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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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June 14, 2016

The Cracked Crock

A few weeks ago I popped into one of my favorite local consignment/second-hand shops. I was motivated by the fact that, before long, the kids would be on summer break and my schedule would no longer be my own. So I took advantage of having the time to slowly meander the aisles, working my way around the store and relishing the joy of shopping without anyone asking me if they could buy something or having to break up ridiculous arguments over which kind of cereal we should buy. (Chocolate Chex is usually the winner by the way)

stoneware crock holding wooden spoons

 

I keep a running list in my head (I probably should write it down but that would just make too much sense now, wouldn’t it?) of items that I’m always on the lookout for and on this particular day I couldn’t believe that I had finally found one of those items.

A vintage stoneware crock. And it was actually within my budget!

I proudly marched it up to the register and all of the ladies behind the counter agreed with me that this was definitely a great find.

But, as the price tag was removed, one sales clerk happened to notice that this particular crock had a large crack down the side. She very kindly brought it to my attention to make sure that I still wanted to make the purchase.

stoneware crock holding utensils

I quickly assured her that I thought the crack was part of the charm. And, in reality, it was probably why the price was so much lower than many others I’ve seen.

She wrapped it in tissue paper and I may or may not have buckled the seatbelt around it in the back seat of my car.

After I got home, I wasted no time placing the crock on my kitchen counter and loading it up with my wooden spoons and spatulas. And I proudly displayed that crack. Because, I think that crack makes the crock even more beautiful. I think it gives it character.

And, perhaps, the price tag wasn’t the only reason why I was drawn to it. Perhaps it’s because that cracked crock reminds me so much of myself and where I am in my life.

You see, there was a time when the crack might have thrown me off. And there was a time when the cracks in my own life were throwing me off. But, as a recovering perfectionist, I’ve learned to view those cracks differently.

I’ve learned to see them as beautiful manifestations of the work God has done in me and through me.

James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” 

I find this passage of scripture so amazing. Because we seem to spend most of our lives trying to avoid the trials, the difficulties, the cracks. And yet, here we read that it’s really only through them that our faith is tested so that steadfastness can be produced. Being steadfast means that we remain firm and loyal, unwavering even when we are being pulled in all directions. And, according to this verse, once our steadfastness has been proven, we are truly complete. We can be made perfect, complete, “lacking nothing” even when we meet the trials that cause cracks in our lives.

stoneware crock label

It’s not the absence of cracks in our life that makes us complete. It’s how we are able to remain whole and strong in spite of them through the power of Christ in us. 

But, let me be very clear here, those cracks don’t come into our lives so that God can get evidence to gauge our worth to Him. He is God. He knows us. And He isn’t the one who needs proof of our steadfastness.

“For when God is said by these things to try men and prove them, to see what is in their hearts and whether they will keep His commandments or no, we are not to understand, that it is for His own information, or that He may obtain evidence Himself of their sincerity (for he needs no trials for His information); but chiefly for their conviction, and to exhibit evidence to their consciences…
So when God tempted or tried Abraham with that difficult command of offering up his son, it was not for His satisfaction, whether he feared God or no, but for Abraham’s own greater satisfaction and comfort, and the more clear manifestation of the favour of God to him.”  (Jonathan Edwards, ‘The Religious Affections’)

God doesn’t allow the cracks in our lives so that we can prove something to Him. He allows them so that we can prove something to ourselves. Or, better yet, so that we can fully experience the sheer magnitude of His love and grace for us.

cracked stoneware crock

That stoneware crock on my kitchen counter is solid. Yes, it has cracks (I spotted another one after I brought it home), but it was built in such a way that it has been able to withstand them without completely falling apart.

So, I’m learning to embrace my cracks. And not only to embrace them, but to willingly put them on display, sharing the truth about my imperfections, my cracks, with those around me.

Because I hope that by sharing my cracks you will be encouraged to share your own. And that you will choose to see those cracks as opportunities to glorify Him and display the steadfastness of your faith in Him.

