Tag: positive vibes

hope

Service

Shaun Bradford

Good morning, and Happy Veterans Day to all who have served in any branch of the military. Thank you for your service!🫡

Thirty-two years ago, when I enlisted in the Air Force, I was clueless about the path my life would take. It was a journey I was definitely not prepared for, but one I’m glad I took. Until today, although I always hear “Thank you for your service,” I never considered “service” to be service.

Since childhood, I always wanted to be of service to others. However, I thought I would do this through the Peace Corps, volunteering, or later working for the United Nations in some capacity. I never considered the military as service, mostly because it was not what I had imagined as service. Hmmm… I guess taking an oath to sacrifice our comforts and possibly lives for the freedoms of others and our country is an act of service. The ultimate act of service.

Here are a couple of photos from the beginning of my official service career.

I was tired, but I made it! I didn’t know my own strength.

Smiles were not permitted. We meant business.😁

Y’all, I still can’t believe I was in the Air Force. Forever an airman—always aiming high.🇺🇸

Shaun

A thought…

Thinking about my life and my lifelong mission to serve, does anything ever look like what we imagined? Or happen the way we imagined? When I really think about it, I have been serving in some capacity since childhood. As the oldest child, I served my siblings. As a teenager, I served as our church’s historian. In high school, my sister and I started the first recycling club (this was in the late 80s—we were going to save the planet 😊). I have been doing the work, but never considered it service.

What were/are some of your lifelong dreams and aspirations? When you think about it, have you already been doing them in some capacity? Have you already been living out your dreams?

hope

Pressing Pause, Works

Shaun Bradford

Pressing the “Pause” button on every day life is so necessary at times. Much too often, things outside our circle affect our psyche more than things within our circle. Here’s what I shared on November 10, 2022—

My past messages are always timely. Almost like they were written for now. Only God.🙏🏽

Y’all, pressing “Pause” actually works. I do it often. You should try it!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning.☀️

Y’all, I am finally starting to socialize more, and lately it’s been with my fellow veterans. This year, I have attended at least four events, including a small social I attended last night in honor of Veterans Day. Typically, I attend one every other year. However, this year is different—maybe my age has something to do with it (Giggles). This year, I am finally fully embracing my veteran status. I realize I belong to a very special community, and it’s a community I look forward to serving, as well as serving with.

Here’s a picture of me with one of my favorite veterans and friends, Mrs. Raylawni Branch. She’s a retired Air Force nurse and a pillar in our community. I always have a great time when we’re together.

Mrs. Raylawni is a fascinating person. Fun facts, she loves to travel and she taught herself the Korean language by watching Korean movies. Beautiful being.🥰

So far, my Veterans Day weekend has been pretty good. Not sure what I’ll do today. However, tomorrow, which is Veterans Day, is when the real fun begins. People treat us so well on Veterans Day. Smiling

Are you a veteran? If so, what are your plans for tomorrow?

Mine—Breakfast at IHOP, lunch at Olive Garden or Chili’s, and I’m not sure about dinner yet.☺️

Well, that’s all for now. It’s raining good (which is why I’m posting a little late) and I am about to turn over and go back to sleep.

Love you!♥️

Shaun

hope

Mid-Afternoon Check In

Shaun Bradford

It’s Self-love Saturday!

How y’all feeling?

Me… Fabulous!

Loving on myself, today!🥰

There’s only one me, with one life.
I got Shaun!😘
hope

My Journey With God, No. 13

Shaun Bradford

It’s Saturday, and I’m up early, starting my day with worship. The song I’m listening to at the moment is The Soul Seekers’ “It’s All God.”

The song says—

“I’ve got a bed for my head; shoes for my feet. I’ve got breath in my body, and if I was just anybody I’d say it’s all good; but I know better, its all God. Yeah, but I know better, it’s all God.”

Y’all, it’s all God.

Forever grateful and beyond blessed.🙏🏽

God’s child.♥️

hope

Stronger, Wiser, and Blessed

Shaun Bradford
I was not built to break. Graphic originally created and shared on November 8, 2023.

Every experience brings strength, wisdom, and blessings.

Today’s song is “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” by the late and great songstress, Whitney Houston. The song says—

“I crashed down, and I tumbled, but I did not crumble. I got through all the pain. I didn’t know my own strength.”

Dedicating this song to everyone who’s been through some really dark times, and to those who may be currently experiencing some. You are so much stronger than you know. God’s got you!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 12

Shaun Bradford

Today, I am feeling so much better. Yesterday, I allowed myself to feel, which I needed to do. I also allowed myself to be comforted my the ultimate comforter in the world, God. Yesterday, I leaned into God and allowed Him to dry my tears and soothe my heart and soul.

Today, I am doing the same. I’m curling up in His arms and allowing His love, peace, and comfort to surround me.

I am loved.

I am protected.

I am covered.

I’m God’s child.♥️

hope

Patience and Capacity

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!☀️

My affirmation for today is—

I have the patience and capacity to wait for God’s promises. Everything will happen at its appointed time. Trusting God.

I pray you have a blessed day and wonderful Veterans Day weekend!🇺🇸

Love you,

Shaun

hope

The Best…Is Yet To Come?

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!☀️

Sometimes, you have to be your own hype woman (man). You have to pump yourself up so well that whatever’s happening around you seems so small and insignificant that you can tune it out. Or that you can take on any and everything that comes your way because you know the outcome will be great.

Today, I’m singing “The Best Is Yet To Come,” trying to hype myself up. In the memory below, I wrote, “Believe me, you ain’t seen nothing yet!” Well, that was me hyping myself up, and honestly, it probably worked. However, today, I’m not feeling it. Whew! I’m not feeling it at all. Y’all, I’m going to need a minute to process what’s happened over the past couple of days.

Yeah… I need time to process this. I can’t believe all our progress as a society is about to be ripped away. All the work women fought for to have our voices heard and respected as equal—gone. All the progress we’ve made since slavery and the Civil Rights movement—gone. Religious freedoms—gone. Global respect—gone. And people are celebrating.

Yeah… I’m going to need a minute. I cannot allow my own hope and optimism to die like everything else. I cannot and will not allow my heart to become hard because love is everything to me. What is the world without it? So, this will probably be my only post for today. I need to connect with God. I don’t know or understand what He’s doing, but I still trust Him. However, right now, my heart hurts.

Wishing you a wonderful day!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 10

Shaun Bradford

I’ve been quiet since this morning. Haven’t had much more to say. It’s when I become quiet and calm that God speaks to me the most. Here’s the message he gave me for today’s journey. It was written in last year’s journal entry.

“My job…LaShaundrea’s job…is to be obedient, focus on my purpose, and pursue it. My dreams are coming to fruition. I just have to stay focused.”

I guess I have my answer and my assignment. I’m listening, God. Staying focused.♥️