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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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March 31, 2016

Tonight

If you are completely wiped out tonight and all you want to do is sit on the couch and not move for an hour (or 3!)…

I get it.

spring blossoms in urn on mantel

 

If you still have a load of laundry sitting in the washing machine and you are thinking that it might be easier to just run it again in the morning instead of having to put them in the dryer tonight…

I get it.

wildflowers in white pitcher

If you know you should pack those lunches tonight but can’t bring yourself to make ONE.MORE.MEAL or clean up the kitchen…

I get it.

white pitcher with stock flowers atthepicketfence.com

If you found yourself fighting tears (or giving into them!) today thinking about that friend/child/loved one who is struggling or found yourself fighting tears because YOU are struggling…

I get it.

Lisianthus flowers atthepicketfence.com

If you still have a deadline to meet and know you will be working late into the night…

I get it.

roses and snowballs

If you can’t decide whether you would rather go to bed and get some sleep or enjoy soaking in the silence of a quiet home for just a bit longer…

I get it.

 lilac and snowball blooms atthepicketfence.com

I get it, my friends. I really do. Sometimes what we do feels like it takes a level of strength that we simply don’t have.

But, you know what?

You don’t have to do it all on your own!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Praying for you tonight dear ones,

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17 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals, Faith

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Comments

  1. Shawna says

    March 31, 2016 at 4:48 PM

    Thank you! I am glad that you get it-because I needed it 🙂 Thank you for the prayers and for the reminder.

    Reply
  2. Cathy says

    March 31, 2016 at 5:24 PM

    Thank you for knowing exactly what I need right now!
    I’m selling my home and buying another for the first time since my husband passed away….and I’m overwhelmed. I know God is with me, but it helps to be reminded.

    Reply
  3. Anita Ward says

    March 31, 2016 at 6:52 PM

    All prayers greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  4. Sharon says

    March 31, 2016 at 6:55 PM

    Taking care of husband who just had open heart surgery, struggling.
    I appreciate knowing you and yours are out there.

    Reply
    • Gail says

      March 31, 2016 at 10:22 PM

      I went thru that a year and a half ago.. You will get thru it. It takes time and patience. He will get stronger. It took my hubby about 3 months to get back to where he was about 75%. Now, he is at about 95%. Just take it slow, be positive, love him, let him know you are there for him, talk about your feelings, most of all get him to tell you how he feels, They can get real depressed. I am here if ya need to talk. iwotpip50@yahoo.com. I will keep you in my prayers.
      Gail

      Reply
  5. Liz C says

    March 31, 2016 at 6:57 PM

    I do not know how you did that, but this was exactly what I needed. Thank you for the prayers also-I sure do need them. Bless you.

    Reply
  6. Julie says

    March 31, 2016 at 7:00 PM

    Thank you for the prayers…..and the pictures of the flowers! Sitting here on a stormy night and I could use the boost.

    Reply
  7. Sandie says

    March 31, 2016 at 7:18 PM

    Thank you. So kind and thoughtful of you. Much appreciated.

    Reply
  8. Jeanne says

    March 31, 2016 at 7:33 PM

    It’s wonderful to know that someone is praying for you- especially for those that know that there may not be anyone else praying for them!
    I’m praying for all who’ve mentioned struggling as well-
    God Bless You-

    Reply
  9. Lisa Mothersead says

    March 31, 2016 at 7:47 PM

    I need it tonight. Thank you!

    Reply
  10. Pamela says

    March 31, 2016 at 8:21 PM

    Ha! I left the rinsed dinner dishes in the sink cause I couldn’t bring myself to empty the dishwasher, told the hubby to pick out a pair of socks from the clean, but not folded, pile on his side of the bed and I should have been in bed an hour ago but everyone else so I just neede some time to unwind (after painting for the 4th day on a row). You certainly have me pegged tonight.

    Reply
  11. Michele says

    March 31, 2016 at 8:46 PM

    Amen to that!

    I had a bit of an episode of feeling on the ledge recently that wiped me out! I am getting stronger daily, Easter helped remind me what’s important. Thanks for your reminder, too. Hugs.

    Reply
  12. Gail says

    March 31, 2016 at 10:26 PM

    Hang in guys, You are strong, loving, capable people. Wake up tomorrow and say 3 positive words before you even start. It will help. But, remember also that laundry, dishes and cleaning are not the important things you need to tend too. Give out hugs and you will feel like a million. Deep breaths.
    Gail

    Reply
  13. Nilza Brito says

    March 31, 2016 at 10:41 PM

    What uplifting words especially when you need them!!

    Reply
  14. Debbie says

    April 1, 2016 at 4:23 AM

    This post was what I needed, when I needed it. Thank you so much. I am 3 weeks out from a total knee replacement, and while I know I’m doing fine and not in a lot of pain, sometimes just being uncomfortable is overwhelming and I just need to cry and pray.

    Reply
    • Gwen says

      April 3, 2016 at 12:13 AM

      Someone recently had one and needed no pain meds within a day. Was able to walk without a walker. Did physical therapy but pain free. Now able to fully move and kneel. I pray yours goes so well. A 93 year old friend also did hers in her late 80’s and is so pleased. Praise God. Fear not for I am with you.
      Be not afraid.
      365 verses on fear. I used these verses and went through the list–good is a grade of A. I became very practical. Honorouble was a judge true is 4+4=8 right is to obey traffic signals pure is the scent of a baby after a bath. Lovely is a sunset. Admirable is my mom growing gardens and making lunches and canning vegetables and fruit and having healthy meals. And I’d start over. Hope this helps✝
      “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
      ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

      Reply
  15. Gwen says

    April 2, 2016 at 5:41 PM

    Thank you for praying for me your reader. I never thought of me as a person. I am praying for two bloggers I do not know at all but the Holy Spirit led me to pray. Two other bloggers have corresponded and no not friends but I am praying for them
    But yes I’ve needed prayer and God in His mercy gives and gives…from unexpected places. You listened and God used you to put beautiful real flower images and then the lines–you have a child…loved one…friend…struggling…or maybe you…and as I read my heart turned toward each of these dear ones and then it’s hard to admit I’m struggling with my injury–and then the verse. Anew each time as it applied to a new day. Isn’t Gods Word so neat like that???
    Dear Lord
    Please be these women who bring delightful beauty to my reading. I enjoy the posts. Their topics. Their verse. May you strengthen them this day as well. In Jesus name Amen

    Reply

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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
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#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
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*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
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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!! 🦃
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How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

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