Sunday, January 31, 2016

Sunday Verses

bible verse, god's word, sunday verses, friendship, inspiring verse, women encouraging each other, support, photography, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/sunday-verses_27.html

Women supporting women are my favorite.

Girls, women, chicas, ladies, friends--we are all in THIS together.  Life is hard, but pulling for one another makes it easier.  

Supporting one another, sharing ideas and knowledge, and parenting and marriage advice (when wanted) makes things better, not worse.

I am not sure why we feel the need to compete with each other, to judge each other, to gossip about each other, and to withhold help and prayers rather than simply supporting one another.

Helping and supporting other women does not take away from our worth, but adds to it and so much more.  I promise, reaching out to other ladies and loving them will get us so much further than competing with them. I am giving you a goal, an assignment: in the next few days reach out to someone who needs help, whether it be with their business or kids or home.  Don't judge them, don't speak badly about them, don't compete with them--just help in some way!

Thursday, January 28, 2016

EASY Centerpiece DIY

cen·ter·piece
ˈsen(t)ərˌpēs/
noun
1) a decorative piece or display placed in the middle of a dining or serving table.
2) an item or issue intended to be a focus of attention
centerpiece, DIY, 5 steps, Valentine's Day, fusion mineral paint, copper paint, tray, natural decor, candles, balance, scale, old books, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/how-to-make-centerpiece.html
I enjoy creating fun and unique centerpieces for each season or holiday.  I think keeping a centerpiece on the table encourages us to keep the table clean and free of clutter.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Scrappy Shapes

I am sure this will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me or has read my blog, I am a saver and I have a tough time throwing some things out.
scrapwood, reclaimed wood, miter saw, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/scrappy-shapes.html
My motto is, when life gives you scraps, SAVE and USE THEM! I keep a bucket at the end of my chop saw and pretty much any piece of wood that is four inches or longer goes in the bucket. (And yes, the bucket overflows and then the wood piles up around it.)

Last week I played with the scraps and made some scrappy shapes.
scrapwood, salvaged heart, reclaimed wood, jigsaw, rustic decor, bear, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/scrappy-shapes.html

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Sunday Verses

inspiring verse, bible verse, God's Word, inspiration, photography, road, path, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/sunday-verses_24.htm
Happy Sunday! David so wanted to know God, follow Him, and do what would please God. David certainly did not always get it right, but he was always seeking, even during the difficult times. Sometimes it is really hard to know where God wants us to go, what he wants us to do, what his plan is. We feel lost or stuck or even like we are going backwards. We worry and stress, not knowing what "the plan" is. And it is hard and tiring to feel like we don't know where our road is going and, we question if we are even on the right path. But, God knows, he knows where we are going, he knows why certain things happen on the road of life. When we seek Him--read the Bible, talk to Him in prayer, look for Him--He will ALWAYS guide us. And knowing He is leading the way brings us comfort, knowing He knows where we are headed brings us peace. Have a great week and let God make the path.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Foodie Friday: Bacon Cheddar Quiche, Gluten Free

Well, I am not sure if my Foodie Friday posts are catching on yet, but I am enjoying sharing something new and different with you each week. So, for those of you who are here, thanks!
gluten free, quiche, foodie friday, bacon, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/foodie-friday-bacon-cheddar-quiche.html
Most all of the recipes I will be sharing I make gluten free, but they almost all were "normal" recipes first that I changed to make gluten free.  Case in point, this yummy quiche recipe that I substitute gluten free flour and xanthum gum in to make it okay for my hubby to eat.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

LOVE, in Bits & Pieces

Puttering in the workshop days are happy days for me.

Days when I have the time to look around, and dream, and create whatever comes to me.

Today was one of those days and a little LOVE was the result of my puttering.
love sign, reclaimed wood, scraps, typohraphy, metal, minwax, wood spools, valentines, rustic, industrial,http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/love-in-bits-pieces.html

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Talk of the Town #3


Welcome back to Talk of the Town!
Talk of the Town Link Party

Before we get started, let's take a look at what your hosts have been up to:

Monday, January 18, 2016

Schoolhouse Update

When we bought a 1932 schoolhouse last summer, we knew we had some projects we wanted to do.

And while we don't have the arduous task of transforming it from a school into a livable home, we did list 93 projects we wanted to do to update the old schoolhouse to better suit our style.  

We have crossed 26 things off the list in 5 months, which is a decent start.  Some projects are BIG and some are smaller, and some we haven't fully decided on what changes we want to make.
sign, old school, TV cover up, sliding screens, schoolhouse, library,http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/schoolhouse-update.html

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Sunday Verses

inspiring verse, god's word, loving others, winter, photography, snowflake, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/sunday-verses_16.html

Happy Sunday! Here is a universal truth--we all want to be accepted. No matter our age, race, financial status, upbringing, zip code--everyone wants acceptance. We want to know that even with all of our faults, we are still loved and valued by others. I think we adults are often worse at the acceptance thing than kids are. We judge and we see faults and imperfections and hurt others by not "approving" them. We are called to love others, to recognize their worth, to accept people with all their mess because God does the same for us and it brings Him praise. This week let's try to welcome others into our lives, even the challenging folks.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Foodie Friday: Cherry Almond Scones

I love scones and when my friend shared her basic recipe for them, I had fun tweaking it and making a combination of flavors that are one of my favorites.
cherry almond scones, breakfast, foodie friday, scones, recipe, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/foodie-friday-cherry-almond-scones.html
Behold, the cherry almond scone:
gluten free recipe, scones, cherry almond, recipe, breakfast foods, cherryhttp://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/foodie-friday-cherry-almond-scones.html,

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Wood Shim Heart

'Tis the season--no not that season.  But, it is the "love is in the air" season which means it is time to make hearts.


Each year I try to come up with something a little different.  My first heart of the year is a very simple wood shim heart.
wood heart, wood shims, reclaimed wood, heart, valentines day, easy DIY, heart decor, rustic, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/wood-shim-heart.html

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Monday, January 11, 2016

Rustic Chic Antlers

So, before we were married a million years ago (okay, almost 28 years ago), I made a few "rules" or deals with my hubby.  One of those involved dead animals.  You see, he is a hunter and at the time and for several years after, I could never imagine wanting skulls or antlers or anything of the sort in my home.  

The deal was--all dead animals belong in the garage.  

Needless to say, hubby was amused the other day when he saw what I was hanging in our great room--shed antlers that my son found on a hike.
antlers, copper, rustic decor, chic, old keys, reclaimed wood, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/rustic-chic-marriage-contracts.html

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Sunday Verses

inspiring quote, bible verse, vintage bike, slowing down, God's word, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/sunday-verses_9.html
Happy Sunday! It is a new year, time to hustle, get going on all those goals, move it, check that list, change it all this month! Goals and resolutions are great motivators. BUT, what if God is telling you something else? What if He is running on a different speed than you are? What if He is telling you to slow down? In my walk with God I have learned the hard way, that His timing is rarely the same as mine. I have learned (and am still learning) that I need to slow down and simply wait on God to guide me. When I am gung ho, when I rush ahead with my plans and my agenda at my speed things do not turn out nearly as well as they do when I remember to let God lead the way, let Him set the speed. So, set your goals and work hard toward them, but also remember to let God go before you at whatever pace He chooses

Friday, January 8, 2016

Foodie Friday: Monthly Meal Planning

Wait,what, Foodie Friday?  Are you at the right blog?  Isn't this Beyond The Picket Fence--the blog that shares fun home decor made from old wood and stuff?
meal planning, recipes, menus, healthy eating, budget meals, organization, saving time, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/foodie-friday-monthly-meal-planning.html
Yes, yes it is and no worries, that is not changing.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Love You Forever, Easy Valentine Decor + Free Printables

If you are a parent, chances are you have read (and perhaps teared up while doing so) Robert Munsch's book Love You Forever.
Robert Munsch, Love You Forever, Free Printable, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/love-you-forever-easy-valentine-decor.html
I was first introduced to this book as an elementary teacher and bought a copy for my mom and firstborn.  I read it many times to him and my other two children as well.

I decide the phrases "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always" needed to go a sign for Valentine's Day this year.
free print, valentine's day, love you forever, reclaimed wood sign, heart decor, valentine decor, easy, DIY, sign, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/love-you-forever-easy-valentine-decor.html

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Talk of the Town #1

It's Time for Talk of the Town!

Previously, the party was called the Vintage Inspiration Party, but it was time for a new look and a new exciting format, so we could show off more of your favorite projects and posts, and make your blog the "talk of the town"!
Talk of the Town button - Knick of Time
We now have 6 blogs hosting the party, to give your link ups lots of exposure!
Let's meet the 6 hosts and their blogs!

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Sunday Verses

sunset, God's Word, bible verse, inspiring verse, hope, photography, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/sunday-verses.html

Happy Sunday! It's a new year and a new year always feels hopeful. It is a fresh start as we hope to make our lives better through better choices and decisions. We are filled with enthusiasm and plans. But, then we experience disappointments. We forget our new resolutions, things don't turn out as we plan, people let us down. The good news is, God's hope and love never disappoint. When things go badly, when we feel discouraged and plans do not turn out as we had hoped, let's remember we have the Holy Spirit filling us, encouraging us, loving us in a way so different from any worldly hopelessness. We have a love and a God that cannot be taken from us and that is something to be hopeful about!

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Old Book Mail Organizer

This project is a great way to start your new year off right with some resolutions to get organized!

Does your kitchen table, counter, entry table or other horizontal space routinely look like this?
mail organizer old books http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/01/old-book-mail-organizer.html
For me it is the kitchen table and I have fought the mail pile for years.  I have tried a big metal box to keep it organized, binders, a mail sorter--none of it seems to work.  And honestly, I am not sure this will either.

Friday, January 1, 2016

Pause...in 2016

Happy New Year!  For the past couple years I have chosen a single word to focus on and guide me for the upcoming year.

Not a resolution, not a list to check things off of--just a word. A word to ponder and work at incorporating into my life.

This year's word is...pause.
pause, inspiring word, new years resolution, winter photography, snow, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2016/01/pausein-2016.html

Pause to enjoy the little things.
Pause to savor.
Pause to really see people.
Pause to be thankful.
Pause to understand.
Pause before reacting.
Pause before speaking.
Pause again before speaking (I have stuck my foot in my mouth more times than seems humanly possible!)
Pause to PRAY.
Pause...

In a world where everything is moving at record speed, where we are told to push for more to always want more, I want to simply pause.

What about you?  Do you choose an inspirational word for the new year?  What one thing do you want to focus on in 2016?