Calculating the Tides

Leasa P took this picture of me.

Today was a different kind of day at the beach. Everyday this week we have gone to the beach and just sat for hours talking, feeding seagulls and soaking up the sun. Today Leasa and I took the kayaks out in the canal. We looked at the tide chart trying to decide the best time to go. Paddling against the tide can be very tiring so we wanted to choose wisely the timing of going. High tide is the easiest time to go but high tide was around 6:00 pm which was a little bit late. We decided to try between low and high tide.

This was my first kayaking outing this year. However I didn’t bring the old cochlear implant processor I use for water activities so I heard nothing while we were out on the water today. I prefer to be able to hear boats and even yelling if my friend is trying to get my attention. She did try to get my attention but I didn’t notice. I told her to stick her paddle up in the air if she wanted to tell me something and I would paddle towards where she was. I can’t see real far but I can a paddle sticking up in the air. We were against the tide half of our course which was a bit tiring. I told her we could turn around if she wanted, but we decided to go for it and reach the turning point. The way back was much easier. At one point she was ahead of me going through the tall grasses in the marsh. I saw the rope from the back of her kayak in the water and grabbed it, slightly hindering her progress. 😂 I was cracking up paddling behind her. It was so much fun.

Our half way point with the ocean in the distance.

Returning to the house, we met up with our other friend Lisa Jane and went on a coastal nature hike. That was very interesting and beautiful. There were signs telling the wildlife in the area and the history. Once again we had to be aware of the tide. A couple was finishing as we were starting off and they warned us to stay on the right trail. The tide waters had covered the left trail. We saw on foot how far we had kayaked, since we walked to the point where we had turned the kayaks back towards the house. It seemed longer on foot than on water. When we were returning on our nature hike, the tide had come in some more and we walked a short portion in a puddle. It was a fun way to see the nature in the area, both by water and on foot.

One of the nature trail signs explaining the moons influence on the tides.
A picture from the nature trail.
Leasa, Lisa and me at the end of the nature trail and the point where we turned the kayaks around on the water.

Tomorrow we will have a regular beach day, sitting by the ocean and soaking up the sun. This has truly been such a relaxing trip and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to just relax with friends and enjoy nature from a coastal perspective. There are all the “attractions” of the beach with shops, shows and museums but taking time to enjoy the natural side of the coast is refreshing.

All photo credits by Leasa P. Be blessed!

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Forrest “Rang the Bell” 🙌🏼🙌🏼

Forrest Rang the bell today! He is cancer FREE!

Today marks a significant day! It was my brother Forrest’s “Bone Marrow Birthday”. Today marks five year since his bone marrow transplant back in August 2020. All Glory to God! Such a miracle and the family is so thankful. Today as he and his wife went to Duke for his appointment, everything turned out great. From what I understand, Duke no longer has a bell to ring so when they left Duke, they drove to Charlotte and rang the bell there. Forrest sent me this picture and I love the inscription beside the bell.

I remember clearly sitting on the porch praying for him back in 2020 when they found out he would need a bone marrow transplant. I am so thankful God enabled me to play a small role in his miracle by being a “perfect match”. Thank you Jesus for the many miracles that have happened along this journey Forrest and his family endured. It was a hard journey for them but to see all the blessings God has bestowed on them makes it a beautiful masterpiece of God’s handiwork to behold. Indeed, Miracles do happen!

I wore the “Miracles Happen” bracelet until it wore out.

Many of you have followed my blog from the beginning. Every year on Forrest “Bone Marrow Birthday” I have asked permission to share the joys of another year. This year is no different. We give all praise and glory to God for all He has done! We stand amazed and humbled at His grace and mercy. Thank you Jesus! And thank you all for your prayers along the way.

If you or your loved ones are facing a hard, seemingly impossible situation, let me encourage you to pray and trust God for His best. I love the follow scripture. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

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The Art of Conversing

Image found on the internet.

Here’s a little “peek” into my world. As an observer of human nature I find it interesting to watch people having conversations. The back and forth flow of words, smiles and laughter. It intrigues me and makes me slightly jealous at peoples skills in the “art”. Yes I call it an “art”. Today I watched the back and forth on a FaceTime. I am training to learn how to really share the phototherapy technology I’ve been using and love. I would never promote something unless I honestly believe it works and I do. So here I am going way beyond myself with watching zoom meetings and imitating FaceTime calls. If you told me I’d be doing this I would have laughed out loud. But I will let you all laugh along with me asI learn: trail and error.

Now back to conversing. From my perspective on today’s zoom I felt a bit like I was in a tennis match of sorts. A Volley back and forth of information and questions. Spoken language is so very different than sign language but I never want to limit myself to one type of dialogue. In all honestly, I prefer text or written language. The backspace is awesome! Yes, I’m over here laughing at that little joke. As I more watched today’s FaceTime than participated, honestly I have to zoom in to see the faces well and the lighting doesn’t always help. So many factors when it comes to Total communication: putting what I hear and what I see together and trust me, I am missing some gaps here and there. Very thankful for a patient caring friend who knows what she’s doing and can sign as well. I am learning a lot and thankful for the journey and stretching of myself.

This afternoon was another type of conversing at a baby shower for a friends daughter. There were both deaf, hearing impaired and hearing people there so lots of different types of conversation going on. It’s interesting because deaf people can converse in a loud group from across the room. I suppose people who talk loud can too. Just an observation. I on the other hand have to be fairly close to do either; understand speech or read signs and I’m always missing something. However, written language I can understand and retain.

Just a little reflection tonight as I think back on today. Honestly all I can do is try my best and let the pieces fall where they will. My gifts are encouraging and prayer. I’m the kind of person that meets you where you are, not expecting anything but just wanting to give hope to keep moving forward. We are all different with such a variety of talents and skills. Let’s encourage each other to be the very best version of who we are and strive to keeps stretching ourselves to learn new things. One day, God willing, I will master the “art” of conversing. I do fairly well one on one, but add more people and I’m lost in the “volley” of words, signs and faces. Just being real. Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend. Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing.

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When you want to Run ~ DON’T

Me doing devotions a few weeks ago at our RiceNBeans location in Rock Hill. Photo credit Terry P.

Have you ever been given an opportunity that you never thought you’d do? Un-nerving opportunities that you can’t do on your own? That’s been me. The RiceNBeans location that I serve at had to change locations for unforeseeable reasons. In the Rock Hill location we are now serving inside where there is a large kitchen. The people can come in and get cooled off in the air conditioned meeting area and have ice water and a meal. At this new location we also get to do a short devotion with the people. It’s a chance for “spiritual food” along with a warm meal. Pastor Daryl asked me if I would lead the devotions. I didn’t realize he meant every week. I honestly texted him recently to let him know I was thinking about stopping with volunteering. Let me explain a bit. Before we were meeting at a bust stop and I was busy doing “hands on” things that didn’t require me to hear people. The cooking and passing out food was easy for me.

In our new location it is a new dynamic where we let our wonderful volunteers to really get involved so they are busy and enjoy their experience. I’m not gifted with “directing” people so I felt like it wasn’t a good fit. I was asked to do the devotions and that is something I can do, with a lot of direction and help from the Lord. The thing about doing the devotions; I can’t see well enough to see the peoples response, I can’t tell if I’m speaking loud enough in the large room, I have a hard time seeing what I’ve prepared and have to zoom in large on my iPad. Bottom line…. it is un-nerving. With all these things, the devil had a good time of making me question if I was reaching the people and if I made any sense at all. A few weeks ago I asked Pastor Daryl if we could give out Bibles and that night we gave them all out except for one. Another night I felt so uncomfortable when the Lord prompted me to tell the people I’d be glad to pray with them if they wanted to accept Jesus. I was obedient and did what the Lord asked but not a single person approached me for prayer but one lady gave me a hug. In a sense I kind of felt like Jonah, wanting to run far away from this challenge but I didn’t. Every time I have spoken the Lord has given me the scripture to share.

Earlier today I did not know they wanted me to do devotions today but when I found out, scripture immediately came to me. I spoke briefly on our “thought life”. Our minds are bombarded with all kinds of thoughts all the times, but we don’t have to let them make a “nest” in our heads. I shared with the the following scripture. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭(ESV‬‬). I looked at a cross reference and saw the New Living Translation says to “fix your thoughts”. We have a choice in what we allow to stay in our minds. Choose what is lovely, pure, just, commendable, praise worthy etc. I also shared 2 Corinathians 10:5 with them that says, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭5‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) We have authority to take our wayward thoughts captive. I always try to throw in a true story or two to demonstrate the point. Tonight I shared about when we went to a little place within the campground at the beach last week to get some hamburgers for lunch. We ordered then sat at a picnic table to eat. The cashier was a “ray of sunshine”. She was so sweet and friendly and that set the stage for the experience. The food was NOT good. The hamburgers were cold as if they had been cookened then put in a refrigerator. However the lettuce was crisp and the tomatoe was also good. I laughed and told Ron the lettuce and tomatoe were the best part. It’s all a matter of perspective. Choose to find the good in things and it helps things go better.

Not sure what God is preparing me for, but I’m thankful for His grace, strength and wisdom to know when the devil is trying to make me “throw in the towel”. Not a chance. I’m going to keep serving as long as the Lord keeps this door open. It’s stretching me but He’s growing me for something and I’m honored and humble to be along for the journey. Don’t give up! Don’t quit. Be strong and courageous. God is with us wherever we go. Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing! Good night!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

The Patching Girl with the Gray Curls

It’s a “no frills” kind of day, with my messy gray curls but I circled my patch so you can spot it.

All silliness aside, I’m four and a half months in with using phototherapy stem cell technology patches and I continue to love the benefits. So why do I patch? In all honestly I was a true skeptic at the end of March when my college friend shared the technology with me. I do trust her though and see the amazing results she’s receiving so I was willing to look more closely. I have read so many incredible testimonies of how these patches have changed peoples lives for the better. The testimonies of real people sharing their real life situations has given me great hope.

I believe God made our body to heal itself. God created our stem cells which are the “master cells” and building blocks in our body. By God’s design, stem cells are found throughout our body and in various organs. Their job is to repair and renew our bodies. Stem cells migrate through the bloodstream to areas of the body most in need of repair and renewal. God is so amazing!

The stem cell patch traps the infrared light emitted from our body and reflects it back into the body. The reflected light stimulates the activation of stem cells. People have experienced notable effects in the first 24 hours and have incredible results in the first year. The stem cell patch supports the activation of healthy stem cells by activating GHK-cu (copper peptides) These copper peptides reset over 4,000 genes to a healthier younger state. By the age of 30 only half of our stem cells are working. By age 60, 90% are dormant. Can you tell I love the science behind this? Biology and anatomy were two of my favorite classes many years ago in college.

While the stem cell patches do not “treat” any specific disease. They activate stem cells and your body uses it where renewal is most needed. However, many people share they have benefitted with less pain, reduced inflammation, better quality of sleep, increased energy, less brain frog and less depression and anxiety. I personally can testify that my depression is way better and I feel so much more balanced. I am very thankful my friend shared this with me.

Yesterday my friend shared about the patching conference she just attended and shared a video from the conference of David Schmidt, the inventor sharing part of his testimony. I had some trouble following the video with my hearing and vision issues. Another friend shared with me about “live captioning” in settings on apple devices and told me how to turn it on. I still had some issues since I can’t read as fast as people speak but she shared. the gist of what he said. He diligently studies the Bible, doing word study, comparing meaning between Greek, Hebrew and numerical meaning. He gives God full credit for his inventions. That was confirmation that I’m on the right path.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (NLT) Faith is active. Another compelling verse is found in James 2. “You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬ ‭(NLT‬‬). Jesus himself used some unconventional ways of getting things down. For example, in John 9 Jesus heals a man born blind by spitting on the ground, making mud and placing it on his eyes. He told the man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam and came back seeing. So I’m going to continue patching.

This stem cell patch technology is patented with clinically studies and proven results. It is nontransdermal and noninvasive. While I started in April hoping it will help with my low vision, I am seeing other benefits while I wait: better quality of sleep, more mentally balanced, increased energy, handling stress much better, just to name a few. I’m going to keep praying and see what the Lord allows. He created my body to renew itself. Now where the activated stem cells will end up working is up to the Lord but I trust Him.

I will be having an “Educational Patch Party” in the near future, if you would like to learn more. My friend Kellie and another lady will be presenting the information. If you’d like an invitation to the zoom party, let me know and I’d be happy to send you an invitation.

We can’t grasp the goodness of God. “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) AND…… “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ (NLT‬‬)

So keep believing, keep trusting, keep putting your faith into action because God is working. I’m personally thankful He is using this stem cell patch technology to renew me. Be Blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Today marks 4 years~ An ongoing testimony of Faith & Resilience

Some of the post covers.

