Tag: encouragement

Life

What Do You Want?

Shaun Bradford

A few years ago, I posed this question—“What do you want?”. Smiling as I think about it. Of course, all kinds of things popped into my head when I thought of the things I wanted. However, what I really, truly wanted weren’t things at all, it was peace. Peace within.

Well, I’m so happy to report that I found the peace I was searching for. Listen, all kinds of craziness can be happening around me and I always find myself at peace. Now, it doesn’t always happen instantaneously. Sometimes I find myself wanting to join the chaos or allow things to linger; however, God has a way of easing the peace in. Y’all, He is so smooth. I just love the way He loves me. Favored & Blessed

Here’s today’s Facebook memory.

Facebook Memory: June 12, 2021

What do you want? Simple question, yet not always easy to answer. Most of the time when we’re asked this question we respond based on our desires at that particular moment or where we are in life. Quick and easy answers will suffice in the moment; however, deep down we know there’s so much more. When was the last time you asked yourself what is it that truly want out of life?

I planned for peace. I sought it out, and God gave it to me.

Of course, I want more than peace. However, what I am beginning to see is the peace I asked for is opening doors and making room for other things I desire. Honestly, I am just letting God do His thing and bless me as He sees fit. He knows best, and His blessings are above anything I could have ever imagined or dreamed.

Last night, my son asked if this is where I pictured myself at 50. And my response was, I never even imagined 50 (from an adolescent/young adult standpoint). I had no idea I would experience life the way I have. Yesterday, I attended an event for women veterans. At even 18, I never imagined I would join the military. Had no clue I would have my first child a few years later. Didn’t know I would live in Germany or Turkey. I mean, soooo much has happened since then. So, making it to age 50 is such a wonderful blessing and feeling. I have a home. I’m healthy. My kids are healthy, and they are thriving adults. And…I am finally living in the peace I asked for.

Side note: I keep stressing the peace part because I used to let things bother me. Like really bother me. I was what people referred to as a “worrier.” Felt like if I wasn’t worried about something then I wasn’t living or I didn’t care. Oh, how life has changed. I am so loving this space I’m in, and loving life over 50.

Well, I think this is it for today unless I decide to add something later. Also, I don’t believe I sent you well wishes today. So I am doing it now. I pray your day is exceptionally beautiful.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

Life

Your Time Is Coming

Shaun Bradford

Y’all, today was the first day in months that I didn’t wake up and go straight to my Facebook memories. Hadn’t even thought about them until now (it’s almost 9 AM). No, today was different. Today, I woke up thinking about my future, not my past. I didn’t even read past journal entries. Hmm… think I can get used to this. Anyhoo… I needed content for my second blog so of course I finally checked my memories. Here’s one from 2022. Smile.♥️ ~Shaun

Facebook Memory: June 11, 2022

God is working! You may not see it or feel it, but He is. So hang in there. Don’t give up hope. Your time is coming.

Be patient!
Life

Do You Believe?

Shaun Bradford

Belief is more than a thought. It has action behind it. As I asked last year (was really asking myself this question)—Do you believe what you are believing for?

Facebook Memory: June 10, 2023

“Just believe!” We say it all the time in passing. However, most of us never put too much thought into it, we just say it. As we all know, the action of believing is so much more than a thought.

Question–Do you believe what you are believing for?

Just believe! Believe until you know it will happen.

Wishing you a wonderful week!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Life

Purpose Part 2

Shaun Bradford

Listen, I am on a roll today!! Usually, I try to suppress and/or contain my energy because sometimes it can be a little too much. But today I am on a 10, maybe 20! A short while ago, after I shared my last post, I saw a reel by motivational speaker, Trent Shelton (sharing it below). Here’s what I wrote when I reshared it:

One of the REALIST posts ever!🥺 This is what it looks like when you’re fulfilling your purpose. Encouragement is in Trent Shelton’s DNA. It’s who he is.

Side note: No matter how much you try to separate who you are from your God-given purpose/calling, it won’t happen. Believe me, it will keep showing up. So you might as well embrace it. Just like with Trent, it’s in your DNA.

Listen, when you KNOW what your purpose is, when you KNOW who you are, embrace it! Forget trying to fit someone else’s narrative. That’s not you. You are who you are—it’s in your DNA. You (we, including myself) will only be able to live life fully when you embrace and walk in your God-given purpose.

Boo, it’s time to live!♥️

Shaun

Life

Encourage Someone Today

Shaun Bradford

Encourage: to give support, confidence or hope to

Be intentional about being kind and encouraging, today. ♥️ ~Shaun

Facebook Memory: May 13, 2022

Encourage someone today. Even if that someone happens to be yourself.🌼

Life

Keep Shining!

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: April 18, 2022

What you have to offer is special. It’s unique. Don’t shy away from it. Embrace it and shine. You, my friend, are one of a kind!♥️

Shine!✨

That was two years ago, but the message remains the same. You are one of a kind. No one can do you, but YOU! Keep shining!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Life

Try Again

Shaun Bradford

I do not care how many times you have to start over, or how crazy you may look to others or what they might say (people are going to talk either way)—Try again!

Try again and keep trying until you get what you desire. Do not allow anyone or anything to stop you, not even you! Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. We allow our emotions, insecurities, egos, and thoughts of inferiority to stop us from seeing things through. Not this time. Today, we are going to block everything that hinders us from moving forward. We can do it!

Try again.

Then, keep trying until you see what you dreamed.♥️

Shaun

Life

A Gem From March 31, 2019

Shaun Bradford

Here’s a gem I intentionally left for myself.

Facebook Memory: March 31, 2019

I love how Facebook asks, “What’s on your mind?” Well…let me tell you. Lol

This morning I was reading last year’s journal entry (March 31, 2018). It began with a quote from Bishop T.D. Jakes. Basically, leave everything in God’s hands. He doesn’t need our help.☺️ Posting this for my Facebook memory for next year. Have to leave gems for my future self.

My theme for that year was “Clarity in 2019,” and it was definitely that. I learned, and am still learning, God always shows up and shows out when I leave things in His hands. Grateful.♥️

Shaun

Life

Keep Your Head Up

Shaun Bradford
You have yet to see your brightest days.

I am a living witness that the saying is true, it is always darkest before dawn. I will never understand why, but it is. However, despite our darkest experiences, there’s great news! Nothing and/or no one has the power to stop God’s purpose for our lives. Nope… not at all. Instead of focusing on our pains, disappointments, hurts, and setbacks, let’s keep our heads up and stay focused on the Son (smile). Brighter days are coming.♥️ ~Shaun

“Brighter Day,” by Kirk Franklin