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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 😉

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

    Reply

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Instagram post 18042969043211010 Raise your hand if these cold, dark mornings have you feeling a bit befuddled. 🙋🏻‍♀️ So far this week I’ve put a sweatshirt on backwards resulting in me getting a really good look at the inside of the hood and today I tried to put sweat pants on without taking my pajamas off first. 😂 #winning.

But, hey, at least I can take comfort in the soft glow of twinkling lights and having my halls decked for Christmas!

Today on the blog I’m sharing the details of my soft and simple mantel decorations and I’d love for you to stop by! ✨
Instagram post 18116596168021683 Happy Saturday friends! Can you believe that tomorrow is December 1?! I think it’s time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our kids or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap.

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
Instagram post 17937591637321018 Have you ever longed to belong?

Have you ever felt like you are on the outside looking in at everyone else who seemingly have it all together?

Are you craving more peace in your heart and your home?

Well, today I’m having a conversation with @drbarbaralowe on her podcast and it could not be more timely with the holiday season now upon us!

You can find the link to it on her page and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it and what resonates with you! ❤️
Instagram post 17903771584388964 Confession...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
Instagram post 17846094718750175 Temperatures are dropping here in the Willamette Valley and I got our hot cocoa station set up just in the nick of time! My kids LOVE this sweet (literally!) spot in our house and my daughter added her own personal touch with the little sign on the wreath. I’ll be happily restocking ingredients over and over throughout the season as my kids and their friends make a pit stop here. We’re definitely ready to cozy up!! Do you have a hot cocoa or coffee station at your house? What are your must-haves for the perfect hot beverage? ☕️🎄
Instagram post 17880974047462626 It’s begun!! 🎄🎄 My best girl LOVES decorating the family room tree (we do a fresh tree in the living room after Thanksgiving) but she does NOT like me to take her picture while she’s doing it (see photo two). Ahhhh...preteens. 😂🤪 I’m just so grateful to have a buddy who is as obsessed with Christmas as I am and who still wants to be apart of it all with me!
Instagram post 17864348974529213 I'm struggling to find the right words on my book proposal for a book that I never thought I would dare to write. The words are in me, I just can't seem to get them onto the page. I'm so passionate about this message even though it is so different from anything I've ever done and might not be considered 'on brand'. And yet it's never been more clear to me that I'm supposed to keep moving forward. It's a message that might not be considered very 'popular' (this ain't a 'pull yourselves up by your bootstraps' kind of message about being a Christ-follower) but it's one that God has placed on my heart and in my very BEING and I have to get it out there.

But at every step of the way I find that the enemy of my soul tries to keep me silent and what should be so simple (writing two paragraphs giving an overview of the book or writing an outline) ends up being paralyzing. He whispers words into my ear that are lies tinged with just enough truth to tempt me to keep silent. “You're first book didn't sell well enough so why should any other publisher take a chance on you? They won't care that it wasn't really your fault." "You write a lot about home decorating so why would you have any authority to talk about scripture?” And that's how satan works...he is masterful in his deception, weaving our fears and insecurity into the lies so that we are much more likely to believe them. And if we believe them, we stop being obedient to the Lord and the callings He places on our lives.

But, I WILL NOT BE HINDERED. “Since the first hour in which goodness came into conflict with evil, it has never ceased to be true in spiritual experience, that Satan hinders us. He checks our importunity, and weakens our faith in order that, if possible, we may miss the blessing. Nor is Satan less vigilant in obstructing Christian effort. There was never a revival of religion without a revival of his opposition. What then? We are not alarmed because Satan hindereth us, for it is a proof that we are on the Lord’s side, and are doing the Lord’s work, and in his strength we shall win the victory, and triumph over our adversary." - Charles Spurgeon
Instagram post 18114202198050565 Happy weekend friends!! This has been one of my favorite kind of days today. The boys went and had some guy time and my daughter and I got some sweet girl time and now we’re all cozied in together at home enjoying just ‘being’. I’m doing some baking and dreaming about this year’s Christmas mantel. This photo is from a few years ago but it’s still one of my all-time favorites!

What’s been the best part of your day today? ❄️
Instagram post 18073546234147166 Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.”.
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When I was a little girl we took a trip to Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO. One of the attractions there is the Marvel Cave. The whole theme park was actually built right around the cave! I will never forget the feeling of descending into the darkness. We had to walk down a steep, narrow path and I could feel the rocky walls beginning to close in on me. From time to time, our guide would even have to call out for us to duck our heads so as not to whack them on rocks that were jutting out. And just when it felt like we had been walking forever; just when it felt the most narrow and the most dark; just when we were starting to get really weary from navigating this path, we turned the corner and found ourselves awestruck as we gazed at this enormous room. Everywhere we looked there were stalactites and stalagmites. Lights had been installed and they reflected off of these formations creating the most beautiful colors on the walls. There were pools of water in a shade of aquamarine I had never seen before and waterfalls flowing from upper levels. That long, winding, damp trek had been so very worth it. The descent into darkness had revealed light…and life!

My prayer for you friends, is that you will look at that narrow path with the small gate as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to experience the kind of freedom that our souls are longing for. The wide and broad path of the world promises us a freedom that is fleeting and temporary. But at the end of the narrow path, there is hope and peace and life everlasting.

I’m choosing the narrow path. And in spite of the hardships, in spite of the challenges and the fears and the times that can feel as dark as the journey down into a cave, I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it.
Instagram post 17859128461559789 I was up half the night with a very sick kiddo so today I’m drinking ALL the coffee and my girl and I are going to hunker down and have a day at home to rest and recover. I absolutely hate it when my kids are sick but if there is a silver lining to it it’s that I get to do all of the fussing and caring and mama-ing that I don’t get to do as much lately now that they are tweens/teens. I’d prefer to not have a vomiting kid, but at least I get a whole day in the middle of the week to pour some extra love out on my favorite girl! And maybe we’ll both get a nap! 😴
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