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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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February 27, 2012

When Your Call Feels Too Small

Sometimes my call feels too small.

But…
“…we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
Sometimes it seems as though others are serving Him in much bigger ways.
But…
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
Sometimes I feel as though the way God has gifted me doesn’t measure up.
But…
“ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Sometimes I wonder if anyone notices the ways in which I am serving.
But…
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1
Sometimes I question whether I am making any difference in the lives of others.
But…
“The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers…”
1 Corinthians 3:8-9
Sometimes I wonder if I am really doing what God desires of me.
But…
“Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2
Sometimes I sense that God just wants me to stop.


Source



Be still

Be quiet

Be with him

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
 
 
Thank you so much for joining me for this Simply Sunday at the Fence,
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25 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals, Simply Sundays

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Comments

  1. Ann @ Suburban Prairie Homemaker says

    February 26, 2012 at 3:23 PM

    Good morning, ladies!

    Very uplifting this morning – thank you!

    And He does use your talents for big things – you inspire others to find beauty within their own lives, you share His word on Sundays. He called us to be His feet and hands in this world, and you craft for charity.

    Have a great week!

    Reply
  2. NanaDiana says

    February 26, 2012 at 3:44 PM

    It is a fine line, isn’t it? Trying to figure out what we SHOULD do, what we NEED to do, what we MUST do? I am often afraid that I fall far below the level of what I SHOULD be doing. I guess the truth is that we will NEVER be worthy of the love and talents that are so freely given to us. Great post, Vanessa! xo Diana

    ps. Please pop by my blog if you get the chance and sign up for my BLVOERLY give away.

    Reply
  3. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    February 26, 2012 at 4:19 PM

    THis is wonderful and such a great reminder. Something I’ve been thinking about lately too. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  4. Mari says

    February 26, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    Lovely,lovely, lovely! His Truth, will set us free. So glad you followed it up with verses! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Katie Goldsworthy says

    February 26, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    Just what I needed this morning! Thanks!

    –Katie

    Reply
  6. Wish You Were Here says

    February 26, 2012 at 5:23 PM

    Lovely post! It blessed me so much! If you follow the Holy Spirit, you will receive the gifts He wants you to have. Today, it was to encourage others, you followed and look how many you have blessed with this post! Each of these readers are important to God and He wanted them to be blessed with these words. I’m pretty sure He’s saying “Job well done my good and faithful servant” and what more could we ask for? xoxo, Janice

    Reply
  7. Karen says

    February 26, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    just had these similar thoughts this week; “what is it I need to be doing” ~ but Zeph. 3:17 is my favorite, kinda more than this little mind can imagine, that HE rejoices over me with singing. HE loves us dear friend! Thanks for sharing such wonderful nuggest with all of us.

    Reply
  8. Suzanne says

    February 26, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    When my children were much younger, I remember reading “The Fruit of Her Hands” by Nancy Wilson. One passage from the book that has stuck with me relates Nancy washing dishes (for the umpteenth time) and lamenting to the Lord that she wanted to do SOMETHING. He reminded her that she WAS doing something. “Lord, I’m washing dishes. I want to do something more.” And he reminded her to do it with all her heart.

    I’m probably not quoting accurately or doing the story justice, but it impressed upon me the need to do all the the glory of God, and to be all I can be for his glory for that particular season of my life.

    Reply
  9. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    February 26, 2012 at 7:28 PM

    Beautiful post! Just what I needed to hear from God today. Thanks
    Yvonne

    Reply
  10. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    February 26, 2012 at 7:51 PM

    What beautiful Scriptural truths you have shared today, Vanessa! Some of them were exactly what God wants me to focus on today. I’m glad you’re listening … and sharing.

    Reply
  11. Savvy Seasons says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:08 AM

    Great post, thank you! xo ~Liz

    Reply
  12. beach bum chix says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:23 AM

    so lovely…amen sister!

    Reply
  13. blhitchcock901 says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:36 AM

    Vanessa, wow! I am simply amazed at the blogs that the Lord leads me to. I am completely there with you and the Word that God gave you is exactly what the Lord has been saying to me! God will fulfil His purpose in your life. Just watch and wait and see. So glad I found you. I will be following you and hope you will visit me too! I will try to be an encouragement to you as you have been to me:)

    Reply
  14. Kim @ La Belle Époque says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:50 AM

    Romans 8:28…one of my all time favorite verses!

    Reply
  15. chateau chic says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:22 AM

    This post is a blessing to me today. Wonderful encouragement and reminders from Scripture!
    Thank you, Mary Alice

    Reply
  16. Daffodil Hill says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:57 AM

    Beautiful post. And so true. We all feel that way, and I think you’re right: Be still. Listen. Offer yourself in service. So difficult to do this at times!

    Reply
  17. kelli@eatprayreadlove. says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:40 AM

    I love it. And I had the same verse on my blog today- Zeph 3:17. Love it.
    Love y’all!

    Reply
  18. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:45 AM

    Boy, can I relate.
    But can I just assure you that you most certainly DO make a difference!
    Your love for the Lord shines through this blog, with each and every post.

    Love y’all!
    XOXO,
    Anne

    Reply
  19. Amanda says

    February 26, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    Love this post and the reminders of truth.
    Thank you!
    Amanda

    Reply
  20. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    Absolutely beautiful post! I think it was intended partly for me! …and I thank you for “answering the call” and sharing it, along with the perfect scripture! I think I will put the Zephaniah 3:17 verse on my blog for a while! ~~Bless you!

    Reply
  21. Mrs.B says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:25 PM

    Love this..
    and isn’t it awesome to think of Him rejoicing over us with singing?
    Wow!

    Reply
  22. Laurie says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    That is my verse of the week!!!! Zeph.m 317. I love how God weaves all our lives together … for the right prupose. Thank you for sharing !!
    Laurie

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:05 AM

    Wonderful thoughts. I am reading this on Tuesday but perfectly timed. Thank you!

    Reply
  24. Richella says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:57 PM

    Honestly, Vanessa, I think that you and I really are kindred spirits. I know just what you mean, I think. Thank you for the reminder to bloom right where God has planted me!!

    Reply
  25. Ruthie says

    March 25, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    I believe everyone needs to be reminded of that. Often. Thank you so much.
    Ruthie

    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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