Tag: Life

Life happens. Go with the flow.

hope

Guard Your Heart

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning! Six years ago, I wrote, “When the heart hurts, life seems to stop.” Not sure why I felt this so deeply. Again, when the heart hurts, life seems to stop. You continue to move forward but something inside of you stops flourishing. Yeah…that’s deep.

Proverbs 4:23 says— “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Everything we do flows from our hearts.

A few days ago, I wrote, “Protect your heart but let love in.” Although difficult, I believe it’s possible to do both when we place our hearts in God’s hands. Of course heartbreak will hurt, and life in some capacity will stop flourishing, but God has a way of soothing us until we heal and begin to flourish again. I truly believe this. We must believe this or life will stop.

Here’s the entire post from six years ago.

Facebook Memory: August 14, 2018

“Guard your heart. When the heart hurts, life seems to stop. I’ve found the best way to guard your heart is to put it in God’s hands. Disappointments will come; however, God has a way of making everything better. His love is so soothing. That’s why I love my God.

The entire scripture reads, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”- NIV”

Photo Credit: Unknown

Remember, everything we do flows from our heart—both good and bad, whether intentional or not. Guard your heart.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Where’s Your Mind These Days? Part 2

Shaun Bradford

Hello, again! Here’s the polished version of the Facebook post I shared six years ago (see previous post, “Where’s Your Mind These Days”).

Facebook Memory: August 13, 2022

“Whatever OR whoever controls your thoughts controls you. Don’t believe me? Watch your actions. Whether noticeable to others or not, your actions will always tell the truth.♥️”

Whew, now that’s some truth! In my earlier post I asked, “Where’s your mind nowadays?”

Well… Where is it?

Is it where it was ten years ago? How about a year ago?

Change your mindset and your life will change.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

My Treasures

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning! I remember a scene from the movie “Richie Rich” where the thieves were eager to steal what was inside the Rich’s vault. They couldn’t wait to get their hands on the Riches’ treasures. They were so disappointed when they opened vault and found sentimental memorabilia instead of jewels and money. It was such a heartwarming scene.

Anyhoo, I’m the Riches. My treasures are the numerous letters and cards I have collected since high school—over 35 years worth. We wrote a lot back then. My journals, photo albums, invitations, and other memorabilia from special occasions and events—all treasures. I have old magazines like Essence, Ebony, Jet, Sister 2 Sister, GQ, Time and National Geographic. Treasures. Old emails, text messages and voicemails. I have it set to where they are never deleted unless I delete them manually. My Facebook memories are even treasures. Some posts I share just so I can see them every year. They’re my treasures. These are my treasures.

Facebook Memory: August 9, 2022

Some treasures cannot be bought. Treasures like– memories made with loved ones; saved letters, notes, or texts; or pictures that continue to warm your heart or make you smile every time you see them. Yes, these treasures cannot be bought.♥️

Believe me, I could have listed more. Many of my treasures aren’t tangible. Smiling

What are some of your treasures—tangible or intangible?

Well, that’s all for now. Praying you have a wonderful day and beautiful weekend.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Bruce Van Horn

Shaun Bradford

Finally checked the rest of my Facebook memories and came across this gem.

♥️

On August 8, 2018, I shared Bruce Van Horn’s (author and life coach) quote above. Here’s the caption I added when I shared it.

Today’s social media find. I’ve found this to be true. The more I focus on why I want my dreams to come true, the more things fall into place. When I focus on the “hows,” I tend to worry and become anxious. I’m learning more and more to let go and let God handle the “hows.”

Two Questions: Why do you want your dreams to come true? What’s your purpose?

Right now my heart is heavy. I had no idea Bruce Van Horn had passed away. I had been following him for years on Twitter. The last tweet I remember seeing was a video of him letting us know that his cancer had returned, but he was hopeful. Over the last year or so he’d cross my mind and I’d say a little prayer. I do this often when people cross my mind, especially ones I haven’t seen post in a while. Well, after seeing his quote, I decided to check his Facebook page. He passed away last August. His son made his final post on August 27, 2023.

I’m not sure when I began following him or how I stumbled upon his profile, but I’m so grateful I did. He was a very gentle soul. Very kind and encouraging. His words of encouragement help me get through some really tough times. I am forever grateful he crossed my path.

Rest in peace, Bruce Van Horn.🙏🏽🕊️♥️

Shaun

hope

Feeling Free

Shaun Bradford

Welcome back!

♥️

Y’all, there is no greater feeling than the freedom to be. The freedom to just be me.

Thinking about how I woke up this morning and shared my random song. That was me just being me. Me loving life without feeling awkward or wondering what others would think or say.

This wasn’t always the case.

When I tell you I am so in awe of how my life has changed. One thought/request for this side of 50 to be different and it happened.

God is so amazing.

Loving the freedom to just be me.♥️

Shaun