Tag: hope

Life

I Have a 17 Year Old!

Shaun Bradford

Today is my son’s 17th birthday. Seventeen! Where did the time go? Sooo many memories in what seems like such a short time.

Y’all, cherish the time you spend with your little ones. Listen, one minute they are babies, and the next they are adults. Make sure you get to know them as individuals. Get to know what excites them, what makes them smile and laugh; but also, get to know what disappoints them or makes them sad or mad. Sometimes as parents we become so caught up in parenting that we forget that 1) we were once children with feelings and 2) they are little human beings trying to find their place in this crazy world. Here are my two cents of advice– as with most humans, love, guidance, acceptance, understanding, and compassion goes much further than correction. The next time you have the urge to correct your child, please take time to find out the root of the problem. Sometimes all they want is your attention.

Okay.. enough parenting advice.

Again, I cannot believe I have a 17 year old! It has been such an honor watching him become this vibrantly, brilliant young man. I still can’t believe God gave him to me. I am definitely blessed. Y’all, I love him so much! Praying God protects him from hurt, harm and danger. Speaking nothing but blessings and favor over his life. He’s God’s child and deserves the absolute best!

He keeps me smiling. Happy 17th Birthday!!!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday!

Shaun Bradford
Sending hugs and love!

Today I am sending out virtual hugs. I love hugs. Well… from the right people. No creepy hugs.

Rest assured, my hugs are not creepy. They are the kind of hugs my grandmothers used to give. They would wrap me in their arms and squeeze me so tightly. As I got older, I realized what that squeeze meant. It meant, let go. Let go of all of craziness around you. Let go, rest your head, and let out a good cry. Let go, I am here for you. Let go, you are appreciated. Let go, you are LOVED!

I am so grateful I hugged my children throughout their childhood. Whenever I need a good hug, they are always here with open arms. My son is notorious for saying, “Come here. You need a hug.”

So, today, I’m sending out virtual hugs to everyone who needs one. Tight squeeze. Let go!

I love y’all. Have a blessed week!

Shaun

Life

Thankful

Shaun Bradford
I’m still here!

Happy Saturday! Couldn’t wait until Sunday to blog. This morning, as with every morning, I am so thankful for God’s unconditional love, mercy, and grace. It’s like no other.

When I think about where I used to be, and I’m talking about from childhood until now, all I can do is praise God. There were so many things I did not think I would make it through. So many times I wanted to give up and throw in the towel, but God said not so. He wouldn’t let me give up. I’m here. I made it!

Marvin Sapp’s My Testimony says:

So glad I made it. I made it through. In spite of the storm and rain, heartache and pain, still alive declaring, I made it through. See, I didn’t lose. I experienced loss at a major cost, but I never lost faith in You. So if you’ve seen me cry, it’s a sign that I’m still alive. Oh yeah, I’ve got some scars, but I’m still alive. In spite of calamity, He still has a plan for me, and it’s working for my good and it’s building my testimony. . .

Courtesy of Apple Music

Y’all, we’re here! We may not be where we want to be, but we’re still here. Thankful.

Shaun

Life

What is Normal?

Shaun Bradford

Pastor Steven Furtick posted, “Are you trying to navigate a disruption? In order for God to bring something new into your life, He may have to disrupt something normal.”

What is “normal”?

Honestly, I do not know how to define normal. Unlike most, my disruption happened before 2020. 2020 just made everything a little more crazy. I really wish I knew where God was going with all of this. But if I did, there would be no reason to trust Him. Why am I hearing Donnie McClurkin singing I’ll Trust You, Lord?

Hmm… Guess I found my answer. I have to stop focusing on the disruptions, and even my purpose, and focus on God. I have to let God lead.

I’ll trust You, Lord.

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday!

Shaun Bradford
Today’s a new day!

Hello.. Hello.. Hello! Today’s a new day!

Have you ever woke up feeling rejuvenated? Like a brand new person? Well, this morning I did. Now, don’t ask me what I was dreaming about because I don’t really remember. All I remember is buying white and gold fabric from some gigantic fabric store, and the fabric was UGLY!! Lol. Anyway, after waking up, the word “new” kept coming to mind. So I referred to the Bible. Several verses with the word “new” appeared, but this one resonated with how I woke up feeling.

Revelation 21:5 (NIV)- He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

For me, this feeling of newness and rejuvenation means that I can start over. I am not confined by yesterday’s thoughts or decisions. Thankfully, every new day comes with a fresh start. Now, it’s up to me to accept the new start or revert back to the same old thing.

Honestly, I am anxious to see what I do. Will I do something new? Will I accept God’s gift? I certainly hope so.

As I said, today’s a new day! Not only for me, but for you, too. What will you chose? Will you accept God’s gift and do something new? If not today, maybe tomorrow. Just remember that every day is a gift and it comes with the same opportunity, the opportunity to start anew.

Enjoy your day!

Shaun

Life

PUSHing Through

Shaun Bradford

My relationship with God is indescribable. Something you will only understand if you have experienced His greatness for yourself. No matter how down I get, or discouraged I become, He always lets me know that He has my back. That I can always find peace in Him.

Just finished reading “Why? Because You’re Anointed,” by Bishop T. D. Jakes. This last chapter was just what I needed at this particular moment. I know that no matter what, I must continue pressing forward. Yes, I can grieve, but I must get back up. Giving up is not an option! My purpose is too great to stay down.

PUSHing through…

Praying
Until
Something
Happens

God is good and prayer works!

Be Blessed,

Shaun