Tag: Shaun’s Daily Inspiration

Life

God’s Provisions

Shaun Bradford

God’s provisions are always provided as needed. Not when we necessarily believe we need them, but when God knows we need them.♥️ ~ Shaun

God’s provisions are always on time. Not too early or too late, but on time.

Last night I wrote about my divine encounter with a young lady. An encounter that provided me with what I had been longing for for two years. I have been getting bits and pieces of what I have needed along the way, but there has always been something missing. Then last night happened. What seminars, webinars, lectures and watching motivational videos couldn’t provide, she provided in less than 30 minutes. One thing she mentioned, which really hit home, was that maybe I was supposed to use this time to rest. Y’all, when I tell you I wanted to cry! So proud of myself for holding it together and not becoming emotional.

If you recall, around this time last year I started reading Christy Nockels’ “The Life You Long For: Learning to Live from a Heart of Rest.” I received that exact same message while reading the book. I needed to take that time and rest. Instead, I kept trying to make things happen… same as now. Last night I was asked why am I not resting. She asked me if I felt obligated to overextend myself. Hmm… I guess the answer is I have been conditioned to believe that if people do not see me working or performing they would believe I am slacking. Which is one of the reasons I am always on social media. If I am not posting content, then I must not be working. Doesn’t even make sense, right? I believe I got stuck on the notion that visibility is everything. If people don’t see you, you’re not doing anything. It’s kind of like those people who walk around the office like they are always in a hurry but aren’t really working as hard as they appear. Basically, it’s counterproductive.

Anyhoo… back to the subject of rest. Here I am almost a year later and I have only attempted to rest a few hours at a time. It’s like I cannot turn off my mind from thinking of ideas to make improvements to my business. I keep asking myself what can I do better, then attempt to do it; but nothing seems to be working. And you know how you hear that still small voice tell you to do something but you continuously blow it off because you believe it won’t have the same impact. Well, it has finally dawned on me that even though the tasks seem insignificant, they are exactly what I need to focus on. The other will come with time – in God’s time.

I guess all of this was a great big lesson. I would like to sit and sulk about the time I have lost, but I can’t and won’t. Yesterday, my friend Deborah shared the following quote below. I reshared it and replied that that was the second time I had seen that same message (not the exact quote) that morning and that even though at the moment I did not feel it was for me, it probably would be later on. And guess what, it is just what I need at this very moment.

The Quote-

Releasing.
Letting go.
Moving on.

Wishing each and every one of you a fabulous weekend. Be Blessed!♥️

Life

Divine Encounters

Shaun Bradford

Have you ever met someone who you connected with instantly? Like, no bad vibes at all. You know, someone you could be yourself around without feeling judged? Well, I met that person tonight. After talking to her for a while, we discovered that we knew each other through our business pages on Facebook. Once we recognized the connection, we hugged and had a conversation like two old friends. During our conversation, I told her that I had asked God for something specific and that she had provided it.

She left me with a few tasks to complete. Tasks God’s been prompting me to do but I keep putting off. She told me to text her when I finished. For two years I have been struggling with this one thing and in one encounter I received exactly what I needed.

Y’all, trust God. Trust Him to provide exactly what you need. The funny thing is I have heard it all before. However, the way she delivered the message was exactly the way I needed to hear it. I felt like it was actually coming from someone who was like me. We both realized our personalities were quite similar, very carefree and random; and we both trust God to provide all of our needs.

Grateful for our meeting.

Life

It’s Yours, Make It Happen

Shaun Bradford

The stage is set. Now, it’s up to you to make it happen. Do not miss this opportunity. It’s already yours!♥️ ~ Shaun

It’s yours!

This was one of the first graphics I created to share on social media. I remember being hesitant to put my brand on it. I kept thinking about what others would think. Would they think I was trying to emulate someone else? I shared it on Facebook, but refused to share it on Twitter. On Facebook, I was mostly among family and friends. I felt it was a pretty safe space for sharing new ideas. However, Twitter… Twitter was a different beast. You do not post anything on Twitter and not expect criticism. It took me forever to share my blogs on my platforms, and they are MY platforms.

Anyhoo… Now I share whatever I please, and I am not afraid to promote my brand. I am finally living within my authenticity in all spaces. I am who God created me to be, and it feels so good and freeing to finally be me.

Side Note: It always amazes me how God has me leave nuggets of wisdom and encouragement for my future self. Nuggets that are always relevant for when they are needed. Forever grateful. I’m blessed.

Life

It’s On Me

Shaun Bradford

Just finished streaming this morning’s service at The Potter’s House. Today’s message, “It’s On You,” was delivered by Pastor John F. Hannah. Usually when I’m traveling, I only get to hear bits and pieces of the sermons. However, TODAY, I got to hear the entire message. When I tell y’all it was JUST FOR ME!!

LISTEN!!!

