Tag: joy

Life

Grateful

Shaun Bradford
Gratitude is key.

Hezekiah Walker’s song, “Grateful,” says–

I am grateful for the things that you have done
Yes, I’m grateful for the victories we’ve won
I could go on and on and on about your works
Because I’m grateful, grateful, so grateful just to praise you Lord
Flowing from my heart are the issues of my heart, it’s gratefulness

Flowing from my heart is gratefulness. There is so much I have to be grateful for including still being here. Every day on earth is an opportunity to witness God’s glory. So often we miss it because we are looking for it in something grand. Today, I encourage you to be intentional about seeing God’s glory, even in the simplest of things.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Life

Let It Snow

Shaun Bradford

When I think of the winter holidays, I think of the perfect winter setting. You know, the kind you see on holiday movies—the couple, the cozy fireplace, the plush blanket, hot chocolate with marshmallows and peppermint sprinkles, beautiful snow falling, and “Let it Snow” by Boyz II Men—not Dean Martin—playing in the background. It’s what you think of too, right?! Laughing. Although my reality looks nothing like my perfect holiday setting, I can still enjoy the soulful sounds of Boyz II Men singing “Let It Snow.”

Let It Snow by Boyz II Men featuring Brian McKnight
Lyrics: MusixMatch

It′s another Christmas holiday It’s a joyous thing, let the Angels sing ′Cause we’re together

We got a thing, can’t let it slip away No, go outside, it′s raining sleet When our bodies meet I don′t care about the weather

Let it snow, let it snow, outside it’s cold But the fire′s blazin’ so, baby, let it snow Let it snow, yeah Let it snow, let it snow

Come over here and help me trim the tree I wanna wrap you up, baby Then you′ll see You’re the only present I need

There′s so much more Waiting for you in store From this precious day, I can gladly say There’s no place that I’d rather be

I know, you′ve found my everything Come a little closer God must have sent you down from Heaven

Let it snow, let it snow Outside it′s cold But the fire’s blazin′ So, baby, let it snow Let it snow Let it snow

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Where the treetops glisten And children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I′m dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white

Let it snow Let it snow, baby But the fire’s blazin′ so, baby, let it snow Let it snow, yeah Let it snow (Let it snow)

Hope you are enjoying your day!♥️

Shaun

Life

My Relationship With God

Shaun Bradford

Have you ever written an entire book (exaggerating) only to not publish it? Well, I just did. I know I wrote a good chapter describing my relationship with God starting with when I was an adult-child (yes, adult-child—smoking, shoplifting, etc. …heavy on the etc.) getting saved at eight years old; to my life as a sanctified teenager who went to church almost every day; to being a young adult who only called on God when needed; to completely ignoring Him in my 30s; to building the bond I currently have with Him now. Hmmm… I guess I could have written it like this the first time. Oh well…

As you can see, my relationship with God started decades ago. Thankfully, what began in fear (of going to hell) is now a relationship of reverence and awe. Y’all, up until this past decade, I did not know a relationship like this was even possible. As Kierra Sheard’s song, Indescribable, goes–

Indescribable, uncontainable
You place the stars in the sky and you know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Although we are here to fulfill a specific purpose in the world, we are also here to glorify God; to worship and to praise Him. Y’all, He loves our praises.

God, You are so amazing!

Keep the praises going.♥️

Shaun

Life

The Rebirth: Part 2

Shaun Bradford

Below is a post I wrote last year about my Facebook memory from the year before (December 23, 2021). Guess I have been sharing my memories for a while now—smile. So, since the memory has already been shared, I will use the same quote (too good not to reshare) and piggyback off of what I shared yesterday about rebirth.

The rebirth…

The rebirth will require us to leave things behind. Things that have held us back and/or been haunting us for years, even decades. It’s time to release them so that we can move forward in our purpose.

When I started my journey on this side of 50, I had to release quite a few things (people too, some released themselves). At first, it didn’t feel good. Honestly, it felt like I was losing part of myself including my identity. If you have read any of my monthly “celebratory” blogs (one is coming tomorrow!), you know I went through a spiritual, emotional, and mental pruning phase. Baby, when I tell you it did not feel good! Had me grieving for real. But it helped me see what had to go and what needed to stay. Everything that is still with me today was meant to stay. Now, I still have some decluttering to do but it’s nothing like the pruning. Whew!

Tomorrow, I will be 50 1/2 (smile) and will share another celebratory update about my first six months on this side of 50 (woohoo!). So stay tuned…

You had to leave it/them behind in order to move forward. Couldn’t progress without doing so, and cannot continue to progress by holding on to the guilt. Release the guilt and move forward.

Here is last year’s blog which contains Facebook memories from last year and the year before—December 23, 2022 & December 23, 2021. Enjoy!

Growth!
Rest is good for the soul. Get some! (Speaking to myself also.☺️)

By the way, I did put up my Christmas tree, played Christmas music and watched Christmas movies most of the day. It changed everyone’s mood. My babies have always fed off of my energy. It’s no different now that they are adults. I still have to set the tone for my little family despite what I may be feeling. I love seeing them smile.

I pray you have a wonderful day. Remember to love on someone today, and allow yourself to be loved on. There is no greater gift than love. Give it. Receive it. I love you!♥️

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Feeling a bit nostalgic this morning so I decided to bring back Wednesday Writings for old time sake.

Life is so interesting. More interesting than we realize or care to admit. A few months ago, I mentioned how I could feel the atmosphere shifting, A Shift in the Atmosphere. I wrote:

“Not sure if it’s only happening in my life, but there is a shift happening. A huge shift in the atmosphere. Y’all, something big is taking place. I feel it with my entire being.”

I brushed it off as it happening because I had just turned 50. However, it’s so much more. Something major is happening.

Of course there was a huge shift after the onset of COVID-19, which was devastating. Sadly, I believe that was only the beginning. Storms are coming. Major storms. And I am not referring to the weather and natural disasters. I’m referring to spiritual storms. My advice, and what I am planning to do, is that you stay rooted and grounded in God. Drop your anchor and hold on. And please stay under God’s covering and protection. Please!

Y’all, I feel this shift is not meant to just cause harm but to destroy. Haven’t been able to shake this feeling for months, now it’s stronger than ever. Stay rooted, grounded and protected. As long as you stick with God, no matter how rough things become, you will win!

Please know that I am not trying to prophesy or anything of that nature. I am just writing what I feel so deeply within. Continuing to send prayers up. Praying that God keeps us protected from harm in all forms, as well as bring peace and relief to those already suffering.

I know this message was anything but encouraging or inspiring. However, what I have found to be true, no matter what is happening around me, even when I become anxious or worried, there is still a certain level of peace that never leaves me and I know it’s because I know I am covered by God. Amen

I’m going to go ahead and end here. Although storms are coming, and some of you may already be in storms, know that God loves you and He’s got you. Never doubt His love. You will always find it in the beauty, light, and positive energy that surrounds you.

Love you.♥️

Shaun

Release control and allow God to lead. He’s got you.
Life

Keep Smiling

Shaun Bradford

When I hear the phrase “keep smiling,” I instantly hear Dionne Warwick follow up with “keep shining, knowing you can always count on me for sure. That’s what friends are for.”

The song, That’s What Friends Are For, goes on to say—

“For good times and bad times I’ll be on your side forever more. That’s what friends are for.”

You are loved.♥️

Shaun