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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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January 16, 2019

What I Learned From the Fumes

“I want to ride a snowmobile,” he said to me on the phone one day before Christmas. “It’s one of the things I’ve had on my bucket list and I’m afraid if I don’t do it now I’ll never get the chance.” My dad has always been the one who creates opportunities for his family to have adventures together. Kayaking, riding ATV’s in the desert, horseback riding, going off the beaten path (like WAY off the beaten path); these are the things that give him joy especially when he gets to experience it with his favorite people.

So, after Christmas, we all made the trek up to Mt. Hood and the snowmobiling excursion that awaited us. My sweet husband, knowing how rarely I get to do ‘non-mom-ish’ type of activities, offered to have me go instead of him since there were only enough snowmobiles for 4 of us with the two kids needing to ride with adults. After our guide got all of the snowmobiles lined up in a row and gave us a safety lesson, it was time for us to hop on and head into the snow-covered forest. My 15 year old son got on the back, all the while bemoaning the fact that he was a few months shy of getting to drive one by himself, and I got settled into the driver’s seat.

We started off down the path as the snow began to gently fall and even though we have been snowmobiling before as a family, getting to check this one of my dad’s bucket list made it feel like a brand new experience for all of us.

It didn’t take long, though, before I began to notice something different about this particular trip. Being last in the line of snowmobiles put me at a bit of a disadvantage. Basically, we were getting all of the fumes coming from everyone in front of us. It was not pleasant. Here we were gliding over the snow-covered hills at the base of a majestic mountain all the while choking on exhaust.

So, I did the only thing I could do. I hung back a bit from the group. I didn’t let them get out of my sight but I slowed down enough to allow me and my son to breathe in some fresh, non-exhaust filled air.

But, feeling keenly aware of how easily I could get separated from everyone else, I hurried to catch back up again. And, sure enough, those fumes began to overwhelm us once more. So, there we were, going back and forth between slowing down and speeding up and as I continued to gauge how close we could get to the other crafts before we were overwhelmed once more by the odor, I realized that I was going to have to make a choice about how to handle this dilemma for the next hour and a half of our adventure.

As I drove on, grateful for the built-in heaters on the hand grips, I also realized something else. The constant tension of trying to keep up with everyone else only to get close and begin choking on their fumes was very similar to how I’ve been feeling in my life.

I look ahead at the people in front of me, happily going along the path and I want to be with them. That is seemingly the ‘right’ line to be in. And yet, whenever I get close enough to feel like I’m apart of things, I’m still in last place and choking on their fumes. But, when I hold back a bit, I find myself feeling left out and alone.

For the past year, I just haven’t quite known where I fit in in this great big blog-o-sphere. You see, I’m no longer as easily defined by one genre. With an emphasis on sharing both ideas for your home and inspiration for your heart, most often I find myself being neither here nor there. I write about my faith, but since I don’t write exclusively about my faith I am not fully immersed in the ‘faith-based writer’ community. I share about decorating and other home-related topics but since I don’t share exclusively about those things and since, these days, the thought of doing more craft-y things makes my skin crawl, I don’t really fit in with the ‘home’ blogging crowd.

This has often left me feeling isolated and yes…even lonely.

And the same feeling that began to well up in me as the distance between my snowmobile and the ones in front of me grew longer, is one I experience in my professional life too. This feeling of seeing everyone ahead of me, the space between me and them growing bigger and bigger and I don’t know how to catch up. I’m not even sure I really want to.

But, as we drove on, I felt another feeling began to develop. As I slowed down to get away from the fumes, I realized that I was being given the opportunity to experience something different from everyone else in the group. I was able to truly soak in the beauty of my surroundings. My view was unobstructed and my son and I began to notice more of the details. There was the snowman that someone built down a side path which put a smile on our faces. There were the branches on the trees literally bending in half from the weight of the snow. And the paw prints from some small creature out foraging for food.

I began to see all of the benefits of being the last in line. For one thing, it gave us the chance to speed up now and then and, let’s face it, snowmobiles are a lot more fun when they’re going fast.

And I realized that it was exactly where I belonged. It was ok to have pulled back a bit from the group. To go at my own pace, with the opportunity to soak up more of my surroundings.

And I’ve also realized that THIS is where I belong. Right here, with all of you.

It doesn’t really matter if I don’t fit into one genre or another. It doesn’t matter if I no longer get asked to join in very many blogging home tours or try out new types of craft glue. It doesn’t matter if I don’t want you to ‘shop my page’ or if I’m not included in the round robin style activities to gain followers on Instagram.

It doesn’t matter if other faith-based authors don’t relate to my home decor themed blog posts. It doesn’t matter if I’m not seen as really one of ‘them’ or that I don’t tackle hard-hitting, controversial topics.

All that matters is that my heart is here…with you. And that I am FOR you.

As I reflect on my years of writing to you, I can’t help but think about what has always resonated the most in our community here. It’s when we’ve shared our hearts with each other. When we’ve had those “you too?” moments. Whether it’s been about dealing with insecurities or chin hairs, making peace with not wanting to live in a farmhouse or having doubts about Hallmark movies.

And, as I think about what I feel the most passionate about, what makes me the most excited and what I truly feel God calling me to share with you, a simple message emerges.

I want you to have more peace in your hearts and more peace in your homes. And I believe those two things are very intricately connected. In fact, I believe that they are so woven together that it’s hard to have one without the other. If our homes are chaotic then our hearts are chaotic and if our hearts are chaotic our homes are chaotic.

So, my hope for this coming year, is that when we encounter each other (whether it’s online or in person!) you will come away feeling encouraged and uplifted. That you will be challenged to pursue having more peace in your hearts and your homes.

And, if you find yourself struggling to keep up with the rest only to find that you’re choking on fumes, I hope you will find that there is freedom (and easier breathing!) when you slow down and go at your own pace.

Much love to you all,

 

43 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals, Faith, Family, Good Thoughts

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Comments

  1. Terie says

    January 16, 2019 at 1:39 PM

    I LOVED ❤️❤️❤️ This post so much. It really resonated with me especially in the new ( next ) chapter I’m pursuing in my own life. I often compare myself to others and wonder where and how I will fit in with my new adventures in flower farming. But then I realize those are not really the most important things

    Thank you for bringing myself and others some clarity with your honest and heartfelt post. SO very appreciated!

    Reply
  2. Pam says

    January 16, 2019 at 1:41 PM

    Don’t you just love it when God points out things to you like that? He is all around us encouraging us every day in the most mundane things if we just slow down and look for Him.

    Reply
  3. SARAH BRADEN says

    January 16, 2019 at 1:43 PM

    Thankful for your honest and vulnerable words and for the community you have so faithfully shepherded here. It is a privilege to stand with YOU as you reach the world for Him.

    Reply
    • JoAnn McM says

      January 17, 2019 at 7:26 PM

      Sarah you said what was exactly on my heart. Vanessa your blog is one of my most favorite because of it’s uniqueness and your voice. Please stay on your path at your pace. I wish you JOY this year (putting Jesus first, then Others, and Yourself)

      Reply
  4. Dorothy Terwilliger says

    January 16, 2019 at 1:45 PM

    I really enjoyed this and could picture you travelling through the snow. Just as being in nature brought you peace, it has certainly highlighted the inner struggle many of us have as we try to figure out our priorities as well as whether being part of “the crowd” is a good thing. Very interesting blog. Thank you.

    Reply
  5. Sherry says

    January 16, 2019 at 2:00 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing this post. I have not had the chance to read many posts from my favorite blogs. I hope to visit more in the year to come. I also hope to blog a bit more in the year to come

    Reply
  6. Loy Jones says

    January 16, 2019 at 2:22 PM

    Vanessa,
    You just keep doing what your doing. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog and book. You have a way of writing that feels like you are talking to me. Most posts hit home with me, though my situation may be different than yours. You help me see things in a different way. Please don’t change to fit in with other bloggers.

    Reply
  7. Laura Harrie says

    January 16, 2019 at 3:10 PM

    Thanks for your post today Vanessa. I have kinda felt the same way with my life after retiring this past May. I joined a Bible study, now work out at the gym and craft things on a regular basis. It has been an adjustment to say the least, but I am slowly coming to terms with it.

    Reply
  8. Linda C Johnston says

    January 16, 2019 at 3:17 PM

    Finally, someone had the courage and good sense to write about this topic! You go girl! You expressed what so many of us go through. It just feels like no one relates till it’s them. Been there, done exactly this. Live YOUR life the way it suits YOU the best. Wonderful things will follow and I’ll still meet you at the picket fence!

