Upon a Dream says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    I love the fathers day greeting card, so cute!
    Thanks so much for hosting this party! Have a great Easter weekend!

    Reply
  12. Poppy says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Have a blessed Easter!~Poppy

    Reply
  13. Farmer's Wyfe says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Such fun features!! Thanks for the link party!!

    Reply
  14. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    Super features. Thanks as always for hosting. Y’all have a wonderful Easter.

    Reply
  15. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    Thanks so much for the flattering compliment, and for featuring my pile of projects. I’m in good company. Thanks for always being such gracious hosts.

    Reply
  16. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    You always have such wonderful features so I am extra honored to have my bathroom makeover included. What a bright spot in my day! So many lovely features. I have visited the other bathroom and it is cute as can be! I would love to have that Frenchy chair, it is darling. The sugared pansies… oh my. What a great chalkboard makeover, French wall art and Courtneys birdhouse… just loads of lusciousness =)

    Reply
  17. Suzy says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    Wonderful features and thank you for hosting! I hope you have a blessed and joyous Easter!

    Reply
  18. Anne says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    thanks for the party – fabulous features!!

    Reply
  19. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    Love the features exp that mirror turn chalkboard! Thanks for being the hostess with the mostess! (is that how you spell it? 🙂
    Happy Easter if I don’t get back in time.
    XO

    Reply
  20. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Hello,
    Great features – I agree – Sylvia’s post was exquisite – she has a gift in staging and photography. Marvelous party! thank you for hosting,
    Kathy

    Reply
  21. reFresh reStyle says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    Love the features! I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!
    Debbie

    Reply
  22. Anita says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    Wonderful features, and those hot cross buns look so good!! Thanks for hosting and Happy Easter!!

    Reply
  23. Alderberry Hill says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    Thanks for hosting every week…have a wonderful Easter!

    Reply
  24. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    Great features! Thanks for hosting! Happy Easter!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  25. Becca says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:43 PM

    Thanks for hosting friends! Enjoy the Easter weekend!!
    xo Becca

    Reply
  26. FABBY'S LIVING says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:12 PM

    Thank you for hosting. Nice features. Have a blessed Easter Sunday.
    !
    FABBY

    Reply
  27. Debra @ Common Ground says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:16 PM

    Hi Girls, have a wonderful and blessed Easter Weekend! xoxo

    Reply
  28. Little Bit says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    Thanks so much girls for hosting this great party week after week. It gives us all a wonderful opportunity to connect with each other! (p.s. I emailed you this week, did you get it ok?) Little Bit

    Reply
  29. Kelly says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    Thanks for hosting this party again. I thought I’d let you know though that alot of people’s links are showing up multiple times because after you click on the thumbnail image that you want to show, it doesn’t do anything. So everyone (myself included) is clicking it again and again thinking that it’s not working. Just wanted to let you know so you could be aware of it.

    Reply
  30. Pamela says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    Fabulous features!

    Reply
  31. Deny says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Thank you hosting, and you featured some great work!

    Reply
  32. Tanya@takesix says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring our Spring Tablescape! Wishing you both and your families a very blessed Easter!!

    Reply
  33. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    April 5, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting!!! Love all the projects linked up already!!!

    XO, Aimee

    Reply
  34. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says

    April 5, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Thank you for hosting! Have a wonderful Easter!

    Reply
  35. Keeping it Cozy says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    Thank you for hosting. Have a wonderful Easter.

    Reply
  36. CAS says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:38 AM

    You had some truly inspiring features. Thanks so much for hosting! Happy Easter!
    CAS

    Reply
  37. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:41 AM

    Thanks ladies for fixing my multi links (sorry about that)! Hope y’all have a wonderful Easter with your families.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  38. Kelly Griglione says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:56 AM

    What a lovely party just full of fantastic inspiration! Thanks so much for hosting, and featuring my Pirate Party!

    Reply
  39. Jenn Lifford says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:17 AM

    Thanks so much for the party and the lovely features! Hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend!
    Jenn 🙂

    Reply
  40. Sylvia says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    Dear Vanessa and Heather, I am full of gratitude for including my Tea Party in your always inspiring features. I am in great company ! I wish you a bright Easter with upcoming bright days and bright thoughts!

    Reply
  41. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:27 AM

    Hi Ladies, Thanks so much for hosting and have a wonderful Easter.
    Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  42. Sandy A says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:39 AM

    Visited Curly Willow and I just love the Bloom/Ball Jar Art Print…

    Reply
  43. Sandy A says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:40 AM

    I liked Curly Willow on FB…

    Reply
  44. Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:45 AM

    Thank you so much for the party!

    Reply
  45. Adventures of a DIY Dork says

    April 6, 2012 at 3:09 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring me!!!!! I cannot think of a better post to be my very first feature ever than the one about Mandi. She is such an inspiration and I just want everyone to know how truly amazing she is. 🙂

    Reply
  46. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    April 6, 2012 at 3:55 AM

    Hi, Girls! Thanks so much for hosting and for a chance to win. I liked the Ma Chere card.

    Reply
  47. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    Thank you so much Heather and Vanessa for hosting! I hope you have a great Easter weekend!
    Jo-Anna

    Reply
  48. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    April 6, 2012 at 5:33 AM

    I’m late to the party, but I made it! Thanks for hosting. Have a great Easter!!

    Reply
  49. myric andreasen says

    April 6, 2012 at 5:53 AM

    Wow! Thanks for featuring my little project with all those wonderful creations!!!
    Thanks for hosting 🙂 have a blessed Easter to both of you.

    Xoxo
    Myric

    Reply
  50. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    April 5, 2012 at 11:28 PM

    Aww thanks so much for featuring my little birdhouse girls!! You will be happy to know- it has several residents already! 🙂 All linked up- thanks for hosting! Have a fantastic Blessed Easter!

    Reply
  51. Laurel Stephens says

    April 6, 2012 at 6:43 AM

    Thank you for hosting another great party. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  52. Mary Sullivan Frasier says

    April 6, 2012 at 11:24 AM

    Morning, Heather & Vanessa! Great features from last week… I can’t wait to see what everyone brought today! Thanks for hosting this week. Wishing both of you and your families a Joyful & Blessed Easter! ~Mary
    PS: Congrats to Rachel for winning that amazing necklace!

    Reply
  53. Natural Mothers Network says

    April 6, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Hi- thanks for hosting and warm wishes for a Happy Easter break! I am delighted you chose to feature my Hot Cross Buns Recipe- thank you so much I feel very honoured indeed! This week I posted SOMERSET EASTER BISCUITS, HOME REMEDIES FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES, EASTER TREE CRAFT AND KITCHEN CLEANING TIPS.
    I have also included your linky in NMN’s directory.
    HAPPY EASTER!
    Rebecca @ Natural Mothers Network-(Seasonal Celebration)

    Reply
  54. Calypso In The Country says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    Have a wonderful Easter and thanks for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  55. Andrea says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    Can you please remove 268 and 269. Was having trouble uploading and it endedu up loading 3 times!! So sorry about this!

    Andrea
    http://www.lifelovelarson.blogspot.com

    Reply
  56. Jacqueline says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    Thank you for hosting a lovely link party! I shared my herringbone nightstand.

    Reply
  57. Catherine {Stone and Rose} says

    April 6, 2012 at 3:19 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting!! Have a great Easter weekend!

    Reply
  58. SusanD1408 Crochet Addict says

    April 6, 2012 at 3:34 PM

    I love https://www.etsy.com/listing/92795973/art-print-wall-art-pink-vintage-inspired
    susand1408 at googlemail dot com

    Reply
  59. Carmella says

    April 6, 2012 at 4:12 PM

    Ohhhh…what a fun giveaway! I love the Sunshine art print so much! https://www.etsy.com/listing/85355325/art-print-art-print-yellow-floral

    Reply
  60. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    April 6, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    Love the great features and fun giveaway! As always, thanks for hosting this fabulous party!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  61. Heather says

    April 6, 2012 at 7:42 PM

    Thanks for the fun! Have a great Easter weekend! Heather 🙂

    Reply
  62. Julie says

    April 6, 2012 at 11:29 PM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather…Vanessa mentioned last week that she thinks you guys possibly missed seeing our DIY Kitchen makeover, so I checked my notes, and I don’t think I ever posted it to your link party for some odd reason! So hopefully today wasn’t a repeat posting! I apologize if it was. Thank you for hosting! See you next week!

    Julie
    redheadcandecorate.com

    Reply
  63. Modern Country Lady says

    April 7, 2012 at 2:42 PM

    Gorgeous featured bloggers! I am bowled over.Have a great weekend and a wonderful Easter.Thank you for hosting!
    XOXO
    Bea
    Modern Country Lady

    Reply
  64. vikki says

    April 7, 2012 at 10:23 PM

    Thanks for featuring my French chair, love your blog and thanks for hosting. I love the Glitter Putz House Vintage Christmas Decoration Red.

    Reply
  65. Sally says

    April 8, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    I love Vicki’s “Let the Sun Shine In” print!!

    sally_puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  66. Sally says

    April 8, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    Liked Curly Willow Creations on Facebook 🙂

    sally_puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  67. Sally says

    April 8, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    Subscribed to Vicki’s blog 🙂

    sally_puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  68. Good Time Charlie says

    April 8, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Nothing to share this week, but I enjoyed your features so much. I am giving a a big WOOT WOOT for Shannon’s bathroom! She is one of my favorite bloggy people! Hope you are having a beautiful Easter! -K

    Reply
  69. Mel says

    April 10, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    I like the spring print collection at Curly Willow! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity

    Reply
  70. Mel says

    April 10, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    I like them on facebook as well!

    Reply

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Yesterday on the way home from school I had the ra Yesterday on the way home from school I had the radio tuned to my daughter's favorite station and a song that was playing had a line in it that really stood out to me. It made reference to a 'season of the sticks' which I think its safe to say must mean winter. I thought that was such an accurate, albeiet kind of depressing, picture of this time of the year.

While we definitely have more than our fair share of evergreen trees here in Oregon, we also have plenty of trees and bushes that are reduced to sticks during the cold months. But, this morning as I looked out my kitchen window, greedily sipping from my mug of coffee, I marveled at the beauty of the winter sunrise. The sky was all pinks and oranges with frost on the rooftops and a little bit of fog. And, I realized that part of why it was so amazing is because I could see it more clearly through the sticks. The bare branches allowed me a view that I wouldn't be able to see if those same branches were covered in leaves. Being stripped down to almost nothing revealed something magnificent.

We have seasons of the sticks in our lives too, don't we? Times when we feel as though we've been stripped bare and left exposed. It's easy to think that this is a place where all is ugly and dark. And yet, just like the winter sunrise was more visible because of the bare branches, the vulnerability we feel in the winter season of our souls allows us to get a glimpse of beauty that we wouldn't see otherwise. In the lush, warm seasons it's so easy to become comfortable. But in the bare, cold seasons we recognize just how much we need to rely on the One who placed the stars in the heavens and is sovereign over all.

If you feel like your soul has been stripped bare and you've been left exposed and vulnerable, may I encourage you today to ask the Lord to help you to see the beauty in this 'season of the sticks'.

“Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:7
I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?

It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now). 

And I’m choosing gratefulness. 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter! 
#tiptuesday #organizing #winterdecorating
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. H “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Here’s to beginnings. Happy new year friends! May you experience the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in 2023 like never before! ✨
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