Tag: storytelling

Life

Provisions Beyond Expectation

Shaun Bradford

Provisions beyond our expectations. That’s what God provides. And somehow He always manages to sneak in a little something extra – lagniappe.

Expect the unexpected!

So.. I only intended to write a few lines and share today’s quote; however, I cannot publish this without sharing a snippet of my testimony. You see…

Four years ago (August 23, 2018), I was searching for a house to lease. The one I had moved into after my separation had served its purpose. Plus, I needed more space (my son had outgrown his room). Well, I found a house, but could never reach anyone to inquire about it. At the time, my daughter worked for a realty firm so I asked for assistance with finding another contact. Y’all, I really wanted the house. Unfortunately/fortunately she couldn’t, but she did find another house in the same subdivision. One that had just been listed. The one I’m currently living in now.

Four years ago, I wrote about my experience while viewing the house. The house far exceeded my expectations. Not in size – because it’s tiny – but in the details. Not details others would notice but the ones only God knew.

Before losing my first home, I had plans to remodel. Had drawn them out. Had picked colors. Then, the foreclosure happened (couldn’t afford it after my separation). The first place I moved into exceeded my expectations. I had asked for specific things and God provided a little more. When I moved from there, He gave me what I had asked for and again, a little more. You see, I asked for the basics. The things I could think of – number of bedrooms, bathrooms, 2 car garage, front porch – the basics. But He provided the details. From the brick pavers in my kitchen to the exact color of my bathroom (things I had planned for the remodel), this house had it. It didn’t end there. There were so many tiny details that made me smile. Y’all, on that day, I felt so loved. And I still feel loved. To this day, as He always has, He continues to do little things that make me smile. I’m forever grateful and blessed to have His love.

By the way, I dodged a bullet by not getting the other house. Every few months some maintenance company is digging around or working on an issue at or near that property.

Listen, thank you for reading! I just had to share my story. Have a wonderful day.

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford
Can’t believe it’s been 30 years!

On this date 30 years ago, I embarked upon a journey that would change my life forever. Never in a million years did I imagine I would join the military. Never! It was one of many spontaneous leaps I would make over the past 30 years. Y’all, I am beyond grateful that I took that leap.

Thirty years…

Today I feel as if I’m embarking on another journey. Not sure where the next 30 years will take me; however, I know they will be just as adventurous. Also, I would like to note that a few thing’s have changed since 1992. I’m finally at peace. I know who I am and Whose I am. And I’m no longer afraid. God is good.

Here’s to the next 30 years and beyond! Speaking nothing but blessings over my life. Amen

Y’all enjoy your day!

Shaun

I was so into college basketball back then. Or was it Grant Hill? Lol! Y’all, I was so lost in Basic Training but I always made time to take blinding selfies.😊 And Base Liberty was EVERYTHING! That’s when we could wear a little makeup and earrings.
Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Life is moving right along and I’m moving right along with it. I’m happy. I’m blessed. I’m grateful. I’m humbled. I’m content. I’m at peace. And I’m loved.

As I’ve said before, I’m truly loving this space I’m in. According to my journals, it’s taken me decades to get here, but I’m finally here. And it’s such a wonderful feeling! I don’t ever want to go back to where I was or the way things were.

As the song says, “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me… This peace that I have, the world didn’t give it to me. The world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.” Amen

Thank You, Lord, for guiding me through the tough times. For giving me hope when I was hopeless. And for granting me peace like no other. Amen

Thanks for reading! I pray that you’ve also found peace, contentment, love and joy. Be Blessed

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Where do I begin. I set out to write about something else. Even saved a quote from a podcast I listened to last week. And now that I’m writing, I realize the quote actually fits in so well with today’s blog. Here’s the quote:

If it’s meant to be in my life, teach me how to receive it.

Sarah Jakes Roberts

So, I had every intention to write about how over the past few years I have become good at letting things go. I mean, now, if it doesn’t sit right with my soul, it’s gone. No explanation needed. However, what I have not been good at, or even thought much about, is receiving. How I receive, what I receive, or what I reject. After hearing Sarah Jakes Roberts discuss receiving and letting go, it was like a something clicked – I haven’t been fully opened to receive.

Short story…

On this day six years ago, I had the opportunity to see The Passion Live in New Orleans. It was a live reenactment of the events that led up to the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection. Well, a few weeks before it was scheduled to happen, I saw a tweet about how it was going to be the event of the year and they were expecting over 20,000 people to attend and participate. I remember thinking how I wanted to attend but didn’t know if I could. I just knew the tickets were gone. Then, a few days before the event, I saw another tweet with the link for FREE tickets. You already know I clicked the link and got a ticket. That’s when I heard God say, “Now you can go.” And I went and truly enjoyed myself.

Y’all, I’m becoming quite emotional as I think about God’s gifts, especially the unexpected ones. The ones where I just think about wanting something and He delivers. So, you may be wondering how does this fit in with receiving because as you can see, I receive God’s gifts so well. Well.. at least I believe I do. Smile. The problem isn’t receiving His gifts but gifts from others. I’m saying gifts, but definitely not only referring to things that have monetary value. I’m also referring to simple things like compliments, accolades, even expressions of gratitude. It wasn’t until I listened to Sarah’s interview that I realized the reason I haven’t been open to receiving is because I have felt unworthy or not good enough. When God gives me things I know it’s because He loves me, unconditionally. When people give me things I always feel as if it’s not truly genuine or something is expected of me. Even if the expectation is for me to achieve more, it’s something that’s expected. The crazy part is I honestly give without expectations. So why do I believe others are not capable of doing the same?

Well, this year I am going to be intentional about receiving, receiving without reciprocation. Sorry for those who actually expect something in return. If God believes I’m worth receiving His gifts, then He must believe I’m more than worthy of receiving gifts from people. And for those who graciously give, I accept your gifts.

Note – I don’t believe everyone gives expecting reciprocity. I know there are people who generously give. The issue I have is accepting gifts from people I barely know or don’t interact with often.

Anyhoo.. time to move on and start receiving. Just had an “Aha” moment! Some gifts God will deliver through people. Wow, how did I miss that? And it’s my job to be open to receive them. Smiling

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my blogs. Praying you have an extraordinary week. Be Blessed.

Shaun

Here are a few pictures from The Passion Live (March 20, 2016).

I was asked if I wanted to move closer to the stage, but I declined. No regrets. I believe I had a better view from where I was because I could see the entire stage. Great memories!
Tyler Perry was the narrator.
Trisha Yearwood was Mary.
Seal was Pontius Pilot and Jesus, Jencarlos Canela.
Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Happy Wednesday!

So, how was your February 22, 2022 or 2.22.22? Mine – it was FABULOUS! I received an email for the virtual premiere of A Madea Homecoming!! Y’all, I was so excited! I was running around the house SCREAMING like I had just won a million dollars. Anyone who follows me on Facebook or Twitter knows I LOVE Tyler Perry’s movies. And anytime a new movie comes out, I always make plans to see it the day before it opens because it makes me feel special. You know, I get to preview the movies before everyone else. Yes.. I’m smiling. BIG grin!!

Anyhoo.. About three years ago, while I was preparing to go see A Madea Family Funeral, my house flooded. Y’all.. no lie.. I was in my bathroom putting on makeup, thinking about how I was going to be laughing (yeah.. I could see myself laughing), when my son runs in my room and yells for me to come out of the bathroom. Of course I ignored him. Lol! I was in my own little world. Well, since he wouldn’t leave me alone, I opened the door to see what he wanted (still not sure why he didn’t just say the house was flooding) that’s when I saw water all over my bedroom floor. As I entered the kitchen and living room, I was devastated. I had about 2-4 inches of standing water everywhere!! Luckily, most of it disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared. Needless to say, I did not go to the movies that night. However, I did laugh. Like really laughed. Instead of laughing at Tyler’s movie, I was laughing at my own. Y’all, God really does have a sense of humor, and the majority of the time we’re the only ones who get it. I actually laughed harder than I would have had I gone to the movies. Anyway, everything was good. I called my landlord at the time and he had someone to my home in less than an hour. A few days later, my house was dry, the baseboards were replaced and I had new drainage systems installed in the backyard and on my roof. A year later I purchased the house and haven’t had any problems since. God is good!

