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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

November 30, 2012

It’s Inspiration Friday No. 91! Welcome

 

Welcome back friends!! Hope you are all having a great week so far and getting back into the swing of things after the holiday! Thank you so much for being understanding about Inspiration Friday taking a break last week. We had some wonderful time relaxing with our families and we hope you did too. But, now we are back and ready to see what you have all been up to!

 We’ll be sharing features this week from the party 2 weeks ago but before we do, here’s what we’ve been up to around the Fence.

On Monday our Guest Contributor Julie shared with you her DIY Advent Calendar of Promises:

And over on the FOLK Magazine Blog, Vanessa showed how to make these Cinnamon Stick Ornaments:

 

We also joined several other bloggers in a Christmas Tree Hop and shared our own Themed Mini Christmas Trees:

a tale of two Christmas trees

 

And we’re so excited to be joining the HGTV and Hometalk Home for the Holidays Twitter Party TONIGHT! Are you going to be joining us? It should be tons of fun with some awesome giveaways!

Well, that’s it from us, so let’s take a look now at the Features from last week’s party shall we?

 

INSPIRED ROOMS

We readily admit to experiencing some slight envy over the fact that The Country Farm Home has an actual “Keeping Room” and that it looks so lovely and warm. It would definitely “keep” us in there all the time!

 

 The Gold Shoe Girl revealed her beautiful kitchen and you won’t believe this transformation! We especially love the pop of color from her window treatments and giant framed chalkboard.

INSPIRED MAKEOVERS

Kris from Driven By Decor gave wooden hangers a wonderful makeover by personalizing them and taking them from boring to beautiful and so sweet!

Molly from Just a little Creativity  gave an old end table a makeover and some new life by transforming it into this wonderful Lego table perfect for creative play.

 

Wendy from Designed to Dwell made over a small nook in her home and turned it into a really fun Chalkboard Gallery Wall.

 IMG_6049

 

INSPIRED CRAFTS and CREATIONS

Amy from Atta Girl Says showed us how she made this DIY Faux Driftwood Twig Deer Head Mount and we are so impressed with her ingenuity!

DIY Faux driftwood twig deer head mount by AttaGirlSays.com

A wreath like this from Tanya of twelveOeight would be perfect for your home all winter long but a Book Page Wreath is always in season if you ask us!

 

INSPIRED TIPS and TRICKS

Liz from Love Grows Wild gave us some great tips for Shoe Organization and showed us how she gave her closet a makeover that is both beautiful and functional!

Lisa from Before Meets After shared this awesome trick for turning a crib into a Baby/Dog Gate.  These can be so expensive so this is a fantastic alternative!

INSPIRED RECIPES and PARTIES

She had us at “snickerdoodle”…and “donut”…ok, and “muffin” too. Mary from Sweet Little Bluebird has shared with us the recipe for these Snickerdoodle Donut Muffins and she may just be our new best friend!

 Jill from Create.Craft.Love showed us how her imagination took flight when she planned this adorable Airplane Themed Birthday Party for her son. Check out those cloud topiaries!

Heather, a.k.a. The Not So Super Mama, showed us how to make delicious Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts. We think these would make the perfect addition to a holiday feast!

 

 Barbara from 21 Rosemary Lane shared these adorable Strawberry Santas. We know a few kids (and kids at heart!) who would have fun making these and we’re sure you do too!

 

 

INSPIRED HOLIDAYS

Jody from Homey Home Designs shared a tutorial for making this darling tree skirt and we love how sweet it looks and how simple it is to make!

Jamie from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom put her kids to work and had fun making these darling Paper Mache Christmas Trees and we think they all make a great team!

Marisa from Marisa Howard Designs showed us how to make these fantastic ornaments out of coasters and we think these would make fabulous gifts for neighbors or friends…or yourself!

 

The talented Taryn from Design, Dining & Diapers showed us how to make this beautiful Luminary Advent Calendar using recycled baby food jars. We absolutely love this idea!
Luminary Advent Calendar, diy advent calendar, christmas crafts, etching cream  projects, candle advent calendar, baby food jar craft
INSPIRED STORIES
Aleisha from She Calls Me Mama Leisha shared a sweet letter she wrote to her precious little boy and it serves as a reminder for all mothers everywhere!
LeeAnn from Style N Season not only gave us a glimpse at her fashion sense, she also shared some insight into marriage and what how much she has grown as a wife and a woman.
 
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 beautiful pieces like this Upcycled Blue Flower Vintage Multi-strand necklace

Necklace Upcycled Blue Flower Vintage Multi Strand

89 Comments Filed Under: Good Ideas, Inspiration Friday Tagged With: Inspiration Friday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jill @ Create.Craft.Love. says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    Thanks so much for the feature, ladies! You made my day! =)

    Reply
  2. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:12 PM

    Oh my goodness, thank you SO much for featuring my Luminary Advent Calendar! I’m so excited. You guys are the best. Thanks for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  3. Suzan says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    Wow – incredible features!!!
    Thanks so much for hosting another great party –
    Hope you have a wonderful wknd
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  4. Anita says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    The features just get better and better! Thanks for hosting girls!!

    Reply
  5. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:18 PM

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

    Reply
  6. Nici ~ Posed Perfection says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    Reply
  7. Sylvia says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:21 PM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather!
    Thank you for having me again at your fun party. I am sharing today some of my homemade Christmas gifts as I hope to inspire others to create their own. There is a slight problem with my picture on your link, but I can’t fix it. Sorry about that 🙁
    Wishing you a lovely weekend full of inspiration.

    Reply
  8. Dru (The Farmer's Daughter) says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    Wow! Thank you so much for honoring our keeping room as a feature! Wish you could come have a cup of tea with us! All the features are fantastic–and–it looks like another wonder party!
    Hugs from the Farmhouse,
    Dru

    Reply
  9. Suzan says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:30 PM

    THanks so much for hosting – hope you both have a wonderful wknd!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  10. Sherry says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:34 PM

    Everything is inspiring Christmas around here! Thanks for hosting ladies!
    Sherry

    Reply
  11. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Hi Girls! Those are some fabulous features. As always, thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply
  12. Kim says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:55 PM

    Oh, I could eat all those snickerdoodle donut muffins. I love anything with cinnamon sugar. The Santa strawberries are too cute. Thanks for hosting, girls.

    Reply
  13. Shenita says

    November 29, 2012 at 1:59 PM

    What amazing features! Thanks so much for hosting. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  14. Shelia says

    November 29, 2012 at 2:14 PM

    Hi ladies! I’m always amazed at the talent in Blogland. Thank you so much for hosting your party and you two are a couple of sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  15. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    November 29, 2012 at 2:15 PM

    HI Gals!
    So glad you had some great time off – now it’s back to the Christmas whirlwind!

    See you at the Twitter party tonight – I’m shaking my cocktail up now!
    Kelly

    Reply
  16. Wendy says

    November 29, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    Wow! I was stunned to see my gallery wall among those awesome features! Scrolling down to comment, I saw a bunch of links I want to check out! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  17. Angelina says

    November 29, 2012 at 2:25 PM

    Thank you so much Heather and Vanessa for hosting us again. You have some really great features as always. I pray the rest of your week is Blessed!!
    Angelina

    Reply
  18. K C @ The Real Thing with the Coake Family says

    November 29, 2012 at 2:43 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Have a great week.

    Reply
  19. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    November 29, 2012 at 2:56 PM

    Love the features! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  20. karen says

    November 29, 2012 at 2:57 PM

    Once again we have the same feature! Great minds think alike. I love that little twiggy wreath the nest. Loving the mini tree. Break out the Advent Calendar, December is almost here!

    Reply
  21. Sarah @ Alderberry Hill says

    November 29, 2012 at 2:59 PM

    I am happy to be linking here this week, thanks so much for this wonderful party. Happy Thursday!{Hugs}
    alderberryhill@nl.rogers.com

    Reply
  22. Anne says

    November 29, 2012 at 3:01 PM

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

    Reply
  23. Debra@CommonGround says

    November 29, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    Glad you had a great Thanksgiving. just linked up, thanks for hosting, Gals!

    Reply
  24. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    November 29, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  25. Doreen@HymnsandVerses says

    November 29, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    I’m in love with that twig dear head! Thanks for hosting, ladies!

    Blessings,

    Doreen

    Reply
  26. Judy says

    November 29, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    Those are some awesome features. I can’t wait to check them out in more detail. Thanks for hosting. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  27. Monsterscircus says

    November 29, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    So wonderful and beautiful Christmas features! Thank you girls for hosting and have a beautiful weekend

    Reply
  28. Molly says

    November 29, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    Such a great collection of features this week, I’m honored that you’ve included my Lego table 🙂 Thank you!
    As always, thanks for hosting, I enjoy linking up here each time I have a new project to share!
    -Molly

    Reply
  29. Emma Briggs says

    November 29, 2012 at 4:42 PM

    Love your chalkboard wall gallery, all of them are great..

    Reply
  30. Jenn says

    November 29, 2012 at 5:07 PM

    Thank-you so much for hosting! Lovely features as always! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
    Jenn 🙂

    Reply
  31. Barbara from 21 Rosemary Lane says

    November 29, 2012 at 5:25 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring my little santa strawberries! I know I will be making them for the kids holiday parties at school this year. Hope you gals have a wonderful weekend and again thank you so much!!
    XO Barbara

    Reply
  32. Stuff and Nonsense says

    November 29, 2012 at 5:37 PM

    hey ladies!

    so good to party with you

    love all the features
    and it’s so fun to see
    all the creative Christmas ideas
    out there

    i linked up my
    Jesse Tree tutorial

    have a wonderful weekend!

    {alison}

    Reply
  33. Liz Fourez says

    November 29, 2012 at 5:58 PM

    Hi girls! Thank you so much for including my Shoe Organization in your amazing features! You ladies rock : )

    Thanks for hosting!
    Love Always,
    Liz

    Reply
  34. Fleaing France & French Shopping says

    November 29, 2012 at 6:04 PM

    So happy to be joining the party this week.

    Thank you for hosting and I’m excited to see what else is linked up this week.

    Greetings from France,
    Simone

    Reply
  35. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    November 29, 2012 at 7:23 PM

    Thanks ladies for hosting…love those cute ornaments and those wooden hangers.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  36. Mary says

    November 29, 2012 at 7:25 PM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather,

    Thank you so VERY much for featuring my Snickerdoodle Donut Muffins – what a treat!

    Thanks for hosting Inspiration Friday each week! I hope you two have a wonderful weekend!

    Cheers & thanks again!

    Reply
  37. Tanya says

    November 29, 2012 at 7:45 PM

    Glad you were both able to enjoy a great Thanksgiving and a little relaxation too 🙂 Thank you SO much for including my Book Page Wreath in the features this week, I am stoked!

    xoxo, Tanya

    Reply
  38. Lyuba @willcookforsmiles says

    November 29, 2012 at 7:49 PM

    Glad to hear that you got some well deserved family time! Thank you for the party, girls!

    Reply
  39. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    November 29, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    Hi, Ladies! So very glad to be joining you this week! Thank you!

    Reply
  40. Aleisha says

    November 29, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    Dearest Heather and Vanessa!!! Hey pretty sisters, thank you SO MUCH for featuring me and my piece written for my son. I came to link up (as I always do, because I love your blog and your party), I saw my picture in your featured list and was THRILLED! Thank you for brightening my whole week! Just wanted you to know it means a lot to me. Best wishes and have a wonderful weekend. XO!

    Reply
  41. Carolynn says

    November 30, 2012 at 3:31 AM

    What an incredible collection of beautiful Christmas posts. There are so many creative bloggers out there and it’s a delight to see what they are all up to this season of the year.
    Thank you for hosting. I look forward each week to visiting and joining in the fun.
    Blessings,
    Carolynn xxx

    Reply
  42. denyse@crazy beautiful life says

    November 30, 2012 at 3:53 AM

    Thanks for hosting. All the projects and features are amazing this week. I might be sitting at my computer for hours today 😉

    I’m having a, “It’s a Social Hop like Crazy” party. I’d love for you to hop on over, grab a button and link up your blog.
    http://mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/2012/11/social-hop-like-crazy-party.html

    Have a crazy beautiful weekend!

    Reply
  43. Kathy says

    November 30, 2012 at 4:52 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting. Such wonderful features.

    Kathy

    Reply
  44. Hollie says

    November 30, 2012 at 5:47 AM

    Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  45. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    November 30, 2012 at 5:53 AM

    Welcome back, ladies, and thanks for hosting!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  46. Carol says

    November 30, 2012 at 6:29 AM

    Thanks for hosting, Heather & Vanessa! Hope your holidays are off to a wonderful start!

    Reply
  47. Liz @ Quirky Vistas says

    November 30, 2012 at 6:30 AM

    Fun to see all the fun going on here At the Picket Fence. Looks like a busy and inspiring Christmas season is underway. Thanks for hosting the party. I’m looking forward to all the great ideas.
    Liz

    Reply
  48. Katherines Corner says

    November 30, 2012 at 7:13 AM

    Happy to join in the fun! Thank you for hosting xo

    Reply
  49. JP says

    November 30, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    Wonderful features and some great links that I can’t wait to explore…have a great weekend, girls!

    Reply
  50. ileana-carmen says

    November 30, 2012 at 8:11 AM

    Thank you for hosting us.

    Reply
  51. Dina-Marie @ Cultured Palate says

    November 30, 2012 at 8:35 AM

    Thanks for hosting – I am new and glad to be a part!
    I love the features!

    I shared “Making Kefir Video Class” which is so easy to do at home and “Beef Plus – Chili for a Crowd” which has ground beef plus kidney and liver – my children love it!

    http://myculturedpalate.com/blog/2012/11/28/making-kefir-video-class/

    Reply
  52. LINDA says

    November 30, 2012 at 9:24 AM

    So many diverse blogs to explore. Thank you for hosting another great party for us to show off on Friday! We appreciate all your work.

    Linda and Jeannie at The French Hen’s Nest

    Reply
  53. Richella @ Imparting Grace says

    November 30, 2012 at 9:47 AM

    Hello my friends! I’m so glad to be here. It’s been awhile since I’ve had anything to link up, I’m afraid. Today’s post doesn’t feature a beautiful project, but it does feature the truth, so I’m grateful to be able to share it here.

    Bless you both!

    Reply
  54. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    November 30, 2012 at 2:44 PM

    Holy cow ~ you know you’ve hit the big time when you’ve got over 400 links in just a couple of hours!!! Thanks for hosting ladies 🙂

    Reply
  55. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    November 30, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    There are almost 400 post of sheer inspiration!!! It’s going to be a long long… and fun night! Thanks for hosting, girls!!!

    Reply
  56. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says

    December 1, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    beautiful features ans always a fabulous party! Thanks ladies!!

    Reply
  57. Jenni@MomEssentials.Net says

    December 1, 2012 at 4:11 PM

    Hi!
    Thanks for letting me share my own recipe of tasty and delicious
    Peppermint Brownies!

    Here’s the link:
    http://www.momessentials.net/peppermint-brownies/

    Reply
  58. Julie says

    December 2, 2012 at 2:40 AM

    Wow! It is my first time linking up. There are some super talented bloggers here! Amazing features, too! Thank you both, for hosting. 🙂

    Julie

    Reply
  59. Retro Bridal Gown says

    April 3, 2013 at 5:59 AM

    I have read so many articles about the blogger lovers but this paragraph is genuinely a fastidious piece of writing, keep it up.

    Reply
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    April 23, 2014 at 2:58 AM

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  29. Countdown To Christmas: Snowman Advent | Decoration Ideas says:
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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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