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

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

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

August 24, 2012

It’s Inspiration Friday No. 79! Welcome!

 
Inspiration Friday Graphic_thumb[3]
So, we’re curious.
We want to know where exactly our “lazy days of Summer” went?
It seems to us like they just flew right past us and now there are leaves starting to turn and kids going back to school. How is that possible?
Oh well, guess we’ll just have to start working on some of those Fall crafts we’ve been Pinning, right?
Now, speaking of Back to School, did you see what’s been happening around the Fence this week?
First, Vanessa shared this idea for making a Lunchbox Note Pocket so that she can more easily slip those little “don’t forget that just because you’re a big third grader now doesn’t mean your mommy has to stop being mushy gushy” notes into her son’s lunchbox!
back to school, lunchbox, lunchbox note
And did you get a chance to welcome the newest member of our At the Picket Fence team? Julie joined us this week and you will be seeing lots more of her in the future. She shared her incredible ideas for celebrating Back to School in Style!
back to school, pennant, back to school party
Now, speaking of Introductions!

We have 2 new Sponsors to introduce to you this week!

Stacie Ann has a shop chock FULL of cottage and beach house style décor and we know you will love checking out her fantastic items. 
She is also offering a WELCOME DISCOUNT of 15% off every purchase for Picket Fence readers!
Just enter the code: PICKETFENCE15 at checkout.
Take a look at some of your choices:
Seashell on French Vintage Postcard Tile Coasters/Trivet
Seashell on French Vintage Postcard Tile Coasters/Trivets Set of 4
Football Player Burlap Pillow Cover
Football Players Burlap 18x18  Decorative Pillow Cover, Throw Pillow ,Toss Pillow, Accent Pillow
  
And we are thrilled to be welcoming Confection Creations by Elizabeth!
She is Heather’s “in real life” friend and creates Custom Cakes, Cupcakes and Cookies to order.
Take a look at these!
 
 
  
We hope you will pay these talented ladies a visit soon!

picketfence_20010_thumb[18]
Okie dokie artichokies! Let’s get to some features now, shall we?
 
INSPIRED ROOMS

Anita from Far Above Rubies showed us her beautiful “New Blue Kitchen” and it is chock full of charm, character and history!
Once again, Betsy Speert showed us just how talented she truly is when she shared her gorgeous Cottage Master Bedroom! Ahhh…you had us at toile Betsy!

MAKEOVERS

If you hear the words, “Kindred Spirits” and immediately think of Anne of Green Gables, then this dresser transformation from Simply Vintageous is just for you!
Angela from Number Fifty-Three showed us how she transformed an old window into 
this beautiful work of art! 
CRAFTS and CREATIONS

Aimee from It’s Overflowing shared this awesome idea for getting kids off to a good start in the morning with this Laminated Check Off List!
 
 
 After a bit of a break, our friend Angelina from Ruby Jean is back and sharing some of her incredible creations! Like the tutorial for this beautiful DIY Vintage Ribbon Skirt.
RECIPES and PARTIES

Jill from Sew a Fine Seam showed us how to host a Photo Party. She brought together all of her dslr camera friends to share tips of the trade and we just love how she took the theme and ran with it!

Kerryanne from the Shabby Art Boutique showed us how she made these beautiful 
White Chocolate and Strawberry Cake Skewers. Don’t those look so yummy?!
Stephanie from Sweet Boutique shared with us the incredible Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party she put together for her stepdaughter. You HAVE to go see the details from this!!
INSPIRING STORIES
Patsy, the incredibly talented artist behind the blog HeARTworks, shared with us her beautiful art and her thoughts on Forgiveness. 
Lynn from UpCountry Olio pondered what it would mean to do things with “Wreck-less Abandon” and exploring her “inner wild side”. We can’t wait to see how she does that!
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!
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!
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! 😉
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
Photobucket


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:

 Fence
where you can find amazing pieces like these:
Vintage Sheet Music Bubble Jewelry

Don’t forget that there is still plenty of time to enter to win the
$1,000 Visa Gift Card from Kraft Capri Sun Super V!

and we hope you’ll party with us tonight at the HomeTalk Twitter Party where we’ll be getting “real about our homes” and Lowe’s is joining us and giving away $100 gift cards to THREE lucky participants! Use #askhometalk and we’ll see ya there!

Disclaimer: At the Picket Fence may feature any of the projects linked up to Inspiration Friday in other posts or on Facebook, twitter and hometalk with all credit being given to the original source. If you would not like your projects featured please email us. 

69 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Back to School Party Ideas
Next Post: Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie..from Amanda of Serenity Now »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    August 23, 2012 at 7:54 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls!!

    Reply
  2. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    August 23, 2012 at 7:56 PM

    These are all such amazing features! Thanks so much for hosting each week!

    Reply
  3. Shelia says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Hi Ladies! What great features. You’ve made me hungry and now I want to paint things and change all the rooms in my house. I’m pooped! 🙂
    Thanks for hosting.
    Be a bunch of sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  4. Laurie says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    Thank you for hosting. I always find such great inspiration.

    Reply
  5. Four Marrs and One Venus says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    Thank you ladies! Great features up there..and I still love that lunch box pocket note! Cute idea! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  6. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    Thanks ladies for hosting another fun party! Love that awesome kitchen and Julie’s back to school post was GREAT…WELCOME JULIE!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  7. FABBY'S LIVING says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    Terrific features, I love, love the master bedroom!! Thank you ladies for hosting yet, another great party! Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  8. Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    Again, welcome to Julie! Love the sweet note idea 🙂 And that kitchen is so, so cute and charm filled!!

    Thanks for hosting girls 🙂

    Reply
  9. Maury @ Life on Mars says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    Happy Friday girls! Thanks so much for hosting! Hope you have a great weekend!

    Reply
  10. Penny says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    What wonderful features, thanks ladies for hosting a great party! Hugs, Penny

    Reply
  11. Anita says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    Oh, thank you girls so much for featuring my kitchen:-) That means so very much to me!! Thanks for hosting each week and welcome Julie!!

    Reply
  12. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    Great features, girls and thanks for taking the time to host this party!

    Reply
  13. How to Nest for Less says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting again ladies!

    Reply
  14. Our Pinteresting Family says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting. 🙂 I can’t wait to check out all these great projects. Megan

    Reply
  15. Ruby Jean says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    What Lovely features!! And so very Sweet of you to include and also welcome me back. Thank you so much!!!
    Blessings
    Angelina

    Reply
  16. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Thanks for the party guys. Great features, as always.

    Reply
  17. SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies 🙂 Lovely features each week!!
    Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

    Reply
  18. monsterscircus says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    Hi Girls! Thanks for this wonderful party, very Nice to kick off a wondeful weekend! Thanks for all your inspiration and have a great weekend!

    Reply
  19. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:00 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  20. Nicole {WonkyWonderful} says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Thanks for hosting – Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  21. Good Time Charlie says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    I love the Alice in Wonderland birthday party! Hard to believe, but your blog just gets more adorable, and more “welcoming” each week. Not like it wasn’t always, but there is just such a lovely feeling when I come by here. Hope you both have a wonderful weekend. -K

    Reply
  22. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    I’m all linked up Ladies! Thanks soo much for hosting. It’s good to be back! Have a great weekend. =)

    Reply
  23. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:48 PM

    Lovely features, ladies! I’d love to do a dresser like that some day. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  24. Nici - Posed Perfection says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    So many great features! Thanks for hosting this fun party. Have a great week!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    Reply
  25. Debra @ Common Ground says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    Oh I just love Anita’s gorgeous kitchen! just linked up, thanks so much for hosting, gals!!

    Reply
  26. Jane@Bluebird1959 says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    Wow – so many features and so much I want to try!!! Thanks so much for hosting! Jane

    Reply
  27. Judy says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting. Your features are awesome.

    Reply
  28. Paula says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Thanks for hosting. I look forward to browsing through the links.

    Reply
  29. Alderberry Hill says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    Thanks for the fun party…have a great weekend!

    Reply
  30. Richella says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    Hi girls! Hope y’all are having a good week! I know it’s busy for each of you right now–back-to-school makes things busy for all of us, doesn’t it?

    Thanks so much for hosting this wonderful party. I’m glad to be sharing my low-cost master bathroom updates. With two kids in college, “low-cost” is pretty much the only kind of update I’m doing right now! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    Great features ladies!

    Reply
  32. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    Oh my goodness…what a treat! Thanks for the feature…and for hosting your super fun party! Xo, Aimee

    Reply
  33. Lynn @ UpCountry Olio says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    What a fun surprise! Thanks for the feature…sorry but I’m still looking for my inner “wild child”!

    Lynn

    Reply
  34. Molly Danielle says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    Thanks for hosting again this week!!

    Reply
  35. Jana@Transformations From the Heart says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:42 PM

    Great features ladies~Thanks for hosting a great party again this week!

    Reply
  36. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:43 PM

    Great features! Thanks so much for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  37. AngelaECS at Number Fifty-Three says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:45 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting and for featuring my Antique Window Art.

    Have a great weekend!

    Angela

    Reply
  38. Wendy@Once upon a rose haven says

    August 24, 2012 at 12:12 AM

    WOW! Great features!

    Thank you for hosting!
    XO
    ~Wendy

    Reply
  39. Sweet Boutique says

    August 24, 2012 at 12:12 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Alice in Wonderland Party!
    Stephanie

    Reply
  40. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    August 24, 2012 at 12:22 AM

    Thanks for the party girls!!

    Reply
  41. RaNaeLuvsEwes says

    August 24, 2012 at 12:46 AM

    Great Party Sisters Welcome to the Newbie
    RaNae @ Ewe Creek Cottage

    Reply
  42. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    August 24, 2012 at 12:52 AM

    Hi, Ladies! Very happy to be linking up this week. Thank you!

    Reply
  43. Mary says

    August 24, 2012 at 1:27 AM

    Thanks for hosting. Those White Chocolate Strawberry cake skewers look yummy!

    Reply
  44. Jill Flory of Sew a Fine Seam says

    August 24, 2012 at 2:01 AM

    🙂 Thanks for hosting! And thanks a bunch for featuring my photo party!! It was tons of fun and it was fun to see the pic featured here!!!!

    Reply
  45. Hands to Work, Hearts to God says

    August 24, 2012 at 2:55 AM

    WOW! I got featured! I am so honored! Thank you so much! I love party hopping! I find so many gems! Patsy from
    HeARTworks and
    papemelroti

    Reply
  46. Kerry Rossow says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:06 AM

    I have no skill- please make and send me the ribbon skirt asap…k?
    Excited about your new “contributor”!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  47. sweet european dreams says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:50 AM

    So glad I could link up with you all this weekend!
    I’m off to read some links for some fresh inspiration!

    Reply
  48. Meegan Fast says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    Thanks Heather and Vanessa for hosting each week. I feel so inspired every time I leave here. You two re the best 🙂

    Reply
  49. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    August 24, 2012 at 4:00 AM

    Thank you for hosting! Wishing you gals a grand weekend. Toodles, Kathryn @TheeDedicatedHouse

    Reply
  50. Lauren @ {{mercyink}} says

    August 24, 2012 at 5:30 AM

    Hi Ladies! Thank you for another fantastic party 🙂 Blessed to join you!
    xo,
    lauren
    mercyinkblog.com

    Reply
  51. Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says

    August 24, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    Oh how lovely. Thank you Heather and Vanessa for featuring my white chocolate and strawberry cake skewers and for hosting such a great party each week 🙂

    Reply
  52. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    Thanks for the party girls! Love that striped skirt!

    Reply
  53. Curtains in My Tree says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:41 PM

    Hi
    Happy to be here today and see all the great ideas
    The beautiful food just makes me hungry
    and the other delicous things makes me want to go shopping
    for treasures

    Reply
  54. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    August 24, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa – thank you for hosting. Love the features this week and what a great group of bloggers joining in.
    Joy

    Reply
  55. Calypso In The Country says

    August 24, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    Thanks for hosting and enjoy your weekend!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  56. fiona anderson says

    August 24, 2012 at 6:58 PM

    Love those shell and script coasters.
    Thanks for hosting !

    Reply
  57. Doreen says

    August 24, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    I’m trying to savor the lazy days of summer! I’ve linked up my beachy shadowbox photo frame. Thanks for the party.

    Reply
  58. Barbara Hiatt says

    August 25, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting, I look forward to this party every week! Have a blessed weekend girls!
    Barbara @ Chase the Star
    chasethestar.net

    Reply
  59. Dewdrop Gardens says

    August 25, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    Thank you for hosting! Have a wonderful weekend.
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply
  60. Deidre says

    August 25, 2012 at 1:35 PM

    Im always so amazed at all the creativity here,thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend:) Deidre~ https://simplysimplistiated4.blogspot.com

    Reply
  61. twelve-O-eight says

    August 25, 2012 at 7:34 PM

    Thank you so much Heather & Vanessa for an awesome party! Have a fabulous weekend 🙂

    Hugs, Tanya
    https://twelveoeight.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  62. Kathy Moody says

    August 26, 2012 at 4:12 AM

    Thank you for hosting, ladies!! Have a great weekend. 🙂

    Reply
  63. Jenni@MomEssentials.Net says

    August 26, 2012 at 6:16 AM

    Hi!
    Thanks for letting me share my own recipe of healthy, tasty and delicious Mildly Spicy Strawberry Jalapeño Freezer Jam!

    Here’s the link:https://www.momessentials.net/mildly-spicy-strawberry-jalapeno-freezer-jam/

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Fall Pillows says:
    December 16, 2012 at 4:53 AM

    […] With: Tutorials and Tips at Home Stories A2Z Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style Inspiration Friday At the Picket Fence Grace at Home at Imparting Grace Tutorials and Tidbits at Stone Gable Share […]

    Reply
  2. Kylie M Interiors - Top 20 Pinterest Halloween Decorating Ideas says:
    January 1, 2013 at 1:41 PM

    […] You could do this with any glass container.  (atthepicketfence.com) […]

    Reply
  3. Biscoff Granola Bars | Jen's Favorite Cookies says:
    February 12, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    […] This post linked up at: Tidy Mom; Shabby Nest; Joy in my Kitchen; My Simple Home Life; While He Was Napping; Chic On a Shoestring; My Romantic Home; At the Picket Fence; […]

    Reply
  4. breakfast in bed says:
    May 2, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    […] Naps on the Porch * The Shabby Creek Cottage *  House of Hepworths * Savvy Southern Style * At the Picket Fence * French Country Cottage * Common Ground * Redoux * Funky Junk Interiors […]

    Reply
  5. Homemade Dishwasher Rinse Aid | Home made cleaners says:
    May 6, 2013 at 3:00 PM

    […] Blog, Far Above Rubies, Chef in Training, Real Food Whole Health, Real Food Freaks, Whipperberry, At the Picket Fence, Comfy in the Kitchen, Craftionary, Life as Mom, Christian Mommy Blog, Six Sisters’ Stuff, […]

    Reply
  6. Back to School Freebie says:
    May 23, 2013 at 3:55 PM

    […] Inspiration Friday at – At the Picket Fence […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Take the Quiz

Stay updated!

Get all the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Must Reads

DIY Love Mug from At The Picket Fence

Recent Posts

  • A New Gig! April 16, 2021
  • Lessons From Growing Out My Bangs March 12, 2021
  • Painted Staircase Handrail Makeover March 4, 2021
  • A New French Country Dining Table February 3, 2021
  • Open Now December 17, 2020

Get all the latest straight to your inbox

Footer

Instagram

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!
Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2021 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 At The Picket Fence