Tag: Hello Sunday

hope

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Hello! Happy Sunday!

“Stay open for change. Be willing to accept the new thing God is doing.” Joel Osteen

That quote was the first post in my Facebook memories under August 4th.

God is doing a new thing. At times it may feel uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. When I woke up, the first thought I had was how did I end up here? Followed by, why me? Of all the people God could have chosen, He chose me to experience everything I have experienced. Why?

Have you ever asked yourself the same questions or similar? Why didn’t he choose someone else?

Then, I opened my memories and that’s the first message—be open for change and willing to accept the new thing God is doing.

Now, my question is, “God, what are you about to do now?”

Well, here’s what I am going to do. I am going to do what I have been doing for a while now and trust God. Trust Him wholeheartedly. Here’s a screenshot of the second post from last year. Smiling because it’s the answer to my questions, all of my questions—all of our questions. It’s not about our will but God’s.

“Draw Me Close To You/Thy Will Be Done” by Marvin L. Winans was the song I was singing.

I want to end with this, whatever it is you’re going through, give it to God, including your heart. I don’t know about you, but it’s easier for me to let go of things my heart isn’t attached to. But it’s something that’s so necessary for us to grow and move forward. We trust God with everything else, why not trust Him with our hearts? Haven’t we figured it out yet that God is Thee Heart Mender. Allow Him to do what only He can do. Then… Stay open and be willing to receive and accept the new thing He is doing. Talking to myself, too. Smile.

Well, that’s all I have right now. I woke up a little after 2:30 AM and decided to write. So, I’m going to go ahead and share, then roll over and go back to sleep. I pray you have an exceptionally blessed day.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford
Blessed.

Hello! I’m hoping you’re doing well. I realize I haven’t greeted you in ages, which is pretty rude of me. It’s like me walking into a room and not speaking, or waking up and not saying “Good Morning.” Please forgive me for not acknowledging you before sharing my thoughts. I promise to do better and not only let you know you are loved at the end, but that your presence is appreciated at the beginning.

So, while looking for inspiration for this post, I found this prayer in one of my “Wednesday Writings” (July 21, 2021). It is one I haven’t said in a while or been mindful of. Here it is —

“I pray that I recognize and accept the opportunities He [God] sends my way. I pray fear does not stop me from moving forward. I pray God gives me the strength– mentally, spiritually and physically– to endure this task.”

I ended it with —

“I know God’s got me, but do I have myself?”

Hmmm…

That was a great question. Did I have myself? Well, I thought I did, and to some extent I did. However, I was still working through a lot of stuff. One of which was learning to put myself first. To stop overlooking my needs, desires, and feelings to appease others. That was in 2021. Today, I can’t say I am 100% there; however, I am pretty close (95-98%). Had to get over the guilt of feeling selfish. The interesting part is the ones who mattered the most, my two hearts, were the ones urging me to take care of myself, first. Maybe they are actually the reason for my growth. I just love them and the way they love me. I guess I said all of that to say, “Yes, I got me!”

I also found another gem in the post (besides the prayer). I was celebrating my continual days of writing. Here’s what I wrote —

“I’m on my 67th day of continuous blogging and refuse to stop until I reach 100 days.”

100 days…

100 days was my goal…

Y’all, I’m in tears! Today makes 1170 days of continuous blogging. And to think I was only trying to make it to 100. Back then I was struggling to post once a day. Now, I’m posting at least twice a day, and not only on this platform but others. Yep… I’m crying. I had no idea of what I was capable of. It may not seem significant to you but it’s huge to me. These are my 1170 blue hearts.💙

I’m going to go ahead and end here because I’m crying (tears of praise and gratitude) too much to keep writing. Praying you have a wonderful Sunday. ♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

hope

The Impossible IS Possible

Shaun Bradford

Here is what I wrote in last year’s “Hello Sunday”—

Hello Sunday, July 23, 2023

God has a way of making what seems impossible, possible. Trust Him.♥️ ~Shaun

When I shared it, I added the following— “… with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

All things are possible. Believe!♥️

Shaun

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.