Author: Shannon k hinson

An EXTRA BIG dose of GRACE

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It’s been over a week since I’ve sent out a blog post. Just like everyone else, I’ve been busy navigating daily life. But unlike most people, I navigate the daily ups and downs with hearing and visual issues.


Yesterday I was helping my Mom look for a dress to wear to my nieces wedding. We were in a NC mall where masks are required. So that means a lovely masks with already a device on each ear ( Advanced Bionics Naida cochlear implant processor on right ear, Cross link device on the other. ) I’m always checking to make sure my devices are secure because the mask has caused them to shift before. It’s an anxious feeling when one of the devices worth thousands of dollars falls off in public and I have to find them with low vision. Masked people have muffled voices + the Nadia processor is in need of programming so my hearing is slightly off = overwhelming annoyance…. BUT GOD!


I’m so beyond thankful for the extra big dose of Grace and mercy God pours on me everyday. He truly enables me to have Joy and radiate kindness. With the extra dose of grace He gives I’m able to extend that Grace to others.


Pictured above is a shirt I have. When I ordered it last year I thought it was hilarious. Truth be told, when I wore it the other day, it also reflected my mood. I prayed, “Lord help me show grace.”


Life is not about me or you but about sharing the Love of Jesus with others. I know when I’m overwhelmed playing worship music lifts my heart. I recently updated the software on my iPad so when I tried to play a worship song recently, a rock and roll song came on. 😳 I’ve never heard it before and thought “what in the world” … just forget it.🤦🏻‍♀️ You see with my low vision issues relearning each update takes time and all I wanted to do was play my worship music. Instead a friend picked me up and we talked. It’s helpful to get attention off the frustration at hand. Later when I took time to figure out how to play my music I can’t tell you the relief that washed over me as I listened to “Yes I Will” (Vertical Worship) Right there in my kitchen with my husband, I raised my hands in worship to Jesus and sang along…. “ Yes I will lift you high in the lowest valley, yes I will bless your name. Yes I will sing for joy when my heart is heavy… all my days, yes I will… give you praise”. I might have the chorus slightly off but it’s what’s in my heart


So thankful for the Extra BIG doses of grace the Lord pours out on me. Everyday is a new day with fresh mercies.


“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.”‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬


To read more of my story, check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” available in hard cover, softcover and e book formats on Amazon, and other online outlets such as Barnes & Noble, Westbow Press.com, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.


Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Take a look

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Lately I’ve caught myself taking a step back and looking at myself. While chaos seems to be overtaking the world. I’ve never in my lifetime seen such division among people. It would be so easy to get sucked into the arguments but that isn’t pleasing to the Lord.


As I take a step back and look at myself, my words, attitudes and actions, I must aim to be a reflection of my Savior Jesus Christ. God knows I fall short and need His help every single day. God sure does know my hearts desire to please Him and be a reflection of His peace and compassion.


As I sit here reflecting and old song came to mind. “Mirror” by Evie. I had not heard it since I was a little girl at Grace Presbyterian. The lyrics go something like this……” You’re searching for Jesus, looking to find, hope for tomorrow some peace of mind” – the lyrics go on to say, you can find Him in the Bible and many churches BUT until you find Him in the mirror, you’ve got a long way to go. ( www.musixmatch.com)


This stirs my heart. I want to look in the mirror and see Jesus reflection as He molds me into the woman He wants me to be. Let’s be moldable and willing. The world is in dire need of seeing the light of Jesus! Let’s be a reflection of Jesus for all the world to see.


Keep focused. There is work to be done. Share the Gospel! Shine for the Lord!


“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalms‬ ‭139:23‬ -24 NLT‬‬

“What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete—as complete as God’s knowledge of me.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:12‬ ‭GNT‬‬


My book “Rooted by the Water” can be found online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target, Books A Million and Westbow Press online bookstore Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

My kind of deer hunting. (take two)

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“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬


Here’s to attempt number two of posting this blog. When I have to zoom in large on my iPad to be sure there are no mistakes and to copy/ paste, things can easily be accidentally deleted. Deep breath… here’s to hoping this one goes through.


Yesterday Ron and I met up with my brother and sister in law at Moms house. After visiting a while we all got into my brothers car to head over to Dairy Queen, in honor of Dads 79th birthday (first one in Heaven) Dad loved the “Dilly bars”. I don’t know if that’s the correct spelling. I can’t see the menu.


After eating our ice cream I realized we weren’t heading back towards Moms. Being hearing and visually Impaired I miss parts of conversations. I’m always trying to connect the dots….fill in the blanks. I heard someone mention deer hunting. I said “Y’all better start praying if you’re taking me deer hunting because I can’t see far”. My sister in law said we were just going to look for deer. Ron suggested going towards Lake Wylie in the Tega Cay South Carolina area. Sure enough, we saw some.

I usually can’t see them because they blend in with the landscape, but these were close. It was such a wonder for me. I let out quite a few “AAAWWW’s”, They were so beautiful. There was one homeowner that was feeding them. There must have been five that walked right past our car. I told Ron we should go back over there and ask the man if we can feed them sometime.


This experience might not sound like a big deal but when you can’t see well and are able to take in the beauty of these gorgeous creatures you’re left in awe. I told my brother I’d go “Deer hunting” with them anytime. That’s my kind of hunting. Truly made my heart happy. Gods creation is so beautiful!


Top picture found on the internet. Bottom two pictures taken by my sister in law.


Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Celebrating Dad (Forrest Kenley)

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“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬


On this day 79 years ago, my Dad was born. Tomorrow marks 6 months since he went home to be with Jesus. Not a day passes by that I don’t think of him.


It is amazing the comfort the Lord has brought to our family. Yes we miss Dad greatly but we know he is with Jesus and we know we will see him again. Knowing this brings such comfort to my heart.


Today is his first birthday celebration in Heaven and I know without a doubt, it’s the best one he’s ever had. I know he’s smiling BIG knowing Forrest Jr. is doing so well after his recently one year bone marrow transplant anniversary. He would be so proud of Mom and the strength and courage she has shown. He would be proud of my book “Rooted by the Water” and the spin off blog I’ve started. He told me I should write. He liked the way I put things into words on my Facebook posts. However he did tell me to not write any emotional sappy posts after he died. (his words not mine ) 🤣 He was funny and I think he will forgive this one. He would be excited to know a great grand baby is on the way. He would LOVE that! He would love hearing about the upcoming wedding for his granddaughter. And he’d be so proud of Joshua too as he shows strength and resilience in life.


Grief is a strange thing. It still has not hit that he’s really gone. I know that’s the comfort from the Lord and I’m so grateful.


We celebrate you today Dad. Your legacy of love for God, and generous spirit continues. You are missed greatly but we will see you again!

Happy birthday Dad! I love you! 😎🤟🏼 (Those were the emojis he put at the end of his texts to me).


Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Show compassion

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It’s been several days since my last blog. Over the last week or so I’ve just been observing and praying. With my limited vision and hearing, I often ask my husband Ron if I’m understanding right. I pick up on things others might miss; body language and frustrations. People are weary; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Not only are people weary, they also are divided.


I was praying this morning and then as I read in Matthew, I came across this verse. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew‬ ‭9:36‬ ‭NLT‬‬


While I don’t profess to be highly intelligent. I do use the gifts God has given me. As I pray for wisdom and discernment, my heart aches for people. There is mass misinformation. “Itching ears” can find information to backup whatever their view is to justify their beliefs. But Jesus has all the answers. He can solve all the questions we have. We must go to Him in prayer and read His Word “The Bible”. In John 14: 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” NIV


Jesus has the answers. He is Truth. He is always ready to pour compassion on us, direct us in our confusion and lift the burdens off our shoulders. He is ready to forgive when we confess our sins and ask Him to help us change.


If you are weary and disheartened today, I encourage you to “Unplug yourself from the noise of the world”. Find a quiet place and meditate on Jesus. Worship Him and soak in His Word. As we all do this on a daily basis, I pray the Holy Spirit will pour into our weary vessels. Pour in His compassion for this confused and hurting world. Let us unite in prayer. The world is in dire need of Jesus! Times are short! Pray! Read the Bible! Let Jesus use you today!


“He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9:37‬ ‭NLT‬‬


Pictures from internet sources.


Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Unity

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Today I have been thinking about the word Unity and what it means. I decided to grab my Webster’s New Thesaurus and this is what I found. (I will just post a picture of the entry. The machine I use to read is a Optelec video magnifier for people with low vision )



I also went to Bible Gateway and typed Unity into the search bar. Several verses came up including these:
Ephesians 4: 1-3 NIV
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the Unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Psalms 133:1 NIV
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.



I don’t know about you, but I see a lot of division these days. Division is a tactic of the enemy to divide us so we won’t be affective as a whole. There is discord on all kinds of current HOT topics. It troubles my heart to see opposition. There is so much information, misinformation…. opinions on anything and everything.

So what can we do? We can bear with each other in love and be patient when people don’t see “Eye to eye”. We can pray for wisdom and keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Hold the hostility with debates. I pray our Abba Father sees us all and says “ Look at my children. So diverse and unique ….sharing peaceably their opinions with one another in humility and love.” Lets us strive to be United for the Lord.

Together we stand, divided we fall.




Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com


Happy 1st Bone marrow birthday ~HALLELUJAH🙌🙌🙌

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If you only knew the Praise to the Lord and Joy bursting from my heart today.

One year ago today my brother Forrest received a bone marrow transplant with some of my bone marrow. God has seen him through a “Rollercoaster” of a year and today he is doing WELL! ALL praise to Jesus! We give God praise and glory for all He has done. Every single detail: for the amazing doctors, nurses and medical team and especially Forrest awesome wife Jan and their kids, Justin and Lauren. Their church family and friends at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail were such a beautiful representation of the body of Christ as they offered continuous prayers and support. We are so thankful!


Mom is overjoyed to see her son thriving! It’s bittersweet that Dad is not here to witness this miracle. We lost him this past March to cancer. We know Dad is pumping his fist in the air in Heaven and thanking Jesus for bringing Forrest through.

Let me encourage you today that Miracles happen. Dark trials and storms come and go BUT GOD REMAINS FAITHFUL!

Never give up on God because He never gives up on you!
Keep the faith! Keep praying and Believing! God gets the last Word! I PRAISE HIM! Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Finding Gems in the Word

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During my quiet time this morning I read 2 Corinthians 4. Found some “gems” and thought I would share. 

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8, 18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.”‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬


Yesterday a friend texted me that she was experiencing a sense of heaviness. I shared with her that I too felt that way. There is so much going on in the world and so much misinformation. I reminded her that we are surrounded by the Lord. He will get us through.


Today is a new day. Let’s choose to Fix our eyes on Jesus. He is Victorious! This is not our home, we are just passing through.

Today Shine for Jesus. The world is in desperate need of His Glorious Light and Salvation.


Have a blessed day.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com