I’m so thankful that at the age of 56 I still have my Mom. My brother and I had lunch with her today. No one else was able to join us, but we still met up. I love these times together. She came and picked me up so we could meet him at Moe’s. There were a few times I missed what was said but she or he filled me in. That’s the love of family. We are far from perfect but that’s okay. We accept each other, flaws and all. The older I’ve become, the more I appreciate the smallest little gestures of love.
In my humble opinion, one of the greatest rewards of being a Mother is found is Proverbs 31:28: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:” (NKJV) My Mom certainly has attained this cherished reward of blessing from me, my brother and my Dad when he was alive. I am so thankful for the blessing of still having Mom with us. I don’t always get to see her,, but I do talk to her everyday. She is loved and appreciated!
27 years ago God blessed Ron and I with our son Joshua. There’s nothing that can so fully awaken the deep love and appreciation for a Mom, then to experience it for yourself. Being a Mother is one of my favorite ”roles” in life. Pouring love into a child or fur baby and receiving love in return is priceless. Mom’s celebrate the joys and mourn the losses in life. A Mom is always there for you, thinking about you and wanting to “step in and save the day”. One of the hardest things is to see your child hurt or going through a rough lesson and having to sit back and pray them through it.
Me and Joshua about 10 years ago in the mountains.
As a Mom I cover my son and family each day, trusting God to work everything according to His perfect Will. I know my Mom prays the same for me and my brother, her Grands and Greatgrands. The prayers of a Mother are strong and powerful: a guaranteed “prayer warrior” that’s truly one of the greatest gifts in life.
This is a tribute to my Mom and all Mother’s out there. You are loved and appreciated beyond measure. Thank you for all you do, for the daily prayers, time spent together…. just everything. For those whose Mom has already passed, celebrate her memory. It matters not if you are a birth Mom, adopted Mom or a fur baby Mom, you are loved and appreciated. Happy Mother’s Day weekend to you all!!!
Good morning 😊 As I was reading in Psalms this morning many scriptures stood out to me and I highlighted them as I read. I love the writings of David. He had a heart for God yet quite often was pursued by his foes. Sometimes he was surrounded by troubles, yet he held tight to his trust in God. Here is one of the scriptures I highlighted this morning; “The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.” Psalms 12:6 (NLT)
Have you ever put your hand over an open flame and held it there? How long can you endure a single flame of a candle? Now imagine a furnace with constant extreme heat and flames. That’s not something I’d want to be near for long. Silver is refined in a furnace. In the intense heat it brings out the pure beauty of the silver. God’s promises are like that, refined in a furnace seven times over. God’s promises are so true and pure. They are trustworthy always. When we are struggling in daily life, we can hold tightly to God’s promises. The Bible is full of the promises of God, but how can you know them unless you read it?
Life can be stressful, coming at us from all sides. You have your own issues to deal with in my case hearing and vision issues. You also have the normal day to day stresses everyone has. You can feel stress that others in your family are facing. There is the helplessness that you feel with “outside” stressors that you have no control over. There have been several days like that recently. I know I’m not alone here. I hear it from others and I pray for their release from the “weight” stress brings. God answered one of those prayers yesterday. I woke to a text from a friend. She said, “Shannon my depression is gone!” I was so overjoyed for her. It’s frustrating how the enemy will come in and steal that momentary joy. I talked with my friend about what was troubling me and she also encouraged me.
The fact remains that we can trust in God’s promises. The world is full of troubles and when your heart is set on pleasing God, you end up as a target for the enemy. Let’s look at one of God’s promises to us. Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”” John 16:33 (NLT) I can tell you that really encourages me. We can expect the trials and sorrows in this world but can be sure that Jesus has overcome it all! Absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God. I love the following scriptures; “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) Be encouraged!!!
