• 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

October 8, 2014

Wanna Be In My Band?

“Hey Mom, guess what? I’m in a band now!”

My then 9 year old son was sitting at the kitchen island having his after-school snack and after I got over the initial shock of hearing him voluntarily share something about his day, I quickly replied, “Really? How cool buddy! Are they going to have a band at school now?”

“No”, he said, ” It’s not for the school. It’s just me and my friends! I’m going to play the piano.”

“Wow!”, I said, “What’s the name of your band?”

“We’re calling it Go Go for Jesus!“, he answered.

keyboard

With every fiber of my being I fought the urge to burst into laughter. And I continued to fight that urge as he explained to me how they were making plans to take ‘Go Go for Jesus’ on the road and how they just knew that before long Hollywood was going to come knocking on their doors.

“So, who is in your band?” I asked. “Oh, everyone is mom. The whole class!”, he replied.

He must have read my mind because he quickly explained that even though not everyone would be playing an instrument, every kid would have a role in the success of Go Go for Jesus.

Kyle was going to be the tour manager. Andrew was in charge of snacks. There were 5 ‘lead’ singers. You get the idea.

And when I asked if I could have a job with the band too, I was informed that they might consider letting me drive the tour bus. 😉

Despite the fact that this group of 3rd graders had never actually practiced together and most of them had never even picked up an instrument, they were all 100% convinced that there were going to make it BIG. Like ‘American Idol’ big!

tin drum

I asked when they were going to be practicing and he said, “We don’t need to actually practice mom, we just know what to do!” And then, thankfully, he headed off to his room and I was finally able to let out the laughter I had been suppressing throughout the entire conversation.

As I was telling my husband about ‘Go Go for Jesus’ later that night (and after we laughed our heads off), we both marveled at the fact that in their little 3rd grade hearts, this wasn’t just an imaginary band. It was REAL. And they had full confidence that it would be successful. I mean, you can’t go wrong in Hollywood with a name like that, right? 😉

The other day I found myself thinking (and laughing) again about Go Go for Jesus. And I realized that I envied those 3rd graders who so firmly believed, with complete faith, that they were going to make it.

Because somewhere along the line, I stopped believing with all my heart that my dreams could come true. Oh, I’m not talking about my “I want to get married” dream and my “I want to be a mommy’ dream, although that one was definitely put to the test!

I’m talking about those dreams that just seem so unrealistic. The ones that seem so unrealistic that you start wondering if it’s selfish to ever try and nurture them. You know, the Go Go for Jesus kind of dreams.

Recently I was talking with our Women’s Ministry Pastor and answering her questions about our blog as well as how God is using me during this season in my life. I shared with her about some of my dreams. Dreams that, amazingly, astonishingly, recently have started to seem within reach. And yet, I felt the need to downplay them. To make the caveat that every good Christian girl does when she worries that people will think her dreams are just a bit too big for their britches.

toy xylophone

I told her, “But I know that God can accomplish His purposes with or without me so, you know, it’s no big deal.”

She smiled at me and said, “Yeah, He can. But what if He just really wants to use YOU?”

Ummm….excuse me? Come again? It’s not often that I am rendered speechless (just ask anyone who’s ever spent more than 5 seconds with me!) but I didn’t quite know how to reply.

What if God really just wanted to use ME? But, why? Why would he just want to use ME?

And I’ve spent the last few months trying to answer that question.

What if this dream, this Go Go for Jesus kind of dream, was what I was created for?

And what if, instead of taking those dreams and burying them underneath the fear and the doubt and the insecurites, I believed that they were put in my heart by a God who knows me better than I know myself?

What if I nurtured those dreams? What if, like those 3rd graders on the playground at recess plotting and planning their Go Go for Jesus succcess, I firmly believed that my dream was going to become a reality?

But what if, unlike those third graders, I was able to not only nurture those dreams but (gasp!) actively pursue them too?

And what if, you did too?

“God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!”                       1 Corinthians 12 (The Message)

There was room for everyone in the Go Go Jesus band. A place for each of them to put their talents to use.

And there’s room for everyone in my band too. I was going to call us the ‘Dreamers’ but that wouldn’t be a true reflection of who we are.

Instead, I’ll call us the ‘Dream Pursuers‘.

