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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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August 8, 2017

The Pillow Decision

Friends, I need to confess to you, I hit the publish button on this post with great hesitation and may or may not have closed my eyes while I did it. Why, you ask? Well, when I originally asked for opinions about whether or not to add pillows to my new bedroom settee I had NO idea how many of you would weigh in.

And, for the most part, everyone was really lovely and gracious. Truly, I’m so very grateful for this community here and never want to seem like I’m complaining.

But, I’m human.

And, I’ll admit that it stings a bit when I’ve asked for opinions on one specific part of a room but find that I’m getting opinions about many other things in the room that people think need to be changed. Or being told that my decision to even have this settee at the foot of the bed was the wrong one.

I know that in today’s culture, we’re quick to offer our opinions and it’s so easy to do from behind the safety of our screens. And I know that I DID ask you to weigh in about the pillows. But, you can see why I might have been filled with a little bit of trepidation as I prepared to show you the choice I ended up making.

So, all I will say is, please be kind. If you don’t like what you see, that’s ok. But maybe, just maybe, it’s also ok if I don’t know that. Because, at the end of the day, I’m happy with my decision and that’s all that matters, right?

So, without further adieu, here is the pillow I selected for the settee!

I decided that my best option was to go with a custom pillow cover (ordered from this Etsy shop) in the same Bosporus Toile pattern as the pillows on the bed.

I really love how it all ties together and with the addition of a throw blanket it helps to create a softer look.

The settee ended up being just slightly more gray toned than I had planned and the pattern on the pillow really brings all of the colors of the room together.

I’ve been doing some more freshening up around the room and also recently added in these botanical prints with black frames.

I have more to show you but that will have to wait for another day! In the meantime, let me just say again how truly grateful I am for all of you who meet me here at the picket fence. Whether I’m sharing my home or sharing my heart, I always feel so blessed to be apart of this amazing community. This is a place where we can encourage and support and yes, even share our opinions.

But, it will always have way more impact if it is said with grace and kindness, don’t you think?

Thank you so much for meeting me at the fence today sweet friends,

73 Comments Filed Under: Bedrooms, Decorating, Good Ideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shirley says

    August 8, 2017 at 4:13 AM

    That settee is gorgeous! It doesn’t look too dark. It looks a comfy place to read.

    Reply
  2. Michelle says

    August 8, 2017 at 4:26 AM

    Sorry to hear about the negative comments. Unless a person is actually in the room, I think it’s really difficult to judge a room, especially furniture layout. Your home is beautiful!

    Reply
  3. Linda Dosser says

    August 8, 2017 at 4:26 AM

    You’ve created a room that looks welcoming and peaceful at the end of busy days. Beautuful!

    Reply
  4. Sandy says

    August 8, 2017 at 4:29 AM

    I love how it looks and love your settee pillow choice to tie in with the pillows on your bed. Love that print, too. I agree it ties all of your colors together. Very pretty.

    Reply
  5. Debbie says

    August 8, 2017 at 4:35 AM

    I think it all looks beautiful and inviting. I love the botanical prints.

    Reply
  6. Kathy says

    August 8, 2017 at 4:46 AM

    Your bedroom is serenly lovely and your pillow on the settee is a perfect choice, tieing everything in the room together nicely. Brush off the nay-sayers because some folks can’t be happy unless they’re peeing on somebody elses Cheerios. You did a beautiful job on that room. I love it.

    Reply
  7. Carrie says

    August 8, 2017 at 4:47 AM

    Scatter joy and be kind! Words to live by~ everyday. If it can’t be said with kind intent, does it really need to be communicated?

    Reply
  8. Linda says

    August 8, 2017 at 4:50 AM

    Your final decision is perfect!
    You have such good taste, and it looks beautiful and inviting!

    Reply
  9. Lezlie Renee' says

    August 8, 2017 at 4:59 AM

    I <3 it!

    Reply
  10. Lin Mossgrove says

    August 8, 2017 at 5:00 AM

    So sorry about the negative that came your way. It must have been harsh for you to have commented. I am not an expert—I just know what makes me happy and I decorate accordingly. So my comment is just from an ordinary senior! I love the decision!! To be honest, I never really noticed the beautiful print on the pillows on the bed until now–classy but warm!Maybe I’m old-fashioned–but I would love a bedroom where I could have a chair and love seat to be my total refuge from the “world”. Thank you for sharing all that you do. What a boring world we would live in if everyone wanted the same thing. Enjoy and please keep sharing!

    Reply
  11. Kim says

    August 8, 2017 at 5:03 AM

    Amen, sister and the pillow is perfect. I love the settee at the end of the bed. My mom has a love seat at the end of hers and it’s such a cozy spot for her.

    Reply
  12. Joanne says

    August 8, 2017 at 5:26 AM

    Hi Vanessa. I completely love the toile you have in your bedroom and the way the settee looks (confession-I have one at the foot of our bed too!).

    I had a question. If you would ever like to collaborate on a monogrammed item for your home, I’d be happy to contribute my services. I am starting a custom monograming businesss. I am on Instagram as “ModernMonogramming” and website coming soon. Thanks in advance for considering!

    Reply
  13. stacy says

    August 8, 2017 at 5:37 AM

    Where did you get the gorgeous bed skirt ?

    Reply
  14. Shelley says

    August 8, 2017 at 5:42 AM

    I Love EVERYTHING about your bedroom, your pillow choice is perfect. What a calm, dreamy space!
    To me, there is a subtle French influence that is lovely. Even your stronger framed botanicals add the “little black dress” effect– a dash of black in an otherwise neutral space is such a great addition.
    Sorry you got some negative comments earlier– over my stove is the saying “Say kind words and you will hear kind echoes.” I like to be reminded of that every day!

    Reply
  15. Gail says

    August 8, 2017 at 5:55 AM

    Love the color. Love the size

    Reply
  16. Angie g says

    August 8, 2017 at 6:05 AM

    I can’t imagine someone said anything but how beautiful your room looks. Pillows or no pillows you have to live in the home you are crafting so it should reflect your family’s style. I love your work and though your style might not work in my house I can always learn from your choices and the thought behind them. Keep up the beautiful work as you craft a home and life that should make you proud!

    Reply
  17. Debbie says

    August 8, 2017 at 6:17 AM

    I think it is perfect. I love how the colours of the pillows go well with the mirror and chandelier.

    Reply
  18. Marti says

    August 8, 2017 at 6:27 AM

    Beautiful….I know you will enjoy your new settee and the pillow choice is perfect. I didn’t weigh in before, however, we all need to be encouraged. 💐

    Reply
  19. Julie Cole says

    August 8, 2017 at 6:30 AM

    It looks wonderful! I like how it ties bed and setee together, You have very good taste! Thank you for opening up your home to all of us strangers.

    Reply
  20. Susanne says

    August 8, 2017 at 6:53 AM

    I hear you!!! Pretty Pretty Pretty. As my Mom always said “if you have nothing nice to say –say nothing at all!” Good words to live by!!! Have a wonderful day!!!

    Reply
  21. june says

    August 8, 2017 at 7:28 AM

    Vanessa
    Love the pillow! I’m trying to figure out how to take my plum french chair that I have had for a long time to work with new chairs that have blue in them in my living room. Sofa will be neutral. I think I will stumble over to ETSY and look for pillows. I have been busy trying to find fabric to make my own cover with no success. Then I thought maybe a needpoint pillow might work too.

    I LOVE the botanicals. This is also something I have been looking for for a while. Any suggestions where to find them?

    Reply
  22. june says

    August 8, 2017 at 7:38 AM

    OOPS meant to respond to your initial comment too. Lately it seems like blog viewers more and more are not filtering their responses to posts. It is sad to hear this and read. First and foremost thank you for all the hard work you put in to your posts at Picket Fence. I love it all and LOVE your ideas…Heather’s too! I learn so much and as you will see by my previous note sometimes I’m looking for guidance.

    I sincerely wish readers would filter their responses. Each of us are individuals and of course our tastes are all going to vary. I always strive to say something positive!

    Keep the awesome posts coming.

    Reply
  23. sissie says

    August 8, 2017 at 7:44 AM

    I think that your settee is so pretty and I love your pillow choice. I love that fabric and have it on my kitchen chairs. I also understand your reluctance and I would feel the same. I’m not sure why people feel like they have to be the great decider of all things! Just know that most of us on the Blogs only give advice when asked.
    Love your home.

    hugs,
    Sissie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:35 PM

      Thank you so much Sissie! I appreciate your kind words. 🙂

      Reply
  24. Patty says

    August 8, 2017 at 7:52 AM

    Vanessa,
    Your room is just lovely! The settee is perfect for a bedroom (I have one at the end of our bed, too) and the pillow is absolutely the right choice!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:34 PM

      Thank you Patty!

      Reply
  25. Jonelle says

    August 8, 2017 at 7:54 AM

    Thanks for making your statement regarding kindness in posting. It seems many have forgotten their humanity and reply as though the reciipient has no feelings. Social media is a wonderful tool but we all need to be more thoughtful in our use. The old saying is never truer: “If you have nothing nice to say……” BTW, I have that same pillow in my bedroom so I think your final decision is fantastic!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:34 PM

      Thank you Jonelle! 🙂

      Reply
  26. Linda says

    August 8, 2017 at 7:58 AM

    I don’t usually comment at all. However, I feel the need to do so here. I LOVE this space. You can tell simply by looking that a lot of care and consideration went into the planning and execution of the decor. I cannot imagine anyone, anyone at all would be such a spoil sport as to criticize your choices. They are YOUR choices and to criticize them does not represent constructive comments in my opinion. We need to be more careful of our written words……..they can hurt more than people know. You were very gracious in your reply. I could move into this room and never change a thing!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:34 PM

      Linda you are so kind and I truly appreciate your encouraging words! Thank you for taking the time to comment today. 🙂

      Reply
  27. Davonne davis says

    August 8, 2017 at 8:25 AM

    I love everything about it! It looks like an oasis.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:33 PM

      Thank you so much Davonne!

      Reply
  28. Linda Charlton says

    August 8, 2017 at 8:29 AM

    I love this room. Those pillows are fantastic. Why are they called bosporus toile? I am interested because my bedroom is done in toile.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:33 PM

      Thank you Linda! You know, I’m not exactly sure why it’s called Bosporus. I’ll have to look it up! 🙂

      Reply
  29. Vicky says

    August 8, 2017 at 8:42 AM

    Love the pillow and the prints.!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:29 PM

      Thank you Vicky!

      Reply
  30. Cynthia says

    August 8, 2017 at 8:50 AM

    Everyone is a critic! It seems people today think that there is no need for filters, just because it’s socially accepted.Pertinent quotes are seldom used but so needed..” If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.” Constructive criticism is an art which today hardly any one knows how to apply. Vanessa we are all are on some kind of journey, some are at places where we have moved on from and they still are learning. Hard to accept but you have a wonderful HEART and bringing this to people’s attention is a mentoring moment. I admire you for confronting such an issue.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:29 PM

      Thank you so much Cynthia! I appreciate your words of support and encouragement. 🙂

      Reply
  31. Sherry M says

    August 8, 2017 at 8:59 AM

    Perfect pillow choice! It brings it all together quite nicely, I think. Thank you for sharing your heart and your home.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:24 PM

      Thank you Sherry!

      Reply
  32. Beth says

    August 8, 2017 at 9:17 AM

    I love your bedroom! Your color choices are beautiful! Toile is one of my favorite fabrics and your choice of toile ties all the colors together beautifully!! A very cozy room!! Great job!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:24 PM

      Thank you Beth!

      Reply
  33. Lynn Czap says

    August 8, 2017 at 9:49 AM

    I think your room is beautiful and very peaceful and relaxing.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:24 PM

      Thank you Lynn!

      Reply
  34. Rebecca Turner says

    August 8, 2017 at 10:18 AM

    I hope it wasn’t me. I was trying to remember what I might have said because I believe I commented on your post. I might’ve said that I’ve always wanted a settee or a bench at the end of my bed, but that my husband would probably use it as a clothes rack. Ha! I might have pointed out that a pillow would partially cover up the pretty tufting, but since I’m always looking for lumbar pillows to accommodate my back problem, I probably would’ve been in favor of a pillow. The one that you chose is beautiful and it ties everything together! Your bedroom looks serene, and lovely! I can say that honestly from my heart. I’m glad you mentioned this though, because words on a page can sound harsher than intended, especially without inflection. This has been a quandary before for me, when I wanted to help. I wondered (about another blogger) if she would prefer honesty or flattery. Since I couldn’t offer compliments (because although I LOVE her sweet spirit, I don’t appreciate her style very much,) I ultimately decided to remain silent. Whatever style decisions one makes in their own home, it must be right for them, so it cannot really be considered wrong. I will try to employ grace and kindness though, (as you suggested) if I do comment, but perhaps I ought to just stick with the old rule that our mothers taught us: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing at all.”

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 2:39 PM

      It definitely wasn’t you Rebecca!! I really do appreciate input from people especially when I’m the one to ask for the opinions in the first place. LOL!! You are a treasured and valued part of our community! xoxo

      Reply
  35. Julie Briones says

    August 8, 2017 at 10:23 AM

    The pillow is perfect, for all the reasons you stated! Thanks for opening your heart to us today… It was done with much grace and love. God is good!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:23 PM

      Thank you so much Julie! I appreciate you!

      Reply
  36. Elaine Sharrard says

    August 8, 2017 at 11:12 AM

    I really love how you brought the pattern on the settee pillow to match your other pillows. I think the gray of the settee is very pretty.
    My grandmother used to say if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:23 PM

      Thank you Elaine!

      Reply
  37. Deb says

    August 8, 2017 at 11:56 AM

    I absolutely LOVE it!!!!! And those pillows are the icing on the cake. Love the pattern, the color, and they go perfectly in your bedroom. I really think your settee was saving a special seat for that lovely pillow. 😉 Continue to do your thing. We love watching you shine!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:21 PM

      Awww…thank you so much Deb!! Appreciate your encouragement!

      Reply
  38. LJones says

    August 8, 2017 at 12:06 PM

    I think the room is beautiful. Keep posting pictures… BTW, I purchased your book. Love it!
    (People will say things behind a computer screen that they would never say to your face. I think it is brought on by jealousy in a lot of cases. Some people chose to belittle or say unkind words to bring someone else down as a means to lift themselves up. It doesn’t work!)

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:21 PM

      Thank you so much for your kind words about the room AND for purchasing our book!!

      Reply
  39. Mary-Ann (from Canada!) says

    August 8, 2017 at 12:37 PM

    Vanessa, I love meeting you at the Picket Fence! I always enjoy when you share your home and your heart! Bless you for doing this!

    I really love your pillow choice! It looks lovely!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:20 PM

      Thank you so much Mary-Ann! I so appreciate you!

      Reply
  40. Susan says

    August 8, 2017 at 1:06 PM

    The settled is lovely just where it is and the great thing about a small scale piece like that is you can always move it to refresh the look of the room if YOU decide to. But you already know that! It makes me sad that people offer Unsolicited advice so freely. No one needs to hear negativity either, so just focus on what is right for you and what makes you happy

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:20 PM

      Thank you so much Susan!

      Reply
  41. Kathy says

    August 8, 2017 at 1:55 PM

    Love it! Serene space you’ve created!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 3:20 PM

      Thank you so much Kathy!

      Reply
  42. Shirley @Housepitality Design s says

    August 8, 2017 at 5:30 PM

    I love the settee at the foot of the bed and loved the beautiful pillow!!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 8, 2017 at 7:16 PM

      Thank you so much sweet friend!

      Reply
  43. Janis says

    August 8, 2017 at 7:16 PM

    Oh Vanessa,

    That pillow is perfect. That was exactly what I envisioned when I responded to your request for input. I think you’ll be pleased with it for a long, long time. I know if it that was my bedroom I would be!

    Sadly in our culture many people have forgotten how to be kind to others. Hopefully your gentle reminder will be reminder enough.

    Dear Lord, help me by Your Spirit to be gracious and kind to others and to always represent You well
    and help us all to realize how are words wound others needlessly.

    Reply
  44. Pam Beck says

    August 8, 2017 at 7:41 PM

    I don’t know why I’m shocked that people would be rude, cruel or unkind. It unfortunately seems to be the only way some people can communicate. Your bedroom is lovely….the operative word here is YOUR bedroom. When I’m asked what advice or thought I would share/give to another has always been two simple words……Be Kind! Keep doing what you do best and enjoy every moment. God Bless!

    Reply
  45. Cheryl Bull says

    August 8, 2017 at 9:25 PM

    I think it is all quite lovely! I love the toile and the pillow is perfect!

    Reply
  46. Delanie says

    August 9, 2017 at 4:11 AM

    I LOVE the pillow!! And the settee! And the pillow ON the settee! Your entire bedroom is lovely and tranquil. I’m having “place to sit at the end of the bed” envy right now, because I’ve wanted to do that in our master bedroom for almost the entire 41+ years we’ve been married!! My sweet hubby has categorically quashed that idea most definitively! So, I will just enjoy looking at the pictures of yours. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!

    Reply
  47. Diana says

    August 9, 2017 at 8:30 AM

    Your room is lovely. Don’t change a thing. I wish I had your eye for design.

    Reply
  48. Trish Washam says

    August 9, 2017 at 4:54 PM

    The pillow is very pretty and what makes you happy is what really matters- it is YOUR room and kind words are always a better choice. 😊
    I’m sure some people don’t realize that they don’t need to voice their opinions about everything! 😬😉 Keep your chin up and keep blogging! I really enjoy your IG and blog!

    Reply
  49. Cat says

    August 10, 2017 at 7:05 AM

    I love it. And I want you to come decorate my house for me!

    Reply
  50. Pearl says

    August 10, 2017 at 9:28 AM

    It looks lovely, Vanessa. And if it is what you want, that’s all that matters. Maybe instead of asking the masses next time, perhaps a trusted friend would be a better choice. But it is beautiful and suits you!!!

    Reply
  51. Pamela says

    August 10, 2017 at 5:30 PM

    I must have missed the bedroom post somehow. this is the first time seeing it and wow what a beautiful room. and I love your pillows. my 40something daughter and I were just talking about the way her generation talks to one another being mean, critical and sarcastic. I noticed it started when she was in college, now she and her husband are doing it with their children and making a huge effort to stop. why do so many act like smart alecks or know it alls? It’s a VERY unattractive way to act.

    Reply
  52. Bonnie says

    August 11, 2017 at 9:21 AM

    I really like your settee and the pillow that you chose to match the pillows on your bed.

    Reply
  53. Judy says

    August 27, 2017 at 11:03 PM

    Love the bedroom. It looks beautiful and I love the settee.

    Reply

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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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