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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

July 20, 2015

Our BIG News

When we were little girls, the absolute worst punishment our parents could give us was to take away reading time. For us, words were never just letters on a page. They weren’t even just fodder for our imaginations. No, for one blonde hair, blue eyed girl and one brown hair, brown eyed girl those words were practically akin to breathing. So to have them removed from us, even briefly, felt like the end of the world.

It seems like for most of our lives we’ve been telling stories and we like to think that among our extended family are some of the greatest storytellers of all time. You see, we can’t ever just simply relay the facts. What fun would that be? No, in our family, stories are an opportunity. It’s the chance to weave a bit of magic into the everyday. To find the humor in the most commonplace situations and to be willing to confess our most humiliating moments for the sake of seeing the shoulders of those sitting around the table shaking with laughter.

We believe that our stories are what unite us. They can make us feel more connected, more normal, more aware, more sure of what we believe, more sure of how much more we have to learn and most importantly, they are how we know we aren’t alone.

A few weeks ago we talked to you about dreams. About those dreams that start as whispers. Dreams that seem so out of reach that you dare not speak of them for fear that others will confirm that yes, you are indeed crazy for ever dreaming them up.

And we talked about what happens when your dreams and God’s will collide.

Align our Desires quote atthepicketfence.com

 

We talked about what happens when you start trusting God. When you believe that ‘He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.’

And we hinted that we had some news coming.

Well, sweet friends, it’s time for us to come clean. We’ve been keeping a secret for awhile now.

A little over a year ago, we were approached with an opportunity. It was an offer to do something we had always dreamed of doing. It was a chance to write a book.

We couldn’t believe it when that email came through!! It wasn’t going to happen the way we had imagined in our heads but it still seemed like such a great opportunity at the time. We called each other and read the email together and talked and talked about it. And then, we spent some time praying about it. And, well, then we both felt a check in our spirits. A gut feeling that this particular path was not to be part of our journey. Call it what you will, we know that it was God clearly telling us that we were to say ‘no’.

Oh friends, that no was the hardest no we’ve ever uttered. Because we said no not knowing if there was going to be another opportunity like it. We said no simply believing it was the right thing for us to do. And while it was so hard, it was also so easy because we had such a peace about it.

Fast forward a few months and through a crazy series of events we found ourself connected to an amazing woman. A woman who heard about our dream. A woman who has become a treasured friend. And not only did she hear about our dream, she was somebody who could actually help us make it a reality. She came alongside us, cheered us on, challenged us, helped us focus and represented us well.

After months and months of work, our little dream was sent off. Sent off to be judged and critiqued and poked and prodded. It was put under a microscope, inspected and some deemed it to be a dream they just couldn’t quite get behind. One that wasn’t the right ‘fit’.

But then, one day, our dream came across the desk of someone who really got it. Someone who not only saw the value and the potential in our dream but this person wanted to take our dream and make it a reality.

publishing contract photo

There was a great deal of conversation back and forth. And there was even more prayer. Because we wanted to be sure, once again, that THIS was the door God was opening for us.

And after almost an entire YEAR of work and prayer and doubts and questions and conversations, well, we can now tell you that our little/big dream is coming true!

We’ve just signed with an amazing (incredible, awesome, fantastic, pinch us we can’t believe we get to work with them!) Christian Publishing House for a multi-book publishing deal!!! 

Vanessa with contract 1

Never could we have imagined years ago when we thought it would be fun to start a blog together that we would actually utter those words. Never did we think that our hope of providing a place for women to come and get encouragement for their hearts along with inspiration for their homes would ever reach a place where God would see fit to open the doors for us to embark on this new adventure.

Heather publisher agreement

Which just goes to show what can happen with those dreams of YOURS.

Because if these two sisters living on opposite sides of the country, spending our days as stay-at-home moms can now have a publishing contract, anything can happen, sweet friends, anything!

The other day we asked you to share your dreams with us and we were just so humbled and so honored that you would open up your hearts and allow us the privilege of sharing in your own journey.

We want you to know that we believe in you. We want you to know that we think you are amazing and talented and gifted. We want our dream coming true to give you encouragement and hope that your dream can come true too.

And we want to invite you along on this journey with us. That anyone would believe in us, cheer us on, be excited for us and pray for us is a feeling we can’t quite put into words. Which is saying a lot for these girls who love words! 😉

So now, we come before you and humbly ask for you to walk with us.

And we would like to ask you to pray for us.

Pray for us as we deal with a new kind of self-doubt and fear about whether or not we can actually do this. We have had some serious quaking in our boots moments as we stare up at this new mountain before us.

Pray for us as we encounter writer’s block while also encountering deadlines.

Pray for us as we try to balance being wives and mothers and bloggers and writers.

We humbly ask that you extend us grace and patience when there are times that this blog is a bit quiet while we pour our hearts into something that we cannot wait to share with you.

