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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

September 29, 2012

Inspiration Friday No. 84…Welcome!

It’s really Fall Y’all!! We’ve been counting down the days and around here At The Picket Fence it has definitely arrived in full force!  We are so excited about all of the amazing things happening during the Fall here at the fence.  We have a fun trip to NYC, an amazing conference and a magazine feature of Heather’s kitchen just around the corner! It’s going to be a busy October! 
It’s also been a fun week here at the fence.  
We shared our newest sponsors of At The Picket Fence and some of their amazing products and talents. 
We were partying Pioneer Style this week when our guest contributor Julie shared with us her fabulous Pioneer Party with all of the amazing details. 
Heather also shared a fun trip she took to a local Farmhouse Shoppe, Sweet Buy and Buy
where she picked up an amazing vintage tool box and transformed it into a Fabulous Fall Centerpiece!

We also want to welcome back one of our fabulous sponsors Ambivalent Relics!
Here you can find gorgeous vintage and repurposed Steam Punk Jewelry like this fun piece! 

Memento Mori Necklace In Red


Now onto this week’s Inspiration Friday Features! 

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INSPIRED ROOMS

Jamie from Crafty Scrappy Happy revealed her gorgeous and elegant dining room that was part of a major home renovation.  We love the sophisticated and calm color palette and that chandelier…oh my! 



Brenda of Cottage4C revealed her fabulous new kitchen wrapped in this fun and fresh cabinet color! The lovely color against the dark counters make this kitchen full of charm! 


INSPIRED MAKEOVERS

Angela of Number Fifty-Three shared how she pulled some pieces from other rooms and created this darling owl silhouette (which she share instructions for) to makeover her foyer for fall.  We love the pop of color with the addition of the mustard seed gossip bench. 


We love the makeover of this “Sad to Fab” Table by Bethany of Pitter and Glink.  The contrasting white legs and dark tabletop is just lovely. 



Ashley from Domestically Speaking updated as set of Craigslist stools with stenciled numbers adding a bright and crisp look to her kitchen bar. 


Erin from How To Nest for Less recently revealed her gorgeous Laundry Room Makeover.  We were in awe over the update she gave her washer and dryer.  After stenciling them with this gorgeous pattern, they are the envy of every washer and dryer on the block! 




INSPIRED CRAFTS AND CREATIONS

How sweet is this Origami Pillow created by Dear Emmeline!? She shares the full tutorial so you talented “sewers” can create one too! 


While there can’t be anything cuter than the Little Miss wearing this coat, you have to admit the darling Herringbone Swing Coat, Amy from While Wearing Heels made for her daughter, comes in a close second! 


Would you believe this 3D Star Garland from Christine of Lets Get Crafty is not metal..but cardboard! Made from recycled cereal boxes this garland could be used for so many different occasions! 



INSPIRED RECIPES AND PARTIES


Tracey from The Kitchen Is My Playground made us this lovely Pear Walnut Crisp and brought it by for everyone to enjoy last week here at Inspiration Friday….well we can dream anyways! 🙂 


How about some Caramel Apple Munch Mix from Keri of Shaken Together?! A perfect Fall Gathering or Game Day snack! 


The gals from Be Book Bound whipped up a batch of these fabulously fall pancakes drenched in Pumpkin Spice Syrup…should we say these are for breakfast or dessert? 



INSPIRED FALL DECOR

We love the darling fabric covered pumpkins from Sarah of Alderberry Hill. Dollar Tree Pumpkins never knew they could have it so good! 

1 165 682x1024 Fabric Covered Pumpkins


Athena of Minerva’s Garden has set a gorgeous and affordable Autumn Table for Two!


Amanda of Bullfrogs and Bulldogs shared her beautiful Yarn Wrapped Autumn Wreath in this unique and sophisticated color palette! 


The Call of Autumn, it speaks to us all! Sylvia of Sylvia’s Simple Life shares the tastes of Fall through her lovely photography! 



INSPIRING STORIES

Reannah of Shaped By Grace shares how we can overcome “Wearing Our Insecurity” 

insecure

We’re used to seeing posts of gorgeous vignettes and lovely rooms from our friend Laurie of Heaven’s Walk but this week she shared a post of another sort. One just as lovely and full of inspiration.  Please read how Laurie is “silencing the Noise” and the journey God is taking her on “one run at a time.” 

If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located on our Buttons Page found under our header!
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. Thank you! Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest where we also pin each week’s Inspiration Friday Features. 


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,


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

vif187Fridays Unfolded
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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


This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:

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Previous Post: « Vintage Tool Box Turned Frugal Fall Centerpiece
Next Post: At a Snails Pace…Simply Sunday »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nicole {WonkyWonderful} says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    Thanks for hosting another great party! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

    Reply
  2. K Coake says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  3. Angela @ Number Fifty-Three says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:08 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting and for featuring my fall entry and tutorial. What a nice surprise! Have a great weekend.

    Angela

    Reply
  4. Cristina Garay says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    I love the colors on those kitchen cabinets! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  5. Jessica Kielman says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    Thanks you so much for hosting girls! The features are gorgeous!

    Reply
  6. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    Thanks ladies for hosting another FUN party!!! Gotta go by and check out that kitchen table makeover.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  7. Hi I'm Shannon! says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:18 PM

    You guys have the best features! Man, over the top goodness. Nice seeing so many blogging friends. Congrats to all 🙂

    Thanks for hosting so much girls. Happy Fall! Shannon

    Reply
  8. Honey at 2805 says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    What fabulous features! All so inspirational! Many thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  9. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    Hello Ladies – great posts and fantastic features – I appreciate you hosting!
    Kathy

    Reply
  10. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls, have a great weekend!

    Reply
  11. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    Love your pics and fall features. Love the season. Thanks for the party 🙂 Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  12. suzyq says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Beautiful features ( can’t even pick a favorite this week!!!
    but those blue kitchen cabinets have me swooning )
    Have a wonderful weekend
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  13. Penny Phillips says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    I just linked up and wanted to thank you girls for hosting each week! Great features this week! Hugs, Penny

    Reply
  14. Debbiedoo's says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls. It has been forever since I joined your party….I cut back my party bashes:) Trying to get back in the swing of things again. Have a great weekend. LOVE the features.

    Reply
  15. Becca says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    Whoa … look at all of those incredible features … love them ALL! Thanks so much for hosting, ladies! xoxo

    Reply
  16. FABBY'S LIVING says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    Great features for fall, I like them all. Thank you for hosting yet, another great party at The Picket Fence. Very happy to be here.
    FABBY

    Reply
  17. Anita says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    Great features girls! I always love a great box too! Thanks for hosting:-)

    Reply
  18. Sherry says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    Great features! Love that washer and dryer! Thanks for hosting and for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    Reply
  19. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    Awesome features!!! Thanks SO MUCH for hosting!!! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  20. Stuff and Nonsense says

    September 27, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    all the features
    were totally lovely

    but yowsa
    on that washer and dryer!

    thanks girls
    for being such wonderful hostesses!

    alison

    Reply
  21. Alderberry Hill says

    September 27, 2012 at 9:29 PM

    I’m featured! I’m so excited…thanks so much & thanks for another fabulous party!

    Reply
  22. Nici - Posed Perfection says

    September 27, 2012 at 9:41 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies! Beautiful features. Hope you have a great weekend!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    Reply
  23. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    September 27, 2012 at 9:44 PM

    Love the features, guys. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  24. keri @ shaken together says

    September 27, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    Thank you SO much for featuring my caramel apple munch mix!! I love your party!

    Reply
  25. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    September 27, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Love Heather’s centerpiece! Great features! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  26. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    September 27, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    Hello Heather and Vanessa: Thank you both so much for hosting the party for us today, and I was thrilled to see my Autumn Table for Two was featured today–so thank you very much! I loved your Vintage Toolbox centerpiece as well–it really captures a feeling of fall. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and get to enjoy it doing something fun!

    Reply
  27. Debra @ Common Ground says

    September 27, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    Hi gals, what a great bunch of features! just linked up, thanks for hosting such a fun party!

    Reply
  28. Sara Pliske says

    September 27, 2012 at 10:46 PM

    Heather and Vanessa – this is only the second time I have done one of these linky parties…I am new to the blogging world. :0 So I am trying to make sure I use the proper etiquette and don’t miss anything that I am supposed to do. If you have noticed that I missed something or did not do it properly will you let me know!

    Thanks so much for hosting! 🙂

    Blessings – Sara

    Reply
  29. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    September 27, 2012 at 10:55 PM

    I’ve been pinning a bit but wanted to say thank you for hosting! I’m late but I made it. :o)

    Reply
  30. Hilani Ellis says

    September 27, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    Thanks Lovely Ladies for a great party! Have a great night!

    Reply
  31. Good Time Charlie says

    September 27, 2012 at 11:17 PM

    Everything looks so yummy, for my eyes and for my taste buds, but I have to say my favorite is the photography of the figs. Figs are my most favorite food in the whole world. Have a wonderful weekend! -K

    Reply
  32. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    September 27, 2012 at 11:18 PM

    thanks for the party sweet girls!!!

    Reply
  33. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    September 27, 2012 at 11:51 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  34. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    September 28, 2012 at 12:13 AM

    i am drooling over that kitchen! and love jaime lyns dining room- she has done an amazing job on her home so far!

    Reply
  35. Jill @ Create.Craft.Love. says

    September 28, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies!

    Reply
  36. Bethany Lee says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:33 AM

    Thanks so much for the feature and for hosting a great party!

    Reply
  37. Kathy Moody says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:37 AM

    Thanks so much for another party, sweet ladies! Love the awesome features. Happy Friday. 🙂

    Reply
  38. Liz Fourez says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    Those Pumpkin Pancakes look amazing!! Great features and a great party… thanks for hosting : )

    Love Always,
    Liz

    Reply
  39. Rosemary and Thyme says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    Everyone is so creative. Love the ideas. Hope everyone has a wonderful and creative fall. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  40. Jaime Lyn says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    Oh my GOSHHHHHH!!! Thank you SOOO much for the feature! I am beyond thrilled and honored that you guys stopped by my blog!!!! AND that you love my chandelier like I do!!! :o) < --- me smiling HUGE! Thanks for hosting!
    Jaime from crafty scrappy happy

    Reply
  41. ~ Liz ~ says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:09 AM

    I appreciate the opportunity to link up with so many talented and inspiring bloggers. Thank you for making the time to put on a party for us!
    Liz

    Reply
  42. Kerry Rossow says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:32 AM

    Holy features! This is a record breaking, stop the presses, back that truck up, awesome set of features!
    Thank you for hosting, ladies!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  43. cherished bliss says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:34 AM

    Thanks for hosting! Have a great weekend ladies!

    Reply
  44. Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:47 AM

    Thank you so much for the party,ladies! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  45. Lauren @ mercy(INK) says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:54 AM

    Loving all the featured fall decor, ladies! Thank you for another lovely party, as always.
    When I get back from Guatemala I need to get you girls a print from the shop for your donation to Operation Baby Rescue… so feel free to look at what you’d like 😉 (etsy.com/shop/mercyink)
    hope you have a lovely weekend!
    Lauren
    http://www.mercyinkblog.com

    Reply
  46. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    Fantastic features girls! Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  47. Christie says

    September 27, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    Hey Vanessa and Heather! I will go and check out those lovely features as soon as I tuck three little people into bed! Thank you so much for hosting! I hope you are both having a beautiful week! Thanks for kind words about kitchen! Yes, Rob and I are still married, but I wasn’t sure there for a while!(; I think the good Lord did a good bit of ‘remodeling’ on us, too! heehee Heather, I linked my pumpkins, too! Christie

    Reply
  48. Laurie says

    September 28, 2012 at 11:28 AM

    Thanks for hosting this weekly party!

    Reply
  49. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    September 28, 2012 at 11:34 AM

    Thanks for hosting, Heather and Vanessa! Always so much inspiration to be had here. 🙂
    Enjoy your weekend!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  50. Poppy says

    September 28, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa,

    It’s my first time visiting. Love your creativity and your beautiful blog! Thanks for the inspiration! Have a great weekend.

    Poppy

    Reply
  51. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:11 PM

    Oh my gosh that washer and dryer!!!!!! Amazing!!!! Thanks for the party pretty girls! Happy Weekend!

    Reply
  52. Amanda @ Bullfrogs and Bulldogs says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:46 PM

    Thanks so much for featuring my wreath! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!

    Reply
  53. Live Laugh Rowe says

    September 28, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    Thanks for hosting lovely ladies! Have a fabulous weekend. xoxo
    p.s. Honored that you linked up with me this week! HUGS!

    Reply
  54. Richella says

    September 28, 2012 at 4:17 PM

    One of these days I’ll be organized to be at your party in a little more timely manner–here I am late again! But I’m glad to be here, and so thankful to you for hosting. Hope you’ve both had a wonderful week!

    Reply
  55. Foy Update says

    September 28, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    I’m sharing the crunchiest apple crisp recipe you could ask for and finally how to freeze a bumper crop of peppers.

    Thanks for hosting!

    We also host a blog hop called Eat Make Grow we are always looking for folks who write about gardening, cooking, crafting and kids to link up.

    Stop on by if you get the chance:
    http://foyupdate.blogspot.com/search?q=eat+make+grow&max-results=20&by-date=true

    Foy

    Reply
  56. Meredith @ Wait Til Your Father Gets Home says

    September 28, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    Loving all of your features ladies!!

    Thanks for hosting this fabulous party each week…I always look forward to linking up here! Have a nice weekend!!

    Reply
  57. CAS says

    September 28, 2012 at 5:06 PM

    Thank you, Heather & Vanessa, for hosting an always inspiring party!

    Reply
  58. melissa @ daisymaebelle.com says

    September 28, 2012 at 6:15 PM

    Thank you girls for hosting! Life to the full, Melissa

    Reply
  59. twelve-O-eight says

    September 28, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting ladies! Have a wonderful Friday 😉

    Hugs, Tanya

    Reply
  60. Leslie Harris says

    September 28, 2012 at 7:12 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa, I’m happy to have something to link up today, (at lucky #370)yay! i’m finally getting some Fall decorating done, possibly one of the last ones. Thanks for hosting, you girls rock!
    Leslie (aka Gwen Moss blog)

    Reply
  61. Shelly W. says

    September 28, 2012 at 7:18 PM

    Popping over from Richella’s at Imparting Grace. Thanks for the opportunity to link up!

    Reply
  62. Reannah @ {Shaped by Grace} says

    September 28, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    So much fall lovin’! I love it! And thank you SO much for including my writing on Insecurity. xoxo Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  63. Deidre says

    September 28, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    WOW! Crankin the inspiration out over here:) Thank you for hosting:) Deidre~

    Reply
  64. JP says

    September 28, 2012 at 9:41 PM

    Hello girls! I am happy to have just found your wonderful blog and thank you for hosting adding to the spots #388 & #390.
    I look forward to catching up and having more contact.
    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  65. Nancy at maddalee™ says

    September 28, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    Thank you all for linking and sharing, I really appreciate it!
    Have a good day, Nancy

    Reply
  66. Julia @ JuliasAlbum.com says

    September 29, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    Hi! How do include a link to your party? I don’t see a link box or a way to submit my link. Thank you!

    Reply
  67. Julia @ JuliasAlbum.com says

    September 29, 2012 at 12:48 AM

    Opps, I just saw where to do it. disregard my question.

    Reply
  68. Anne says

    September 29, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    Great inspiration!!! Thank you so much for hosting! Have a great weekend!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  69. Shatzi @ Love and Laundry says

    September 29, 2012 at 3:45 AM

    Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  70. may lim says

    September 29, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    Truly an inspiration. I so love the vintage jewelry. Now I know that I can use my old stuffs to make a jewelry. Thanks so much!
    website hosting australia

    Reply
  71. Sylvia says

    September 30, 2012 at 4:38 AM

    Dear Heather & Vanessa,
    I am pleasantly surprised to see my photography featured on your inspiring blog in the company of so many talented bloggers. I very much appreciate that! Thank you for always being kind to me. Enjoy the beautiful season! !

    Reply
  72. Tani@Tagana Rose says

    September 30, 2012 at 5:56 AM

    Thanks for hosting! Have a great weekend:)

    Reply

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Instagram post 17855252689670737 “The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity--hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory--because at the Father's will Jesus became poor, and was born in a stable so that thirty years later He might hang on a cross.” (J.I. Packer).
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We’ll light the second candle of Advent tonight. The candle of hope, according to the reading schedule we’re following. No little doors to open or gifts emerging from bags hanging from clothespins on a string or chocolates hidden inside tiny drawers.

This isn’t that kind of a countdown to Christmas.

Instead, we’ll reverently and simply light two candies tonight and reflect on the hope that came to earth in the form of an infant Who was the most wonderfully unexpected King. I’m so grateful for this time to pause together as a family during a very busy season. It only takes a few minutes and yet it resets our hearts and minds and prepares us for the week ahead. Do you celebrate Advent at your house?
Instagram post 18042969043211010 Raise your hand if these cold, dark mornings have you feeling a bit befuddled. 🙋🏻‍♀️ So far this week I’ve put a sweatshirt on backwards resulting in me getting a really good look at the inside of the hood and today I tried to put sweat pants on without taking my pajamas off first. 😂 #winning.

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

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

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

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

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

For our kids or for us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s been the best part of your day today? ❄️
Instagram post 18073546234147166 Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.”.
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When I was a little girl we took a trip to Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO. One of the attractions there is the Marvel Cave. The whole theme park was actually built right around the cave! I will never forget the feeling of descending into the darkness. We had to walk down a steep, narrow path and I could feel the rocky walls beginning to close in on me. From time to time, our guide would even have to call out for us to duck our heads so as not to whack them on rocks that were jutting out. And just when it felt like we had been walking forever; just when it felt the most narrow and the most dark; just when we were starting to get really weary from navigating this path, we turned the corner and found ourselves awestruck as we gazed at this enormous room. Everywhere we looked there were stalactites and stalagmites. Lights had been installed and they reflected off of these formations creating the most beautiful colors on the walls. There were pools of water in a shade of aquamarine I had never seen before and waterfalls flowing from upper levels. That long, winding, damp trek had been so very worth it. The descent into darkness had revealed light…and life!

My prayer for you friends, is that you will look at that narrow path with the small gate as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to experience the kind of freedom that our souls are longing for. The wide and broad path of the world promises us a freedom that is fleeting and temporary. But at the end of the narrow path, there is hope and peace and life everlasting.

I’m choosing the narrow path. And in spite of the hardships, in spite of the challenges and the fears and the times that can feel as dark as the journey down into a cave, I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it.
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