• 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!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

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

  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka.

Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard ar The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard are at their peak and I’m here for it!
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the gr It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the greatest joys of this stage in my parenting journey is getting to see the results of the years spent pouring into my children. The worry, the sleepless nights, praying, questioning our decisions and learning to trust in the Lord Who loves them even more than we do. We definitely didn’t do everything right, but what an an amazing experience it is to watch them become these incredible teens/young adults. My tip this week might seem simple, but I believe it can make a major difference in the lives of our children, in our homes and maybe, just maybe, in the culture too. 🌸
It was the most glorious day to celebrate my best It was the most glorious day to celebrate my best friend! Oregon came through with perfect weather for my wonderful husband’s birthday and we made the most of it by taking the convertible to our favorite winery and soaking up the sunshine, yummy food and wine. Then we had a lovely time celebrating with family at our home. Robb is truly the most amazing husband and father and all around incredible man. He loves and leads us well so it’s such a joy to get to honor him on his special day. 🎂

“The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good.” Matthew 12:35
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! Today I’m s It’s time for another #tiptuesday! Today I’m sharing with you two critical things to determine if you want to create order in your home which leads to a much more peaceful experience for everyone. As a recovering perfectionist, this has been one of my greatest lessons and I hope it encourages you today! 🍃
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence