• 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

April 7, 2014

The Day I Wore Ankle Boots

The other day I wore ankle boots. I know. Mind blowing, right?

I had been eyeing them for months. Seeing them in all of the stores and on the feet of the people who I was quite certain were more stylish than I could ever be.

I would find a pair I liked, walk past them, turn around and come back, pick them up, study them, then hesitate. What would I wear them with? Was I cool enough to pull off the look? Would people point at me and laugh?

Finally, one day I spotted a pair that were WAAAAYYYY on clearance. I no longer could use the ‘I just don’t want to waste money on a trend’ excuse anymore. It was the moment of truth.

ankle boots2

I hurriedly tried them on glancing around to see if anyone noticed me because I was quite certain that you aren’t supposed to wear ankle boots with yoga pants.

I took them home, set them in my closet and there they stayed for a week. I just couldn’t bring myself to actually put them on and wear them. If only I could guarantee that I would be able to pull it off. Doubts crept in and I began to wonder if I should just stay in the comfort zone of my good ol’ riding boots and running shoes with the occasional ballet flat tossed in for good measure.

But, finally the moment came where I looked at those ankle boots sitting on the floor of my closet and thought, “Today is the day!”

I may or may not have studied photos of ankle boots on Pinterest so that I could be certain I was wearing them the ‘right’ way. 😉

And then, I actually ventured out of the house in my ankle boots. I may have strutted a bit…just sayin’.

I wore them to Lowes where they totally complimented the cement floors and the copper piping I was checking out.

ankle boots at Lowes

I wore them to WalMart where they really set off the metal grocery cart in such a fabulous way.

ankle boot on grocery cart

I wore them while I worked and I am quite certain that I accomplished so much more that day.

ankle boots

And I wore them to pick up the kids from school where all of the other moms gasped in shock and awe as they gazed at my ankle boots in amazement!

moms

OK…so that part didn’t actually happen. I just have fun friends who are good sports! 😉

In fact, all of that is a gross exaggeration.

So, what DID happen? Well….to be honest…nothing.

No one even noticed them. No one. Nothing dramatic or earth shattering happened. And it wasn’t that I was really expecting that.

This whole big ‘thing’ that had filled me with anxiety, taken up space in my mind and prompted me to study a ridiculous number of photos of girls wearing skinny jeans with ankle boots on Pinterest? It all amounted to nothing.

Well, maybe not exactly nothing.

Because I had to ask myself. Why would ankle boots affect me so much?

There’s a one word answer to that question. Insecurity.

Am I cool enough?

Am I part of the ‘in’ crowd?

What will people think of me?

Am I even worthy of looking stylish?

Unfortunately, these bear a striking similarity to the questions I asked myself in middle school. Ugh. Shouldn’t I be past all of this by now?

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall”

You see, so often we think of falling as this loud, crashing, obvious thing. Like what we might see on America’s Funniest Home Videos.

But, more often than not, the ‘falling’ that I experience isn’t quite so loud, crashing and obvious.

It’s quiet.

It’s the gentle reminder from my Heavenly Father that what I’m focusing on/obsessing over/consumed by is not what He wants for me.

You may not think of insecurity in the same category as pride. But it is.

Because they both center around one thing. Me. Me. Me.

ankle boots2

Whether we’re puffed up and prideful and strutting around with extreme confidence or we’re wallowing in self-doubt and insecurity it all comes down to being way too consumed with ourselves and not consumed enough with God.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that we shouldn’t want to look pretty and try out new fashion trends and feel good about ourselves. Or that it’s wrong to search Pinterest for inspiration and ideas.

I guess I’m simply saying that when something, some earthly ‘thing, takes up too much space in our minds and in our hearts it doesn’t leave space for the things of true value.

sunlight

The day I wore ankle boots I was all too aware of the things of this earth. My mind was ‘set’ on them.

And, unfortunately, it’s not just ankle boots that cause that to happen.

And maybe for you it’s something else. Because we all have something, don’t we? That thing that likes to take up residence in our mind and elbow everything else out of the way.

But, here’s what I’ve found. The more I ‘set my mind on things that are above’, the more things like ankle boots take their rightful place in my mind.

The next time I wore those ankle boots they were simply shoes on my feet. I mean, they definitely looked cute and all! 😉

But, they serve a purpose.

And I want to serve mine.

My purpose of loving God and loving others.

Now, if I get to wear cute boots while doing that, well, that’s just a delightful bonus!

Blessings to you,

Vanessa signature

 

 

21 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals, Good Thoughts Tagged With: devotional, devotions

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Parade of Homes Tour ~ Refresh Restyle
Next Post: New Entry Lighting! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anita Ward says

    April 7, 2014 at 6:23 PM

    Thank you for sharing, love it!

    Reply
  2. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    April 7, 2014 at 6:27 PM

    Love the ankle boots, but love the honest story even more! Life to the full! Melissa

    Reply
  3. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    April 7, 2014 at 6:30 PM

    I love this so much, Vanessa. Not only a funny post but such a great message for us all. Right on. And, btw, I am sure you ROCKED those ankle boots, girl!! xo

    Reply
  4. laura@top this top that says

    April 7, 2014 at 7:51 PM

    oh, your message was told with such truth, conviction and….humor. I love it.

    Reply
  5. Sarah says

    April 7, 2014 at 8:01 PM

    Love this Vanessa! While it’s easy to hide, it’s so wonderful that you chose to be so open and honest instead. In my mind, you really could pull off any style ;). Thanks for being so open, and letting us know we are not alone in our struggles of our own insecurities. Very cute boots. Very. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Michele says

    April 7, 2014 at 11:44 PM

    I love the way you make me stop and take a long hard look at myself in such a fun and gentle way. You get me every time. Cute boots by the way. 🙂

    Reply
  7. debbiedoos says

    April 8, 2014 at 5:30 AM

    What a beautiful message. I bought a pair of Sperry’s the other day that were totally out of my comfort zone. My boys wear them and so does my husband and they swear how comfortable they are. Mine were blue and sparkly. First off, they were not comfortable whatsoever. Second, they are obnoxious..and third, I got a lot of compliments on them the day I wore them LOL. I will be wearing them again! Point being, if I was going to get a pair I wanted them to be different:) I think your boots are adorable btw!

    Reply
  8. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    April 8, 2014 at 5:35 AM

    Great food for thought and such a reminder to everyone of what is really important.

    Reply
  9. Gloria says

    April 8, 2014 at 6:38 AM

    Great way of putting the truth in real life perspective.

    Reply
  10. Nancy Sharp says

    April 8, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    What a wonderful devotional. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  11. Whitney says

    April 8, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    Good for you! I’m the same way. Iong story short. I had an accident and crushed foot foot rebuilt but does not like shoes. Boot it loves. So I have so many. I’m looking for a pair to pull off for spring and summer. Lol. PS I’m fifty and a grandma I wear skinny jeans and roll a big cuff and expose my ankle! How daring. I’m trying g to be more brave. My children tell me I need to.

    Reply
  12. Vicki Shead says

    April 8, 2014 at 7:45 AM

    Isn’t that just the honest truth. Too much focus on earthly things is not enough focus on God. I am not sleeping because of this very thing. Too much worry about upcoming shows… God will provide all I need and whatever I don’t get done, wasn’t needed. Thanks for the reminder friend!!

    Reply
  13. Victoria says

    April 8, 2014 at 12:34 PM

    You are WAY cool enough for ankle boots. Next time try a pair with a cute little kitten heel and leggings and a long shirt! WAY CUTE!

    Reply
  14. Julia G. says

    April 8, 2014 at 1:01 PM

    Vanessa – Thank you for being so transparent and you rocked those cute ankle boots!

    Reply
  15. Susan says

    April 8, 2014 at 2:21 PM

    Loved you post Vanessa. Enjoyed the journey with your new boots, and what God showed you in the end. He is so wonderfully good showing things in our lives like serving our purpose here on earth.

    PS those are cute~!!!!!! boots.

    <3 Susan

    Reply
  16. Alyssa @ Barnwood + Brick says

    April 8, 2014 at 3:04 PM

    Love the thoughtfulness behind the post…but I love the boots, too! You totally rock em! 🙂

    Reply
  17. Bridgot says

    April 8, 2014 at 3:24 PM

    Thanks. I needed that today!

    Reply
  18. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    April 8, 2014 at 7:37 PM

    Vanessa, what a wonderful post and such a good reminder. Sometimes we just need to get over ourselves and look towards God! I sure needed this today! Lots of love and blessings! xo

    Reply
  19. Marty Walden says

    April 8, 2014 at 10:04 PM

    Love the boots, but I love your writing even more! What a great reminder that when we only think of ourselves we are missing our calling as believers. We put way too much emphasis on the world and its approval. Thank you for sharing from your heart!

    Reply
  20. Julie N says

    April 9, 2014 at 2:47 AM

    I wondered as I read the post when you would get to the bottom of things and you did – beautifully! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

    Reply
  21. Deborah says

    April 9, 2014 at 9:53 PM

    So easy to get our minds on the wrong track. Great post and reminder!

    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

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Our son just turned TWENTY and I can hardly wrap m Our son just turned TWENTY and I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that we’ve completed two decades of parenting! I’ve had time to reflect on this season of life and shared some of my thoughts over at @club31women.

“Someday, years from now, we will watch home movies of the year 2023. And it will seem like I am peeking into the life of another family. I will have vague memories of those moments but my life will be so consumed with what is currently happening that it will seem like another lifetime. So, I embrace this season…this day…this moment. And I choose to declare that the emotional war in my heart between ‘what could have been’ and ‘what might be yet to come’ is over. I’m waving the white flag. I want my children to know that it is good and proper that they grow up and leave the nest. I want them to know that I can celebrate the passing of time rather than resist it even if there may be a few bittersweet tears that spill over from time to time.”

Head over to their devotional page to read the rest and I hope my words bring you encouragement for wherever you are on your parenting journey. 🤍
There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards of your labor! The whole family pitched in to get our bark spread around the yard (I’m the master at raking it until it’s nice and even) and by the end of the day we were all done. Now we can head into summer with our big yard projects completed! 🙌🏻 Do you put in fresh bark every year?
Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’ Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’s your favorite thing about this month? Mind can be summed up in this quote…

“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” John Steinbeck
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom and the principles upon which our country was founded. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables t I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables to pit next to our outdoor couch and when I spotted these plant stands at @walmart from their @betterhomesandgardens line I knew they would be perfect…and they are!! 👏🏻 This is not a sponsored post. I’m just happily sharing this great find and why we should always be open to thinking outside of the box when it comes finding solutions for our decorating dilemmas.

Now we’re ready to head into this beautiful weekend! ☀️
What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence