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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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October 3, 2017

What We Can Do

My plan for Monday was to run errands, do laundry, get some work done and bake pumpkin bread.

On Sunday night, as per usual, I placed my online grocery order and made sure to get the large can of pumpkin.

Then, I woke up on Monday morning to the news of the horrific act of violence in Las Vegas. I sat there in the darkness at 6am staring at the television, knowing my kids would soon wake up and come downstairs and I would have to try to explain to them what was happening. To attempt, for their benefit, to make sense out of something so senseless.

I felt paralyzed. My body didn’t want to move. The magnitude of what I was watching was like a weight holding me in place.

But, my kids needed breakfast. They needed to get to school. I needed to pick up my groceries.

What do we do in these moments? How do we try to do things that are so normal when everything in the world seems anything but?

Upon returning home, I unloaded the bags from my car and quickly turned the news on again, keeping an ear towards the latest while robotically putting the groceries away.

And then I pulled out the large can of pumpkin. Should I still bake today? It seems so frivolous. So pointless. People lost their lives. Others have injuries that will impact how they live out the rest of their years here on earth. Loved ones are grieving.

How can I bake pumpkin bread at a time like this?

But, then I thought, how couldn’t I?

When there is so much that we can’t control, we need to control the things we can.

Yes, we mourn with those who are mourning. And, of course, we pray.

But in times of crisis I also need to feel that I’m actually doing something.

As a family we’ve been watching a show on Netflix called ‘The Kindness Diaries’. I wish I could describe just how deeply it has resonated with us and how many amazing conversations with our children have occurred as a result of this show. We’ve even begun to do some fun top-secret kindness experiments together.

One of the things that always stands out to me in each episode is the reminder of how important it is that we not only look for moments of light in the midst of the darkness, but how even MORE important it is that we, ourselves, take the initiative to create the moments of light. How we are called to embody the love of our Heavenly Father and convey that love to others through our words and deeds.

“For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Later on this week our contributor Julie will be sharing with us some beautiful homes all decorated for fall. And, in the wake of recent events, it can just seem so frivolous to talk about pumpkins and leaves falling. But, here’s what I believe.

I believe that we must continue to celebrate the beauty of this world and point people to the ONE who is sovereign over it all in order to combat the fear and the sin and the ugliness. I believe that when things seem so insurmountable, so big, we need to go smaller, simpler.

So, yesterday, I didn’t just bake one loaf of bread. I baked two, plus a dozen muffins. Because, I can think of a couple of friends who are in a stressful season of life right now and would be so surprised to find baked goodies on their doorstep.

It seems small. It seems simple.

But, this, this is what I can control. This is what I can do.

I can encourage. I can bless. I can offer a helping hand. I can give. I can be available.

So, I ask you friends, what can YOU do this week to bring light into the darkness? Let’s take some time to brainstorm and encourage each other as we journey through this together.

Much love to all of you and thank you for meeting me at the fence today,

23 Comments Filed Under: Community, Faith, Good Thoughts

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Comments

  1. Shirley says

    October 3, 2017 at 3:19 AM

    Such a beautiful post. I know what you mean it’s hard to carry on as normal when horrific acts are happening round the world & so many people are hurting. There are thankfully more good people than bad & we see how people rally round at the worst of times. Carry on with your random acts of kindness.

    Reply
  2. Jeanne says

    October 3, 2017 at 3:30 AM

    Beautifully said. Just what I needed to read today. It is hard to focus on the good when tragedy encircles us. I will follow your lead and reach out with kindness.

    Reply
  3. Lin Mossgrove says

    October 3, 2017 at 5:20 AM

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your words gave me comfort and a new way of looking at the chaos in the world. I can’t change the world, but I can try to be a light to my own little bundle of the world. Even just a smile at a passing stranger will brighten the day of two–the giver and the receiver. You are a blessing!

    Reply
  4. Diane says

    October 3, 2017 at 5:29 AM

    Well said!

    Reply
  5. Diane says

    October 3, 2017 at 5:30 AM

    Well said

    Reply
  6. Vanessa says

    October 3, 2017 at 5:56 AM

    Well said! Your blog always speaks to me but today was especially helpful! I took my daughter to lunch yesterday to “celebrate” her birthday. We almost didn’t go, but decided the time together was needed and boy was it ever. She and I had the very discussion of “why is there so much evil in the world” and “why are all these terrible things happening”? We both felt that prayer and trying to find some way to make a difference is the answer. Then she asked me “Mom, how can we make a difference in this world of hate?” I told her that I thought praying was where we start.
    Your post about starting “in your own home/backyard” is perfect. We can plant a mustard seed and watch it grow.
    My daughter teaches at a Christian school and wants to have an open to the public prayer session, which I think is a wonderful idea. She knows her principal will agree. So, that is where we are going to start and have it on a Saturday morning. Hopefully every inch of that property will be filled with people praying for our community, our state, our country and the world we live in.
    So very glad I found your blog several months ago. I’ve cried, laughed and been so inspired by your words.

