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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

June 24, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 70 from Haven!!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
Hey!! Hey!! Hey!! Welcome to Inspiration Friday!

 We’re at Haven and so excited to be meeting some of you as we type this…and for those who aren’t here with us, we hope you’ll enjoy this little recap of what we’ve been up to so far!

We’ve been blogging our way through Haven!

We wish you all could be here with us and we sure do appreciate you coming by to join in this “Destination” Inspiration Friday party!

We are having an amazing time connecting with some amazing bloggers…both old friends and new!

Yes that’s Julia from Hooked on Houses, Beckie from Infarrantly Creative and “THE” Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick!

and have you been following along with the adventures of Flat Kelly of
Eclectically Vintage on our Facebook Page? She’s having quite the adventure here at Haven with us!

She’s meeting new friends everywhere she goes!

We thought it would be fun to let some of our friends who are here at Haven with us to pick the Features from last week’s party.

They did such a great job we might just have to let them do this more often!
So, we hope you enjoy and we can’t wait to get back and share with you some of our adventures.
picketfence_20010_thumb[18]_thumb[2]
INSPIRED ROOMS

We are SO excited to be here at Haven with our dear friend Ange from The Blooming Hydrangea! We’ve been following Ange since the beginning of her blogging career and it’s a highlight of the conference to be here with her.  Here are Ange’s top Inspired Room picks from Inspiration Friday.
“I consider the Master Bedroom one of the most important rooms of the house and  yet it’s often the most neglected.  You can just imagine how happy I was to see Rasonda from Lake Cottage Dreams Master Bedroom.  The soft color palette mixed with beautiful accessories are fabulous but my favorite part is that Rasonda loves her “cozy retreat” as well!”
“After just finishing up painting my kitchen cabinets last week, I can really appreciate how much time and energy Liz from Naptime Decorator’s put into her kitchen.  It was time and energy well spent, the transformation is amazing, including inspiring projects in her kitchen, like the magnetic chalkboard fridge.  Head on over and check out the before and after pictures, you won’t be sorry!” 

MAKEOVERS

What can we say about our wonderful friend Kari from Thistlewood Farm? A lot actually! But for the sake of time and space we will just say that we are pretty sure she was our other sister in another life and we just adore her! Here is Kari’s makeover pick.
“This room from Sophia’s Decor makes me feel like I am starring in an episode of Mad Men.  From the vintage light fixture, to the incredible moldings, to the bed linens….this is a room that would make even Betty Draper smile.”
 

Vivienne of The V Spot and Vanessa are bonding together at Haven over the fact that they are on West Coast time and needing lots of coffee this weekend! But Viv was able to still pick an awesome link for her makeover pick! She loved this Ballard Designs inspired mirror makeover from
 Between the Rafters.



CRAFTS and CREATIONS

Debbie! Ah…Debbie from Refresh, Restyle…she’s sitting next to us and forcing us to let you all know how amazingly fabulous she is, and that we may or may not have squealed when we saw her! 
Here’s Debbie’s craft and creations picks!

“Beach inspired decor is very popular, but most of us don’t the opportunity to stroll the beaches for driftwood! Craftiments  shares a great DIY Driftwood Tutorial. Being able to create your own is an awesome way to get the look!”
DIY Driftwood Tutorial by Craftiments.com
“Most all our children have had a tricycle at one point or another, but they outgrow them very fast.  What a creative way to recycle, and create a little whimsy in the garden from Sew Incredibly Crazy!
RECIPES AND PARTIES
We asked the beautiful Anna from Ask Anna (a party queen!) whose here with us at Haven to choose a few recipes and parties. Here’s her picks!
“You had me at creamy and coconut but then add the rum, it sounds simply divine!  I will definitely be pinning this Creamy Coconut Cake from Confessions of a Semi-Domesticated Mama for my
 next girls night!”
“This recipe for Peach-Pineapple Salsa from The Kitchen is my Playground sounds so refreshing! I would love to make this during the summer months!”
OUTDOOR LIVING

So, we’re here with Kerry from HouseTalkn and y’all she is as funny in person as she is on her blog and the gorgeous Daune from Cottage in the Oaks, who we adore!  Here’s their top picks from Outdoor Living!
Both gals chose this fabulous link

Kerry said, “Mojito is my drink of choice so I loved this adorable toolbox/planter for mint from
Eclectically Vintage.”

Daune noted,” I love the toolbox planter and Garden Markers created by Eclectically Vintage!  I think it is so fun to reuse something for a totally different purpose than it’s originally intended….it adds so much character to the garden! Now, where’s that old toolbox I saw in our shed last week………”

 
Kerry also chose the following link. 


“I don’t know what it says about me, but I was drawn to a booze post followed by a place to nap post!”


“I have often dreamed of a daybed like this from Somewhat Quirky for my sunroom!”
 
Daune also chose the following fabulous outdoor post:

“What a fabulous transformation!  Entries are so important….it is the first thing that guests see; as well as you when you arrive home.  This new entry from Creatively Living is so well done, festive, and inviting. Love it!”



INSPIRING STORIES


Of course, we couldn’t let them pick all of the Features, now could we??
We have seen mason jars used in a million different ways around blogland, but we thought this was such a meaningful way to use something so simple. Marty of Marty’s Musings created this darling Blessings Jar and she shares more in the post about just how special it has been to record their blessings and be reminded of God’s faithfulness!

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!
This Inspiration Friday post is Sponsored By:

where you can find gorgeous pillow covers like these…
Decorative Pillow Cover - 20

74 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Comments

  1. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    You all look like you are having SUCH FUN!!!!!

    I *adore* that pic of you two hotties in your sunglasses.

    We who are not there are thinking of you!

    Big hugs!

    Reply
  2. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    Of course you are having a FABULOUS time! Wish I was there too!!!

    Reply
  3. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    You ladies look like you are having a blast! So wish I would have went too:-) Have a fabulous weekend!

    Reply
  4. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    It was so much fun meeting y’all last night. It was a blast. They picked some great features. Enjoy the rest of your stay and thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  5. Katie Goldsworthy says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:45 PM

    Thank you so much for the feature!!! Have a fantastic time at Haven!

    –Katie

    Reply
  6. Babs says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    Thanks for sharing all the fun at Haven and for hosting another great party. I’m headed back to check out some of the features from last week. Thanks again, Babs

    Reply
  7. miss flibbertigibbet says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    Oh I’m so envious! Maybe next time! I recognize so many of those faces! Lucky girls!
    Blessings, Lorraine

    Reply
  8. Good Time Charlie says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    How much fun is this link party!!!! You are too much, all of you!! I am so wishing I were there to hang out with this crowd. Have so much fun, can’t wait to hear all about it when you return. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  9. Little Bit says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:00 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls! Sounds like you’re having a great time! Little Bit

    Reply
  10. Sophia's says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Yes, I too adore Kari from Thistewood Farm and I’m flattered she chose my room 🙂 Haven looks like sooo much fun…next year for sure!

    Kristen
    https://sophiasdecor.blogspot.com

    Reply
  11. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Oh my goodness! Great pictures and fun features! I’m loving the little glimpses you’ve been sharing from Haven!!! Thanks so much for hosting! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  12. Laura from Top This Top That says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:29 PM

    I am so thrilled to meet you guys!! Your “friends” did a good job with the picks this week.

    Reply
  13. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    So glad you are having a great time! Wish I was there…hopefully next time!

    Reply
  14. Eclectically Vintage says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    First I see Flat Kelly partying away and then I see my toolbox planter featured!! Double whammy!

    You know Flat Kelly adores mojitos too!

    Thanks Duane & Kerry for choosing us!

    You girls stay out of trouble at Haven!
    Flat Kelly & Kelly

    Reply
  15. Debbie says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    Sounds like you are having a ball! I loved your shout outs and picks for the week.

    Reply
  16. Calypso In The Country says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:58 PM

    Oh, Haven looks like so much fun!! Have a great time – I wish I could have gone! Thanks for taking the time to host again!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  17. RaNaeLuvsEwes says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:00 AM

    Glad you girls are having such a great time thanks for hosting from Haven

    Reply
  18. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:00 AM

    Looks like everyone is having a great time at Haven! Such fun photos to look at! Thanks so much for hosting!!!

    Reply
  19. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    I think Flat Kelly may need to open her very own blog … just saying …

    Looks like you are having a fabulous time and meeting some of my favorite ever bloggers (both of you two ladies included) …

    Now I’m even more motivated to make it to the next conference …

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  20. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:14 AM

    Hi Ladies, Sounds like you are having such a good time! Thanks so much for hosting.

    Reply
  21. Dixie Delights says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:28 AM

    Looks like such a fun time!! I wish I’d known you were in my neck of the woods. Would have loved to meet you girls in real life 🙂 xo

    Reply
  22. Laurel Stephens says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    Looks like you’re having a blast! Thanks for hosting your party while you’re away… at the party!!

    Reply
  23. Stuff and Nonsense says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:34 AM

    i’m kinda jealous here
    but hoping that you both have
    a wonderful time

    thanks for hosting
    and all linked up!

    alison

    Reply
  24. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    I am extra excited to join your party tonight since I had the chance to meet you both in person! What fun! Enjoy Haven and tell us all about it! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  25. Naptime Review says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:50 AM

    New GFC follower. Thanks for hosting this great hop! Love for you to stop by Naptime Review and follow back. I host 3 hops during the week. Love for you to link up sometime. Cute blog! Glad I found you!

    https://naptimeshopper.blogspot.com

    Reply
  26. Rasonda @ Lake Cottage Dreams says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:01 AM

    Oh my gosh!! Thanks so much for featuring my makeover. So glad you are having fun in Haven, I love all the pictures!!!

    Reply
  27. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    I hope you have a fabulous time! I wish I could have attended.

    Thanks for hosting another great party.
    Elizabeth

    Reply
  28. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:28 AM

    Looking forward to more posts from you about Haven. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  29. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    Haven’t had a chance to meet you two yet at Haven but I’m hoping to see you tomorrow. This is like joining a party at a party!

    Reply
  30. Kim @ Too Much Time says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    Hey Ladies!
    Looks like you are having a BLAST! I am so jealous-wish I was there enjoying all the fun. Thanks for hosting:)
    Kim

    Reply
  31. Kirstin says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:49 AM

    Thank you for featuring my DIY Driftwood!

    Reply
  32. Delilah Love says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Coconut Rum Cake this week! What a wonderful surprise to see tonight. You made my whole day 🙂

    Reply
  33. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:03 AM

    Oh getting to see a pic of all of you is so fun. I see two of my dearest friends in the whole world. I am so jealous you are all together. Have fun. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  34. Debra @ Common Ground says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:27 AM

    Hey you fun girls, so glad you were able to attend the conference. love seeing all the pics of our great friends! thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  35. Jen Lossing says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:48 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  36. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    June 22, 2012 at 3:07 AM

    Thanks y’all for hosting from Haven…they did a wonderful job on the features.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  37. Sue says

    June 22, 2012 at 3:34 AM

    It’s always a blast to meet up with blogging friends! Enjoy the rest of your conference. 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  38. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    June 22, 2012 at 4:47 AM

    How I wish I was with you girls! What fun you must be having!

    Reply
  39. Marty Walden says

    June 22, 2012 at 5:10 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Blessing Jar! What a treat! I am also an adoptive mom to 3 siblings and mom to 2 bio kids. I talk a lot about adoption and our journey through trials and blessings and seeing God’s hand through it all. Glad you’re having a fun trip!

    Reply
  40. Amy says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Thank you for featuring my Tricycle Herb Garden!

    Reply
  41. classic • casual • home says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    Thanks for your “field reporting.” Looks like such a worthwhile time.

    Reply
  42. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    Looks like you have a wonderful time! Thanks for taking your time to host 🙂
    Awesome features – as always! Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

    Reply
  43. Laura @ cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot says

    June 22, 2012 at 10:37 AM

    That’s was so much fun (the little tour). The flat Kelly photos crack me up!

    This week I’ve linked up our favorite Sunday night tradition-making popcorn on our backyard fire.

    Thanks for hosting and letting me share,
    Laura

    Reply
  44. Kelly Rowe says

    June 22, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    Thanks for hosting and for sharing some of your Haven fun — sure wish I was there to meet you lovely ladies! Safe travels home this weekend. Hugs!!! xo-Kelly

    Reply
  45. Debbiedoo's says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:15 PM

    Just look at all the fun you girls are having! Wish I was there too. Lovely features. Thanks for the partay! Enjoy the rest of your Haven trip.

    Reply
  46. Wendy says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:11 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Enjoy Haven!

    Reply
  47. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  48. mona says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    thanks for hosting this party..it is my 2nd time linking up…glad I found you..I get to meet some interesting bloggers..
    Mona

    Reply
  49. Jana@Transformations From the Heart says

    June 22, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Thanks for hosting!
    Have a great time at Haven

    Reply
  50. Pamela says

    June 22, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Thanx for hosting gals! Looks like y’all are having lots of fun! I see ya met Kim and Shirley!

    Reply
  51. CAS says

    June 22, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    Looks like everyone is having a great time at Haven. Thanks so much for hosting another great party!
    CAS

    Reply
  52. CAS says

    June 22, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Looks like everyone is having a great time at Haven. Thanks so much for hosting another great party!
    CAS

    Reply
  53. Jessie @ Dream and Differ says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    It looks like you’re having a blast at Haven! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  54. Shelia says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Hello, you two!! I’ve just seen your pretty faces over at Kim’s blog – Savvy Southern Style. I know y’all are having such a great time!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  55. Gabby says

    June 22, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    Sounds like y’all are having an absolute blast! Thanks so much for hosting, ladies!

    Gabby
    The…Late, Young Family

    Reply
  56. Liz - Imageremix says

    June 22, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Wish we were there! Thanks for hosting on the road. It’s much appreciated.
    Liz

    Reply
  57. Crafty Mischief says

    June 23, 2012 at 5:39 AM

    Thanks for a great party! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

    Reply
  58. Christie says

    June 23, 2012 at 1:33 AM

    I have missed you girls! I am DYING over here!! I have been so OUT of it that I missed all the wonderful and exciting things going on at the Picket Fence! WHAT?!! Romantic Homes?!!! Better Home and Gardens! I am so super excited and can hardly contain myself! My husband is here calling me ‘weird’ because I am shouting, “Someone I ‘know’ is in the magazines!!!” Crazy, he thinks! The worst part is that I have been out of blog land and didn’t know and now I don’t have a copy of the March issue. Maybe I can order a back issue?? I am so proud of you two! You have grown a business in such a short time and it is amazing. Don’t know the conference you are at, but sure hope one day I can meet up with you! I can’t seem to get back to any normalcy around here…think I have a bit of ADD, so with my house being turned upside down, i am just all out of sorts!!! Slowly trying to return to my beloved Three Pixie Lane and hope to be linking up once a week! XO, Christie

    Reply
  59. Val says

    June 23, 2012 at 12:00 PM

    Are my eyes seeing right……Inspiration Friday # 70??? Whoa. THAT IS AWESOME. Haven looked like a blast.

    Reply
  60. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    June 23, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    Great meeting you girls at Haven!! Super fun and tons of great info and inspiration! Congrats on party #70!
    xo heidi

    Reply
  61. Leo Windham says

    June 24, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    Just stopped by to tell you how cool I think it is that sisters who live so many miles apart blog together. It was great meeting you at Haven.
    Leo

    Reply
  62. Chase the Star says

    June 24, 2012 at 7:54 AM

    Loving your blogging through Haven! Thanks for that! Also, wanted to say that Flat Kelly rules! Love her! Thanks for hosting!
    Barbara https://chase-thestar.blogspot.com

    Reply
  63. Julia @ Hooked on Houses says

    June 24, 2012 at 3:31 PM

    It was so fun meeting you girls at Haven and learning about your blog! Hope to see you again next year. 🙂

    Reply
  64. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    June 24, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    Oh my gosh…look at all these links! You two are rockin’. Loved seeing your pictures of Haven. You all seemed to have so much fun. What a great experience…I’m hoping to go next year if all goes well. Happy Sunday…Ann

    Reply
  65. Sue at Serendipity says

    June 24, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    Thank you for hosting the link party! I apologize for the double post, I am not sure how it happened.

    Reply
  66. Organizing Made Fun Becky says

    June 25, 2012 at 4:53 AM

    It was so great meeting you two! What a great time I had talking with you late at night at Haven. I feel like we had a great connection and hope to continue being blog friends and seeing what you’re up to!

    Becky B.
    http://www.organizingmadefun.com
    Organizing Made Fun

    Reply
  67. reFresh reStyle says

    June 26, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    I am still squealing inside when I think about you two! I had the most fun at Haven and it was wonderful meeting y’all! Let’s stay an extra day next year so we can giggle more!
    XO,
    Debbie

    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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