Tag: thankful

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
All Smiles

It’s 3:00 AM and I haven’t been to sleep yet. Ugh!! One day I’ll follow my sleep schedule.

Anyway.. I just read my journal entry from this date a year ago, August 21, 2021. I’m smiling because my life actually follows a certain pattern. Y’all, I never realized this until a few days ago after reading several entries from the same date but different years. When I say I’m amazed! And quite amused too. Laughing. Y’all, my life is so interesting. It’s definitely Oscar worthy. My daughter says it’s my Cancer energy. That my life and behaviors are true to my sign. Whatever…

Honestly, I believe it’s God’s way of keeping me entertained and grounded while helping me become the woman I’m meant to be. It’s taken years, but I can finally see and feel God working. And it’s such a wonderful feeling.

Okay.. I need to go to sleep. Have to be up in a few hours to attend a conference. Yesterday’s sessions were pretty good! So good that I created a YouTube channel. More info to come!

Well, good night/morning. Wishing you an awesome day.

Shaun

Life

Time

Shaun Bradford

When we were younger, we believed we had all the time in the world to do those little things we knew were significant but found insignificant at the moment. Things like living healthier and cultivating meaningful relationships. They were always at the back of our minds, or on our to-do lists, but somehow they never quite became a priority.

Unfortunately, we cannot turn back the hands of time. Those health issues that could have been prevented are now being managed. Relationships that could have worked, or been better, are either long gone or beyond repair. Sadly, time didn’t wait until we were ready. However, the good news is we are still here and have the opportunity to make wiser choices.

Listen, time isn’t stopping nor is it slowing down. So if there is something or someone you value, make it or them a priority. It’s so important that we take advantage of the time we already have, not the time we believe you have. Be sure to make every moment count.♥️ ~ Shaun

This is my first animated drawing! Y’all, I’m creating and it feels absolutely amazing! Can’t wait to see where this adventure takes me.☺️
Life

Blessed & Favored

Shaun Bradford

I can hear the Clark Sisters singing–

“Never let a day go by and not realize we are blessed. Don’t take it for granted that we are here today. Just know we’re blessed and highly favored.”

I can undoubtedly say that I AM blessed and favored– highly favored. And so are you!♥️ ~ Shaun

Life

Rejoice

Shaun Bradford

Rejoice – to feel or show great joy or delight

God is good.

Yes, I’m blogging! Today is Day 460.

When I woke up this morning, the first thing I did was open my iPad and start drawing. While drawing, the word “Rejoice” came to mind and I immediately knew it was the word/quote for today. It was a word that needed to be shared.

Today, I’m rejoicing because I’ve decided to continue moving forward with blogging daily. Yes.. I’m celebrating my decision. Y’all, I remember how I struggled to blog for 100 consecutive days, then 150. When I made it to 200 days, I really wanted to quit. Believe me, the struggle was real. However, I kept going. Now, blogging daily is like second nature. So going back and starting over just isn’t an option. I have to keep going.

It’s what I’m meant to do.

Rejoicing!

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Decided to use the quote that initially accompanied the graphic. It’s a much needed reminder that I control the pen that’s writing my story.

Lately, I’ve been warring between disconnecting so that I can fully recharge or staying connected so that I won’t lose connections. There’s this fear of starting over and disappointing others that has me hesitant to disconnect, yet I know it’s necessary.

Today will be my 459th consecutive blog. Believe me, ending this streak is one of the most difficult decisions I have to make. And social media… Listen, I can’t even begin to describe how difficult it’s going to be logging off social media. Sadly, it’s become an integral part of my life. Y’all, I have upcoming events and community information to share on Mississippi Thriving. I have content to post for Nutrition with LaShaundreaB. Daily posts for Shaun’s Daily Inspiration. Morning greetings for my sistas in We Are Sistas. Sunday tweets with my e-church family during Sunday service. Shows and movies to promote. Issues to support. Y’all, there’s so much that I do– that I LOVE doing– that I’m finding it difficult to take a break from. Honestly, I feel like I’m abandoning my friends, followers and community– as if I’m abandoning my tribe.

Side Note: I believe I have blogged about this before, but until recently (like a year or so ago), I suffered from abandonment issues. I always felt like those I cared about most would abandon me. Well, it’s the same way I feel about disconnecting to recharge. Even though I know I’m not abandoning anyone, I don’t want them to feel as if I am. I know that probably sounds a bit crazy, but the fear of abandonment so real.

Well, with everything said…

Y’all, I need to press pause and take an indefinite break. I need to take a moment to fully recharge. Operating on half empty just isn’t working anymore. I know it may sound like farewell, but it’s not. I assure you that I will return.

Please take care of yourself!

Love you always,

Shaun