Tag: Hello Sunday

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Today’s Facebook memory has me smiling from ear to ear and in tears. Y’all, what are the odds of actually getting a second chance, getting a do over? Listen, and hear me good, DO NOT give up on your dreams. I can hear Yolanda Adams singing—

“I have a word to share with you. Those who feel God has forgotten you. I know you feel your time has passed. God’s only saving the best for last. And your future’s greater than your past.” Donald Lawrence’s Best For Last featuring Yolanda Adams

I know this word isn’t only for me!! Listen, it’s not over. Your dreams are still intact. If God has given me another go at my dreams, I know He will do the same for you. Your time has not passed. Nope. Not at all. God was only saving the best for last. Your future will be greater than your past.

My advice, because this is what I did and am still doing, stop trying to figure this thing called life out. Stop trying to figure out what your future will look like. Honestly, we can paint a million pictures of how our future might look and God will flip the script and do something we never imagined. We cannot predict what will happen or how things will turn out. We just can’t. So, let life flow and be open to new opportunities and possibilities, and keep your dreams alive. Don’t let them go. I’m seeing 80 year olds getting their doctorate degrees. So all isn’t lost, just delayed until the right time; and only God knows when that is. Until then, enjoy the here and now. Stay present and let God do the rest.

Love you!♥️

Shaun

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to have another conversation with the late John Lewis. However, that opportunity happened by chance anyway. I literally bumped into him as he was coming out of his office. Truly a destiny moment. This is definitely a sign that I cannot give up. I must keep going.
Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Happy Sunday!

Listen, my attempt at posting something completely original is already out the window. Laughing. I looked at my Facebook memories and just had to share this gem from last year.

Facebook Memory: February 18, 2023

You do not have to see the entire picture before making a move. Just make the move and trust God to guide you through the unknown.♥️

I am going to add—because it’s what I have been doing lately—you don’t even have to see the picture at all. God’s word is enough. Trust it and move.

Some of the things I have experienced recently have required me to make quick decisions. I haven’t had the luxury of waiting days to think of how different decisions could play out. They have been those “God’s hands is on this, now move” situations. Basically, I haven’t had time to create fake scenarios that would self-sabotage opportunities. When God says it’s a good opportunity, I move. And at that first gut feel that something that sounds good isn’t right, I decline it quickly. Don’t even give it a chance to linger in my mind. Listen, I can think of all kinds of ways to make bad “good” opportunities align with my goals and purpose. Doing so in the past only delayed things I could have or should have been doing. Lessons learned.

Here’s my advice or what I have been living by. Trust God and move. No questions asked. Know the difference between the fear of doing something new and a true gut warning. Believe me, God will confirm your move within minutes. That, “Didn’t you ask for XYZ” is often the only confirmation needed.

Well, this is all I have right now. My daughter is leaving this morning going back to her new home. She and her fiancé came home last weekend for the Super Bowl and stayed the entire week (both work remotely). It was so great having her home. Last night we had one of our long, deep conversations. Honestly, I am not sure what we discussed but it was wonderful. I just love hearing her views on different topics, even though we don’t always agree. She’s a realist and I am…a bit different. Smile. However, all while she was talking I kept thinking, “This is my child.” Y’all, I am so proud of my two. Listen, they are not perfect but they are sooo perfect for me. I am blessed.

Wishing you a peaceful Sunday.♥️

Take Care,

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford
You were chosen for this.

Happy Sunday! Over the last few years, I have written about being “chosen” so I am going to continue with the same theme. Here are a few captions from past years:

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I find myself asking God, “Why me?”. His answer is always, “I chose YOU.”

I’m not going to lie, sometimes I have a hard time understanding why my life is as it is. Then I’m reminded that although small, I’m still a piece of God’s beautiful puzzle – uniquely made, will only fit where I’m designed to be, and will noticeably be missed if I don’t show up. It also means He’s confident that I can achieve any task He’s assigned.♥️

Whenever I wonder why God chose me, I’m reminded that He hand picked and uniquely designed me to fulfill a particular purpose that ONLY I can fulfill. I was chosen. Same with you! YOU are the ONLY one who can fulfill your unique purpose. YOU were chosen!♥️

Whew! I do not know about you, but being chosen does not always feel like an honor. Sometimes it feels like a burden.

Now, I know the word “chosen” sounds all glamorous and only applies to a select few. However, that’s not so. You, my friend, were also chosen. Smile. Whether you believe it or not, or wanted to be or not, you were chosen to fulfill God’s plan.

As I mentioned earlier, we are all pieces of God’s beautiful puzzle and here to fulfill a purpose. Although we see ourselves as one dimensional pieces, we are actually one of a kind, multi–dimensional pieces. Every facet of our lives are either fulfilling a purpose or meeting a need that only we can. We are so uniquely made that when we try to fit into other spaces we never quite fit. It’s because it’s not where we were chosen to be.

That’s all for now! It’s still early so I think I will go back to sleep. Wishing you a fabulous Sunday. Love you!♥️

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford
Know that you are safe in God’s hands.

There is a certain calmness and peace that comes with knowing we are in God’s hands. Not saying we will never experience the random anxiety, worry, or fear. However, when we do, it never lasts long.

Y’all, somehow, God has a way of dispatching His angels to comfort us at the exact right moments. When I tell you there is nothing comparable to His love, mercy, and grace. Listen, there is none like it!

Right now I am hearing the song, “Safe in His Arms,” by Rev. Milton Brunson & The Thompson Community Singers.

Safe in His Arms
Lyrics: Musixmatch

Because the Lord is my shepherd
I have everything I need
He lets me rest in the meadow’s grass
And He leads me besides the quiet stream

He restores my failing hands [health]
And helps me to do what honors
That’s why I’m safe

That’s why I’m safe
That’s why I’m safe
Safe in His arms

When the storm of life is raging
And the billows roll
So glad He shall hide me
Safe in His arms

So glad, He shall hide me
Safe in His arms

Wishing a blessed Sunday. Rest in God knowing you are safe in His arms.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Life

The Power of Manifestation

Shaun Bradford

Two years ago, I shared a “Hello Sunday” blog about manifestation. It was based on film director, Matthew Cherry, winning his first Oscar. Eight years before he won it, or was even well known, he tweeted, “I’m gonna be nominated for an Oscar one day. Already claiming it.” And he was nominated and won!

Last night, I watched a once “YouTuber,” Quinta Brunson, win her first Emmy award for best comedic actress. I was so happy for her! She didn’t say it, but I am pretty sure the thought of “what if” crossed her mind at some point. Watching her evolve into the person she was always meant to become has been wonderful to witness. I remember watching her YouTube videos. Loved the “He got money!” videos. She kept me laughing. Watching her on Abbott Elementary has been a joy as well.

Side note: For those who know me, know I love watching God work! Y’all, it makes my heart smile. The journey and evolution is everything.

Anyhoo… Trying not to get sidetracked.

In the “Hello Sunday” below, I wrote about some of my own moments. Yesterday, or the day before, I wrote about not taking any leaps in a while. Well, as I wrote in 2022, I believe I am already living in what I manifested. Not completely living in it, but living in the journey of becoming and achieving everything I dreamed and imagined as a kid. Perhaps my manifestation is not a destination but living within my experiences.

I wrote about writing in my journal how I wished I could live far away. Then, within six months, I had joined the Air Force and was living in Germany. I also gave a few more examples; however, those weren’t all, there are plenty more! As I said, I believe my manifestations are played out in my journey. I love the details of the smaller manifestations. The things that cross my mind then just happen. The small things that make me smile. Don’t get me wrong, I have greater ambitions and so many more big dreams waiting to come to fruition; however, I am choosing to live in every experience now.

Here is what I have learned about manifestations:

1) You will never see it coming until you are in it. It’s all about God’s timing, not ours.

2) Nothing ever happens as we imagined or dreamed. It’s always better.

Remember, God is always working. Do not give up on your dreams, and enjoy the journey along the way. Be careful not to miss out on the small experiences. They are leading you to the bigger ones. Love you!♥️ ~ Shaun

Hello Sunday
Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Soooo…I just noticed that I didn’t post a “Hello Sunday” blog. I was so excited about the memory I had found this morning that it completely slipped my mind.

Was thinking about the post I shared Friday about us showing up as ourselves. I wrote, “ALWAYS show up as YOU!” A few hours after I shared it, I attempted to show up as someone I was not, BUT…my authentic self showed up instead. My goal was to show up all polished, poised, and well-spoken. You know, all scholarly and stuff. However, I became excited about what I was discussing and the country, super expressive Shaun showed up instead. I was so embarrassed and disappointed. Thankfully, I was with a friend and colleague who told me that people really like my personality. She said that’s why they are drawn to me. For years I attempted to suppress it, and did so well for so long. Then something changed. Something happened and I began to let people see the real me and now it’s here. It’s here…she’s here…and I believe I am going to let her stay.

As my friend told me, some people will like my authenticity and some will not, and it’s okay. I agree. It is okay. I have to be me.

Y’all, THIS is Year50!♥️

Shaun

I believe I have reached yet another level of freedom. Woohoo!
Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Happy Sunday! Here’s a screenshot of a Facebook story I shared two years ago, May 21, 2021. It appears that trusting God, having patience and living in peace is my theme for life. It’s how I operate.

Praying you have a blessed and peaceful Sunday.♥️ ~ Shaun

On another note–It’s been exactly one year since my son graduated from high school. Two weeks ago he finished his freshman year of college. Y’all, I am so proud of him! Can’t believe I have two adults adulting. Smiling. God is good.

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

So, last week, my son began his final semester of high school. Yes, the count down is real! Well, during our drive to school, I was so hyped, talking a mile a minute about all the things he would be able to do once on his own. Listen, you would have thought it was my last semester instead of his! Well, he was the least bit enthused. He just sat there quietly while I went on and on and on about how great life was about to be for him. After about five minutes or so (yes, that long), I noticed that he wasn’t celebrating with me. I asked what was wrong, why wasn’t he excited. That’s when he asked if I was going to leave him alone. Y’all, it never dawned on me that he may have been nervous. I just assumed he felt the same way I felt during my last semester of high school. Baby, I was ready!! Well, at that point, I reassured him that he would never have to go through life alone. That no matter how old he got, or whatever happened in life, I would always here for him. And that seemed to do the trick. He pepped up and was ready for school.

After I dropped him off, I realized that also meant I would be alone and on my own too. Needless to say, I was no longer celebrating. Gotta love life.

Thought I would share this Facebook memory with you. I posted it five years ago. I cannot say it enough, I am so proud the man my son is becoming. Always respectful, kind, compassionate and attentive. May God’s grace and mercy follow him throughout his life.

Facebook Memory: January 9, 2017

Feeling some kind of way. Don’t know how to explain it. KeShawn picks up on it and asks if I’ve listened to my music today. I asked him, “What music?” He said, “Your Luther.”

All smiles. My kids know me so well. I can listen to music all day. It’s so soothing. And there’s nothing like listening to Luther. ☺️

My babies get me!

Well, that’s it for today’s Hello Sunday. Thanks for reading. Wising you a wonderfully, blessed day!

Shaun

** We (I) decided to celebrate his last semester of high school with a celebratory treat from his favorite sushi place.

Cyndi Lauper/Punk Rock roll & Elvis/Jailhouse roll
Crispy Crab Wontons
Ahi Tuna Salad (wasn’t the best😔)
Life

Hello Sunday!

Shaun Bradford

Today’s Hello Sunday is dedicated to Canadian DJ and music producer, Ryan Shepherd.

Yesterday, as I was checking my Twitter notifications, I noticed that Ryan had liked a few of my Hello Sunday blogs. Usually I don’t click the profiles of people who like my tweets; however, yesterday I was curious because only one or two of my followers actually read my blogs. So I immediately assumed Ryan was a bot. Well, he’s actually a live, breathing human being. Lol. Come to find out we’ve been using the same hashtag, #HelloSunday. Imagine that! Of course my #HelloSunday refers to my blog. However, his refers to his newly released song, “Hello Sunday,” featuring Caitlyn Scarlett. It’s a fun, cheerful tune that makes you wish everyday was Sunday.

Here’s Ryan Shepherd’s HELLO SUNDAY. Enjoy!

Shaun