Life

Hello Sunday

This morning I am torn between sharing the song that’s currently in my head or, not one, but several Facebook memories. The song has nothing to do with the memories. It’s just what I woke up hearing.

Hmm…. Let’s see what I decide.

Well, I went to my journal for inspiration, and my entry from last year basically summed up the Facebook memories I was thinking of sharing. So, I guess I will share a snippet of what I wrote.

Journal Entry: February 4, 2023

Today’s quote was, “Keep Showing Up.” I’m learning more and more that my dreams are not meant to be given up on. Even when I feel like things just aren’t going to happen or everything is pointless, God shows me otherwise. Those goals that I wrote down years ago, as well as the dreams I had as a little girl, they’re all going to come to fruition. What I imagined over 40 years ago, I will have. I just have to keep showing up and allowing God to lead.

I ended the entry with–

Lord, I’m trusting You to do it Your way. Amen

Honestly, I really don’t need to write more. I believe that said it all. The only thing I will add is, no matter what, do not give up on your dreams. Many of mine are over 40 years in the making and I still have not given up so you don’t either. Love you!♥️

Shaun

P.S. That song that’s currently stuck in my head is “Exhale” by Whitney Houston. I know, very random, but that’s me. Smile

Life

Repeat After Me

What they do does not have anything to do with me. I control who and what I allow into my space—physically and mentally. I am in control my feelings and my reactions. My peace and time are priceless.

Or what I actually say —

What they do ain’t got nothing to do with me. That’s their business and I am staying out of it. My peace and time are too precious to be worried or consumed with other folks stuff. Shoot, I’m too busy dealing with my own.

Feel free to use either.

Y’all, please don’t let social media drag you down rabbit holes of other people’s lives. Avoid the pull at all costs. It’s just noise to keep us distracted from what’s really important—love, kindness, respect, empathy, compassion, and justice for humanity. We have to block the other stuff, the negativity. I know juicy gossip and click bait content are often too interesting to ignore. However, our mental, emotional and spiritual wellness is far more important. Don’t fall for it.

On another note. Whenever you come across these kinds of stories or posts, always say a prayer for those involved. Believe me, prayer changes situations and people…including you. Smile

Love you!♥️

Shaun

Life

The Past Twelve Years

I shared this message of Pastor Joel Osteen’s 12 years ago. Twelve years ago! Y’all, sooo much has happened since then. Since me saying, “God, I’m going to let You take me where You want me to go.” Honestly, I do not believe anything could have prepared me for what would come. Listen, sometimes our plans and God’s plans are completely different.

Took many years to finally appreciate the freedom of allowing Him to lead/drive. Now, it’s almost like second nature…almost! Smile. There are still times when I take the wheel because I believe I know what’s best. Then when things don’t quite work out, I let Him drive again. As Pastor Osteen said, God sees the detours, dead ends, and shortcuts. He sees all. Thankfully, I am finally at a point in life where it doesn’t take me as long to realize who’s in the driver’s seat.

Twelve years later, and I am beyond blessed. I am so glad I allowed God to drive.♥️

This is Year50…

Shaun

Life

Be Fearless

Times up for being afraid. Fear has held you back for way too long. It’s time for you to be who God created you to be. Love you!♥️ ~Shaun

Facebook Memory: February 2, 2023

“Doing it afraid should eventually become doing it without fear.” Dr. Anita Phillips

It’s time to be fearless.♥️

Let that fear go!
Life

Is It Worth Your Peace?

Question – Is it worth your peace? You know that it I am referring to. It’s that thing you have been contemplating doing but are unsure about. Or, that thing you are currently doing that has been stressing you out, keeping you awake at night, giving you anxiety, and/or making you second guess yourself or your decision. Yes…that it!

Again, is it worth your peace?

Hmmm… Food for thought.

When I tell you this side of 50 is actually different. Before, I used to get involved in things because they sounded or looked good, or I saw a need I could fulfill, only to regret it later. Yeah…I am a sucker for helping/assisting where I see a need, solicited or not. Can’t help it!

Well, lately, I have been doing things a little differently. Whenever I find myself about to jump into something, I ask myself if it’s actually worth my peace. Now, being uncomfortable, feeling stressed, or even a little anxious for a moment is fine. I know that comes with new territory. But if it is something that I really do not want to do, but would typically say yes to, I stay away from, no matter how good it sounds. Listen, this is what I call growth! Laughing.

When you have finally found that peace that actually transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7), you really take time to think before saying “yes.”

I pray you have a lovely day!♥️

Shaun

Life

Bloom!

You may not have everything you want; however, you have everything you need to bloom where you are.♥️ ~Shaun

Facebook Memory: January 31, 2023

You are exactly where you are meant to be in this moment of time. Bloom where you are.♥️

Get started!
Life

In God’s Arms

Woke up with the song, “Safe in His Arms,” playing over and over in my head. I know I shared it in this week’s Hello Sunday, but I have to share it again. Listen, stay covered. Stay in God’s arms. No one can love you, protect you, or give you the peace you need like He can. I don’t know about you, but I am so grateful and blessed to have Him as the head of my life, leading and protecting me. Amen.

Safe in His Arms
Lyrics:
Musixmatch

Because the Lord is my shepherd
I have everything I need
He lets me rest in the meadow’s grass
And He leads me besides the quiet stream

He restores my failing health
And helps me to do what honors
That’s why I’m safe

That’s why I’m safe
That’s why I’m safe
Safe in His arms

When the storm of life is raging
And the billows roll
So glad He shall hide me
Safe in His arms

So glad, He shall hide me
Safe in His arms

Y’all, please stay safe. Stay covered. Stick with God.

Love you.♥️

Shaun

Life

Joy

Facebook Memory: January 30, 2023

Joy (Merriam-Webster): a source or cause of delight

Hold closely those things that bring you joy.♥️

What are some things that bring you joy?

Me…

Seeing people smile and laugh, especially my two. Knowing God loves me unconditionally. Seeing and feeling the sunshine. Good food. Great company. Chatting with my sisters and friends—I love our bond. Being loved. Feeling loved.

I will also add…

Knowing that every day is a new beginning—an opportunity to become a better version of myself. Lastly, knowing that my future will be brighter than my past. The best is yet to come.

Wishing you a beautiful day filled with love, laughter, and joy.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Life

Stay Encouraged

Do you have inspirational quotes randomly placed throughout your house? Well, I do. From sticky notes to the screensavers on my phone and laptop, they are everywhere. I intentionally placed them where I can see them so I will not have to look far for a boost of encouragement. Let me tell you, it works!

Was sitting at my desk thinking about how I should have handled something differently. Was really beating myself up over it, and then I looked up and saw these two quotes.

This one made me smile.😊

This one reminded me that this too shall pass.♥️

Now, I am smiling. The thing I was beating myself up over seems like something of the past, even though it was less than an hour ago. One of the reasons I create and share inspirational messages is because I know how easy it is to become discouraged. One word, thought, or conversation can trigger negative emotions. Keeping something positive near is essential.

I pray you are having a great day. Be blessed!♥️

Shaun

Life

One Quote, Two Captions

One quote, two captions. Both messages were too good not to share. As we know, movement is necessary for advancement and growth. All we have to do is take the first step. God will do the rest.

Facebook Memory: January 29, 2019

Good Morning! Here’s today’s social media find. Just move. Even if you have to crawl, MOVE. Sometimes I find myself spending more time on contemplating my next move than actually moving. I’m not going to lie, it’s my fear of failure and things not being perfect. However, when I do move (doing something as simple as picking up a pen and paper), wonderful things begin to happen. Just MOVE and watch God work! He’s so AMAZING!

Facebook Memory: January 29, 2022

I’m learning this more and more. Take the first step and God will do the rest. I’m not going to lie, taking the first step isn’t always easy. Sometimes you have to take it afraid and sometimes you have to take it alone. However, in the long run, you’ll look back and realize it was all worth it.

Well, that’s all I have right now. Wishing you a fabulous week! Listen, life is too wonderful and too short to sit still and watch it pass by. Get moving. Take that first step!

Love you!♥️

Shaun