Tag: happiness

Life

Blessings Without The Struggle

Shaun Bradford

Today’s blog is a short excerpt from my journal entry written on February 28, 2021. At the time, I happened to be listening to Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Sunday morning message, “Give Us An Awakening.” Here’s what I wrote:

Shaun, the gate is going to be open when you get there. You won’t have to push it open, it will just be open.

Listen, I am at a point where I refuse to accept that there will always be some sort of struggle before a blessing is received. I refuse to accept it as truth. There just has to be a time when we walk straight into our blessing(s). No struggle. No pain. Only bliss. And not in the afterlife.

So, today, instead of speaking in future tense, I am speaking as if it is so.

Shaun, you are at the gate. It’s open. Walk through.

Simple.

Walking through.♥️

Take Care,

Shaun

Life

Trusting God’s Plan

Shaun Bradford

Here is an excerpt from last year’s Hello Sunday, which was written on this date.

Hello Sunday: February 26, 2023

Ultimately, God is in control and His plans reign supreme. I trust Him, completely. 

Here are a few other things I have learned over this short period of time:

  • Life is going to happen. I can try to manage it but I cannot control it.
  • Suppressing my feelings only delays progress. In order to truly move forward, I have to feel and be honest about my feelings.
  • Not to panic when things are not going according to my plan. It only means that God has something different in mind or He’s working a few things out.

Today, God is still in control, and I do trust His plans—whatever they may be (tired of trying to figure them out). Honestly, I am beginning to believe not knowing what God is doing is best. Yep, I’d rather not rack my brain trying to figure things out because I have 1) discovered it’s only a waste of time, 2) it’s a waste of emotional and mental energy, and 3) I can never predict what will happen (plot twists on 10!). So, yes, I’m going to leave my life in God’s hands and allow Him to do His job. I know whatever He has planned will ultimately be in my favor (because He loves me), better than I imagined (again, because He loves me), and all for His glory and purpose. Yes, it’s all about Him.

Praying you have a lovely day and wonderful week. Love you!♥️

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Today’s message is, “Do not give up!” It’s a message I have shared on this date for the past few years. No matter what things look like or how badly you might want to quit (I know you’re tired), do not give up! God is working on your behalf. Soon everything will work in your favor.

Facebook Memory: February 25, 2019

Good Morning! Here’s today’s social media find. Believe me, God IS working. Every setback is preparing you for a bigger blessing. Just don’t give up. No matter what, keep believing, keep going.

You didn’t break. You were being built. Still standing!

Facebook Memory: February 25, 2022

Woke up with the word “steadfast” stuck in my head. It’s all I kept hearing. Now, my Facebook memories are showering me with confirmations. Listen, do not…I repeat…DO NOT give up!! God is working.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Facebook Memory: February 25, 2023

Listen!! DO NOT give up! What may seem impossible to man is NEVER impossible with God. Keep the faith and continue doing your part. God will take care of the rest. Have a blessed day.♥️

Luke 18:27 (NIV) Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Remember, with God, all things are possible. He will not let you fail. Trust Him!♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

Life

Year 45 Month 8 (February 24, 2019)

Shaun Bradford

Smiling as I think about how far I have come. I actually love who I am—without filters, without trying to fit in, without criticizing myself, without trying to change who I am, without seeking validation from others. I love the woman God created. I am truly His child.

When I originally shared this, I was actually trying to encourage myself to embrace all of me. However, it wasn’t until this year, Year50, that I actually did it. I embraced ALL of me. As I said in my previous post, this has been some year! Not the year I thought it would be, but the year I needed it to be. I’m blessed.♥️ ~Shaun

Facebook Memory: February 24, 2019

Happy Sunday! Here’s today’s social media find. During different stages of my life, I found myself trying to fit in. I didn’t realize that being different was a blessing, not a curse. I’m not going to lie, I still struggle with the fact that I don’t fit in most circles. Guess you can say I’m more like an octagon.😉😁 Multifaceted. I am rare. I’m exactly how God made me. If you find yourself feeling down because you’re not quite like others, remember, you’re God’s child. You’re exactly who you’re supposed to be. Don’t try to change to fit in. Embrace your uniqueness!

When I shared this, I used the hashtag “EitherULoveMeRUDont.” The same applies today. Either you love me or you don’t. The only thing that matters is that I love myself, and I do.☺️
Life

Remain Hopeful

Shaun Bradford

Y’all, there is so much going on in the world. So much hate, chaos and negativity. Lately, I have been wondering if I really want to still be here in 50 years. What would that look like? Would I be a survivor of some disaster? It’s a lot to think about.

However, with that being said, I cannot allow what’s happening in the world make me lose hope or faith in God. I know He is still in control and His love is everlasting. Better days are ahead. Better months, years, decades and centuries are ahead. I cannot give up hope. WE must not give up hope.🙏🏽♥️ ~Shaun

We must keep hope alive. We must make sure it’s seen and felt in every thing we do and through every contact we make. We cannot afford to let hope die.

Life

Living The Life I Imagined

Shaun Bradford

Every time I share this quote, I am reminded that I am living the life I imagined.

Facebook Memory: February 20, 2022

And so, she decided to start living the life she’d always imagined.

Author Unknown

The last time I shared this quote was a little over 2 years ago. Back then I thought I was living the life I had always imagined. Little did I know that was only the beginning. I’m not sure if I’m quite there yet, but it definitely feels like it. That’s what peace will do for you. God is good.

Are you living the life you’ve always imagined—spiritually, emotionally and mentally?

Now, here I am two years later (2024), again saying I am living the life I have always imagined. Of course, there is so much more to what I imagined, so many more aspirations and dreams to achieve. However, here and now, and even back then, the life I imagined was about peace and freedom. Basically, the freedom to walk in my truth; create my own path; and embrace my uniqueness. It’s about setting boundaries and creating an environment that fosters peace and love. Therefore, I am living the life I imagined.

I pray you are living the life you have always imagined or getting there. Wishing you a beautiful day. Love you always!♥️

Shaun

Life

Miracles Happen Everyday

Shaun Bradford

Can’t you hear Luther Vandross singing, “Little miracles happen everyday”? He goes on to say, “What is a miracle? Love is a miracle…” Yes, love is a miracle. It surrounds us daily. It’s one of God’s greatest miracles and it’s available to all. Receive it!♥️ ~Shaun

Shared last year – February 16, 2023

I really need to start back drawing. Been slacking. I guess it’s another thing I need to be more intentional about.

Life

Question: What Makes You Smile?

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: February 9, 2023

What makes you smile?🌺

Me: Love. Kindness. Compassion. Happiness. Other smiles. Music. Great food. Good company. My babies (now adults☺️). Life.

Truthfully, God makes me smile. The way He loves me makes me smile. Y’all, I am soooo very blessed.♥️

Shaun

Life

Do You Know What You Desire To Achieve?

Shaun Bradford

Do you know what you truly desire to achieve—in life, your relationships, and/or your career? If so, are you actively pursuing your desire(s). If not, why not? What’s stopping you?

Facebook Memory: February 4, 2022

Me… To be happy! To enjoy this life God has blessed me with. To be a blessing to others. To spread love, hope, and joy in everything I do. I want others to know and feel they are loved. This is what I truly desire.

That’s all I have for now. By the way, this is my 995th consecutive day of posting! Woohoo!! Five more days until 1000!!! Can’t you tell I’m excited?! Listen, I keep myself hyped!! Laughing. Can’t wait to celebrate!!!

Okay…I’m done. Enjoy the rest of your day and I will talk to you tomorrow.

Love you!♥️

Shaun