Blog — Shawna Sullivan

Shawna Sullivan

Posts in Parenting

Maybe It's Not Just a Tree After All

Maybe It's Not Just a Tree After All

“I have always wondered if I could put up a tree, and just use blue and silver decorations instead,” she explained, wanting to honor both her Jewish heritage and her husband’s Catholic background.

“Of course!” I exclaimed. “The tree has little to do with Jesus,” I told her confidently at the time. “It’s just a secular expression of the season.”

But, what I didn’t understand until the last few years is just how much our trees actually do set the stage for the redemptive story of Christ and put in perspective our greatest longings. Allow me to share more.

Over the years, however, I’ve been reminded how little I understood the tree those fifteen years ago.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanDecember 8, 2021Christmas, Encouragement, spiritual encouragementComment

Three Reasons To Give Thanks Even While Serving

Three Reasons To Give Thanks Even While Serving

Ready or not the holidays are upon us. Opportunities to serve, host, cook, and clean will become plentiful. After an exhausting year, how can we make it through “the most wonderful time of the year”, and have even an ounce of joy left? Here are a three reminders to get you through the coming months with your joy in tact even as you serve those around you.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanNovember 5, 2021Food, Hospitality, Holidays, spiritual encouragement, Faith, Parenting, ServingComment

Trick or Treat: Three Reminders When God's Blessings Feel Painful

Trick or Treat: Three Reminders When God's Blessings Feel Painful

We have all been there, the moment when the gift we thought was going to be there forever was instead lost forever: a relationship, a child, a spouse, a raise, a job, a house, you name it. We like the part of God that gives, but not the part that takes away.

How can a loving God give and take? If you have ever had that question, this post may be of encouragement to you.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanOctober 27, 2021Halloween, Encouragement, Faith, grief Comments

Do You Tend to Inquire or Simply Proceed?

Do You Tend to Inquire or Simply Proceed?

God’s timing and our timing are rarely in perfect cadence. After some reading the past few months, I’ve been more mindful of whether I tend to inquire of God’s direction in all areas of my life or whether I simply proceed.

Here’s what i’ve learned.

Faith, Education, ParentingShawna SullivanOctober 13, 2021Bible, Faith, Encouragement, DecisionsComment

The Blessing of Sibling Rivalry

The Blessing of Sibling Rivalry

It has always existed and it will always be apart of our life on earth: conflict. The past few weeks have been peppered with more incidents of sibling rivalry in my home and it’s drawn us more deeply into a conversation of creation than I would have expected.

Here I share the one truth that has helped provide perspective and wisdom in this area of rivalry.

Faith, Education, ParentingShawna SullivanSeptember 29, 2021Parenting, Encouragement, Faith, Sibling RivalryComment

How To Make Time For Celebration

How To Make Time For Celebration

With so much collective pain and tragedy of late, it’s difficult to give ourselves the permission to simply celebrate. Yet here we sit on the dawn of holidays with its myriad of traditions, and I wonder if it’s possible for the grieving to lead us into a place of celebrating.

Here’s now.

Faith, Education, ParentingShawna SullivanSeptember 15, 2021Holidays, Celebration, Encouragement, Joy Comments

Abundance or Scarcity: What To Remember When You Feel Depleted

Abundance or Scarcity: What To Remember When You Feel Depleted

When you feel depleted, do you default to a mindset of abundance or scarcity?

After a challenging few weeks, I’m sharing a few thoughts and helpful reminders so that you can live the abundant life you were called to live.

Faith, Parenting, EducationShawna SullivanSeptember 1, 2021Comment

Five Steps to Lasting Renewal

Five Steps to Lasting Renewal

As our summer draws to a close, my mind is already focusing on a fresh school year and the many goals I want to implement or change from last year. What I’m realizing, however, is that more than change, my heart is longing for renewal: renewed energy, renewed vision, renewed motivation.

Anyone else?

Read here for five steps to lasting renewal.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanJuly 31, 2021Encouragement., FAith, Faith, Parenting, Renewal Comments

When You Discover Your True Purpose

I guess I’ve always been a connector. You know, someone who introduces others when it seems like they were always meant to be connected.

While it’s benefited me in various seasons of life, there are times when it doesn’t feel like a gift. Instead it feels like my main value is all about the connection and less about, well, me.

Here I share how I’ve come to find my purpose in the fullness of God and why it matters for you today as well. It may just be the one thing that’s keeping you from the life you truly desire.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanJuly 20, 2021faith, Encouragement, parentingComment

Three Things For When You Find Yourself Between A Rock and A Hard Place

Three Things For When You Find Yourself Between A Rock and A Hard Place

I just returned from a lovely week away to the Colorado Rockies with my family, and as always the mountains taught lessons of truth and resilience. This week I'm sharing some helpful reminders for the times when you find yourself between a rock and a hard place.

Notice I said ‘when’, not ‘if’.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanJune 23, 2021Faith, Encouragement, Truth, RemindersComment

Practical Discipleship

Practical Discipleship

Throughout life, we look to others to guide and lead us whether it’s what book to read next, what recipe to make, or what curriculum to buy. Along our spiritual journey it is no different. Here I talk through the what, why and how of practical discipleship and include some key resources that have made a difference in my life and in my family.

Faith, Education, ParentingShawna SullivanJune 8, 2021Faith, Encour, DiscipleshipComment

Considering the Current of our Lives

Considering the Current of our Lives

After a recent beach vacation, my eyes were opened to more than the waves and expansive horizon. Unbeknownst to us, under the breathtaking scenery was a dangerous undercurrent. It led me to think about how we live looking at the surface—being rocked by waves—ignoring the current just below.

Here I share two truths to help as you assess what currents are directing your life.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanMay 25, 2021faith, parentingComment

Birthday Traditions

Birthday Traditions

Birthdays can be joyful and stressful. Here are 10 of my favorite traditions to help you create memorable moments in a simplified way.

ParentingShawna SullivanApril 27, 2021Birthdays, Parenting, TraditionsComment

The Saving Grace of a Shower

The Saving Grace of a Shower

It’s the end of the day; I’m weary from unexpected demands, worn out from constant needs, and sensitive to every noise. What is the one thing I look forward to every single day? Read here.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanApril 14, 2021Encouragement, Parenting, Faith

Before and After

Before and After

Chip and Joanna Gains have built an empire on the grounds of transformation. After a recent private tour of Magnolia in Waco, Texas, I was reminded that we all have a before and after story available to us. Here’s how.

Faith, Parenting, TravelShawna SullivanMarch 31, 2021Faith, Parenting, Travel, Encouragement Comments

The Blessing of Limitations

The Blessing of Limitations

Have you ever found yourself saying, “If we only had ______, then things would be better?”

You are not alone. However, over the years, I’ve found there is a way to confront the limiting beliefs about our limitations. Is there a way they could communicate love over lack?

Read more to find out.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanMarch 17, 2021faith, Encouragement, ParentingComment

Finding Rest at the Mercy Seat

Finding Rest at the Mercy Seat

Why do I always feel tired right now?

After a year of abnormalities, unexpected punches, and consistent catastrophes, I feel it deep in my bones. Do you feel it to? How can we find rest even when our circumstances aren’t changing? Read here to find out.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanMarch 3, 2021Rest, Lent, spiritual encouragement Comments

When You Feel Like You Aren't Enough

When You Feel Like You Aren't Enough

Do you ever feel like you don’t measure up? Here I’m sharing an honest confession, and one sure way to fight against the lies that hold you back.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanFebruary 17, 2021faith, Enough, Encouragement., ParentingComment

A Timely Reset

A Timely Reset

In need of a reset, but don’t know where to start?

I’m not talking about a diet, but sustainable rhythms that will help you in ways you’ve never thought about before. Here I share a few ideas, including helpful tips, for an effective reset.

Parenting, Faith, Education, StewardshipShawna SullivanFebruary 3, 2021Wellness, daily rhythm, Time, Stewardship Comments

Fix Your Eyes

Fix Your Eyes

The past few weeks have been historically challenging for our country and our families. We may not have all of the answers to individual questions, but each of us are grasping for understanding in the midst of constant confusion. Where we fix our eyes matters. Here’s why.

Faith, ParentingShawna SullivanJanuary 14, 2021Parenting, Encouragement., Faith Comments