Tag: God’s plan

hope

Our “Yes”

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!☀️

Just saw this quote by Pastor Mike Todd on Instagram— “God saw all of this before you said yes.”

Y’all, this quote hit my soul! I instantly thought about the yeses I’ve given God over the years and how where I am currently—physically, mentally, spiritually, etc.—is where God saw me before I even said “Yes.” He already knew what my “yes” would cost me. He already knew what my “yes” would bring me. He already knows where my “yes” is taking me.

If you didn’t know, your “yes” is just as powerful as, if not more powerful than, taking a leap of faith.

Our leaps of faith are usually dramatic—something others can see or follow. However, our yeses are very subtle and intimate. They are given with our hearts, and only God hears them. Sometimes, we say yes before we have a clear vision of what’s asked. The good part is, whenever we say “Yes” to God, we can rest assured that He will always be with us throughout our journey—He’s got us! And He will never ask us for more than He knows we are capable of achieving. If He asks, He already knows we can do it. (Let that sink in.)

Question—What have you said “yes” to lately?

Well, this is all I have for you at the moment. It’s raining, and I slept in. I’m really thinking about turning over and going back to sleep. Smile. I pray you have a fabulous day!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 43

Shaun Bradford

Lord, please direct and guide my footsteps so they remain pointed toward You and Your purpose. I never want to move without Your guidance. Everything I touch and do must lead back to You. For I know, my existence is for Your praise and glory.♥️ ~Shaun

Singing “Order My Steps In Your Word” by GMWA Women of Worship.
hope

Prep Time is Up

Shaun Bradford
Trust God. He’s got you!🙏🏽

“I guess my prep time is up,” is what I wrote in my notes on December 24, 2020. I’m smiling because this message will forever be relevant, whether it’s next year or five to ten years from now. When you think about it, we are always preparing for something because God is always moving. He’s not a stagnant God. So, today, this message is for whatever God believes we are prepared to receive.

Smile, your preparation time is up. You’re ready!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Trust God to Make a Way

Shaun Bradford

On this day four and five years ago, I listened to the following songs below. The message— “Trust God. He’ll make a way.”

“Trust Me” by Richard Smallwood

“Made a Way” by Travis Greene

Fully trust God. Like, trust Him with your entire being. He’s got you!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!☀️

Lately, I have been a little more emotional than usual. It took me a minute to figure out why, and I finally have. A rebirth is happening. At least, that’s what it feels like.

Some may think what I’m about to say is weird, and it’s perfectly fine, but the timing of “The Six Triple Eight” movie and my daughter’s upcoming 30th birthday are so intertwined. The 30 years hit me while I was visiting her a week ago. Then, seeing the movie this weekend brought back memories of my experiences in the military around the time of her birth (almost 30 years ago) and the first few years of her life. Y’all, I’ve been crying nonstop this weekend. It feels like I am finally releasing everything I have held in for decades—the stress, uncertainties, and pressure I placed on myself to be a great mother to a child who did not ask to be here. I chose to bring her into this world, which meant I was responsible for making sure she always felt loved, protected, supported, and never like a burden. Those were the things I needed as a child, and I was determined to make sure she had them. And then the song “The Journey” by H.E.R. gets me every time I hear it. Y’all, these past 30 years have definitely been a journey.

Here’s what AI had to say about 30 years—

“It can be a turning point in a person’s life or a time when a historical event’s long-term effects can be seen. … It can be a time when someone realizes who they are, gains self-awareness.”

Whewwww… y’all, this is a lot.

I now realize that 30 years ago, I shut down part of my life to become the best mom I could be, and I know exactly when it happened. That’s a story for another time. Last week, I finally saw the woman my baby girl has become and know that my mission has been achieved. Now it’s time for me to live.

My life definitely changed 30 years ago, and I have absolutely no regrets—I never have. I just adjusted. Seeing my baby girl’s smile today lets me know all my sacrifices were worth it.

Here are two pictures… A lot can change in a year.

Squadron Christmas party in Germany (December 1993).
Squadron Christmas party in Florida (December 1994). Almost 9 months pregnant.

What a journey…

Thanks for allowing me space to exhale and release. I pray you have a glorious Sunday!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Tiny Successes

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: December 20, 2021

I believe successes are just like blessings; no matter the size, each should be acknowledged and celebrated.

Each success means that you are one step closer to achieving your dreams. I know the tiny ones may feel like drops in a huge bucket that seem impossible to fill. Believe me, I am right there with you. However, I also believe that one day, that bucket will overflow with success. You just have to keep filling it. You must stop looking at the size of the bucket—it’s a distraction. Instead, lean into the size of your God. With Him, what might be considered a tiny success could be enough to fill that one bucket, then some. But the only way you’ll know is if you keep going and keep adding to the bucket—adding to your dreams.

Please, do not give up. Keep going. The impossible is possible with God.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

P.S. I’m ditching my posting schedule. It’s way too limiting. I have too much to share in between scheduled times that never gets posted. As I have said before, some people make videos, I write. Looking forward to sharing more!

Hmmm… I think I just reached another level of freedom.

Welcome to my world!😘

hope

Almost 30 Years, Part 2

Shaun Bradford

Last week around this time, I was headed to visit my daughter. It feels so wild to have a child that’s almost 30. As I wrote in Almost 30 Years, she’s been through it all with me. Words can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am that God gave her to me.

I decided to take a real trip down memory lane this morning, a 30 year trip. I didn’t write anything on this day 30 years ago (December 19, 1994), but I wrote something two days before. Here’s what I wrote. Hope you can read it.

December 17, 1994— My baby journal

I had no idea if I was having a girl or boy so I always referred to them as “Honey” and “Sweetie.”

I was excited and nervous at the same time. Had no idea of what to expect but knew I wanted to be the best mom ever. The kids and twins I was referring to were my siblings.

Me and my sweet baby girl today.🥰

From where I was then, to where I am 30 years later, I am so very blessed.♥️

Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 38

Shaun Bradford

Finally reviewing my Facebook memories. They say hindsight is 20/20. Whew! If I only knew what was coming in 2019, I’m not sure if I would have made the post below. Although good things happened that year (I finally got my divorce after four years of waiting), it was the most traumatic year of my life. I’m not going to lie, seeing post like this and knowing what happened, throws a damper on my optimism. I know I will get past this moment. I know that God is good. I know that life happens and flows according to His plans. However, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt at times. Right now I feel the pain.

This is the “social media find” I was referring to in my post.

After rereading the post, I have decided to celebrate her (my) moment. In that moment, I wasn’t delusional or naive, I was happy and optimistic. I was so looking forward to all of the good things I expected the new year to bring.

I cannot allow knowing what actually happened that year to stop me from expecting great things to happen in the future. I need to keep that same level of optimism. I love how genuine my excitement was. It was pure. It was me. Oh how I wish I could get that Shaun back.

Anyhoo… just needed to share.♥️ ~Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning☀️

Always remember who you are and Whose you are.

Originally shared on December 26, 2023.

Never forget YOU are God’s child—hand crafted and uniquely made—royalty. There’s no other like you. Remember who He created you to be and boldly walk in it.

I pray you have a beautiful Sunday. Again, boldly walk in who you are!

Love you!♥️

Shaun

hope

Chosen On Purpose

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning☀️

God chose YOU on purpose for His purpose.

That’s the message.

God chose YOU on purpose for HIS purpose.

As I wrote three years ago, “let that sink in.“

Listen, no one—NO ONE—can do what you do. They may come close, but they will never be able to do what you were chosen to do. God placed a very specific, very unique key inside of YOU to unlock plans, dreams, and hopes others have been waiting for. There’s absolutely no other like you! Allow God to use you.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

Chosen. God’s child.