My life. My world. Love, hope, peace, joy & happiness.
The birds are awake and chirping.
Today is going to be a wonderful day.
Speak it.
Claim it.
Keep smiling.
Know that God is still in control.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 NIV
Be Blessed
Shaun
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (ESV). Quoted in the voice of every preacher or pastor who have ever said this on a Sunday morning.
All throughout last week, as I cleaned, worked, showered, etc., I thought about different topics for today’s Hello Sunday, like– my love/hate relationship with Twitter (the struggle is real), Charlene (another hair chronicle), and my brother (tomorrow would have been his 47th birthday). However, this morning when I woke up the only thing I wanted to focus on was the fact that I am alive. Yesss.. I’m ALIVE!
Y’all, it is such a wonderful feeling to be alive. I feel like we often take the fact that we are actually living and breathing for granted. As if it is something we are owed. Every morning I wake up and thank God for waking me. But.. do I really mean what I say? Or, are they just words flowing from my mouth? I cannot lie, it is pretty much a ritual. As with the scripture mentioned above, pastors and preachers say it, but do they really mean it?
You know, from this day forward, every morning when I awake I am going to put meaning behind my “Thank You, Lord, for waking me up this morning.” Y’all, being alive is a privilege. A privilege I will no longer take for granted.
Life is so precious. Make sure you cherish it.
Shaun
Rell, I am so grateful for every moment God allowed me to spend with you. I’m going to live for you and me, both. I miss you, baby!
Laying here thinking. The first of three scheduled presidential debates happened last night. No, I did not watch it. I already know who I am voting for. The debate would not have changed my mind. Even with knowing who I am voting for, some would say I should have watched the debate anyway. But why? Only to feel as hopeless and discouraged as those who did watch it? If anyone has followed the two candidates over the past several years.. not months, but years.. you would know their character. Their character has not changed. Then you add age. I believe as a person ages their true character surfaces even more. It is as if the older a person becomes, the more prominent their “I don’t give a ______” attitude becomes. Am I right, or am I right? If you have ever spent time with older adults, you know what I am referring to. Sometimes they are very amusing. However, when it comes to leading our country, amusement is the last thing we need.
So… the reason behind the title. As I was reading headlines and social media posts, I began to feel hopeless, and even fearful. I felt like what was the use of even hoping for a better outcome when this is all we have. Is our country doomed?
Then God reminded me that He is still in control. He is hope. You see, the goal of the enemy is to create fear and chaos. To get us to take our focus off God. Once we have done this, he has won. Y’all, I refuse to let him win. Hope will win. Love will win. Kindness will win. Peace will win. God will always win.
Therefore, I trust You, Lord!
Amen
Today is my son’s 17th birthday. Seventeen! Where did the time go? Sooo many memories in what seems like such a short time.
Y’all, cherish the time you spend with your little ones. Listen, one minute they are babies, and the next they are adults. Make sure you get to know them as individuals. Get to know what excites them, what makes them smile and laugh; but also, get to know what disappoints them or makes them sad or mad. Sometimes as parents we become so caught up in parenting that we forget that 1) we were once children with feelings and 2) they are little human beings trying to find their place in this crazy world. Here are my two cents of advice– as with most humans, love, guidance, acceptance, understanding, and compassion goes much further than correction. The next time you have the urge to correct your child, please take time to find out the root of the problem. Sometimes all they want is your attention.
Okay.. enough parenting advice.
Again, I cannot believe I have a 17 year old! It has been such an honor watching him become this vibrantly, brilliant young man. I still can’t believe God gave him to me. I am definitely blessed. Y’all, I love him so much! Praying God protects him from hurt, harm and danger. Speaking nothing but blessings and favor over his life. He’s God’s child and deserves the absolute best!
Shaun
Today I am sending out virtual hugs. I love hugs. Well… from the right people. No creepy hugs.
Rest assured, my hugs are not creepy. They are the kind of hugs my grandmothers used to give. They would wrap me in their arms and squeeze me so tightly. As I got older, I realized what that squeeze meant. It meant, let go. Let go of all of craziness around you. Let go, rest your head, and let out a good cry. Let go, I am here for you. Let go, you are appreciated. Let go, you are LOVED!
I am so grateful I hugged my children throughout their childhood. Whenever I need a good hug, they are always here with open arms. My son is notorious for saying, “Come here. You need a hug.”
So, today, I’m sending out virtual hugs to everyone who needs one. Tight squeeze. Let go!
I love y’all. Have a blessed week!
Shaun
Happy Saturday! Couldn’t wait until Sunday to blog. This morning, as with every morning, I am so thankful for God’s unconditional love, mercy, and grace. It’s like no other.
When I think about where I used to be, and I’m talking about from childhood until now, all I can do is praise God. There were so many things I did not think I would make it through. So many times I wanted to give up and throw in the towel, but God said not so. He wouldn’t let me give up. I’m here. I made it!
Marvin Sapp’s My Testimony says:
So glad I made it. I made it through. In spite of the storm and rain, heartache and pain, still alive declaring, I made it through. See, I didn’t lose. I experienced loss at a major cost, but I never lost faith in You. So if you’ve seen me cry, it’s a sign that I’m still alive. Oh yeah, I’ve got some scars, but I’m still alive. In spite of calamity, He still has a plan for me, and it’s working for my good and it’s building my testimony. . .
Courtesy of Apple Music
Y’all, we’re here! We may not be where we want to be, but we’re still here. Thankful.
Shaun
Pastor Steven Furtick posted, “Are you trying to navigate a disruption? In order for God to bring something new into your life, He may have to disrupt something normal.”
What is “normal”?
Honestly, I do not know how to define normal. Unlike most, my disruption happened before 2020. 2020 just made everything a little more crazy. I really wish I knew where God was going with all of this. But if I did, there would be no reason to trust Him. Why am I hearing Donnie McClurkin singing I’ll Trust You, Lord?
Hmm… Guess I found my answer. I have to stop focusing on the disruptions, and even my purpose, and focus on God. I have to let God lead.
I’ll trust You, Lord.
Shaun
Hello.. Hello.. Hello! Today’s a new day!
Have you ever woke up feeling rejuvenated? Like a brand new person? Well, this morning I did. Now, don’t ask me what I was dreaming about because I don’t really remember. All I remember is buying white and gold fabric from some gigantic fabric store, and the fabric was UGLY!! Lol. Anyway, after waking up, the word “new” kept coming to mind. So I referred to the Bible. Several verses with the word “new” appeared, but this one resonated with how I woke up feeling.
Revelation 21:5 (NIV)- He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
For me, this feeling of newness and rejuvenation means that I can start over. I am not confined by yesterday’s thoughts or decisions. Thankfully, every new day comes with a fresh start. Now, it’s up to me to accept the new start or revert back to the same old thing.
Honestly, I am anxious to see what I do. Will I do something new? Will I accept God’s gift? I certainly hope so.
As I said, today’s a new day! Not only for me, but for you, too. What will you chose? Will you accept God’s gift and do something new? If not today, maybe tomorrow. Just remember that every day is a gift and it comes with the same opportunity, the opportunity to start anew.
Enjoy your day!
Shaun
My relationship with God is indescribable. Something you will only understand if you have experienced His greatness for yourself. No matter how down I get, or discouraged I become, He always lets me know that He has my back. That I can always find peace in Him.
Just finished reading “Why? Because You’re Anointed,” by Bishop T. D. Jakes. This last chapter was just what I needed at this particular moment. I know that no matter what, I must continue pressing forward. Yes, I can grieve, but I must get back up. Giving up is not an option! My purpose is too great to stay down.
PUSHing through…
Praying
Until
Something
Happens
God is good and prayer works!
Be Blessed,
Shaun
Today’s Hello Sunday is dedicated to a beautiful soul.
The first time we met was almost 20 years ago. We connected instantly! I loved your spirit, your sense of humor, and your style. You were kind, caring, funny, and bossy, which kind of reminded me of myself– minus the sense of style. Lol. I knew we would be friends forever.
As we all know, life happens. Sometimes in our favor and sometimes not. I was supposed to visit you this year, but God had other plans. Although my heart is heavy right now, I refuse to do the “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve” thing with you because 1) you wouldn’t have it and 2) I am so grateful for the time we spent together.
Whew! There’s sooo much more I would love to say, but your privacy is my priority. Know that you were loved and will be missed. Prayers for your beautiful family. I can’t even imagine what they are feeling. I know you prepared them for this moment, but as you know, grief is a tricky thing. It surfaces when we least expect. Praying God gives your family peace. Although your love and presence cannot be replaced, we will make sure they are loved and cared for.
Rest well my Loving & Affectionate Sister-Friend.❤️
Shaun
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