Happy Sunday, y’all! Was debating whether to write about what’s currently going on in my life (things are finally settling down—will share later) or share a Facebook memory. Well…I chose the memory. Smile. Its message could not be any clearer—God’s will be done.
Whatever it is, release control and surrender to God’s will. Believe me, He will not let you fail. He’s got you.
Of course I heard Marvin L. Winans singing, “Draw Me Close To You/Thy Will Be Done.” Smile. He ends the song with, “I seen You work in others and I want You to work in me.”
This morning’s prayer is:
Lord, I am surrendering it all to you. I have seen Your work with others and know You will do the same with me. Lord, I completely trust You with my all. Thy will be done. Amen
Praying you have a wonderful week! Stay in prayer. Stay connected to God. Love you!♥️
Yesterday I said I would fill you in on what prompted my post, Thankful for God’s Mercy and Grace. Well, without going into too much detail, my sister had to be hospitalized after developing postpartum preeclampsia. By yesterday afternoon, all of her vitals and labs were back to normal and she was able to go back home to her babies. It was a very long and scary week.
Now, I am waking up to news that a friend’s 17 year old daughter is missing. Whew!! I don’t even know how to process this one. This is her only child.
Also, now that I am finally awake and alert, I remember my son waking me up last night saying he had gotten a ticket on his way home from work. I looked to see if I had missed his call, but hadn’t. Y’all, I was exhausted by the time I got home. Once I hit the bed, I was out.
When I tell you I am so grateful he made it home safely. He’s been pulled over before for no real reason. They made him get out the car and everything. Ended up telling him he was stopped because his tag was hanging (it wasn’t). From then on, I told him to let me know when he left work or to call me on his way home. He didn’t do either.
Please keep my friend in your prayers. She’s very reserved and conservative and stays to herself. Her daughter and husband are her life. I can’t even begin to imagine what she’s going through.
Life… It does what it does. Believing God for another miracle. Amen
I tend to give people a lot of grace because I know people be peopleing (yeah, I know it’s not a word—I’m peopleing. Smile). You never know if someone is having a bad day so they come off as rude or unapproachable; or maybe that’s just their demeanor, but they are still good people. Listen, I have relatives who will cuss you out and love on you in the same breath. I also have some that will treat you like you’re the best thing walking and tear you down when you’re out of sight. Yes, I have seen it all.They just be peopleing. (Smile) So, for me, first impressions don’t really mean anything. It’s a person’s actions and character the majority of the time that shows me who they truly are. People can hide who they are some of the time but not all the time.
If you’re not privy to someone’s daily life, trust your instincts. Do not keep overriding them. If something does not feel right, it’s probably not right. If something seems off, it probably is. Stay covered. Believe me, when you stay covered, God will keep you protected.
And yes, this message is definitely for me too. I tend to extend too much grace. For some reason, I believe there is good in everyone. It just baffles me that some people intentionally set out to use, misuse, abuse and hurt others. Just writing this seems unreal. Thankful for God’s protection.
Hopefully this wasn’t too dark. Didn’t mean for it to be. Praying you have a wonderful Sunday and fabulous week. And remember to be kind. I really wish there was a way we could add more kindness to the world.
Love you!♥️
Shaun
Trust your gut; and always, always, ALWAYS, trust God. Do not override your feelings.
Today’s message is, “Do not give up!” It’s a message I have shared on this date for the past few years. No matter what things look like or how badly you might want to quit (I know you’re tired), do not give up! God is working on your behalf. Soon everything will work in your favor.
Facebook Memory: February 25, 2019
Good Morning! Here’s today’s social media find. Believe me, God IS working. Every setback is preparing you for a bigger blessing. Just don’t give up. No matter what, keep believing, keep going.
You didn’t break. You were being built. Still standing!
Facebook Memory: February 25, 2022
Woke up with the word “steadfast” stuck in my head. It’s all I kept hearing. Now, my Facebook memories are showering me with confirmations. Listen, do not…I repeat…DO NOT give up!! God is working.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Facebook Memory: February 25, 2023
Listen!! DO NOT give up! What may seem impossible to man is NEVER impossible with God. Keep the faith and continue doing your part. God will take care of the rest. Have a blessed day.♥️
Luke 18:27 (NIV) Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Remember, with God, all things are possible. He will not let you fail. Trust Him!♥️
This morning I am torn between sharing the song that’s currently in my head or, not one, but several Facebook memories. The song has nothing to do with the memories. It’s just what I woke up hearing.
Hmm…. Let’s see what I decide.
Well, I went to my journal for inspiration, and my entry from last year basically summed up the Facebook memories I was thinking of sharing. So, I guess I will share a snippet of what I wrote.
Journal Entry: February 4, 2023
Today’s quote was, “Keep Showing Up.” I’m learning more and more that my dreams are not meant to be given up on. Even when I feel like things just aren’t going to happen or everything is pointless, God shows me otherwise. Those goals that I wrote down years ago, as well as the dreams I had as a little girl, they’re all going to come to fruition. What I imagined over 40 years ago, I will have. I just have to keep showing up and allowing God to lead.
I ended the entry with–
Lord, I’m trusting You to do it Your way. Amen
Honestly, I really don’t need to write more. I believe that said it all. The only thing I will add is, no matter what, do not give up on your dreams. Many of mine are over 40 years in the making and I still have not given up so you don’t either. Love you!♥️
Shaun
P.S. That song that’s currently stuck in my head is “Exhale” by Whitney Houston. I know, very random, but that’s me. Smile
This morning I’m just writing and rambling. Let’s see what I end up sharing.
Happy Sunday!
Honestly, I really do not know what to share today. I have a few Facebook memories that are worth sharing but I am not sure which I should share, and if I shared them all the post would be much too long. Guess I will start with this:
Yesterday, I hit 980 consecutive days of posting! Woohoo!! So, the countdown to 1000 has begun. Still unsure of how I am going to celebrate, or if I will do anything differently after 1000. Hmm…
Three years ago today, I became a published author. Another… Woohoo!! Smile. It seems like it was so long ago. Sadly, I can no longer feel the excitement of that moment. Last year I somewhat felt it, but not this year. I wonder if it’s because my mom helped me promote book sales on Facebook. So as soon as I saw the memories from that day, her name was everywhere. She had tagged me in so many posts. Now, this makes me smile. A year later, she became a first time published author fulfilling one of her dreams. Y’all, I had no desire to become an author, but she did.
Now that I am reflecting on this, perhaps my opportunity to become an author opened the door to her fulfilling her dreams. If I would have turned down the opportunity, she may have never connected with the person who initiated the anthology. The person was from somewhere in Florida and we live in Mississippi. BUT… if it was meant to be it would have been, even without me. Listen, that’s how God works, for real! Y’all, life is truly interesting. And GOD!! Whew!! Listen, the way He works is mind blowing!
Now, here I am looking at my life and doors that were opened for me due to someone saying “yes” to something they probably never thought of doing. Also thinking about how me joining the Air Force inspired two of my siblings to join the Navy. Also, how I have been told more than once how my career as a research dietitian inspired other dietitians to work in communities. Y’all, this career found me. I had no desire to become a dietitian. I wanted to be a personal chef. Then, one meeting with a dietitian during my culinary internship at a hospital changed everything. And me volunteering as a student to assist with a research project lead me to becoming a research dietitian. Isn’t God awesome?!
My experience from my research days as a student led me to hire students for my projects. During the summers, I would hire them to assist me with data collections in rural Mississippi. Y’all, we had so much fun! Most of our trips required overnight stays. So, I would rent a 15 passenger van, reserve hotel rooms and take them to local restaurants to eat. Since most of them had never seen rural areas, or interacted with people from underserved communities, I wanted them to get the full experience. Plus, I love adventures and boy did we have some! Sometimes the GPS led us to some sketchy spots. So grateful for good phone service and a full tank of gas (always kept it above 1/2 full), we always made it to our destinations and had stories to tell afterwards.
Yeah…that’s what I miss! I miss the students. I miss the trips. I miss the conferences. I miss my colleagues. I miss meeting new people. I miss the communities. I miss the adventures and stories. Now, how can I make it happen again without going back to work for a university or with people who don’t share my same values?
I guess that’s something to tackle this week. Very few people know I have a nonprofit. Been tweaking things over the years. Maybe this year is the year I finally launch a project. Gotta start somewhere and with what I have.
I needed this! Started off not knowing what to write and in the midst of writing, discovered a plan. God is absolutely amazing!! I just love how He works. I am truly, truly blessed and loved.
Thanks for reading my first official rambling of the year. Again, God is so wonderful! So grateful to know Him.
What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?
E. H.
That was a quote I shared five years ago—January 14, 2019. Next is the caption that accompanied it:
Happy Monday! Wishing you a blessed week! Here’s today’s social media find. Take the leap. Yes, there’s a possibility that things won’t go as planned (been there); however, there’s also a possibility that they might AND exceed your expectations (been there, too). You’ll never know, if you never leap. You already know God is going to catch you– FLY!
During my adulthood, I have taken numerous leaps—mostly spontaneously. As I mentioned above, some things went as I hoped and/or exceeded my expectations, while others didn’t. Either way, I never fell or failed. Somehow I always managed to fly. All praises to God.
Lately, I have not taken any leaps (it’s been three years). I guess you could say I have been living a pretty quiet, unadventurous life—been playing it safe. Honestly, I am not sure if I am just tired or if the adventures have ceased. Hopefully, it’s not the latter. There just has to be more adventures and leaps in my future. Y’all, I’m too young to stop leaping now. Sighing
Why am I hearing Donald Lawrence singing, “The Best Is Yet To Come”? Shaking my head. My thoughts and their theme music. Even my subconscious mind has a sense of humor. My life… Laughing
Well, that’s all for now. I pray you have a wonderful day!
Social media has been excited for weeks now for this day—12/31/23 (123123)—to come so I thought I would mention it. (Smiling). Life is interesting and people are even more interesting. Gotta love them both.
Anyhoo…
Today is the last day of 2023. I pray whatever you were hoping for happened, or somewhat happened. Below is what I wrote last year in my final blog for 2022. I will say my 2023 turned out as I had somewhat hoped it would have because I stayed true to how I approached it, with humbleness and gratitude. I did not ask for much nor expected much, and was grateful for every blessing God sent my way. Here is what I wrote last year.
Y’all, 2022 was one eventful year! I’m so grateful God was with me every step of the way. So grateful for His guidance, grace and unconditional love.
Each year, instead of a setting a New Year’s resolution, I set a theme for the year. This year’s theme for 2022 was “Unapologetically Me.” I loved and lived up to it. I didn’t set it for others to see, or even notice. It was personal. It was for me to feel and embrace, and I did. Let’s just say it’s how I needed to end this decade of my 40s. Smiling
This coming year I’m entering a new decade of life, my 50s, and want to do things a little differently. Nothing bold. Nothing deep. The energy I’m taking into 2023 is humbleness and gratitude. It’s the energy I would like to have as I usher in the next half of my life. Gotta leave the negative energy on this side of my century. Smiling. Honestly, I’m looking forward to turning 50. God is good.
Okay.. so here is the ultra-condensed, yet very significant version of my accomplishments in 2022:
• I conquered a few fears. • I found myself again. • I released control.
I just wanted to add, releasing control was probably the most rewarding. This year, so many things happened that were beyond my control. I had no choice but to give in and go with the flow. Then, there were the things I could control. Well, I found out they weren’t worth the headache or heartache, so I let them go. Y’all, I never knew releasing control could be so freeing. This is a whole-nother level of freedom I never knew existed and I’m loving it!
As I mentioned earlier, I am focusing on humbleness and gratitude in 2023. Not expecting much. Not asking for much. Just grateful for what I already have. If God decides to bless me with more, I will be just as grateful.
As I enter 2024, I plan to remain humble and grateful for everything I already have and anything extra God decides to throw in. The amount of peace I have experienced by doing so has been immeasurable so why change it!
Next year, my goal is to continue practicing what I recently began doing a few days ago which is to stop fighting against (worrying about) things that unexpectedly pop up in my life, and to go with the flow. To allow God to navigate through the craziness while I rest in Him. To have my listening ears open and be prepared to move when He says move and relax when He says relax. To stay at peace despite the chaos and confusion happening around me. To continue loving the way I love as well as embrace the love surrounding me. To build a stronger relationship/bond with God. To stay under His covering and protection. When I tell you God’s protection is everything! Whew!! You better try it! Lastly, to take care of Shaun. Yes, to take care of me. To love and protect myself just as much as I do others. To put myself first so that I my cup remains full while I pour into others.
Well, that’s that. Praying you have a wonderful New Year’s Eve. Talk to you later.
Happy 50 years 6 months to me!!! Yes…I am 50 1/2 years old and beyond grateful to see this day. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine living this long. I never dreamt of age 50. As a child, 50 was old and who as a child dreamed of being old? I know I didn’t. If I can remember, most of my dreams were centered around my 20s and early 30s. Now, lo and behold, I am over 50! How awesome is that! Y’all, God is absolutely amazing!
As always, my Facebook memories are sooo timely. This memory from two years ago nicely sums up the last six months of my celebration.
Facebook Memory: December 24, 2021
Here is a quote from Michelle Obama’s “Becoming.” I believe questioning our worth is a natural part of our growth process. Whenever we take on new tasks, or decide to move beyond our comfort zone, part of us wonder, “Am I good enough?” Well, I am here to tell you that you are. You are good enough and you are more than equipped to handle whatever comes your way. You got this!
Yes, I am enough. I am continuously evolving and becoming the woman God created me to be.♥️
Over the past six months, I have had some very interesting experiences. Experiences that had me questioning God’s intentions. Had me asking more questions than I have ever asked Him before to include am I equipped to handle situations. And y’all, I have encountered some really interesting situations since turning 50. Listen, when I asked for this side of 50 to be completely different from the last, I had no idea what I was asking for (laughing), but God did. Shaking my head. My life and its adventures…
As I wrote two years ago—which I now know was a message for my future self—I am good enough. I am more than equipped to handle whatever comes my way. I’ve got this!
As I write, I cannot help but smile and praise God because I am truly blessed. Y’all, I am 50 1/2 years old and still here and healthy and loved. My babies are well and flourishing. My siblings and their families are all healthy and happy. My friends and family are still here. What more could I ask for. Again, I am so very blessed.
I have six more months left in my jubilee year. I do not know what’s to come; however, I do know that whatever comes God is good and I am covered. Y’all, God’s covering is everything. And His peace!!! Listen, there is none like it. You better get you some!
I pray you have a beautifully, blessed Sunday. Love you, always.♥️
It’s Shaun’s World 
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