Life

God Has Smiled On Me

Shaun Bradford

Singing– “God has smiled on me, He has set me free. God has smiled on me, He’s been good to me.”

It’s been a very, very long day, y’all. Woke up with plans to get things done around the house, and by mid morning I was packing my bag to drive up to visit my dad. Hadn’t seen him in person since February. I left around noon and stopped at my sister’s, which is at the halfway mark. Visited with her and my nieces and nephews for a few hours. When I left, it was storming. I hate driving in the rain, but I never let it stop me from driving. Once I got to town, I stopped by my uncle’s (mom’s brother) and visited with him before finally making it to my dad’s. I’m tired. Was happy to see my dad and bonus mom. God is good.

Life

Know Who You Are

Shaun Bradford

Over the years, I have discovered one of the keys to knowing who you are is knowing who you are not.

I know who I am because I finally understand, and have accepted, who I am not.

I hate to admit that my road to self-discovery recently wrapped up–at least I believe it is over–during the last few days of my 40s. Maybe it was because I was so determined not to bring uncertainties and baggage into this half of my life. At the very end, up until a few days in, there were things I had to let go of, things I had held on to much longer than I should have. What I discovered was those things were hindering me from fully knowing and embracing my authentic self. Even though I knew God had made me different from others, I constantly questioned my worth and abilities. I also kept feeling behind or as if I had missed out on valuable opportunities.

I know I have only been on this side of 50 a very short while, but life really does seem different. I finally feel like I am dancing to the beat of my own drums. I no longer feel the anxiety and pressure of not being who or where I imagined I would be at this time in life. I contribute all of this to this year’s/half century’s theme–“Being present while residing in a space of peace.”

Y’all, just thinking… Christy Nockels’ book, The Life You Long For, really did prepare me for this.

Forever grateful for God’s love, mercy and grace. Y’all, He really does love me.

Thanks for reading. Wishing all of you a wonderful day!♥️

Shaun

Life

Follow Your Dreams

Shaun Bradford

Your dreams are important, too important to let die. No matter what comes or goes, or how much time passes, never give up on your dreams. Everything will happen at the appropriate time.♥️

Stay the course.

When I was in high school, my English teacher gave our class personalized, handwritten notes. Mine was written inside of a card that a former student had given her. On the cover was a painting of “The Lady of Shalott.” I was drawn to that painting. It was like I could feel her pain and agony.

I was her…

Here is the inside of the card with an additional note attached. The words from the attached note have keep me inspired, encouraged and hopeful for more than 30 years.

I am becoming the dream.♥️