    Reply
  9. Larryn Griffith says

    January 16, 2019 at 4:03 PM

    Beautifully written, Vanessa! Isn’t it interesting how God opens our eyes to fulfill what we’re longing for in our hearts, if we are willing to listen to Him and follow His direction. I needed this post, too. Newly retired (though I don’t see how anyone really retires. Houses need cleaning, food needs cooking…) I would like to do something, that even might help us financially, but I want it to be where God would have me, using the abilities He’s given me. So, I wait and watch and try to learn what’s set before me, and to appreciate every little blessing, including this lovely post you’ve written. Thank you and may God bless you and your family.

    Reply
  10. Michele M. (Finch Rest) says

    January 16, 2019 at 4:07 PM

    Dear Vanessa,

    I *love* your blog for the reasons you stated – a little bit decor, a little bit faith, a little bit fun family….when I blogged (will again, last week of work, been a crazy last 6 months) mine is that too.

    Though I can’t take pics for crap and have zero patience for learning my camera or getting out my expensive lights……so I will never be a contender such as yourself – but I love love love the way you write and feel and think and share.

    Never change, and be happy – cuz for whatever it is worth, you sure make me happy.

    God bless you and keep you at peace and in good health and full of fun snowmobile rides.

    I haven’t been on a snowmobile since I was in elementary school. We have enough snow right now it makes me want to go out and ride one for sure! : – )

    Reply
  11. Maggie says

    January 16, 2019 at 4:07 PM

    My dear Vanessa, thank you so much for your post, courage and transparency. You are like a breath of fresh, invigorating air! I have been thinking of starting a blog for the last few months but, like you, don’t feel I fit into any particular mold. I just moved from a big city to a much smaller one and want to write about the differences between the two We close on our new house next week and I want to discuss real estate. I love interior decorating and would love to blog about that. I want to explore my new surroundings and tell my future readers all about hiking trails, vintage local stores, restaurants, etc. You get my drift. I have procrastinated because I felt it was too much and no one would follow me. Reading your beautifully penned post today, I saw that there is a place for those of us who don’t fit the mold. A wonderful place with plenty of other “different” types. And you know what? I think we rock! I think we count. I think we make a difference in the world. So my friend, good for you and for us that you had that epiphany on that snowmobile. I have never heard of a more accurate or more beautiful analogy. Thank you for bearing your soul to us. Don’t feel lonely – we’re here and we love being with you on your blog! God bless.

    Reply
  12. Adrienne says

    January 16, 2019 at 5:57 PM

    Thank you for sharing from your heart. I often feel the same and have not been faithful to blog much over the past several months. I sense that I need to continue and am praying about the direction I should go. By the way, I don’t live far from Mt. Hood (in the Willamette Valley not far from Portland) and that is my absolutely favorite mountain.
    ~Adrienne~

    Reply
  13. Norma Rolader says

    January 16, 2019 at 6:13 PM

    Very well put and thank you for sharing

    Reply
  14. Naomi S. says

    January 16, 2019 at 7:55 PM

    Speaking as an almost 75-year old grandma, I think you have hit the nail on the head, so to speak, Vanessa. Over the years and in just the last two or three years as well as in just the last two or three months, I have come to really believe that our happiness really depends on our relationship with ourselves and whether we have the courage to walk our own path regardless of where the crowd seems to be heading. Only each of us personally knows what the best, most authentic path is for us. So you are definitely learning an essential truth–a truth which is necessary to embrace for real happiness and fulfillment in life. That is our own, particular truth about what gives us happiness and peace– what feels right in our gut.

    I wish you the joy of knowing that it is absolutely alright to live your life in a way that you decide is right for you, not based on anyone else’s standards or opinions. It’s not necessary to fit into any specific niche. You can create your own. You may not know all the answers or bends in the path now but with patience and faith, you will discover them at the proper time. I send you my blessings on your chosen way and I wish you much happiness and contentment as you travel.

    Reply
  15. Lisa says

    January 17, 2019 at 3:47 AM

    I’m giving you a standing ovation from my living room in Texas. You have explained so beautifully exactly how I feel about blogging.

    Maybe we should start a new niche? LOL

    I’m so glad you share your heart because you are a blessing to everyone who reads your words.

    Lisa

    Reply
  16. Suzanne says

    January 17, 2019 at 5:36 AM

    I haven’t been following your site for very long and I don’t know much about blogging but I have to say that some that I follow give me a feeling of blogging overload. When I see your site in my inbox, I’m always happy to see what is on your mind. We all need inspiration in this life. Slowing down and really being still to appreciate and be grateful for the moment is an ongoing challenge for me and for some of my friends. I follow a gal that had a very popular diy blog. Now, she just posts her life and challenges with her young family on Instagram. I no longer have young children and I don’t know if she makes any money doing this but I love seeing her life and how she approaches parenting. Again, thank you for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  17. Sarah says

    January 17, 2019 at 5:36 AM

    Oh my gosh, girl. I couldn’t have said it better myself. All of this. I have felt it all, too. And I’m learning to be ok with going my own way and not getting choked by everyone else’s fumes. But I’ll be honest, there are still days I find myself wallowing in those fumes. Thank you for this post. So encouraging, so timely. Blessings to you!

    Reply
  18. Annette says

    January 17, 2019 at 6:03 AM

    Vanessa,
    I enjoy stopping “at the picket fence” because of your sharing a little faith, a little home decor, thoughts on home and family, and that I don’t feel pressured to craft or shop…just go where the Lord leads you and those who need to see your words and sweet phots will be there.

    Reply
  19. Leslie Watkins says

    January 17, 2019 at 6:04 AM

    You voiced so much of a battle with blogging that I have. God has confirmed again and again to blog, but the “where do I fit” issue is real. I have to trust Him in it all and enjoy the journey, but jumping in and hitting the button, speaking from my heart and not being concerned of the fit is a struggle. Thank you, sweet friend. I get it. Please keep writing because it always “fits” and speaks deeply to my heart.

    Reply
  20. Sherry Myers says

    January 17, 2019 at 7:01 AM

    Vanessa, thank you..thank you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love authentic thoughts and feelings. Your home life is real, your thoughts are real, and your devotion is obviously the same. Please continue to inspire all of us. I have enjoyed every post you have graciously given of your time to write. I, for one, enjoy the variety of content. It’s refreshing. Keep it up! When a blogger becomes somewhat redundant, I have a tendency to become weary and feel a little uninspired. When At The Picket Fence shows up in my inbox, I never feel that way. It’s always a pleasure to open, just like a gift! And I plan to be here to untie every ribbon! I appreciate you. God bless you.

    Reply
  21. Karen Hobson says

    January 17, 2019 at 8:30 AM

    Your posts resonates with me so much. I’ve never felt like I fit in anywhere. I’m not a drinker – not even socially – so I don’t fit in with those friends. I don’t have a lot of extra “me” money, so I don’t fit in with those friends who love to shop till they drop or always trekking off to the next vacation. I don’t particularly like huge crowds, so hanging out with friends at various concerts or ballgames isn’t my jam. So, I’m right there with you – not exactly sure WHERE I fit in and often feeling lonely and that I’m missing out but not sure on what!!

    Reply
  22. Carol Reddin says

    January 17, 2019 at 1:49 PM

    Love this Vanessa! Thank you for helping your Dad cross snowmobiling off of his bucket list. It was a beautiful snowy day with the much-loved four of you!

    Reply
  23. Karen says

    January 17, 2019 at 5:09 PM

    I admire the courage you have in sharing your insecurities about not knowing where you belong. You belong right where you are — following your heart and sharing yourself with us so beautifully. It was also so lovely to read the comments from your followers who are so genuinely supportive of you and who also show their own goodness in their kind words. You have achieved something that cannot be measured……you gently touch lives by bringing joy to others through your blog. Thank you for sharing yourself, your creativity, passions, family, and faith with us. Bless you.

    Reply
  24. Beverly says

    January 17, 2019 at 5:15 PM

    I ‘think your blog is “right-on”. I like the fact that your not always “selling” something, or that you don’t repost from the previous year just to have a post up. I truly enjoy your writings.

