Below is a Facebook memory from three years ago. Today, I needed this reminder. Everything I do is to support God’s purpose. It’s not about me.
Facebook Memory September 14, 2019:
Have you ever asked God why He chose you? I have. Sometimes I still do. Y’all, we were chosen for a reason. He chose us, with all of our imperfections, to fulfill whatever purpose He has. He’s so awesome!
I don’t know what lies ahead, but I do know I was chosen for a reason. For this, I’m forever grateful.
To this day, I still don’t know what lies ahead. So much has happened since I made that post. I didn’t know I would suffer one of the biggest heartbreaks of a lifetime. I didn’t know that I would be a coauthor in a book. I didn’t know that I would finally take the leap and leave my job– without a backup plan. I didn’t know that I would be one of the primary caregivers for all three of my parents. I didn’t know that by resting in God, and truly allowing Him to lead, that I would experience such peace. Y’all, I actually feel like a Queen at times. Smiling. I haven’t had to want for anything. God is sooo good.
Today, I’m still perplexed about why God chose me. Why He entrusted me with so many responsibilities, while treating me like royalty. I pray that I’m making Him proud. I pray that I’m doing a good job fulfilling His purpose.
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.
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 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
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 withoften.
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.
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!
It’s Shaun’s World 
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