Tag: peace

Life

Worthy To Receive

Shaun Bradford

Here’s a gem from four years ago, September 4, 2019. Sometimes when I reread what I’ve written, I ask myself why did it take so long for that particular message to sink in. I mean, God would reveal things to me; however, it would take me years to fully grasp the message or assignment and follow through. Gotta love life…

Facebook Memory: September 4, 2019

Open to receive all that God has for me. I now understand this brings Him joy.

Good Morning! Today’s social media find is personal. Yep… A.K.A. long post.☺️

Last week I posted, “God’s revelations are mind blowing.” Then I took a short social media break to reflect on what He was showing me. My last blog, “More Than Life To Me,” was about God revealing even more to me about myself. It was like the most insecure part of me had been exposed, not to others, but to me. Yeah, I believe there are things about ourselves that we try to keep hidden from ourselves. Just pitiful!🤦🏽‍♀️ Unfortunately, they’re typically the ones that keep us from leaving our comfort zones. They’re not bad, but they keep us from growing.

So, for as long as I can remember, I have never felt worthy of good things. I have always believed others deserved them more than me. That’s why it’s always been so easy for me to celebrate others. When I post things like, “If God can do it for Tyler Perry, he can do it for us, too!” I’m actually speaking to everyone besides myself. RARELY do I include myself. One reason is, I really do like watching God work and seeing people prosper. The other is I’ve never felt worthy enough to receive those kinds of blessings.

Well, God has been working – ON ME! A few days ago, I experienced something that I had never experienced before, true love. Love like no other. (You’ll have to read my blog to find out 😉 More Than Life To Me). Then yesterday another revelation came as I was interviewing someone for a position. I witnessed myself become who I am. I’M A BOSS!

It was like a light switch went on inside of me. I’ve always been in charge of things. I mean, I’m the person who’s always chosen to lead or manage something. Not because I want to, it just happens. So I have never owned the role. I’ve only gone with the flow. But yesterday, something changed. I realized I’ve been placed in this position because I earned it. I’M WORTHY of it.

I shared my story because I know I can’t be the only one who’s experienced this or is experiencing it. Know your worth. Be open to receive all God has for you. Don’t take any of it for granted. In one of my previous posts I said I believe God blesses us even more when He sees us happy. Well, I believe He blesses us even more when WE humbly realize we deserve to be happy. God is good!

I keep telling y’all God is working.😉

Well, I really wish I could report that my life skyrocketed after that inspiring post. But nope, it actually took a plunge. When I tell you the months that followed my newfound awareness were mentally and emotionally challenging. Whew!! Part of me wishes I could turn back time to redo a few things. However, I have lived long enough to know that everything that happens is somehow meant to happen. It’s called life. I’m not going to lie, I don’t fully understand why we experience certain things; however, I do know and believe that every experience is meant to prepare us for something greater in life.

Just reread my blog from September 1, 2019, More Than Life To Me. When I tell you I am in tears. I absolutely love the way God loves me. Surrendering all to Him and trusting Him completely. Also trusting myself to love me better and FIRST (after God, of course). Yes, self love is a must, not an option.♥️

I pray you have a glorious day and fabulous week. I love you!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Hello! Hello! Hello! I pray you are having a wonderful weekend. Here’s today’s message and a few verses from Matthew Chapter 6:

Keep standing. God’s got you!

Matthew 6:30-34 NIV
30. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

31. So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

32. For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

33. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

34. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

That’s all I have for now. Please enjoy the rest of your day. Love you!♥️

Shaun

Following God’s plan.
Life

Allowing God to Shepherd

Shaun Bradford

Here’s today’s YouTube message, “What If?”, by Pastor Stephanie Ike Okafor. When I tell you it was exactly what I needed. Y’all, I have been trying to shepherd my life instead of allowing God to do so. I realize it’s a control thing. Accepting that I am just a sheep makes so much more sense, and it alleviates the pressure of trying to figure everything out. God already has that under control. Even when I feel like I have deviated from His plan, I must trust that He will guide me back to where I am meant to be. No mistake is beyond God’s repair. Amen

Allowing God to shepherd.

I pray that this message blesses you as much as it did me.♥️

This is Year50

Shaun

Life

Your Future is Waiting

Shaun Bradford

Your future is waiting for you to…

Love yourself unconditionally.

Embrace the love that’s flowing your way.

Tune out the noise of unworthiness.

Let go of things that no longer serve you.

Never forget that you are God’s child and deserve His absolute best.♥️ ~ Shaun

Yes, YOU (I’m talking to you!) deserve God’s best. Love you!♥️
Life

Happy September!

Shaun Bradford

It’s a new month and a brand new day. Let’s give God the glory and LIVE!♥️ ~ Shaun

Expect the unexpected. Blessings are on the way!
Life

Don’t Limit God

Shaun Bradford

I have had this as my cover/header on several of my social media platforms for three years now. Three years! Three years and I still find myself placing limits on God. Shaking my head.

Don’t limit God

Do Not Limit God!

A couple of days ago, I went on a 24 hour adventure with a feisty, fearless 82 year old. When I tell you she’s not afraid to live! She kept saying, “Aww LaShaundra (not LaShaundrea), you’re a scaredy cat.” When I tell you she’s so spontaneous. Everything I once was. Probably everything I could still be if I would have stayed out of my head.

Now I am sitting here asking myself what would happen if I completely let go… like completely. What limits am I blocking? Hmmm…

In the words of one of my all time favorite people in the world, “Higher is waiting.” Y’all, I believe that’s my answer. That’s what I am blocking. I’m blocking something higher. Guess it’s time to take those limits off and soar! I can do this!!!

Wishing you a wonderful Thursday. Love you!♥️

Shaun

Gotta love Year50. When I tell you I was not expecting my year to be anything like this. When I say God is pruning me for real. Y’all, it’s scary, uncomfortable, and somewhat painful; however, I am trusting God to take me somewhere wonderfully, unimaginable. Somewhere where my heart will sing again, the butterflies will flutter, and I will experience an overflow of joy, blessings and unconditional love, forever…

Life

Let’s Pray

Shaun Bradford

As we know, people deal with pain differently. Some are very transparent about theirs, while others mask theirs well. No matter which one is true, everyone could use a few prayers. Sending prayers and love into the atmosphere. May God send peace and comfort and restore joy. Amen 🙏🏽♥️

Praying
Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Today’s a new day and the first day of a new week. Whatever goals we failed to accomplish last week can be accomplished this week. Don’t sweat it!

This week let’s remember to:
– consult God first
– follow His guidance
– give ourselves grace if we falter
– keep going

I am a living witness that everything will work out according to God’s plan.

Transparent moment…

I really wanted to end my encouraging words with – “We may not always understand His plans, but know that they will always work out in our favor.” But every time I wrote that or something similar like – “whatever His plans might be” – I would erase it. Didn’t want to taint the encouragement with any notion of unpleasantries. Well… life and God’s plans are not always pleasant. Honestly, sometimes they are downright hard to comprehend and they hurt.

Exactly one year ago, my mom was admitted to the ICU and was in a coma for almost a week. Nothing was the same afterwards. She suffered for months before she passed. Honestly, it’s so hard to see the good in any of it other than our bond became stronger. But why couldn’t it have happened differently? Why couldn’t the same thing have happened while she was better? We could have done so many more things together. UGH!!!

Even though part of me wants to encourage others and myself, the other part of me is sad and hurting at the moment. Y’all, I miss my momma! All I want to do is scream!!!!

Yeah… this is how I’m really feeling today. I do pray that you have a blessed day and an awesome week. Be blessed.♥️

Shaun

P.S. I am going to be okay. I know God’s got me.

I love you, Momma.
Life

Two Months In–50 Plus More Years To Go

Shaun Bradford

Still celebrating Year50. Honestly, this celebration has not been all cute and exciting. It’s actually been full of soul searching moments that have required me to make a lot of changes. Y’all, I have had to make choices that hurt like hell. Crying now! However, I know it’s all for the best. I must believe that the sacrifices I make today will yield a greater reward later. And not in heaven but here on earth. Had to throw that in because I want to enjoy my rewards here on earth just like everyone else.

Y’all, I cannot stress it enough, I am dead serious about not taking everything that weighed me down into this next part of my life. I owe it to the 5 year old Princess to become the 50 year old Queen. I will no longer accept any and everything that’s thrown my way, including the trash I have been throwing myself. Yeah.. I have been a pretty crappy hostess. Going forward, I must treat myself with the dignity and respect that I deserve. I am worth it!!

Anyhoo… Cheers to Year 50! Two months in, ten to go. I’m not going to lie, I’m not sure how much more of these negative revelations about myself that I can handle. I know I need to address them but WHEW!!! When I tell y’all these last two months have been rough.

No pain. No gain. I can do this!

Trusting God.♥️

Shaun