Around this time last night, I was at my daughter’s place watching “Bringing Down The House” and laughing like crazy. Now, I’m back home, showered, and in bed, and it’s barely 8:30 PM. Although our visit wasn’t even a good 18 hours, I believe it was one of our best times together. Seeing her smiles and hearing her laughter was worth the short trip.
Can’t wait to celebrate her 30th tomorrow!
I hope you had a great weekend. Wishing you a peaceful night and wonderful week ahead.♥️
This memory made me smile. It’s so timely. So many can use a little encouragement at the moment, including myself.
Over the past few days, I have watched my lifelong dream of a kinder, healthier, and safer world crumble before my eyes. First, the president withdrew us from the Paris Climate Agreement, and then the World Health Organization (this one hurt!). Now, there is uncertainty regarding the future of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. If another outbreak, of any kind, were to occur, no one would know about it. This means we will be unable to prevent avoidable deaths. And then there’s everything else that moved us forward as a nation that’s now setting us back. So, yeah… this has been one tough week.
Soooo….
Seeing the words “Be Encouraged” made me smile and momentarily gave me a sense of hope.
I know God is with us. I know God is in control. I also know that certain things have to happen for better to come. Since the beginning of time, there hasn’t been an era without conflict, a great disaster, or some form of devastation. Well, now it’s our time.
I’m staying in prayer and trusting God. I won’t say too much, but God had already prepared me for this right before my 50th birthday. At the time, I didn’t understand what He was saying, but now I do.
Y’all, I know God’s got us. I don’t doubt that at all. However, I am still human, and my heart hurts.
This is all I have at the moment. I pray you have an amazing day!
Thanking God for His love, mercy, and grace. For His covering and guidance. For protecting me from hurts and harm. For keeping my family safe and healthy.
God, I thank you.🙏🏽
Beyond Blessed
There’s so much happening at the moment. We must remember that what affects one affects all.
I pray you’re having a wonderful day. May God continue to bless and keep you in his care. Stay covered.♥️
Woke up this morning singing Kirk Franklin’s “Conquerors”. Then, I came across these two messages in my Facebook memories.
Whew! This message is right here. This is exactly what God’s been telling me to do. I keep saying, “I’m listening, God; I hear you, God.” However, as we’ve all experienced (and I know I’m not alone in this), doing so becomes difficult at times when the facts seem overpowering. But I’m holding on. The crazy thing is God has never not taken care of me. He’s always been faithful. So why is it difficult to stay focused on His instructions?I guess I’m beginning to sound like Joel because I ended last year with this exact message—I’m taking the limits off God and myself. Y’all, why do I want to say, “This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do. …” IYKYK😁
I needed both messages this morning. Thank You, God.♥️
Father, God, please send relief, peace, hope, and comfort to those in need. Let them know that You are with them, and You’ll never leave them. Please wrap them in Your loving arms and let them know everything will be alright. Amen
I just watched another eulogy for President Jimmy Carter. Had no idea there was another one until it popped up on my YouTube feed. Y’all, this one had me bawling. He really was a great man. So selfless. His life’s mission was to make someone else’s life better and give them hope. Yeah… I’m crying!😭
Pastor Lowden said President Carter’s life exemplified the Fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23):
Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Faithfulness Gentleness & Self-control
Honestly, after seeing this eulogy, I really want to be a better person and continue his legacy. What a beautiful gift he left me, and he had no idea he was leaving me one. Yes, I am claiming it as mine.☺️ For real y’all, I am truly, truly blessed.♥️
So, my new year started off on a high note. However, it went downhill soon after—like the next day—when I began thinking about my personal life. I thought about how I chose to be a mom first and built my life around my two—no disrespect to my babies because I would do it all again if I had to. It’s true.
Side note: If you don’t already know, I love being a mom. Y’all, I love everything about motherhood—the good and bad. Believe me, my adult children were regular kids like every other kid. They tested their boundaries and my patience, but I never once regretted having them. They were and truly are my blessings.
Anyhoo… Reality hit me hard a couple of days ago. I’m talking hard! For a minute, I felt completely lost and alone. Y’all, I am single—like, single, single—grown kids, no man single—and I’m 51.
That’s when I knew I needed a change of scenery to clear my mind, so I hit the road. I wasn’t about to sit and wallow in my thoughts of what I didn’t or don’t have. Yes, I am 51, but I refuse to believe my best days are behind me. That I missed out on God’s plans for my personal life because I chose to make my babies a priority.
This morning I came across a Facebook memory from a few years ago and was reminded that everything that happened in my life, happened the way and in the order that God planned. I may not understand it, but I accept it. I accept it, and I’m letting it go. I must let it go. I know God’s got me.
Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling lately. How about you?😅
Don’t forget, today is Self-Love Saturday! Remember to treat yourself a little extra special today.♥️
This past Saturday, I volunteered at two events. The first involved assisting with distributing over 2,000 pounds of fresh greens (collards, mustards, and turnips) to the community—many thanks to Mississippi farmers for their donation! The second involved providing winter wear and a hot meal to people experiencing homelessness. This was at a candlelight vigil held for individuals who lost their lives while being homeless (see We Are Thriving’s post below).
Years ago, I asked God for time to do what I really wanted to do—spread love and hope to underserved and unserved communities. I wanted to be able to actually connect and interact with the people I served. Unfortunately, every promotion I received limited those opportunities and connections, and I hated it.
Fast forward to today. I’m doing what I love! Last Friday, I met with a local veterans organization and made a few connections. I’m looking forward to assisting them in the future. Then, on Saturday, I had the two events. At the end of the candlelight vigil, the organizer recognized me for my assistance. Not for the work everyone saw but for what they didn’t see. She told them I was her prayer partner and encourager. Y’all, it was so unexpected. When I say I am truly, truly blessed, this is what I mean!
I am so grateful that God has allowed me to do what I love. I pray that His light and love shine through me and be passed on to others through everyone I touch. Yes, this is my prayer.♥️ ~Shaun
Today’s a new day—a fresh start. It’s an opportunity to do things better than I did yesterday. Today, I will be kind to myself, and I will give myself grace and space to be human…because I am human.☺️
On another note…
I will be changing my posting schedule to allow for a few more hours of sleep. For years, my most productive time has been early morning, so my current schedule worked. However, now that I have more activities scheduled throughout the day, I must make sure I have enough energy and rest to accomplish them. I’m not as young as I used to be (I’m just facing the facts) and need to adjust accordingly. I must be able to perform at my best at all times. No half-stepping!
Well, this is all I have for now. Thank you for reading. I’m not sure what my new posting schedule will look like, just know that there will always be a “Good Morning” post because I love good mornings.
It’s Shaun’s World 
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