The ones who not only dream the dreams, but the ones who wade through the doubt and the fear and the insecurity and go after those dreams until they become a reality or until God reveals a new dream.

So, now I have to ask you a question…

Do you wanna be in my band? 

There’s room for everyone!

Even tour bus drivers. 😉

Vanessa signature

P.S. This post is dedicated to all of my friends who are inspiring me to persue my own dreams by persuing theirs. You know who you are!

23 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Chalkboard Clock Pumpkin
Next Post: Beautiful Free Fall Printable »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jim says

    October 8, 2014 at 4:12 AM

    Vanessa, As adults we are bombarded with doubt from every direction. Kids have the purest kind of dreams straight from God. We feel that our dreams can’t be achieved because that is what the world tells us. With that being said, what are the gifts that God has given you to use for His glory? How can He use them to achieve your dreams? Don’t know? Ask Him!!

    God bless!!

    Reply
  2. Alice says

    October 8, 2014 at 4:52 AM

    Vanessa,
    This is so bizarre, you know, how themes or ideas keep appearing in your life? So, I just read a quote from Dolly Parton in Southern Living Magazine that I have taken to heart, and hand and foot. I’m paraphrasing here, but it went like this…”the difference between wishing and dreaming is that wishing is something you do on your front porch in your rocking chair. For dreams to come true they require hands and feet and wings to make something happen. I have been caught wishing for far too long, so I chllenged myself to empty my head of all my dreams this month and put hands and feet to them. It’s very liberating! There’s been a whole lot of painting so far. Your article is both timely and reinforcing! Thanks! Alice

    Reply
  3. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 8, 2014 at 5:21 AM

    Whatever that dream or opportunity is that is swirling in your mind or knocking at your door…yes, “hitch your wagon to a star” . . . and you can definitely be the driver of that wagon.

    Reply
  4. Nancy Sharp says

    October 8, 2014 at 5:48 AM

    I’ll be the prayer warrior and encourager because I truly believe that God has a special plan for you. I have told you before your blog has already been a ministry to me.

    Reply
  5. Cheryl says

    October 8, 2014 at 6:13 AM

    Just had to let you know that God spoke to me through your blog today. Last night during our women’s book club meeting I felt impressed to follow God and do something outside my comfort zone. After reading your encouraging blog, following that lead will be the desire of my heart because I know it is from God. Thank you for your ministry to me!

    Reply
  6. Renee @ The Refined Relic says

    October 8, 2014 at 6:18 AM

    This moved me to tears and spoke to my heart. Doubt and fear overshadow me pursuing my dream and my passions. Although, I am a Christian and I know with God all things are possible, the what ifs are sometimes all that I see. What if I fail? what if this is not my purpose? What if I am wasting my time? Maybe instead of asking myself what if I should be asking why not? After all, I am the daughter of a king. Thank you for sharing your heart. This was very much needed for me today.

    Reply
  7. Lisa Howard says

    October 8, 2014 at 7:06 AM

    Perfectly timed post. I was having a conversation with God about my dreams just this morning. I was basically putting them on the back burner and letting God do the work. Not exactly what He has planned. Thank you for the offer to be part of your band. Sign me up!!!!

    Reply
  8. Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says

    October 8, 2014 at 8:15 AM

    Oh girl, isn’t life just a “Go Go for Jesus” band? What a wonderful idea! Everyone has a gift or talent and when you figure out where and how you are intended to use it, it is life changing and eye opening. God is Good, and God has a Plan. I want to join your band! 😉

    Reply
  9. Megan says

    October 8, 2014 at 9:52 AM

    What an encouraging post! I tend to do the same thing…suppress my deepest desires and dreams for fear if I actually say them out loud or act like I really think they will happen, they will suddenly not come true. I totally think God puts things in our heart for a reason and I need to be more confident that these dreams of mind could actually come true. Count me in the band. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Julia G. says

    October 8, 2014 at 12:26 PM

    Yes, I want to be in the band! God is using you and Heather to minister to a whole lot of us that read your blogs. Thank you for being in His band!

