• 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

January 27, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 49!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1

Ok folks…we are going to do something we have never done before here at Inspiration Friday.
We are going to going to give you a glimpse of what happens “behind the scenes” as we prepare to host this party each week.
It goes a little something like this…

Text from Heather to Vanessa or vice versa: “Is now a good time to go through the links and pick our features?”
Reply: “Yes, but there are so many amazing projects how are we ever going to choose?”
Phone rings: “Hey!”
Voice on other end: “Did you see link# (fill in the blank) that had the amazing (fill in the blank)?!”
Reply: “Oh I know!! That one was so fabulous! But did you see the one about the (fill in the blank)?”
Reply: “No but I’m going to go look at it right now!”
Reply: “How do we possibly narrow it down to just a handful to feature when there are so many amazingly talented folks out there?”

And so on and so forth!

Seriously, you are all so talented and creative and we feel honored to even be in your company and to have you share from your homes and your hearts with us each week.
Now, we know we aren’t the only hosts having a hard time each week picking which projects to Feature.
There are some amazing parties taking place all over Blogland each week!
And we want to introduce you to our New and Improved tab where we list our favorite


PLACES TO PARTY
Now, not only is this a great way for us to keep track of when those fabulous parties are happening, we have also created a way for other hosts to add their PARTY LINK to that page!

If you host a weekly Linky Party and don’t see yours listed on the page already, you can simply add yours to the list under the appropriate day.
Easy Peasy!

Before we get to our Features from last week’s party, we want to take a moment and introduce you to our newest Sponsors here at the Fence.

AND

We are so excited to have these amazing shops on board with us here at the Fence and we hope you will pay them a visit and check out their wonderful products!

Now, onto those Features which we somehow did manage to choose!

Desire Empire shared her daughter’s darling bedroom created on a small budget. We think it looks like a million bucks though and there are so many adorable details you will want to check out! 

Sew Passionate shared an excellent tutorial for making an Easy Bolster Pillow with gathered ends. Isn’t that fabric just beautiful too? There are many other amazing ideas and tutorials on this blog and we encourage you to pop on over and pay her a visit!

Kristina from ReMade Simple showed us how to make these lovely Wall-Mounted Vases using re-purposed items. She also includes a fantastic tutorial for this project and has many more creative and clever ideas on her blog!

Now speaking of fantastic tutorials, check out these Coffee Sack Baskets created by Kim of Cheap Chic Home! Love how easy they are and she includes wonderful instructions on how to make them yourself.

Simply Simplisticated shared her incredible kitchen island which was a true DIY project if we ever saw one. We love a gal who knows her way around power tools!

This next idea is perfect for occupying little ones while Mommy is cooking in the kitchen! Michelle from So Here’s My Life showed us how to create a one-of-a-kind Magnetic Marble Run made from paper towel and toilet paper tubes. How clever is that?! 

And just in time for Valentine’s Day we have these Cherry Topped Brownie Bites which were shared with us by Tracey from The Kitchen is My Playground. Just when we think we have finally detoxed from Christmas along comes V-Day and wonderful treats like these!

Thank you to all of our features this week as well as to all of you who share your amazing ideas, projects and inspiration with us each and every week! 

If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located in on our Buttons Page found under our header! 

Are you following At The Picket Fence on Facebook? Don’t forget we feature many of your links during the week on our Facebook Page! If you’ve been featured there, grab a button as well! Thank you to everyone who shared so many fabulous posts with us last week! We appreciate you!


KEEP THOSE VALENTINE’S DAY PROJECTS COMING! WE WILL BE DOING A HIGHLIGHT POST OF OUR FAVORITE INSPIRATION FRIDAY VALENTINE PROJECTS AND POSTS!


Before we close out our post today, we wanted to take just a second to wish Heather’s daughter and Vanessa’s niece a very Happy 12th Birthday! The world became a better place on January 26th, 2000 when Mekenzie Leigh entered the world! Mommy loves you Mekenzie, you bring joy beyond measure to our lives.  You are my treasure!



Now it’s time to share with us what has inspired you this week!
Thank you so much for joining us for Inspiration Friday at the Fence,

When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends:



stuffandnonsense
vif187



Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s the rules!
  • Friend At The Picket Fence in some capacity
  • Link Up any post you’ve written that has Inspired You and will Inspire Others-it can be a home improvement project, craft, recipe, story, devotional…if it inspires link it up!
  • Be sure to link back to your original post (MANDATORY) and not just your url (main blog address)
  • Please post our button (code on our Buttons Page found at top of blog) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! Tutorial on how to link up a button: Blogging 101
  • Visit another guest. Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you! We try to visit as many posts as we can but as Inspiration Friday grows sometimes we miss some and for that we apologize. It makes us feed good knowing others are visiting people as well! Thank you..it truly means a lot to us!

Have you noticed that you can now REPLY to comments left on Blogger Blogs? Be sure to check “receive emails to replies” so you can see if we have replied to your comment!

Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest

83 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Proving Pinterest Video Series …Picture Hanging Tip!
Next Post: A Special Guest for a Simply Sunday…More Bang For Your Bucks »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. NanaDiana says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    What a fun behind-the-scenes look at what you girls go through. I’m sure it is wrenching work at times. Happy birthday to Mekenzie-she is VERY grown up looking for her age! Kind of scary, isn’t it? Beautiful girl!!! xo Diana

    Reply
  2. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    Fabulous features and the birthday girl does not look 12! Very pretty girl. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  3. Calypso In The Country says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Mekenzie does look very grown up – Happy Birthday to her! Thanks for hosting today and letting us in on your behind the scenes discussions!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  4. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Great features! A happy day to the birthday girl! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  5. A Cozy Cottage in the City says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    Happy Birthday to Mekenzie {what a pretty name}! 🙂

    And thank you kindly for hosting – it’s a pleasure to link up! 🙂

    XOXO’s,
    Jessie

    Reply
  6. Brandi says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Happy Birthday 12th birthday Mekenzie! Thanks so much for hosting ladies!!

    Reply
  7. Angela - Postcards from the Ridge says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies. I don’t know how you ever choose from all of the great posts. ~ Angie

    Reply
  8. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    Thanks for the party! And best birthday wishes…

    Reply
  9. Anita says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:29 PM

    Looks like you girls have a lot of fun, but I cannot imagine going through all the great ideas out there! Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  10. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    Wonderful features. I always look forward to checking out as many links as I can. Thanks tons for hosting such a fun party. Also, thanks for including me in your Party Links too. Hugs, marty

    Reply
  11. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    Happy Birthday Mekenzie. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  12. Poppy says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    Wonderful inspiring features! Happy Birthday to Mekenzie:) Thanks for the party ladies!Hugs~Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  13. Natasha in Oz says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Thanks so much for having me today. Hope you have brilliant weekend!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

    Reply
  14. Desire Empire says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    Thanks do much for featuring my daughters new bedroom. I am honoured
    Have a great weekend.
    Carolyn xx

    Reply
  15. Lynn says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:16 PM

    Wonderful features! I love the coffee bean buckets! And Happy Birthday to Mekenzie! Cottage and Creek is all linked up … thanks for hosting this fun party. Off to see the other participants!
    Lynn

    Reply
  16. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:22 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies! Great features!

    Reply
  17. Sue says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    How do I miss some of these features, girls? Oh, I know…. There are so many entries to your popular party that I don’t make it all the way to the end! LOL I HAVE started clicking from the end of the list the past few times! Ah… to have all the time in the world! hugs, Sue

    Reply
  18. decoratewithalittlebit.com says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    Thank you girls for faithfully hosting and letting us play along every week! Little Bit from DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

    Reply
  19. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:34 PM

    Hi ladies, Thanks for hosting each week and the great features. Happy birthday to Mekenzie. She is a beautiful young lady! Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  20. Richella says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Hey Heather and Vanessa! Y’all are such wonderful hostesses. This party is always a good one, and I appreciate the time you put into it. I also appreciate the fact that you feature lots of different kinds of posts. I know the bloggers you feature are grateful!

