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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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July 9, 2019

Summer Book Bundle Giveaway!

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*

 

One of the things I love to do most in the summertime is to sit outside on our deck with a tall glass of iced tea and a good book. It’s those really simple moments that are the most relaxing to me this time of the year and I find myself getting lost in the pages while the sunshine warms my skin and my spirit.

As an author, I’ve had so many awesome opportunities to support other authors and friends and one of the big perks of this is that I get A LOT of books sent my way!

I noticed recently that my stack of books was getting bigger and bigger and that I even had duplicates of some of them. So I decided that the only reasonable thing to do would be to have a GIVEAWAY!!!

One winner will receive six, count ’em SIX fabulous books perfect for enjoying on a warm summer day or really any time of the year for that matter.

Included in this bundle will be:

My book ‘Life in Season‘

Devotions for a Healthier You by Katie Farrell

More for Mom by Kristin Funston

Memory Making Mom by Jessica Smartt

The DIY Home Planner and The DIY Style Finder by Karianne Wood

 

Here’s how to enter to win:

LEAVE A COMMENT ANSWERING THIS QUESTION:

What is your favorite summertime activity?

*US residents only. Giveaway closed on July, 17 2019*

 

Happy summer friends!

90 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Good Ideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelly Boggs says

    July 9, 2019 at 7:55 PM

    Picking fresh fruit…strawberries, blueberries cherries.

    Reply
  2. Laura Harrie says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:02 PM

    I have always loved to read. I was able to read for 4 hours last week at the lake shore, while my husband sat next to me fishing. I enjoy accompanying him and watching him fish and encouraging him while I read on and on!

    Reply
  3. Brianna Richards says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:12 PM

    Swimming for sure! My toddler is definitely a water baby and loves it as much as I do!

    Reply
  4. elle says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:15 PM

    Love to read but don’t grab a book very often any more. I am looking forward to some reading time in the next month. Some introspective, spiritually encouraging titles would be great and I always enjoy lifestyle/decorating reads!

    Reply
  5. Stephanie Brown says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:23 PM

    Love soaking up sunshine in the pool!

    Reply
  6. JoAnn McM says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:23 PM

    My favorite summertime activity is picking vegetables from our garden then sharing the harvest with others in our community. We have several elderly members at our church who can no longer garden. I love stopping by and dropping off fresh tomatoes, summer squash, blackberries, cantaloupes, corn and butternut squash.

    Reply
  7. Holly Mock says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:29 PM

    My favorite summertime activity is going on picnics in the mountains. We always try to choose a spot with a nice, cool river to wade around in with our kids. I try to bring home a small river rock from each one we visit.

    Reply
  8. Rebekah says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:31 PM

    What a nice giveaway! Summer is when life slows down a bit for me and one of the leisure activities I enjoy is reading. I would love to read these!

    Reply
  9. Helena Dias says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:32 PM

    I love the slower pace and the ability to read more.

    Reply
  10. Sandra Endress says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:33 PM

    I enjoy so much spending time with my youngest granddaughters, Bella and Remy. They live in Newport NC and I’m in Miramar Beach, FL .. so our play dates are mostly on Face Time. Definitely not as fulfilling as being together in the same room, backyard or swimming pool. We deal with it though .. for now. My alone time is usually spent thinking about them .. and surprises and what we can talk about next time. I used to read .. but recently haven’t .. I’d go through book after book .. enjoying every new author and story. Life brings us challenges and our time is pushed to other things that seem more important. Reading a new book, no matter the subject, whisks you away and peacefully
    allows your mind to clean itself out for a while and visit another place for a happy while. I have missed this reading time .. I must return, hopefully soon.

    Reply
  11. Mia White says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:34 PM

    So fun! My fave summer activity is right up this alley— sitting poolside with a seltzer and a good book while my kiddos splash about. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Debbie says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:42 PM

    My favorite summertime activity is being outdoors. Fresh air, sunshine, flowers, birds and most of all the people I share it with.

    Reply
  13. Mandy says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:52 PM

    Awe…summertime! My favorite activities would include time with my family. -camping, a day at the beach, a backyard fire roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, heading to my parents’ and getting to spend time on the lake…and watermelon!
    -summer must include watermelon! 😉

    Reply
  14. Penny Baker says

    July 9, 2019 at 8:53 PM

    Relaxing on the back porch swing.

    Reply
  15. carlanda williamson says

    July 9, 2019 at 9:18 PM

    I love working in my garden and tending my bees! southern oregon is so beautiful this year. thank you for this opportunity!!

    Reply
  16. Cindy says

    July 9, 2019 at 10:08 PM

    I love Summer! I love the sun, warm weather and all the fun family activities…games, trips, barbecues, and anything that involves water. I love that the kids are home and no school. So fun! But my favorite thing is being with my friends and family!

    Reply
  17. Judy says

    July 9, 2019 at 10:09 PM

    Relaxing by the shores of Lake Superior on a warm summer day listening to the waves splashing against the rocks is a fine way to spend a day. I also enjoy picking wild strawberries or raspberries with my grandchildren as we chat and make memories. And eating our lunch out on the deck.

    Reply
  18. Teri Offield says

    July 9, 2019 at 10:47 PM

    I love books. Since I am in AZ any activity involving water is my favorite . But year round my favorite activity is feeding my feral coĺony.. Since its so hot, they need lots of water and shelter. Thank you for such a nice giveaway.

    Reply
  19. Michele M. / Finch Rest says

    July 9, 2019 at 10:59 PM

    Oh, WOW! What a fabulous and generous giveaway! Thank you so much for this opportunity!

    My VERY favorite thing is when it isn’t too hot to sit in what I call my “zen room,” which is my private covered patio in the back looking at magazines, or reading while sipping iced tea or lemonade.

    A NEW favorite is sitting in our large blow up kiddie pool with my almost 3 year old grand daughter. We play fishing for fishes, and make her Little Ponies dive, and just laugh and love and enjoy one another,

    My very favorite OLD thing to do is to go back to my home town, on Lake Erie and watch the sunset with my little sister.

    Again, thank you – I would put these books to very good use. I would really love to win.

    God bless!

    Reply
  20. Kathie Hood says

    July 9, 2019 at 11:34 PM

    I love playing corn hole on A sunny.day with a gentle breeze. Or I love to read on our deck and enjoy the beautiful views around me but I admit unless is a page turner I often fall asleep.

    Reply
  21. Paula Podmore says

    July 10, 2019 at 3:25 AM

    I love the beach, sun and wster, alo g with a great book. Thanks

    Reply
  22. Jill Nelson says

    July 10, 2019 at 3:34 AM

    Gardening…at least until the humidity chases me inside

    Reply
  23. Ashleigh Hall says

    July 10, 2019 at 3:45 AM

    My favorite summer time activity is either boating on the water with family and friends or laying in a hammock reading!

    Reply
  24. Savhannah says

    July 10, 2019 at 4:22 AM

    The sprinkler! I love to sit and watch, and run through it with the kiddos.

    Reply
  25. Nancy says

    July 10, 2019 at 4:30 AM

    If the weather allows my favorite summer spot is my front porch with whatever I am reading at the moment; magazine, book, newspaper. No cell phones allowed…

    Reply
  26. Debbie says

    July 10, 2019 at 4:51 AM

    We have a little lake cabin on Table Rock Lake in Missouri and I love to go there to relax and read, as well as boating!!

    Reply
  27. Susan Homeroad Stevenson says

    July 10, 2019 at 5:04 AM

    My favorite summer activity is kayaking. We just bought 2 small kayaks and it is the most relaxing thing I’ve ever done!

    Reply
  28. Shelley says

    July 10, 2019 at 5:20 AM

    My favorite summertime activity is being a gatherer. I know that sounds like a funny way to put it, but my family is spread out, and it seems I am the one who enjoys planning the activities that keep us in touch with each other. Holidays, picnics, birthday parties- I am the one who enjoys planning, decorating, cooking – and most importantly, being the one that will pick up the phone and call everyone to gather.
    At the end of the summer, my sister and cousin share the same birthday month. My zennias will be at full bloom, all ready to become a centerpiece of Mason jars so each guest can take one home, the summer vegetables and fruit will be perfect to incorporate into a menu, and everyone will enjoy coming together on the farm. So in the summer I enjoy being a gatherer of many things- but mainly of the people I love!

    Reply
  29. Terri says

    July 10, 2019 at 5:22 AM

    I love taking summer getaways with my husband!

    Reply
  30. Carolyn says

    July 10, 2019 at 5:49 AM

    My favorite summer activity is simply to be with my husband and two boys playing golf. It is such a great bonding experience! We get to enjoy the outdoors, enjoy the weather, enjoy some exercise and especially enjoy each other.🏌️‍♀️❤️

    Reply
  31. Annette says

    July 10, 2019 at 5:52 AM

    Napping! Oh wait that’s my favorite year-round activity. Hmmm let’s see.

    During summer I like cooking in the toaster oven (not the regular oven) , so I don’t heat up the house. I also love using seasonal produce and trying new recipes with it.

    What can I say, I am into eating and sleeping.

    Reply
  32. Angela says

    July 10, 2019 at 5:53 AM

    My favorite summertime activity is camping with my husband and teen daughters. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality, uninterrupted time together. We try to go at least 4 times during the summer. While camping, I love to read. These books would make wonderful reading after a day of hiking and swimming.

    Reply
  33. Cece says

    July 10, 2019 at 5:59 AM

    I love to can in the summer. Southern Utah has many fruit orchards and it is easy to grow your own fruit tree. It is lovely to be able to gift fresh apricot jam at the holidays.

    Reply
  34. Rebecca says

    July 10, 2019 at 6:21 AM

    My favorite summertime activities is being outside with family and enjoying the sunshine. Can’t wait to see you at Becoming in a few weeks!

    Reply
  35. Darla Burnett says

    July 10, 2019 at 6:28 AM

    My favorite summertime “Activity”? I love to sit on my carport/makeshift porch and listen to music and do little crafty things while taking in the morning sun & nice breeze before it gets too hot to sit out there anymore. Love looking at Pinterest and find little DIY things I can do whether its crafts or a redo project. That’s my favorite summertime activity along with just trying to stay cool.

    Reply
  36. Linda says

    July 10, 2019 at 6:28 AM

    My favorite summer time activity is swimming with my 4 grandchildren during their visit to MN each summer.

    Reply
  37. Loy Jones says

    July 10, 2019 at 6:37 AM

    Road trips are my favorite! I love taking photographs of nature along the way.

    Reply
  38. Anita says

    July 10, 2019 at 6:40 AM

    I love to take an iced coffee out onto the from porch, sit in my swing and read. I read a lot, usually a book a week. I keep my local library busy. Would love to read all the books in your give-away. Thanks for being willing to share with others.

    Reply
  39. Sharon Colburn says

    July 10, 2019 at 6:51 AM

    I look forward to camping in my 5th wheel. Can hardly wait for good weather to enjoy traveling to State Parks and National Parks by ourselves or with friends. My favorite is camping at the Oregon beaches with a shelf full of books and, of course, my quilting projects. I could use some new books for my shelf.

    Reply
  40. Sherri says

    July 10, 2019 at 6:57 AM

    My favorite thing to do in the summer is finding a nice comfy float and relaxing in the pool. After a long work week I just love the peacefulness and feeling the warm sun on my face.

    Reply
  41. Cindy Berry says

    July 10, 2019 at 6:58 AM

    My favorite summertime activity is a road trip with my family or girlfriends….

    Reply
  42. Martha says

    July 10, 2019 at 7:07 AM

    My favorite summertime activities are working in my flower gardens and relaxing on my patio.

    Reply
  43. Nicci Ramirez says

    July 10, 2019 at 7:22 AM

    My favorite summertime activity is hiking while listening to Charles Stanley sermons or Tony Evans sermons!!!! Vitamin D and some great preachin’ – 2 of my FAVORITE things!!!!!

    Reply
  44. Nancy says

    July 10, 2019 at 7:34 AM

    Summer drives. My husband and I take a drive on Sundays and its always so peaceful.

    Reply
  45. Sandy Mcallister says

    July 10, 2019 at 7:51 AM

    Never can get enough of reading

    Reply
  46. Tami says

    July 10, 2019 at 8:05 AM

    One of my favorite summertime activities is sitting on the porch at the end of the day with my husband, talking about our day, our family, and our plans for the future.

    Reply
  47. Melanie Hardacker says

    July 10, 2019 at 8:11 AM

    Anything at the lake. Boating, swimming, sitting and staring at it, listening to the waves come ashore. eating next to it. We have a small place near Lake Superior (one of the 10,000+ lakes in MN) and I love to hike up the superior hiking trail to a high spot that overlooks the lake and the adjacent little town we are part of and just take in the overwhelming view of God’s creation.

    Reply
  48. GAYLE DAVIS says

    July 10, 2019 at 8:22 AM

    Reading is my favorite thing to do year round, but during the summer, I enjoy doing anything with my granddaughter!!! She is the joy of my life!!!

    Reply
  49. lee says

    July 10, 2019 at 8:31 AM

    Favorite summer activity- walking on the beach and watching the sunset over the water

    Reply
  50. Rosebuddy says

    July 10, 2019 at 8:47 AM

    Floating in the lake makes me so happy.

    Reply
  51. Adalia Sawyer says

    July 10, 2019 at 8:58 AM

    Spending time with grands!

    Reply
  52. Barbara Warner says

    July 10, 2019 at 9:04 AM

    Summer is all about gardening – flowers and vegetables! I also love feeding birds, bees, and butterflies.

    Reply
  53. Lalena Carter says

    July 10, 2019 at 9:10 AM

    Laying in a field of tall grass with an raspberry iced tea, a colorful blanket and a good book.

    Reply
  54. Fran Ferrari says

    July 10, 2019 at 9:16 AM

    Oh, my favorite summer activity is to sit comfortably in the shade with a breeze as I’m reading or simply staring at the greenery surrounding me. I’ll listen to the sounds surrounding me, my own “zenphony” of sounds.

    Reply
  55. edith says

    July 10, 2019 at 9:20 AM

    Reading! Enjoying the seasonal fruits and the casual-ness of the season

    Reply
  56. Kim Harkey says

    July 10, 2019 at 9:24 AM

    Picking! It’s my therapy!

    Reply
  57. Janeen Knippel says

    July 10, 2019 at 9:55 AM

    Floating on the lake. Also creating and stamping cards!

    Reply
  58. Vanessa Sterling says

    July 10, 2019 at 10:00 AM

    I love reading on the porch.

    Reply
  59. Nancy Robinson says

    July 10, 2019 at 10:08 AM

    Sounds lazy but I enjoy lounging at the community pool with other adults. I am raising 3 grandchildren ages 6-14 and fall, winter and spring are sooooo busy. I truly relish some down time at the pool!

    Reply
  60. Mary says

    July 10, 2019 at 10:15 AM

    My favorite summer activity is sitting in my double porch glider swing and watching the birds at the feeders, and enjoying the flower bed full of butterflies,bees, and hummingbirds coming to feed.

    Reply
  61. Beverly says

    July 10, 2019 at 10:25 AM

    Working in my garden and later sitting on the porch watching the birds on the bird feeder with an iced tea.

    Reply
  62. Kay says

    July 10, 2019 at 10:48 AM

    One of my summertime pleasures is sipping a strong cup of coffee while watching the sun rise as I sit on my back porch.

    Reply
  63. Barbara says

    July 10, 2019 at 11:22 AM

    Taking a long weekend with the kids and going to the beach. The sound of the waves can take me away from any where I don’t want to be.

    Reply
  64. Kristen Shields says

    July 10, 2019 at 11:39 AM

    My favorite summertime activity is enjoying the sunshine, eating outside and relishing the staying up late with my kiddo’s watching movies, playing games and not having to worry about homework and wake up times!!

    Reply
  65. Julie Fisk says

    July 10, 2019 at 11:53 AM

    I love to sit on the patio first thing in the morning while sipping my tea and gazing at the flower bed. When I get home from work the front porch is another place to settle down and unwind from the day. Often grabbing a quick read to escape the world for a bit.

    Reply
  66. Gigi says

    July 10, 2019 at 11:57 AM

    My favorite summertime activity is spending time with family & friends outdoors. Enjoying God’s creation & the long days & starry nights 😊

    Reply
  67. Margaret says

    July 10, 2019 at 12:35 PM

    My husband and I enjoy sitting on our screened porch late in the evening, listening
    to the birds and watching for deer that come into our yard. Thank you for your give away.

    Reply
  68. Peggy says

    July 10, 2019 at 12:51 PM

    The gift of summertime gives me a chance to catch up. In my garden, time with friends and family, in my home and with my preventative health screenings.

    Reply
  69. Bethany says

    July 10, 2019 at 1:10 PM

    Pool time with my kids and good book!

    Reply
  70. Lynn Czap says

    July 10, 2019 at 1:30 PM

    I love vacations, not having as many obligations in the summer, and swimming/relaxing by our pool.

    Reply
  71. Nancy S Schmitt says

    July 10, 2019 at 1:31 PM

    My favorite summertime activity are inside crafts, sewing, and outside gardening (weather permitting)! Our family enjoys grilling outside too!

    Reply
  72. vicky davis says

    July 10, 2019 at 2:11 PM

    I love Summer. Love it all. Working in my flowers and local Garden Walks, especially South Haven, Michigan.

    Reply
  73. lesley says

    July 10, 2019 at 2:57 PM

    we live in florida so definitely the beach

    Reply
  74. Marilyn says

    July 10, 2019 at 5:01 PM

    Reading and relaxing as much as I can in air-condition.
    Marilyn

    Reply
  75. Barb Zahler says

    July 10, 2019 at 5:07 PM

    Spending time with grandkids. Making memories

    Reply
  76. Hilary says

    July 10, 2019 at 5:19 PM

    I’m a teacher, so I love sleeping in, enjoying my cup of coffee slowly, watching the world go by as I sit in my pajamas as long as I want to! I also love reading, having extra time with and for family, and tackling projects around the house.

    Reply
  77. wen budro says

    July 10, 2019 at 10:33 PM

    My favorite Summertime activity is enjoying outdoor barbecues with my family. It’s a lot of fun and the food is super delicious.

    Reply
  78. Debra says

    July 11, 2019 at 7:37 AM

    I enjoy walking by the lake to watch the osprey and their nest, the sandhill cranes, the egrets… In the evening I snuggle with my dachshund and read until we both drift into sleep.

    Reply
  79. Margaret says

    July 11, 2019 at 10:38 AM

    Sitting on the screened porch with my husband and spending time with my grandchildren.

    Reply
  80. Karen says

    July 11, 2019 at 2:20 PM

    Where to start ! Hard assignment but going with s great book , glass of wine on the deck says relaxing summer to me.

    Reply
  81. Pamela says

    July 12, 2019 at 4:22 AM

    My favorite summertime activity is having our grandchildren visit. That is the highlight of our summer when we swim in the pool, go to the beach and work jigsaw puzzles.

    Reply
  82. Char says

    July 12, 2019 at 11:40 AM

    Going to our family cabin in the mountains. Such a nice time away from the hustle of the City & our jobs!

    Reply
  83. Terie Karaus says

    July 12, 2019 at 2:23 PM

    I love working out in my flower gardens

    Reply
  84. Karen says

    July 12, 2019 at 8:12 PM

    Spending time in Sisters, too! We live 20 minutes away. So many fun things to do in the area.

    Reply
  85. Carolyn Palmer says

    July 13, 2019 at 2:39 PM

    We live in a lakefront community and have a boat.. I love to take a thermos of coffee and some muffins and go out on the lake in the morning. Sometimes we take the newspaper and a book and just float. It’s quiet and very, very peaceful. It’s nice to be able to commune with nature and God.

    Reply
  86. Susie Fix says

    July 13, 2019 at 5:42 PM

    Hiking to the mountain lakes near me.

    Reply
  87. Shelly says

    July 13, 2019 at 5:59 PM

    My favorite activity is sitting on the front porch with a cool drink watching the hummingbirds come to my feeder.

    Reply
  88. Mary Pickett says

    July 15, 2019 at 9:05 AM

    I love getting together with my family for summer cookouts. Watching my college-aged grandkids play games in the back yard and catching up on their lives makes this grandmother very happy. Happy summer!

    Reply
  89. Belinda Richardson says

    July 15, 2019 at 9:52 AM

    What is my favorite summertime activity? Oh, I would definitely have to say my favorite summertime activity is swimming. I could stay n the water all day long if it weren’t for hunger. LOL But I also love sunflowers and lemonade and sitting in the shade of an old tree on a swing. Nothing beats the simple pure pleasure of summertime.

    Reply
  90. Sandy says

    July 16, 2019 at 6:21 AM

    As a retired teacher, I eagerly await the produce from my husband’s summer gardens. I record the garden’s first planting to its bounty and share the pictures with relatives and friends in other states. Each year there has been a new friend added to a garden: cantaloupes, pumpkins, snap peas, and corn. Our grandchildren are delighted to take part in the harvest.

    Reply

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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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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!

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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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