Thank you so much for meeting me at the Fence today,

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25 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals, Faith, Good Thoughts Tagged With: Faith, God

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Comments

  1. kristin says

    June 14, 2016 at 8:59 AM

    I love this Vanessa, thank you for this reminder! XO

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 14, 2016 at 8:48 PM

      Thanks sweet friend! <3

      Reply
  2. Vanessa N. says

    June 14, 2016 at 9:04 AM

    Thanks for this post , it was so encouraging to me.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 14, 2016 at 8:48 PM

      I’m so glad it was encouraging to you Vanessa! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Leslie says

    June 14, 2016 at 2:30 PM

    Beautiful. In all our imperfections…love from another recovering perfectionist.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 14, 2016 at 8:48 PM

      Recovering perfectionists unite! 😉 Thanks so much for coming by today Leslie.

      Reply
  4. Jeanie says

    June 14, 2016 at 2:44 PM

    Love this post!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 14, 2016 at 8:47 PM

      Thank you so much Jeanie!

      Reply
  5. Diane | An Extraordinary Day says

    June 14, 2016 at 4:26 PM

    I can’t tell you how many beautiful items I’ve passed up in my life because they weren’t perfect. Having experienced many trials, I’ve been learning to become content with the imperfections. It’s a long learning process. 😉 Thanks for sharing your cracked pot and encouraging words.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 14, 2016 at 8:47 PM

      It is definitely a long learning process Diane but its so nice to know we aren’t alone on the journey. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by today!

      Reply
  6. Patty says

    June 14, 2016 at 5:17 PM

    Love this! This really helped me. I have many cracks going on right now. This was a good reminder on how God wants me to deal with them.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 14, 2016 at 8:46 PM

      Patty it just blesses me so much to know that this was timely for you! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Pam says

    June 14, 2016 at 7:31 PM

    Love this post about the cracks and the faith behind the post! Wonderful!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 14, 2016 at 8:45 PM

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it Pam!

      Reply
  8. Carol says

    June 15, 2016 at 6:38 PM

    Right now there’s a few extra cracks in the crock, but then, a couple of people let me know that they cared and are praying for me and somehow I know that with God’s help we will get thru these things too.

    Thanks for your lovely thoughts

    Reply
  9. Susan says

    June 17, 2016 at 5:47 PM

    I love how you wrote about the crack in your pottery! I had to chuckle when I read you may or may not have put a seat belt around it! I’ve been known to do that same thing!God’s love for His children as we are is amazing! Cracked or not!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 17, 2016 at 8:11 PM

      I’ve been known to put seatbelts around some interesting things over the years! LOL! Thanks so much for coming by Susan. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    June 22, 2016 at 2:23 PM

    For the most part when I am driving after I have found something that may tip over in the car, it always becomes my passenger all belted in…..Love this post!

    Reply
  11. Crystal says

    July 10, 2016 at 2:58 PM

    Thank you for a beautiful reminder.

    Reply
  12. mdn says

    July 11, 2016 at 4:46 AM

    Oh, my! How this crock brought back a flood of memories about the town where I grew up as a child. Uhl Pottery. The Huntingburg Brickyard. Atz’ Hatcheries. Huntingburg Furniture and its many factories. The Old ((and older) High Schools. Huntingburg wheelworks. Those several huge, stately, lovely trees that thrived do many years in our yard, taken down in one fell swoop by a tornado. Teachers whom I loved. All gone now, but not forgotten. Cracks and all!

    Reply
  13. Sara D says

    July 13, 2016 at 11:46 AM

    The Holy Spirit was with you when you wrote this!! So beautifully written and eloquent. I cannot tell you what a rough day I had (and as a recovering perfectionist how hard I have been on myself) and I needed this today. Thank you for posting this.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 14, 2016 at 7:12 AM

      I’m so glad it met you just at the right time Sara! <3

      Reply
  14. Erin Eggleston says

    July 26, 2016 at 3:49 PM

    I absolutely love this!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

    Reply
  15. Fran says

    April 1, 2019 at 9:18 AM

    Vanessa, Wonderful words! Such a great reminder….God is building is spiritual strength, and faith in Him, through our weaknesses and trials. Romans 8:28

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 1, 2019 at 2:04 PM

      Yes He is Fran! Thank you so much!

