hope

Hello Sunday

Happy Sunday! I hope your weekend has been pleasant thus far.🌸

Yesterday, my daughter came home for a very short visit—she’s going back home this afternoon. Even though this visit has been short, we have definitely made the most of it. We have had a few of our deep conversations about politics, the Olympics, and life in general. Had oysters and crab claws from one of our favorite restaurants. And we ended our night watching Adam Sandler and his pals in Mr. Deeds. Great company, good food, and much needed laughs.

Later this morning, I’m going to church with her and her fiancé. Her fiancé’s family’s church is having their Friends and Family Day service and brunch. So I’ll get a few extra hours in with her before she leaves.

Y’all, God is good. So grateful for the love he brings me and gives. You already know, I am so very blessed.

I pray you have a lovely Sunday!♥️

Be Blessed,

Shaun

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Let Love In

Protect your heart, but let love in. Not necessarily the romantic kind of love, but love in general. Don’t be so closed off from past hurts that you do not allow yourself to experience true love. The kind of love that’s joyous, patient, and kind. Let it in. You deserve it. Love you!♥️ ~Shaun

Originally shared on August 10, 2023.
hope

The Peace of God

Good Morning! While I was reading my journal entry from August 10, 2017, this particular statement stood out—

“I let it all go. I actually just gave up on it, and a peace came over me.”

This statement reminded me of the scripture I have on a note that’s been in my wallet since September 2014 (shared several blogs ago).

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

At the time, I was going through a difficult time, financially. According to my journal entry, several bills were due and I didn’t have any money for gas; didn’t know how I would commute back and forth to work that week. When I tell you I was going through it! Just reading what I was going through seems surreal, as do so many other difficult times. When I write about gratitude and feeling truly blessed, it’s because I am no longer where I used to be. Y’all, I made it through. Didn’t think I would, but I did.

When I decided to release the stress and stop trying to solve everything, a sense of peace came over me. After a while, everything worked out, and I was able to move past the situation. A few months later, I started my first consulting business, and a few months after that, I received a promotion.

Over time, I have learned to let go of things that are beyond my control, things that only God can do. When I do, I always experience this indescribable peace. Not only is it a peace of mind, but my entire space becomes peaceful. It’s a peace that I can only describe as the peace of God.


I pray that you have a peaceful day. My daughter is coming to visit so I’m excited. Can’t wait to give her a hug and love on her for a while.🥰

Love you,

Shaun

Funny side note — Just thought of this as I wrote, “Love you.” A few days ago, I saw a post that said there’s a significant difference between saying “I love you” and “Love you.” It said “I love you” is like the Eiffel Tower and “Love you” is like a rundown power structure. Well, know this, my “Love you” is the finest of all structures in existence. It’s from the heart and comes with hugs, prayers, love, and a sprinkle of hope. Now, “I love you,” is only reserved for a select few. That’s the crème of the crème. Lol

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Still Standing

Y’all, I am still here. Still standing!! When I tell you God is so wonderful. I can hear Marvin Sapp singing–

Here I am, I’m still standing
Here I am, after all I’ve been through 
I’ve survived every toil, every snare
I’m alive, I’m alive
Here I am

“Here I Am” by Marvin Sapp


If you’re reading this, YOU are still here and still standing, too. Whatever was meant to destroy you, couldn’t. You’re STILL here!! Love you!♥️ ~Shaun

Covered!
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My Treasures

Good Morning! I remember a scene from the movie “Richie Rich” where the thieves were eager to steal what was inside the Rich’s vault. They couldn’t wait to get their hands on the Riches’ treasures. They were so disappointed when they opened vault and found sentimental memorabilia instead of jewels and money. It was such a heartwarming scene.

Anyhoo, I’m the Riches. My treasures are the numerous letters and cards I have collected since high school—over 35 years worth. We wrote a lot back then. My journals, photo albums, invitations, and other memorabilia from special occasions and events—all treasures. I have old magazines like Essence, Ebony, Jet, Sister 2 Sister, GQ, Time and National Geographic. Treasures. Old emails, text messages and voicemails. I have it set to where they are never deleted unless I delete them manually. My Facebook memories are even treasures. Some posts I share just so I can see them every year. They’re my treasures. These are my treasures.


Facebook Memory: August 9, 2022

Some treasures cannot be bought. Treasures like– memories made with loved ones; saved letters, notes, or texts; or pictures that continue to warm your heart or make you smile every time you see them. Yes, these treasures cannot be bought.♥️

Believe me, I could have listed more. Many of my treasures aren’t tangible. Smiling

What are some of your treasures—tangible or intangible?


Well, that’s all for now. Praying you have a wonderful day and beautiful weekend.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

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Food For Thought

Food for thought.

Facebook Memory: August 8, 2022

Once you experience something, it’s impossible to unexperience it. Your life is forever changed by that experience.

Let that sink in…

Our lives are forever changed through our experiences. Forever changed. We can’t undo what’s been done.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

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Bruce Van Horn

Finally checked the rest of my Facebook memories and came across this gem.

♥️

On August 8, 2018, I shared Bruce Van Horn’s (author and life coach) quote above. Here’s the caption I added when I shared it.

Today’s social media find. I’ve found this to be true. The more I focus on why I want my dreams to come true, the more things fall into place. When I focus on the “hows,” I tend to worry and become anxious. I’m learning more and more to let go and let God handle the “hows.”

Two Questions: Why do you want your dreams to come true? What’s your purpose?


Right now my heart is heavy. I had no idea Bruce Van Horn had passed away. I had been following him for years on Twitter. The last tweet I remember seeing was a video of him letting us know that his cancer had returned, but he was hopeful. Over the last year or so he’d cross my mind and I’d say a little prayer. I do this often when people cross my mind, especially ones I haven’t seen post in a while. Well, after seeing his quote, I decided to check his Facebook page. He passed away last August. His son made his final post on August 27, 2023.

I’m not sure when I began following him or how I stumbled upon his profile, but I’m so grateful I did. He was a very gentle soul. Very kind and encouraging. His words of encouragement help me get through some really tough times. I am forever grateful he crossed my path.

Rest in peace, Bruce Van Horn.🙏🏽🕊️♥️

Shaun

hope

Wait With Expectancy

2024

Hello!

For the last two years, I have shared the same message—“Expect great things to happen.” Today, the message is still the same.

Facebook Posts (captions only):

2022/2023

August 8, 2022

How are you waiting? With or without expectation? You know, “Whatever happens, happens,” OR “I’m expecting exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think.”

Me. I’m doing the latter. I’m EXPECTING great things to happen!💃🏽♥️

Today’s 8/8. New day. New week. New beginnings.🌸

August 8, 2023

While you are waiting, expect to receive. Expect to receive what you are waiting for.♥️ 8.8 New Beginnings

That’s all for now. Wishing you a wonderful day!♥️

Shaun

hope

Good Night (19)

Remain hopeful. Blessings are headed your way.

Since I started the day off with a song, I figured it would only be appropriate to end the night with a song. Here’s what’s currently playing in my head.

God’s Got A Blessing (with My Name On It)” by Norman Hutchins

Smile. God’s got a blessing with YOUR name on it!♥️

Good Night,

Shaun

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Feeling Free

Welcome back!

♥️

Y’all, there is no greater feeling than the freedom to be. The freedom to just be me.

Thinking about how I woke up this morning and shared my random song. That was me just being me. Me loving life without feeling awkward or wondering what others would think or say.

This wasn’t always the case.

When I tell you I am so in awe of how my life has changed. One thought/request for this side of 50 to be different and it happened.

God is so amazing.

Loving the freedom to just be me.♥️

Shaun