Life

A Gem From March 31, 2019

Here’s a gem I intentionally left for myself.

Facebook Memory: March 31, 2019

I love how Facebook asks, “What’s on your mind?” Well…let me tell you. Lol

This morning I was reading last year’s journal entry (March 31, 2018). It began with a quote from Bishop T.D. Jakes. Basically, leave everything in God’s hands. He doesn’t need our help.☺️ Posting this for my Facebook memory for next year. Have to leave gems for my future self.

My theme for that year was “Clarity in 2019,” and it was definitely that. I learned, and am still learning, God always shows up and shows out when I leave things in His hands. Grateful.♥️

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Happy Resurrection/Easter Sunday!

On this Easter morning, I am singing—

Thank You, Lord
Thank You, Lord
Thank You, Lord
I just want to thank
You, Lord

I am so grateful and thankful for life. Thankful for another opportunity to get life right. Thankful for another chance to love and be loved. Thankful for my babies, family, and friends. Thankful that we are all still here and doing well.

My daughter is home so I plan on spending as much time as I can loving on her before she leaves. She got here yesterday and we have already had a few deep discussions, listened to Cowboy Carter, sung, danced, and laughed. Hadn’t realized how much I missed her. So blessed to have her home. God is good.

Y’all, because of Jesus, I am who I am today—undefeated and blessed. It’s a wonderful thing. Amen

Praying you have a blessed day!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Life

Restructuring For The Future

Two years ago, I created a cute graphic for a quote I originally shared on March 30, 2019. Below are the captions I shared with both.

Shaun’s Daily Inspiration: March 30, 2022

What was, was. Something new lies ahead that looks absolutely nothing like your past. As Bishop Jakes used to say, “Get ready! Get ready! Get ready!” Restructure for what lies ahead.

Facebook Memory: March 30, 2019

Happy Saturday! Here’s today’s social media find. This quote put everything into perspective. I have to start living in my purpose – for where I desire to be. In 2018 my goal was to – reflect, regroup, refocus and rebuild. Well I accomplished the first three, but I never changed my techniques to rebuild. I was using the same strategies I had been using for years. So when I didn’t see any real change, I became frustrated. Needless to say, 2018 wasn’t the year I thought it would be. This morning I had my “Ahha” moment. I need a new game plan based on where I’m going. Because where I’m going looks nothing like where I’ve been. I cannot rebuild on an old foundation. 👁

Both were great messages! Great reminders to restructure for where we are going, not where we have already been. That space and time no longer exists. We must not fear the unknown. The way has already been paved. Was paved long before we existed. All we have to do is take the first steps forward, and God will guide us through the rest. Love you!♥️

Get ready! Get ready! Get ready!😄

Shaun

Life

You Will Receive Beauty For Your Ashes

Hang in there! God’s got you.

To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3 NKJV

This scripture reminds me of Commissioned’s song, “Cry On.” The song says—

When your burdens seem to weigh you down. Or the road—it seems too far to carry on. Just look to the hills, you will find your help whence cometh from the Lord, hold on. Even when you feel you can’t go on. (Even if you have to moan.) Let your soul cry out to the Lord.

Cry on. God understands your tears. He knows how much that you can bear. Your faintest cry He’ll hear. Cry on. When there’s nothing else to say. He’ll wipe all your tears away.
Lyrics: Genius.com

I have good news! Your tears won’t last. They’ll eventually dry up and be replaced with joy and laughter. You will receive beauty for all of your ashes.

Wishing you many blessings.♥️

Shaun

Life

Obedience

When I tell you God will set you straight! Whew!!

Listen… After sharing my previous post, I heard to share the message on my social media accounts. The ones I took a break from. Of course I blocked it thinking it was just me trying to get back on social media. Then I was reminded of what I had shared earlier, I have to remain faithful to my purpose, calling, and assignment. I have to be disciplined enough to see things through. It is not about me. It’s bigger than me. I cannot keep running when things become uncomfortable. I have to learn to block the noise and keep rolling.

If hope, love, kindness, compassion, inspiration, encouragement, motivation, and empowerment is what I desire to see, then I have to put it out there. It is what I have been called to do.

Please pray that I stay on task and do not get sucked into the chaos. Know that I will continue to take breaks when necessary. However, I won’t stay away. I have to keep hope alive and continue advocating for love, peace, equity, and healthier communities and environments. One day we will sing in perfect harmony. Even if it’s only for a few seconds. I can see it. Can’t you?♥️

Shaun

Life

Faithfulness And Gratitude Unlock Doors

Last year I shared the following quote:

Remain faithful and grateful and God will give you the desires of your heart.♥️

Shaun’s Daily Inspiration: March 28, 2023

I still believe this to be true. If we remain faithful to our purpose and calling, as well as practice gratitude, God will give us the desires of our hearts. He will unlock doors that only He can open. Doors that no man can close. Stay faithful to your assignment. Everything will happen in time.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

“You Carried Me” by Jekalyn Carr
Life

What Are You Waiting For?

Let me guess. You are waiting for the perfect moment to get started. Waiting until you have everything you need, or believe you need, before making your big move. I know. I know because I have been there, and in certain circumstances I am still there. Yes… I am still a work in progress.

Well, from what I have learned from past experiences, there will never be the perfect time to get started or make your next move(s). You just have to do it. You have to do it without seeing the entire picture. You have to do it without knowing the outcome. You have to do it because if you don’t, your life will never change.

Just take the first step and allow God to guide you through the rest. I promise you, you will not fail. Now, I am not saying everything will be smooth and easy. However, I do know God won’t let you fail. He won’t. Trust Him and move.♥️ ~Shaun

You are already equipped with everything you need. You don’t need anything else.
Life

Nine Years

Earlier I shared, “Here I Am.”

Five years ago (March 26, 2019), I wrote the following in my journal:

“Today is the day we separated for good. I can’t believe it’s been four years. Four years. Didn’t think I’d make it four years off of patience.”

Actually, it was patience and a lot of prayer that got me through that time.

Just the day before—March 25, 2019—I was finally able to sign the divorce papers. It had been four long years of me patiently waiting for everything to work out. Of me trying not to rock the boat. Of me being kind, thoughtful and considerate. Yeah… I was all of that. Four years of suffering in silence; biting my tongue; allowing others (those who I thought loved me) treat me like trash for deciding to divorce a “good man” (their words). For deciding to listen to what God had been telling me to do for years, but I was too afraid to. I was never supposed to marry him, yet I did. I knew this. Tried to explain this, only to be treated like I was the most horrible person on earth. So, I waited. I waited four years for him to come to terms with the fact that we were actually divorcing. His lawyer said he was finally ready. I was so happy. Signed the papers, and he refused to sign them. Y’all, I had never experienced anger in my life until that point. Never… and I had had some pretty messed up stuff happen to me before then. However, I never got to the point of anger, until then. Whew!!

As I shared earlier today—I am here, and I am still standing! Y’all, what was meant to destroy me did not take me out! I made it!!!

Forever grateful for God’s love, mercy, and grace. I made it!♥️

Shaun

Life

Here I Am

Singing Marvin Sapp’s, “Here I Am.”

Here I am
I’m still standing
Here I am
after all I’ve been through 
I’ve survived
every toil and every snare
I’m alive
I’m alive
Here I am

Praising God!

Listen, everything that was meant to break or destroy me was unsuccessful. It did not work! I may have stumbled a few times, but I did not fall. When I tell you God’s got me!

Here I am.

Still standing.

Yes, I am still here!

And, I am truly blessed.♥️

Shaun

“Here I Am” by Marvin Sapp

Life

This Just Made Me Smile!

One of my favorite YouTubers (if that’s even a word), Shameless Maya, is BACK! Okay… She hasn’t been gone for years, but she’s been absent for months. I believe her channel was the first one I subscribed to. I was so drawn to her personality and free spirit. When she talked about feeling awkward and different, I felt it. I felt seen. I admired, and still admire, her love for life and the way she handles experiences.

Listen, y’all just don’t know how happy I was to see her pop up on my screen. I am so glad she’s doing well. Smiling.

Y’all, I truly believe if I had to do my adult years over, my life would have been somewhat similar when it comes to the carefree, adventurous part. I probably would have joined the Peace Corps like I wanted to, or gone backpacking across Europe. Today, I would probably be married to someone from another country or continent and living life abroad. At least that’s what I imagine I would be doing because that was where I was headed. BUT… God had other plans; and I know He still has more in store because this ain’t it. Laughing

Really… I needed to see her video today after the experience I had yesterday. If I told you, you probably wouldn’t understand. But it let me know this is not where I belong or where I am meant to stay.

Side Note: Be mindful of what you speak. In the 90s, when I was stationed in Florida, I would drive through Hattiesburg on my way to see family in Northern Mississippi. Every time I got to a certain area I would say, “One day I am going to retire here.” Didn’t know anything about manifestation back then. Well, even though I was referring to when I was in my late sixties or seventies, I actually retired here. Been retired for years now. Too funny. Yeah… be mindful of what comes out of your mouth because you just might get it. Hmmm… I wonder why that doesn’t happen with money. 😂

Anyhoo… Welcome back, Maya!

This was the breath of fresh air that I did not know I needed.

Shaun

P.S. My next post is scheduled to be shared at 10:30 AM (trying to stay consistent). I wrote and scheduled it last night. However, after watching Maya’s video, I am tempted to pull it, but I won’t. I am going to leave it as scheduled. I am pretty sure a year from now I will look back and say, “They tried! But God had other plans!!” Amen

Have a blessed day!♥️