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.
Sitting here reflecting on the past couple of days. Y’all, God is so very amazing.
Revelations 21:5 (NIV) says, “… I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
I wish you could feel what I am feeling right now. I’ve been hanging out with my daughter the past couple of days, and this is the first time—very first time—since I was around six years old that I haven’t had to worry about anyone else besides myself. Even when I joined the Air Force and left home, my siblings were always at the forefront of my mind. I’ve always been their second mom, so it was natural for me to be concerned about them. Afterwards, my babies became the center of my life, and then my parents.
Y’all, this is the first time ever that I am my only concern. This is the most liberating feeling I have had in my entire adult life. Like I said, I wish you could feel what I am feeling. Honestly, I never knew it was possible to feel this way. I am so, so, soooo very blessed.
I pray you’re having a wonderful weekend. Don’t forget to do something extra special for yourself today.♥️
Originally saved to my photos on December 8, 2016.
This journey of mine hasn’t always been bright. Over my lifetime, I’ve had some very dark moments—so dark that I didn’t always want to be here. The day that I saved that scripture above was one of those days. But God had other plans. As the scripture says, His plan was to give me a future and hope.
Y’all, I don’t take my relationship with God lightly. Sometimes, I praise Him so much that I know I may appear a bit weird. But it’s because I know where I’ve been and where I am today. I am so grateful and blessed that He loves me.
Last week, after watching the Sunday service, I shared that I will never choose God’s promises over His presence. Y’all, His presence is everything. His presence is my life.
I can’t stress enough how incredibly blessed I am. I am beyond blessed.♥️
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