• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

April 2, 2012

Why doesn’t Good Friday 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 to be treated as someone of worth. 
To be valued, treasured, sacrificed for.

If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”?

good-friday1.jpg
source

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.
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.

source

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.

It was just the beginning!

As a family, we are preparing our hearts for this coming week and we will be reflecting on the “goodness/holiness” of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

One way we are doing that is by making all of it seem more tangible to our children.

My son made this little Resurrection Garden when he was in kindergarten.



I just love how real it made it all to him.

And, if you come back tomorrow, I’m going show you how to make one when we participate in this fun party! We hope you will join us by sharing your own Spring and Easter projects, crafts, decor and recipes.


 And as always, thank you for joining us for this Simply Sunday at the Fence,

Vanessa

Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest


25 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals, Good Ideas, Holidays, Simply Sundays

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Inspiration Friday No. 58 and a Giveaway!
Next Post: Bunny Blog Hop~Resurrection Garden »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    April 1, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    Beautiful post. So perfect for the season. God Bless. Marty

    Reply
  2. LDH says

    April 1, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    It is hard to comprehend! This would be perfect to share on my Think on These Things today.

    https://gratefulprayerthankfulheart.blogspot.com/2012/03/think-on-these-things-7-pierced.html

    Reply
  3. LDH says

    April 1, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    It is hard to comprehend! This post and your words would be perfect to share on my Think On These Things today!

    Reply
  4. Hibiscus House says

    April 1, 2012 at 1:59 PM

    You have put into words what I could not, thank you.
    Dolly

    Reply
  5. NanaDiana says

    April 1, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    What a heart wrenching post. How lucky we are and how unworthy…and we go merrily on our way sometimes without a second thought of what was done for us. Beautiful Palm Sunday post– xo Diana

    Reply
  6. Lori says

    April 1, 2012 at 3:19 PM

    Just got back from Palm Sunday mass. The teens did a presentation of the passion play, always brings tears to my eyes. I love holy week.

    Reply
  7. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    April 1, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    A stunning post in every way.

    All I can say is AMEN, sister!

    This was really beautiful, heart-felt and extremely well written.

    It is a gift, and one I gladly receive. Thank you so much.

    God bless you and yours this most Holy of seasons.

    ~Michele

    Reply
  8. Carol says

    April 1, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    Hosanna!

    Reply
  9. Gypsy Heart says

    April 1, 2012 at 6:23 PM

    Beautiful ~ thank you so much for sharing! I, too, sit in tears and wonder how He went through the crucifixtion…and He did it for each of us. There is no love like it.

    Brightest blessings for you and yours,
    Pat

    Reply
  10. andrea@townandprairie says

    April 1, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    I sobbed today when we sang, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” I do every.single.year. I feel like a quiet heart sometimes in a mob-action filled world. I think that is the way with most true Christians. I made a post today on how to braid your Palm Sunday palms. I’ll share it tomorrow at your bunny hop!

    Reply
  11. Vicki says

    April 1, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Amen! Amen… I too sit in tears, tears of joy, to be forgiven, no questions asked. No love could be bigger or more joyful! Thank you for sharing, you said it beautifully!

    Reply
  12. Angela says

    April 1, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    It’s so true about Easter. It’s humbling to think the sacrifice he willing made us!!! Thank you so much for sharing this today!
    Hugs,
    Angela

    Reply
  13. Thoughts for the day says

    April 1, 2012 at 10:30 PM

    I just loved your honesty… the questions, the raw open feelings, very beautful … may we always remember HE DID IT for us…!

    Reply
  14. Michelle Paige says

    April 1, 2012 at 11:45 PM

    Such a truthful, lovely post! Thank you!

    Reply
  15. chateau chic says

    April 2, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    Amazing Grace! Amazing Love!
    Thanks for this wonderful post, Mary Alice

    Reply
  16. Debbie says

    April 2, 2012 at 11:54 AM

    Beautifully expressed.
    Resurrection is impossible to experience if we don’t involve believe that first there was/is a death. It’s the death that makes it all so “good”.

    Isn’t that the way it is for all flesh? If we don’t really believe we were once dead but now live, maybe…just maybe… we’re like the Bruce Willis character in that movie (can’t remember the name) who doesn’t know that he is among the dead himself?

    Anyway. Rambling.
    Great post, Vanessa.

    Reply
  17. Debbie says

    April 2, 2012 at 11:56 AM

    Sixth Sense. That’s it.

    (and I don’t know where that word “involve” came from in my comment. Must have been one of the dead people.)

    Reply
  18. Sue says

    April 2, 2012 at 12:47 PM

    The traits of unselfishness, caring, and love are everything we should emulate from His sacrifice. It isn’t always easy to do. We tend to be self-centered and greedy quite often. What wonderful food for thought, Vanessa. Hope you enjoy a wonderfully special Holy Week. xo Sue

    Reply
  19. Tammy @BeatriceBanks says

    April 2, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    Loved this post! The reason for the season! So thankful for God’s grace.
    Happy Spring and Easter!

    Reply
  20. Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques says

    April 3, 2012 at 2:06 AM

    Wonderful post…I’m so glad you did this for the link party. Maybe it will touch someone’s heart today!

    Reply
  21. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    April 3, 2012 at 12:43 PM

    Thanks for sharing your heart. His redemption is the greatest gift for sure!!!

    XO, Aimee

    Reply
  22. Sarah says

    April 4, 2012 at 6:38 PM

    Thank you for such a moving post. It made my day 🙂 I’m so glad I found your blog!

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    April 4, 2012 at 9:40 PM

    This post is beautifully written, Vanessa. It warms my heart that your Grandmother will spend her first Easter in heaven.

    Love you,

    Mom

    Reply
  24. sneakypie9 says

    April 5, 2012 at 12:10 AM

    Love this post, thank you for sharing the amazing love of someone dying for us!

    Reply
  25. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    April 7, 2012 at 1:14 PM

    Praise be to God! How thankful I am. I just adored your resurrection garden.
    This past Tuesday I featured vintage inspired resurrection eggs that I made. If you have a moment take a peek.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • Simple Fall Decorating Ideas

    Simple Fall Decorating Ideas
  • Autumn Home Decor Tour

    Autumn Home Decor Tour
  • Apple Bread Pudding

    Apple Bread Pudding
  • Paper Bag Pumpkins

    Paper Bag Pumpkins

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • The Autumn Season of Motherhood October 18, 2023
  • Simple Fall Decorating Ideas September 14, 2023
  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

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
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
It’s that time of the year again! Time for me to It’s that time of the year again! Time for me to set up the hot coca station! ⛄️🧣☕️It’s always a favorite spot in the house and I leave it up all winter long.

Do you have a hot cocoa or coffee station at your house? Here’s a look back at years past if you’re needing a little bit of inspiration!
#hotcocoa #hotcocoabar
I don’t know exactly why this is, but my home se I don’t know exactly why this is, but my home seems to rise up to welcome Autumn like no other season. Maybe it’s the warm, subtle tones. Maybe it’s the way the sunlight streams in at a different angle this time of the year. Maybe it’s the leaves doing their fall dance. Maybe it’s just that this is when everything begins to  feel a bit more cozy.

Whatever it is, I’m savoring every last bit of it as we enjoy the most beautiful final days of Autumn here in the Willamette Valley. The rain is forecasted to return later this week and I’m planning to move onto twinkling lights and evergreen boughs but, for now, here’s a little last look at Autumn in my home. 🍂

When will you begin to transition your home from Autumn to Winter?
I laughed out loud yesterday as I was listening to I laughed out loud yesterday as I was listening to a podcast. Not because something funny was said but because the timing of the statement was perfect. The guest on that episode was offering encouragement to pastors about how to stay true to God’s Word during these tumultous times and then encouraged the rest of us to be thinking of how we can show love and care towards our church pastors. He said, “maybe even have them over for dinner!” And that’s when I laughed out loud because we were hosting our pastor and his family for dinner THAT VERY NIGHT!

After the heartache of leaving the church we had attended for over 20 years, it was such a joy to have this incredible shepherd and his wife and daughter in our home. We’ve witnessed them tirelessly, sacrifically giving so much to their congregation and the community at large and we loved that we were able to give them the opportunity to receive. They are some of the warmest, kindest people you’ll ever meet.  The meal was simple (roasted chicken and vegetables recipe from @jocooks), the dessert was made the night before and it really required so little from us in terms of effort.

Friends, take care of those who are in the trenches of preaching/teaching right now as it is not an easy time to be in that role. Bake them a loaf of bread, drop off a gift card to a restaurant or maybe even have them over for dinner (but don’t use that time to complain or critique 😉). 

I truly hope that it blessed them as much as it did us! 🍂
Simple, soft, slow. That’s been my mantra for th Simple, soft, slow. That’s been my mantra for the past few years when it comes to decorating for Christmas. And as I begin to think about how I’ll welcome the new season to my home this year, it doesn’t fill me with the same anxiety as it used to. If I stick to my mantra then I know I won’t get overwhelmed and I’ll actually be able to just enjoy the true beauty and meaning of it all.

Here’s some inspiration from years past in my home! 🌲
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence