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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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    • Featured

June 8, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 68!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
Hey, hey party people!
It is time for another week of inspiration and just when we think we have seen it all, you guys go and share even more amazingly creative projects, ideas, craft and recipes. 
And you inspire us with your stories of family, faith and life.
It’s like one stop shopping here at Inspiration Friday!
And speaking of inspiration, we are thrilled to be welcoming 2 new Sponsors to the Fence!

Melissa's Cuisine


Melissa of Melissa’s Cuisine shares amazingly yummy recipes on her site and we already have a long list of ones we are definitely going to be trying. Like this one for Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothies!
Linda and Carol of Two Succulent Sisters are going to be helping us make the most out of our Summer months with some fun tips and ideas! 
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Even something as simple as picking blueberries is made special when you are with the ones you love!
Blueberries
Allrighty then! Let’s get to some features from last week’s party, shall we?

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INSPIRED ROOMS

Becca from Adventures in Decorating shared with us how she transformed the Sunroom in her parent’s home. The new space is just gorgeous and reflects the incredible ocean-front location!

And, speaking of beautiful Sunrooms, Kerry from HouseTalkn shared her own with us and it is one incredible makeover. We are loving the pops of color and this ironing board bar! We wouldn’t even mind ironing so much if we could make ourselves a cocktail first!
Erin from Lavender and Lemon Drops created this incredible FAUX brick wall.
It’s faux people! Amazing!  
MAKEOVERS
 Check out this darling Tin Buckets Makeover from Andrea of Queen B and Me! Aren’t they adorable! We can think of some many uses for them.
Jacqueline from My Simple Home Life made over and old worn out table and now it pops with fresh modern color and design! 
Tammy from One More Time to Celebrate created this Tea Light Candle Centerpiece from leftover scraps from their raised garden bed project! She gives a step by step tutorial on her blog…and she’s going to send me one…hint. hint. 😉 
CRAFTS and CREATIONS

Mary from At Home on the Bay showed us how to make this incredible French “Linen” Headboard and she shares a wonderful tutorial on how she created this beautiful piece.

Amy from While Wearing Heels showed us how she created this fun and charming “Timeless Clock” to help commemorate a special occasion or event.
Jill of Sew a Fine Seam created a DIY Camera Strap from a drop cloth! LOVE it, Want it! 
RECIPES and PARTIES

Homespun with Love shared with us the recipe for these yummy Tart Cherry Coconut Popsicles. Cherry and coconut? Yes please!

Seriously. Only Audrey from Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats could come up with these! She hosted a Goonies (um bringing back memories anyone??) Party for her son and made…ready for it…Sloth Cake Pops! We’re dyin’ if were lyin’…Hey You Guys…go check them out! 😉 
 
We loved The Help! We loved Minnie and we love Chocolate Pie. Amanda from My Heart’s Desire shares the Minnie’s Chocolate Pie recipe (minus an ingredient…thank goodness!) from The Help.  Yum!
OUTDOOR LIVING

Laura from Top This Top That created this frugal but oh so luxurious looking Low Cost Outdoor Cabana.  This is something anyone could replicate…we’ll be over in a little bit Laura, with a book and a cocktail, to enjoy your cabana!

Our friend Karen of Redoux is the Queen of Junk…and in this case that is a TOTAL COMPLIMENT! Take a peek at this amazing outdoor room she created from…well…junk! She takes Dumpster Diving Diva to a whole new level.

INSPIRATIONAL POSTS AND STORIES

We LOVE to hear about bloggers getting the recognition for their talents that they deserve.  It makes us happy to know that the “design world”  is standing up and taking notice of the talent that is out there in the “real world”, Christy from eleven Magnolia Lane is no exception.  Her kitchen will be featured in an upcoming edition of BHG Real-Life Kitchens and Baths.  Here’s the play by play of her photo shoot…and she wasn’t even there to experience it! Check out the post!

Our friend Sheri from The Simasek-Kibler Project asked the question, “Can I still get into heaven if I can’t make biscuits?” and you are just going to have to go over and read her post to find out 
how she discovered the answer!

If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located 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!
Are you following us on
Pinterest
We sure hope so! BUT…We have a SPECIAL REQUEST of you, if you visit INSPIRATION FRIDAY and like to PIN the great projects you see here! Please pin from the ORIGINAL SOURCE and not our blog…unless it’s one of our own creations, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉
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:

vif187Fridays Unfolded
Photobucket
Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s some instructions for Inspiration Friday
  • 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  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! (MANDATORY to be featured At The Picket Fence) 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 feel good knowing others are visiting people as well! Thank you..it truly means a lot to us
And while it’s not a requirement, we’d sure love ya to be following along with us in some capacity! Below are some great options!

Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest


This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:

BlueMing Deals

visit our BlueMing Deals review and enter to win a Amazon Gift Card! 

59 Comments Filed Under: Good Ideas, Inspiration Friday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    Wow, what fabulous features. Funny how we both do these parties and can get so many different projects linked. Amazing talent out there. Must check out that smoothie.

    Reply
  2. Cherished Bliss says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    Thanks for the party ladies!

    Reply
  3. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:37 PM

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

    Reply
  4. How to Nest for Less says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    Happy (almost) Friday to you girls! Hope you have a wonderful weekend and thanks for hosting again!

    Reply
  5. Little Bit says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    Thank you for hosting, and featuring so many great links! Little Bit

    Reply
  6. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    Amazing features!! Thank you so much for hosting :)Happy Friday!
    Greetings from Australia♥
    ~Pernilla

    Reply
  7. Becca says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Wow! So many beautiful projects, I canNOT wait to check them out!
    Thanks for hosting gals!
    xo Becca

    Reply
  8. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    Thanks for hosting. This week for me was one of facilitating – making sure that the spaces were available for the ‘guys’ to do some serious upgrading for us. Hot water tank replaced, furnace replaced and, because of the heat, a heat pump (heat/air) was also installed. Shouldn’t have to do this again for a very long time. This is a bit different from ‘pretty and fresh and lovely’ but is the ‘bones essentials’.

    Reply
  9. Laura from Top This Top That says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    Hey Guys- how awesome of you to feature my cabana that if my kids leave me alone for a few mins I can sit in!! Happy Friday to you both!
    Laura

    Reply
  10. FABBY'S LIVING says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    Great features! Thank you for hosting and having me again this week! Have a terrific weekend.
    FABBY

    Reply
  11. Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    Wonderful features you picked ~ goodness, that sweet ironing board and the faux brick wall are really doing it for me! Thanks for hosting ~ I’ve just linked up.

    Hope to see you tomorrow at my WEDDING BLOG PARTY ~ there will be a little bridal giveaway, too!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie

    Reply
  12. Mary @ At Home on the Bay says

    June 7, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Thank you for featuring the DIY Linen Headboard. I’m so excited to be mentioned along with all these fantastic and wonderful features. Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend!

    All the best,
    Mary

    Reply
  13. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    June 7, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Cool features, guys. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  14. Kristin says

    June 7, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    Thank you ladies so much for featuring our Cherry Coconut Popsicle’s in your line up! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Paula says

    June 7, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    Great features! I’d like to have a piece of that pie right now. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  16. Eclectically Vintage says

    June 7, 2012 at 9:34 PM

    Hi Gals
    Love that name – 2 succulent sisters!!

    Would you believe I just scored 2 vintage ironing boards this past weekend – one wood and one metal!! Love that blue cocktail table version – in my opinion, that’s the only thing an ironing board should be used for!
    Kelly

    Reply
  17. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    June 7, 2012 at 9:37 PM

    LOL! The Chocolate Pie…I L.O.V.E.D. that book and movie, too! Awesome features as always! Thanks for hosting and I’ll try to send you some of our warm weather this weekend!?!? 🙂 XO, Aimee

    Reply
  18. Debra @ Common Ground says

    June 7, 2012 at 9:53 PM

    Totally love that great clock, AND chocolate pie! thanks for having me! xoxo

    Reply
  19. suzyq says

    June 7, 2012 at 10:01 PM

    Absolutely amazing features – love all of them!!!
    Thanks so much for hosting – off to browse, yay!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  20. Laurel Stephens says

    June 7, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    I had to put this comment on hold while I pinned a bunch of your features. They’re terrific! Thanks so much for hosting your pinsperational parties!

    Reply
  21. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    June 7, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    That clock is adorable!! Thanks so much for hosting, ladies!

    Reply
  22. pam {simple details} says

    June 7, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    Thanks again, ladies! Lots of fabulous projects, week after week, after week, after week, after week… 🙂

    Reply
  23. Good Time Charlie says

    June 7, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    Thank you so much for the love you two! I feel honored to be included in some of these amazing projects. I am loving that Queen B too. She is so talented!

    Reply
  24. Liz - Imageremix says

    June 7, 2012 at 11:39 PM

    So pleased to be able to be at the party. Thank you so much for taking the time required to host.
    Liz

    Reply
  25. Debbiedoo's says

    June 8, 2012 at 12:15 AM

    Thanks for hosting gals. Have a great weekend. Not sure where these weeks are flying by!

    Reply
  26. Jill Elaine says

    June 8, 2012 at 12:21 AM

    🙂 I am just giddy at being featured! Thank you SO SO much! I can make you a camera strap if you want – I’ve already had orders for 4 of them! one shipped, one ready to ship, one waiting on a different color ribbon to get here, and one waiting on measurements! Never dreamed it would be such a big hit!
    Blessings on your weekend!

    Reply
  27. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    June 8, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    Happy almost Friday!! Thanks soo much for hosting. You girls are the best. =)

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  28. reFresh reStyle says

    June 8, 2012 at 1:19 AM

    I hope you two have a wonderful weekend 🙂 See you soon at Haven! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  29. Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says

    June 8, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    Thank you so much for the great party!

    Reply
  30. Carla Aston says

    June 8, 2012 at 1:40 AM

    Those popsicles and the smoothie look so yummy. I need something frozen to eat!