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  21. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    OMGoodness…those brownies look sooooo yummy!!! Tell the birthday girl…HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  22. debbie refresh restyle says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:55 PM

    Thanks for hosting~love your features!
    Debbie

    Reply
  23. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:58 PM

    Hi lovelies,

    What gorgeous things you’ve picked out to share with us. That last recipe looks yummy!! I love the way the light shines on the sauce – makes me want to gobble it all up!!

    Sarahx

    Reply
  24. Gail says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:13 PM

    Happy Birthday to MeKenzie. She is beautiful!!! Great features this week and thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  25. Debra @ Common Ground says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    brownie bites…brownie bites…brownie bites, sorry I was in the zone for a minute! just linked up, xoxo

    Reply
  26. FABBY'S LIVING says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:47 PM

    Happy birthday Makenzie Leigh, you are a beautiful girl! I can’t believe such beauty is only 12! Thank you for hosting and having me. Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  27. Judy says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:56 PM

    Great features. I have a 2000 baby too. Great year! 🙂 Thanks for hosting. I am usually a one link kinda girl, but I had a bunch to share this week.

    Reply
  28. Something Nice and Pretty says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:19 AM

    Always love to party with you, loved the features that you showed especially the brownie bites!

    ♥Rondell

    Reply
  29. andrea says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:27 AM

    Happy birthday to the little Missy and thanks for hosting! andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  30. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:29 AM

    Always a joy to link up with you!

    XOXO,
    Anne

    Reply
  31. CAS says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    You two always have the best features! Thank you so much for hosting this ever-growing party!
    CAS

    Reply
  32. Katie says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:41 AM

    Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  33. Pattie says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:43 AM

    Thank you for hosting a fun Party have a good weekend

    Pattie

    Reply
  34. Larrisa Hill Designs says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:57 AM

    Always a great party….lots of inspiration and oh so many projects to try. Heather

    Reply
  35. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:59 AM

    I don’t know how you ladies choose because there are way too many great posts!

    Reply
  36. Mary ~ says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:15 AM

    Thanks for hosting the party! Great features, I love Desire Empire’s bedroom, adorable. Happy Bday to Mekenzie!!! Have a great weekend! Mary

    Reply
  37. Betsy Speert says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    What a wonderful idea to have a link party for link parties!!!!
    You guys are smarty pants!!! So glad to have found your blog.

    Reply
  38. Pamela says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:40 AM

    Thanx for hosting gals!

    Reply
  39. Laura says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    Hi-

    Thank you so much for hosting!

    I am participating-#175.

    Enjoyed visiting,

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

    Reply
  40. Kerry Rossow says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    Thank you for hosting, ladies! I loved hearing your behind the scenes!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  41. Just B @ Love Where You Live says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    Thanks, gals, for hosting this always inspiring party each week! Such a fun time. 🙂

    Reply
  42. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting, ladies!

    Reply
  43. Molly says

    January 27, 2012 at 2:00 AM

    Thank you for hosting! I’m off to find some inspiring projects 🙂

    Reply
  44. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    January 27, 2012 at 2:37 AM

    Thank you so much for the feature ladies! It’s an honor to be in such great company. (Sorry I’m late, I’ve been away at a retreat :)). Hugs, Kim

    Reply
  45. Honey at 2805 says

    January 27, 2012 at 2:44 AM

    Yes, great features, great minds! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  46. Stacy Curran says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:00 AM

    I’ve thought before that I do NOT envy your job of choosing from all this wonderfulness! People are amazingly creative…but you already know that! I hope to have SOMETHING to link up soon!
    Stacy

    Reply
  47. Wendi @ Classic Chic Home says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:04 AM

    Thanks for hosting “Inspiration Fridays”! I’m excited to finally be linking up!
    ~ Wendi ~

    Reply
  48. Jann Olson says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:24 AM

    I can see why you girls have such a hard job. There are so many wonderful, creative people out there. Thanks for letting us share a bit of what brings us happiness! Happy birthday to the darling 12 year old!
    Hugs,
    Jann

    Reply
  49. classic • casual • home says

    January 27, 2012 at 4:26 AM

    Wow….so much fun and such diversity!

    Reply
  50. Cherished Bliss says

    January 27, 2012 at 4:42 AM

    Thanks for hosting lovely ladies!!

    Reply
  51. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Happy Birthday to Mekenzie!!!! I’m all linked up~ Thanks for hosting girls!! 🙂

    Reply
  52. Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} says

    January 27, 2012 at 7:28 AM

    thanks for hosting 🙂 love the features!

    Reply
  53. adventuresindinner says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    Awesome table! And that tutu in the window is adorable 🙂

    Reply
  54. Confessions of a Paper-Crafts Chick says

    January 27, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    Here’s the link to the 2nd sponsor above, Gabriella Daisy: https://www.GabriellaDaisy.com

    Reply
  55. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    Ok, the marble run is pure genius! Where was that idea when I had toddlers?!

    Reply
  56. Curtains in My Tree says

    January 27, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    It is so fun to see all the great ideas women & men have. Some of them are amazing Thanks for hosting

    Reply
  57. Dayle says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Looks like a great party today. Can’t wait to dig in. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  58. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    Oh my goodness people are so busy this week…cannot believe all the links you have here. I am going to be busy checking them out!

    I am finally back and had a wonderful time!!! Talk to you soon. Gonna go and check out the mudroom makeover now!

    Reply
  59. Mimi says

    January 27, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    Thanks so much!

    Reply
  60. Mimi says

    January 27, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    I really appreciate you hosting this beautiful party!

    Reply
  61. anangloinquebec says

    January 27, 2012 at 5:28 PM

    Great features! I see a recipe I just might have to try! Once again, a great place for a party!!

    Reply
  62. Gabby says

    January 27, 2012 at 5:29 PM

    Happy Birthday, Mekenzie! Thank you, ladies for the feature on Facebook! I hope y’all have a fantastic weekend. 🙂

    Gabby
    The…Late, Young Family

    Reply
  63. Good Time Charlie says

    January 27, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    Oh the home made marble run! Genius. I think my older kids might actually enjoy this instead of asking “what’s for dinner” 1,000 times while I am actually making it….

    Reply
  64. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    January 27, 2012 at 6:18 PM

    Thanks for hosting. So much to read, happy times.

    Reply
  65. Rob Hunt says

    January 27, 2012 at 6:35 PM

    Thanks for hosting. Lots of blogs to check out.
    Rob

    Reply
  66. janet says

    January 27, 2012 at 6:55 PM

    Hello ladies…happy top be joining you today!

    Thanks for hosting a great party.

    janet xox
    https://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  67. CraftyCupcake13 says

    January 27, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Thanks for hosting! I haven’t linked up in a really long time.. I hope you like the projects I shared.. when I do.. I love coming to your linky parties!! Thanks again!

    XOXOXO,
    Lilli
    Onestopbabygifts.blogspot.com

    Reply
  68. Wendy says

    January 27, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! I always get so much inspiration from all the link ups!

    Reply
  69. Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground says

    January 28, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    Oh, thank you so much for featuring my Cherry-Topped Brownie Bites! What a nice surprise to be reading your post and come across my name and photo!! Thank you for hosting a fabulous party.
    Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground

    Reply
  70. Ashley @ The Latest Find says

    January 28, 2012 at 1:53 AM

    Hi!! I’m a new follower and new to your link party, from The Latest Find! I’m linking up! Love your site! I’m also adding your link party button to my “all the latest parties” page! Thanks for hosting, Happy Valentines Day!! =)

    Reply
  71. Crafty Mischief says

    January 28, 2012 at 2:50 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  72. Crafty Mischief says

    January 28, 2012 at 2:53 AM

    Happy Birthday Mekenzie! And thank you for hosting this week, and every week Vanessa and Heather! :0

    Reply
  73. Nancy's Notes says

    January 28, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    What a party and what a fun blog! I’m thrilled that I found a link to your blog. Happy to be joining in today! Thanks for being such great hostesses!

    Nancy

    Reply
  74. Leslie says

    January 28, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Vanessa and Heather, I always enjoy your blog!! Thanks for hosting again! 🙂
    Blessings,
    Leslie

    Reply
  75. Debbie says

    January 28, 2012 at 4:22 PM

    What a beautiful baby, and what an even more beautiful girl! I say that sincerely, but of course you know that. You have eyes!

