Author: Shannon k hinson

The Treasure of Brokenness

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This morning I woke up smiling with a song playing in my heart. I love when that happens. “God is healing someone,making a way for someone, God is up to something right now.” I wasn’t sure the lyrics in my heart were the right lyrics so I looked it up. I wasn’t too far off. I got on our church website to check the music from this past Sunday. You can check it out for yourself at http://www.centralnc.org The lyrics were “He is healing someone, He is saving someone, God is doing something right now.” I’m not sure the name of the song.

I love when the Lord ministers to my heart through music. It’s also kind of amusing because being hearing and visually limited, I get parts of it then make it my own version. I know I’m an “Oddball” but that’s okay. There is nothing wrong with being your unique individual self.

Yesterday a friend and I met for our first week of Bible study. She lives a few houses down from me, so I walked down for our first study together. We are doing Kay Arthur’s Bible study, Lord I Want yo Know You I’ve done the study before on my own but I thought it would be good to do it with a friend. There is nothing as refreshing as studying Gods Word. Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (NLT).

This particular Kay Arthur study we are doing is a study of the names of God in the Bible. God reveals His character and attributes about Himself with each name we study.

Yesterday we discussed Elohim, God our Creator. We talked about the purpose for our existence. According to God’s Word, we were created for His glory. See Isaiah‬ ‭43:7‬, “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’”(NLT‬‬).

One of the beautiful things about doing a Bible study with someone is the opportunity to share. I was open as I shared my frustrations of my hearing and visual issues. In all honesty I told my friend I didn’t think I would be the person I am today if God had not allowed me to be “broken”. God has brought me to a place where I must rely on Him rather than myself. I shared with her about a devotion I came across last week about Gideon. (Judges 7) In a nutshell, God had to reduce Gideon’s men so only God would get the glory in the victory. God reduced Gideon’s men to 300. That’s a fraction from what he started with. They each had a horn and a torch in earthen vessels (clay jars). The 300 broke into groups of three. When the horn sounded they broke their earthen vessel and the light shined through.

Sometimes God has to bring us to brokenness so His light shines through. A place where we can’t rely on our own strengths but have to fully rely on Him. It’s a hard place to be but He surely brings victory and is glorified.

There are treasures found in brokenness. It is when we can’t do it that God pouts His strength into us to enable us to shine on for His glory.

It would be so easy to sink in despair and stay in my comfort zone. A place where I’m not worried about what I can’t or can’t see, can or can’t understand. A side note, I see some of the signs but can’t always see the right hand shape with sign language, so I miss parts of what I should be seeing. When talking and listening to conversations, I understand parts of it with my cochlear implant processor but I also miss many parts. I know in my heart, God did not create me to live in my “comfort zone” where I’m not challenged and used. I was created to bring glory to Him, my Elohim, my Creator. As I soak in Gods Word, He restores me and enables me to rise up again. He is our victory. And just like that song I woke up to that was playing in my heart….“He is healing someone, He is saving someone, He is doing something…right now”! Be Blessed.

Check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” for more of my story. Find it on Amazon and other online retailers.

Pictures used in this blog were found on Pinterest.
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Balancing Act

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A few weeks ago I got my bosu ball out to begin working on my balance. I also found a Pilates app that has different routines to do to strengthen your body and help with flexibility. It is surprising how off balance I can be even on solid ground. I’m sure my low vision and hearing contribute to the balance issue. I’m also only implanted with a cochlear Implant in my right ear. My trouble with balance can be embarrassing as I always try to play it off if I wobble. I knew it was time to take action and do what I can to strengthen my core muscles .

When I first got my bosu ball out, I was amazed at how hard it was to find balance with the round side on the floor. One night right before bed at 11:30 I had the “bright idea” of closing my eyes to see if I could balance without looking. That was a very short experiment. As I tried to balance with the rounded side on the floor, as soon as I closed my eyes I fell straight over to my right side(The side my cochlear implant is on) I hit the carpet pretty hard causing a carpet burn on my knee. Otherwise I was fine. My husband heard the fall and came to investigate. I was laying on the floor laughing. I said, “No worries. I just fell over, that’s all.”

There is a life lesson in this. We need to keep our focus. If my eyes are open and fixed straight ahead, Im not as likely to waver in faith or character. Life is a balancing act. Equilibrium is so necessary: a calm purposeful focus on what’s most important.

