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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
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  • 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!

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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
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I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 y I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 years now and every year I ohhhh and ahhhh over the blossoms like it's the first time I've ever seen them. I gush and I take photos (that look exactly like the ones I took the year before and the year before that) and I make my family come outside and look at them with me which you know they just LOVE to do. 😉 I think that is one of the main reasons why I love spring so much. On the one hand, it's predictable and yet, on the other hand, it still feels like such a surprise after the long months of barren branches.

And yesterday, as I was staring at the gorgeous blossoms for the umpteenth time, I couldn't help but think that I hope this is how I feel when our lives return to some semblance of normalcy.

I hope that the predictable feels special and that the typical feels anything but. I hope that I ohhh and ahhh over the simple things I've realized I've taken for granted. And, most of all, I hope that feeling doesn't go away for a very, very long time! 💗
Are you living with great expectation friends? Bec Are you living with great expectation friends? Because He is risen!

Happy Easter from my home to yours!
Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to be a different kind of Easter for sure but some things don’t change. Have you been baking and getting ready for tomorrow? What’s one thing on your menu that you have to have every year?
If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”? It all seems backward doesn’t it?

What could be good about the unspeakable pain he suffered? What could be good about the shame and betrayal?

Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It just feels so much better!

But, I don’t know how to rejoice over His resurrection, unless I have felt the pain of His death. I have realized that in life the sweetest victories are the ones which were realized after a pain-filled journey.

And, so it is with Good Friday. I know there will be victory over death, but I can’t skip ahead in the story.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew what he would experience. And he knew why he would go through it. He did it for me. He did it for you.

Do you know that? Have you felt it down in the very core of your soul? 
Sometimes it makes me squirm a bit. Why would anyone do that for me?

Well, because, I can’t do it for myself!

There is nothing I can do to earn that kind of love and mercy.

That is why it is called GRACE.

His grace is freely given. We don’t have to pay for it. He paid the price for us already.

Do you remember that movie from years ago called “Ransom”? A couple’s young son was kidnapped and the parents went to hell and back trying to find him and pay the “ransom” demanded by the kidnappers.

Well, Jesus is our “ransom”. (1 Timothy 2:6) His life was the payment.

Why is it called “Good Friday”? Because that wasn’t the end of the story….
.
…It was just the beginning!
Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house that’s become the landing zone for ALL THE THINGS! 🙋🏻‍♀️🤪 I’ve never been more thankful for our rarely used dining room table as it’s become command central for school books and laptops and games.

Where are things collecting in your house right now?
“Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every si “Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every single one of these emotions has made their way through our home in recent days and, my guess is, they have in your home too.

I SO needed this reminder today from the new book ‘Adore’ by @sarahagertywrites.

Adoration isn’t just sitting at His feet gazing longingly with stars in my eyes. It’s bringing my fears and my sorrows and gray roots in my hair that desperately needs to be colored and my messy house and all of the things that threaten to send me over the edge right now and laying them down before Him, soaking up His word and His presence so that when I stand back up, I am changed for having spent the time adoring the ONE who is... Healer, comforter, peace-giver, deliverer, redeemer.

What do you need to bring to Him today? I’ll share mine in the comments and I’d love to hear from you too!
I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole lockdown thing began, I’ve come to appreciate this time of day even more.

It feels the most...normal. Daytime is strange and foreign right now. My husband has taken over our home office, I’m suddenly taking over the responsibility of managing my kids’ distance learning and let me just say that teaching 7th grade algebra to my daughter is hugely ironic since I struggled with math all the way through school. I’m trying to do my own work but it feels utterly futile with the constant interruptions which take precedence right now. In the daytime, I’m constantly reminded of how upside down life feels.

But, in the evening, I cook dinner like I’ve always done and we gather around the table like we’ve always done and we laugh and tell stories and then clean up and play games or go on a walk or watch a show. And that feels SO gloriously normal.

So now I love evenings even more than I ever did before and I’m so grateful for this little chunk of time where the rhythms we established years ago are helping to sustain us now when so much of life feels outside of our control.

What feels ‘normal’ to you right now? Whatever it is, keep doing it. 🌿
When I was in college I would frequently call home When I was in college I would frequently call home and pour my heart out to my mom, sharing with her all that was happening in my life in that completely unfiltered way that you can talk with the person who potty trained you. These phone calls usually took place at night and my mom would patiently listen as I vented frustrations about professors, roommates, boyfriends and the food in the cafeteria. And, inevitably, they would end with my mom saying, “Everything seems worse when you’re tired. Try not to overthink things or make any major decisions tonight, especially when you are feeling emotional.” Dear friends, may I pass along this advice to you today?

If you don’t absolutely HAVE to make a decision right now, I want to encourage you to wait until life gets back to normal. If you are finding yourself over-analyzing relationships and family dynamics, I want to encourage you to remember that everything seems more dramatic when looked at under a microscope. And, let’s face it, being homebound with our loved ones non-stop makes us all feel like lab rats in an experiment.

If you are tempted to quit a job, start a business, start homeschooling permanently, stop homeschooling permanently, move to a new city, buy a farm, quit pursuing your dream, join a commune or make any other major life decision just…wait. Because, if it is in fact the right decision, it will be made even clearer once our lives return to their ‘regularly scheduled programming’. Instead, in this strange season, let’s all just take a deep, collective breath and let it out slowly, releasing the anxiety that threatens to overtake us. Let’s help each other maintain some perspective and not slip into a posture of over-thinking every little thing in our lives. Let’s remember that the enemy of our souls would love nothing more than to use this time when things feel dark to manipulate us into thinking that aspects of our lives are worse than they actually are.

My prayer for you in these days is that you will have the clarity to know what is true and that you will be filled with peace even while we live in this season of so many unknowns.
Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking thes Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking these days! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m trying to avoid gaining the #corona15 but my daughter and I LOVE baking together and it does help to pass the time plus it counts as a science lesson right?

If you’re able to find flour in the stores (for the love people please stop overbuying!) and you’re doing more baking at your house too you need to add this apricot bread to your list of new recipes to try!

Normally I’d point you to my blog for the directions but I’m going to do you a solid and leave the full recipe in the comments.

What have you baked so far during this time of social distancing? I’d love some new ideas!
There are a LOT of people out walking in our neigh There are a LOT of people out walking in our neighborhood right now (but still social distancing!) and she decided that she wanted to bring them some joy and put a smile on their face when they pass by our house. Also, the square with ‘say no to coronavirus’ is priceless. 😂 I just love her so much!
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