God’s plan, Life

Hello Sunday (294)

Happy Sunday☀️

I’ve been deep in thought this morning about life—life in general, and where I fit into the scheme of things.

Today’s Quote of the Day is a scripture, Jeremiah 1:5— “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…”

Yesterday, my elder friend, Ms. Raylawi, called and asked if I wanted to go to a college football game with her and one of her friends. Although I really wanted to stay home and work on a few things, I said yes. Before I could get ready, she texted me several changes to the plan. Before the last change, I threw a pork tenderloin in the oven and prepared toppings for sliders. Then, right before I left the house, she called to tell me that all of her plans had fallen through and she’d probably stay home. I told her it was okay because we were still going to have a great evening. I let her know I had already prepared our meal for the evening so we could just eat and hang out. And that’s what we did. We ended up watching the first season of LUPIN and talking until I saw that she could barely keep her eyes open. I told her she looked like a toddler fighting their sleep. It was way past her bedtime when I left.

I shared this story because this has been much of my life. As a child, I played with kids my age. However, I spent most of my time with older female relatives and family friends. Y’all, they had fascinating stories, and I sat and listened to them talk for hours. And sometimes we didn’t talk at all. We would watch the stories (soap operas) or their favorite shows together, then sit on the porch and people watch. When I became an adult, I did the same. I spent time with each of my childhood elders until they passed. Sometimes I was the only one who spent time with them before it happened. Now, here I am again. Not saying my friend is about to pass, but she’s been talking a lot about death lately and making sure everything is in order.

I often ask God if this is my life’s purpose. Many, many moons ago, I thought about opening a senior daycare. Then, a few months ago, one of my colleagues asked if I wanted to help her provide nutrition sessions to seniors at a few congregate feeding sites, and I said yes. So, every month I get to meet new seniors and hear their stories, while encouraging them to live their best, healthy lives.

I know this was random. Just got a lot on my mind about life and my role in it. Guess I should have made this one a “My Journey with God” post.

Anyhoo…

This is all for today. Oh… one more thing!

So, Ms. Raylawni told me she doesn’t sleep with her phone in her bedroom anymore because every morning before 5:00, it would ding. She said now when she hears it, she smiles and says, “That’s LaShaundrea.” Y’all, the smile on her face when she said it made my heart smile. Whew!

My life…

Okay… now I’m finish.

Thanks for letting me ramble. I have a few things to do to prepare for the week ahead, but I think I’ll take it easy most of the day.

Please take care of yourself and enjoy your day. May it be just as lovely as you are.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration. 

empowerment, Life

My Journey With God, No. 149

Good Morning☀️ And Happy Self Love Saturday!

Here’s a quote from Fave #4.

“Just try new things. Don’t be afraid. Step out of your comfort zones and soar.” –Michelle Obama

Quote of the Day – 9.19.2026

Comfort zone…

I believe these last three years have pushed me outside my comfort zone more than any other period in my life. I’ve already done more on this side of 50 (at 53) than I’ve done in decades at a time. I asked for my years beyond 50 to be far different from the last, and I’m so in awe of how God is bringing my ask to fruition.

While scrolling through my photos, I came across this text between my daughter and me. Y’all, all I could do was smile. It’s a testament of me asking and God answering.

This was October 2023.

I just love my baby girl!!💗

I was at home that day, reading tweets from colleagues attending our national food and nutrition conference (FNCE). For years, I lived for attending those conferences. They gave me the annual boost I needed to stay motivated, as well as sparked new ideas. You see, after I took my big leap of faith and resigned from my job, I could no longer afford to attend the conferences. I could barely afford to attend our state conferences.

Then, a year later…

Less than six months after my daughter texted, “You are preparing for the next level!!!!”, I said yes to serving as the president-elect of our state’s dietetics association. This didn’t take me outside my comfort zone (I had served years before), but I was at a stage in my life (or so I thought) where I just wanted to live the “retired” life. Smile

Here are more pictures from that day. Y’all, I really love our conferences.

Okay… So maybe I go for the food.😂 Always a good time!

I also attended last year’s conference in Nashville. This year, I’m planning our state’s conference, so it’s my main focus right now.

A few posts ago, I asked the question— “What do you want most [from life]?” And in another post, I wrote—

“Listen, if you want to truly live, sit and stay in God’s presence. He will give you experiences that will satisfy your soul. Yeah…His experiences are soul deep!”

I know what I truly want, and so does God. Attending the conferences may seem like a small experience, but for me, it’s one of those soul-deep ones. Yes, I love the food (I really think food is my love language☺️), but I love being around the people most. When I’m at those conferences—and that’s any conference or event—I talk to EVERYBODY! I even talk to the janitors cleaning the restrooms. I want everyone to feel seen, valued, and appreciated. Plus, it’s how you make connections. So yeah… it’s soul deep for me.

Listen, there are so many soul-deep experiences outside of your comfort zone. Be open to saying yes to new opportunities and doing something new.


This is all for today. Have a wonderful self-love Saturday. Celebrate it by doing something new!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration. 

empowerment, Life

Put Up or Shut Up

Happy Monday!☀️

You see the title, right?

Listen, God will check you in the most beautiful way ever. He’ll call you out and leave no room to doubt that He’s doing so. And it’s always from a space of love.

Today, God is calling me out. I have to “put up or shut up.” People I care about are watching my next moves, and I cannot afford to play small. So much is riding on how I handle this situation.

“There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” –Nelson Mandela


My goal is to build bridges, not burn them.

Y’all pray my strength in the Lord.😊


This is all I have for today. Listen, when God gives you an assignment, management it well—not only well, but give it your best efforts. Also, when He puts people in your path who count on you to have their best interests at heart, you step up and fulfill your duties.


What a way to start the week, right?! I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day and a beautiful week ahead. May they be filled with an abundance of love, joy, and peace.♥️

Stay attuned to that still, small voice. God is speaking. You don’t want to miss what He’s saying.

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration. 

Life, relationships

Hello Sunday (283)

Happy Sunday!☀️

How are you?

How was your Fourth of July?

I spent my Fourth with my youngest sister. She drove over from Mobile, AL, for an event, and I got to hang out with her for the day. My heart was full, and so was my belly.😊

This is my sister, Sarah (IG link). She’s been a yoga teacher for about ten years.
Receiving the cooling towels infused with essential oils was probably my favorite part of the session. It was well over 90° out there! I was HOT!😂
I had not planned on participating in the session. I was only going to take pictures and watch. That was my plan… I couldn’t help but join in on the fun.😂
This was my view from the mat. As you can see, it was a beautiful day.
Hanging out after the session and enjoying the vibes and good music.
Our Fourth of July meal. Curried goat and fixins.😋

Overall, my weekend has been great so far. I don’t have much planned for today. Guess I’ll mostly relax.☺️

I pray you have a beautiful Sunday. Be sure to relax too.♥️

I love you,

Shaun


For your daily dose of inspiration, check out God’s Provisions on Shaun’s Daily Inspiration.🤍

Life, relationships

Happy Father’s Day

A father’s love is a gift to be treasured, one to hold near and dear.

A Father’s Love

Today we celebrate our wonderful fathers and father figures who continue to make a difference in our lives as well as the lives of others.

Fathers…

Your love, wisdom, guidance, and sacrifices haven’t gone unnoticed. We see your heart and value your presence. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for being YOU!

Please enjoy your special day!💙

We love you!

Shaun

Life

Love… Do You Let It In? Just Asking…

Thought I’d share something a little different than my usual Shaun’s Daily Inspiration posts. Smile


I’m not sure how long WordPress has been providing their “On This Day” feature, but it’s nice, especially since I’m not currently on Facebook to review my daily memories. The “On This Day” feature shares past posts written on a particular day, and on this day two years ago, I shared a post about love which was a reshare of a post I made on June 16, 2022, “Allow Love In.”

Life is short. Love and be loved.♥️

Saw this Facebook memory and immediately heard Earth, Wind & Fire’s, “Can’t Hide Love.” You can’t hide it so you may as well let it in. Just saying.…

Love

Soooo…

What do you do?

Do you let love in or not?

Thought it’d be fun to ask, so I’m just asking. Smile


At age 52 (soon to be 53🎉), I honestly don’t know the answer to that question. I have technically spent over a decade single—separated from my ex in 2015 and divorced in 2019. Y’all, it just dawned on me that tomorrow I will be 7 years divorced!! Wow!!! Time passes so fast!

Anyhoo… I always say I’m getting married again, but I haven’t even started dating. Honestly, I don’t even know where to start. A few friends have suggested dating apps (tried it before and I logged in and out within 8 hours—couldn’t get into random men looking at my profile😅). I’ve also been advised to get out the house, make eye contact, answer those men in your DMs, stop streaming and go to a physical church, go sit at Starbucks, and the list goes on and on. Lol. My dad believes I’m too mean (I just don’t have time for foolishness), and my uncles know I don’t put up with craziness. One of my uncles recently said, “You cut them off quick.” Now I’m sitting here asking myself— “Do I not give men a chance?” “Am I mean?”😂😂😂 I guess I need to learn how to be a soft girl.🤣🤣🤣

My life…

I know if I don’t want to be 80 or 90 years old and finally finding love, I need to figure something out. My younger advisers say I need to consider dating younger (but not too young). I’ve also been told cowboys are the way to go.🤠 We shall see what happens. Until then, I’ll continue focusing on my inspirations and finding more ways to provide hope, love, and support to those who need it. Maybe that’s where my love and focus are needed at this moment.


I hope you enjoyed today’s post. Listen, if you’re ready, by all means let love in. Life just isn’t the same without doing so.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

Trust God: That’s The Message

When we’ve done all we can, there’s only one thing left to do, and that’s to trust God. This should’ve been the first thing we did, but we’re human, right? Smile

I’m so thankful for God’s love, mercy, and grace. For another opportunity to trust Him to do what only He can do.

Yep… That’s the message.♥️

I love you always,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Happy Sunday!

Rather, Happy Self-Care Sunday!

Today is the last Sunday of my birthday month, and I’ve decided to relax a little more than usual. Not in a rush to do anything. Today, I’m taking it easy and going with the flow.


This morning, I took my time reading through my Facebook memories. Here are a few random memories that made me smile. I’ll start with June 29, 2019.

June of 2019 was a pivotal month for me. It was the month my divorce was finalized. It wasn’t until my birthday, maybe a couple of days afterwards, that I celebrated being FREE. That year’s theme was “46 and Free🦋.” I had waited so long for it to happen—years. And then, I was free.

This was a second chance at life. One that I didn’t take lightly. A decision I am still grateful I made.🦋
This was me celebrating my newfound freedom. Enjoying the water and good food.
This is a picture of my babies using my location to pull up on me. I was so surprised.😂 I just love them.🥰🥰

Maybe I’ll take a ride down to the coast. That’s if I can let this bed go.☺️

Here are a few more memories from June 29th.

The flowers, the pinks, the gold, the look, the quote—all made me smile. I’m forever a princess at heart. Even when I’m ninety, I’ll be a princess.🌸💗☺️

Ralph T, Rizz, Rizzo! The New Edition king that’s often slept on. Johnny Gill is usually my go-to; however, for some reason, on that day, I decided to listen to Ralph. Yep… this memory made me smile. NE4Life✨

Yes, I’m God’s vessel. His glory radiates through and from me.☺️✨

Great memories!

Favor, overflow, and grace. This is Year52.🎉


I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day. May it be filled with lots of love, peace, joy, and laughter.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

Celebrating 50 Years Of Friendship & Sisterhood

This is what a lifetime friendship and sisterhood looks like—Shaun & Shawn. We’re both aware that God placed us together. A divine relationship, indeed.

I almost forgot to save a screenshot of the Facebook story before it disappeared. The first picture was taken on my birthday in 2016, and the second was taken this past March.

We met through our grandparents. Her grandparents lived across the street from my great-great-grandparents. Her mom had brought her from Detroit to Mississippi for a visit and the rest is history. We have never lived in the same city for more than a year (4th/5th grade year); however, we have always kept in touch. I’m so grateful and blessed God placed us together.♥️

Shaun

hope

Good Night (53)

Just dropping in to say “Good Night.”

So far, I’m really enjoying 52. I know it sounds crazy, but it already seems different—in a great way.

After a week of being catered to, I finally realized that my babies are grown and have their own lives and their own money. My siblings also have their own lives. My dad and stepmom have each other and are making it the best they can together, which leaves me to do my own thing. I feel like I have this revelation often, but I uncover a newfound freedom with each revelation, and it’s beautiful.

This is Year52…

The year of favor, overflow, and grace.

I pray you had a wonderful day. May your evening be restful and your dreams be beautiful.♥️

I love you always,

Shaun