Last week I felt stretched in all different directions and it had me stressed out. We were finishing up a home improvement project and having carpet put in that room. The day of installment was so confusing. The company went back and forth on if it was actually coming. Someone one said”Yes, it’s coming”, another said, “No we made a mistake”. It finally came that evening. Our son also started a new job doing something totally new to him. He’s working as an electrician apprentice. That caused some underlying anxiety to flare up. All the while, I was my husbands “sounding board”. Listening to your spouses frustrations is part of marriage but I don’t hear like a normal person and with everything else going on, I’d had more than enough! I needed quiet time to unwind and not have to listen to things I have zero control over. I went into our bedroom, for some time alone. My husband came in and said, “I love you.” I replied, “I love you too now go away.” I’m thankful my husband understands when I need peace and quiet after over stimulation.

From You Version App

Recently I asked a good friend who is also a neighbor if she would do a Bible study with me. We are doing “Lord I want to know you” by Kay Arthur. I’ve done this study years ago on the names of God in the Bible and how the names reveal who He is. As I started day 1 today, I was amazed at how the opening illustration reflected me right now. The illustration is of a doe running from a barking dog. The doe is exhausted from the chase and comes upon a person standing at a fence. Sensing security there the doe goes to him. As I reflected on that illustration I saw myself being exhausted by the chase of lie worries and frustrations. Life happens and we have to deal with it. God does not leave us to face it alone. He’s right there saying “Come to Me“. In Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭ Jesus is saying, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”(NASB2020)

So you see life is a balancing act. Whether it’s with physical balance, life in general, relationships or spiritual, Jesus is there willing to help us stay steady. It will require focus on Him but it will be so worth it. Be encouraged and press on,

My website is still down. Thankfully I have the files but am waiting for a friend to show me how to transfer them to a new site. I’m hoping to combine my website and blog together. It is coming along just rather slowly. In the meantime if you’d like to check out my book “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. Thank you for journeying with me. Please subscribe to my blog and share it with others. Blessing to you all.

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Through another’s eyes 👁👁

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Life lies in the eyes of the beholder. How you see the world is influenced by your circumstances, attitudes, abilities, short comings and beliefs. Human nature is so complex. Peoples approaches and reactions to life are even more complex.

I love when people share their life struggles. To listen to peoples hearts is such a privilege. Having hearing and visual issues brings extra hurdles but one on one, I’m usually fine.

It’s refreshing when people take the time to really listen. Most people are so wrapped up in themselves these days that they don’t have time. When listening to others I try to see things through their eyes. I see the personalities and the way they engage in situations. It’s a marvel and perplexing at the same time. One thing I try to do is see things through their eyes or in other words through their perspective. Truly understanding one another is a gift. It takes compassion and grace. It takes empathy. It’s the acceptance that life is not all about you and yours but others as well. People matter. Look around and be willing to share life with others.

I know dealing with people can be challenging. I will admit to a lot of eye rolling. The person might not see it but I’m reminded that God does. Many times I have to pray for grace. Lord help me to show grace and mercy as you always shower them on me. It’s about finding balance. It’s a give and take. The best gift is to give of your heart. Take time to lift up those who need encouragement. Make time to celebrate others blessings.

I don’t know what your week has been like but we are half way through it. We are at a midpoint. Let’s really look around us and see what we can do for one another. People are precious…. All people. Make the time to listen and care. You will be so glad you did.

My website is still down. Thankfully I have the files but am waiting for a friend to show me how to transfer them to a new site. I’m hoping to combine my website and blog together. It is coming along just rather slowly. In the meantime if you’d like to check out my book “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon in hard over, soft cover and e book formats. Thank you for journeying with me. Please subscribe to my blog and share it with others. Blessing to you all.

My first Zoom meeting

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I accidentally took this screenshot while my iPad was under my video magnifier. The lower right square was supposed to be my face but it’s the machine 😂😂


I just had my first “Zoom” meeting experience. Let me just say, that was interesting! The Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implant Consumer Specialist (CICS) in the Southeast region invited me to attend the nation wide zoom training for mentors. I certainly have my doubts about this. Yes, I would love to share my story! Yes, I love to positively encourage others and share tips. I’ve had my CI for 16 years but I also am legally blind. My success rate has been all over the scale during the last 16 years.

Yesterday I had another mapping with my Audiologist. She turned my levels up and made a few adjustments so I could understand better when I left her office. She encouraged me to try the mentor training. She said there are all levels of success, so I gave it a try today.

The zoom meeting was closed captioned but it was so small I had to zoom in on my iPad to follow along. When I zoomed in on the iPad I could no longer see the speakers. I finally decided to use my video magnifier for people with low vision. This machine makes things large. Once the iPad was on the video magnifier the group could no longer see my face but rather saw the magnifying machine. When the main group broke into regional groups the captioning disappeared but I saw a familiar face. With the captioning no longer working I decided to just zoom in on faces. Oh the things I try when faced with a new challenge. Zooming in large in a zoom meeting! How ironic!

One big take away from this experience, for a good zoom experience, either hearing(even with cochlear implant technology) or sight is so helpful. If you are like me and limited in both categories you will need a big dose of patience and a determination to try anyway. One thing I bring to the table of mentoring is the mentality to never ever give up. Where there is a will, there is a way. I will try again if I’m sent another invitation to the next meeting in September.

The picture below sits on a table in our family room. It’s a reminder to me and anyone else who sees it to believe in yourself. Everyone brings a unique set of abilities to the table. We all fall short in some areas but God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses. That’s one huge reason to be thankful.

My website is currently down as I wait for the release of my files. I’m hoping to combine my website and blog together. In the meantime if you’d like to check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon in hard over, soft cover and e book formats. Thank you for journeying with me. Please subscribe to my blog and share it with others. Blessing to you all.

One Year Anniversary

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Today marks one year since I started blogging. One year of sharing encouragement and pouring into others. One year of sharing my struggles and allowing you all in to witness personal growth. As I looked at my stats today, I saw my blog site has had 2197 views, 1417 visitors and 82 posts. My goal has been and continues to be, to encourage others to never give up in difficulties. I want people to see that there is HOPE and God is faithful. There is much that I don’t understand in life. Everyday is a classroom, teaching us about ourselves, God and the people He surrounds us with.

I love how God uses nature to teach us life lessons. This past Saturday I had a first time ever experience. Mom and I got to pick blueberries at our friends house before our book club meeting began. You might think this is totally off topic, but stay with me as I tie it in. At age 53, this was my first time seeing blueberries on a bush. Having low vision made it a bit tricky for me to pick the ripe berries. I discovered that I had to get in the bush, close enough so I could see which berries were ripe. For some reason I thought it humorous to have to be in the bush, arms wet from morning dew on the huge bushes, so I could pick the sweet fruit. Berries fresh off a bush are the best. There was a reward for getting in there and getting a bit wet and dirty. Life is just like that. You have to “get in” to gleam the rewards. With blogging I have to “get in there” in order to encourage others. I’m thankful for the opportunity and it warms my heart when people around the world choose to take the time to read my thoughts. Besides the United States my blog has also been seen in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Nigeria, Kenya, Australian, Canada and China to name a few.

We all have opportunities to share history by sharing “his”story, or in other words, by sharing the journey God has you on. What is God showing you? How can you surrender to Him and allow Him to pour into your life so you can pour into others around you? We will encounter hardships and struggles but it is so worth it. Being a vessel God can work through is an honor. Let’s take every opportunity to impact the world for Gods glory.

My website is currently down as I wait for the release of my files. I’m hoping to combine my website and blog together. In the meantime if you’d like to check out my book “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon in hard over, soft cover and e book formats. Thank you for journeying with me. Please subscribe to my blog and share it with others. Blessing to you all.

Renew me!

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This morning I woke up at 5. As I was trying to go back to sleep I asked the Lord to speak to me. I tossed for an hour then got up. One of the ways God speaks to me is through His Word, The Bible. Being up early I would have time for an extra long quiet time with the Lord. Currently I’m doing a reading plan on You Version reading the minor prophets. Once I finished todays reading, I went to Ephesians to read up on the armor of God. As I looked over the verses I saw Ephesians‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬ and stopped. This verse says, “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” I thought to myself, “Okay Lord, you have my attention.”

Life happens! It’s to be expected. Yes it is very frustrating but how do we deal with it? That’s exactly why I was reading up on the armor of God but since the Holy Spirit pointed out this verse in chapter 4. I will pause and seek a fresh mind renewal. Oh Lord renew my mind and my attitudes!

Yesterday my husband Ron fully intended on spending the whole day painting the bonus room. Our son wants to make it his suite which is fine with us. It’s been the “Man cave” for years. Ron’s plan got pushed aside as I was checking e mail yesterday morning. There was a very suspicious e mail that had him on the phone with the. Bank then we finally went in person. The e mail was an attempt at fraud. Why do people do these things? Fraud, scams and schemes abound. I recently got an e mail from a fake “Ron Howard” asking if I had a script ready for him. Backstory, this same scammer contacted me five months ago. He used the famous actors name and picture. He said he was interested in my story and wanted to see a script. We e mailed back and forth. It seemed legit but I wanted a professionals opinion. My sister in laws brother is a producer in the industry. She reached out to him with some questions for me. He said the real Ron Howard would never contact me that way. To make a long story short, I sent the imposter an email telling him I had talked to a professional in the industry. I told him I might be deaf and legally blind but I won’t be easily scammed. I thanked him for a lesson well learned and though I’d never hear from him again. He waited five months and used a different e mail to look more professional. People are desperate. There was another e mail this morning about a whole different topic, my point is people want to take advantage of you at every turn. So this morning as I was searching for scripture on the Armor of God, God first pointed out Ephesians 4:23 about the Holy Spirit renewing my thoughts and attitudes. I don’t know about you but I sure do need a fresh Holy Spirit mind washing with a renewed attitude as well. People fail you and take advantage of you but God is faithful. Lord give us wisdom to see through the enemies tactics and a heart always eager to praise you as you fight our battles for us. Have a blessed day!

If you happen to come across this blog post for the first time. I encourage you to read my autobiography ”Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Stirred byWhat?

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Today I’d like to continue on the topic of stirring. Specifically what stirs you? What irritates you and prompts you to speak or act? There are so many things that stir people to react that it’s impossible to list them all. The level of maturity, restraint, strength, self control and compassion can dictate how you handle those things that trigger you.

Yesterday my son Joshua and I spent some time together. He is one of my favorite people. Since returning home from Arizona he has moved back in with us until he decides what he wants to do. We are savoring this time together. He has had some quality times with his dad but yesterday it was just the two of us. We got some subs from Jersey Mikes then got groceries. We talked about all sorts of things. We came across the topic of things that are annoying. It was kind of funny because dealing with people can be a huge test of character. As I listened I understood his point of view and I also took his age into consideration. When I was 24 I thought along the same lines. Amazing how wisdom comes with age. I told him people will be people. You can’t let it bother you. It’s best to just let it go. Sure it is annoying and yes it takes self control to not respond to it but we have to rise above the situation and let it go. Life is largely out of our control. We don’t have to let negativity around us affect our day. Just do what you can with kindness and move on. A positive loving word can go a long way.

So what stirs people? Why are people so angry, bitter,self centered and proud? Granted, I do miss a lot having low vision and hearing issues but I truly “see” people. I ask questions. I ask my husband things all the time. I ask him about peoples face expressions and things they say. I ask him about people driving along, what they look like, expressions and mannerisms. I’m just intrigued by human nature and how people respond to things. Behind every harsh look or bitter response there is a person who quite possibly is hurting and in need of grace and love. When situations and people make you angry think beyond the situation to what truly is the root of the issue. The Bible tells us in Ephesians‬ ‭6:12, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”(New Living Translation) Let’s let that scripture sink into our hearts.

There is more to be shared on this topic. Im going to meditate on Gods Word and see what he reveals to me. Stay tuned…..
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Stirred!

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In all honesty I’ve been feeling kind of burned out. Being attentive on social media platforms can be soooo draining with my low vision and typing on an iPad touch screen. If you saw the amount of typing errors from not seeing the screen well, it would blow your mind. I then have to go back and correct each one with the screen zoomed in large. I’m talking”triple tap and drag” on my iPad… ZOOMING IN! It’s tedious and sometimes I wonder if it’s even worth it. Sometimes I laugh at the process and sometimes I shake a fist at the screen. It’s almost been one year now of blogging. I started this journey as a continuation of my book, “Rooted by the Water” ( available on Amazon) My journey didn’t end at the end of my book. God continues to teach me and stretch me. Sometimes I go with the stretch and yet sometimes Im resistant. Lord help me learn, surrendering daily to your gentle tug on my heart.

Here’s a fun fact about me, I never watch tv. There are so many remote controls I don’t even know how to turn it on and off. I’m not kidding. I’d rather download a book from Hoopla app and expand my mind. The entertainment industry shapes our culture. There is such a lack of moral values and integrity that it is astounding. Whatever happened to logical, open minded, civil discussion? Now it like, if you don’t agree with me I will just cancel you out. That’s the way people come across. It’s a sad broken world we live in. In todays society “good is considered bad and bad is considered good”. Here is a prime example, recently Foxnews posted on Instagram that celebrity Chris Platt was seen at a anti GLBT church. HELLO! What kind of headline is that? Talking about stirring up division. Out of curiosity I decided to read the comments. There is nothing like seeing the true state of humanity in all its various shades as reading public forums. Some people know what’s going on and some are truly in the dark. Deception abounds and what you hear and see plays a huge role in what you think. What are you exposing yourself to?

So back to the particular Instagram post, I don’t normally participate in these discussions but people need to know truth. John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”ESV. So I felt a need to reply, with love of course. After debating a guy for days about what the Bible says, I finally told him he didn’t know enough about Christianity to be having the discussion with me and he stopped responding. He was determined to say Christians are bigots. If you are a true follower of Jesus Christ you surrender you fleshly desires and live according to the Holy Spirit. I gently explained that according to the Bible we ALL have sinned and we ALL fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” ESV‬‬) Not just one group of people. God is HOLY. Sin is sin! God doesn’t tolerate sin. We could never make it on our own, that is why Jesus died in our place! And I will have you know that He rose again on the third day, has ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God.

Over the years the enemy has snuck into the church. Political correctness has snuck into the pulpit of many churches. We must pray that Pastors will preach the Gospel of Jesus crucified and resurrected. Preach the Word of God, “The Holy Bible” from beginning to end. Add nothing to it and leave nothing out! II Timothy‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ says “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” The English Standard Version says it this way, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for proof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

Even though I feel dried out form this process of social media and blogging, I will continue simply because God has once again stirred me. I pray daily, “Lord pierce the darkness! Shine brightly and expose deception!”. People read the Bible, pray, listen to the Holy Spirit and Shine for Jesus! Will you join me? The world is dying from lack of spiritual knowledge. I’m talking the truth of Gods Word, not some watered down gospel appeasing the itching ears. I’m going to stop here and pick up again on the topic of “stirring”. May Gods peace and joy rest on you as you seek Him. Be Blessed!

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Example of fixing typos.

The Missing Link

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All Smiles!


There is glorious light at the end of this struggle. Today I went back to my Audiologist for another mapping (programming) of my Advanced Bionics Marvel cochlear implant processor. The last several weeks have been quite an interesting challenge. After a week of a sound diet, having no auditory stimulation, followed by turning the processor back on to a low level; today she found the missing link. I had three electrodes that were turned off for some reason. My Audiologist tried turning them all back on but it was just one that made a big difference. Turning that one electrode back on brought a crispness back to sound. It no longer sounds muffled. She also turned the other two electrodes on and off while I listened to my husbands voice. I could understand him better with those two electrodes off. My nerves were able to tolerate the increase in sound without any eye twitching. I can’t begin to tell you how relieved I am. I am so so thankful to the Lord for His direction and wisdom. Ron and I have prayed throughout this process and family and friends have also prayed. It will take me some time to adjust to the new mapping but I’m all smiles! I can hear myself above the background noise so I know how loud to speak. I will have to get out in the environment to practice. If I learned anything this past time, I learned to ease into it. I will navigate this next stage with a more balanced approach. I am eager to explore sound and see what I can understand but I will not push myself too hard this time.

Thank you Lord for lessons learned. Thank you Lord for always being my anchor that holds me when troubled waters come along. Thank you for your promises that are new every morning.

We are considering looking into getting my other ear implanted. It is something that will require much prayer. It is an option to think and pray about. In the meantime, I will be working with what I have and trying my best to succeed with what God has given me. God is faithful always.

Never give up. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at times and changing coping methods is needed. However, giving up is not an option. It’s okay to take a step back, rest, refocus and ease into it again. There is help and support, you just have to be willing to accept it. You are never alone in the struggles! God is always right there with you as you lift up your voice in praise, thanksgiving and prayer. Help is on the way. It might not always look like you think it will. Putting your trust in God will see you through. God is faithful always! Let Him help you.

If you happen to come across this blog post for the first time. I encourage you to read my autobiography ”Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.