• 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

February 18, 2014

The Worry Jar

“Look what I made today in Sunday School Mommy!”

My daughter excitedly ran towards me as we stood in the church lobby. She stretched out her little hand to reveal to me her latest creation and said, “It’s a ‘worry jar’ and I want you to have it.”

memory jar1

I peered down at the tiny jar with the tissue paper glued all over it and did all of the appropriate ‘ooohhhing’ and ‘ahhhhhing’ before replying, “thank you so much sweetie, I just love it!”

As I turned to show it off to the rest of the family I thought, “I think I’m going to need a bigger ‘worry jar’ than this!”

You see, for most of my life worrying has been akin to breathing. My husband used to say that if I could get paid to worry we would be millionaires!

memory jar2

When we got home from church my sweet girl went right into our room and placed the ‘worry jar’ on my nightstand. “So you’ll see it every day Mommy”, she said.

And I did.

I saw it every day.

For the first few days I couldn’t stop myself from feeling that it was almost mocking me. Reminding me that all of my worries, my fears and my concerns would never be able to fit within it’s small space.

memory jar3

What about my deep, almost paralyzing, fear that something will happen to my husband or my children?

That’s WAY too big for such a tiny jar!

What about that fractured relationship that seems so far beyond repair?

It needs 20 jars!

What about those moments when I’m almost certain that I am falling short in my role as a mom?

That needs an entire ‘worry room’ not just a jar!

One day I noticed that the ‘worry jar’ had been filled with some of the rose petals my daughter had collected off the ground while on our walk. Can you tell that my girl is a giver? She loves nothing more than to give gifts to practically everyone with whom she comes in contact.

memory jar4

I said loudly, “Now, I wonder how on earth these rose petals got here!” And she came into the room grinning from ear to ear. “I thought your jar needed filling up Mommy”, she said.

But, I knew the truth. My jar was already filled up. In fact, it was overflowing with worry.

Worry had become my way of thinking that somehow I had control over everything in my life.

And this false sense of control meant that I didn’t need to turn to the One who really is in control.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

memory jar5

As my daughter left the room I noticed that she had turned the jar around. You see, that tissue paper was only glued to one side.

The other side had a little scrap of paper, lovingly cut out by little 6 year old fingers.

And I read the words written on that scrap of paper, intended to be part of a Sunday school lesson for 1st graders, as though I was reading them for the very first time.

In that moment, I realized the truth about my ‘worry jar’.

It doesn’t need to be any bigger.

In fact, I don’t need one at all!

memory jar 6

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:25-27

And, the answer is NO! No, I can’t add an hour to my life by worrying. No, I can’t protect my family from everything that is bad in the world. No, I can’t fix that fractured relationship all on my own. No, I can’t let my fear that I’m not being the best mom in the whole world paralyze me in my parenting.

But what I CAN do is put my trust and my hope in the One who not only made the heavens and the earth but also knows the number of hairs on my head.

Does putting my trust in Him mean that nothing bad will ever happen or that all of my relationships will be perfect or that I will win the mother of the year award? Of course not.

What it does mean is that He will always be with me. He’ll be with me in the glorious mountain-top moments and He’ll be with me in the painful valley moments.

And what about my ‘worry jar’? Well, just because I realized I don’t really NEED it doesn’t mean I won’t keep it. After all, it was given to me by my most favorite girl in the whole world.

memory jar1

I even still keep it on my nightstand.

But now I see a jar with no lid. No lid to hold in those worries while they swirl and simmer.

Now, I see freedom.

Vanessa signature

38 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals, Good Thoughts

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « If We Were Stranded on an Island…
Next Post: A long winter calls for Smoked Salmon Chowder »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Denise Adorian says

    February 18, 2014 at 4:26 AM

    So very uplifting.We all need to be reminded of this daily in Our walk with Christ.No mz=atter Our age or circumstance-Grandma Denise

    Reply
  2. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    February 18, 2014 at 4:26 AM

    I cannot express enough of how beautiful this post is…I have always been a worrier…my hubby, well, I need to follow his lead as his philosophy is that worrying does not do anything to the situation…only takes your “breath” away…Thanks for the verses .. I have already written down Philippians 4:6-7 and placed it on my desk next to my perspective inspiration…Have a wonderful day!

