Author: Shaun Bradford

When I saw the Facebook memory below, the first thing that caught my eye was the hashtag, #RememberingColinPowell. Colin Powell passed away on this date four years ago.

When I joined the Air Force, General Colin Powell was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking officer in the United States military (over all branches of service). He was someone I admired and wanted to meet. He was number nine on my list of ten people to meet in this lifetime. Next to his name, I wrote—“That much power is amazing!!” All I wanted to do was shake his hand. I wanted him to know how much he inspired me as an airman, and that it was an honor to have served under his leadership. Y’all, seeing his picture everywhere while I was in basic training gave me that extra nudge I needed to make it through. If he could achieve the highest level of service, I could definitely make it through basic training.

Today, I’m remembering General Powell.🕊️

I can hear Tasha Cobbs Leonard singing “For Your Glory.”

For Your glory
I will do anything
Just to see You
To behold You as my King

Y’all, God is so good. Soooo worthy of our praises. Amen

Be intentional about magnifying God’s glory. Let His glory shine through you and everything you touch and do.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Good Morning☀️

I have absolutely no idea why I’ve been waking up before 3:00 AM lately—I mean WIDE AWAKE—only to fall asleep around 4:00 AM. My life/world definitely has a mind of its own. I’m just here for the ride.

Anyhoo… When I saw today’s Facebook memory, I immediately heard Jennifer Hudson singing “I Am Changing.”

“I am changing, trying every way I can. I am changing, I’ll be better than I am…”

I am definitely changing. I’m not the same person I was ten years ago or the person I was four years ago when I wrote this. When I think about it, I’m not even the same person I was a week ago. My life since turning 50 has been pretty interesting. I really like this over-50 version of me.☺️

This is all for now. I think I’ll draw a little or read something until I fall asleep. I pray you have a beautiful Self-Love Saturday. May it be filled with joy, laughter, and peace.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

Same question as two years ago—

“Did you ask God?”

Did you ask Him first?

If so…

What did He say?

Word of advice—and I’m speaking from experience—NEVER move without God’s blessings. He sees and knows things you don’t. Be obedient and trust Him. Allow Him to guide your way. Know that He’s got YOU!♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

My son got us dinner from Panda Express last night, and this was my fortune.

“Love with all your heart.”

Smiling because it’s the only way to love.♥️

Love you much,

Shaun

Good Morning ☀️

On October 17, 2015, I was transitioning from one stage in life to another, at least that’s how I saw it. I was getting a divorce, and my house was in foreclosure. So yes, I was in transition.

On that day, I wrote in my journal how a coworker had given me tickets to a college football game. I was excited because I had only been to one other game and sat in the nosebleed section; however, these seats were great!

I also mentioned that I had decided not to wear my school t-shirt the day before and said God must have known I’d be wearing it to the game. When I told my son—who was 12 at the time—about the tickets and my decision not to wear my t-shirt the day before, he said, “Look at God!” He was being funny, but “Look at God.” Even in the midst of one of the most difficult moments in my life, God still managed to shower me with blessings and make me feel loved.

I can hear Koryn Hawthorne singing “Look at God”—

“Look at God. He’s making a way. Look at God—every day. Look at God. I can’t take no credit. He’s the one who did it. Look at God.”

Y’all, God is so good. He’s so very good to me. Thanking Him for His kindness, mercy, and grace, and for loving me. I’m truly blessed.🙏🏽🥰

I pray that you have a beautifully blessed day and wonderful weekend. May both be filled with “Look at God” moments.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

It’s time to fly.🦋
You got this!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Yesterday, I slept most of the day. I was exhausted and wasn’t feeling too great. Had to take a Zyrtec and cough medicine. Today’s much better, but I’m still taking it easy.

While at the conference, I didn’t have much time to think about everyday things. I was living in the moment, trying to stay focused on everything I needed to accomplish. However, now that I’m back home, the stillness has awakened the realness of life. It’s also allowed me to think more clearly about my next moves and where I ultimately want to be. I met a lot of like-minded dietitians during this trip, whom I plan to connect with soon. Global has always been my dream. It’s the vision God gave me. It’s the path I’ve been on my entire life. I must stay focused this time.

Before writing this post, I read my journal entry from October 16, 2014. Here’s some of what I wrote:

Shaun’s Journal: October 16, 2014

TD Jakes just posted on Twitter “Now is the time to birth your promise. If you can handle the pain, you can have the promise!”  

Now is the time!! I know Lord and I believe it! I’m going through so much right now but Lord I know you got me. You keep showing me over and over again. I just have to trust you. I know you have a lot for me to do. Something important. That’s why I keep getting hit. But God you keep picking me up!! Thank you Lord! Even when I fall short you are still here!! Hallelujah!!!!

Over the past eleven years, I have experienced so many ups and downs, jumped through many hoops, and tried many different approaches to achieving my dreams and goals, but none have worked. However, I have learned so much along the way, especially about myself. This time—yes, this time—I must see things through.

Now is the time.♥️

Shaun

Good Morning ☀️

In case you’ve forgotten, the world needs your light and love. Keep showing up in your fullest glory. You make the world shine!🌸

I pray you have a wonderful day. May it be filled with indescribable peace, unconditional love, kindness, and joy.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

God is opening new doors—the right doors. So, don’t hesitate. Walk through. He’s opening them just for YOU.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Shared on Instagram with the song “God Will Open Doors” by Logos Sound. Click “View Profile” to listen.