hope

Preparation

While patiently awaiting the next—whether it’s the next level of success, new opportunities and relationships, or a change in season—stay in preparation mode. As the saying goes, great things take time. Well, they also require preparation.

There’s always room for improvement.

A few posts ago, I asked what I could possibly be preparing for. Well, in God’s typical fashion (when dealing with me), He didn’t answer while I was so set on trying to figure things out. No, He waited until my thoughts were clearer, and I was open to receive the answer. And y’all, that’s when the answers started pouring in. When I tell you I love the way God loves me! He knows me so well. I know, He’s God so He should know me. Smile.

Listen, I am forever amazed by how much He sees and understands every detail of my being. Anyway, one of His messages came through a YouTube video by the late Jim Rohn—motivational speaker, author and entrepreneur. When I tell you it was exactly—down to every word of advice—what I needed! Whew!! Again, I just love the way God loves me.🥰

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Good Morning!☀️

“Never doubt that you are loved. YOU are so very loved.”

That’s the quote I shared on this date a year ago. Y’all, it feels so wonderful to be loved, and to be loved unconditionally.

Yesterday, I got to spend the day with my two hearts. Now that they’re grown and doing their own thing, it’s been a while—maybe since last Christmas—that we’ve spent more than an hour or two together. My son is usually working on the weekends, and my daughter no longer lives in Mississippi.

Well, yesterday, we were together almost the entire day. We sang, danced, laughed, and talked about nothingness (nothing too deep this time). It was just an overall wonderful day. One that I needed so badly. Then, last night they treated me to dinner at our favorite restaurant.

Yes, it feels absolutely wonderful to be loved.🥰

My ♥️♥️s.
Orleans snow crab claws.
Our meals. I’m so glad they don’t mind me taking pictures of my food. Well, my daughter doesn’t. My son…🤷🏽‍♀️☺️

I pray you had a lovely weekend, and may today be even more beautiful. If no one’s told you in a while—like, since I told you yesterday☺️—you are loved.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

hope

Remembering Alton Sutton, Jr.

Today, I’m remembering my brother, Alton Sutton, Jr. He passed away on this day five years ago (October 19, 2019). There’s so much I want to say, but at the moment, I’m finding it hard to articulate my thoughts. When I tell you his presence in our family is so missed.

My brother was our gentle giant—kind, caring, loving, and very mild mannered. Definitely had a heart of gold. He was my dad and stepmom’s only son.

We were on this earth together for 46 years. Born almost three months apart (I was the oldest). Practically, twins… Yes, I miss him.

May he continue to rest in power and peace.🙏🏽🕊️♥️

Taken a year before his death.

We are my dad’s girls. This picture was taken at the hospital the night before my brother passed.🙏🏽
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Your Purpose Is Too Great To Settle

Good Morning!☀️

Here’s my first message for today—

Your purpose is much too great for you to settle for what is, or where you are. As I said last year, “You’ve got purposes to fulfill and lives to touch. Get moving!”

Shared on October 19, 2023.

Yes, get moving and keep showing up. Someone somewhere is counting on you to continue walking in your purpose so that they can walk in theirs.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Remembering Colin Powell

Today, I am remembering Former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell, who passed away on October 18, 2021. His presence in this world is greatly missed.🙏🏽🕊️

Thought I’d share his Thirteen Rules of Leadership.

Secretary Powell’s 13 Rules:

  1. It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning. 
  2. Get mad then get over it.
  3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
  4. It can be done.
  5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it. 
  6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision. 
  7. You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours. 
  8. Check small things.
  9. Share credit.
  10. Remain calm. Be kind.
  11. Have a vision. Be demanding. 
  12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
  13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Source: https://www.state.gov/dipnote-u-s-department-of-state-official-blog/colin-l-powells-thirteen-rules-of-leadership/


Number One—“It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning.” This one has to be the one I have experienced most often. It feels like it’s the end of the world while you going through the pain, but once you’re over it, you eventually (it definitely takes time) realize it wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been. It also reminds me of Anita Baker and The Winans song, “Ain’t No Need To Worry.” The song say—

“Ain’t no need in worrying what the night is gonna bring, it’ll be all over in the morning. … Weeping will last, but only for a while, but when the sun shines, you’ll wear a smile. It’ll be all over in the morning.”

Smile, morning is here. Love you!♥️

Shaun