Back when I played the piano (chords memorized) my teacher/ friend Charisanne wrote out the chords from an Elevation Worship song Do it again (2017). I love all the lyrics. I will post a YouTube video below in case you’ve never heard it. The chorus goes like this; Yourpromise still stands Great if your faithfulness, faithfulness. I’m still in Your hands. This is my confidence You’ve never failed me. Towards the end of the song it says; I’ve seen You move. You move the mountains and I believe I’ll see you do it again.You made a way when there was no way and I believe I’ll see You do it again.🙌🏼
Somebody worship the Lord with me this morning. God’s promises stand! He is faithful and just! Absolutely nothing is impossible for our God! Be encouraged. You are loved.
Good morning. Today starts a new week. It’s a new day to live out our purpose. I’m not exactly sure where I am going with this, so stay with me as I sort through what God has put on my heart.
Having a new puppy in the family, our daily routines have shifted a bit and lots of puppy proofing is continuously being done. Lots of refereeing between our “Old Queen” Joy and puppy Moose who constantly is exploring and playing with everything.
I “have to” maintain my morning quiet time. It is a MUST for me to function with a good attitude with whatever life throws at me I’ve been waking up a bit earlier before anyone else so I can have my quiet time with the Lord. I’m thankful for the discipline God has given me to set this morning time apart for Him. Do I always feel like it? No, but I do it anyway. During these times He ministers to my heart and points out things that I need to work out. I’m so thankful for His daily guidance. It makes all the difference in the world in my approach and perspective in life. It softens my words toward others and helps me to think before speaking or withhold something my flesh wants to say, but should not.
My question to you is, what’s stopping you from giving God first priority in your life? First fruits of your morning time so God can direct the course of your day? It is a choice. I know having a family is demanding. Families are a blessing from the Lord. God understands when your role as a parents or spouse require your time and effort. We can sacrifice and wake a bit earlier before anyone.
In todays culture our cell phones and devices attract our first moments when we wake. What’s the latest news, did anyone contact me this morning, did anyone “like” my social media post? Yes, indeed we are all quilty o that. God has dealt with me on the “device” issue.My trouble was that I read my Bible online because I can zoom in to see it better. So the temptation is there to look at other things first. I have to discipline myself to pray first then read God’s Word.
What about unforgiveness? Can having unforgiveness in your heart prevent you from seeking the Lord? As I pray I ask the Lord to forgive me of offending Him. I don’t mean to and honestly try to live a Godly live, but I am human and I do fall short. I’m so thankful that Jesus forgives me when I confess my sins. He also desires me to forgive others who offend me. People are people and I think quite often they don’t “intend” to hurt your feelings they just don’t think. Since Jesus shows us such amazing grace, we ought to do the same. Forgive and forget! Forget? Yes, forget! We shouldn’t hold a “record of wrongs” done to us. God can enable us to have a forgiving spirit.
As I was reading the Bible this morning (I chose a Chronological Bible plan for this year) I came across a story where King David asked Ornan to sell his threshing floor so that King David could raise an altar for sacrifice. Here is this scripture that caught my attention. “Then Ornan said to David, “Take it, and let my Lord the king do what seems good to him. See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for the wood and the wheat for a grain offering; I give it all.” But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”” 1 Chronicles 21:23-24 (ESV). Do you notice David refuses to take it for free? He is determined to pay for it, it would cost him something. This same thing can apply to us. Seeking the Lord costs us something. Let’s be eager to grow in our relationship with Jesus. It’s going to cost us something but it is so worth it. So….. what’s stopping you? Have a blessed day! You are loved!
We are rounding up day 3 of having a puppy in the house along with our old Queen Joy who is now 14. Joshua’s puppy Moose, is an 8 week old BernaDoodle and let’s just say, “he’s the life of the party”. He is very playful, mischievous, a chewer (he’s teething), a ball of energy and wants so bad to play with old “Granny” Joy. He jumps at her, tries to chase her around and bite her tail and takes her toys. He has his own. She steals his food. The last three days have been comical but a load of fun. We’ve all spent more time on the floor than we have in years. Moose is the sweetest and Joy is too. Now if they could just learn to coexist.
With yesterday being Easter, we decided to watch our service “live” on tv. My first Easter ever watching in my pajamas. Ron was laughing because I was dancing to the choir music. Well it was “Resurrection Sunday” and an awesome time to celebrate our risen Savior. We scratched the traditional ham lunch and had hamburgers, baked beans, chips and deviled eggs instead. Grandma came for lunch and to spend time with us before heading to my brothers. The first two days, Moose only had one accident but today he had two.
Moose hiding under the table he likes to chew on before the legs were sprayed with “bitter apple”. He doesn’t like that.
Today Ron and I were watching the dogs while Joshua was out. I finally got Joy into one room with me and closed the door so she could rest. Ron watched Moose in the other room. I texted him asking, ”Has he settled down yet?’ Ron responded “Nope”. About fifteen minutes later he texted me again saying, “I think he is finally settling down .” I told Ron we were the “dog referees” of the house. Hopefully one day soon I can get a picture of Joy and Moose together. Right now one is chasing the other or they are both tuckered out.
Joy is a rescue and has always been a timid anxious dog. Ron took her to the vet recently for a check up. She evidently has “white coat” anxiety because she climbed up on Ron’s lap while there. That was before Moose came. She’s got arthritis is one hind leg too. This shall definitely be an interesting season with no dull moments. Stay tuned for more puppy news.
Two days ago was my 56th birthday but the birthday fun began last week. My family and friends celebrated me in little moments of fun. The above picture records a fun memory. Last week Mom and I were going birthday shopping. I asked Joshua if he wanted to come along so he could spend time with Grandma too, so he did. Joshua doesn’t drive anymore due to his vision, so Grandma who is 82, was up for an “Adventure”. I laughed at their antics as I sat in the back seat watching them decide where we would have lunch. It almost ended up being like a “tour” of restaurants around the outlets, which we weren’t familiar with. We all settled on Panera Bread so Joshua looked up the closest one and we were off. Mom followed Joshua’s directions pretty well, only missing a few turns 😂 We finally made it to the right area and Mom asked Joshua where it was. He could only tell from his phone and said , “Straight ahead somewhere”. Both he and I can’t see far. Mom was looking and finally said , “I see it!” That was the start of a fun day of laughing. Shopping with three generations can be comical as some of their comments were hilarious.
That was the beginning of my birthday celebration. My husband Ron treated me to some shopping, dinner and time at the Nail Spa. We had dinner as a family with Mom the night before my birthday since my Bible study met on my actual birthday. The girls had a birthday cake and sang/signed “Happy Birthday”. Fun times and cherished memories made. It’s not about the gifts but time spent with the special people in my life.
This 56th year is off to a productive start. Visited a homeless shelter with a friend yesterday, then she took me to the coolest shop called “A Hand up”. This shop sells used items and allows homeless people to come in and work for a period of time in exchange for clothes they pick out. It’s not a hand out but a hand up. I really.love that concept. We went to Walmart next to get 21 packs of hotdogs buns so we could serve our homeless friends last night. God seems to be switching things up a bit and we are praying for His direction to open doors He desires for ministry. We welcome your prayers for that.
Now thats all done, we are preparing for Joshua’s puppy that he will pick up Saturday. Adding a new little Cutie to the family. Stay tuned for puppy news coming soon.
I pray this week you all take time to thank our Lord Jesus for His sacrifice on the Cross. Thank Him for the beating, death and all H endured for us. He loves us so much that He took our place. I love how Isaiah prophesy about this.
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV) Not only that but Jesus came back to life three days after He died. That is the beauty of Easter, He’s ALIVE!! See the following scripture.
“Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”” Matthew 28:1-7 (ESV)
The resurrection of Jesus and the fact He assented to Heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for us brings me such comfort and hope. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you surrendered your life to Him? Jesus changes everything for me. That doesn’t mean I live a problem free life. My life is full of challenges dealing with hearing and vision loss issues (not to mention the normal life things) BUT Jesus gives me the strength and perspective I need to approach each and every situation. He is my victory and joy! He can be yours too. Romans 10:9-11 says, ““because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” (ESV) Having a personal relationship with Jesus makes all the difference in the world. Do you know Him? If not, there is no time like the present to seek Him. He loves us so much, He died for us and rose again. He is alive and so ready to help you!
I will share a thought that I have never shared with anyone. As we have served with RiceNBeans organization for the past year in Rock Hill, the location is at a bus hub and right across the street is a large cemetery. As we wait in between the rounds of buses that come through, I often look across the road to all those tombstones and think, these homeless people still have a chance in life. On one side of the road, the remains of people are six feet under. On the side where we’ve served, we hand out food, smile and offer encouraging words. They still have a chance to turn their lives around, and you do as well. Just something to think about. Everyday is a new opportunity to serve the Lord and make decisions that bring glory to Him. I will end this blog with that challenge. I also encourage you to really take time to thank God for the Cross, all He’s done for us and give Him the honor and glory He deserves. Our Hallelujah belongs to Jesus! Have a blessed Easter. He is Risen!!!
Never in almost four years of blogging have I missed a week of publishing at least one blog to encourage and challenge others. Well, until last week. I suppose there comes a time to rest and recover which is what we did last week. Having covid and the flu at the same time really drained my energy, but we are much better. Just about every night I’d tell my husband Ron I was going to go on to bed. I said “I’m going to get this day in the books, tomorrow is another day.” It was like checking off a day of being able to do nothing but read. He watched March Madness basketball and I read. Joshua never got it and was free to do his own thing. I did download a ebook from the library called “Land of Silence” by Tessa Afshar. It is a Biblical fiction based on the woman with the bleeding issue, who touched the hem of Jesus garment. That account in the Bible has always resounded with me because I have dealt with my issues for so many years and no doctor can help. BUT….. oh my goodness…. This book has had so many sad twists. The main character finally encounters Jesus in Chapter 30! Prior to chapter 30, there is so much heart break it is astounding. Thank God I’m almost finished. Not a light read but it has been thought provoking and has helped pass the days of being sick inside.
When I started feeling better Ron had been outside cutting the grass, coming in he said the momma Mourning Dove had nested again on our bakers rack. We were surprised since I had moved the bakers rack to the other end of the porch but “Little Momma” found her spot and made a new nest. I love nature and it amazes me that this is the fourth year the Dove has nested there. In this world full of difficulties and issues to deal with, it’s refreshing to appreciate the simple pleasures of new life. I don’t intend to watch the nest this year, but will leave her to her business of bringing baby doves into the world.
Little Momma Dove doing her “thing”.
We also have been anticipating the arrival of our “grand pup”. Last Friday we took a day trip to Union Grove NC to an Amish establishment. They breed Bernadoodles and Joshua got first pick of the litter. It was my first day back in the “land of the living” and the beautiful countryside was delightful. There were ten puppies available and Joshua made his pick. How in the world do people pick just one? They are all so cute! He will be able to pick him up April 19. Joshua is so excited. We are hoping our old Queen Joy will be a good little “granny”. We shall see.
Little CUTIE coming soon!
Lots of new things to look forward to: renewed health, new baby birds and a new puppy. Good times ahead. Can’t wait to get back involved with RiceNBeans too. Sometimes we face life interruptions. We just have to deal with them and move on. I’m thankful for the new mercies the Lord gives us daily. Let’s continue to grow in our love of others and mostly our love for God. Blessings to each of you.
This is a screenshot of something I saw online years ago. Kind of sums up things right now
This blog has been “brewing” for several days and the title has changed in my mind multiple times. Let’s see so far it’s been: “Lord I want a Redo of 2025”, then there was “Like a Frog” but now…. “Rejoice anyway”. Amazing how God changes me to rejoice despite life. Seriously! This year has been something else! But who am I to complain?
If you know our story, you know that despite hearing and visual issues God allows me to rise up and live in His strength, definitely not mine. My husband Ron is a “trooper” helping me and our son Joshua. The motto over here is more or less, “just get it done” and we do with God’s help.
If you follow my blog you know I fell HARD on ice in early January causing a compression fracture to my lower back. I’m a “Doer” I don’t like to sit, but sit, I did for weeks and weeks. Now at the end of this back recovery, I can finally do more. So, last Tuesday I asked Ron if he wanted to go help with the Big Birthday street party that RiceNBeans ministry was putting on for the homeless in downtown Charlotte. It was an awesome party to minister and love on our homeless community, with live music giving glory to Jesus. It was a fish fry with hush puppies, coleslaw, birthday cake, ice cream, and the usual RnB things. I am so impressed by this ministry and all they do for Jesus. It truly warms my heart. Ron and I were assigned to give out birthday cards with another lady, so we were among the people. Other than going to the doctor, that is the last time I’ve been out this week.
We had been under big oak trees and the pollen was bad so I figured my allergies were kicking in After several days of Mucinex and no improvement, Ron took me to the doctor. I had a low grade fever, sinus pressure, and cough. My blood pressure was fine, oxygen fine, lungs clear and lymph y nodes normal so the doctor suggested a flu and covid test. Oh boy! Both of those tests came back positive. Then the doctor actually asked if I wanted the covid jab! 😳 Ron said “No thanks”. Seriously! The truth is out that the jab does NOT prevent the infection. Burns me up that this is still being “pushed”. But I will hush because I know this “stirs the pot” with people. The doctor prescribed something for the cough but that is about it. She told Ron she hoped he didn’t get it. Well he’s got it but this too shall pass. We are of course laying low, resting, not around anyone and Joshua is fine upstairs. Thankful for friends who shared ivermectin for all of us. (Precautionary for Joshua). That along with zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, Quercetin and water. It is improving.
It’s interesting how the Holy Spirit directs our thoughts. At first I was depressed at yet another ”set back” in life. As I laid in bed, I realized that we probably picked this up helping with the homeless, I am so humbled. We have a comfortable bed to rest in and pillow for our head. We have vitamins to take and clear water to drink, food to eat, and my thankfulness went on and on. God forgive me for complaining at first. I have not had the flu since before our son was born so that’s a very long time to be healthy.
Yesterday the depression kind of lifted as I found humor in random things. I was out of epson salt but wanted to soak in the tub to help with head pressure. I can tell you it is a rare day if I have any kind of head pain but with this virus, it feels like someone is pushing on my ears and neck. I ran a tub of water as hot as I could stand it and added lavender oil. I lay totally submerged except for my face and knees. Joshua had texted me and said “Don’t drown, we don’t have time for a funeral” I texted back, “I’m not planning one, I’ll be fine”. And so the day unfolded with bits of random humor and it uplifted my spirits.
Today I watched our church service live on YouTube. So thankful for technology and so thankful God allowed me to be able to understand enough to follow Pastor. I was tuned in with my cochlear implant processor via Bluetooth but I sang along. I honestly sound like a frog right now from all the intense coughing, but I don’t care. Pastor said to Rejoice and rejoice I sure will and actually am. The choir sang a song that said “Thank You Hallelujah thank You Hallelujah thank You for all that You have done! 🎤🙌🏼 (and imagine that being sung in a froggy raspy voice😂) And now you know why I chose the title “Rejoice anyway” for this too shall pass. Love to you al. If you enjoy this blog be sure to subscribe and pass it along to encourage someone else. We need more encouraging, lifting content and laughter in life. You are loved! Be blessed and better yet, be a BLESSING! All for the Glory of God!!!
Yesterday I was in awe at how God works. Waking early, I had time in prayer and tuned in to our early church service via blue tooth tech oncology so I could try to listen while getting ready for church. I usually do this to see if I can “follow” Pastor with my Advanced Bionics Marvel cochlear implant processor. I was pleasantly surprised to be able to follow the sermon. Of course I didn’t get it all but I got enough to know it was a powerful Word and we were attending the second service in person. Add a sign language interpreter, and all the pieces I missed came together.
My friend who was interpreting asked me before service how I was doing. She had read my last blog and we had texted during the week so she knew it had been a rough week. I told her I had listened to the first service and didn’t want to cry during the second one. She understood. The thing is, while I had listened to the first service I missed the fact Pastor wasn’t feeling well as he was preaching. He had been experiencing vertigo and was advised by more than one doctor not to preach. However, Pastor was determined to “deliver” the Word of God! And “Deliver it”, he surely did. Talking about an example of perseverance!
What really hit home for me is that he somewhat “echoed” what another friend had texted me earlier in the week. (I shared this in my last blog so go back and read it if you’d like.). God is with me, no matter what I’m feeling or experiencing. I am never alone! As I listened to part of the service a third time this morning, I thought I heard him mentioned 2 Corinthians 4 so I paused the message to go look up that chapter. This verse stood out to me: “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (ESV) Ok Lord, I hear You!
I scrolled back up a few verses and Bingo, I believe he touched on the following scripture. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.” 2Corinthians 4:7-12 (ESV) This passage of scripture made me cry. I feel this often. Pressed on every side but God!
This past week I’m not sure why it was so “rough” but God understands even though others can’t quite grasp it, and for the most part, not many try. I’m not complaining, just being real. Pastor also mentioned we can’t really fully understand what another is going through: miscarriage, divorce, etc.unless we ourselves go through it.
Yesterday was like a “healing balm” as the Lord showed me, He has not forsaken me. He has not left me alone. He knows every hurt, every thought and every feeling. I’m beyond thankful to the Lord and for His servant Pastor Livingston, who though he was weak with vertigo yesterday, he was determined to deliver the Word God had given him. We too can be determined to press through our momentary afflictions. God has us. He will never let us down. He will strengthen us to rise up yet again.
God gave me another beautiful reminder of His love yesterday. We had returned home from church and having lunch. I decided to go out on the deck since it was a beautiful day, even with the pollen coating everything. I had been out for maybe 20 minutes when Ron came out to let me know some friends were at our house. We had not seen them in quite a while. They stopped by because Trish had bought me a shirt and on the front of the shirt it said in sign language “Jesus Loves You”. I was so touched at her gift and God message to me again! I am loved! God is with me! He won’t let me down! Trish and her husband Billy came around 3;30 pm and went home around 8:30 pm. God also used them to minister to another friend who came by. God is so faithful!!
My gift from Trish. 💗
Thinking back on this last week I see it was God carrying me. I had shared with Ron my feelings of sadness and being overwhelmed even though I press though. I don’t “show the world” my daily struggles. I can’t control people, make others care or control situations. However, I can control my response. I can pray for discernment to know how to tread through “tricky situations”, and so I do. You can too.
Many are going through trying things but let me remind you, you are never alone. God carries you when you are too physically or emotionally tired to move forward. God will carry you! You are not forgotten. Press through this week and be a blessing regardless of your situations. Pray for each other and spread encouragement and words of life. You are loved! You are not forsaken! Be blessed.
This evening I was so moved by a text from a friend. Me, my husband Ron and son Joshua just got home from serving with RiceNBeans ministry to the homeless in Rock Hill. To say I’m tired this evening would be an understatement. However, it’s always a fulfilling kind of tired.
As I was letting our dog outside, the following text came in. My friends text said ~ “While in prayer I felt impressed to tell you this. When you feel overwhelmed in life know that God is with you. When you feel compassion for J and think as a mother how he’s inherited much of the same as you. Remember you were only the vessel God got him. When loneliness, sadness and if onlys try to distract you. Remember God is with you. When you look at Ron and feel he has so much on his plate remember God put you together and He never makes a mistake. You are loved, you are beautiful and you are strong. I love you my sister and friend.” As I read it, tears started streaming down my face. In life sometimes we deal with it to the point where we don’t realize the deep sadness we have stuffed deep down within as we are pressing on. I showed Ron the text and he too teared up. The guys left for the gym and I sat down and read the text again and began to cry again. I closed the iPad and began to pray. Lord you know my heart. You know how I feel. I know you are with me and our family. Let me be able to say that’s enough. As I prayed I began to worship and praise God. I don’t understand this life here on earth. I don’t pretend to even try to understand it. I just wake up daily, spend time in prayer and God’s Word. Fortified for the day, I just dive in to whatever the day holds. I know this is not my home. I’m just passing through and here to bring God glory in whatever way He sees fit.
I am always truly blown away when God puts things on peoples heart to share with me or speak into our family. I’m beyond thankful for God’s compassion for us and knowledge that we know He is El Roi ~ the God who sees. He sees, He feels and He knows. Even when we push things so deep down we don’t even acknowledge it ourselves. He knows and reveals Himself in various ways. Tonight it was through a friend’s text, which led to a heartfelt time in prayer and worship.My heart is FULL!
God is good all the time. Whatever you are dealing with, just know God is with you! He is there always. We don’t have to be understood by people. We are understood and fully known by our Creator. I can’t thank Him enough. Good night! Www/shannonkhinson.com.
Occasionally I will wake with a song on my heart. I love mornings like today. I woke from a deep sleep, all wrapped tight in warm covers. The light of dawn was faintly coming through the window. Lying there I longed to go back to sleep but instead a song began in my heart. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of the earth will grow strangely dim. In ight of His glory and grace. (By Sovereign Grace 2019) This was such a precious way to start my day.
Yesterday I struggled with disappointment in people. I’m not usually one to “vent” because it just weighs on another and accomplishes nothing really. We had stayed home from church since the weather was rainy with gusty winds. I watched both early and late service with no closed caption. The second service I followed fairly well. Thank you Jesus.
It is interesting how when you aren’t busy, your mind can become a battle ground. The guys had gone to the gym. Staying home, my mind turned to people issues. Of all things Why in the world would my mind go there? We can’t do anything about the way people are and how others can drain life out of us. So yesterday I did want to “vent” but I prayed instead. I asked God to check MY heart. I asked Him to help me to respond in a way to bring glory to Him. Did my feelings go away? Nope! However, I started straightening up the closet and rediscovered a perfume box full of old pictures and cards. I sat at the table and began looking through them. Ron and Joshua came home and they too began to look through them. I found pictures from a Croatia mission trip when I was 3 months pregnant with Joshua. There were pictures of our first house and from a trip to the Bahamas with friends. Joshua saw these pictures from early in our marriage and he said, “What happened?” 😂I said , “31 years of marriage!” All in all it was a nice distraction from my previous line of thinking.
I did finally reach out to a friend late last night. I had told Ron I was feeling a bit depressed, but I’m the type to just “suck it up, buttercup”. I just deal with it and let it go. Or try to. It was nice sharing with my friend late last night She too understands disappointments with people. I told her I’ve learned to try to be content with whatever. (I can’t drive. I can’t do the things I want to do. I can’t make people care.) I’ve just learned to be content. My friend said, “A female version of Paul: Paulette”. That was seriously one of the nicest compliments. After sharing my heart, she had given me a different perspective and I felt better. So this morning, waking up to “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” was so fitting. It’s a new day and the sun is shining. It doesn’t matter what today holds, Jesus goes before me, follows me and lays His head of blessing on my head. I will turn my eyes upon Him and sure enough the cares of this world grow strangely dim, in light of His glory and grace. Have a blessed day! Www.shannonkhinson.com
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