Okay.. back to yesterday. Y’all, last night’s premiere was everything! It made up for me missing the first showing three years ago. Now I’m in tears. I just love the way God loves me. I’m blessed.

Well, I hope your February 22, 2022 was just as wonderful. Thanks for reading and have a fabulous week!

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

At this very moment, my daughter and I should be preparing to leave for France. We were scheduled for a noon departure from New Orleans arriving in Paris tomorrow morning, January 27 – my daughter’s 27th birthday.

In September, my daughter casually mentioned that she wanted to spend her 27th birthday in Paris. Well, as a mom who absolutely LOVES birthdays, I started planning. Long story short, we were booked and ready to go then Omicron happened. Although we are both vaxed and boosted, a couple of weeks ago we decided to postpone our trip because we didn’t want to be either denied going (a positive diagnosis seemed almost inevitable) or one or both of us stuck and quarantined in Paris because of a positive diagnosis. It was just too risky, especially since my son wasn’t going (he didn’t want to miss a few days of school.. he’s so responsible – Lol).

I wish I could say we are really disappointed about not going, but honestly, I can’t. The truth is neither of us wanted to leave my son behind and he didn’t want to be left behind. So I guess you can say it all worked out for the best. When we go later this year, he will be going with us. And my daughter, she’s not missing a thing. After canceling our mother-daughter trip, she planned a solo trip to another destination. At the end of the day, I know everything worked out the way it was meant to be.

À Bientôt Paris!

Shaun

Life

Finally Free – One Year Later

Shaun Bradford

From volunteering to serve on a conference committee in the summer of 2020 – to connecting with the committee leader, Dawn Lieck – to saying “Yes” when asked to write a chapter in the Finally Free anthology – to the book launch and self promotion – to where I am today – it was all orchestrated by God long ago. Long before I began blogging. Long before I wrote my first journal entry. Y’all, God already had a plan. Isn’t He amazing!

A few days ago, I was searching though old jump drives for a picture and found one of my “progress” videos (I create videos to document my goals and progress). Well, this particular video was missing from the group of videos I have created and saved over the years. It was dated November 24, 2014 – wasn’t my first video but somehow it never made it to the folder with the rest. In this video, I talk about writing a book someday. Honestly, I don’t even remember ever thinking about actually writing a book. I know over the years people have told me that I should write a book, but in this video I said I would. Wow!

Lately, everyone’s been talking about manifesting their dreams. Well, I guess I have been manifesting mine all along. All while I have been watching God work in others’ lives and celebrating their successes, He’s been working in mine. Yes.. I’m tearing up. Y’all, I’m so humbled and grateful for everything God has done in my life and is currently doing. Most of the time it seems like life is just drifting by, but when I look back I realize so many wonderful things have happened and even more is happening. Y’all, I really do love life!

Before I end, I wanted to share my Facebook post from a year ago – January 21, 2021:

Sooooo grateful for Hootsuite and WONDERFUL family and friends! I haven’t eaten breakfast or lunch. Today of ALL days, I’m super busy. Thank you all for the support and making this day so special!! Digital copies are available TODAY ONLY for $1.99 through Amazon. (See link in original post.) If you would like an autographed copy, you can purchase it through my website- LaShaundreaB.com.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE SHARES!!!🥰😭❤️

Y’all, I’m still not sure where this new chapter of life is taking me. At times it feels a little overwhelming because the ideas keep coming. Thankfully, I’m finally learning how to manage and prioritize them, but it’s still a lot.

The book experience gave me a glimpse of what true freedom looked like and what I was capable of doing. Now that I am finally free, I can’t go back to the way things used to be. Nope, I just can’t. Right now.. as I type.. I know God is writing. Yes, He’s either writing or editing my story. Smiling because I know God already knows I’m not going to stick to the script. Lol. I’m pretty sure He’s written several different versions to get me where I need to be. Y’all, I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Again, I really do love life!

Anyhoo.. thanks for reading. Wishing you a wonderful Friday and fabulous weekend!

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Obedience. The definition of obedience is – an act or instance of obeying (following the command or guidance of).

As many of you know, I have been on this journey of completely allowing God to lead; to follow his guidance without wavering. Well.. just imagine how that’s going. Sigh

So, there is this little thing called free will, which is the ability to act at one’s discretion. Well, I’m finding free will isn’t always my friend. During this journey, free will has popped up numerous times and continues to pop up whenever – 1) I don’t believe God is moving fast enough or He’s moving way too fast; 2) I believe things are going in the wrong direction; or 3) whenever I flat out don’t want to follow His instruction. Y’all, sometimes free will is a pain and often delays blessings. Ugh!

Last night I was given specific instructions to leave a certain matter alone, to allow God to work so that I could see His glory. Y’all know I love watching God work! Well, that didn’t happen. I kept picking at it. Checking to see if progress was being made. Kind of like putting a bandage on a wound and removing it every couple of hours to see if it’s healing. Uhh.. It won’t if you don’t leave it alone. So, this morning I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t leave things alone. I went in and started manipulating things. I was like, “God, I’m just gonna do this one little thing then give it back to You.” And that’s exactly what I did. And guess what, I feel like I have failed another challenge. Not in a shameful way, but in a way that has me regretting my decision. However, at the same time, I still have the desire to do better. I just have to know how things will turn out if I allow God to lead.

Okay.. y’all, I just had another “Aha” moment. Imagine going into a lab, starting an experiment and when the experiment isn’t moving along fast enough, you decide to manipulate the process. Guess what?! You just altered the outcome. You will never know what could’ve been had you left it alone.

Slowly but surely, I’m learning. If I am going to allow God to lead, I must be obedient. Period.

Thanks for reading! Hope you have a lovely Wednesday!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Manifestation: the act, process or instance of manifesting (to make evident or certain by showing or displaying)

Manifestation. Have you ever thought or spoken (written or verbally) something into existence? If you have, then you know it’s like one of the most thrilling experiences ever (even the negative ones). To be able to see what you put into the universe manifested, is pretty amazing.

Yesterday, director, Matthew A. Cherry, took a picture in front of a billboard with his tweet from June 2012 stating, “I’m gonna be nominated for an Oscar one day. Already claiming it.” Well, in February 2020, he actually won an Oscar for the animated short, Hair Love. It actually happened, to include a little extra (the Oscar)! YAY!!

As a young child, I only heard about the negative side of manifestation. My mom always warned us to be cautious of the things we said because they could come true. She had witnessed it and gave examples. I don’t know about my other siblings, but after hearing her stories, I was always mindful of what I said, especially when I became upset.

Well, as I got older, I began to notice positive things could happen.. or I should say, I became more aware that I could actually think, write or speak things into existence. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true. The kicker is – 1) nothing ever happened as imagined; 2) nothing was ever intentional (always a random thought); and 3) I never saw it coming. There are tons of examples I could give but I’ll only give a few (smile).

The very first major moment I can recall is getting orders to be stationed in Germany. I remember as clear as day sitting in the park writing in my journal asking God to take me far away from home. I was sad and depressed and just wanted to get away. If you have been following me for a while, you know I am very random and spontaneous. Well, one morning I woke up, took out a phone book, found an Air Force recruiter, scheduled an appointment and the rest is history. Nothing was planned. Nothing was contemplated. Just done. Well, during basic training, I was asked to select up to five bases where I preferred to be stationed (my dream list). Although I said I wanted to get away from home, I chose stations that were within a 5-8 hour radius. You know, wanted to be close enough to travel home often but far enough away so that no one could just pop up unannounced.

That was what I wanted. But the joke was on me. Y’all, God really does have a sense of humor and WILL give you what you ask for. When I got my orders, I was asked if I wanted to go to the United Kingdom or Germany. Y’all, I was devastated! I wanted to get away but never wanted to go that far. Since I had taken years of French in high school, I chose Germany because it was close to France. Two weeks after I left basic training, I was in Germany. This all happened – from me writing it down to arriving in Germany – in less than 6 months. That was my first major moment of manifestation.

A few other big moments were – me saying I was going to have my first child at 21, and did; saying that I was going to get married before I was thirty and have my 2nd child at thirty (got married at 29 and had my son at 30); also writing a list of names of people I really wanted to meet and meeting the top two – Marcus Samuelsson and Leah Chase at the same event three months after I wrote it down. There are so many more moments I have experienced that have been just as exciting and rewarding. Maybe one day I’ll share them in a book. Of course it will happen spontaneously. Smile

Y’all, my life is very interesting. To be honest, it seems like the things I randomly think, speak or write actually happens, and the things I’m intentional about speaking or writing rarely happens. I’m not sure why, but that’s how things happen for me. Honestly, my most rewarding experiences have happened after I have randomly thought, spoken or written about them, and have always happened unexpectedly. And y’all, I love it!

I am not sure what will happen next. Can’t even remember if I have thought, written or spoken about anything in a while. Right now I’m just living, being present. Hmm… an “Aha” moment. I am already living in my manifestation. Wow! It is nothing like I imagined, but I am here.. in it! Guess I needed to write it all out to see it. Can’t say it enough, God is so good!

Thank you for reading and please enjoy your Sunday!

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Happy Hump Day! It’s Wednesday again. The second Wednesday of the year, to be exact.

Feeling some kind of way this morning because I am not really feeling anything at all. I don’t feel happy, sad, excited, mad, nothing. As my son would say, “Meh.” Not sure if that’s a feeling but that is exactly where I am.

Usually, by this time of the year, I have created a vision board, made a “progress” video (I make short progression videos at least twice a year where I talk about my goals and things I have accomplished- believe I only made one last year) and have written at least ten journal entries by now. Well, I have not done any of it. So far I only have three journal entries for this year. I know, I blog and make social media posts, but it’s not the same. Five years from now, I need to be able to find out what I was doing on a particular date and without it documented, I will never know. Maybe it’s not as important as I am making it out to be. Maybe I just woke up in my feelings, or with the lack of feelings. Nah.. I’m definitely feeling but unfortunately I don’t have a name for it.

This morning, while going through my Facebook memories, I found this gem, which is more than 30 years old. I shared on Facebook in 2016 with the following caption:

My 12th grade English teacher gave me this 20+ years ago. It inspired me then, and continues to inspire me today. 💗

My Inspiration

Everyone in our class received cards from Ms. Tressin, but mine was special. Looking back, she saw something in me that I thought was hidden from the world. She knew I was a dreamer.

Maybe that’s what I am feeling this morning. I have imagined it. I have dreamed it. And yet, here I am thirty years later still chasing the dream. Or am I? Y’all, I believe I am having an “Aha” moment.

So… transparent moment… if you have been following me since last April, you know that I resigned from my job in pursuit of fulfilling my dreams. Well, over the months I have felt like a boat without an anchor, being tossed all over the place. When I resigned, I had no plan, no real direction about where I wanted to go. All I knew is, I was free! Hadn’t felt that free since I was in high school. I felt like I had the opportunity to begin again. However, I had too many years of education, degrees, and experience to just throw it all away. Plus everyone kept making suggestions about where I should be or could be heading. So, I felt compelled to continue along that path. Exactly like a high school senior! Wow!! Well, to be honest, every time I attempt to do it, I feel trapped. I know what to do to make it work. I have done it for years, but it is not where my heart lies. So far I have wasted money on trying to pursue things that would make me money but my heart has not been in anything I have done. Yeah.. it all sounded good but my heart kept screaming “NO!”

Here’s what I truly want at this moment in time, and what I wanted when I resigned. I want to be the best mom I can possibly be. I want to be able to spend as much time as I possibly can with my children. Right now I have no desire to pursue a career and be a mom. I just want to be a mom, create memories, share inspirational thoughts and spread love, kindness and hope throughout the world. Sounds pretty flower-childish, doesn’t it? Lol! But that’s what I want to do! And guess what?! It’s exactly what I have been blessed to do. I am living off of less than I have ever made and I’m okay. Question is, shouldn’t I want more?

Maybe I’m thinking too much this morning. This probably should have been a journal entry. Lol. But here it is, my first random rambling of the year. Not going to delete any of it. Just gonna publish and keep going. Everything will work out.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Shaun