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      February 18, 2014 at 7:39 PM

      Oh you and I are just kindred spirits in more ways than one aren’t we Shirley? Worrying definitely takes my breath away and your husband is so right about that! Thank you so much for sharing your heart with me and for leaving this encouraging comment! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  3. Lori says

    February 18, 2014 at 4:33 AM

    My mother-in-law worries about absolutely EVERYTHING. She is a very Godly woman and she has read and re-read those verses. I tell her “just to get out of the rocking chair!” Worry is like a rocking chair, you rock and rock and get absolutely nowhere. She smiles everytime I say it.

    Reply
  4. Willie Mitchell says

    February 18, 2014 at 4:47 AM

    I need to think of this every day. Thanks for the reminder. The old saying, “out of the mouths of babes” is SO true. They can get to us when no one else can.

    Reply
  5. Laura says

    February 18, 2014 at 4:58 AM

    Beautifully said sweet friend!!

    Reply
  6. Joani says

    February 18, 2014 at 5:03 AM

    Awesome. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.

    Reply
  7. Nancy Sharp says

    February 18, 2014 at 5:20 AM

    Beautiful. I have to be reminded constantly that worry accomplishes nothing. Thanks for today’s reminder.

    Reply
  8. ECK Design says

    February 18, 2014 at 5:26 AM

    LOVE this.

    Reply
  9. Marty Walden says

    February 18, 2014 at 5:45 AM

    Beautiful and a terrific reminder that life is to be embraced not feared. As one who’s been through dark places I know and claim that God walks beside me and loves me despite my worries. Love ‘ya!

    Reply
  10. Deborah Carlson says

    February 18, 2014 at 6:12 AM

    Vanessa…this is exactly what our Lord has been speaking to me about too.
    I don’t have a jar, but I’m sure I could fill a bin with the amount of times I’ve worried about my family.
    Bless that little one of yours and bless God for His constant care and solutions to our worries and cares.
    Hugs!

    All my heart,
    Deborah xo

    Reply
  11. martina says

    February 18, 2014 at 6:13 AM

    Beautifully written my friend! That first verse says it all!!

    Reply
  12. tonia conner says

    February 18, 2014 at 6:17 AM

    I know sometimes people post as quests on others blogs. Would you possibly be willing to do so with this Post. The willingness of this child to want to help and your responses could speak to so many more, and I would love for my followers to be a few of them. I don’t know how to do, but maybe you could talk me thru it if you agreed.
    thank you,
    and Blessings
    Tonia

    Reply
  13. Ruth Ann says

    February 18, 2014 at 6:50 AM

    Thanks …….so needed to be reminded today….God bless!

    Reply
  14. Carol Reddin says

    February 18, 2014 at 7:21 AM

    Beautifully said, Vanessa! You know you learned the “art” of worrying from a master teacher – ME! This post speaks to my heart! Mom

    Reply
  15. vicky says

    February 18, 2014 at 7:40 AM

    I am a fellow millionaire. Thanks for the reminder. I talk with my other worrier friends and they assure me it is not a lack of faith. Who are we kidding??

    Reply
  16. Julia says

    February 18, 2014 at 7:50 AM

    What a precious gift from your little “giver” – a reminder that we all do have worries, but we just need to trust God more – Thank you for that reminder this morning! Blessings today for you and your family!

    Reply
  17. Genny says

    February 18, 2014 at 7:52 AM

    Love your post! It’s as if I had written this about my life! I have felt and still feel all the same worries as you! Thank you so much for this!

    Reply
  18. Cheryl at Snaps of Ginger says

    February 18, 2014 at 8:11 AM

    Such an amazing message. I am such a worrier too… I sometimes wonder if I should just get on anxiety meds but then I see the verses you shared and know if I just let God have control and stop fighting for it myself that all will be well.

    ~Cheryl
    https://snaps-of-ginger.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  19. laura@live-love-scrap says

    February 18, 2014 at 8:37 AM

    Great post! I really needed to hear this. Thanks:)

    Reply
  20. Julia G. says

    February 18, 2014 at 9:14 AM

    Vanessa – you have a very wise little girl that God is using to remind all of us that He Cares for Us! Thank you for sharing your heart today – and please thank that Sunday School teacher for giving her/his time to teach God’s truths to your little one. Blessing to you and your family.

    Reply
  21. Kristen says

    February 18, 2014 at 9:24 AM

    This is such an amazing post that I feel like God brought me to today! Thank you so much for sharing this…It is something that I truly needed right now in my life!

    Reply
  22. Anita Ward says

    February 18, 2014 at 9:41 AM

    This is sooooo me, what a sweet and giving daughter you have! Leave that worry jar open and don’t keep collecting them cause it’s so much harder to do when you get older!!!!! Take it from one who knows!!!

    Reply
  23. Rachel says

    February 18, 2014 at 11:15 AM

    Thank you so much for this! I have a wonderful, giving daughter also, but she has been literally getting sick with worry. I’ve been divorced her whole life, so when she has to go between her dad’s house and mine, she is very anxious. She loves us both but can’t bear being apart from us when she’s at the other house. We’ve tried praying and having a special song to sing; drawing pictures or listening to music. I think a worry jar will be the perfect thing for her. Something she can see (I’ll put verses on the outside too). She is only 7 but is so desperate to feel God tangibly in her life. Can’t wait to make this for her. Thanks!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 18, 2014 at 12:44 PM

      Oh Rachel you sound like such an amazing mom! It’s so hard to watch our kids hurting isn’t it? But the way you are approaching helping your sweet, tender-hearted girl shows how very much you love her and want her to know that God loves her even more! Thank you so much for sharing this with me and I will be keeping both of you in my prayers. 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  24. Bridget says

    February 18, 2014 at 12:48 PM

    Isn’t it funny how “HE” works. What a great message! Maybe we all need a jar to remind us of the message. Thanks for sharing!

    By the way, y’all look fabulous in the new picture!

    Reply
  25. Theresa Box says

    February 18, 2014 at 6:22 PM

    This is such a beautiful post! So much truth in such a sweet little example. Thank you for sharing! You certainly brought some encouragement to my heart!

    Reply
  26. Richella @ Imparting Grace says

    February 18, 2014 at 6:42 PM

    So precious. . . and right on! Bless you, Vanessa, as you learn to give all your cares to the One who cares for you so very much.

    Maybe we all need a very small worry jar!!

    Reply
  27. Sara says

    February 18, 2014 at 7:33 PM

    This is so true and so well written. I really needed to read this, this week. Well, most weeks. :). Thank you for the reminder!!

    Reply
  28. Lucy says

    February 18, 2014 at 7:33 PM

    I miss chatting with you! loved getting to know you better and talking about your sweet children last weekend! hugs…muah!

    Reply
  29. Michele says

    February 18, 2014 at 10:49 PM

    This post was exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you so much for sharing. God has an amazing way of reaching us just when we need it most doesn’t He?

    Reply
  30. Julie N says

    February 19, 2014 at 3:31 AM

    Thank you.

    Reply
  31. Angelina-JoJo and Eloise says

    February 19, 2014 at 11:53 AM

    Such a Beautifully and Honest written post. I think worry is something we are all prone to and thankfully the Lord knows that and has given us Verses and His words to carry us through and comfort us. What a Precious gift you have in your daughter!

    xoxo

    Reply
  32. Helen says

    February 20, 2014 at 9:47 PM

    Wow! This is a timely topic as we are under severe thunderstorm warnings. Yes, it’s nerve-racking to wait for the time to go lie down in the walk-in closet under our family room staircase. Prayer really does comfort me; epecially, the times I’ve had to get inside that closet when my husband was not home. It’s been a rough night in Alabama and Tennessee.

    Vanessa, thanks for your sweet reminder.

    Helen

    Reply
  33. Mindy says

    February 21, 2014 at 8:55 AM

    I sit in tears typing this comment. Oh, how this spoke to me! I know this feeling all too well, and you expressed it and the solution perfectly. Thank you for sharing so candidly!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 21, 2014 at 11:22 AM

      Oh Mindy! It blesses me to know that this spoke to you and I so appreciate you letting me know. It’s comforting to know we aren’t the only ones who struggle with this isn’t it? 🙂

      Reply
  34. Theresa says

    September 10, 2014 at 7:24 AM

    So thankful to you for posting this! It was just what I needed this morning.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Game Board Family Photo Display says:
    February 25, 2014 at 4:00 PM

    […] my sister Heather, of the blog At the Picket Fence where we share everything from simple crafts to inspiring stories to yummy recipes and everything in […]

    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!

  • Simple Fall Decorating Ideas

    Simple Fall Decorating Ideas
  • Autumn Home Decor Tour

    Autumn Home Decor Tour
  • Apple Bread Pudding

    Apple Bread Pudding
  • Paper Bag Pumpkins

    Paper Bag Pumpkins

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

  • Neutral Hot Cocoa Station November 28, 2023
  • The Autumn Season of Motherhood October 18, 2023
  • Simple Fall Decorating Ideas September 14, 2023
  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good 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 families 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. Or have a good cry. 

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’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a 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!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence