Hiya!

It's been a while, hasn't it? Life is still running at a million miles per hour, but I thought I'd give a little update on things and tell you what I'm enjoying this Summer! 

Update: I'm now an official 200hour Registered YogaFaith Teacher! It is thrilling to be able to say that! My LLC came in, I have the insurance squared away, all I have to do now is build enough courage to teach some classes! I know the first class will be the hardest, but yikes! I still need to finish up my Trauma Sensitive YogaFaith modules online, and then I'll have that certification under my belt as well. A detailed recap of my whole road to get to this point is coming soon, but for now that's where I am. You can follow along on my Facebook page- Shine Christian Yoga, LLC and on My Instagram- ShineChristianYoga , where I am more active about updating and posting. 
  God has stretched me in this, and I know this is only the beginning. I'm terrified and also equally excited to see where he leads me in this! 


Some of the things I'm loving this Summer are- 

Books, of course there will be books on this list! You know me! 

From Moody Publishers- 
Images and Idols- We have a creative God. And it's no doubt in my mind that we are made in His image. So, of course we have some creativity, too! As children, we have no problem being creative in all sorts of ways. School even encourage it by giving us arts & craft time. Then, as we grow, maybe we were harshly judged by others or even ourselves, our crafts became not that great, or whatever was said to make us quit being vulnerable through our creativity. This book goes in detail to explain to us how God can use creativity for His glory. Being vulnerable while having God use you as a vessel somehow isn't so scary anymore. Great book when you need that little nudge. 

Marriage: Its Foundation, Theology, And Mission in a Changing World by
Curt HamnerJohn TrentJohn TrentRebekah J. ByrdEric L. JohnsonErik Thoennes

This book is beautiful, inside and out. It's one that I would include in a wedding gift. Marriage is hard! Especially in a day where the world is trying to pull you in all different directions at break neck speed. The idea of marriage changes from generation to generation, but I feel like this generation has it mostly wrong. It could be a result of many things. I believe, however, that it's not a surprise we've pulled away from God's true reason for marriage the same way most of the world has pulled away from the bible as their life's instruction book. And this book is from many theologians, so you get many points of view on the subject. Love it and will recommend/gift this book to many. 

Other things like- 

Large Ice cube tray similar to this. I don't know why it's taken me this long to realize that larger ice cubes = longer cold but I'm LOVING these things! 

On Poshmark

FriYayy mug by Rongrong DeVoe. I mean- how sassy is she? And how much do you want to be THIS put together on a Friday? This is my official Friday coffee mug, if you must know. 

This plant. I can't remember the name of it, but it is going nuts in this little corner of the living room! My black thumb is widely known, but this plant doesn't seem to notice! It's doubled in size since we got it, um, maybe a year ago? If that. LOVE plants that live! 

Of course these doggies because, well, because they're down right adorable and I can't get enough! We all try to sleep on a king sized bed... try being the key word! They hog the bed sooooo bad! We did try to make them sleep in their beds on the floor for a few nights. Then, Ginny (smaller dog) snuck up in the bed one night. In my sleepy brain, i remember the feeling of pure joy thinking, "This is such a treat!" and scooching her away from Husband so he wouldn't notice she was in the bed and kick her out! Did you hear me? I was harboring a fugitive in the bed for cuddles and ELATED about it! That's when I knew I could kid myself no longer and let them in the bed at night. 



And my Yoga Faith Community. I said it during my 7 day training, my life is now Before YogaFaith and After YogaFaith. The closeness I feel with God is incredible. The whole process of being a YogaFaith Teacher is indescribable. I will blog about it later, but it's just... really indescribable. If you just want to experience a class, look for one in your area. Even if you have to drive a ways to get to it, do it! 
 But the love, support, and friendships I've made with my YogaFaith sisters are bonds that will never break because they were formed and are rooted in God's love! I just can't express how I feel about it enough. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not worshiping YogaFaith, I'm just so thankful that it helped me clear the clutter in the way of developing a deeper relationship to God. If that makes sense. It's amazing, and you should definitely try a class! 

That's all I have for you right now, but be sure to keep checking in as I'll be able to post more when my schedule clears up soon! 

What are you loving this Summer? Comment below; I'd love to hear it! 

*I received these books complimentary in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Lately

YogaFaith

Did I tell you my HUGE news?  No? Probably not, things have been super busy since November of last year.

Well, after debating, praying, and talking myself in & out of it for years... I've finally leaped and am going through my YogaFaith teacher training! YES! Yes, you read that right! Hopefully by this Summer I will be a yoga teacher!

It's crazy to even think about it because for the last 4 years I've been trying to adjust to what my life is now with chronic illnesses & chronic pain. It's been a roller coaster. I decided that I wouldn't let Fibromyalgia dictate my life, I just knew I needed to do this. Not only to help others physically, and help them get closer to Jesus in the process, but mostly I needed to do this for me. To show that through Jesus, anything was possible.

After last year, and getting the migraines under control through meds & botox (a blog post on botox for migraines is coming soon), I didn't have any other excuse stopping me from going after this goal!

And of course things try to pop up and stop me, or at least slow me down, like having a cold/flu for all but 2 weeks since January 1st - yeah not fun- but I can't let them stop me!

Anyway, so if you find this website a bit quiet, that's the reason- my brain is doing some heavy lifting learning all the yoga poses, how to get in & out of them, muscles, what's connected to what, and how that all ties in to worshiping our Savior.



I'm so excited about this journey! If you just have to keep up with what I'm doing, I'm more active on Instagram- The Artsy Cajun.   I've also created an instagram for my yoga journey- RenewedYogaFaith so you can follow me there as well. Leave a comment saying hi! Your encouragement and prayers are always so meaningful to me. See you soon !

Winners!

From Blogging for Books- Whisper  by Mark Batterson

Y'all- GO GET THIS BOOK!  I feel like there is still so much I need to learn about God. And a major thing I'm learning & working on is listening to Him. How do we listen? Is it audible? Is it through other people? Through the bible? There was so many questions and not enough answers for me. And then this book came along and blew me away! I loved how he backed it all up with scripture, but also with "Real world" things. It's hard to describe how much this book has changed how I listen to God, without getting into a long post, so do yourself a favor and go get this book!

From Bethany House- Courageous Women of the Bible by LaTan Roland Murphy


 It is hard enough to be a woman in this day and age, but I can only imagine how difficult it would've been for the ladies of Jesus' time and earlier. This book helped me to visualize the time period and circumstances of the women of the bible, and how hard it was for them.  The courage they showed took major guts! Everyone would like to think that they would do the same if they were in the same situation and circumstances, but if it came down to it- I probably would have a hard time doing what these ladies did! This book is a good reminder of how courageous we must be to follow after Jesus. 

From Moody publishers- Lies Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free book and study guide by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

This book and study were just what I needed at the moment I needed them.  A great way to get yourself out of the lies from the enemy, to fight back, to show him we will not let him have strongholds in our minds! I only wish I would've read and went through the study earlier in life so I could've demolished the lies from the enemy sooner. I highly recommend this book and study for everyone at any time.

The Finishing School by Val Worner

This is a book I purchased on my own & I love it! I did get behind in the book club that Val Marie Paper is putting on now, but it doesn't matter! The chapters are  pretty self-contained so I just jumped in where they were.  Val is a lady after my own bookworm heart. It's so great to know that someone else has issues with reading so many self-help/self-improvement books and doesn't know how to put all of the good tips into action! I bought the ebook but now I wish I would've bought the paperback so I could highlight that baby all up! What's even better is that she has the worksheets to the book for free on her website! HELLLOOO!! So amazing! 


* I received most of these books free in exchange for my honest opinion.*
*Jessica is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  This means that by clicking on & purchasing through the links provided, I get a small percentage of the sale at no cost to you!*

That Bookworm Life

Blogging for books- We Stood Upon Stars by Roger W. Thompson

This book couldn't have come at a better time! I'm currently fascinated by the whole tiny home /sell everything & travel around movement, and this book has so much travel in it that I can't get enough! Very descriptive scenes, showing how all events and days in your life mold and form who a person turns out to be. This was my first time reading Roger Thompson, but it won't be my last. 

Tyndale- The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

OK, it's safe to officially declare Francine Rivers my favorite Christian author! I was first introduced to her through her mega popular book, Redeeming Love, and was immediately hooked! Her character portraits are so detailed, you really feel like you get to know them personally. And this latest book- Masterpiece, is one that I've been looking forward to for a year. It did not disappoint! The characters were relatable, a few twists & turns, but, as always, her message that God loves you shines throughout the book.  I devoured this book in 4 days, and I am debating whether to do a re-read immediately or wait a few weeks! Please get your hands on this book asap! 

MPnewsroom- How To Overcome Worry by Dr. Winfred Neely

Worry is something I do incredibly well. So when any book comes across, I gobble it up. I love how Dr. Neely not only helps you identify what is concern verses worry, but he tells you how to handle the worry situation. He also backs up everything he says with scripture, which is something that makes me feel at ease knowing that the author's beliefs line up with mine. Only God can provide you with that soul soothing peace, and Dr. Neely's book guides you through the steps to achieve that.

No More Perfect Marriages by Mark & Jill Savage

It is my belief that if you are not actively working to improve your marriage, you will get stagnant and then start drifting away from your spouse. So, I try to find many books on the subject. What I love about this book is that you don't feel pressure and shame over your marriage not being absolutely perfect. We are human, we make mistakes, and the Savages convey a plan to improve your marriage while not being ashamed.  I would suggest this book for every married couple! 

From Baker Books- Called to Create by Jordan Raynor

This book was exactly what I needed, a good motivator! I had neglected my art for years, while trying to deal with being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. It takes over your whole life! But, while reading this book, I began to look at my art with fresh eyes. It's a gift from God, the ability to create something from nothing, and it didn't hit me until this book! I loved all of the different stories in here. It really gives you a lot of inspiration to get back to your gift! I would recommend it for all creatives out there.

* I received these books free in exchange for my honest opinion.*
*Jessica is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  This means that by clicking on & purchasing through the links provided, I get a small percentage of the sale at no cost to you!*


What are you reading lately? I love a good book recommendation! Leave them below!

Well, well, well...

Hey Y'all! I know, you're wondering, "Who's this chick?" It's been way too long! This won't be a long update post, or empty promises about posting more. Honestly- I don't think about this blog daily. What it is is a little update on life & what I want to do with this blog from here on out.

This blog was my baby for so long! In the midst of life changes like buying our first home, becoming a foster home, having our first foster children here for 6 months until they moved on. More health setbacks. Tough realizations about how much our lives have changed from when we met to now dealing with my health issues stopping us from being who we were. Lots & lots of changes! This blog was shoved not only on the back burner, but in the back of the deepest closet, like basement closet that only sees the light of day once a year type of shoving! For that, I'm sorry! 

This blog was my outlet. My little space in the world to share what craft projects I was trying, what recipes I loved. I posted 5 times a week, and once all the other life things started piling on top of me, I couldn't keep up. Something had to give, and the blog was it.

So, what do I want this blog to be now? What will you see from here on out? Well, more of my life, more personal things. The Mr. and I are transitioning into & finally dealing with many things, and the blog will reflect that. Some of what you will see is:

• Trying to become Vegan- more whole foods, plant based to see if it will help with my health issues. (Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, Arthritis, Severe Migraines 8 times a month, etc.)

• On that note, you'll see more about how we are coming to terms with the health issues. What's helping me at the moment, how we are trying to plan a more fulfilling life while dealing with the issues.

• More crafting updates on my creative journey. How I try to carve out time to paint & draw more than I have been. Also, the journey from an idea of a product I want to offer in my shop, through creating it & finally posting it. 

• I am toying with the idea of recording short YouTube videos, studio vlogs, painting time-lapses, tutorials, etc. I'm thinking that videos will be easier than long blog posts. What do you think?

• More on my faith, how I have to cling to Jesus more and more to stay joyful during this life with health problems.

• More book reviews, especially ones that really make me think or change things about my life.

Lots of new things going on in my life, and I still want to share it with you! I have accepted that I won't be able to post 5 times a week like before, but I still love the blogging community and want this space to continue!

What are you looking forward to the most? Comment below! 

And don't forget- I update the most on my Instagram, so don't forget to follow me there to see what I'm up to!

So.....

Don't you just love these free lock screens from Well-Watered Women Co ? 

... I have completely neglected my little corner of the blogosphere for the past 6 months. Forgive me! We've been a foster home for 6 months now.  And let me tell you- foster care is no joke!  I pinky promise to sit down soon to write out a charming blog post about our experiences so far, the good as well as the not so great... but still having to protect the kid's privacy... which requires more brainpower than all the chaos & lack of sleep provides me with on any given day!

  If you are a parent, and you have tips on how to get the kids to get in gear in the mornings so we're NOT scrabbling for the bus everyday... PLEASE comment below or shoot me an email! I'd loveeeeee to hear strategies that actually work! 

 But- I do update more on instagram, if you're not following me there, go follow! Let me add in some snapshots of the past couple of months for ya. 

Corn mazin' with the Littles.

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Sep 9, 2017 at 12:52pm PDT

Pumpkin spice swirl bread ✔️. Pumpkin butter slathered on ✔️. New Hello pumpkin mug from @pretty_collected ✔️. I officially declare that Fall and all things pumpkin has started! 💃

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Sep 2, 2017 at 10:22am PDT

#yogafaithcreatespace challenge- Day 15- Linen & Laundry Spaces. It feels SOOO much better in there doing yucky laundry! @yogafaith 's caption- " These two areas can become junk areas that catch all. The best way to clear the linen closet or space is to remove everything, then place only the items you use and need, keeping nothing else. Make it appealing with fun containers or baskets. Sort sizes so you quit wasting time having to search for sheets that match. Repeat in the laundry room/space. Finish your spaces with a spritz of essential oil mixed with water, keep on hand, anything citrus is recommended." 👍

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Aug 31, 2017 at 11:50am PDT

Quick sketch, Main Street, Galena

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Aug 15, 2017 at 10:42am PDT

A little bible study in nature. 💗

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Jul 30, 2017 at 12:59pm PDT

Harry Potter day was so fun! I know two little Ravenclaw kids who will sleep good tonight!

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Jul 29, 2017 at 4:35pm PDT

I have lost control of the garden! I repeat... I have lost all control of the garden! it's taken a life of its own! Pumpkin is being a bully but even the tomatoes have gone bonkers. Square foot gardening 👎 send help. 🤣

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Jul 20, 2017 at 7:08pm PDT

It's still one of my favorite pieces. 😍

A post shared by The Artsy Cajun (@theartsycajun) on Jul 25, 2017 at 11:10am PDT

For the Bad Pain Days...

 Lately, I've noticed a trend- bible journaling. At first, I saw the beautiful works of art on the pages of bibles and thought-- there is no way they can read the words now! Now that I have a chance to review one, I understand that it's not about being able to read the words, it's about celebrating the words & verses that touch us. Y'all, I'm so excited to try this whole bible journaling thing out!

  This bible- the NIV Journal the Word Bible from Zondervan is AWESOME! The delicate floral pattern is so cute, you don't need a bible cover! Pages are nice & thick, so I could even journal with watercolor and it wouldn't be too wavy after. This is the best for a gift, maybe someone in your life is sick, or will have lots of time to sit or lay after an accident, maybe they're like me and have a chronic illness that knocks them down almost daily. Whatever the reason, this is the nicest gift- encouraging someone with the Word while giving them some stress relief by journaling!

  I've noticed on the bad pain days that I tend to seek out bible verses that help me deal with everything that comes along with chronic illness. There are so many encouraging ones, but I just had to share my favorites.

  Have you tried bible journaling? Gimme all your tips for it! Comment below!

**This bible was complimentary in exchange for my HONEST opinion. **

Watch out, drooling will commence in 3, 2, 1...

 We've been in our new home for about 7 months now, and I'm still organizing, sorting, staging, decorating... I mean, does it really ever end? Probably not. Especially because the decorations and style I love is the whole rustic/cozy, Joanna Gaines style. And thank you to Joanna for making this style popular now because I don't have to scour antique shops for 5 years to find the right pieces. I can find things I love everywhere!  And y'all, how cute are these items?! I'm drooling over here! Let's take a closer look, shall we?

   Normally, each New Year's Eve, I choose a new word of the year to focus on. (You can check out posts for previous words of the year here)  It's a great way to improve yourself or your life and just gives you at least one thing to start working on. I never do resolutions because to me, it puts way too much pressure on you. I'd rather work towards something than take something away.

  BUT, when I saw this pillow,  I fell in love! These words/phrases are everything that I want to work on this year, but I couldn't narrow it down to just one word. So, I'm just going to use this pillow as my words to focus on. It's inspired me already, and it's not even New Year's! To have your yearly inspiration on throw pillow is awesome! Sort of in your face, a constant reminder, and that's perfect for me! 

  This pillowcase is made with thick material, and I know it looks like burlap (which is so cute) but, it's not! It's so soft!  You can either buy a pillow form to put in it, or you can do like I did & buy a bag of batting, filling it yourself. It'll work nice both ways. 

  The next thing I'm drooling over lately is this wall plaque. HELLLOOOOOO Anne Shirley! If you know me, you know that Anne was my first BFF. Just a couple of months ago, I did a re-read of the whole Anne of Green Gables series. You know, the story just seems to get better each time I read it.

  I mean, how can you go wrong with this sign? It brings my love of Anne, combined with one of my favorite bible verses, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

  It reminds me that tomorrow is a new day, always fresh, loads of potential to make it into anything I want. With battling a chronic illness, sometimes you need a gentle nudge to remind you of that. For me, it reminds me 1. of God's faithfulness to us & 2. That no matter how much pain I will be in, I determine my attitude for the day. If I didn't succeed in keeping an upbeat attitude today, I can tomorrow. What it boils down to is: it's all about your attitude and outlook on life, not your circumstances or pain level. Right?

Do you use home decor to remind yourself of things? Comment below!

* I received these items complimentary for my honest opinions.*

When you're spiritually weak

 

  No matter how hard you try, sometimes you slip further from God. Life gets hectic, you miss your quiet time that day & promise yourself that you'll catch up tomorrow... sometimes you actually catch up, sometimes you slip further. This is when the enemy slips in & tells you.. look- you missed your time with God and nothing happened! You're fine to miss another, go ahead, you're too busy.

   Folks, when this happens to me, when I miss a day of quiet time, I'm crankier; my fuse gets shorter; my words become sharper.

  At first, I may not realize what's happening; but when I do I dive head first into prayers, begging forgiveness for my weaknesses. I know that I haven't been plugged into God and my spiritual batteries are weak, near powering down. Then, I get a bible in front of me- sometimes it's my humongous study bible, sometimes I'm out and about, so I pull up my bible app, just any form of His word needs to fill my eyes ASAP and fill me up!  I'm my best self when I pour everything out to God in the morning, and pray He fills me with the Holy Spirit, sticking closer to me than a mosquito in the South.

  Sometimes you are so spiritually weak that you need a kick start... like devotionals. And lately I've really enjoyed reading works by A.W. Tozer. His words cut through the fluff & hit your heart like a sledge hammer. When I had a chance to review a morning and evening devotional by Mr. Tozer, I jumped!

  These devotionals are pure gold. Mr. Tozer's words connect some dots that I would have NEVER connected before. Clear and precise messages for every day, backed by a verse from the bible, and sticks with you throughout the day? Yes, please!  I feel as if I've found the devotionals that I could read for years on end and never get tired of. I would recommend both morning and evening devotionals by A.W. Tozer for teen to adult.


And sometimes you need to write down verses on sticky notes, on chalkboards, on anything in eyesight to help you when you're spiritually weak. These are my particular favorites to combat Grouchy Jessy, the pretty flowers help my mood also!

** I received these devotionals complimentary in exchange for my HONEST opinion. **