    Reply
  11. ange says

    October 8, 2014 at 12:48 PM

    You are amazing friend! I just love you, your heart for the Lord and how He is using you right now and is going to keep using you! What an awesome post, I just love this and also your son’s sweet heart and I know where he gets that from, his mom and dad! <3

    Reply
  12. LUCY says

    October 8, 2014 at 3:20 PM

    I love you. Thank you for this beautiful post. I LOVE how God uses you and how in your humble heart you don’t even realize the impact you are making. God bless you my sweet friend…and yes, I would love to be in your band…xo

    Reply
  13. Shannon Acheson | AKA Design, Bloggers & Brands says

    October 8, 2014 at 3:29 PM

    Love this Vanessa! Lucy shared it with me and I love the part where your pastor says “Yeah, He can. But what if He just really wants to use YOU?” Made me tear up. Go after what he’s called you to.
    xo, Shannon

    Reply
  14. Marty Walden says

    October 8, 2014 at 4:21 PM

    Love this post and the inspiration YOU provide because you’re following in obedience after God. Yes, I want to be in your band, but I get to sing lead!

    Reply
  15. Jenna says

    October 8, 2014 at 4:54 PM

    Yes, yes, YES to everything in this amazing post! DREAM BIG!

    Reply
  16. Joanne Boulter says

    October 8, 2014 at 8:38 PM

    My dear lovely Lady! You have touched my life through your blogging and allowing me to get to know you. You have showed me that I can chase my dreams even if I’m a lot more mature in age than you. LOL Don’t you stop dreaming or chasing your dreams, and look at your sister with who you have created such a beautiful blog. Oh yeah! You will see those dreams come true and on the road you will touch many lives because of who you are dear friend.
    ((HUGS)) Jo

    Reply
  17. Anna says

    October 9, 2014 at 8:23 AM

    Yes, I do. 🙂 I love this story and I love that our children constantly remind us of how the Lord views us, and that He’s our biggest cheerleader. I look at my 5 year old everyday and try to be more like her, her joy , her belief, her love, her unconditional understanding, they are all things I think God is using her to remind me of.

    Anna 🙂

    Reply
  18. taryn @ Design, Dining and Diapers says

    October 9, 2014 at 3:57 PM

    This is such a wonderful post Vanessa! Really inspiring and something I can totally relate to. Discovering what my true ‘dreams’ are has been on my mind lately. Thank you for this.

    Reply
  19. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

    October 10, 2014 at 4:24 AM

    Ciao Vanessa! I’m kind of a new friend but a friend nonetheless. I’d love to be in your band and I am pursuing something I’ve always wanted to do and never had the guts to do it. You know- be out there to be judged. Do you have what it takes to make it – like who do you think you are when there’s so many more talented people. It does take courage but I’ll be in your band. I’ll be in the back row — kinda getting the courage to come to the front. But you’ll hear me singing my heart out. This is such a wonderful place to be able to say “God” and “Jesus” without having someone gasp in shock!! Go Go Jesus!!

    Reply
  20. Randi - Dukes and Duchesses says

    October 10, 2014 at 4:51 AM

    I just love that! My little guy and his friends had a band when they were that age and your post brought back such sweet memories. I’ll be thinking about pursuing dreams today. 🙂

    Reply
  21. Regina Franki says

    October 10, 2014 at 8:26 PM

    I’m in! Thanks for sharing your heart and your mind with us. Peace – Reg

    Reply
  22. Laura Putnam says

    October 14, 2014 at 8:54 AM

    Oh Vanessa, this post is just awesome – and yes, I so want to be in your band! Sorry, I was so late in reading this, but it was totally worth it! Play that instrument girl – or drive the bus!

    Reply
  23. Mary Ann says

    March 23, 2016 at 6:39 AM

    What a wonderful blogpost! Thank you so much!

    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

  • 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
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

“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! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

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.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard ar The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard are at their peak and I’m here for it!
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the gr It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the greatest joys of this stage in my parenting journey is getting to see the results of the years spent pouring into my children. The worry, the sleepless nights, praying, questioning our decisions and learning to trust in the Lord Who loves them even more than we do. We definitely didn’t do everything right, but what an an amazing experience it is to watch them become these incredible teens/young adults. My tip this week might seem simple, but I believe it can make a major difference in the lives of our children, in our homes and maybe, just maybe, in the culture too. 🌸
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence