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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

October 5, 2012

It’s Inspiration Friday No. 85! Welcome!

Before we jump into things this week, it’s time to announce the Grand Prize Winner of the LG Giveaway of a Trip to NYC and Wine and Food Festival!

After narrowing down the top ten finalists, the generous folks at LG made the final winning selection.
And the winner is…
Mia White!

Here is Mia’s winning entry:
“I would have to call my style: “The Precision Pack.”

And I’m probably going to fly my OCD colors a little too candidly, here, but I’m the kind of gal who will RELOAD THE DISHWASHER if anyone tries to “help” me. :/ Growing up, we didn’t have a dishwasher 

(my parents would always correct that statement with a quick ‘Yes we do, we have the Mia-and-Bethany-4000-model’!)

and from scarring years of handwashing twice a day- once before and once after dinner- I have to confess that I don’t pre-rinse a single thing before loading at my house. Because of this, I demand the ultimate efficiency out of a dishwasher. 

I load it with great care and order: always like items together, graduating sizes, even color coded. For example: Silverware. Those little cubbies are for sorting out types, people! Forks? Together! Spoons? By themselves? Knives? Separate. Also? Put those dangerous, pointy ends UP so they get washed well! You’re not going to get that organic Adam’s peanut butter off a knife if the end is tucked down hiding away with all of his buddies! Don’t whine at me about your kids potentially cutting their sweet hands when they help you out- THIS IS NOT CHILDREN’S WORK. It’s an art. 

My [superior] technique is not just about efficiency in thoroughly washing the most amount of dishes per load, but also for optimal UNLOADING efficiency. 

I dare say that if there were dishwasher loading & unloading Olympics- I would probably dominate.”

Congratulations Mia!! 
We are so excited that you will get to meet Vanessa in NYC 
and we know you will have a fabulous time. Thank you so much to all of you who entered this contest!

 
Now, the Fall lovin’ madness is definitely in full swing here at the Fence and all around blogland too!

This week was all about simplicity and Vanessa shared with you her Fall Mantel:

fall, mantel, mantel decorations, simple fall mantel

while Heather shared with you a Fall Dining Room Vignette.


We also have an another awesome giveaway going on right now and there is still plenty of time to enter to win a $350 Prize Pack Giveaway from Shutterfly! Just in time for the Holidays!



We also welcomed two new Sponsors to the Fence this week!

First we have the incredible Nostalgic Bulbs Company 

Nos21

Where you can find incredible deals on Vintage Inspired Items like this
Nostalgic Spiral Radio Bulb


We also welcomed the wonderful Etsy Shop rosekraft


where you can find Vintage Victorian Decor, gifts and ephemera, like this 
Bell Jar with Quail Egg Mini Cloche.

Bell Jar Quail Egg Mini Cloche Reindeer Moss Bird Nest


Now onto this week’s Inspiration Friday Features! 

picketfence_20010_thumb[18]

INSPIRED ROOMS

Christie from Three Pixie Lane shared her incredible Kitchen Remodel and we think the final results are truly stunning! 


Martina from Northern Nesting shared how her living room is changing with the seasons and we just love the rich, warm tones!




Lori from My Heart with Pleasure Fills proudly showed off the darling nursery she helped her daughter create for the precious twin granddaughters coming her way very soon. 
Lori made all of this beautiful bedding!



INSPIRED MAKEOVERS


Jen from The Thrifty Home shared the beautiful makeover she completed on her kitchen including painting all of her cabinets!




JP from Sweet Inspirations gave an old washstand a Rustic “Shabby Glam” Makeover and in the process gave it a new life! 




INSPIRED CRAFTS AND CREATIONS



Lori from The Stonybrook House showed us how to make this fantastic Pallet Art and since this hymn was sung at Vanessa’s wedding it is definitely near and dear to her heart.





Kelly from Coastal Cottage Dreams shared her exciting new business venture with us!
She is launching an Organic Soy Candle Business called Palmetto Wicks and we are so excited for her and wish her much success!



INSPIRED RECIPES and PARTIES



Barbara from 21 Rosemary Lane shared this scrumptious recipe for Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Yes please!

Leigh Anne from Your Homebased Mom shared with us this recipe for Fresh Tomato and Herb Soup  and we love the idea of adding the pine nuts and Gorgonzola cheese for a bit of a twist.


INSPIRED FALL DECOR

Ugh. This is a really HARD category to narrow down to only a handful! But, we’ll give it a shot!

We love the creativity of this Spiral Rosette Yarn Wrapped Pumpkin from KC at The Real Thing with the Coake Family

How about these Spooky Halloween Poison Bottles from Art is Beauty?

Debbie from Debbiedoos showed us how she made her darling Fall Mantel Banner and she promises that it’s “easy peasy”!

We love this idea for painting acorns from Freddy & Petunia! Think of the possibilities for working this into your Autumn decor!

Kirstin from Craftiments showed off her beautiful Fall Mantel complete with twine, corn husk and fabric pumpkins!

Craftiments:  Twine, corn husk, and fabric covered foam pumpkins

Claire from The Rustic Pig honored us with the story of how her family has been impacted by the life of her darling nephew since he was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome.

Kristin from Simply Klassic Home shared with us an incredible story of two lives (and two blogs) that are uniquely intertwined and a friendship that has stood the test of time and heartache.

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
Photobucket
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:



where you can find Decorative Pillow Covers Like This

Decorative Pillow Cover - 20


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Previous Post: « Decorating with Photos & a $350 Shutterfly Giveaway!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting Vanessa and Heather! Hope the two of you had a great week 🙂

    Reply
  2. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    Thanks ladies for hosting another fun party.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  3. Eclectically Vintage says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:15 PM

    Yippie for Mia – she’s going to love the wine event!
    Kelly

    Reply
  4. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    Loved all the wonderful features from last week!!….Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  5. K Coake says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Also, thanks so much for featuring my spiral yarn pumpkin! Have a great week!

    Reply
  6. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    OH…and congrats to Mia….how very exciting!!!

    Reply
  7. FABBY'S LIVING says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    The features are terrific, I will visit some today. Thanks for hosting yet, another great party at, Inspiration Friday. Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  8. Sherry says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Lots of lovely features!
    Sherry

    Reply
  9. The French Hutch says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    Great features, thanks for hosting.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    Reply
  10. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:31 PM

    Thanks so much girls for featuring my living room 🙂 and thanks for hosting! Have a super weekend!

    Reply
  11. Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting your party, girls!

    Reply
  12. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    Congrats to Mia for winning the trip! I see some fabulous features that I need to visit! Thanks for the party, girls!

    Reply
  13. Anita says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    Wonderful features again girls! Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  14. Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    Congratulations to lucky lady Mia! Thank you so much for hosting the party every week.

    Reply
  15. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    Tons of inspiration here. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  16. Pamela says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    Thanx for hosting ladies! So glad to be able to party this week with y’all. Such great features and some truly heart warming.

    Reply
  17. suzyq says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    Thanks so much for another wonderful party!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  18. Sylvia says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:09 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa,
    lots of loveliness and inspiration here today. Thank you for hosting such a wonderful party and for having me. I am sharing today our annual family trip to Algonquin Park and a little lakeside picnic we had there. I hope your readers enjoy it.
    Stay Happy!

    Reply
  19. Sue says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    I see some great blogs I need to visit in today’s link-ups! There just never seems to be enuf time to see them all, does there? Glad I could link up again with you girls this week. hugs, Sue

    Reply
  20. Poppy says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa,

    Super super party! Time to nestle in my little nook and indulge in these great link-ups. Thanks for hosting. Have a great weekend!

    Poppy

    Reply
  21. Athena at Minervas Garden says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    I enjoyed your posts this week very much, Heather and Vanessa, and I do appreciate you both hosting the party today. Lovely features–so much inspiration!

    Reply
  22. Debra @ Common Ground says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    LOve your fun fall decor, gals! just linked up, thanks for always hosting a great party!!

    Reply
  23. cherished bliss says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting ladies, lovely features!!

    Reply
  24. Barbara says

    October 4, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting this week! As always you have such wonderful features…I am so honored to have my chocolate pumpkin bars amoung them.
    Hope you gals have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  25. Alderberry Hill says

    October 4, 2012 at 10:33 PM

    Thanks for hosting…all the Fall & Halloween link ups are great!

    Reply
  26. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    October 4, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    These are awesome features, ladies! Thanks so much for hosting each week! Glad to link up!

    Reply
  27. Becca says

    October 4, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    Incredible features, ladies! Congrats to Mia, too! I’m seeing lots of eye candy already linked up … I’m off to be inspired! xo

    Reply
  28. Mia White says

    October 4, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    Thanks Heather & Vanessa, I am pretty sure that I’m still just completely in shock over all of this. And I didn’t think it possible but I actually love your blog even MORE now! Thanks again!! I can’t wait! 😉

    Reply
  29. Anne says

    October 4, 2012 at 11:58 PM

    Fun and beautiful features! Thanks for hosting again!

    Reply
  30. Julie redheadcandecorate.com says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:18 AM

    Thanks for hosting another great party 🙂 I love your light bulb sponsor…his lightbulbs are the best! The test tube version is really neat too and fairly priced 🙂 Have a great weekend you sisters! ~ Julie

    Reply
  31. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    Love what you ladies have been up to this week! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  32. Lori says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    Heather and Venessa, SO sweet to feature the girls bedroom. Which by the way looks like it will be in use late next week. Ann Marie’s blood pressure has been up and down and they have her on bedrest. If she can make it to her 36th week, they will deliver them next Wednesday! Super excited! For the feature and especially for Hadley and Layton to arrive. Thanks and prayers for our babies are welcome from all followers!

    Reply
  33. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:28 AM

    Thanks for hosting-Happy Thursday:@)

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

    October 5, 2012 at 12:40 AM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies!

    Reply
  35. Coastal Cottage Dreams says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    Thanks for hosting and featuring my new candle venture.

    Reply
  36. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    Hi Ladies! Thanks for hosting. Some great features this week. I really loved Kristin’s story! How inspiring. =) I have a similar story with my hubbies ex-wife. It’s always nice when friendship can overcome anything! Have a great weekend. It’s Thanksgiving weekend here. I’m doing turkey dinner Saturday. Can’t wait. Mmm!

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  37. Claire @ The Rustic Pig says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:53 AM

    Hi Girls!! Thanks so much for the feature and for hosting!! I absolutely ADORE your site!!! I always love linking up here!! Thanks again! Hugs!!

    Reply
  38. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    October 5, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    Great features! You all have been busy girls this week!

    Reply
  39. Shelia says

    October 5, 2012 at 2:23 AM

    Hello, Dear Ones! Oh, my! What wonderful features today. I’m so glad to get to join you today! I’ve been gone from blogland for a month and it’s good to be back!
    Be a couple of sweeties,
    Shelia 🙂

    Reply
  40. LittleOwlCrunchyMomma says

    October 5, 2012 at 2:34 AM

    Thanks for hosting!

    Linked up my post, How to Clean a Bathroom. Check it out. Super easy!

    https://littleowlcrunchymomma.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-to-clean-bathroom.html

    Reply
  41. Mandy says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:02 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting. Great features!

    Reply
  42. Liz Fourez says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:07 AM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies! Have a fabulous day : )

    Love Always,
    Liz

    Reply
  43. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies!!

    Reply
  44. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:27 AM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa;

    Thank you for hosting. Such a great group of features and so many linking posts to visit. Have a great week.

    Joy

    Reply
  45. Amanda says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Oh, so many great features today! Look forward to visiting some of these!!
    Amanda

    Reply
  46. Good Time Charlie says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:44 AM

    Happy almost weekend. Hope you are enjoying some Fall weather. It finally dipped below 90 degrees today! Maybe I can think about Fall now!

    Reply
  47. Anne says

    October 5, 2012 at 4:05 AM

    Thank you for hosting! Have a great weekend!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  48. melissa @ daisymaebelle.com says

    October 5, 2012 at 4:13 AM

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

    Reply
  49. twelve-O-eight says

    October 5, 2012 at 5:37 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting, have a wonderful weekend!!

    xoxo, Tanya

    Reply
  50. ~ Liz ~ says

    October 5, 2012 at 10:44 AM

    Wow, there are so many adorable and doable projects in the features this week! Thanks so much for taking us all in for the party!
    Liz

    Reply
  51. Deidre says

    October 5, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    Love all this wonderful creativity! I hope I can inspire someone as well.Thank you so much for hosting:)

    Reply
  52. Stuff and Nonsense says

    October 5, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    what fantabulous features
    just like always

    and we only had
    one in common this week

    i linked up
    my Paul Bunyan story
    for your enjoyment

    thanks for hosting girls!

    alison

    Reply
  53. Jody and Stan says

    October 5, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    Love all the fantastic features! Thank you for having such a lovely party!

    Jody

    Reply
  54. Savvy Seasons says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls, have a fabulous weekend! XO ~Liz

    Reply
  55. Yael at Home Garden Diggers says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:32 PM

    You have some lovely and delicious looking features. I particularly like the shab glam wash stand and the colored acorns. Thank you for hostessing. I am a first time poster and new follower.

    Yael from Home Garden Diggers

    Reply
  56. Nancy at maddalee™ says

    October 5, 2012 at 4:09 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa, thank you so much again for hosting! Linking has been a great way to meet new friends at my new little blog.

    Have a good day, Nancy

    Reply
  57. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    October 5, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Wishing you gals a fab weekend. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    Reply
  58. Carissa Rasmussen says

    October 5, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    thanks for hosting! have a great weekend

    Reply
  59. Diane | An Extraordinary Day says

    October 5, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    This is my first time to link up to your lovely blog. What a great place of inspiration! Thank you!!!

    Reply
  60. CAS says

    October 5, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    What a fun and inspiring journey the two of you take us on each week here At The Fence! I truly appreciate that you host this wonderful party each week!

    CAS

    Reply
  61. Calypso In The Country says

    October 5, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    Looking forward to all the fall inspiration! Thanks for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  62. Rob Hunt says

    October 5, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    Wow, big party! Thanks for hosting, great fall ideas.
    Rob

    Reply
  63. Nici - Posed Perfection says

    October 5, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Have a great weekend.
    Nici

    Reply
  64. Christie says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    Thank you girls SO much for the kitchen feature! I told Vanessa it was a long road and a long time eating pizzas for dinner! The good Lord certainly worked on us during that time, too!! We are so thankful to be done and not eating out of a box anymore! This is a very sweet reward for all that work! Congratulations on your features, I have seen at other sites! The fall display is beautiful! I need to find some cute wooden boxes and decorate the rest of my house!! Have a beautiful weekend!! Christie

    Reply
  65. Deidre says

    October 5, 2012 at 10:34 PM

    Hi there again! Well I was so excited with my first entry that I had to add the rest ot the story! lol Hope you dont mind:) Im just havin a blast over here!

    Reply
  66. Christie says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:40 PM

    Hey! I am writing some devotions for my children to address some of the difficult things they will face. I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, so decided to write my own. Digging in God’s word has been so amazing…seeking His truths on some difficult topics! “What Your Little Eyes See” addresses the things they may see at an early age (that we don’t want them to see!) Shockingly, the average age now is EIGHT. I am trying to pre-empt what the world will tell them, by preparing them with the Truth. Please do not hesitate to delete if this is something you don’t want linked. I am doing a series and this Sunday will be about what does it mean to fear God. I wasn’t sure I knew enough to teach my kids, so went diggin’! Thank you girls for hosting and giving the rest of us a place to share! Christie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 5, 2012 at 3:44 PM

      You know we are all about these types of posts, so we are thrilled you shared it Christie! True Inspiration! 🙂 ~Heather

      Reply
  67. Kirstin Therese says

    October 6, 2012 at 2:20 AM

    Thank you for featuring my mantel!

    Reply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That is why it is called GRACE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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