    Reply
  25. Blythe Daniel says

    January 17, 2019 at 5:59 PM

    Ooh, ooh, ooh!! I love this. 🙂 Especially the last 3 paragraphs. 🙂 Well-done, V. So proud of you for sharing so authentically and I love the perspective you gained and gave us in this. Just so beautiful and so well-written. You matter, you have a place, and you are loved!!

    Reply
  26. Bev says

    January 17, 2019 at 7:47 PM

    So very well put. I enjoy your reading your reflections and how they apply to life.

    Reply
  27. Sandy says

    January 18, 2019 at 3:31 AM

    You blog from your heart. Beautiful post.

    Reply
  28. Marsha Corley says

    January 18, 2019 at 5:45 AM

    Thank you for such heartfelt words.

    Reply
  29. Kay says

    January 18, 2019 at 7:58 AM

    There are many of us out in “blog-land” who look forward to your posts. Be true to your own heart, let God set your pace and lead the way. When you are on your path, you have no worries about anyone else. Looking forward to all you share this year!

    Reply
  30. Diane Lawrence says

    January 18, 2019 at 1:24 PM

    Thanks for sharing your heart, Vanessa, as you always do so well. I’m thankful that you are doing exactly what God has created you for and called you to do. Thank you for the encouragement to slow down and go at my own pace…I needed that.
    AND, I”m pretty sure I owe you a portrait or two??!!
    Love and hugs to you, Praying that 2019 is full of God’s adventures for you and your family!

    Reply
  31. Bethany says

    January 18, 2019 at 8:39 PM

    Wise, wise words, friend! Keep being you, keep enjoying the views from the place YOU are at on the path. (And keep sharing your perspectives.)

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 22, 2019 at 10:23 AM

      Back at ya my friend! Thank you for your encouragement!

      Reply
  32. Christy says

    January 18, 2019 at 9:03 PM

    You are such an amazing storyteller! You truly have a gift. I can totally relate in the blogging world…I often think I have fallen so behind in all the shop this, swipe up to this mumbo jumbo, I feel like I may never catch up. But then I think…you know what? I’m happy right where I am and I don’t have to catch up! Never stop telling your stories! XO

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 22, 2019 at 10:22 AM

      Oh friend thank you so much for being such an encouragement! You just keep doing you too and know that you aren’t alone in just wanting to go at your own pace. xoxo

      Reply
  33. Gail says

    January 20, 2019 at 1:11 AM

    Keep going, please

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 21, 2019 at 1:00 PM

      I will Gail! And I’m so grateful for such a supportive community. Thank you! xoxo

      Reply
  34. Robin Baker says

    February 4, 2019 at 9:18 AM

    Thank you so much for this. I have been really stressing out (being an older person) about feeling left out. I have been beating myself up for feeling this way. This was so very encouraging!

    Reply
  35. Melissa says

    February 19, 2019 at 11:04 AM

    Your pace is perfect. It is the Peace pace. 🙂

    Reply
  36. Jane says

    February 25, 2019 at 6:53 AM

    I truly believe God intended for me to read this post today. I have had my own business for several years and have tried so hard to “follow the right train”. I see others trudging to keep up and others doing well. After our pastors sermon yesterday I decided to sit back from all of my task and listen better for Gods direction. I don’t have to be like everyone else, I just need to be the Proverns 31 woman that He wants me to be.
    So I am going to slow down, back off from the noise and fumes, Renew, Revive and Breathe and enjoy the talents He has given me to make my life complete.
    Thank you for sharing your heart! 🌿
    Jane

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 25, 2019 at 4:28 PM

      Hi Jane! Oh I’m so glad that this was encouraging to you and met you at just the right time. We really do have to get away from the ‘din’ in order to hear His voice, don’t we? It’s hard to not get pulled into the comparison trap but when we are able to remove ourselves from it we can see things so much more clearly. Our job is to be obedient and to trust that He will use that obedience in the way He sees fit. Blessings to you!

      Reply
  37. Hilary says

    March 9, 2019 at 4:34 PM

    Beautifully written, great analogy! Thank you so much for your voice, I always love reading your posts. (even if I am a bit late in reading this one!) Lovely pictures, too. Thank you for doing what you do, you are much appreciated.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 11, 2019 at 9:56 AM

      Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement Hilary! I’m so grateful for the support and appreciate you being part of our community!

      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….
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…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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