Most of all, we just want you to know that without all of you this would not be happening.

YOU are why we are doing this. 🙂

And we are so incredibly, overwhelming grateful to you!

With all of our love (and then some) from the girls At the Picket Fence,

dual-signature_thumb2

67 Comments Filed Under: Book Tagged With: book

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Comments

  1. Gilly @ Colour Saturated Life says

    July 20, 2015 at 2:34 AM

    Congratulations! It is so wonderful to have a dream come true and the both of you are so worthy! Can’t wait to read your books? And looking forward to travelling with you along this journey.

    Reply
  2. Kim says

    July 20, 2015 at 3:36 AM

    Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you both. No worries….you can do it…. you have each other, your families, your readers, and your faith! You can’t go wrong! Now, don’t get swelled heads when your are rich and famous eh? LOL Rock on ladies!

    Reply
  3. Lori says

    July 20, 2015 at 3:52 AM

    Congratulations! Happy for you both!

    Reply
  4. Suzy @ Worthing Court says

    July 20, 2015 at 4:05 AM

    Congratulations! I’m so, so happy for you two very deserving ladies!

    Reply
  5. Lynda Brandly says

    July 20, 2015 at 4:09 AM

    Congratulations!!! So very happy for you!
    love and blessings~
    Lynda @ Gates of Crystal

    Reply
  6. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

    July 20, 2015 at 4:19 AM

    This is such wonderful news!! Congratulations and I know God will watch over you and guide you. Success isn’t necessarily a solitary event — I am glad you are achieving your dream. I am looking forward to following you both.

    Reply
  7. Brenda Scott says

    July 20, 2015 at 4:22 AM

    What wonderful news! Isn’t it amazing what God can do thru us when we invite Him to be part of our plans. You will be in my prayers.

    Reply
  8. Kim says

    July 20, 2015 at 4:23 AM

    Congrats!!!!!

    Reply
  9. sue says

    July 20, 2015 at 4:26 AM

    Prayers for your journey. I found your blog maybe a year ago, and feel refreshed when I read your story. In our times of trouble as a country your Christian faith is a breath of fresh air.

    Reply
  10. Dottie says

    July 20, 2015 at 4:26 AM

    What I enjoy about the Blogs I do follow is watching the people grow. Watching the two of you has been a joy and seeing you grow in your faith has been wonderful. You will do very well. I look forward to seeing you grow even more through this journey. God’s Blessings on you both ! Hugs from a Kansas friend.

    Reply
  11. Pamela says

    July 20, 2015 at 4:49 AM

    God has called you to be the voice of all the earnest, obedient, self doubting Jesus girls out there trying The heart out to do this momma/wife/sister-in-Christ life that your generation has inherited. I watch my own beautiful and amazing daughter struggle behind the scenes and have often sent your blogging messages along to her to encourage her and her friends. I am honored the join your journey through prayer because me heart is burdened for the young Christian wife/mother in this complicated age. Of course it will hard and impossible! That is how you know for sure it is a God-sized job. He plants the seed for the dream and nurtures it to grow into ripe fruit for His glory and His kingdom.

    Reply
  12. Hope Williams says

    July 20, 2015 at 4:51 AM

    God is not only good, he is the absolute BEST father a girl can have!
    You both have been blessed in a way that most only dream of. It is faith, unwavering, blind, honest faith that has brought you to where you are! Congratulations to you both!
    Prayers will be prayed, and God will make this opportunity exactly what he has intended. Your voice with grace giving all the glory to him! Because it truly is one of those God given blessings and you acknowledge it openly. Praise be to God above for his two girls here and for all they have done to keep his light within shining brightly for all of us to see!
    Be blessed and Be a Blessing, Hope

    Reply
  13. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    July 20, 2015 at 4:59 AM

    Congrats Vanessa and Heather….I am so very happy and excited for the two of you that you are have realized one of your biggest dreams!

    Reply
  14. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:03 AM

    Woo Hoo! I am so proud of you ladies! And SO EXCITED for you! Life to the full! Melissa

    Reply
  15. Wendy -Life on the Shady Grove says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:14 AM

    So amazing and so well deserved!!! Looking forward to seeing what the Lord does through you!!!

    Reply
  16. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:14 AM

    Congratulations!!!! This is totally awesome.

    Reply
  17. Ann says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:15 AM

    This makes my heart so happy. I am proud of you both and wish you happiness on this journey. Enjoy every step and turn in the road. <3

    Reply
  18. Becca says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:21 AM

    Wow, what awesome news and incredible opportunity! Congratulations, Vanessa and Heather … well deserved, sweet friends!

    Reply
  19. Peggy says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:26 AM

    Congratulations to you both on achieving the reality of your dream!

    Reply
  20. Anne@DesignDreams says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:27 AM

    How exciting!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!! xox

    Reply
  21. Anita in SC says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:28 AM

    Praying for ya’ll, can’t wait to read it!

    Reply
  22. debbiedoos says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:31 AM

    WOW! A huge congrats and Blessings to both you gals. That is so special and so amazing. I am thrilled for you. xo Best of luck on your new journey.

    Reply
  23. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:40 AM

    So happy about your BIG news! Let those lights shine, girls!

    Reply
  24. Kimberly ~ Serendipity Refined says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:43 AM

    Congratulations to two of my favorite girlfriends! I can’t wait to see where this journey leads! Hugs to both of you!

    Reply
  25. Donnamae says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:54 AM

    This is exciting news! Congratulations! Wishing you much inspiration in your writings! 😉

    Reply
  26. Pam @ DIY Design Fanatic says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:55 AM

    So excited for you both! Congratulations Vanessa and Heather! I have no doubt that He will equip you to fulfill what he’s called you to do. Hebrews 13:21 and Ephesians 3:20 come to mind.

    Reply
  27. Cindy says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:00 AM

    CONGRATS! So very happy for you both:)

    Reply
  28. Jenna says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:00 AM

    Congratulations, gals!! So awesome!

    Reply
  29. RHoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:11 AM

    So happy for you girls! What a fantastic opportunity, I know you’ll do well! xoxo

    Reply
  30. Ellenann McGlynn says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:12 AM

    Congratulations! I just know you made the perfect decision and am behind your endeavor 100%. You won’t be sorry you chose this path. You are both so talented.

    Reply
  31. Peg says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:22 AM

    That is wonderful, wonderful news!
    Congratulations! The two of you are
    extremely talented and deserving! : )

    Reply
  32. Robin Rosevear says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:24 AM

    That is fantastic news! I can hardly wait to see what you come up with! As of late wherever I go I hear the Lord talking about dreaming! Have you read the book “The Dream Giver” by Bruce Wilkinson. This is an amazing book about following God’s dream for your life! It is also nice to hear how you were patient and listened and discerned. Congratulations!

    Reply
  33. Anita says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:33 AM

    I just couldn’t be more excited for you girls!! It couldn’t have happened to anyone more deserving– and nice. How exiting to see your dream come true and be such an encouragement to others at the same time. But then that is how God works and it’s so amazing to see His hand on something. I can’t wait to see it and I’ll be the first in line to get one:-)

    Reply
  34. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    So excited for you both! it has been a joy to read your blog all of these years, and I’m sure the book will be amazing! xoxo, Andrea

    Reply
  35. Ashley @ Cherished Bliss says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:40 AM

    I am SO SO excited for you ladies! You are going to rock this part of your journey! Lots of prayers for you and I can’t wait to read every single word! : )

    Reply
  36. Denise of Coffeeberry Cottage says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:43 AM

    Praise God in whom all blessings flow.Thank You Lord for Your works through these two young women.Continue to guide them and guard them through Your plans for their life. Aman

    Reply
  37. Vicki says

    July 20, 2015 at 7:09 AM

    Congratulations! I cannot wait to read your books!

    Reply
  38. Anne says

    July 20, 2015 at 7:41 AM

    I am so excited and beyond thrilled and happy for you both! Yes, I will be praying for you both, but think you have both got this ;-). What inspiration! Just continue following God’s path, he is leading you and guiding you <3

    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  39. Donna Marie says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:26 AM

    Congratulations!!! Been following you both for quite a while now and am so glad you are doing this!!!

    Reply
  40. Kelly@mysoulfulhome says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:42 AM

    So thrilled for you both! Your talent with the written word knows no bounds. The publishing world & the world at large will be a better place when you are able to share in the form of your book. Can’t wait to read it! Congratulations!! Well deserved…. So wonderful when great things happen to special people. xx

    Reply
  41. Kimberly says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    This is amazing news! Praise be to the Heavenly Father as you two begin this new journey towards your dream! I can’t wait to read your book. Congratulations!

    Reply
  42. Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:03 AM

    Congratulations to you both! God is so good and I am so happy for you. xoxo

    Reply
  43. Susan says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    Congratulations! May God continue to bless your work, your families, and your lives.

    Reply
  44. Sue at Blu says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:27 AM

    Prayers and congrats coming your way! Whooohooo!

    Reply
  45. heidi @ Decor & More says

    July 20, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    SOOO happy for you girls!! God can do mighty things, as I am learning myself, and I’m so encouraged by your faith, your trust in Him, and that you LISTENED!! Isn’t that the hardest thing? Of course, I will be praying for you in all areas of this new endeavor. May God grant you courage, strength, and peace for the journey before you.
    Much love and many blessings,
    Heidi

    Reply
  46. Pamela says

    July 20, 2015 at 10:26 AM

    Congrats ladies! It is so wonderful seeing so many amazing things happening for my long time blog friends.

    Reply
  47. Vicky says

    July 20, 2015 at 11:09 AM

    Congratulations!!! So very happy for you! LET GO AND LET GOD TAKE CONTROL he will bring you too it and through it. Can’t wait to read your book. Hugs and Prayers, Vicky

    Reply
  48. Kristy Woodson Harvey says

    July 20, 2015 at 11:32 AM

    Congrats, you lovely girls! I will be the very first one shouting this book from the rooftops!! So happy for you both. You are such beautiful writers and I know the book is going to be fantastic!! Much love! Kristy

    Reply
  49. Bonnie says

    July 20, 2015 at 12:15 PM

    Great news and I am sure it will be well received. Congratulation and thanks to the Lord for bringing this opportunity
    to you.

    Reply
  50. Nola Howard says

    July 20, 2015 at 12:29 PM

    Congratulations , and praying for sweet success .

    Reply
  51. Dolores says

    July 20, 2015 at 12:47 PM

    I follow you on FB and have been enjoying your posts. Your dream became a reality because you followed through, you took a risk, congratulations on this exciting journey. Your words here struck a cord with me as I also have dreams but have never been a risk taker. It’s easy to sit back and have ideas swirling in your head but what good are they left there. Thank you so much for encouraging me to take my dreams more seriously and not being fearful to take a step forward and seeing what God has planned for me. With God on our side, anything is possible. Bless you both.

    Reply
  52. Carol says

    July 20, 2015 at 1:06 PM

    Congratulations, sisters! So happy that this opportunity has come your way. Praying God will continue to bless you richly as you write new chapters for yourselves and for your blog friends to enjoy at some point in the future. So glad I stumbled upon your website.

    Reply
  53. Sue {munchkin munchies} says

    July 20, 2015 at 7:18 PM

    It couldn’t have happened to two nicer people! Congrats! Wishing you all the best for success!

    Reply
  54. Kathy H. says

    July 20, 2015 at 7:27 PM

    Such happy news! I’m betting that your Families are so proud of you! God Bless this wonderful new endeavor. Now…give yourselves permission to enjoy this.. It didn’t happen by itself. You both worked toward this, and you have, with God’s help, earned it!

    Reply
  55. Kevin K. says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:09 PM

    Sonja and I are so happy for you both. Happy to see the joy you are spreading in this world, happy to see the good works you are creating, and happy to call you family. We look forward to your next chapter! God Bless!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 20, 2015 at 8:26 PM

      Oh thank you so much Kevin!! We are so blessed to be able to call you family and we appreciate all of the support!

      Reply
  56. Kaye Killgore says

    July 20, 2015 at 10:34 PM

    Congratulations and good luck on this wonderful journey, you two will certainly shine.

    Reply
  57. Jerry Stocks says

    July 21, 2015 at 5:41 AM

    Wow, what exciting news, and I am so happy for both of you. You were so brave to say no to the first opportunity and now your time has come. I am waiting and praying for a job at a Christian Academy that I don’t think is going to materialize much to my disappointment. And if it doesn’t, then I know God has another plan for me. Can’t wait to read your book.

    Reply
  58. martina says

    July 21, 2015 at 6:39 AM

    CONGRATS girls…I’m so happy for you both!! You girls deserve this amazing opportunity… your writing is always an inspiration and joy to read!!

    Reply
  59. Wendy Johnson says

    July 21, 2015 at 7:02 AM

    Congratulations and may God continue to Bless you both!

    Reply
  60. Deborah says

    July 21, 2015 at 12:33 PM

    Just couldn’t be happier for you girls!!!!!

    Reply
  61. Julie Kimmel says

    July 21, 2015 at 5:57 PM

    Yay you! So excited for you and so anxious for God to work through your lives. I have no doubt that your faith has brought you to this point. Thanks for sharing with us, and allowing us to be a part of your dreams!

    Reply
  62. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    July 21, 2015 at 7:39 PM

    So exciting! Congratulations!
    Shelley

    Reply
  63. Julia says

    July 22, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    Congratulations! Praying for you both and walking with you all the way. Looking forward to your first book! God is so good!

    Reply
  64. Design Chic says

    July 23, 2015 at 5:40 PM

    Boy do you two have a lot of excitement headed your way – could not be more thrilled for you and it’s certainly well deserved!! Can’t wait to read and follow along on this journey with you!!

    Reply
  65. Elizabeth says

    July 24, 2015 at 10:47 PM

    Congratulations! What great news!!!

    Reply
  66. Marti says

    August 4, 2015 at 1:23 PM

    HOW FANTASTIC!!! Congratulations! You have and will continue to inspire many more women. Best Wishes on your journey. Never alone, with God at your side, you WILL succeed.

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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