In 2023, I shared, “Your obedience to God unlocks doors.” Although this is true, I believe our obedience should be more important than any blessing we may receive. It’s our obedience that strengthens our relationship with God. It shows Him that we not only love Him, but we trust Him despite what He can do or give.
Today, my advice is to focus on building a relationship with God. It’s more important than the blessings and unlocked doors. Both will come in due time.
Twenty-six (almost 27) years ago, I wrote the following in my journal—
“When I blew out my candles, I made a simple wish and that was to be happy for the next 25 years, and even happier afterwards.”
Well…
Five years ago, I asked myself if I was fulfilling that wish. The answer to that question back then (in 2020), and still is to this day, is “Yes.” Overall, my life is much happier than when I was 25. In 1998, I had so much going on. I was a single mom living abroad with a little one while trying to figure out life for us both. Then, a few months later, my mom had an incident (never found out what happened) that caused her to be paralyzed (paraplegia) for the rest of her life.
Don’t get me wrong. Today, every day isn’t all smiles and laughter; however, I’m never depressed. I was really depressed back then. After making my wish on my 25th birthday, I tried my best to make myself happy. I had been to therapy before, so I knew how to cope. However, it wasn’t until God stepped in and I began allowing Him to lead that I became truly happy. Y’all, God is so good. True happiness cannot be created. It happens organically and comes from within. When I celebrate life by saying, “I made it!” this is what I mean.
I’m forever grateful for God’s love, mercy, and grace. Y’all, I‘m blessed.♥️ ~ Shaun
If you want to grow, you must be willing to 1) put in the work and 2) be patient. Yes…patient. Patient with yourself and with the process. I believe we would all prefer that growth happen overnight or instantly; however, it doesn’t. It takes time, effort, determination, and sometimes courage. All of which requires patience.
I hope your Monday has started well. Remember to breathe and take breaks when needed.♥️
Saw this quote and thought I’d share it with my natural nurturers—those who can’t help but love on others and put them first.
“This year, your assignment is you. Water you.” – femalempire.co
As the quote says, we are the assignment this year and must water ourselves. Whatever we’ve poured into others in the past, we must now pour into ourselves. This doesn’t mean we’re being selfish or will love others any less. It just means we are making our purposes, dreams, and aspirations a priority so they can finally grow. It’s our time to flourish.♥️
Remember your “Why” and your purpose, and never stop pursuing them. You have the Greatest of greats—the Almighty God—backing you, AND YOU are His child. Don’t let anything stop you, not even you. Smile
While looking through an old notebook that I was using as a journal and as a study guide (not sure why I was using one notebook for both😩), I found a letter I had written but never sent to my sister. Here’s a snippet of what I wrote.
30 January 1993
At the time, I was 19 years old and stationed at Ramstein AB, Germany. Y’all, I was just a baby. However, even back then, I made note of gems that I still live by today:
True happiness can only be found within. (Thanks, Master Splinter)
God will place us where we desire to be, but it’s our responsibility to make things happen. (A good one, right?!)
Life isn’t easy… but it’s so worth living.
As I mentioned in the letter, I was where I had always dreamed of being, but I wasn’t doing anything with the opportunity I had been given. Looking back, I realize no one in my circle had the same or similar goals or dreams. So, instead of venturing out and doing my own thing, I adapted to their world. From what I had written—“I don’t have any goals anymore.”—I believe I had lost hope.
How sad…
But very eye opening.
It’s so important that we surround ourselves with like-minded people or our dreams and aspirations will suffer. Or…we must be strong enough to venture out and do our own thing to keep our dreams alive.
It’s Shaun’s World 
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