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

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

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

November 18, 2012

Pure Joy~Simply Sunday Thanksgiving Series

I was so honored recently to be apart of an amazing series called “Attitude of Gratitude” from Kristin at Simply Klassic Home. With 12 different bloggers involved, this was a wonderful way to lead up to Thanksgiving and be reminded of all we have to be thankful for. I would encourage you to head over there and read them all as I know they will bless you as much as they blessed me! I’m going to share with you today my own contribution to this series and I hope that it will be an encouragement to you going into this week and the busy Holiday season ahead.


Pure Joy

Since the beginning of the school year I have watched her drop off and pick up her precious girl with a huge smile on her face. This seemingly ordinary occurrence has become an extraordinary event.

How do we maintain an attitude of gratitude when the world around us is falling apart?

James 1:2-4 says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers/sisters, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”

Recently, I found myself sitting at a table with other parents answering this question. “What is our greatest goal for our children?”

There were many different answers being tossed around but the predominant feeling was that as parents we will have done our job properly if our children grow up to be “happy”.

Now, sometimes I like to ruffle feathers a bit in these kinds of situations. Call me a rebel!

I listened and nodded my head and waited until it was my turn to answer the question. Then I said, “Well, my children’s happiness isn’t actually my main goal as a parent.”

They all looked at me as if I had just said that I let my children run through traffic! I decided I should explain myself a bit before they turned me in.

If my goal for my children, or for myself, is happiness, than I am going to be in a continual state of pursuing the things that I think will make them, or me, happy.

“So”, they asked, “what is your goal for your children?” I answered, “For them to be filled with joy, no matter what.”

Happiness and joy are so easily confused, aren’t they? You see, happiness is a fleeting emotion.

One which is defined by our circumstances.

“It’s not your circumstances that shape you. They are outside you and beyond you; they can’t really touch you. It’s how you react to your circumstances that shapes you. That’s between your ears, and that affects the ‘real you’.”  Anne Ortlund in“Disciplines of the Heart”

It’s so easy to feel “joyful”when everything is going right. We experience success in our jobs, relationships, finances and suddenly the world seems brighter! But, what happens when things aren’t going our way?

When a business crumbles. When a relationship is fractured. When we suffer the loss of a loved one. When we are given a devastating diagnosis.

Is it possible to still feel joy in the midst of the pain?

Not only do I think the answer to that question is a resounding YES, I also believe that we can even be grateful for the pain.

I’ve always said that the bad news about pain is that after you experience it you will never be the same again.
But, the good news about pain is that once you’ve experienced it, you will never be the same again!

You will forever be a different version of yourself. It’s up to you to decide which version that will be.

Will you allow the pain to deepen your relationship with God and with others? Challenge you? Refine you?

Years ago, I found myself at a crossroads in my own life. Had I known then what I know now, it would have been very easy to be grateful for this difficult time. Because things worked out far more wonderfully than I could have imagined when I was in the depths of despair. (I have two precious kiddos to prove it!)

That isn’t how it works though, is it?  Somehow, even in the midst of the pain, I discovered that I was grateful for what I was experiencing.

Grateful that it opened up my eyes to things I needed to work on.

Areas of my heart that God revealed to be hindrances to moving forward. It added layers to my marriage that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.

And it taught me empathy.

The ability to have an attitude of gratitude and to know what having joy really means.

For that, I am thankful!

So, how do YOU maintain “Attitude of Gratitude” in the midst of difficult circumstances?

Are you facing trials now that are making it a challenge to feel joy?


How can we be praying for you?


We hope you know how much it means to us to share this journey called life with you all and that we are always here for  you if you need 2 pairs of listening ears!

Thank you so much for joining us for this Simply Sunday at the Fence,

 

9 Comments Filed Under: Good Thoughts, Simply Sundays Tagged With: Faith, Inspiration, Thankfulness

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 90!
Next Post: How To Make an Antique Enamel Sign from Knick of Time Interiors »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim Timberlake says

    November 18, 2012 at 8:37 AM

    I would say I came across your blog by accident but that would not be true! I know it was exactly where God led me today because it was exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you for sharing from your heart~

    Reply
  2. Karen Schulz says

    November 18, 2012 at 11:52 AM

    Fantastic post. I really love that you are out there with following the Lord. It is so true that others do not understand happiness and joy. I would have said that my main aim is to have them all make a decision to follow Christ and to keep that as a real and living thing in their lives.

    Reply
  3. Carol Reddin says

    November 18, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    Thank you for reminding me of the difference between joy and happiness. So good to hear during this Thanksgiving season. Love, Mom

    Reply
  4. Bonnie P says

    November 18, 2012 at 4:12 PM

    Thank you for your explanation of joy and happiness. I long for joy and am quick to look at my circumstances as painful. I want to be grateful in all He has for me. He is still working on me.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 18, 2012 at 7:15 PM

      He is still working on me too Bonnie! I’m finding more and more that I have to choose joy, even in the painful circumstances, and that God will give me peace even when it doesn’t make sense. I pray that will be true for you too! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  5. Regena Fickes says

    November 18, 2012 at 5:19 PM

    I loved your post. The difference between happiness and joy will always escape the world. When my mother died and then 4 years later, my husband; I tried so hard to explain my peace to the unsaved members of my family. Yes, I would miss them. No, I would not have them back for anything. (Both struggled for years with multiple illnesses and disabilities). Yes, I knew where they were so I had not lost them. There is no comparison out there. The joy I felt when they passed on was alien to most. I was not glad they were no longer with us, but I knew they were in the arms of our Lord and were waiting for me. I will see them again. I hope those who do not know Jesus with read this and begin to question their search for happiness. Thank you for this.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 18, 2012 at 7:14 PM

      Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us Regena! I cannot imagine what it must have been like to go through such painful losses but you are a living testimony to the power of the Lord and our ability, through Him, to have joy and peace in the midst of the pain. 🙂 You truly blessed me by this comment and I so appreciate you coming by today!
      Vanessa

      Reply
  6. lea says

    November 18, 2012 at 7:52 PM

    you are very wise to pray for joy over happiness.
    i have seen my grown children exude joy during
    heartbreak and hope during desperate times.