      Reply

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“Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season “Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season that awakens my soul, your awesome beauty compels my spirit to soar like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze and my heart to sing like a heavenly choir.” Peggy Toney Horton.

Happy October dear friends! 🍂
On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the po On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the pouring rain outside contributed to my feelings. But the primary cause was this overwhelming flood of thoughts about how much in our world and in our culture is going off the rails. I’d planned to make pumpkin bread that day but I was tempted to just curl up in a ball on my bed, pull the covers over my head and pretend that this would actually solve something. I didn’t give into that temptation though. Instead, I got out my favorite pumpkin bread recipe and found that, as I worked and prayed and hummed worship songs, my spirit began to settle. When the world feels very loud, the demands of family and home can actually help to quiet our souls. As each family member walked through the door later in the day, they commented on how wonderful the house smelled. It’s better than any fall candle in my opinion! And I knew that the extra loaf that I get from the recipe would be a welcome treat for my widower neighbor. So, if your heart is feeling a bit unsettled this week too, maybe this recipe will come in handy!

Pumpkin Bread:

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 🍂
Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super simple centerpiece that you can make in five minutes (or less) with just a few pumpkins and extra faux greenery. Let’s spend less time decorating and more time enjoying this season. It’s my favorite!! 🧡

#fallcenterpiece #falldecor #centerpiece #fiveminutedecorating
"Define your day", she told me as I held my newbor "Define your day", she told me as I held my newborn son. My mom and I were talking about how blurred my days and nights had become and how easy it would be to just stay in my pajamas 24/7. She encouraged me to make an attempt to put on 'real' clothes in the morning even if they were just nice sweatpants (bonus if they were clean!) and to throw a little bit of makeup on. That simple advice helped chart a course for my years of motherhood that continues today. And recently I began thinking about how critical it is that we not only seek wisdom from those ahead of us in our stage of life but that we are willing to apply it as well.

So, I asked this question on my personal Facebook page; "What is something you feel you've done well to create a peaceful/meaningful home for yourself and your family?" The catch was that the question was geared towards women in the 40+ age range. The responses came flooding in and were so wonderful and insightful. So, I'm going to be starting a new series where I share this wisdom with you and will include the first name of the woman who offered it. 

Today we start with Alison who said "I learned to set my alarm early to get up and moving before my kids woke up. I showered, got dressed and did my devotions while the house was quiet. It set my heart and perspective for each day.”

Is this something you do in your life too? What wisdom would you offer to a mom of young children?

I truly think our culture would greatly benefit from more women in different seasons of life being willing to invest in each other. 🍂

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #motherhood #parentingwisdom
If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a resta If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a restaurant I’m definitely ordering it! It’s one of my all time favorite treats. So I decided to try my hand at making some here at home with a little fall twist and it was SO delicious!! 🍎

Ingredients:

6 slices of day old bread (french, sourdough or even brioche works great)
2 cups of heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the apples:
3 peeled and chopped apples of a tart variety
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or corn starch)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bread into cubes and place in a greased 8 1/2 x 11 baking dish
Whisk together in a bowl the eggs, cream, vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg and then pour it over the bread cubes. In a separate bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar and flour/corn starch. Pour the apple mixture on top of the bread mixture making sure to spread the apples evenly across every part of the bread mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes. 
Enjoy!

#falldesserts #breadpudding #fallrecipes #desserts
When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after onl When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after only a week of school, you take the opportunity to make Saturday a truly restful day. Pancakes on the griddle, puttering around the yard admiring the way the limelights have begun their autumn journey from white to green to pink. Sprinkling touches of fall around the house a little bit at a time. Savoring the slowness of it all and taking care of my people in this place that provides us all with a respite from the world even if just for a day.

Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but thin As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him.

In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
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
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