hope, Life

Hello Sunday (282)

Happy Sunday!☀️

Today, I am so grateful and blessed to be alive. Blessed to hear the birds singing. To see the beautiful sunshine. To breathe in fresh air. To have food to eat, water to drink, shelter, transportation, and the ability to move about freely.

Yes, I am blessed.


Ten Days until Year53…

This year’s excitement about my upcoming birthday is quite different. Usually, I’m bubbling with excitement, counting down the days, and imagining what I’ll do. However, the excitement I currently have is more contained. It’s a peaceful excitement. If that makes sense. It’s an excitement of knowing that I’m stepping into another year of wisdom—another year of maturity and growth.

Before I took my break (which I’m now referring to as a short sabbatical), I finally accepted the role as the matriarch of my family. A role that was already mine, but one that I wasn’t ready to accept. Well, I have accepted it, which means I must move differently. I have to be more mindful of what I do and don’t do (because that also matters). I’ll never be all stuffy because I love life too much. However, the way I move through life will change a bit. It’s already changed…for the better. Smile

I know I say it all the time, but I never knew this side of 50 could be so different. I’m thankful for the change. Thankful for God’s love, patience, and grace because they have gotten me to this place. I’m so looking forward to the blessings this side of 50 will continue to bring.


If you’re looking for a little inspiration, check out today’s post “Let Your Spirit Be Your Guide.”

I pray that you have a lovely Sunday! Talk to you later.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

*Embracing my journey with God*

God, Life

Hello Sunday (281)

Today’s the seventh day of June, a day of rest. Be sure to rest today. Your mind, body, spirit, and soul will thank you.

Genesis 2:2-3
2. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.

3. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Yes, today—Rest!


Before I go, I’d like to leave you with a little Sunday Morning Inspiration:

Keep God at the center of your life. Doing so is life changing.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Happy first day of Winter!

Happy Sunday!☀️

This morning, I happened to be reading a journal entry that referenced a post I wrote on August 21, 2021, “Perceptions.” After reading it, I thought I’d reshare it with you. Here’s what I wrote:

Perception – a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression

Question – If you perceive something to be true, is it actually true? 

Social media has opened my eyes about the way we perceive things. Even when in agreement, we never truly understand the other person’s full perspective unless we ask, or they explain it in detail. Most of the time we assume that because we are in agreement, our perspectives are the same. When in reality, they are not. 

Honestly, perceptions can be very deceptive. Especially when we attempt to interpret another person’s feelings or words. Have you ever wondered how someone perceived you based on your words, feelings or actions? Do you believe their perception would be accurate if they never spoke to or interacted with you? More than likely, not. So why do we assume our perceptions of others to be true? 

My advice, if you really want to know how a person feels, or understand the meaning behind their words or messages, ASK. Also, people change over time. Just because they said something or felt a certain way a year ago, doesn’t mean they feel the same way today. Again, ASK.


Perceptions can be misleading. It’s so easy to make assumptions based on limited information. Even text messages, emails, and posts can be misinterpreted. It’s always best to ask for clarification than speculate the worst—because, let’s be honest, it’s always the worst thoughts that come to mind, never the best. Smile. As I stated four years ago, “… if you really want to know how a person feels, or understand the meaning behind their words or messages, ASK.”

This is all for now! I pray you have a wonderful Sunday. May it be filled with lots of love, laughter, peace, and joy.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Happy Sunday!☀️

I pray all is well with you.🌸


Yesterday morning, I wondered what stories would be shared about me. Well, it didn’t take long for me to find out. A few hours after I shared yesterday’s post, “What Will My Story Be?”, the stories began, and the sharing didn’t end until after midnight.

As soon as I arrived at the family reunion venue, one of my uncles—who’s basically my twin (born a little over a week apart)—greeted me with, “Shaun, you remember when you used to…” Then, last night at my sister’s house, my sisters and cousin shared more stories with my daughter, oldest nephew, and oldest niece. When I tell you they soaked up those stories like sponges.🤭

All I can say is, I was Shaun.😂

Me and my sisters. Dorothy girls!

So, here’s what I gathered from their stories and what I know about myself:

I was never a quiet child. (I’m much calmer now, depending on who you ask.🤭)

I spoke my mind… I mean, voiced my opinions. (Still do, but more tactful now… depending on the situation😊—you might get Shaun or LaShaundrea or a version of both.🤷🏽‍♀️😂)

I was strong–willed. (Yeah… nothing’s changed.😂)

Just know my descendants will have many interesting stories to share about me.😅

Y’all, all while they were talking, I kept saying, “That was me then. I’m not that person anymore. Believe me, I’ve changed.” And they just laughed even harder.😂

Everyone is heading home today. Can’t wait until we meet up again. I love my family.💗


I hope your weekend has been great so far. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday and blessed week.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Happy Sunday!

Rather, Happy Self-Care Sunday!

Today is the last Sunday of my birthday month, and I’ve decided to relax a little more than usual. Not in a rush to do anything. Today, I’m taking it easy and going with the flow.


This morning, I took my time reading through my Facebook memories. Here are a few random memories that made me smile. I’ll start with June 29, 2019.

June of 2019 was a pivotal month for me. It was the month my divorce was finalized. It wasn’t until my birthday, maybe a couple of days afterwards, that I celebrated being FREE. That year’s theme was “46 and Free🦋.” I had waited so long for it to happen—years. And then, I was free.

This was a second chance at life. One that I didn’t take lightly. A decision I am still grateful I made.🦋
This was me celebrating my newfound freedom. Enjoying the water and good food.
This is a picture of my babies using my location to pull up on me. I was so surprised.😂 I just love them.🥰🥰

Maybe I’ll take a ride down to the coast. That’s if I can let this bed go.☺️

Here are a few more memories from June 29th.

The flowers, the pinks, the gold, the look, the quote—all made me smile. I’m forever a princess at heart. Even when I’m ninety, I’ll be a princess.🌸💗☺️

Ralph T, Rizz, Rizzo! The New Edition king that’s often slept on. Johnny Gill is usually my go-to; however, for some reason, on that day, I decided to listen to Ralph. Yep… this memory made me smile. NE4Life✨

Yes, I’m God’s vessel. His glory radiates through and from me.☺️✨

Great memories!

Favor, overflow, and grace. This is Year52.🎉


I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day. May it be filled with lots of love, peace, joy, and laughter.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

God’s got us.

First, I want to start by saying I love you. You deserve to hear it first, not last. Times are stranger than ever, BUT GOD. Resist the urge to panic. Panicking only causes destruction and further devastation. Remain calm but prepare for the worst while also planning for the best. I know it’s easier said than done, but it can be done.

At this moment, many of my fellow veterans are experiencing PTSD. We’ve been here before. Last night, I was explaining to my daughter everything I would have been doing at this moment as it related to her. Being stationed in Turkey was scary at times. While everyone was living it up stateside, without a care in the world, we were being careful about our every move on and off base. Anything could happen at any time. We knew this. We lived it daily.

When I first arrived in Turkey, within 30 days, I had to have an emergency evacuation plan for my daughter in case there was a possible attack. I was a 24-year-old single mom in a new country where I knew no one but my three year old. Within the first week, I had made friends with someone I trusted enough to accompany my baby girl back home to my mom or sister. I didn’t know her or her husband, but I had to trust God enough to trust them with my child. I was on edge with every threat of an attack. However, I did not live in constant fear of what could or may not have happened. Instead, I did what most military families are doing right now and that’s banding closer together. It was my military family who made stressful situations, calm.

Right now, I’m praying for our troops (all branches). God, please give them peace and calm their hearts. Let them know that You are with them. For all others, including us veterans, please do the same—calm our fears and give us a sense of peace.

That’s all I have for now. I’m about to get dressed and go love on my baby girl a little more before I head home. I’ve had a wonderful time with her. I feel so refreshed!


TWO MORE DAYS!!🎉 And yes, I’m still excited about my upcoming birthday. God’s got me. He’s got us!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Hello Sunday, and Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful fathers out there. Know that you are loved and very much appreciated, not only for your financial support (because fathers are more than financial resources) but also for your love, wisdom, guidance, and for simply being YOU.

You are loved!♥️

Shaun

My daddy and his girls.🥰
hope

Hello Sunday

Good Morning☀️

How are you?

I hope you’re doing well.


With the help of my Facebook memory from last year (June 8, 2024), I’m going to keep this one short and sweet.

The message…

Keep pursuing your dreams! Your purpose is much too great for you to settle.

That’s it!

I pray that you have a beautifully blessed day filled with love, joy, laughter, and peace.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Good Morning☀️

How are you?

I pray that you’re well.🌸

By the way—Welcome to my Birthday Month!😌🎉


For those who don’t know, I LOVE celebrating my birthdays, and I usually celebrate the entire month of June. So, if you don’t like people being extra, you may need to mute me because I tend to celebrate any and everything. Lol. Listen, if a butterfly happens to cross my path and I smile (all it takes is a smile), baby, that’s God’s gift to me and ONLY me.☺️ Yeah… prepare to be sick of me.

I love life.

I love my birthdays.

And I absolutely love my God.

Now that I’m getting older, every day and every year I’m alive feels more and more special. Just knowing that I am still here, and that I am surrounded by love, makes my heart sing praises to my God. Father, I thank You.🙏🏽

The theme I chose for Year51 was “Beyond Blessed,” and I am blessed. I am truly, truly blessed. I’m not sure what this coming year’s theme will be. I still have a few weeks to come up with something. Until then, I hope you’ll stick around and celebrate my month with me. And to everyone celebrating a birthday in June—Happy Birthday Month to YOU! Let’s celebrate!!🎉

I pray you have the most amazing day! May it be filled with pure, unconditional love, indescribable peace, and an abundance of joy. YOU deserve it!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Happy Sunday☀️

How are you?

From the depths of my heart, I hope you’re well.🌺


May 25, 2021

I pray you have a wonderfully blessed Sunday filled with love, peace, and joy. May you remain hopeful that one day, we will live in a brighter, more beautiful, and kinder world. Continue to keep God first. Allow Him to direct your steps and guide you daily. Lastly, please take care of yourself. Your presence in this world is invaluable.♥️

I love you always,

Shaun