Life

Love Is…

Facebook Memory: December 27, 2021

Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4

Took me a while to figure this out and actually name the source of my pain. So glad I did.

When I reshared the post, I added–

Love does not hurt.
Embrace it. Bask in it.
Give love and be loved.

Also on December 27th (2014), I reshared God’s Fruit (Facebook page) post–

Let’s make today about love. I would say everyday, but one day at a time is a good start.

Yes, let’s be intentional about spreading love.

I will start…

I love you, unconditionally!♥️

Shaun

Updated to add…

As someone once said, unconditional love is not unconditional tolerance. Please know the difference. You can love someone unconditionally from afar. You do not have to tolerate the disrespect, hate, and/or harm. Please don’t! Also, don’t let your heart grow cold. A cold heart stops you from receiving and giving unconditional love.

Life

Grateful

Gratitude is key.

Hezekiah Walker’s song, “Grateful,” says–

I am grateful for the things that you have done
Yes, I’m grateful for the victories we’ve won
I could go on and on and on about your works
Because I’m grateful, grateful, so grateful just to praise you Lord
Flowing from my heart are the issues of my heart, it’s gratefulness

Flowing from my heart is gratefulness. There is so much I have to be grateful for including still being here. Every day on earth is an opportunity to witness God’s glory. So often we miss it because we are looking for it in something grand. Today, I encourage you to be intentional about seeing God’s glory, even in the simplest of things.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Life

Merry Christmas!

This Facebook memory is actually from last Christmas Eve. Couldn’t decide whether to share it yesterday or today so I decided to schedule it for midnight. Smile

December 24, 2022: No amount of money will ever bring the love and joy you bring; and NO materialistic gift can ever replace your presence. You have spent countless hours searching for the perfect gift not realizing that YOU ARE IT. You ARE the perfect gift.♥️

Wishing you much love, joy and peace. May today be just as wonderful as you are.♥️ ~Shaun

Life

My Relationship With God

Have you ever written an entire book (exaggerating) only to not publish it? Well, I just did. I know I wrote a good chapter describing my relationship with God starting with when I was an adult-child (yes, adult-child—smoking, shoplifting, etc. …heavy on the etc.) getting saved at eight years old; to my life as a sanctified teenager who went to church almost every day; to being a young adult who only called on God when needed; to completely ignoring Him in my 30s; to building the bond I currently have with Him now. Hmmm… I guess I could have written it like this the first time. Oh well…

As you can see, my relationship with God started decades ago. Thankfully, what began in fear (of going to hell) is now a relationship of reverence and awe. Y’all, up until this past decade, I did not know a relationship like this was even possible. As Kierra Sheard’s song, Indescribable, goes–

Indescribable, uncontainable
You place the stars in the sky and you know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Although we are here to fulfill a specific purpose in the world, we are also here to glorify God; to worship and to praise Him. Y’all, He loves our praises.

God, You are so amazing!

Keep the praises going.♥️

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Happy 50 years 6 months to me!!! Yes…I am 50 1/2 years old and beyond grateful to see this day. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine living this long. I never dreamt of age 50. As a child, 50 was old and who as a child dreamed of being old? I know I didn’t. If I can remember, most of my dreams were centered around my 20s and early 30s. Now, lo and behold, I am over 50! How awesome is that! Y’all, God is absolutely amazing!

As always, my Facebook memories are sooo timely. This memory from two years ago nicely sums up the last six months of my celebration.

Facebook Memory: December 24, 2021

Here is a quote from Michelle Obama’s “Becoming.” I believe questioning our worth is a natural part of our growth process. Whenever we take on new tasks, or decide to move beyond our comfort zone, part of us wonder, “Am I good enough?” Well, I am here to tell you that you are. You are good enough and you are more than equipped to handle whatever comes your way. You got this!

Yes, I am enough. I am continuously evolving and becoming the woman God created me to be.♥️

Over the past six months, I have had some very interesting experiences. Experiences that had me questioning God’s intentions. Had me asking more questions than I have ever asked Him before to include am I equipped to handle situations. And y’all, I have encountered some really interesting situations since turning 50. Listen, when I asked for this side of 50 to be completely different from the last, I had no idea what I was asking for (laughing), but God did. Shaking my head. My life and its adventures…

As I wrote two years ago—which I now know was a message for my future self—I am good enough. I am more than equipped to handle whatever comes my way. I’ve got this!

As I write, I cannot help but smile and praise God because I am truly blessed. Y’all, I am 50 1/2 years old and still here and healthy and loved. My babies are well and flourishing. My siblings and their families are all healthy and happy. My friends and family are still here. What more could I ask for. Again, I am so very blessed.

I have six more months left in my jubilee year. I do not know what’s to come; however, I do know that whatever comes God is good and I am covered. Y’all, God’s covering is everything. And His peace!!! Listen, there is none like it. You better get you some!

I pray you have a beautifully, blessed Sunday. Love you, always.♥️

Shaun

Life

Surrounded By Love

While the holiday season may be joyous for some, it may not be for others. This is my first holiday season without my mom and it feels strange. I have not been in the mood to decorate or celebrate and my kids are feeling it. I have to change the mood. I think I will pull out a few decorations (maybe put up the tree) so it feels more like Christmas. I need for things to feel normal for them. They deserve a cheerful season.

On another note, here is one of the Facebook memories I shared last year.

Facebook Memory: December 22, 2022

This holiday season, I pray you’re surrounded by love. I pray that you’re able to receive it as well as reciprocate it. I love y’all.♥️

Be intentional about receiving love. You deserve to receive love just as much as you give it.

Have a happy Friday!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Life

Declare Victory and Focus on the Good

Y’all, I am really considering bringing back my Wednesday Writings. I used to share so much…perhaps a little too much. Guess you can say it’s where I shared my most transparent moments and feelings. Below is one I shared last year on this date. When I say it’s so timely and right on point!

Yesterday, I wrote about the atmosphere shift I could feel taking place, and about staying rooted and grounded in God and most importantly staying covered. Well, last year I wrote about declaring victory not defeat. Baby, I was going through some things and I had to let the enemy know that NO WEAPON formed against me would prosper!!! And I took the advice I shared yesterday, I stayed rooted and grounded in God and allowed Him to lead. Here’s a little of what I shared.

Facebook Memory: December 21, 2022

Y’all, life happens and challenges come. Be sure to VERBALLY declare victory over the overwhelming. Yes, speak your victory into the universe and watch things change.♥️

Speak it!

Listen, I was going through some things and at this moment, I am still going through a few things. Seems like you can never have the good without a little bit of bad or vice versa, you have the bad but there is always a little bit of good in each moment. My advice is to focus on the good, the positive. Focus on how great our God is. Y’all, He’s so good!! So very good. Honestly, I can barely remember what I was going through last year, but I know that whatever it was God handled it, and I know He will handle things again. I needed this memory. I am declaring victory over my life. What the enemy meant for harm will not prevail! My God is greater and mightier! Amen

Y’all, I cannot stress it enough, I am truly, truly blessed! I just love the way God loves me. He always provides exactly what I need when I need it. Forever grateful.

Thanks for reading. I pray that you are preparing for a peaceful and relaxing holiday break (those who have one), and spending the holidays with family and friends.

Be Blessed!♥️

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Feeling a bit nostalgic this morning so I decided to bring back Wednesday Writings for old time sake.

Life is so interesting. More interesting than we realize or care to admit. A few months ago, I mentioned how I could feel the atmosphere shifting, A Shift in the Atmosphere. I wrote:

“Not sure if it’s only happening in my life, but there is a shift happening. A huge shift in the atmosphere. Y’all, something big is taking place. I feel it with my entire being.”

I brushed it off as it happening because I had just turned 50. However, it’s so much more. Something major is happening.

Of course there was a huge shift after the onset of COVID-19, which was devastating. Sadly, I believe that was only the beginning. Storms are coming. Major storms. And I am not referring to the weather and natural disasters. I’m referring to spiritual storms. My advice, and what I am planning to do, is that you stay rooted and grounded in God. Drop your anchor and hold on. And please stay under God’s covering and protection. Please!

Y’all, I feel this shift is not meant to just cause harm but to destroy. Haven’t been able to shake this feeling for months, now it’s stronger than ever. Stay rooted, grounded and protected. As long as you stick with God, no matter how rough things become, you will win!

Please know that I am not trying to prophesy or anything of that nature. I am just writing what I feel so deeply within. Continuing to send prayers up. Praying that God keeps us protected from harm in all forms, as well as bring peace and relief to those already suffering.

I know this message was anything but encouraging or inspiring. However, what I have found to be true, no matter what is happening around me, even when I become anxious or worried, there is still a certain level of peace that never leaves me and I know it’s because I know I am covered by God. Amen

I’m going to go ahead and end here. Although storms are coming, and some of you may already be in storms, know that God loves you and He’s got you. Never doubt His love. You will always find it in the beauty, light, and positive energy that surrounds you.

Love you.♥️

Shaun

Release control and allow God to lead. He’s got you.
Life

How Dedicated Are You?

When was the last time you stopped and asked yourself if you were actually dedicated to the process or just going with the flow? Here’s what I shared last year about dedication.

Facebook Memory: December 19, 2022

Dedication (Merriam-Webster): Self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty

Whew!! What a definition! Listen, dedication requires heart and commitment. If your heart isn’t in it, consider letting it go. However, if your heart is there, STICK WITH IT!♥️

Do you have the heart for it?

Listen, that definition is not for the weak! As I wrote several blogs ago, it’s decluttering time. Before we move into 2024, it is so very important that we stop and think about where our dedication lies, then adjust as needed. Make adjustments according to the bigger picture, not the present moment. Per my daughter, “What are we carrying that is not useful?” Additionally, if it does not bring you peace—LET IT GO!

Just something to ponder on during the next few days of 2023. 2024 is all about peace.

Be Blessed♥️

Shaun

Life

There’s Still Time To Make Memories

There are only two weeks left in 2023! Be sure to spend them doing something fun and meaningful including making beautiful memories with family and friends. Love you!♥️

Enjoy!