I woke up before the birds this morning. Way before my alarm clock was set to go off, I woke up wide awake. I’m excited! Today me and four girlfriends are beach bound for one week. So thankful for the sweet family who opened their beach house for us.
The coastal lands and beach are so beautifully powerful yet peaceful. I “think” one friend is bringing two kayaks and there are already two down at the house. Weather permitting we will spend some time on the inter coastal waterway. Last year we rented a two seater but this year I really want to try “solo”. Getting in and out of the kayak and onto the water will be the tricky part for me. (My balance isn’t great) Once on the water I should be “good to go”, Lets hope none of the girls video me getting in and out. Last years episode was hilarious.
The weather doesn’t look too promising but God willing we will have periods of clear weather to enjoy time on the beach, on the water and to play putt put.. ( Yes I can play. I just have to find the hole before I start so I know where to hit the ball.)
Thank you Lord for a refreshing time that lies ahead of us this week. And Lord whether it’s a vacation, work or school, we ask that you go before us and be our rear guard. Surround us with a shield and fill us to overflowing so we can pour into everyone we see this week. Show us Your glory Lord, in all You perfect ways. We praise and honor You alone. In Jesus name Amen!
Lets go!!!
www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
Author: Shannon k hinson
bible.com/bible/116/psa.57.5.NLTPraising Him in Uncertainty
Feeling unsettled once again. There is one certainty in life and that’s JESUS ~ He loves me , died for me, forgives me when I confess, and strengthens me each day. Life can get messy and plans often fall through. There are always expectations; some we have of ourselves , some others impose on us. There are many ways to accomplish things but what is the best way? I’m at a point in life that I don’t want to try to MAKE things happen. I don’t want to FORCE things. I can be stubborn and “find a way”— that’s all good. Nothing wrong with determination. However I’m beginning to realize that taking things out of focus and trying to “make it work” is making me feel unsettled. It’s not about me! It’s about giving Glory to God. If God wants me to accomplish something, I’m praying He gives me discernment and open doors.
I was told recently in order to market my book “Rooted by the Water” I need to speak to groups. It was mentioned that social media isn’t a great way to get customers. I was encouraged to do things in person. In all honestly, I’m like “Hello”…. I can’t see well enough to drive nor do I hear well enough to talk on the phone. Sure, I cam speak to groups. I’ve done it before BUT it’s un-nerving. Imagine walking into an office to speak to someone, well first… lets back up. I’ve got to get the appointment, get there, find the office. I have to get close to signs because I can’t see from a distance. So I’m unsettled before I even get there, then to tell my story! Lord come on, do you really want me to do this? I’m willing, yes! I can do things with God’s help. It blows my mind how I rely on Him daily.
I recall a time years ago when I taught a sign language class at Fort Mill Church of God. I was shocked at how many people showed up for the first class. So while keeping a calm and collected outer appearance I was asking God HOW I was going to pull that off. I remember passing out something and walking by the rows of people who had showed up for class. I said “Lord I’m going to need to be able to “see” what they are signing! Help!” God did help! He did strengthen me to get through that period of time teaching. The class got lots smaller as people realized it takes time and practice to learn a new language. The smaller class was much more doable. God knows and God worked it out.
So today, I’m going to focus on Praising the Lord while all the uncertainties swarm around. I’m going to focus on the WAY MAKER! MIRACLE WORKER! PROMISE KEEPER! LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS! THAT’S MY GOD! When I’m unsettled yet choose to sit at His feet and just Be Still and Praise Him, I know He will work all things according to His perfect Will.
www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
bible.com/bible/116/rom.15.13.NLTBe Still
Lately I’ve been feeling a bit unsettled. Following the advice of one of the marketing reps at the publisher of my book, I joined Twitter. (Which is quite interesting) Ron and I don’t even turn the TV on in our house. Twitter is FULL of news, whether it’s true or not… who knows. So between Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Instagram and Clouthub there is a bombardment of information / disinformation. Keep in mind, I’m a person of love and peace with a sensitive heart.
Last night I had an unusual night or scrolling through social media platforms and the divisive HOT topics blow my mind. On one platform one guy just asked a simple question which was followed by over 200 comments arguing. I could not even read through them all it unsettling me in such a way. I try to be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s quiet voice and it was like He was saying “Peace! Be Still”.
Another unsettling matter is marketing my book “Rooted by the Water”. If you know me, I’m not one to seek attention or a spotlight. I’d rather be a “wall flower” and just blend in in the background. But what’s the point of writing a book if you don’t try to sell it. So I find myself way way out of my comfort zone. God laid on my heart the willingness to write the book, which is quite amazing because I’ve spent most of my life not sharing my shortcomings. God is surely STRETCHING me! However, I continue to think on what the Holy Spirit says “Be Still!”. It’s not about me, it’s about giving Glory to God.
This morning I had the sweetest time of fellowship with the Lord as I sat on the back porch for my quiet time. The temperature was cooler and birds were singing. As I sat there several worship songs filtered through my mind and I began to softly sing. As adoration and praise for God filled me, tears began to flow and peace settled in. Time in prayer and reading Psalms further strengthened me. It’s amazing what time spent with the Lord can do for you as He helps refocus on what’s important. No wonder we are encouraged to “Be Still”.
Now let’s get this day rolling. I have a meeting with two other Authors to brainstorm marketing ideas. If you only knew how un-nerving these things are for me, but God is with me and I will continue to Be Still in His presence. I challenge you all today to set time aside for the Lord to just be with Him in quietness and trust.
Psalms 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
galatians.bible/galatians-6-9Happy Monday. Let’s do this 💓🙏😊
Don’t give up!
As we wrap up this week and get ready for a new one, I want to encourage you all to NOT GIVE UP! Keep PRAYING! Keep PUSHING! Keep MOVING FORWARD! Keep BELIEVING!
As I have prayed for many needs this week (some mine & some for others) and have encouraged several in some of their struggles: one lady told me even though she doesn’t feel God working or “see” Him working…. she KNOWS in her heart that HE IS WORKING and NEVER STOPS WORKING! She is right! Sometimes prayers aren’t answered in the way we expect but we can’t give up HOPE!
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for: it is the evidence of things we can not see. Hebrews 11;1 (NLT) The Amplified Bible states it this way “ Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen(the conviction of their reality – faith comprehends as fact what can not be experienced by the physical senses).” So even when we don’t see our prayers being answered, we simply trust in and put our faith in God who is able to do far more than we ask or imagine.
From personal experience I can say that God does not always (well honestly… quite often) answer our prayers in the way we request. For example. last Monday our son had his annual appointment with his specialist. We had prayed HARD for IMPROVEMENT. God gave us STABILITY. It wasn’t exactly what we had prayed for BUT IT WAS STILL GOOD! Sometimes God answers in ways that we can’t understand but as our Abba Father, HE KNOWS BEST!
As we close this week I’d like to pray for all who read this……. Dear Heavenly Father we thank you Lord and praise you for all that you are and all that you are doing in our lives. Even when we don’t understand, we choose to trust you! You are the all powerful, all sufficient, ever present, loving, merciful, gracious, HOLY God. There is NO other. We give you all glory, honor and praise. We confess our sins and acknowledge that every single day we need you! Holy Spirit guide us and direct us. Use us for Your glory! Teach us to pray and walk with you in a close fellowship where we always hear your voice saying “This is the way, walk in it”. I lift up the many needs to you: sickness, broken families, addictions and many other issues. You are our Healer, our Deliverer, Strong Tower. Savior! We run to you and are safe! Put a hedge of protection around us and our families. Help us to be humble and full of love, yet Bold to declare Your gospel. In Jesus name I pray Amen!
Tomorrow is August 1 and starts a new week. Start your week in The House of the Lord! Keep Believing! God is faithful… always!
Eliminating Clutter
During the last few weeks my husband Ron and I have been working on various house projects. In order to even start these projects we had to get rid of unnecessary clutter. I cleaned out a walk in closet that we could NOT walk in. Lots was thrown out and some donated. We also went through this process in the garage in this humid SC heat! It’s a process but was much needed.
Our hearts can be the same way. Over the years we can push things down deep in our hearts that we don’t especially want to deal with. Things like past hurts, un-forgiveness, poor choices…. and the list goes on. Clutter isn’t fun to sort through but it’s much needed to free us to live “lighter and fuller” lives. (both spiritually and physically) I had to address some “heart clutter” this morning during my quiet time with the Lord. I’m so thankful that He is always willing to listen and forgive. I quite often ask the Lord to search my heart and expose things I need to address.
Psalms 139:23-24 “Search me, God, and know my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Have a Blessed Thursday!
www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
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