    Reply
  31. Stuff and Nonsense says

    June 8, 2012 at 2:39 AM

    well
    we had a few in common
    this week girls

    but with all the creative juice
    flowing out there
    it’s bound to happen sometimes

    all linked up
    and thanks for hosting

    that linen headboard is amazing!

    alison

    Reply
  32. Kristi says

    June 8, 2012 at 2:56 AM

    Best party ever!! Thanks for hosting!! You know I linked up my Heather-inspired island!! 🙂 And thanks bunches for stopping by, Heather!! 🙂

    {HUGS},
    kristi

    Reply
  33. Amanda says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    Oh my goodness, I came to link up and just about fainted seeing my pie featured! Thank you so much!! Really appreciate it.
    Amanda

    Reply
  34. CAS says

    June 8, 2012 at 3:43 AM

    Oh, you two, it’s another fantastic party! Ya’ll are such a mighty duo!
    CAS

    Reply
  35. Scribbler says

    June 7, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Wonderful features! I don’t know if I will ever eat chocolate pie again, but that does look good!

    Thank you for hosting.

    Reply
  36. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    June 8, 2012 at 4:26 AM

    You guys have the best features! I want to go take a look at ALL of them! Thanks for the party!

    Reply
  37. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    June 7, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Awesome features girls! I had a hard time getting your blog to load today but it finally did and so I am all linked up!! Thanks for hosting!! 🙂

    Reply
  38. Natural Mothers Network says

    June 8, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    Thanks for hosting -) I added a post on natural topical antibiotics, there are four which I’ve found for many minor infections work brilliantly well, saving a trip to the pharmacy! A recipe post on a popsicle and a sensational jam, neither include added processed sugar and both taste delicious! Have a wonderful week! Rebecca @ Natural Mothers Network ( Seasonal Celebration Sunday) x

    Reply
  39. Laura @ cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot says

    June 8, 2012 at 10:30 AM

    Ok gals, I’m really excited about my link this week- colorblocking with flowers. Thanks for hosting so that I can share it.

    I appreciate it,
    Laura

    Reply
  40. Lee Caroline says

    June 8, 2012 at 11:22 AM

    Thanks for the party and allowing us to link up. The smoothie looks yummy, and also the chocolate pie.

    Lee ☺

    Reply
  41. Debbie says

    June 8, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    I’m here this week. Nothing like being so late to a party that you’re over in the 200 zone.
    Still wanted to share so I did.

    Now I need to look at your highlights and visit around and realize what a lame crafter I am.

    Reply
  42. Laurel@chippingwithcharm says

    June 8, 2012 at 12:18 PM

    LOVE-ly features!!! Can’t wait to peek around this week 🙂 Thanks for hosting!! Laurel

    Reply
  43. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage says

    June 8, 2012 at 12:42 PM

    Thank you for hosting, have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  44. Kelly Rowe says

    June 8, 2012 at 2:16 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting, ladies!! 🙂 Have a blessed weekend. Hugs.

    Reply
  45. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    June 8, 2012 at 2:30 PM

    Thanks for the party! Loving these features – that sunroom is like a scene from a movie – so dreamy!

    Reply
  46. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    June 8, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    Love these features, I’ll have to try this version of Minnie’s pie:)

    Jessica
    stayathomeista.com

    Reply
  47. Christy says

    June 8, 2012 at 4:09 PM

    Thanks for the shout-out, girls! I read all about Heather’s BHG shoot as I was mentally preparing for mine, and that was one of the reasons I decided to do a post on how it all went (even though I wasn’t there!). As always, I’m amazed by the talent out there and humbled to be included with such creative minds!
    Christy @ 11MagnoliaLane

    Reply
  48. classic • casual • home says

    June 8, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    I am always impressed each week by all the talent!!!

    Reply
  49. Budget Design Girl says

    June 8, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    Such great inspiration this week! I love the camera strap and the fun clock! Thanks for hosting!!

    xo-Lisa

    Reply
  50. Mary Sullivan Frasier says

    June 8, 2012 at 7:02 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting, ladies! Have an awesome weekend!

    Reply
  51. Market Nine home says

    June 8, 2012 at 7:27 PM

    Thanks for hosting a great party. This is my first time to link up; I found out about it at Common Ground. Great site! ~Kristie

    Reply
  52. Mona says

    June 9, 2012 at 12:58 AM

    thanks for hosting…this is my first time joining the party and now I am your newest follower……thanks again..

    Mona

    Reply
  53. Meegan says

    June 9, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    Thanks for hosting and sharing some amazing features!
    I LOVE the blue table, the little buckets and the cabana!! So fun! Love the eye candy 🙂
    Make it a great week!
    Meegan
    What Meegan Makes

    Reply
  54. Debra Anne of The GIPSY in the PARLOUR says

    June 9, 2012 at 1:39 PM

    thank-you for hosting! on my way to check out some of the other participants… so much inspiration here 😉

    https://www.thegipsyintheparlour.com/2012/06/spearmint-tea-for-two.html

    Reply

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“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
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