    I don’t know how you two get through all the inspiration. I must be the only one in blogland who is constantly looking in the windows and never bringing anything to fruition.

    Maybe I should start a motivational theme for myself. Fruition Friday. Yeah, righhhhht.

    Reply
  76. Red Rose Alley says

    January 28, 2012 at 6:47 PM

    Chocolate and cheeries…two of my favorite things. Those brownie bites look so yummy. The pink bedroom is darling. Have a nice weekend.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

    Reply
  77. https://findingsecrettreasures.blogspot.com says

    January 28, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Fantastic party, Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  78. Mrs. T says

    January 29, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    Thanks for hosting! This is my first time linking up and I will definitely be back next week! Thanks again!

    Reply
  79. Doreen Grace says

    January 29, 2012 at 5:14 PM

    Hi Vanessa & Heather, I think I accidentally linked the same post up twice since my connection was so slow. Can you please delete linky #463? Thanks! Doreen Grace

    Reply
  80. jeremy scott shoes says

    March 6, 2013 at 5:34 PM

    Hi Dear, are you truly visiting this website daily, if so then you will without
    doubt get pleasant know-how.

    Reply
  81. Judy Neinstein says

    June 25, 2014 at 3:44 AM

    Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful &
    it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. My Mudroom – Drop it & Shut the Door! says:
    January 2, 2013 at 7:41 PM

    […] Passionately Perfect, Laurie Anna’s Vintage Home, The Charm of Home Common Ground, At the Picket Fence , French Country Cottage Vintage Gwen, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Delightful Order  The 36th […]

    Reply
  2. Builder grade to Beautiful Chandelier for $21.50! - nellie bellie says:
    March 23, 2013 at 8:04 PM

    […] -The ArtsyGirl Connection–Crafty Blog Stalker–Christina’s Adventures–Stuff & Nonsense- -At the Picket Fence–French Country Cottage–Simple Home Life–The Shabby Nest–504 Main- -Ladybird Lane–Freckled […]

    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

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

Grandma’s Banana Bread

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022
  • Vintage Inspired Hot Cocoa Bar November 21, 2022
  • Autumn Home Decor Tour October 7, 2022
  • Built In Shelving Makeover in Family Room August 31, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Yesterday on the way home from school I had the ra Yesterday on the way home from school I had the radio tuned to my daughter's favorite station and a song that was playing had a line in it that really stood out to me. It made reference to a 'season of the sticks' which I think its safe to say must mean winter. I thought that was such an accurate, albeiet kind of depressing, picture of this time of the year.

While we definitely have more than our fair share of evergreen trees here in Oregon, we also have plenty of trees and bushes that are reduced to sticks during the cold months. But, this morning as I looked out my kitchen window, greedily sipping from my mug of coffee, I marveled at the beauty of the winter sunrise. The sky was all pinks and oranges with frost on the rooftops and a little bit of fog. And, I realized that part of why it was so amazing is because I could see it more clearly through the sticks. The bare branches allowed me a view that I wouldn't be able to see if those same branches were covered in leaves. Being stripped down to almost nothing revealed something magnificent.

We have seasons of the sticks in our lives too, don't we? Times when we feel as though we've been stripped bare and left exposed. It's easy to think that this is a place where all is ugly and dark. And yet, just like the winter sunrise was more visible because of the bare branches, the vulnerability we feel in the winter season of our souls allows us to get a glimpse of beauty that we wouldn't see otherwise. In the lush, warm seasons it's so easy to become comfortable. But in the bare, cold seasons we recognize just how much we need to rely on the One who placed the stars in the heavens and is sovereign over all.

If you feel like your soul has been stripped bare and you've been left exposed and vulnerable, may I encourage you today to ask the Lord to help you to see the beauty in this 'season of the sticks'.

“Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:7
I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?

It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now). 

And I’m choosing gratefulness. 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter! 
#tiptuesday #organizing #winterdecorating
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. H “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Here’s to beginnings. Happy new year friends! May you experience the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in 2023 like never before! ✨
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence