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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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March 29, 2013

When Good Friday Doesn’t Feel Very Good


Every year I find myself compelled to go.

I know it will probably feel painful and even a bit dark. I know I will once again sit in a pew with tears streaming down my face as I recognize how unworthy I am of being treated as someone of worth. To be valued, treasured, sacrificed for.

When Good Friday Doesn't Feel Very Good

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?

When Good Friday Does't Feel Very Good

Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. The songs are upbeat, hands are clapping and everyone is dressed in their Easter best.

Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It feels so much better!

But, I don’t know how to sit in the pew on Easter Sunday and 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 and I will sit in that pew surrounded by my family and celebrate with the best of them! But I can’t skip ahead in the story.

“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” John 17:1-5

He knew what was ahead.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? It is hard to comprehend isn’t it?

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.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10

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.

“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:28-30

Why is it called “Good Friday”?

Because that wasn’t the end of the story….

When Good Friday Doesn't Feel Very Good

…It was just the beginning!

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38 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals, Easter, Good Thoughts Tagged With: Easter, Faith, Good Friday, Inspirational

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Comments

  1. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    March 29, 2013 at 5:01 AM

    Beautifully said, Vanessa, and YES! The “Good” is that his death was/is only the beginning! Blessings to you on this day…
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  2. Lori says

    March 29, 2013 at 5:09 AM

    Beautiful…

    Reply
  3. Doreen@HymnsandVerses says

    March 29, 2013 at 6:20 AM

    Thank you for sharing he good news! Christ is our Redeemer – he paid the ultimate price so we might live!

    Reply
  4. Roeshel says

    March 29, 2013 at 6:23 AM

    It is difficult to comprehend, but I’ve never been more grateful for anything. ever! Hugs, girls! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Anne Lorys says

    March 29, 2013 at 6:26 AM

    Amen and amen!

    God bless you both this Easter!
    XO,
    Anne

    Reply
  6. Cindy says

    March 29, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    BEAUTIFUL post! So thankful for HIS grace and mercy!!!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  7. Thistle says

    March 29, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Vanessa,

    What a wonderful courageous post. And you are so right. Truly. So thankful for the grace he bestows on each of us.

    Thank you for sharing your heart.

    Happy Easter!
    karianne

    Reply
  8. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    March 29, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    Such a beautifully touching post. I hope you have a very Blessed Easter. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  9. lucy says

    March 29, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    Hallelujah!!!!! He has Risen INDEED!!!!

    Reply
  10. Jan G. says

    March 29, 2013 at 8:09 AM

    Thank you for the wonderful post… we can never be reminded enough of the sacrifice that was made for us. Blessings to you.

    Reply
  11. Dining Delight says

    March 29, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    I feel the same sitting in the pew at our church on every Good Friday. You have explained the real reason it is called “Good” in a very easy-to-understand manner and I felt moved by the words you have written. It is true, we must appreciate the pain and suffering of Jesus before we can rejoice in his resurrection – it makes Easter Day feel all the more, a day of celebration. A Blessed Easter to you!

    DD

    Reply
  12. Jill Flory says

    March 29, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    AMEN!!! So very well said!

    Reply
  13. Mimi Matthews says

    March 29, 2013 at 9:21 AM

    What a wonderful post today!! Yes, it’s Friday, but SUNDAY’S COMING!! Victory over sin, death, and hell! What an amazing God we have!! Thank you for this. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Angelina says

    March 29, 2013 at 9:29 AM

    So Beautifully written Vanessa, it is so humbling to know the Shame and Pain he suffered on my behalf to pay the penalty for my sins. Oh how I LOVE my Savoir. And, Yes!! It is just the beginning, how Exciting is that!!!
    Have a VERY Blessed Easter Season!
    xo
    Angelina

    Reply
  15. Rachel Paxton says

    March 29, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    Beautiful post, Vanessa! Thank you for sharing. And praise God that is NOT the end of the story! As my two year old says, “Jesus is alive RIGHT NOW!” 🙂

    Rachel

    Reply
  16. Regena Fickes says

    March 29, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    How beautifully you have told His story of our redemption! I remember the story of Lazarus. When He stretched pit His hand and said” come forth”, just as He did for you and me. He called us from our sins and with His grace saved us. Thank you, my sweet sisters. We may never meet in this world, but we will in the next.

    Reply
  17. Ceekay says

    March 29, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    Was watching a movie of Jesus life yesterday and just sat amazed at how the torture was portrayed…why He would suffer like that for me….Blessed Assurance! Yes today is a hard day to remember, but Hallelujah….in 3 days He rose again….just as He said!
    Happy Easter!

    Reply
  18. Lynda Lamon says

    March 29, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    I am so thankful for my salvation and all the help and provision that God gives me daily through His son, Jesus Christ. My mind cannot completely comprehend the love Jesus has for us that he would die such an agonizing death to give us eternal life! I praise God today and every day!!!! Thank you, Father!!

    Reply
  19. Dining Delight says

    March 29, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    I’m back again to let you know that I was so moved by your meaningful,thought provoking and informative post today, I’ve put a link to it in my Good Friday post. I hope that’s okay. Thank you and thanks be to God that we can share the Good News that Jesus’ suffering and death leads to the resurrection and our eternal salvation through blogging!

    DD

    Reply
  20. Gerry says

    March 29, 2013 at 11:29 AM

    Thank you for such a lovely posting today.
    We are so blessed by our Lord and Saviour. Undeserved but given by His grace.
    May you enjoy a wonderful Easter day.

