how my blog name came about + a thank you giveaway

Today I’m going to take you on a little journey of how my blog name came about. When you read my blog name you might just think I stole a quote from Walt Whitman because I liked it. Well, now that I think about it that might be partially true but there’s a lot more to the story.

See, I wasn’t born in America. I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil to American parents, who were missionaries. My grandparents and other family members weren’t in Brazil when I was born and to meet me they had to buy a plane ticket and travel a long way. When my granny came to meet me, my crib was solid wood with a heart cut out of it. She said the first time she met me I peeked through the heart and gave her a huge smile. She replied with ‘you're my sunshine girl’. When I moved home to America my granny and I spent lots of time together and she always would tell me that I was her sunshine girl. Even now, she still tells me that I'm her sunshine girl and I love it! I don’t remember this, but my Dad told me my grandpa would pull me around in a little wagon while telling me I was his sunshine girl too. Later in life my Mom got in on this too. She bought me a magnet and a computer bag that had the ‘Sunshine to the Square Inch’ quote on it.

Also (and I don’t say any of this in a bragging way) God has given me a huge extra dose of energy and I have to share it! I love love love brightening people’s day by visiting with them, sending cards, care packages, e-mail etc. The extra dose of energy can be good and really bad depending on how I channel that energy. Either way though I see it as a gift that I have to share with others.

On a spiritual level though, I picked my blog name because I want to share 'The Son' to the square inch. I really want my life in every way, including my blog, to be a reflection of Jesus. I have a deep desire to encourage missionaries, a deep desire to go to the mission field someday and serve, a deep desire to share about Jesus and His love for us and a desire to encourage people wherever I’m at. I've had opportunities right here in Oklahoma to serve that I never dreamt about. I can honestly say that giving to others has in turned blessed me more.  

I also know that no matter how my lovely blog name came about without readers it wouldn't exist. I've recently put some work into promoting this blog and I've seen some growth. In honor of that growth I'm hosting a thank you giveaway. To everyone who follows my blog, has read a post here and there this giveaway is for you. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for supporting me on this journey.  

I'll be giving away a Christmas chevron canvas as well as 3 Christmas cards all made by me. The canvas measures is 11x14, can be hung or set an on easel and comes with some special stickers that you can attach a photo to the canvas. Along with the canvas I'll be giving away 3 Christmas cards. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be verified and will have 48 hours to respond. If no response is received I will pick a new winner. This giveaway is open internationally.