Happy Blogging Anniversary to me! Wow four years have flown by and many posts have been shared on a range of topics. Every week God gives me something to share and I’m so thankful for this journey He has me on and mostly that He is with me every step of the way. I just reread my very first blog post written exactly four years ago. My goal was and still is to encourage everyone to “Bloom where you’re planted”. We can’t always choose where we end up in life but we can choose how we deal with it. We can choose to Bloom for the Glory of God! We can choose to Rise Up in the power He gives us. God is so incredibly faithful.

While I have no clue exactly how many posts I’ve written: I usually average 1-2 posts per week for the last 4 years. WordPress is worldwide so posts can potentially be read anywhere in the world. Here are a few stats from my blogging journey. I am humbled and overjoyed that God would allow me to speak life over such an incredible audience. There have been a total of 10,516 views in 136 countries during this journey. Praise God for His faithfulness. While I do not make money doing this, I look at it in terms of speaking life and encouragement. My treasures are in Heaven and I’m just being obedient to share what comes to my heart. You are welcome along on this journey by subscribing. That way the blogs come directly to your e mail. I don’t know how long this journey will last but I will continue to be faithful in the process. Please feel free to share and brighten the world around us. Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing! Www.shannonkhinson.com

The Fine-line of pushing

I love this quote. It is actually “so me” BUT in my life there is a fine-line. Finding balance is key.

I am forever trying to figure out the fine-line of pushing. How about you? I can push myself too hard on the day to day basis and am always trying to find the right balance. When push comes to shove, it’s too far and the end result is exhaustion. (More mentally than physically). I went over and beyond this week and I was literally about to fall over last night when I got home from serving. I wanted to go right to bed and it was not even dark outside. I made myself wait until 10 then went to sleep and slept 11 hours. Feeling much better today. Once again I’m on a quest to get it done around the house.

Living with hearing and visual limitations, it takes more brain energy to deal with the normal things like conversing with people for a length of time, both spoken and sign language. (They are equally tiring but I love my people and push myself anyway) The same thing can be said about pushing past limitations. On Tuesday I overdid the zoom meetings attempt. I mean honestly, I was literally trying in vain to understand a live zoom. Someone was texting me some pointers of what they were basically talking about. I was using my iPad for the zoom meeting itself and texts coming in on the same device. I grabbed the iPhone which is synced to the iPad to answer the texts. Here’s the catcher, I can’t see the iPhone unless it’s under my video magnifier. Lord have mercy….. but I tried to keep a straight face and not show frustration. I’ve got to find the right balance in this. Life can stretch me so much at times, I wonder what it’s like for normal people. But hey….. I know normal is overrated.

Finding balance in the new business venture is something I’m going to have to do. I realize I can’t do it all so I’m going to need to learn to say no to some things. The phototherapy stem call technology is such an effective and fascinating product to learn and promote. I’m realizing I’ve got so much more of Life on my plate than others can even begin to understand, and knowing that, I’ve got to figure out a balanced approach.

Yesterday was ministry day when I help feed the homeless in Rock Hill. Since we have moved to an indoor facility we can now do a short devotion with the people before they eat. Pastor Daryl asked me to share with the people last night and that was such a privilege to share God’s Word with them. Nerve-wracking as well. While a women a couple of weeks ago told me it’s not hard, I personally feel a weight of responsibility that I don’t take lightly. Two days ago, God dropped some verses in my heart before Daryl even texted me. I knew in my heart what to share, but I still had to stand up there and do it. I wanted to mentally and spiritually prep myself right before standing in front of the people but I was busy in the kitchen washing the pots, pans and bowls we used during food prep. This is an industrial sized kitchen. God worked it all out though. I realize it’s Him working through me, and not me myself. I think it went pretty well. I’m going to ask someone for feedback later, who was out there with me, as they have asked me to do it again next week.

Looking back and at the present, I do see all this stretching might be leading up to something. What? I do not know. Over a year ago I was leading Bible study in our deaf group, when I couldn’t see the book. I sat down at my video magnifier that I use for reading a book and took detailed notes on my iPad using symbols to help me remember, memorizing great portions of it to be able to best teach. It took a lot out of me, but it was worth it to see growth. Next I began to weekly volunteer with RiceNBeans ministry. I can’t hear the people well but I didn’t let that stop me from serving. Now here I am still involved in that, in a new location helping with devotions. Also presently learning the Patching business and possibly pushing myself a bit too much in that area. It seems to all lead to something, which I’m not yet sure what that something is.

I believe my audiologist would be shocked at how much I’m putting myself out there to force myself to understand as much as possible. If I could give advice to myself, I’d say “Pray for a more balanced approach”. I can and do overdo it. I know when I’m so tired I want to go to sleep at 7:30 then I’ve pushed a bit too far. I guess my “Kenley stubbornness” comes into play quite a bit. Lord help me find that fine-line and stop there. I know other deaf people (just deaf, no vision issues) who only interact with deaf people. I’m not one of those. I love all people; hearing, deaf, disabled, foreign, black, white, type A personality, type B, outgoing, not so much, etc People are God’s workmanship and are there to love and encourage. That’s just who I am. I am so so thankful to have time with God daily to soak up strength and direction for the day. It’s my Lifeline. Do you know Jesus? He can be your Lifeline too.

I better get back to work. This is my second cleaning day. Got half of it done two days ago and finishing up today. Have a blessed day.

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Multi-Tasking kind of Day

We all have those days when we’re on a quest to get it done. Thank God for the ability to multi-task, or shall I say the willingness to attempt it. Just being real. I am also so thankful for a crockpot to help get dinner together. This is the second day this week I’ve used ours. Our son Joshua asked for “Pain in the butt” chicken for dinner. Well honestly I have another word for it but butt is much nicer. The recipe is actually called Marry Me Chicken but when you see like I do, it gets another name. I have a zoom meeting tonight and wanted to tweak the recipe and use the crockpot so the guys can eat when they want and it’s easy clean up. Sure hope it turns out good.

This is also my cleaning day but I’m apparently only getting half of it done. Was trying to catch an afternoon zoom meeting, challenging myself to tune in via “Bluetooth” while I cleaned but that was a bust. Couldn’t follow without actually watching. #goals One day I’ll get it but it won’t be today. Moved some things around a bit while stopping to send texts and check messages. Now that dinner is in the crockpot, I can move on to another chore and continued prayer before this evenings zoom meeting. I have no clue how I will do, but I will show up and be a “fly on the wall” while attempting to gleam a bit and stretch myself a bit further. Not to mention writing a blog and mid way through catching Joshua’s friend before he left to ask him a tech question about Google Documents and spreadsheets. Well, I did say I was multi-tasing and he helped me figure it out!! Woo Hoo!

Also so excited that Pastor Daryl asked me to do the devotion for our homeless friends tomorrow night at RiceNBeans Rock Hill. Truth be told, this morning during my quiet time a scripture dropped into my heart. I’m going to continue praying through the day for confirmation from the Lord. I don’t know what these precious people need to hear but God knows and will direct me in what to say. I’d appreciate prayers for guidance and confidence / boldness. I am not qualified to do these things; the devotion for the ministry outreach and these zooms BUT God doesn’t called those already equipped, rather He equips us despite our abilities or lack there of. So, onward I go….. I need to accomplish a bit more today so I will leave you with this….. let’s finish out today STRONG IN THE LORD and in the POWER OF HIS MIGHT! Be blessed!

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I can’t but HE CAN and DID!

Image found on Pinterest.

What can I say? This morning I texted my friend Tami to see if they needed my help with RiceNBeans tonight: a ministry that feeds the homeless. Tami and I had been away from serving for over a month and last week was our first week back helping at a new location.

It’s amazing how God works! We are well familiar with the previous location at the bus stops but the ministry in Rock Hill is now serving from an indoor location. If we had not gone last week, we would have not known what to do. God foreknew Pastor D would be called out of town, even though we had no idea. God’s ways are awesome!

This morning Tami texted me and asked me if I would do the devotion tonight for our homeless friends. I have learned over the course of my life, when God opens a door, He will provide and see you through it. So I said yes and asked if I could talk on whatever God gave me, which of course was fine. I began praying for direction and asked others to pray as well. God answered! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

He put Philippians 4:13 on my heart: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I live this verse day in and day out. God also brought Hebrews 11:1 to my heart.: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. I said a quick quiet prayer before starting then began to pour out what God gave me, using a bit of testimony in how He strengthens me. I don’t remember all I said and it was a short devotion. I had about ten minutes and my prayer was for divine direction to speak encouragement over them all. We can rise up over our circumstances, not in our own strength but in the strength God gives us. I told them God has given me such faith to move forward even though I honestly don’t have what it takes. I can’t hear or see well, but that did not stop God from enabling me to do His Will tonight. I am honored to be a vessel for His glory.

I often feel inadequate. I like to be doing something, encouraging, helping, writing or whatever. I love to use my abilities for the glory of God. No i don’t have all it takes, but God does. What we lack, He brings, plus more. He just wants us to make ourselves available. I can share from a true sense of lack, because I in myself can’t do it, but He can and He will. It’s not about our abilities or our resources. It is about our surrender. It’s about having an attitude of submission. I told Tami and her husband tonight, I’m open to doing this again if needed. I felt like a fish out of water, but honestly when it’s a God thing, that’s the best way to feel. It’s not about me but about Him and what He wants accomplished.

Let me encourage you to be open to being used by God for His glory. It doesn’t matter what you can or can’t do. If He opens the door for you, He will equip you to do whatever is needed. All glory to God! Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing. Good night! This girl is tired, but a good kind of tired.

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Truth or fiction

Moose napping under the porch glider.

Would you like a “story” or reality? Truth or fiction? After all, it is a lovely June Sunday. I can write up a wonderful account of the day so far. Let’s see, I woke before the alarm giving me a nice peaceful time on the porch in prayer. The sun had not yet risen and it was so peaceful. We were finally going to make it to church today, planning to drop our son Joshua off at work early on our way to church. Hie puppy Moose was finally feeling better. After three days of dealing with puppy diarrhea it was great to have things back to normal. Nope, that’s not how things unfolded. Can we fold them back up and try again?

While parts of that lovely account are true, things took a swift downward turn. After a wonderful peaceful time with the Lord, I went in to get ready for church. Walking into our bathroom, I noticed a puppy “accident” on one of the bathroom rugs. Oh no! Moose has had diarrhea for three days. Vet prescribed medicine and a plain diet of rice and chicken. Yesterday he seemed back to normal so I was surprised to see this accident on the rug. I thought I better check the rest of the house to make sure there was nothing else. I cleaned up the rug and proceeded to take it to the laundry room to wash. Looked quickly in the dining room and found another small “accident”. Continuing on to the laundry room, the hallway was dark and I stepped right in his biggest accident. Oh my word, my foot was 3/4 coated in poop! No one was awake yet so I hobbled to the bathroom for a foot bath. By that time the guys were awake and discovered the situation. After cleaning up the accidents and putting the rugs in the washing machine we decided to just watch church from home.

I must admit I was not happy with the whole scenario and had been looking forward to worshiping in person. It seems we have missed church more this year for unforeseeable reasons than any year in remembrance. Grabbing my iPad I went back on the porch to watch livestream. Joshua came out to talk briefly not realizing I was tuned in via Bluetooth so I couldn’t hear him. I turned off the sermon so I could hear him, then restarted it. I zoomed in on Pastors face so I could follow the best I could. Three fourths through the sermon my cochlear implanted battery died unexpectedly. No warning or anything. Geez! I tried to go inside to replace my battery so I could continue and……. the back door was LOCKED! You can’t make this stuff up! I knocked and knocked on the door, rang the back doorbell and no one came to open the door. I was like, “What in the world?” I put on one of the guys flip flops and trudged through the wet backyard in my pajamas, around to the garage door to go in that way. Thank God I had already unlocked that door when cleaning up the accidents. By that point I was in tears. Very frustrating morning! One thing after another. It’s almost like the devil himself was pulling strings to get me out of sorts, and out of sorts I sure was!

Ron took Joshua to work. He has four massages scheduled for today. I decided a hot epson salt bath might sooth me and it helps purify the body, getting toxins out. Thing is, as I was detoxing, sweat ended up mingling with tears. Detox the body, detox the soul. Life happens and we have the deal with it but it doesn’t make it any easier. Sometimes a good cleansing cry and detox bath help. It would be nice if we could just ”wash things away” just like I washed the accident from the rugs and have them drying right now on the porch. This too shall pass but I’m really hoping Moose has “passed” all of whatever has upset his stomach the last few days. Changing diapers is much easier than cleaning floors.

Lord can I have a redo? I did get enough out of the livestream (in a nutshell it was about the Fear of the Lord, at least that’s what I understood.) and the worship was beautiful. I’m back out on the porch writing this blog. A trip to the beach would do this girl good. Hopefully one day in the near future. In the meantime I can imagine. I sure hope your day is going way better than mine. Now off to give Moose his rice and chicken and medicine. Have a peaceful Sunday.

Back to peace on the porch while the rugs dry.

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