    Reply
  21. Jeanette @ Creating a Life says

    March 29, 2013 at 1:36 PM

    Thank you for sharing the Good News! Happy Easter!

    Jeanette

    Reply
  22. Bonnie @ uncommon designs says

    March 29, 2013 at 3:22 PM

    Thank you for such an amazing post. What an amazing gift we have been given through Christ. I agree that to truly comprehend what He did for us we must feel the suffering and realize the grace given to us.

    Reply
  23. Marilyn says

    March 29, 2013 at 4:23 PM

    Beautiful post. We need to remember what Easter is all about. It’s not the Easter bunny and Easter eggs. You have said it so compellingly. Thank you. God bless you.

    Reply
  24. Judy Clark says

    March 29, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    Vanessa – thanks for a beautiful post.

    Have a very blessed Easter.

    Judy

    Reply
  25. Michael Reddin says

    March 29, 2013 at 5:43 PM

    Thank you Vanessa! Your post touched my heart this Good Friday evening!

    Love,
    Mom

    Reply
  26. kristin says

    March 29, 2013 at 5:54 PM

    Beautiful post Vanesa! I should be with my family right now at church but couldn’t……It all seems so overwheaming and too much for me, I know, not what God wants…Thank you for sharing this.
    Hugs
    Kristin

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 29, 2013 at 6:48 PM

      Oh sweet friend! I completely understand! You have been through SOOOOO much recently. I’m praying that you will feel God’s strength, peace and presence during this overwhelming season of life. Know that you are loved by Him and by me! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  27. Barbara from 21 Rosemary Lane says

    March 29, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    Oh Vanessa…this is the second year during this most blessed week your post has moved me to tears. This was so beautifully written…and yes it is hard to comprehend what Jesus did for us 2 thousand years ago. No greater love is there than to lay down ones life for another.
    God bless you and yours and wishing you a glorious Easter Sunday.
    XO Barbara

    Reply
  28. Shelia says

    March 29, 2013 at 6:35 PM

    Amen, sweetness! It gives me pain too to think what Jesus endured for me! I’m so unworthy, but like you said – Grace! That covers us and praise God for salvation.
    Have a blessed Easter.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 🙂

    Reply
  29. Mary@athomeonthebay says

    March 29, 2013 at 7:33 PM

    Beautifully said! Happy Easter!

    Reply
  30. Susan @ My Place to Yours says

    March 29, 2013 at 7:41 PM

    Vanessa, thank you for boldly sharing the Gospel! Happy Easter to you, Heather, and your families.

    Reply
  31. Suzy @ Worthing Court says

    March 30, 2013 at 3:01 AM

    Beautiful post, Vanessa. I perfectly understand your sentiments about Good Friday. I almost feel like I should be in mourning on Friday and Saturday before Easter, but then I remind myself that the joy of Easter Sunday wouldn’t have happened without the sacrifice on Friday!

    Reply
  32. Judy says

    March 30, 2013 at 5:42 PM

    Beautiful and inspiring post. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter.

    Reply
  33. Shenita says

    March 30, 2013 at 9:26 PM

    What a beautiful post, Vanessa. Wishing you and your family a glorious Easter!!

    Reply
  34. BOBBI SUE says

    March 30, 2013 at 9:44 PM

    You hit the nail on the head for how I’ve felt for many years. I have always felt that way about Good Friday….tears and all. Thanks for putting it to words. Have a blessed Easter.

    Reply
  35. Mitzi says

    March 31, 2013 at 4:22 PM

    Thank you. Your words were a kindness and a comfort in an unkind world. Happy Easter!

    Reply
  36. Jennifer Rizzo says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:45 AM

    What a beautiful post! You are so right.It is amazing to think we could be loved so much! I hope you had a wonderful holiday.

    Reply
  37. Mare says

    May 9, 2013 at 5:48 PM

    I’m late getting to this…my dad has been ill. I’ve heard that Good Friday is called good b/c is good for US. WE are redeemed because of what happens on Friday. This explanation is OK, but still falls a bit short for me. I’m like you…I hate the day. It’s a heavy day, but I guess we need to be reminded at least once a year what life is all about.
    I found your blog through the a-z and I enjoy it. New follower here. 🙂
    from The Dugout

    Reply

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This is such a busy time of year and I’m always This is such a busy time of year and I’m always on the lookout for easy recipes that use minimal pots and pans therefore requiring minimal cleanup. 🙌🏻

This one sheet roasted veggies, sausage and gnocchi definitely fit the bill! And I don’t know how I’ll go back to boiled gnocchi after tasting it roasted. 😋

Here’s how easy it is to make: 

Preheat oven to 425

Use any combo of veggies you like. I used sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts and red onion. 

Dice into small pieces and spread on a sheet pan. 

Slice up the sausage and add to vegetables. Then add the uncooked gnocchi. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. You can also add any herbs you like! 

Roast in over for 25 minutes stirring once halfway through. 

While it’s in the oven, melt a stick of butter in a saucepan and add in two teaspoons of garlic. 

When you remove the pan from the oven, drizzle the butter/garlic mixture over the top and stir well to coat everything. Top with Parmesan cheese! 

Easy peasy and SO yummy! ✨

#sheetpandinner #sheetpanrecipes
The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good 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 families 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. Or have a good cry. 

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’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a 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!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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