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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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    • Featured

January 31, 2011

Launch Party Giveaway Day One. An Ode to TJ Maxx…

It’s Day One of our At The Picket Fence Launch Party! 
That means a giveaway!

An Ode to TJ Maxx
by Vanessa

You are my home away from home.

The calm in my storm.
(unless there are screaming children there, in which case I glare at them and think, “don’t they know that this is MY TJ Maxx? I mean, come on!)
You are so close to my house.
You call out to me and I run…er…drive to you.
When you came to our town I almost cried.
Ok, I did cry.
I’m not ashamed.
You had been so far away before.
But, now you are just over the bridge.
Over the bridge and straight to my heart.
TJ Maxx.

If you haven’t guessed it by now, our first Giveaway is a
 $25 gift card
to my favorite store!

And, it can also be used at Home Goods for all of you who have one close to you and of whom I am incredibly jealous because I have to drive an hour to get to the nearest one.
I digress.
I asked my husband once if he thought it was strange that the employees at TJ Maxx recognize me and ask how my kids are doing.
Doesn’t that happen to everyone?

If I went and grabbed a comforter I could just snuggle in right there and be the first to get my hands on the next shipment of goodies!
Now, would you like to know how to enter our first Giveaway?

We are giving you several options…

(MANDATORY)1. Become a “Follower/Friend” here At the Picket Fence and let us know you are by leaving a comment.
(OPTIONAL)2. Grab our “Launch Party” Button from the sidebar and post it on your blog. Leave a separate comment
(OPTIONAL)3. Blog, Facebook and/or Twitter about our new blog (blogging/facebooking or twittering counts as only one entry). Leave a separate comment.
Giveaway One will be open until midnight EST Sunday, February 6.That’s 3 different ways that you can enter to win the
$25 gift card from TJ Maxx…
Just typing out the name makes my heart go pitter patter!

All giveaways are now closed!

So, come on! What are you waiting for? 



116 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cricket says

    January 31, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    I just became a new follower!!

    Reply
  2. Melanie says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I am a follower:)

    Reply
  3. Melanie says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    I tweeted about the giveaway!

    @ladynole35

    Reply
  4. Judy says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    I am a follower and the first part of my post today is all about your new blog (come check it out). You know that Home Goods is my home away from home. I would love to win.

    Reply
  5. Judy says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    I added your launch party button to my sidebar.

    Reply
  6. Le-Ann says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    I’m your friend/follower on FB! So excited to see what you gals share with us! And Heather, it was so great to see and hear you! I miss you.

    Reply
  7. Le-Ann says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    I posted on FB about you!

    Reply
  8. Ashley says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    Following along here! Love the new blog! I was just in TJMaxx this weekend and could’ve bought half of the store.

    Reply
  9. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Love your new blog and yes I am a follower. Love TJMaxx also. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  10. Pattie says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Judy sent me over glad to be following, sounds like a fun time…..

    Pattie

    Reply
  11. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    I’m a follower! I LOVE TJ Maxx! Is the ending date correct? Just wondering! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Red Gate Farm says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    I’m a follower too. I don’t live next to a TJ Maxx but I work 5 minutes (walking) from one 🙂

    ~Chris

    Reply
  13. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I am a happy follower, and in fact on my way to TJ’s now! My favorite place to shop!

    Reply
  14. Val says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I heard there was a party going on over here….and I’m in LOVE. So happy for you and your sister! I can’t wait to know Heather better!! Of course, I follow! So exciting!!!

    Reply
  15. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Hi Vanessa, just signed on as a follower. Love TJ Maxx/ Home goods. They are the same here. The stores here say TJ Maxx and Home Goods. Love those benches you are sitting on.

    Reply
  16. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Hi Vanessa! I clicked the follow button as soon as I saw your announcement last night!
    TJMaxx, HomeGoods and Marshall’s are my FAVORITE stores and we have several in our area! Lucky me!

    Reply
  17. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I posted your button to my sidebar!

    Reply
  18. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    I posted about your new blog on Design Fanatic’s facebook page!

    Reply
  19. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    hi there- I’m a new follower! I love the maxx! laura

    Reply
  20. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    hi there- I just added your button to my sidebar. thanks for the partay. laura

    Reply
  21. Patty says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    I am a follower and I have your button in my sidebar on my blog. 🙂
    Have a great day!
    Patty

    Reply
  22. Green Door Girl says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    follower! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Blessed Mommy of 2 says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    I’m a follower At the Picket Fence :o)

    Reply
  24. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    I’m also following you on twitter! laura

    Reply
  25. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    I’m a follower:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  26. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    I’m posting your giveaway button on my sidebar:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  27. Petie@inspirednesting.com says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Congrats Vanessa! What a great idea, you and your sister sharing a blog 🙂 Best of luck with the launch!

    My heart goes pitter patter too over TJ’s, Marshall’s and HG. We have several nearby…too much to handle!

    Reply
  28. Petie@inspirednesting.com says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Oops, forgot to say “I’m a follower” 🙂

    Reply
  29. Sheri says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    you KNOW if it involves a( a friend and b) TJ MAXX – I mean come on – i’m in there like swimwear!

    Reply
  30. Jessica Patton says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    I’m a follower! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Jessica Patton says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    And I grabbed your button! Cheers!

    Reply
  32. Honey at 2805 says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    I was a follower on Day #l!!!!!!!

    Reply
  33. Honey at 2805 says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    The Launch Party Button is on my sidebar!

    Reply
  34. michelle says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    This is so amazing girls! I love it!!! I am a follower for sure!! Have fun!!

    Reply
  35. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    I’m following!

    Reply
  36. Janet says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I’m a follower!!!

    Reply
  37. Carrie says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I became a follower yesterday! Vanessa you truly inspire me. I can’t believe it was a few years ago that I babysat your little (very much growing!) boy. You have a precious family. I am so excited to learn new things from you and your sister. God Bless!

    Reply
  38. Mary Drummond says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    New follower!

    Reply
  39. redheadsmom says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    I’m a follower

    Reply
  40. Anonymous says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    I am a new follower.

    Reply
  41. Terry says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I’m a new follower!

    Reply
  42. Tammy@beatrice banks says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    I’m your newest follower and look forward to reading this wonderful blog!

    Reply
  43. scrap-n-away says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Congrats on your new blog. I’m a follower

    Reply
  44. craftmom says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    I am a follower of your blog:)

    Reply
  45. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Congratulations on the new blog!! I’m following!

    Reply
  46. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    I tweeted about the giveaway – @tracit1997

    Reply
  47. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    BTW – I love the sweater you have on in that picture!!!

    Reply
  48. Netters says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I am a follower too!

    Reply
  49. Lori says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    I’m a follower!!

    Lori : )
    Thrifty Decor Mom

    Reply
  50. Anonymous says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Great job on the new blog…so cute!!!

    PS. I almost bought that striped bench you’re snuggling up against…I knew I loved your taste. 😉

    xo
    Julie

    Reply
  51. Alison says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Following happily!

    Reply
  52. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    I’m following along!

    Reply
  53. Erin says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    I am following(Michelle-Emerald Cove sent me!)!

    Reply
  54. Erin says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Going on the sidebar!

    Reply
  55. Jenna says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Following! I will add a link to your blog on my blog site as well.

    Reply
  56. Jenna Young says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Ok…just saw I needed to post an extra comment… 🙂 Having trouble figuring out how to post your button on my wordpress blog, but I have added your site as a link on mine, if that counts for anything!

    Reply
  57. Jenna says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Facebook sharing as well!

    Reply
  58. Debbi says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    Following and excited! I’m a Maxanista!

    Reply
  59. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    Hi Vanessa~ Of course I am a follower of your delightful new blog! LOVE THIS~ Will add the button right now to my blog! 🙂

    Reply
  60. Taylor Renee says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    I’m a new follower! TJ Maxx is my favorite!

    Reply
  61. Heidi says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    How fun! Good luck with the blog!

    Following!

    Reply
  62. Tonya says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    I’m a follower. Love your blog!

    Reply
  63. Tonya says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Following you on FB too.

    Reply
  64. Pamela says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Certainly a follower!:)

    Reply
  65. Pamela says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Posted about your launch party!

    Reply
  66. Cindy says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    I’m a follower!

    Reply
  67. Cindy says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Launch Party button…on my blog!

    Reply
  68. The Decorative Dreamer says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    Woohoo! This is a great giveaway! I love TJ Maxx too. I am now a follower! I thought I followed yesterday but I guess i just posted a comment an ran. What can I say, you know I just don’t have my act together, (at all) but I do mean well! LOL! Love the new blog and am totally following now! :)))

    Reply
  69. The Decorative Dreamer says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:24 AM

    I am also happy and honored to display your launch party button on my blog too! That’s entry no. 2 now! Okay??? Wish me luck! :)))

    Reply
  70. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:50 AM

    Hi Vanessa! Good luck with your new blog. I’ll put your launch notice on CCHs FB page! Hugs, Kim

    Reply
  71. Connie says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:00 AM

    I love TJ MAXX! and would love to find a Home Goods Store! I am now a follower!

    Reply
  72. glhearts says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    I follow you on FB.

    Reply
  73. Jo says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    I am new follower and I grabbed the button.
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

    Reply
  74. Athena says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:40 AM

    I’m a follower. I just love TJ Maxx!!! This is my one go to store on the mall. Love It!

    Reply
  75. Jodie says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    Usually go for the home decor but scored a cute pair of jammies. New to the blog thing. Kind of addicted actually. Love your name!

    Reply
  76. Anita says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    I would definitely love to win a TJ Maxx gift card, but I never win anything, lol!! but I am a new follower. Thanks for stopping by!! I have missed so much lately, I can’t keep up with you!!

    Reply
  77. glhearts says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Email follower

    Reply
  78. Cynthia says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Hi! I am follower of “At The Picket Fence”…LOVE picket fences so I love the name!
    I am lucky to live close to both a Home Goods and a T.J. Maxx store…yikes!

    Thank you for making this giveaway possible and many blessings and success with your new joint blog!!

    God Bless,
    Cindy

    Reply
  79. Stacey says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    I’m a follower! I live pretty close to a T. J. Maxx store…never been to Home Goods but we are going to Atlanta this weekend & I am shopping til I drop! That was a little off topic…can’t help it I’m excited about my first time at Home Goods! Good luck with your new blog…can’t wait to see what all ya’ll have to show us!

    Reply
  80. Roxanna says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    I am a follower!

    roxemor@aol.com

    Reply
  81. Michelle713 says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I’m following y’all, via Google, RSS & receiving emails. Looking forward to reading your new blog!

    Reply
  82. Roxanna says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I liked you on FB!

    roxemor@aol.com

    Reply
  83. Michelle713 says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Ok, I reTweeted for y’all And became a Twitter follower, too.

    Reply
  84. Christie says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    I am following and look forward to all the fun! I will add your button, too!!! That gift card is callin’ my name!!

    Reply
  85. Tausha says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    Pick me,Pick me! Because I too am extremely jealous of all people that live close to a Home Goods. I also have to drive at least an hour to get to one. But TJ max-2 within 20 mins! I am a new follower. Can’t wait to see what other fabulousness you bring our way!

    Reply
  86. Jessica says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    Hi Girls,

    I am a follower and I grabbed your launch button for my blog at http://www.travelingmercies-jessica.blogspot.com

    Great job, ladies!

    Reply
  87. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    Oops! Guess I was suppose to come back by to leave a second comment for putting the button on my sidebar! Here I am! 🙂

    Reply
  88. tickled. says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    I just became a new follower! And I TOO heart TJMaxx! fingers crossed I get that GC! 🙂

    ~Lauren
    tickledonline.blogspot.com

    Reply
  89. jkjkjkb says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    I am a new email follower 🙂 Kim B.

    Reply
  90. Debbie says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Love it! I’m already a follower. I took care of that in the wee hours of Monday morning.

    Now, I’m heading back “home” for a second chance at the giveaway.

    Reply
  91. Debbie says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Chance number 2: I just posted the launch party button as my button of the week.

    Now, I shouted out the new blog last week when you were just giving hints, but that doesn’t count for chance number 3, does it? Shucks.

    Never mind. I’m going to win anyway.

    Reply
  92. 1 Buddha's Mom says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    I’m following!

    Reply
  93. Traci says

    February 1, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    I am a follower!! I love the idea of two Sisters and one blog! Can’t wait to see what you two are gona be up too!!

    Reply
  94. Barbara says

    February 1, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    count me in as a follower. cannot wait for future articles.

    Reply
  95. Tyla says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    I am now following. Congratulations, girls!

    Reply
  96. Tyla says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    Your launch party button will be added to my sidebar – just as soon as I get done with this comment. 😉

    Reply
  97. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    February 2, 2011 at 5:08 AM

    Hi Vanessa & Heather, What would I do without a TJ Maxx? I love that store and my credit card bill proves it! Of course I am following your new blog.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  98. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    February 2, 2011 at 5:09 AM

    Hi Guys, I am putting your Launch Party button on my sidebar.

    Reply
  99. Tina says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:30 AM

    I am a follower. I also have an hour drive to the nearest Home Goods, but TJ Maxx is right here in town. I love them both!

    Reply
  100. jdjmcc says

    February 2, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    I’m a new follower and I LOVE TJ Maxx!!!
    jdjmcc@aol.com

    Reply
  101. SavannahGranny says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    I am a follower and a lover of TJMAXX

    Reply
  102. SavannahGranny says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    I am grabbing your launch button for my sidebar. Hugs, Ginger

    Reply
  103. Callie says

    February 4, 2011 at 3:02 AM

    Newest follower!
    I love TJ MAXX!
    catherine(dot)alley(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  104. red-headed Wilson's says

    February 4, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    am now a follower. We are buying a house and going to TJ MAXX would be a great way to decorate!

    Reply
  105. red-headed Wilson's says

    February 4, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    OKay I have also added your button to my blog. 🙂

    Reply
  106. Chandra Chinnis says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    I am a follower:)

    Reply
  107. elizabeth says

    February 5, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    I’m a follower! Pick me! I live close to TJ’s AND to Home Goods!

    Reply
  108. Katie says

    February 5, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway!! I’m a happy follower!!

    Reply
  109. Katie @ OhhBaby says

    February 5, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    I am a new follower!

    Reply
  110. Mom of 2 says

    February 5, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Count in me!

    Reply
  111. Carrie says

    February 6, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    I’m a new follower.

    Reply
  112. Coupons Make Cents says

    February 6, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    I’m a new follower! Check me out at my blog. I love TJ MAxx…they have the best handbags at the best prices. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  113. Christy says

    February 6, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    I became a follower & friend.
    Christy 🙂

    Reply
  114. Christy says

    February 6, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    I facebooked your new blog 🙂

    Reply
  115. Patti says

    February 6, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    I found your site this morning and absolutely love it. I’ve become a follower and look forward to reading your posts.

    Reply
  116. Roxanna says

    February 6, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    I am a follower!

    Roxanna

    Reply

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Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a 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!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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