This morning I shared an excerpt from March 26, 2015’s journal entry. But that was only one part. You see, the beginning of that entry referenced me being elected President Elect for our state’s dietetics association. I was newly elected and so hyped about the position and its possibilities. Then… life happened. Whew!! When I tell you my entire personal life had flipped upside down! Y’all, that divorce process was no joke. I was seeing so much success in my professional life – promotions, opportunities, and experiences. However, my personal life was an entire mess. Eventually, my attempt to balance both, failed. One had to give and it was the position. Instead of giving it my best, I could only meet my obligations, nothing more. To this day they still say I was a great president, but I know I could have been better. I could have accomplished a lot more and handle some things differently.

On March 25, 2015, I had just returned home from attending that year’s annual Dietetics conference ready to take on the world. Well, here I am eight years later about to attend this year’s conference. Although I have attended several conferences in between, this one feels different. Maybe it’s because I’m different. For years I beat myself up over not giving my all to the positions (elect and presidency). One thing COVID and these last two years have taught me is to release myself from things that didn’t go as planned. That they went exactly as planned according to God’s plan.

Today, Pastor Hannah reminded me that it’s my time to BODLY embrace everything God has for me to do; and to do it UNAPOLOGETICALLY. No more running. No more hiding. No more being timid. It’s on me to take all that’s mine. My purpose is too great not to.

Thanks for listening to my rambling. Needed to get it out.

Take Care,

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford
Yes, I am beyond blessed.

Today I have decided not to focus on what is going on around me. Instead, I am focusing on good memories and positive experiences. Yes, today I am blocking all negative vibes.

Here is an excerpt from a journal entry that was written the day my ex-husband finally moved out of the house. I guess you can say that was the official beginning of the 4+ years of the separation/divorce process. Seems like an entire weight was lifted off our family that day. Yes… that was a good day, a very good day.

Journal Entry: March 26, 2015

“One last thing. Ki and KeShawn got my back if no one else does. Ki keeps me encouraged. It’s nice to have someone to bounce professional goals off of especially when we both have so many. Just talking to her makes me want to do more. Last night when I got in, KeShawn said I woke him up out of a good dream. He said that he was at a restaurant eating coconut shrimp, crabmeat sautéed in butter, lobster, and rice surrounded with eggs and bacon on top. He said he had a tuxedo on and me and Ki had on long pretty dresses. I told him that that sounded great. I want him to dream. I want them to dream. I’m so happy my dreams are in full force again. This time I won’t let them go. I can’t let them go. I saw one more post last night by Joel Osteen- “It’s not over. You’ve got to get in agreement with God. Start dreaming again. Start expecting again.” Hallelujah!!”

Can’t believe that was eight years ago. Forever grateful I am on the other side of that craziness! At times I did not think I would make it, but I did. God is so good.

Well, that’s all I have for y’all today. It just started raining and I need to get ready to get on the road. I’m going to see my mom today. She’s back in ICU. We (myself and my sisters) did get to video chat with her last night before she was transferred. I can’t wait to see her and love on her a little more.♥️

Also, I am heading to see my dad afterwards. I have an event to attend tomorrow afternoon and his house is at the halfway mark between my home and the event’s location. So I get to love on him and my stepmom this evening.

As always, thank you so much for reading. Also, thank y’all sooo much for your kind words and prayers. I really do appreciate you. Please have a wonderful day and enjoy your week!🙏🏽♥️

Shaun

Life

No Words

Shaun Bradford

When your heart is heavy and you cannot find words to express your feelings, what do you do?

Praying

Last night, a tornado destroyed a small town outside of where I was born. I was on the phone with my dad as the tornado sirens were going off. Minor damage was done to our town; however, the little town of Silver City – mostly rural, population around 200 – is basically gone.

Y’all, I watched it all play out on Facebook. People were begging for help. So many families were trapped under debris. Some couldn’t find family members. One young lady posted that her dad was running out of oxygen. Talk about devastating!

The saddest part is there aren’t any medical facilities nearby. Several years ago, the local hospital closed leaving the rural communities in that area without access to medical care and emergency services. Then, last year one of the largest hospitals in that area closed. Last night local nurses, first responders (significantly understaffed) and community members pooled resources together to provide assistance.

This morning, I am praying for everyone in pain– physically and/or mentally. Lord, we need Your help.🙏🏽

Shaun

Life

Momma, You Are Loved

Shaun Bradford

Today’s blog is dedicated to my momma. She was admitted to the hospital again last night. I believe this is her third time this month. It’s really a lot.

Yesterday I video chatted with her around 5:30 PM. She was admitted around 11:30 PM.

About 30 minutes before my sister called, I shared a post by Iyanla Vanzant about grief. Seems like I have been grieving for a while now. Some days are just better than others.

I love my mom. We all do. I also believe she finally knows without a doubt that she is loved.♥️

Momma