Hope you are doing well and staying safe.
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Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Seahorses - Cricut Maker
Hope you are doing well and staying safe.
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
5 Bible verses that carried me through 2020
We are 1 day away from one of my favorite days of the year next to Christmas, New Year's Day. Growing up New Year's Eve was a big deal in my house. My mom would take us to watch night service and we'd listen to the end of the year message, pray in the New Year, and head home to watch the ball drop on television with glasses of sparkling cider.
When I got married, my husband and I started our own tradition of making delicious food, watching the ball drop, and drinking that same sparkling cider. However when we added children to our family this tradition transitioned to family game night, eating swedish meatballs and other appetizers, and then watching the ball drop.
Saying good-bye to one year and hello to a new one. I know many of us are ready to say good-bye to 2020. It's been filled with so many things.
For me, 2020 has been filled with reflection, growth, trusting in Jesus, lots of prayer, and time with my family.
I asked the Lord for specific things in 2020, and He answered those prayers.
Let's look back at answered prayers and blessings of 2020.....
The second day was filled with moving into victory with my friend Tracy Loken Weber speaking on CTRL ALT Delete and shifting our thoughts.
Then conference closed with Evangelist Kiena Hackworth with her powerful "I Made It" message.
I left conference feeling revived, excited and we even had 2021 conference planned out before I left as Carrie, Ara, and I sat in Carrie's living room. I knew it was going to be a powerful year - A Year of Victory.
Then March hit and the world shifted....I had heard about the coronavirus on my flight but I didn't think it would hit close to me. I was so wrong. Fear hit like a tidal wave when I heard about the magnitude of this virus. I had sleepless nights of worry about having no food, especially when the grocery store shelves were empty. BUT GOD.
God's provision overflowed for our family in 2020. I remember one night sitting in our living room wondering how we were going to find toilet paper, chicken, and even tried to buy a cow as I watched the evening news. A text came to my phone and suddenly at our door was food - more than enough.
My daughter had been so excited for a pagent that she wanted to be in for special needs girls. I remember getting her fitted for her dress. The excitement on her face and then everything cancelled. My kids were suddenly home from school, and I was teaching them full time. I had homeschooled them previously so it wasn't as bad as I envisioned by my senior in high school now had a low key graduation, my sixth grader who was looking forward to his graduation to 7th grade - instead ended up with a fun party. Life shifted as the world shifted.
Our family had been saving for a HUGE trip to Disneyworld and like many of you - we canceled it and found ourselves sitting at home.
So How did we survive 2020? Clinging to these 5 verses and standing on the promises found in the Word of God.
1. Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV says to Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
God definitely made our paths straight as we trusted Him in 2020.
2. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10, NIV
Do not fear - 2020 was filled with fear. In fact in many ways it felt like a bad twilight zone movie. Groundhog day every day and pj's and zoom meetings became the norm.
3. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalms 91:1-2, NIV
I don't know about you but I rested more than I have in 2020. In the paused moments of life, some of our best ideas were designed and I can't wait to see God bring them to pass.
4. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalms 46:1-2, NIV
5. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2, NIV
Fixing my eyes on social media, the news, reports of the virus, nope fixing my eyes on Jesus. I did something in 2020 more than I have ever done - I consistently read my Bible. It was my lifeline on most days. I wanted to know what God was saying to me, what was in store for us, and just wanted to stay close to Jesus.
Did 2020 have it's struggles? Absolutely. My son Brighton suffered an infection and had 2 surgeries on his knee. It was very scary but I saw God work in his life in an awesome way while he was in the hospital. And I'm so thankful for praying friends who prayed and held my hands up from a distance when I didn't have the strength to carry on.
2020 was a year - a year that we will remember and a year that I hope we don't repeat the strife and struggle again. However, I choose to remember the blessings of 2020 and count them as a blessing.
What verse did you cling to in 2020?
I'd love to hear it. Share it in the comments below.
Be blessed!!
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Becoming Mom Strong Review
Throughout the book, she offers great stories, practical tips, wisdom, and the truth from God's word. What I love about Becoming MomStrong is that Heidi shares honest heart and real life experiences. She writes with passion, wisdom, and with such a pure spirit.
Heidi has a vision for a Momstrong movement rising up and moms becoming strong in the Lord. In reading this book, you will definitely rise up. You will be challenged, you will be stretched, but the Lord will speak to your heart. You are raising a precious generation. I also believe that you will be inspired and encouraged as you read this book as I was. It's a must read.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Sunshiny Thoughts Podcast - Episode 1 Self Care
Today's show features a wonderful guest co host who is a lifecoach, wife, mom, and loves cats. Laura is known on Youtube for her channel Delusion Dispeller where she talks about the pitfalls of toxic relationships and reminds you how to be yourself again after escaping them.
I asked her to join me to talk about the importance of self care and taking care of ourselves as moms.
We have great tips for finding time to get alone with the Lord.
As a FREE gift for subscribing to this podcast, I have a free Self Care Journaling Worksheet for you. Simply email me at sunshinythought@gmail.com once you have listened to the podcast. Then I will send you the link to the file.
Every week I will bring you a new topic to encourage you and remind you that through the storms of life God is faithful and that all we need to do is hold to Him.
Thanks for joining me and be sure to check out the show notes.
Blessings,
Shawnee
Friday, August 25, 2017
4 Steps for Contentment in the Middle of a Storm
Social media doesn't show us the temper tantrum moments, the burned dinners, the heartache. Social media doesn't show us the moments where people are struggling because we don't like to post those. Those are the heartache moments of life.
If you were to look at my social media you'd see happy times but you'd see struggles as well. Now you won't see screaming children or messy kitchens, but you will see more than a perfect lifestyle. This is because I was taught to be authentic in who I am.
It's really not easy and I won't say that it is. You can sit and have what my best friend calls a pity party for yourself. I've had plenty. But after you've had your pity party.
I'd love to hear your comments and thoughts on contentment or even share what the Lord is doing in your life.
Thankful Tuesday on a Thursday
I am thankful for my friends and family. I have the best friends and the greatest family. I am going through a storm right now. But the Lord has surrounded me with support and encouragement every step of the way.
Giving Thanks in the middle of your storm will give you a whole new perspective. When you take the time to daily remember that although you are hurting, although things aren't perfect (they never will be), and everything isn't coming up roses. God is still good. Your focus changes. Your thinking changes.
I am currently finishing up my first book. I'm so proud of this project. It's full of Sunshiny Thoughts teaching you to give thanks and look on the sunshiny side of life. If you'd like more information on my upcoming book check out my Facebook page.
I hope you will take time today to count your blessings.
Blessings,
Shawnee
Friday, July 21, 2017
CardzTV Crazy Card Crafters Challenge #6
I love how this card turned out. It's going to be a great gift for a friend of mine who loves music.
If you have a music lover in your house, you might want to make them this card. A few hints be patient when it cuts. The intricate parts took 3 attempts to cut. But after the 3rd one - all was great. The settings on the machine were too much for the paper.
I hope you have a great weekend and that you'll join in our challenge!! Also check out what my design team sisters have for you at CardzTV
Be Blessed!!
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
10 Steps to The Importance of Self Care and Caregiving
- Taking a time out - five or ten minutes to regroup and just breathe.
- Going for a walk. Fresh air does amazing things to clear your head.
- Drinking water - when I'm dehydrated I'm cranky. So I need to make sure that I am drinking enough water.
- Reading a book - I love to read. I will often grab my kindle and sit and read. This helps me relax and be able to handle the day.
- Pray - This is my go to. As many of you know, I am a Christian. I believe firmly in the power of prayer. I believe that I can take my needs to the Lord as he wants to know what I am feeling. God knows my heart. He knows what I'm going through. Somehow when I pray I feel peace.
- Listen to Music- I have my playlist of music. I love to listen to Casting Crowns, Tenth Avenue North, Hillsong United, Elevation Worship, etc when I am stressed. My favorite song right now is Chris Tomlin's Good Good Father. I know the Lord is good and I know that He is faithful!!
- Exercise - I'm not the greatest with this one. But it's definitely needed. Take a break and go for a walk. Nature is a wonderful treasure.
- Talk to a friend - often we talk to little people as moms but we need to talk to our friends. Fellowship, reconnect, and sometimes even praying with a friend can reset your mood and your day.
- Take a bubble bath - This one is my favorite one as I love to get different kinds of bubble bath.
- Journal- I have a prayer journal that I write in when I'm upset, happy, lonely, etc. It helps me to get my thoughts on paper. When I do I feel a sense of release and peace.
Be Blessed!!
Thursday, June 22, 2017
CardzTV Crazy Crafters Challenge #4 Over the Rainbow
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Happy Father's Day
My dad is a very hard working man. He gives of himself daily for his family working tirelessly to make sure that all the bills are paid and that we have all we need. I am so blessed that this Father's day I get to spend it with him.
My dad recently lost his wife of 20 years. I feel very bad for him as she was his best friend. However my son and I being here, is helping him smile a little more. I love to hear him come in the house after a hard day at work and ask my son, "What are you doing?" My son grins and laughs. Then he runs into his pappy's arms.
However, when famine swept the land. The son went to work for a local farmer in verse 15. The man agreed to let him work and he fed the pigs. Then the son decided that he was going home.
I hope today as you honor your father whether it is your earthly father or your heavenly Father. You remember you are always welcome with open arms. If you don't know Jesus as your personal savior, take time today to open your heart and life to him. You will never be the same again.
Thank you for taking your time to spend it with me today!!
Friday, June 9, 2017
You Fill My Heart with Sunshine - CardzTV Crazy Card Crafters Challenge
I'm so glad you joined us. I apologize for not using the normal formatting for my blog as I am currently on vacation.
My card today is a stair step card for Father's Day.
I used CardzTV Stamps "It's All Good"
Cricut Cartridge Nifty Fifties
And My Cricut Explore Air 2
Friday, May 26, 2017
CardzTV Crazy Card Crafters Challenge #2 - School days
Cardz TV Card Crazy Crafters Anything Goes Challenge #2
Create anything you'd like...card, home decor, gift tags, bags, boxes, scrapbook layout, mini album, etc...Anything Goes!
Liz worked very hard to teach Jackson and had to learn many new things to have him as a part of her classroom. When Jackson was in the hospital, she came and sat at the hospital with me. She tailored the learning so Jackson would learn. Because of her, he was successful.
Blessings,
Shawnee
Monday, May 15, 2017
Happy Mother's Day Card Lori Whitlock
Growing up my mom was known for growing a beautiful purple flower called an African violet. My mom would take the leaves, place them in the potting soil, and sit them on our window sill to grow. She would then give them to friends who would admire them. Lots of people ended up with African violets because of my mom.
I used this file by Lori Whitlock. You can find it on her website here. This file was super easy to put together. The hardest part was the white dots I'm going to add pearls later for those.
I hope you have a blessed day!!
Blessings,
Shawnee
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Fly Lady Premium App Review
If you are like me you can sometimes struggle with routine. I don't like to do the same thing every day but I know it is needed to keep my house running smoothly. About eight months ago, I decided to try Fly Lady again. I knew she had a organized way of keeping a home clean. So when I found she had an app for the iPhone I was trilled. When I found the Flylady Premium app in a desperate search for something to help me get better organized.
I knew the tasks of the day that I needed to get done but I struggled with lists laying around the house because someone would take it for their own. So I downloaded the app from the Itunes store.
I am so glad that I did!!
The app opens and you see a Home Screen with From the Desk of Fly Lady.
I love this screen of the app because it has your Morning Musing, Daily Mission, and an Ask Fly Lady question.
Here you will find your outlined Routine for the day.
It includes your Morning Routine, Afternoon Routine, After Dinner/Before Bed Routine, and Weekly Home Blessing hour.
For instance on mine I added Morning Devotions and Prayer. I also added to reload my laundry because of my household size.
The next part of the App is Agenda - What's on your calendar today.
Then a timer - part of FlyLady is setting your timer for 15 minutes and clearing a space. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in just 15 minutes a day.
The last part of the app is My Courses. Here you can enroll in courses for FlyLady to help improve your cleaning routine.
I love checking off the activities and seeing what I've gotten done in the day.
This app has been a huge blessing in helping me stay organized, keep my house running, and have my home ready for someone to visit (on most days).
I hope you find this review helpful and you will check out the FlyLady app. With it you can start getting your house in order!!
Blessings,
Shawnee
Friday, May 12, 2017
Cardz TV Card Crazy Crafters Anything Goes Challenge #1- Hello Birdhouse Easel Card
Cardz TV Card Crazy Crafters Anything Goes Challenge #1
Hello Birdhouse Easel Card
Create anything you'd like...card, home decor, gift tags, bags, boxes, scrapbook layout, mini album, etc...Anything Goes!
I have been reading a book called "Listen, Love, Repeat" by Karen Ehman. I was on the launch team for the book and have been changed by it's message.
So I decided this year to make a card to make her smile.
Let's get to my card recipe.
My card is a card from My Scrap Chick. I love their designs. This is a very simple Easel card. I started making easel cards a while back and got hooked on them.
Blessings,
Shawnee
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Wednesday Review day: Super Soft Leggings --Legging Army
It's Wednesday and time for another great review post. A few months ago, I saw a post from one of my friends on Facebook about a legging company. After thinking it over, My husband thought that I should try them he bought me my first pair. I was hooked!! I chose this cute flower pair as I wanted something for spring. I was amazed at how soft they are and how they didn't feel like typical leggings that I own. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes. They are perfect for the whole family.
Legging Army carries a great selection of soft comfy leggings, joggers, capri's, skirts, and shorts.
Legging Army uses a unique fabric blend is so soft it will blow your mind! Our leggings are not see-through so you can walk, run, stretch or lounge in comfort.
My daughter loves hers and wears them to school under her uniform regularly.
Legging Army carries Mommy and Me leggings, too as they carry a great children's line.
Care: To wash your Legging Army leggings, simply hand wash them so you don't ruin the beautiful fabrics. Then hang up to dry.
The Maxi skirts are easy to wash and wear as you can machine was delicate and then tumble dry on low.
Besides being super soft, I love the affordability of Legging Army. A pair of leggings starts at just $17.
I loved my leggings so much that my husband signed me up to be an affiliate. As an affiliate you get your own website, 25% discount, and great support.
So if you haven't tried Legging Army yet. Head on over to my website at http://sunshinyleggings.com and check them out.
Be sure to use the affiliate code: Sunshiny Leggings when you place your order.
Have a blessed Wednesday and Happy Shopping!!
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Some Bunny Loves You CardzTV Anything Goes Challenge
My card today is from My Scrap Chick you can find it here
My sentiment is from CardzTV Stamps Easter Punnies . This is one of my favorite Easter Stamp sets. You'll love all these amazing sentiments.
I hope you enjoyed this fun card!! I love tri fold cards. I hope you will try to make one as they are super easy even with a paper trimmer.
Have a great Friday and be sure to check out what my CardzTV Design sisters have created for you.
Blessings,
Shawnee
Saturday, March 18, 2017
St Patrick's Day Teddy Bear Parade Card
Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day. It is one of my favorite holidays because growing up I lived in an Irish town which celebrated St Patrick's Day in style.
When I saw the photos of the recent celebration, I was inspired to create this card.
For this card I used:
An A2 size card
The mat for this card is 5 inches by 3.6 inches
The Dark Green strip is embossed with a bubbles CuttleBug folder from Cricut and is cut at 5 inches by 1.5 inches
The Leprechaun Bear is from Teddy Bear Parade 3.4 inches in height
The shamrock border is from Classroom February & March and is cut at 3 inches
The Green Tag is from Formal Occasions and is cut at 3 inches
My sentiment is from CardzTV Stamps Mixed Messages
I hope you had a great St Patrick's day and will stop by again soon for another fun card!!
Have a Blessed Saturday!!
Shawnee
Thursday, March 16, 2017
CardzTV Design Team Anything Goes Challenge #5 - Bunny Hop
In case you haven't joined us for challenge before, you can create anything you'd like...card, home decor, gift tags, bags, boxes, scrapbook layout, mini album, etc...Anything Goes!
So for this card, I made a stair step card. Then I added cute files from
The basket is from Create a Critter 2
The grass is from Ribbons and Rosettes
My sentiment is from CardzTV Stamps Toadally Awesome.
I used the sentiment Hop to it. You could also use Hop, Hop, Hooray!!
Now I'll admit when you first look at this set you see frogs. But Bunnies hop, too.
My daughter actually handed it to me. I told her I wasn't making a frog card and then it hit me. It's another reminder to look closely at your stamp sets and just because it says one thing - doesn't mean you cannot use it for another.
Think out of the box!!
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Friendship card- CardzTV Stamps Anything Goes Challenge
I am very late posting but wanted to still share with you my card for CardzTV Stamps Anything Goes Challenge. You still have time to enter as our challenge is still going on!!
Be sure to check out what my Design Team sisters have for you as well. They have created some amazing projects. You can find them here
My project is a friendship card. I have been blessed with many people who daily encourage me, support me, and remind me that I am stronger than I think. I created this card with those friends in mind. It also reminds me spring is almost here!!
I love this spring stamp set of Mary's. The bees are so adorable and the flower pot is perfect for those thinking of you cards or even a Get Well Card.
I hope you enjoyed this fun card!! Be sure to link up your project soon!!
Blessings,
Shawnee






















