• 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

February 10, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 51!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1

Welcome, welcome you fabulous party-goers you! 
We don’t know about you, but we are seeing some pretty amazing things going on in blogland right now.
You motivate and inspire us every.single.day!
Before we get to highlighting some of those incredible projects, we wanted to remind you of the tutorial Heather (her sister is pretty proud of her hard work on this by the way!)  wrote about the new way to follow folks in this awesome blogging community.
It will take you through step by step instructions on how to make the most of this wonderful new tool for staying connected with other bloggers.
Click here to read more about Linky Followers.

AND, be sure to come back by on Saturday when we will have an entire post dedicated to featuring all of the fabulous Valentine’s Day Crafts, Projects and Recipes which have been shared at our previous Inspiration Friday parties!




Now, let’s get this party going!
Here are the features from last week.


Jan of Our Adventures in Southern Junkin’ shared with us her incredible “Lightening Bugs in a Jar” fixture which we seriously covet. Yep, don’t be surprised Jan if this goes missing from your porch. 
Just look for the 2 crazy sisters fighting over who gets to keep it!



Janel, of Hating Martha…Imperfection at its best, shared how she transformed her Ikea table into an awesome and unique piece. The mix of industrial with farmhouse is absolutely fantastic!

DSCN2673
 
If you know us at all, you know we love a good party around here! When we saw the Publisher Clearing House Party hosted by Anna from Ask Anna Moseley, we both decided we wanted to be her “in real life” friends so we could attend all of the amazing parties she throws (and because she is pretty awesome too)! Seriously how hysterical and clever is this?!

Guests were asked to dress up like they imagined they’d look if someone showed up at the door with their winning check! This is Anna’s pastor and his wife…check out the babies “hanging” on her legs…what a riot!



Rusty and Redone created this one of a kind Topiary. We just love how much charm and character it has and that she went way out of the box in creating it!

100_6189
 
We “warmed” right up this this yummy looking White Hot Chocolate shared with us by Hollie of The Seven Year Cottage! A perfect drink for a cold winter evening!

White Hot Chocolate, Hot Chocolate, White Hot Cocoa, Milk, Half & Half, Vanilla, Sugar, White Chocolate Chips, Whipped Cream, Winter, Cold Weather, Hot Drink, Warm Beverage
So how many of you have already admired this fabulous Faux Capiz Chandelier, from Kelli at A Happy Place Called Home, that’s a West Elm Knock Off?  Yep she’s pretty amazing! Kelli possess such talent and tenacity and generously shares her step by step tutorial with, so you can make one for yourself.


Jamie from The Creative Imperative’s creativity shined through when she shared her Slipcovered Ruffle Purse Makeover.  People, she slipcovered a purse!! How ingenious is that!? It turned out so adorable…we are wondering what Jamie plans on slipcovering next?!

and last we wanted to remind you about this fabulous opportunity to be a blessing to children who otherwise have not been shown much love in their lives. Susan from My Place To Yours brought to our attention a project full of love and hope and shares an easy way for YOU to show love to others during the Valentine’s season.  Please take a moment to read our post or  visit Hope Unlimited  and if you decide to participate in this project we’d love you to grab the button below designed by Vicki of Curly Willow Collections.

 
The talented Vicki has made it even easier for you to join us by creating a FREE downloadable card that you can print off and personalize.  Thank you Vicki!

And 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!

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

Are you following us on the new Linky Followers?

Join us by clicking on the “Follow Me” on our sidebar! Visit our Linky Followers introduction post and our Linky Followers Tutorial for more information!

This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:

Ambivalent Relics 
  where you can find vintage repurposed and steampunk jewelry!

 

65 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Make Your Own Tiered Tray Tutorial
Next Post: Valentine’s Day Features! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Desire Empire says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    Thanks for all your effort promoting linky followers and for your great party each week
    Carolyn xx

    Reply
  2. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    I’m following on Linky Followers! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  3. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Thank you ladies for hosting the party…y’all have some awesome features this week.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  4. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Finally on time! I just sent my husband on errands by himself to make it to your party! He is so happy! The babies on the pastors wife’s leg cracked me up! Can’t wait to check it out! Thank you for hosting! Love, Me

    Reply
  5. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    Hi Ladies! Thanks for hosting! I can’t seem to get to any of the featured sites today… Help?

    Reply
  6. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    Thanks for all the Linky info. I added my several days ago. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  7. Richella says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather! Hope y’all are doing well. I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things around here–I managed to make a new pillow, so I’m sharing that. Now if I could just manage to get my kitchen cleaned up. Hmmm. That’s not nearly so much fun! 🙂

    Thank you so much for hosting. I appreciate y’all.

    Reply
  8. Honey at 2805 says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    Great features! I need to check out the topiary and the Heather Brown party must have been a hoot! Thank you for hosting, ladies and thank you for linking to Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  9. Lynn says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    Glad to be partying with you again this week. I can’t wait to check out your special features. Lots of great inspiration. And I’ll be back for your Valentine’s party – wahoo! Thanks for hosting and have a lovely weekend.
    Lynn at Cottage and Creek
    Email: Lynn@nsytes.com
    http://www.cottageandcreek.com

    Reply
  10. Anita says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:43 PM

    Looks like lots of great ideas again! Thanks for stopping by my niece’s blog, I really appreciate that!! Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  11. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:44 PM

    Love the features! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  12. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:54 PM

    Hello, Thank you for hosting this lovely party. You’ve chosen some great features! I have steered several to your Linky Follow 101 – thanks for the well written post,
    Kathy

    Reply
  13. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    What great feautures! Thanks so much for hosting each week! Enjoy your weekend!!

    Reply
  14. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    February 9, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    Super features. That party idea is hilarious. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  15. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    February 9, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    Great features! Thanks so much for hosting, ladies! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  16. Poppy says

    February 9, 2012 at 10:14 PM

    Thanks for hosting this great party for us each week! Have a wonderful weekend!Hugs~Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  17. Curtains in My Tree says

    February 9, 2012 at 10:22 PM

    Thanks for hosting and I have been reading up on the Linky followers thing , Thanks again

    Reply
  18. Anna says

    February 9, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    Woo-hoo! #1 Thanks for the feature! 🙂 #2 I just noticed your Haven button! I can’t wait to meet you girls!!! Becky of OMF and I have a room reserved if you’d like to join us. 🙂

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  19. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    February 9, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls!!

    Reply
  20. ✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life says

    February 9, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    Super features! Thanks for hosting. 🙂

    Dee

    Reply
  21. Becca says

    February 9, 2012 at 11:11 PM

    LOL … what a fabulous (and hysterical) party idea! Love the other features, too. And, thanks, sweet friends, for hosting such a great par-tay! I’m off to be inpsired. xoxo

    Reply
  22. andrea says

    February 9, 2012 at 11:15 PM

    Hi, I signed myself on as a LINKY follower and linked up! Thanks for hosting! andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  23. Laurel@chippingwithcharm says

    February 9, 2012 at 11:19 PM

    Hi ladies! All linked up. Thanks for hosting…and thanks for the tips on Linky Followers. One of these days I need to read up on that…soon I hope 🙂 Laurel

    Reply
  24. Janel@hatingmartha says

    February 9, 2012 at 11:26 PM

    Thanks for the feature! Already a Linky follower…thank goodness!

    Reply
  25. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    February 9, 2012 at 11:28 PM

    Thanks LOTS for hosting this AWESOME party!! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  26. Jan@southernjunkin' says

    February 10, 2012 at 12:54 AM

    Thank you for featuring my Jars of Lighting! I am so happy and so honored!! Thanks for hosting the party too! I have many to visit tonight!! I’m a friend through LINKY!

