Tag: gratitude

hope

I’m Living!

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning! Five years ago, I asked myself if I was living or just existing. It’s one of my favorite lines from my fav’s movie, “The Family That Preys.” Back then, I had to really think about it. Honestly, I couldn’t fully say that I was. Well, today, that answer is “Baby, yes! I am definitely living!” As I have said so many times before, I am absolutely loving this side of 50! Y’all, it’s the best!♥️ ~Shaun

Here’s what else I found among my memories, pictures from my first BBD concert. I recently wrote about the tickets I won the day before my birthday in 2014. However, what I didn’t include—which I included in the book I wrote that morning but nixed at the last minute—was that I actually saw them in concert five years before and I spoke to Michael Bivins. And guess what?! He spoke back!!! AHHHHHH!!!😂😂😂😂😂 Y’all, I absolutely love my life!

I screenshot it so the date would remain.☺️ Isn’t it cool!!
hope

Nothing Or No One

Shaun Bradford
I love watching God work.

Nothing or no one can stop God’s amazing plan for your life. Please remember this—especially when everything seems to be falling apart or not happening in your favor. Know that God has not forgotten you. He’s forever working behind the scenes. Believe me, everything will happen when it’s time and better than you imagined. Trust Him… or, as Rev. Jesse Jackson would say, “Keep hope alive!” Y’all, he looked so good and well at the Democratic National Convention. When I tell you my heart is still overflowing this morning. Whew!

Listen, timing is everything! Keep hope ALIVE!♥️

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning! Hope your weekend is going well. As you can see, I am posting a little late this morning. I mistakenly scheduled this post to be published at 10:30 AM instead of 4:30 AM. Let’s just say yesterday was a very long day and me posting late is the perfect set up for the following message.

Beauty can be found in every aspect of life. Even a late post.😊

This is my personal message to relax, breathe and take in every ounce of beauty surrounding me. I’m listening God.

A lot has happened since I shared this image eleven years ago—good and bad. I’m so glad I was able to find bits and pieces of beauty during both times, especially the difficult ones. Honestly, I would not be where I am or who I am today had I not found them. I am forever grateful.

Life is beautiful…truly beautiful.

Praying you have a beautiful day.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Nothing Wasted

Shaun Bradford

Nothing that you have gone through or are currently going through will be wasted. NOTHING! Not one thing!! How wonderful is that!

Here’s a word from my cousin, Joy. I pray it blesses you as much as it’s blessed me. Love you.♥️ ~Shaun

I just LOVE her energy! She radiates joy.🥰
hope

God Is The Joy And The Strength Of My Life

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!

Facebook Memory: August 15, 2022

“I can hear James Cleveland’s choir singing:

‘God is the joy and the strength of my life. He removes all pain, misery and strife. He promised to keep me. Never to leave me. He’ll never ever fall short of His word… God is my all and all.’ Amen”

Yes, God is my all and all. Praying you have a blessed day.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Guard Your Heart

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning! Six years ago, I wrote, “When the heart hurts, life seems to stop.” Not sure why I felt this so deeply. Again, when the heart hurts, life seems to stop. You continue to move forward but something inside of you stops flourishing. Yeah…that’s deep.

Proverbs 4:23 says— “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Everything we do flows from our hearts.

A few days ago, I wrote, “Protect your heart but let love in.” Although difficult, I believe it’s possible to do both when we place our hearts in God’s hands. Of course heartbreak will hurt, and life in some capacity will stop flourishing, but God has a way of soothing us until we heal and begin to flourish again. I truly believe this. We must believe this or life will stop.

Here’s the entire post from six years ago.

Facebook Memory: August 14, 2018

“Guard your heart. When the heart hurts, life seems to stop. I’ve found the best way to guard your heart is to put it in God’s hands. Disappointments will come; however, God has a way of making everything better. His love is so soothing. That’s why I love my God.

The entire scripture reads, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”- NIV”

Photo Credit: Unknown

Remember, everything we do flows from our heart—both good and bad, whether intentional or not. Guard your heart.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

The Peace of God

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning! While I was reading my journal entry from August 10, 2017, this particular statement stood out—

“I let it all go. I actually just gave up on it, and a peace came over me.”

This statement reminded me of the scripture I have on a note that’s been in my wallet since September 2014 (shared several blogs ago).

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

At the time, I was going through a difficult time, financially. According to my journal entry, several bills were due and I didn’t have any money for gas; didn’t know how I would commute back and forth to work that week. When I tell you I was going through it! Just reading what I was going through seems surreal, as do so many other difficult times. When I write about gratitude and feeling truly blessed, it’s because I am no longer where I used to be. Y’all, I made it through. Didn’t think I would, but I did.

When I decided to release the stress and stop trying to solve everything, a sense of peace came over me. After a while, everything worked out, and I was able to move past the situation. A few months later, I started my first consulting business, and a few months after that, I received a promotion.

Over time, I have learned to let go of things that are beyond my control, things that only God can do. When I do, I always experience this indescribable peace. Not only is it a peace of mind, but my entire space becomes peaceful. It’s a peace that I can only describe as the peace of God.

I pray that you have a peaceful day. My daughter is coming to visit so I’m excited. Can’t wait to give her a hug and love on her for a while.🥰

Love you,

Shaun

Funny side note — Just thought of this as I wrote, “Love you.” A few days ago, I saw a post that said there’s a significant difference between saying “I love you” and “Love you.” It said “I love you” is like the Eiffel Tower and “Love you” is like a rundown power structure. Well, know this, my “Love you” is the finest of all structures in existence. It’s from the heart and comes with hugs, prayers, love, and a sprinkle of hope. Now, “I love you,” is only reserved for a select few. That’s the crème of the crème. Lol

hope

Still Standing

Shaun Bradford

Y’all, I am still here. Still standing!! When I tell you God is so wonderful. I can hear Marvin Sapp singing–

Here I am, I’m still standing
Here I am, after all I’ve been through 
I’ve survived every toil, every snare
I’m alive, I’m alive
Here I am

“Here I Am” by Marvin Sapp

If you’re reading this, YOU are still here and still standing, too. Whatever was meant to destroy you, couldn’t. You’re STILL here!! Love you!♥️ ~Shaun

Covered!
hope

My Treasures

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning! I remember a scene from the movie “Richie Rich” where the thieves were eager to steal what was inside the Rich’s vault. They couldn’t wait to get their hands on the Riches’ treasures. They were so disappointed when they opened vault and found sentimental memorabilia instead of jewels and money. It was such a heartwarming scene.

Anyhoo, I’m the Riches. My treasures are the numerous letters and cards I have collected since high school—over 35 years worth. We wrote a lot back then. My journals, photo albums, invitations, and other memorabilia from special occasions and events—all treasures. I have old magazines like Essence, Ebony, Jet, Sister 2 Sister, GQ, Time and National Geographic. Treasures. Old emails, text messages and voicemails. I have it set to where they are never deleted unless I delete them manually. My Facebook memories are even treasures. Some posts I share just so I can see them every year. They’re my treasures. These are my treasures.

Facebook Memory: August 9, 2022

Some treasures cannot be bought. Treasures like– memories made with loved ones; saved letters, notes, or texts; or pictures that continue to warm your heart or make you smile every time you see them. Yes, these treasures cannot be bought.♥️

Believe me, I could have listed more. Many of my treasures aren’t tangible. Smiling

What are some of your treasures—tangible or intangible?

Well, that’s all for now. Praying you have a wonderful day and beautiful weekend.♥️

Love you,

Shaun