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raising a blessing

A blog about mom life, homeschooling, traveling, adventure seeking, and parenting our little blessing.

raising a blessing
  • Find Us on Facebook!
  • Contact Us!
  • Upcoming Events
  • A Time to Dance (Book)
  • Find Us on Facebook!
  • Contact Us!
  • Upcoming Events
  • A Time to Dance (Book)

Blog Categories

  • 2-Min. Thoughts on Faith
  • Art Projects
  • Books
  • Crafting For The Home
  • Devotionals
  • Educational Projects
  • Homeschool Life
  • Infertility
  • Jesus
  • Mom Life
  • Recipes
  • The Holidays
  • Thrifting
  • Travel
  • U-Download

Search My Site

  • 2-Min. Thoughts on Faith,  Jesus

    Two-Minute Thoughts: Shaking Courage

    April 13, 2022 / 0 Comments

    When describing the moments just before he stepped out in faith, Nehemiah writes, “I was terrified.” (Nehemiah 2:2) But he took the step. And guess what? God showed up. God delivered. God was faithful. Sometimes, God calls us to step out in faith, muster up every ounce of courage we can scrape together, and trust that He will catch us. And sometimes we are shaking in fear because we have a lot on the line and we’ve been disappointed so many times when we have counted on anyone other than ourselves. Sometimes what He is calling us into feels so impossible or the road feels too impassible. But my friends,…

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    Shannon

    You May Also Like

    Coffee With Jesus: A Collection of Moments with My Heavenly Father

    May 5, 2021

    Can You Trust God With It? The Short Answer: Yes, Absolutely!

    January 3, 2023

    Two-Minute Thoughts on Faith: Gen-X Blast from the Past – Save the Last Dance

    March 15, 2023
  • Jesus

    What If Joy Doesn’t Come With the Morning?

    April 12, 2022 / 0 Comments

    “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 NLT) But God, what if it doesn’t? What if the morning comes and I’m still curled up in the fetal position, overwhelmed with depression, anxiety, and confusion? What if I’m angry… so angry… because it’s all just so unfair. It’s unfair, God. I’ve done everything I know to do and these unrelenting waves are beating the life out of me! One after another after another. I come up for air and just as I think maybe there’s a reprieve in this storm, I’m thrown under the water again, gasping for my next breath and struggling to…

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    Shannon

    You May Also Like

    2022 New Year’s Resolution: Simply Put… More Jesus!

    December 31, 2021

    Friends, We Cannot Truly Minister To Each Other From Behind the Veil of Perfection.

    July 23, 2021

    When My Feelings Threaten to Consume and Define Me…

    September 27, 2021
  • Travel

    Travel: South Padre Island (SPI), Texas – Beach Vacation for the Whole Family!

    March 17, 2022 / 0 Comments

    Welcome back, friends! I’m beyond excited to share this travel blog post with you today because our family has been vacationing in South Padre Island, Texas for several years now and we just can’t get enough of its unassuming charm and endless fun and beauty! Our first few years vacationing there, we spent the entire week just enjoying beach activities (there are so many!), but more recently, we’ve been taking time to really explore all that the island has to offer! I’m sure that we will be adding more to this list in the years to come, but for now, here are some of our favorites to explore, eat, and…

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    Shannon

    You May Also Like

    Bucket List Hike: Ice Lake Basin & Island Lake (Silverton, CO)

    June 29, 2020

    Travel: San Isidro Church in Las Mesitas, Colorado (Abandoned, Old Church)

    August 30, 2022

    Hike Colorado: Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass

    May 5, 2020
  • Books

    Book Review: When Heaven Invades Earth by Bill Johnson (Bethel Church)

    March 15, 2022 / 1 Comment

    When Heaven Invades Earth was my second book/read by the pastors of Bethel Church and it did not disappoint… far from it. In fact, what was so incredibly neat to me while reading through its pages was the realization that I had heard many of the same messages from God while traveling through my own season of healing and growth and writing my book, A Time to Dance: Chasing Joy in Difficult Seasons. That said, my depth of understanding, experience, and growth was like a dipped toe into a very deep pool compared to what Bill Johnson offered in his book. “Heaven is not just our eternal destination, but also…

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    Shannon

    You May Also Like

    Book Review: The Supernatural Ways of Royalty by Kris Vallotton & Bill Johnson (Bethel Church)

    August 14, 2021

    On The Nightstand: A Current List of Books We Are Reading & Our Favorite Book Reviews

    January 12, 2022

    Pass-Along Books: From My Heart To Yours.

    September 2, 2021
  • Books,  Homeschool Life,  U-Download

    Homeschool Books & Resources We Loved: Kindergarten

    February 24, 2022 / 0 Comments

    As a somewhat-new homeschooling mom, I have always felt a lot of pressure to find the right resources to help my little guy thrive! I want him to truly find enjoyment in learning, so I find myself constantly shifting materials in his curriculum until we discover the gems that light him up. Because I know that there are other moms out there with the same struggle, I began to keep track of what we loved as we worked through his Kindergarten year. And bonus… these are not just suggestions for homeschoolers! Many of these books can be rolled into your nighttime routine if your kid attends school outside of the…

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    Shannon

    You May Also Like

    Book Review: Goliath Must Fall by Louie Giglio

    March 29, 2021

    Book Review: Josiah Is His Name by Margaret Johnson

    December 30, 2022

    Book Review: The Todd White Story (Life is Short – Leave a Legacy)

    August 31, 2022
  • Books

    On The Nightstand: A Current List of Books We Are Reading & Our Favorite Book Reviews

    January 12, 2022 / 0 Comments

    We often get asked what books we are currently diving into or recommend. On this page, we will strive to share all of our updates, book reviews (as they become available), and keep our book lists current. Please feel free to drop us a comment at the bottom of the page with your feedback or recommendations! Blessings! Before we get started, I’d love to take just a moment and recommend my new book for your consideration, A Time to Dance: Chasing Joy in Difficult Seasons. It’s all about drawing close to God in the really difficult seasons of life and allowing Him to pour into you and remind you who…

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    Shannon

    You May Also Like

    Book Review: When Heaven Invades Earth by Bill Johnson (Bethel Church)

    March 15, 2022

    Book Review: Josiah Is His Name by Margaret Johnson

    December 30, 2022

    Pass-Along Books: From My Heart To Yours.

    September 2, 2021
  • Books

    Book Review: Do It Afraid by Joyce Meyer

    January 11, 2022 / 1 Comment

    If I’m being perfectly honest, this has been one of the most challenging book reviews that I have ever written. I struggled with this book, a lot, and my personal opinions are not the most flattering, which makes this review very difficult for me to publish, but I also know that putting it off won’t make it any easier. I realize that I’m just a little (tiny) fish in a very big pond, but I still desire to be a cheerleader for everyone putting themselves out there and encouraging others in their journey. So, I want to be clear and pause for a second to say, just because something is…

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    Shannon

    You May Also Like

    Book Review: Lioness Arising (Wake Up and Change Your World) by Lisa Bevere

    December 10, 2022

    Book Review: Raising Giant-Killers by Bill Johnson (Releasing Your Child’s Divine Destiny Through Intentional Parenting)

    December 7, 2022

    How To Make Farmhouse Stamped Books Without Stamps!

    May 2, 2021
  • Jesus

    2022 New Year’s Resolution: Simply Put… More Jesus!

    December 31, 2021 / 0 Comments

    Friends, if I may be a little vulnerable with you today… 2020 was a year that brought me to my knees, quite literally. It was hard… so very hard. There were times that I wasn’t sure how to breathe, much less how to put one foot in front of the other. And by the start of 2021, I had only one prayer on my lips; one resolution that I could even wholeheartedly commit to chasing. Simply put, More Jesus. Over the course of the year that followed, I dedicated myself to speaking life into His promises, over and over, even when I could not see a way through the emotional…

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    Shannon

    You May Also Like

    I Am Not Catholic, But My Family Loved Joining the Good Friday Pilgrimage! Here’s Why…

    April 10, 2023

    Reflection: An Important Part of the Healing Journey

    November 4, 2023

    “Watch For My Love Notes Today”

    June 10, 2021
  • Crafting For The Home,  The Holidays,  Thrifting

    10 Crafty Christmas Gifts on A Budget

    November 28, 2021 / 0 Comments

    Do you need some crafty Christmas gift ideas that stretch the dollar? We did too! So, we came up with a new series called “Crafty Christmas Gifts on a Budget” where we share ideas that are budget and beginner-friendly, but pack a real “wow” factor into your gift giving this year! If you would like to continue to see crafty and budget-friendly gift ideas like these, you can follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram as well! Links located at the bottom of this page! Idea #1: Framed Watercolor Prints Idea #2: Old Metal Street Signs Idea #3: Customized Wood Cutting Boards Idea #4: Crayon Names & Shapes Idea #5:…

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    Shannon

    You May Also Like

    DIY TV Tray Table Makeover: Colorado Flag

    February 20, 2020

    Let’s Make Pebble Art!

    December 22, 2020

    Pallet Pictures DIY

    December 8, 2019
  • Jesus

    8 Truths About God’s Love & Powerful Declarations to Speak Over Your Life Today!

    November 14, 2021 / 0 Comments

    Friends, if you need a little reminder about how much you are loved and how valuable and irreplaceable you are in His eyes, I encourage you to read through these eight truths and allow them to deeply take root in your heart today! Make these declarations over your life and allow them to bring you hope, encouragement, and strength. Blessings, friends! He is with us. 1. I am deeply loved by a Heavenly Father that knows me by name. He delights in me today, right now, in this very moment, just as I am. Even in the moments when I fall short or fail, He picks me up, dusts me…

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    Shannon

    You May Also Like

    “The Least of These” & Throwing Stones at Jesus

    February 11, 2025

    Shame Thrives in the Dark Corners.

    April 26, 2022

    Psychics vs. Faith Healers: Sharing Perspectives

    September 14, 2026
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Welcome! My name is Shannon and my little blog spans many topics because I love to share anything that may help a friend! You’ll find info on our travels, homeschooling tricks and adventures, upcycling projects and inspirational moments with Jesus.  Grab some hot tea, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy!  I hope you find love, acceptance, inspiration, and support here!  From one hot mess mama to another, you’re beautifully and wonderfully made! Jesus loves you!!

Blog Categories

  • 2-Min. Thoughts on Faith
  • Art Projects
  • Books
  • Crafting For The Home
  • Devotionals
  • Educational Projects
  • Homeschool Life
  • Infertility
  • Jesus
  • Mom Life
  • Recipes
  • The Holidays
  • Thrifting
  • Travel
  • U-Download

Search My Site

  • Find Us on Facebook!
  • Contact Us!
  • Upcoming Events
  • A Time to Dance (Book)
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