    Reply
  7. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    November 18, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    I LOVE THIS POST!!!! I think joy and gratitude are hallmarks of a well lived Christian life. It is usual a sign of looking at our Savior and not our circumstances!!!
    Wow… am I grateful to visit you today! What a wonderful reminder!
    xo

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

Grandma’s Banana Bread

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022
  • Vintage Inspired Hot Cocoa Bar November 21, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

This…this right here…is my heart’s desire. H This…this right here…is my heart’s desire. Happy Friday dear friends. Let’s make this the goal for our homes. 🍃

“I believe that a godly home is a foretaste of heaven. Our homes, imperfect as they are, must be a haven from the chaos outside. They should be a reflection of our eternal home, where troubled souls find peace, weary hearts find rest, hungry bodies find refreshment, lonely pilgrims find communion, and wounded spirits find compassion.” (Jani Ortlund)
It’s time for another #tiptuesday and this week It’s time for another #tiptuesday and this week I’m showing how easy it is to decorate an entry table for spring in under five minutes! The formula is SO simple…

1. A lamp is your staple element and provides height.
2. Add a stack of books.
3. Bring in depth with a small framed seasonal print.
4. Add a small tray
5. Place seasonal accessories and a candle on that tray especially if you have cute brass bunnies!
6. Put a vase or urn on top of the books and add fresh or silk spring flowers.

And that’s all there is to it! Happy Spring dear friends! 🌸
Happy Friday! I’m oh so thankful for beautiful s Happy Friday! I’m oh so thankful for beautiful sunshine especially when our family has been hit by illness this week. Everyone is on the upswing, thankfully, and I’m hoping we’ll fell well enough to get outside and soak up some much needed natural vitamin D. After so many days of wet, gloomy weather this is like balm for my soul! 🍃 What’s the weather like where you are?
Here is a friendly PSA for you...do not, I repeat, Here is a friendly PSA for you...do not, I repeat, DO NOT attempt to apply eyeliner while you have the hiccups. It won't go well. Trust me on this one! 😜

In other news, the hot cocoa station is finally gone and in it's place is a fresh new look that was kicked off by finding a beautiful, rustic vase at @homegoods. It feels like my home is rising up to welcome Spring and I'm so ready for sunshine and longer days. 🍃

Don’t forget to check out my stories tonight for Friday funnies! I love hearing from so many of you who say it’s your favorite way to wrap up your week. ☺️

Happy weekend to you dear friends!
It’s Tip Tuesday time! This week I’m sharing o It’s Tip Tuesday time! This week I’m sharing one of my most favorite ways to simply and inexpensively add seasonal decor to your home. There’s nothing like getting big impact with little effort and without breaking the bank! #tiptuesday #decorforless
What a gift it was to wake up on the first day of What a gift it was to wake up on the first day of March and see glorious sunshine greeting us after a few days of ice and snow. This is the month of hope and expectation and I’m here for it.

Happy March first dear friends! 🍃
Our first ‘laundry room’ wasn’t actually a r Our first ‘laundry room’ wasn’t actually a room at all. The 20+ year old washer and dryer we inherited after we got married was hooked up in the garage of our small townhouse. Our second ‘laundry room’ was an improvement because it was actually INSIDE the house but it was in our family room behind bifold doors.

So when we moved into this home 15 years ago I literally jumped up and down when I saw this real laundry room. Never mind that it had dated counters and an old stained sink. It was an actual room!

We made minor updates to it over the years but other, more visible, spaces took priority so we spent our resources on beautifying those.

But, last summer, we finally had new counters installed and made a few more updates that have completely transformed this room. 

Now, it’s almost a joy to do the laundry…almost! 😉

For more photos and details head on over to my website using the link in my bio.
“In you, LORD my God, I put my trust. I trust in “In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.
I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.”

Psalm 25:1-6
Ronald Reagan famously said that “all great chan Ronald Reagan famously said that “all great change in America begins at the dinner table.” I think this is true for everyone worldwide. You simply can’t put a value on the importance of gathering together for a meal with those you love. But, sometimes, we can struggle with getting the conversations flowing. So for this #tiptuesday, I’m sharing some tools we’ve used in our home. 🍃
There is just something about the combination of l There is just something about the combination of lemon and honey. It’s rustic yet fancy, sweet yet tart, spring-like yet comforting on a cold winters day. 

And that’s why this is hands down one of my favorite recipes! I decided to take a basic tea cake and turn it into a loaf of sweet, tart, simple yet fancy goodness and the only thing bad about it was how quickly it disappeared!

🍋You can find the recipe by following the link in my bio 🍯
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence