Tag: Wednesday

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Y’all, I had some kind of day yesterday. I’m not going to go into details, but it ended with me verbally declaring over and over, “I will not be defeated! I AM a child of God.” By the end of the night, the things I was stressing about had disappeared. Well.. they hadn’t actually disappeared, they were definitely still there; however, I no longer felt overwhelmed.

HA! That was yesterday…

Honestly, I have no idea why I check my emails at 3:00 AM, but I do. Ugh. It’s definitely a habit I need to break. Well, this morning I opened my email and the very first one hit me like a ton of bricks. Whew! Unlike yesterday when I allowed things to get me all worked up, I immediately began declaring – again, verbally – that I AM a child of God and I WILL NOT be defeated!

Y’all, I truly believe words have more power when they’re spoken, when they’re released into the universe. Now.. this goes for negative words too. So, be careful of what you release.

Today, at this very moment, I am declaring —

NOOOO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME WILL PROSPER! I AM A CHILD OF GOD AND HE’S GOT ME!!

Listen, if you’re also going through some things, please feel free to make the same declaration, verbally. Change it up however you like. Just make sure you get it out into the universe.

Well, there’s nothing I can do right now about that email so I’m going to publish this blog and go back to sleep. God’s got me.

Y’all have a blessed day.♥️

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Happy Wednesday! Today, I am celebrating wins. Not the big wins that everyone sees, but the small, teeny-tiny mental wins. You know, the ones that are small but have the greatest impact on our psyche. Yes, those are the wins I am referring to. And if you didn’t know, they are also the wins we need to move forward in this game called Life. Because y’all, life is definitely a game. Listen, if we are not careful, we will find ourselves stuck, repeating the same level for years. It’s a game.

So, even though my wins are small, I am celebrating them like I hit the jackpot because baby, I just entered another level. Yes, I have entered another level of life, which means another level of challenges.

HOWEVER…

This time I am entering prepared because I KNOW it’s a game.

AND…

I finally realize it’s a game that I cannot win without God’s presence, guidance or grace. Yes, the reason I was stuck on the same level for so long was because I tried to win on my own. HA! Silly me! Well, God is leading and I am listening. Okay.. so I would be lying if I said moving forward I will always listen —because some of the things He instructs me to do I just don’t want to do (yes, I can be stubborn – Repeat level–Lol!) —however, it’s my goal to do so. Looking forward to more wins and less repeats.

Yes, God is good and He loves me.♥️ Celebrating

Be Blessed

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Tyler Perry’s Sistas

Shaun Bradford

Hello. Hello. Helloooo!!!

Guess what?! Today marks the 100th episode of Tyler Perry’s Sistas!! Yessss!! Three years. Five seasons. 100 episodes! Pretty awesome, right?!

Y’all, I’m so happy for the cast. They have worked their butts off over the past three years. Honestly, I have never seen a cast that has been more engaged than this one. Their enthusiasm and appreciation for everything they have gained over the past three years is so authentic. And y’all, their love for their fans is unmatched! They LOVE their fans!!

Listen, I don’t care what anyone says about Tyler Perry’s extremely rare work ethic – no other bears gifts– intangible gifts – like he does. Baby, not only does he create great shows that keep us talking for days, months and years, he also creates families. Yes, families! As past cast members have said, by the time they finish filming they are so much more than colleagues, they are family. Y’all, that’s why I can’t stop supporting this man. He gets it. He gets the bigger picture! He knows how to bring people together. That’s a gift – a beautiful gift – and I love it!♥️

Anyhoo… got to stay on point. Laughing

Y’all, last night I was having all kinds of proud momma moments for the ladies and they aren’t even my babies. I couldn’t stop looking at their Instagram stories. The 100th episode celebration that they were given was EPIC! I could not stop watching. I loved seeing their smiles. So genuine. So appreciative. Listen, I remember where they were three years ago, and I see where they are now. Y’all, God’s work is amazing!

So, last year I gave up tweeting during the shows. Yeah.. I felt old trying to hang with the younger tweeters. Now, I’m chatting in our We Are Sistas Facebook group, which is more my speed, and I love it! However, yesterday, after seeing all of the excitement, I thought about tweeting again, just one more time, to help them celebrate. We shall see what happens. Smiling

Well, that’s all I have for you this Wednesday! Hope you have a spectacular day!!

Shaun

Throwback from when it all began. So much has changed!

Another gift! Love this group. Oops: Not sure who to give photo credit to.
Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Today’s blog is a single verse from the Bible that seems to be stuck in my head. Thought I’d share it with you. Have a blessed day!♥️ ~ Shaun

Psalm 34:1 (KJV)

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

First thing yesterday morning, I downloaded a copy of Mrs. Michelle Obama’s newest book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times. I had been looking for a good book to read and when I heard hers was about to be released, I waited for it. I waited for it because I knew it would be good. I knew it would be one that I couldn’t put down, just like her last book, Becoming.

Sooo… many, many years ago, I made a list of people I wanted to meet. Well, she was number four on my list; and believe it or not, her husband was number ten. Crazy, huh? On my list, I added why I wanted to meet them and questions I would ask. Well, at that time, my question for Mrs. Obama was – How do you keep smiling?

Y’all, back then I was so intrigued by the way she carried herself when most people would have buckled. Her poise, her confidence, her strength and her smile were all so fascinating. As you can see, I’m definitely a fan. Y’all, it was like the more they hated her and her husband the more she smiled, showed kindness, love and compassion. It was like their hate was her fuel.

Side Note: Over my lifetime, I have asked God for things, or wanted things, and they have happened. Sadly, many of those times I didn’t realize He had answered my prayers until years later. It’s because His answers don’t always come in the form we are searching for. Life…

In 2019, I had the opportunity to see Mrs. Obama at Essence Festival in New Orleans. I remember my friends and I walking towards the Superdome and seeing police escorts and black SUVs zooming pass. We stopped and yelled, “That’s her!” We screamed her name not even knowing if it was her inside one of the vehicles. We still laugh about it to this day because we swear it was her and that she saw us and waved. Y’all, that could’ve been ANYBODY! Laughing. But in our hearts it was her. Later that evening, we got to hear her talk about everything I wanted know and more. The book only covered so much and she filled in the rest. For me, God had answered my prayers. It didn’t take me years to realize what had happened. I knew at that exact moment that I was sitting in my answer.

Now, I’m reading her latest book and so far she’s dropping gems that I need for where I am now, in life. Yeah.. so many tools – as she calls them – that I can use to get me through this next phase of my journey. Smiling.

Listen, if you’re looking for a good book to read, that’s not boring, pick up Mrs. Obama’s latest book The Light We Carry.

Be Blessed!♥️

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Can’t believe it’s Wednesday, already! It’s a little after midnight where I am so I have decided to go ahead and write.

Life is full of highs and lows. Seems like as soon as you experience a high you need to start preparing for the low– the unexpected low.

Yesterday was a pretty sad day. I woke up to the news that one of the artists from the rap group Migos had passed. I’m not sure if it was my daughter waking me up in tears that made the news seem more devastating or the fact that he was so young. All I kept thinking was that could’ve been my son. He was only 28.

Then, I visited my mom in the hospital and she wasn’t having a good day. She thought she was going to be discharged only to find out everything had been delayed. She cried and screamed and nothing I said or did consoled her. It was a lot. Yeah.. yesterday was a lot.

I’m going to attempt to go back to sleep now. I pray that the rest of the day goes well. I pray that those who are hurting mentally, emotionally and physically experience peace and comfort. Lord, please help us. Amen

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

I’m slowly learning that setbacks, or plot twists – as I call them because I definitely feel like I’m in a movie, a Tyler Perry movie – are designed to make me stronger. I know they are preparing me for something greater.

Yesterday, I experienced one of those “plot twists.” Not going to go into details. However, I will let you know I was on an all-time high where things just seemed to be falling in place, then.. BAM!, everything began to unravel as fast as they had happened. Although I was somewhat disappointed, I didn’t become upset. Instead, I remained calm as everything played out.

Y’all, I’m so thankful for my daughter (one of my gifts from God). I texted her while celebrating and she responded with, “Whatever you desire happens!” Because she’s witnessed God’s goodness over my life. Then, I texted her as things began to crumble. Her response, “It will work out how it needs to.” Y’all, it was the response I needed. Smiling. Proud mom moment.

So, yesterday, I decided not to be the problem solver that I always tend to be, and I allowed God to lead. I’m not going to lie, I wanted to make sense of everything that had happened and find a solution. But God asked me to release the reins and allow Him to lead. And I did.

My birthday theme for this year (Year 49) was Smooth Sailing. I said that I was going to sit back, relax and let the waves take me wherever they pleased. Guess what? I didn’t account for storms. As the storms roll in – and boy do they seem to be coming – out of habit, I want to sit up and take control of the ship. However, every time I get the urge do so, God reassures me that He’s got it all under control. All I have to do is sit back, relax and trust Him. As Bishop T. D. Jakes preached Sunday, I have to remain Steady in The Storm.

Thank you for reading today’s blog. I pray you’re also trusting God to guide you through your storms – because I know I can’t be the only one going through them. Smile.

Be Blessed♥️

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings, Part 2

Shaun Bradford

After reading a few journal entries, I’ve discovered the drive behind my faith– optimism. High optimism. Basically, my faith is the strongest when my head is in the clouds. When I believe the impossible is possible. And guess what? That’s exactly when the impossible actually happens. Y’all, when I’m on an optimistic high, the earth moves!

For the past few years – since October 2019 – I haven’t cared for October. But looking back, October used to be my month. It’s the month that I usually attend our national dietetics conference – FNCE. I always looked forward to attending them because they seemed to boost my drive to do more and be more. Y’all, I really feed of off energy. And right now, I feel depleted. Honestly, I feel like the Little Engine That Could. I keep saying, “I think I can. I think I can,” but can’t. Honestly, my adrenaline is gone and I’m running off of vapors. Praying, praying, praying that I find another source of energy.

Wow! Just writing this has been eye opening. I’ve actually been feeding off of their energy… Okay, so how do I produce my own? Asking God

Anyhoo.. me and my “Aha” moments. At least this is a start. Thanks for reading Part 2 of Wednesday Writings.♥️

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

It’s a little after 3:00 AM and since I’m up, I’ll write. I have so much on my mind. Isn’t it interesting how no matter how much you try to clear your thoughts, even through meditation, when you’re finished, everything comes rushing back. No matter how many inspirational videos I watch, messages I hear or pep talks I get, there’s always one or two things always nagging me. After writing that last sentence I heard, “Where is your faith?”. Interesting…

It’s interesting because there have been times in my life where my faith was so high that nothing around me bothered me. Then there have been times, like now, when my faith has been exhausted. Exhausted…

Y’all, I really need to get away. I’m not used to being so still. One thing I miss about life before COVID, is being able to travel freely and interacting with people. I’m not going to lie, the pandemic did a number on me and I have yet to recover. It’s like I don’t know how to jump back into the game.

Last night I was talking to a friend and she told me about odd jobs she’s taken on just to do something different outside of her full-time job. While we were talking, I considered doing the same. Then when I got off the phone, I was like, I love the flexibility of my life. I can’t even see myself tied to an 8-5 or any kind of rigid schedule. I like creating my own schedule. Funny thing is, when I did work 8-5, I created my own schedule. Had been for years. Outside of scheduled meetings, I was free to operate as I pleased. Looking back, I was pretty spoiled. Now, I can’t even imagine myself working like that again. (Shaking My Head)

Yeah.. times are weird. I thought I would have Nutrition with LaShaundreaB fully launched by now, but life happened. And every time I think about “life” happening, I think about if I was working like I had planned, I wouldn’t have been able to take time off to care for my parents.

Yeah.. life is interesting. I know this is only one small moment in time that my faith is low. I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later. I mean, I had been on an emotional high for over a year and a half. Maybe it was too high.. if that’s even a thing.

So.. where is my faith?

Umm… I think it’s time I go find it. The good part is, I don’t have to look far or find inspiration or encouragement from some outside source. I have tons of journal entries full of encouragement and acts of faith, love and blessings. I’m sooo grateful God made me who I am. Even though I hate being a loner at times, He’s made it so that I will always be able to make it even if I am alone. It’s times like this that I wish I had a boo to talk to. (Sigh) Again, life!

Thanks for reading another round of my early morning ramblings. Now, let me go read a few journal entries because I hate being in a funk.

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

This morning I’m singing —

Hold on – just a little while longer
Hold on – just a little while longer
Hold on – just a little while longer
Everything will be alright

Pray on – just a little while longer
Pray on – just a little while longer
Pray on – just a little while longer
Everything will be alright

God is working and I’m holding on. I know better days are ahead. This time I’m going to cherish them a little bit more. Smiling

By the way, the premiere of Tyler Perry’s Sistas Season 5 is tonight! Y’all know I get excited about Sistas. It would be so awesome if I could watch and chat from the comfort of my home. Remaining hopeful.

Well, that’s all I have for you today. Please enjoy your Wednesday!

Shaun