    God Bless,
    Vanessa (yes another one out here 🙂 )

    Reply
  7. Patty says

    October 3, 2017 at 6:00 AM

    Beautiful post and so very true. These events are so random and commonplace now that it could happen at any time, any place. It’s so sad that this is what our world has become – like mini wars everyday instead of world wars. We need to band together and open our hearts, live out of love and not fear. If we can spread love with simple acts like baking for friends, brightening someone’s day by doing something kind and most importantly teach our children to live from their hearts with love and not hate and fear so that they can be the generation to stop the madness. Wishing you a joy-filled day!

    Reply
  8. Colleen Martinez says

    October 3, 2017 at 6:02 AM

    Thank you for the wonderful thoughts.

    Reply
  9. Peggy says

    October 3, 2017 at 7:52 AM

    Vanessa, you never cease to amaze me with your words and deeds. Thank you for this wonderful message.

    Reply
  10. Janet Sample says

    October 3, 2017 at 8:06 AM

    I am thrilled and inspired by your proactive response to the difficult situation that we all find ourselves in. In times of sudden disaster it’s incredibly helpful to hold on to the good things in our lives and share them with others. And – on a small note – boy am I ready for pumpkin bread!! 😊 Thanks for helping turn around a week that started so badly.

    Reply
  11. Jody says

    October 3, 2017 at 8:48 AM

    As a new member of this blog, I thank you for your words and wisdom. It is true , we all need to be the light for others to guide them to the one true light. There will always be suffering, but if we can be a blessing to others as we are blessed, oh how sweet. Have a wonderful day.

    Reply
  12. Michele says

    October 3, 2017 at 8:59 AM

    What a wonderful post. Thank you.

    I needed this reminder – because it really does all seem so overwhelming.

    God bless you.

    Reply
  13. Sonja kaiser says

    October 3, 2017 at 10:35 AM

    Very good insight into starting small in making a difference. If everyone just helped out in their communities, with even something small, it does make a difference. I’m going to be doing that shortly in a grade school and at church. Just behind the scenes helper when I can.

    Reply
  14. Jennifer Ross says

    October 3, 2017 at 10:57 AM

    I agree with you Vanessa! Jesus said that we will have trouble in this world but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. In this broken world we live in we need to point others to Jesus but sometimes it may not be like we think. Of course, pray and love others but also continue the creation he began and bring glory to Him by continuing to create. It isn’t frivolous. Let’s continue to celebrate the beauty of this world through our creating and in so doing we don’t know how God might use that to touch others’ lives.

    Reply
  15. dcase@tecequipment.com says

    October 3, 2017 at 11:17 AM

    It’s usually the simplest of things that has the biggest impact! Thank you and may God bless us all and shine his light us . . . we sure need it 🙂

    Reply
  16. Maggie says

    October 3, 2017 at 7:38 PM

    Bless you, Vanessa! I, and I’m sure so many of your followers, needed to read and absorb this today. Smaller and simpler – I can do that! Pumpkin bread, a note or call to a friend going through something, a good long talk with my sons or hubby. These things I can control. And in this whacked out world, that will be enough to get me through. Thanks so much. You have reflected His light in a powerful way today. God bless.

    Reply
  17. doris hall says

    October 3, 2017 at 7:52 PM

    Enjoyed your sharing your feelings and the pumpkin bread We have videos on you tube we want to share with all of you. We have a new one Hurricane Harvey Dedication All In The Family Singers Please go watch it and share it. Thanks so much We need all of us to grow to The Lord and Pray these are really bad times. I read some folks said something about the eclipse I do not believe everything I hear but something terrrible is happening. I believe people are searching for help and help cometh from on high. Let us share whatever way we can in these hurting times.. thank you so much and GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU

    Reply
  18. ROSE says

    October 3, 2017 at 9:48 PM

    Well said. These horrific things that have happened since Nov last year have had my emotions running crazy.

    Reply
  19. Norma Rolader says

    October 4, 2017 at 1:19 AM

    It was such a hard day on Monday due to this unnecessary violence Thank you for mentioning all those in Las Vegas Prayers for comfort for the families whom lost someone and prayers for the victims that were hurt may God give them strength

    Reply
  20. Mimi Matthews says

    October 4, 2017 at 6:57 AM

    So well said! Beautiful.

    Reply
  21. Mimi Matthews says

    October 4, 2017 at 6:58 AM

    Well said. Beautiful.

    Reply
  22. Marie in Florida says

    October 4, 2017 at 8:48 PM

    Until kind, compassionate people do more, nothing will change. While the bread is baking, consider calling your Representatives and urging commonsense gun control laws.

    Reply
  23. Bonnie says

    October 5, 2017 at 1:02 PM

    Thank you for sharing. Your words really resonated with me.

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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