empowerment, Life

My Journey With God, No. 149

Good Morning☀️ And Happy Self Love Saturday!

Here’s a quote from Fave #4.

“Just try new things. Don’t be afraid. Step out of your comfort zones and soar.” –Michelle Obama

Quote of the Day – 9.19.2026

Comfort zone…

I believe these last three years have pushed me outside my comfort zone more than any other period in my life. I’ve already done more on this side of 50 (at 53) than I’ve done in decades at a time. I asked for my years beyond 50 to be far different from the last, and I’m so in awe of how God is bringing my ask to fruition.

While scrolling through my photos, I came across this text between my daughter and me. Y’all, all I could do was smile. It’s a testament of me asking and God answering.

This was October 2023.

I just love my baby girl!!💗

I was at home that day, reading tweets from colleagues attending our national food and nutrition conference (FNCE). For years, I lived for attending those conferences. They gave me the annual boost I needed to stay motivated, as well as sparked new ideas. You see, after I took my big leap of faith and resigned from my job, I could no longer afford to attend the conferences. I could barely afford to attend our state conferences.

Then, a year later…

Less than six months after my daughter texted, “You are preparing for the next level!!!!”, I said yes to serving as the president-elect of our state’s dietetics association. This didn’t take me outside my comfort zone (I had served years before), but I was at a stage in my life (or so I thought) where I just wanted to live the “retired” life. Smile

Here are more pictures from that day. Y’all, I really love our conferences.

Okay… So maybe I go for the food.😂 Always a good time!

I also attended last year’s conference in Nashville. This year, I’m planning our state’s conference, so it’s my main focus right now.

A few posts ago, I asked the question— “What do you want most [from life]?” And in another post, I wrote—

“Listen, if you want to truly live, sit and stay in God’s presence. He will give you experiences that will satisfy your soul. Yeah…His experiences are soul deep!”

I know what I truly want, and so does God. Attending the conferences may seem like a small experience, but for me, it’s one of those soul-deep ones. Yes, I love the food (I really think food is my love language☺️), but I love being around the people most. When I’m at those conferences—and that’s any conference or event—I talk to EVERYBODY! I even talk to the janitors cleaning the restrooms. I want everyone to feel seen, valued, and appreciated. Plus, it’s how you make connections. So yeah… it’s soul deep for me.

Listen, there are so many soul-deep experiences outside of your comfort zone. Be open to saying yes to new opportunities and doing something new.


This is all for today. Have a wonderful self-love Saturday. Celebrate it by doing something new!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration. 

gratitude, Life

Life’s Randomness

Good Morning☀️ and Happy Wednesday!

Sitting here scrolling through past photos from this date. Y’all, life is so random and interesting. Here are two memories from September 16th.

This first one is a screenshot of my mom’s Facebook post shared on September 16, 2021—

This made me laugh. She must have wanted Burger King badly on that day.😂 She was hilarious, and she’s so missed!

That was 2021…

This next memory is from a year later and carries a bit of sadness. It’s a video of my meals eaten between the time my mom was admitted to the hospital and September 16, 2022. I was there another month before she was released to a rehab facility. Sadly, she never recovered and was in and out of the hospital almost every other week or two until she passed in May 2023.

I imagine I was shaking my head when I took a screenshot of my mom’s post, thinking, “Now, why did she post that?” I’m pretty sure I shared it with my kids or sisters. Then, one year later, she couldn’t post anything because her right arm was paralyzed and she could barely use her left.

Y’all, life can change at the blink of an eye. Where we are today may be completely different from where we’ll be a year from now. Try to stay present as much as you can and enjoy this gift called life. Take nothing or no one for granted.

Every day I wake up with gratitude in my heart. It’s the reason I can find goodness in the smallest of things. I am so grateful to be alive. I’m truly blessed!


I pray you have a beautiful day! May it be filled with an abundance of love, joy, and peace.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration. 

God’s Timing, Life

Happy Thursday!

Good Morning☀️ and Happy Thursday!

This morning, I spent a little time traveling down memory lane (scrolling through photos on my phone😊). It’s incredible how quickly time passes when so many experiences fit into certain timeframes. What I once considered “passing time” was anything but passive. Even though I couldn’t see it then, life was always moving. I was always moving. Now I see how different events and experiences shaped who I am today. It’s truly amazing. God was definitely working in my life.

Here’s a post I shared five years ago. Looking back, I can truly say my best days have far outweighed the bad. Feeling blessed.


I know sometimes you may feel as if you’re standing still and life just isn’t moving. But it is definitely moving, and in your favor (I truly believe this). Just take a scroll down memory lane and intentionally look for the good, only the good. I promise you, you’ll see how life, in some shape, form, or fashion, is so much better than before.

Remember—only look for the good.


This is all I have for now. I pray you have a wonderful day! May it be filled with lots of love, peace, and laughter.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration. 

gratitude, Life

The Air I Breathe, Part 2

Good Morning☀️ and Happy Tuesday!

I’m still singing Byron Cage’s song “Air I Breathe (or Breathe).” Started singing it on Saturday and haven’t been able to shake it since. Thanking God for His holy presence surrounding me and living within me.

How was your extended weekend?

Mine was good! My daughter arrived on Thursday and left yesterday morning. I hated to see her leave, but I enjoyed every minute of our time together. We had a few of our deep conversations while she was here. We didn’t dance, sing, or laugh much this time (we did laugh, just not as much). This time, our conversations were more serious—ones we needed to have. I’m so grateful God placed her in my life. She’s my blessing.

On Saturday, I spent the day volunteering with a local nonprofit for the International Day of Charity. Y’all, it was so hot! I sweated so much that salt was literally coming out of my pores. I believe it was over 100° F and humid. Listen, it’s not always the heat that leaves you drained; it’s the humidity. I would post before and after pics, but I’m too embarrassed. Y’all, I looked a mess after it was over.😂 Aside from the heat and humidity, I enjoyed every minute of being outside and serving our guests. When I got home, I showered, ate, and went to sleep. Didn’t wake up until after midnight. Yeah… I was tired!

Yesterday, Labor Day, I relaxed a little but still worked some. My sister and her little ones stopped by for a quick visit yesterday evening. So I got to love on them for a minute. I’m so proud of the youngest one because he’s finally fully potty trained, and he was happy to announce that he’s now a big boy. I just love my nieces and nephews. They’re my little hearts.

Anyhoo… that was my extended weekend. This morning, I’m enjoying God’s presence. My heart is full.


Listen, be intentional about recognizing and enjoying the blessings God has placed in your life. They are some of the greatest gifts.

This is all for now. Enjoy your day!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration. 

***By the way, today is my 100th Day of posting.🎉 Smiling because I remember when I was so bent on not breaking my 1,800+ day streak. What a ride that was!😊

hope, Life

Hello Sunday (292)

Happy Sunday☀️

I pray your weekend is going well. I forgot that it’s Labor Day weekend and most people are off work tomorrow. So, please enjoy your extended weekend!

This morning, I’ve been scrolling through the photos on my phone, looking at what I saved or captured on this date over the past ten years. Life is so interesting. I have had so many different looks and experiences. Time has really flown by. Grateful to still be here.🙏🏽

Not sure what I’ll do today—what memories I’ll make. Think I’ll just go with the flow…

Here’s a short video of the quotes I shared on September 6, 2022:

Y’all take it easy and enjoy your day!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

hope

Hello Sunday

Happy Sunday!

Rather, Happy Self-Care Sunday!

Today is the last Sunday of my birthday month, and I’ve decided to relax a little more than usual. Not in a rush to do anything. Today, I’m taking it easy and going with the flow.


This morning, I took my time reading through my Facebook memories. Here are a few random memories that made me smile. I’ll start with June 29, 2019.

June of 2019 was a pivotal month for me. It was the month my divorce was finalized. It wasn’t until my birthday, maybe a couple of days afterwards, that I celebrated being FREE. That year’s theme was “46 and Free🦋.” I had waited so long for it to happen—years. And then, I was free.

This was a second chance at life. One that I didn’t take lightly. A decision I am still grateful I made.🦋
This was me celebrating my newfound freedom. Enjoying the water and good food.
This is a picture of my babies using my location to pull up on me. I was so surprised.😂 I just love them.🥰🥰

Maybe I’ll take a ride down to the coast. That’s if I can let this bed go.☺️

Here are a few more memories from June 29th.

The flowers, the pinks, the gold, the look, the quote—all made me smile. I’m forever a princess at heart. Even when I’m ninety, I’ll be a princess.🌸💗☺️

Ralph T, Rizz, Rizzo! The New Edition king that’s often slept on. Johnny Gill is usually my go-to; however, for some reason, on that day, I decided to listen to Ralph. Yep… this memory made me smile. NE4Life✨

Yes, I’m God’s vessel. His glory radiates through and from me.☺️✨

Great memories!

Favor, overflow, and grace. This is Year52.🎉


I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day. May it be filled with lots of love, peace, joy, and laughter.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

Stop And Look

Take a moment to stop and look at how far you’ve come! Did you ever imagine you’d reach these heights? And guess what?! God has even more in store!

Keep going!!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

Residing in favor, overflow, and grace. God is so good!
hope

Being Present And At Peace

One of my themes for my fiftieth birthday year was, “Present and At Peace.” I shared the following on this day in 2023—

That was two years ago. Here’s what I’ve discovered since—

Yes, this is peace.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

I’m Blessed, Yes

Good Morning!☀️

I pray you’re doing well.🌸


Blessed!🥰

I woke up this morning singing Charlie Wilson’s song, “I’m Blessed.” The song says—

“Ask me how I’m doing, I’m blessed, yes. Living every moment, no regrets. Smile upon my face, I’m like, oh yes, I’m blessed, yes. I’m blessed, yes. I’m blessed!”

Yesss… I am so very blessed. I am so grateful for God’s love, mercy, and grace. There’s nothing like it. Amen


Y’all, only FIVE days until my birthday!!🎉😄 I’m so excited! I’m even more excited because I get to see my baby girl today!!😆 Let the festivities begin! Year52 is loading!

I pray you have the greatest day yet! May it be filled with love, joy, peace, and laughter. You deserve it!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Fun fact: Many, many moons ago, when I was a little girl living in Kansas, we belonged to the same church as Charlie Wilson’s sister, Loretta. She had four or five boys and I had a crush on one. Those were the days. Good memories!

hope

Seven Days

Good Morning!☀️

I’m hoping all is well with you.🌸

The final week of my birthday countdown is here! Seven days until Year52!


I smiled when I saw this Facebook memory. I remember how excited I was. I couldn’t wait to celebrate my 50th birthday, my jubilee year. Smiling because that was some year! Whew! Little did I know that my jubilee year would actually be my “tried in the fire” year. Soooo… did I come out of the fire as pure gold?

Hmmm… I’m still being refined.☺️

That year, I learned I needed to take better care of myself. I needed to put myself first to become a better, stronger version of my former self, especially if I wanted to live fifty more years. It was so necessary! I’m smiling because the pruning I went through had to be done. I needed to let go of so much of my former self to fully embrace the person I am today. Y’all, I like this version of myself better. This version of Shaun even breathes differently. As I said in the memory above, I am truly blessed.

I pray you have one of your best days yet! You deserve it!♥️

I love you,

Shaun


Deborah, if you’re reading this today, HAPPY 69TH BIRTHDAY!!! Thank you for your unwavering support, kindness, love, and prayers. May your day and year be filled with an abundance of love, joy, peace, and laughter.🌸💕🙏🏽