    Reply
  27. Anne says

    February 10, 2012 at 12:57 AM

    Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  28. Audra @ Once a Mom Always a Cook says

    February 10, 2012 at 1:13 AM

    Thank you for hosting! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

    Reply
  29. CAS says

    February 10, 2012 at 1:13 AM

    Oh, you girls are just so inspiring & these parties just keep getting bigger and better! Thanks so much for hosting!
    CAS

    Reply
  30. Sue says

    February 10, 2012 at 1:35 AM

    Always so darn much fun to come over here, girls! Lots of inspiration from you AND the party-goers. hugs, Sue

    Reply
  31. Debra @ Common Ground says

    February 10, 2012 at 1:38 AM

    I’m so so laughing over the babies strapped to the legs!!! How funny!!Great features, just linked up! xoxo

    Reply
  32. Molly says

    February 10, 2012 at 1:52 AM

    Thanks for the party! I’m loving the Publishers Clearing house pic, too funny!

    Reply
  33. Martha says

    February 10, 2012 at 1:56 AM

    following with the Linky, thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  34. Ruby Jean says

    February 10, 2012 at 1:59 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting ladies… I just linked up “Bumble My Bee” have a Blessed rest of the week!!!

    Reply
  35. Little Bit says

    February 10, 2012 at 2:26 AM

    Girls- Thank you for hosting. I’m always amazed at all the good stuff here. And I’m enjoying following you on facebook too! Little Bit from DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

    Reply
  36. Mary Ellen says

    February 10, 2012 at 2:28 AM

    thank you for the party again this week!

    Reply
  37. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    February 10, 2012 at 2:31 AM

    Hi Ladies, Thanks for hosting each week. xo,Sherry

    Reply
  38. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    February 10, 2012 at 2:35 AM

    Always enjoying seeing the features of last week and linking to your party..i love looking at the vast array of such creative people!…

    Reply
  39. Reannah @ {Shaped by Grace} says

    February 10, 2012 at 2:52 AM

    Oh my goodness! Great features! That Publisher’s Clearing House party is HILARIOUS!! 🙂 Thanks for hosting! I just linked up! Have a great weekend! xo, Reannah

    Reply
  40. Kerry Rossow says

    February 10, 2012 at 3:08 AM

    Wowza- great features! I love the ruffle purse!
    Thank you so much for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  41. Revi says

    February 10, 2012 at 3:15 AM

    Hi there, and THANK YOU for hosting a great party!
    -Revi

    Reply
  42. Graces Goodies says

    February 10, 2012 at 3:17 AM

    Loving the features this week! It’s been a while since I’ve linked up. So glad to be back!

    Bianca

    Reply
  43. Mrs. T says

    February 10, 2012 at 3:18 AM

    Thanks for hosting!!!!!!!

    Reply
  44. Abbie says

    February 10, 2012 at 4:16 AM

    Hey Ladies!

    Thanks for hosting!

    I linked up my favorite new project–my painted polka dot stenciled washing machine! (#239)

    ~Abbie

    Reply
  45. Peggy~PJH Designs says

    February 10, 2012 at 5:15 AM

    Love the features this week and thanks so much for hosting I know how much work it entails.

    Reply
  46. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    February 9, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    Hey there girls!! Fantastic features this week~ I’m all linked up!! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  47. Sarah | Coffee & Cabernet says

    February 10, 2012 at 11:12 AM

    I’m a new follower and so happy to be!! I hope you’ll take a peek at my son’s fun Valentine — free printable, too! Have an awesome weekend and thanks for the great link-up. Best!

    Reply
  48. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage says

    February 10, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    Thank you for featuring my white hot chocolate recipe!

    Reply
  49. ImSoVintage says

    February 10, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    Thanks for hosting. Happy to be a part of your party this week.
    Laura

    Reply
  50. Stuff and Nonsense says

    February 10, 2012 at 1:50 PM

    that Publisher’s Clearing House party
    cracks me up

    all linked up sistas!

    alison

    Reply
  51. Reba and Eldarose, sisters, friends and co-bloggers says

    February 10, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    Thanks for hosting.

    I am sorry to be such an incompetent, but I am not sure who else to ask. I took your advice and signed up for linky follower to follow your blog last week, and it seemed to take, bc it showed our blog (RE-inventedstyle) as following your blog on linky follower on your site. But, I never got an email regarding our account from linky follower to allow me to add the widget to my blog. I left a comment asking for help on linky follower for Brent bc he indicates that is the best way to get a hold of him for problems, but got no reply. I tried to register again, but it won’t let me use the same email acct bc it says I am registered. I asked it to send me the password and got no email. I have checked my spam folder and nothing is there from linky follower. I sent a second comment/request for help to Brent and still haven’t gotten a reply. I am so lost why I am having such a problem using this service. I have an aol acct that I share with my sister for all our blog stuff. I don’t really want to start a new email acct just to register to use this one service, but I cannot figure out the problem on my own. Do you have a suggestion what I should do? Any help would be appreciated. I would love to participate in all the blog hops to use the new service, but I can’t until I fix this problem.

    Eldarose from https://RE-inventedstyle.blogspot.com

    Reply
  52. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    February 10, 2012 at 3:19 PM

    Thanks for hosing. Lots to see.

    Reply
  53. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    February 10, 2012 at 3:26 PM

    Thanks for being the hostess with the mostess
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  54. Cristina @ RemodelandolaCasa.com says

    February 10, 2012 at 3:38 PM

    Hi Girls! Thanks for hosting! Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  55. Dawn @ Redbird Cottage Art says

    February 10, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    Love that porch light!

    Reply
  56. Ceekay- Thinkin of Home says

    February 10, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    Hi…I joined in to the big party!! Have a great weekend and thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  57. Robin @ Happily Home, After says

    February 10, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    Hi Ladies … Such an inspiring party this week! That West Elm knock-off chandy by Kelli might have to be my next project in my dining room. In the meantime I’m sharing a restyling from my dining room this week and don’t you agree that Kelli’s chandy would look great with my bachelors chest? Thanks so much for hosting. Make this a lovely weekend all.

    Robin
    happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com

    Reply
  58. The Hell on Heels Housewife says

    February 10, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    Thank you for hosting…so many amazing projects already! My head is spinning…what to try first???

    Reply
  59. Jennifer @ Jennifer Cooks says

    February 10, 2012 at 8:31 PM

    Today I’m linking up my Grilled Smashed Potatoes and 2-ingredient Pumpkin Cake.

    Drop by Fusion Fridays at jennifercooks.com each Friday and link up your goodies! {Open thru Wednesday}

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  60. Shannon says

    February 10, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring my little rose ball topiary! I am honored! Love checking out the other projects~thanks for hosting this~

    Reply
  61. Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents says

    February 10, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    Hi Girls! Thanks so much for hosting this fun event ~ I’ve just linked up! Happy VDAY on Tuesday!

    Reply
  62. Calypso In The Country says

    February 10, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Thanks for hosting today!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  63. Natasha in Oz says

    February 11, 2012 at 4:50 AM

    Thanks so much for having me today. Hope you have have a wonderful Valentine’s week!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha. xo

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Sugar High Valentine Party says:
    January 8, 2013 at 4:55 AM

    […] Southern Style, Blue Cricket Design  Passionately Perfect, French Country Cottage  At the Picket Fence , Between Naps on the Porch  Too Much Time on My Hands , Funky Junk […]

    Reply
  2. Sopapilla Cheesecake | Amanda Jane Brown says:
    February 11, 2013 at 8:21 AM

    […] Addicts (Not So) Anonymous Link Party Weekend Bloggy Reading Shine on Fridays Stuff and Nonsense At the Picket Fence Tidy Mom Full Plate Thursday Mom on Timeout Chatty Chics Uncommonly Yours Tempt My Tummy Tuesday […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Anne 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

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!
Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (exce Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (except for in stories) because I was soaking up the sunshine and time with my family in San Antonio for spring break. One of our favorite activities was a bike tour of the missions and I found myself obsessed with all of the beautiful architecture, especially the doors. What is it about doors that is so fascinating? Is it knowing that these were so lovingly hand carved? Is it thinking about how many people have crossed through them? Whatever it is, I couldn’t get enough of them and had to stop and admire each one. 

I hope you are having a wonderful kickoff to spring too dear friends! 🌸
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence