• 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
  • 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

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,

Vanessa signature

17 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals, Faith

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Vintage Style Canvas Map
Next Post: The Peace Filled Home Series »

Reader Interactions

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

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!

Must Reads

Recent Posts

  • Why We’ve Chosen Vacations Over Projects April 26, 2022
  • A New Look for the Family Room March 1, 2022
  • Christmas Kitchen and Family Room December 19, 2021
  • Christmas Home Tour Part One December 10, 2021
  • Easy Hot Cocoa Station November 21, 2021

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the pa When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the payoff of your investment in your children, it is truly one of the greatest gifts. We had that experience twice this week with our 18 year old son and were overwhelmed by this opportunity we had to watch as he handled two very different situations (one personal and one professional) with grace, maturity, integrity and courage. Those of you mamas of little ones, don't ever minimize the job you are doing in raising this next generation. 

Every story read at bedtime
Every correction made to strengthen character
Every outdoor exploration
Every nose wiped
Every bandaid applied
Every time you say no when the world says yes
Every night of helping with homework
Every difficult conversation
Every prayer uttered

The final pieces of the puzzle of his childhood are falling into place and the picture revealed is one that is more wonderful than we could have imagined. And we know that it is only by God's grace on us as we sought His wisdom and guidance that we have come to this point. We have been FAR from perfect parents, but one of my most sincere prayers for the past 18 years was that the Lord would stand in the gaps that were surely to be revealed by our imperfections. And He has answered those prayers again and again. He's taken my humble petitions and most sincere intentions and knocked our socks off with the young man we are so privileged to call our son. And we can’t wait to watch as his future unfolds!
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence