hope

Questions I Asked Myself

Shaun Bradford

Hello! How are you? Yep, I’m speaking first. Smile. You are much too important for me not too. Believe me, you really do matter.💕

While reading past journal entries, which I do pretty often, I came across a few questions I had asked myself. I was in the process of addressing a few hurts and making this side of 50 different from the last. Although I did not have an answer for them at that time, and some I am still working on, I began to intentionally observe the things that were happening around me and to me, and how they were affecting my life.

Here’s what I asked myself:

1. What is it about me that the devil does not want to succeed?

2. What does God have for me that is so great that I must stay broken so that it will not happen?

3. Where do I see myself if I do not heal?

Several posts ago I wrote, “Healing begins when we acknowledge our pain.” I saw the future of the unhealed version of me and the future of the healed version, and decided I wanted the healed version. Which meant I had to push through the pain.

Now, just being transparent, I am still a work in progress. Just like weight gain and weight loss, neither happens overnight. Both happen gradually. And for those who happen to lose it fast, if their behavior doesn’t change and their mindset isn’t right, the change won’t last. I want my healing to last so I am putting in the work to make it happen. The successful, healed version that the devil does not want to succeed is my goal.

Have you had to ask yourself similar questions? Just asking because I know I can’t be the only one who has needed to heal, or is healing.

Be Blessed!♥️

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford
Blessed.

Hello! I’m hoping you’re doing well. I realize I haven’t greeted you in ages, which is pretty rude of me. It’s like me walking into a room and not speaking, or waking up and not saying “Good Morning.” Please forgive me for not acknowledging you before sharing my thoughts. I promise to do better and not only let you know you are loved at the end, but that your presence is appreciated at the beginning.

So, while looking for inspiration for this post, I found this prayer in one of my “Wednesday Writings” (July 21, 2021). It is one I haven’t said in a while or been mindful of. Here it is —

“I pray that I recognize and accept the opportunities He [God] sends my way. I pray fear does not stop me from moving forward. I pray God gives me the strength– mentally, spiritually and physically– to endure this task.”

I ended it with —

“I know God’s got me, but do I have myself?”

Hmmm…

That was a great question. Did I have myself? Well, I thought I did, and to some extent I did. However, I was still working through a lot of stuff. One of which was learning to put myself first. To stop overlooking my needs, desires, and feelings to appease others. That was in 2021. Today, I can’t say I am 100% there; however, I am pretty close (95-98%). Had to get over the guilt of feeling selfish. The interesting part is the ones who mattered the most, my two hearts, were the ones urging me to take care of myself, first. Maybe they are actually the reason for my growth. I just love them and the way they love me. I guess I said all of that to say, “Yes, I got me!”

I also found another gem in the post (besides the prayer). I was celebrating my continual days of writing. Here’s what I wrote —

“I’m on my 67th day of continuous blogging and refuse to stop until I reach 100 days.”

100 days…

100 days was my goal…

Y’all, I’m in tears! Today makes 1170 days of continuous blogging. And to think I was only trying to make it to 100. Back then I was struggling to post once a day. Now, I’m posting at least twice a day, and not only on this platform but others. Yep… I’m crying. I had no idea of what I was capable of. It may not seem significant to you but it’s huge to me. These are my 1170 blue hearts.💙

I’m going to go ahead and end here because I’m crying (tears of praise and gratitude) too much to keep writing. Praying you have a wonderful Sunday. ♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

hope

Chosen Vessel

Shaun Bradford

So, my own YouTube Short was the first video that popped up when I opened the app. Smiling because I actually left a message for my future self to see at this very moment. I just love how God works. And maybe…just maybe…it was also left for me to share it with you.

You are God’s chosen vessel. As Marvin Sapp sings—

You are my chosen vessel
You are anointed for this season in time
What people rejected
I have accepted
I am with you, you are mine
You are mine

Yes, YOU were chosen by God for this specific season in time. What people have rejected, God has accepted. How awesome is that.☺️

Praying you have a pleasant night.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Here’s the description of the Short—

Yes, He chose YOU!

“Chosen Vessel,” by Marvin Sapp

hope

Quality Time With God

Shaun Bradford

How many of you can honestly say that the time you spend with God is of high quality?

Well, sadly, I can’t. Even when my main focus should be on Him, it always somehow ends up on me. Me and my life and my needs. Below is one the “Wednesday Writings” from July 27, 2022. I decided to share it in its entirety instead of only adding the link. It’s my reminder to get my priorities straight and start giving God kind of time He more than deserves.

“Wednesday Writings” July 27, 2022

Today, I am beginning a little late. Decided everything else could wait. I needed to spend some quality time with God. Do not get me wrong, I talk to God all day long; however, while I’m talking, I’m also doing a million other things. So if my focus is not solely on God can I truly say I’m spending time with Him? Hmm…

Well, I began today a bit differently. In stead of me doing a lot of talking– asking a thousand questions and trying to figure things out– I sat still and listened. If you did not know, so many answers can be found while sitting still and giving God your undivided attention. You should try it!

So, yes.. today, I sat still, listened and found my answers. I hear You, God. Smiling

Thanks for reading. Wishing you a wonderful day. 

Praying you have a lovely weekend, and that if you have been slacking on spending quality time with God, you’d consider it.♥️

Love you,

Shaun