Tag: reflections

Life

It’s Time To Live

Shaun Bradford

Was looking back through my Facebook memories a little while ago. I try not to spend so much time in the past, but that’s where I find a lot of my answers. Saw the following memory this morning, but didn’t pay much attention to it. However, this evening, it caught my eye.

April 18, 2019

As you can see, I had one of my “Aha” moments. This was when I realized I had been making decisions based on pivotal moments in my life.

It was in April of 1994 that I had decided to make a few life changes. Little did I know, life was about to change me. I’ll say it was around this time in April that I had received orders (a new military assignment) to go to Florida. I was about to leave Germany and my trifling boyfriend. Already had in my mind how I was going to be FREE! We had just broken up and I felt like I finally had a handle on life. Well, by the end of the month, and I know the exact date, I was back with him.

Long story, short… I really need to write a book. Maybe in my 80’s or 90’s. That night will forever be etched in my memory. It’s the night he told me he was going to give me what I wanted…a baby. I laughed it off. For over a year I had wanted to be pregnant, but it never happened. Yeah… I was young and naive, but I really wanted a baby. I wanted someone who would love me unconditionally—and she actually does (my blessing🥰).

Six weeks later, I went to the doctor’s office for one thing and left with what seemed to be the worst news of my life, I was pregnant. Y’all, I had already made up my mind that I was moving on. Then…BAM!!

From that day on, even until recently, most decisions I have made have been somewhat based on what happened for me—no longer going to use “to me”—during that time. My baby became my priority. She became my life. Then the divorce happened, and she and my son became my life. Every decision I have made has been somewhat based on them. They have been trying to get me to enjoy life for myself, but I have been hesitant. Honestly, I am not really sure how to live as a single person. However, I believe it is finally time that I learned.♥️

This is Year50…

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: April 7, 2022

It’s interesting that I shared this post four years ago while attending the same conference I’m at today. Ironically, this message is more relevant today than it was then. God has a way of bringing things full circle, even messages.

I originally shared this photo on April 7, 2018.

At the time of the original share, I was in the process of rebuilding trust—in myself, in those around me, and in my ability to achieve my goals and dreams. I honestly thought it would be easy. Little did I know it would take several years and cycles of reflecting, regrouping, refocusing and rebuilding, to get to where I am today.

Today, I trust myself. I trust myself to make wiser choices. I trust myself to take care of Shaun. Yes, I finally realize I matter, too. Don’t know why it took me so long to accept this fact. Guess I owe it all to Year50.

I also have a good group of people around me who I trust; who I know have my best interests at heart. God has been weeding people out while strengthening my current relationships. My circle is getting smaller but growing stronger.

As far as me trusting in my ability to accomplish my goals and dreams, I am there. I know I can. A few blogs ago, I wrote about my confidence being restored. Well, I owe that to actually trusting myself to do what I set out to do. Things have always been moving in the right direction; however, my confidence and trust and belief in myself had to catch up. Took a minute—a long minute to rebuild this one—but it’s all back! Grateful

This is it for now. Wishing you a restful Sunday.♥️

Take Care,

Shaun

Life

Gratitude and Grace

Shaun Bradford

Took a moment to check my social media accounts (now scheduled). Hadn’t checked my Facebook memories in a while. I shared so many great memories on this date. The one that I have decided to share refers to a pivotal moment in my life. I can’t say it enough, I am truly blessed. I am so grateful God love me.

Facebook Memory: March 28, 2019

Good Morning! Wanted to share one of things that changed my life. Almost 5 years ago, I discovered Oprah and Deepak’s meditation series. I was leery about meditating because of what I had heard as a child, meditation was “of the devil.” I’m soooo happy I let those past teachings go. Meditation isn’t satanic. Meditation allowed me to clear my mind of the chaos going on around me, and listen, listen to God. After the first series I really did become more grateful. Also, I always believed everyone was connected, but afterwards, I knew we were connected. I finally felt like everything I personally thought and felt about my relationship with God, wasn’t crazy. It all made sense.

I haven’t participated in a series in a while. I still receive invites when a new one begins. Today’s session is about gratitude (mostly all of them are about gratitude). When I began expressing my gratitude, even for the tiniest thing (like finding a parking space), God began to bless me. It’s true, when praises go up, blessings come down. No, I’m not rich financially, but I’m rich spiritually. Spiritual blessings are indescribable. The bond I have with God is like no other. I’m so grateful He loves me. I’m so grateful for His mercy and grace. I’m so grateful He changed me. I love my new life.♥️

Y’all, God is so amazing. And no, I am not crazy, we are all connected. Smile♥️

Be Blessed,

Shaun

Life

Your Blessings Will Find You

Shaun Bradford

Already up reading past journal entries so I may as well write. This particular message is a brief summary of what I wrote eight years ago, August 2, 2015.

Message…

Your blessings will find you. You won’t have to seek them out, God will deliver them to you. Remain faithful.

Eight years ago, I was at one of my lowest points in life. I had recently separated from my ex; car was breaking down every other day; house was going into foreclosure; and I didn’t know if I would get the raise that I so badly needed. That was eight years ago. In that same journal entry I wrote –

“I feel like the world is weighing down on me. This load is very heavy, but I thank God for helping me make it daily. The steps forward are very small, but I do know I’m moving forward.”

Despite what I was going through, I knew deep down I was moving forward. Later on that same evening, I had received an email from the department chair saying that they had petitioned for me to receive an even larger increase in my salary from what we had discussed. I didn’t even have to lift a finger. God intervened on my behalf.

Since then, I have been up and I have been down, but never that far down. Even with setbacks I have constantly moved forward. I was listening to a message yesterday where the young lady said your setbacks have made you stronger. And she was right, each setback did make me stronger. What would’ve taken me out eight years ago seems like child’s play today. God is good!

That’s all for today. I haven’t been drawing like I used to. Feel like I’m running out of flowers to draw. Maybe I need to really focus on drawing one thing and perfecting it. I’ll let you know how that works. Until I draw something new, I will reshare from my Facebook memories. Here’s what I shared last year. Be blessed.♥️ ~ Shaun

Stay focused.
Life

Under God’s Protection

Shaun Bradford

Last night, my daughter and I were discussing timing and how we can now see that if things would have worked out according to our timetables, we would not have been properly prepared to handle the things that came along with them. That was when it dawned on me that we were and are being protected.

If things have not happened yet, accept that it’s not time, and that you are being protected. Stay under God’s protection.♥️ ~Shaun

Stay protected.

On another note (gonna try to make this short by using screenshots where I can)…

So, a couple of days ago I forgot to check my Facebook Memories. Y’all, I rarely forget. It’s like part of my morning routine. Well, sometime Thursday evening a memory popped up that prompted me to check my other memories. When I tell you God is always on time! Here’s what I shared based on one of the memories:

Facebook Post: July 27, 2023

Can’t believe I am just now looking at my Facebook Memories from July 27th. I usually look at them first thing in the morning, but for some reason I didn’t today. Had forgotten all about them. Thankfully a story I shared last year popped up and jogged my memory. I needed to see this particular post today. When I reshared it in 2019, I shared it with Tyler Perry’s quote, “When you pray, believe.” Back then, that quote was relevant for where I was.

Today, another quote taken from his caption has resonated with me. It is a question he asked himself, “God, why would you put all of these dreams inside of me and not show me a way to accomplish them.” Y’all, I feel him on this. I have so many dreams. Some would probably say I have too many. That I need to narrow them down, but I can’t. I want to accomplish them all.🤷🏽‍♀️😢

As Mr. Perry did, I am going to continue to work towards them until something happens. I know God is working behind the scenes. I KNOW that one day everything will happen. In today’s blog I wrote the following:

“Here is what I have learned and am still learning – my job is to lean into God, allow Him to lead, move when He says move and be still when He says be still. AND I must do ALL of this while operating from a space of peace. Talk about challenging, but if He believes I am capable of doing it, then I can do it.”

I will continue to stay in prayer while waiting and listening for my next moves.♥️

That was two days ago. Here are a few screenshots from today’s Facebook memories.

“I love who I am Becoming,” July 29, 2022
July 29, 2022–Response to the next screenshot originally shared on July 29, 2018.
July 29, 2018

Y’all, I can’t help but tear up. I’m doing exactly what I set out to do. Yes, I have a lot of dreams, and guess what – I’m achieving them ALL! AND I have many, many more to achieve.

Listen, if God has put dreams in your heart, please don’t allow others’ success or progress make you feel like you are:

Behind – Girl, you’re 50 and just now getting started.

On the wrong track – You should be doing XYZ and making money.

Your goals are unattainable or unrealistic – Girl, you are nowhere near qualified for what you want and where you want to be, and never will be. Get your head out of the clouds.

Block distractions and silence those voices (yours specifically) that tell you your dreams are too big, unrealistic or impossible. For we know, and must remember, that with God ALL things are possible.

That’s all I have to share today. I know it was a lot. Praying you have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for reading.♥️

Life

It’s Five Years Later: So Where Am I? … Actually Four (Revised)

Shaun Bradford

UPDATE: I was so excited when I found this memory that I couldn’t count. Laughing. However, this makes everything that is currently happening in my life even more interesting. Becoming emotional as I think about it. Can’t wait to share!♥️

HA! Can’t believe it’s been five four years already!

Well, had to refer to my journal to see what I had written on July 14, 2019, and here is what I wrote:

“Be intentional about time, talent and friends.”

That was it.

So where am I today according to the quote above?

Time–I am becoming better with managing my time. Sadly, it is a constant struggle.

Talent–I am so proud of myself for tapping into my talents. I’m finally using them.

Friends–Some have come and some have gone, and I am at peace with the way things are going.

So how am I doing according to Bishop’s actual quote below? Keep reading…

“Be intentional. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, and how do you plan to get there?”

Journal Entry: May 22, 2019 (Goals were written and revised prior to Bishop’s sermon.)

Here are my current goals written on February 2, 2019. Over the next couple of years, I need to make sure my endeavors align with these goals. Everything I do at work has to provide skills for my professional and entrepreneurial careers.

Overarching Goals:

  • Make global connections.
  • Support efforts that promote and support healthy, sustainable communities.
  • Spread hope.
  • Promote safe places and spaces [for marginalized groups].

I included details on how I would accomplish each goal, and so far I am right on track. I know at times it may seem like I am all over the place, and sometimes I am (I just love life), but I do know where I’m going. This morning I stepped up my game and took another leap. Will share later. Want to see where it goes first.

Thanks for reading! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.♥️

Shaun