#rootedbythewater – Page 20 – rootedbythewater.blog

My first Zoom meeting

July 26, 20223 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Year Anniversary

July 19, 20222 Comments

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

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

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

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

Renew me!

July 15, 2022Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

Stirred byWhat?

July 11, 2022Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

July 9, 20221 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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Verse for today 6/25/22

June 25, 2022Leave a Comment

May you all have a blessed beyond measure weekend as you continue to walk with Jesus!

Coasting

June 22, 20221 Comment

After a near “burn out” on Monday, I decided to take a different approach to coping. The analogy of riding a bike came to mind. You can ride at a leisurely pace, occasionally coasting, or you can change gears and push hard to get to your destination faster. The destination is the same. The level of exertion is the difference.

Generally I choose to push through things especially if it’s something unpleasant. It’s just the way I’m wired. I want to get it done then rest. I realize that pushing through can cause tremendous stress that’s really not necessary. It’s okay to coast! It’s more than okay to take a balanced approach. I’m going to arrive at my destination and arriving with a good frame of mind is ideal. My goal is to adjust to the new programming (map) of my cochlear implant processor. I can’t make it work although I can do auditory therapy and adjust my outlook. I know it will get better one step at a time. Balancing social stimulation and taking breaks is wise. I don’t have to do everything just right. It’s healthy to monitor the stress.

Yesterday was a much better day and I believe today will be too. I didn’t push myself to hard but just “coasted” regarding sounds. It was refreshing to get many chores accomplished and spend time in prayer and Gods word. Finding two new blooms on my Nanny’s peace Lilly plant added additional smiles.

We can’t rush through the refiners fire. Romans 5:3- 5 NLT says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

Let me encourage you today in whatever you are facing, God is with us every step of the way. It’s okay to coast a bit and relax. He’s going to get us where we need to be. Just trust Him!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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Burnt-out

June 20, 20222 Comments

Today was a test for my nerves. Optimism and a positive outlook can get you places but at a certain point circumstances start to wear on you and you can begin to sputter out. That describes me perfectly today. This was not an unusual day. I woke up with the mindset to overcome just like I do everyday but by mid afternoon my nerves were shot.

June 10th was the start of my “sound diet” that lasted until June 16th. That was six days with no auditory stimulation. When my audiologist turned my cochlear implant processor back on that day I could only tolerate low levels. It’s like small steps forward with my brain adjusting to the sound levels. I’ve always had that “Can do” mindset but I feel all tuckered out. I’ve been adjusting to this new map (programming) for four days now. Life doesn’t stop but you push through. There’s been a funeral, wedding, Fathers Day celebration, church, dinners, grocery shopping, a walk with a friend, discussions etc. all while background noises are drowning out voices and I don’t hear how loud I’m talking. Yesterday I actually asked my husband if my face looked tired because I try to smile through it all. My facial muscles actually felt tired. Today I was just done. Having low vision makes lip reading a challenge and the current programming makes it difficult for me to comprehend. I finally just took it off today. Sometimes you have to listen to your body and let it unwind. I have seven days until my next appointment for another mapping / programming. God willing the next adjustment will be a God-send, with just the right adjustments that will lighten this load. I rarely complain. Complaining gets you no where in life. Prayer, praise and thanksgiving are the ways to victory. One prayer at a time.. one heartfelt song of praise at a time..stepping forward step by step, God leads the way. Took a good rest today but forward on I go.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Three life seasons in a weekend

June 18, 2022Leave a Comment

This weekend is packed full with different life celebrations. A memorial / celebration of life for a precious friend who recently passed away. A celebration of marriage for a young couple embarking on their married journey. Last but not least, celebration of Fathers Day. Celebrating my husband Ron and remembering my awesome Dad who is no longer with us.

Life comes at us all the time. We never know what lurks around the next corner but we embrace Jesus who holds us every minute of every day. He enables us to find the good in hard seasons like when we lose a loved one. He enabled us to speak life into other new life seasons and cherish and appreciate each stage.

The Memorial service

Recently a precious lady passed away unexpectedly. It seems surreal like it just can’t be true. When we got the news of complications after her surgery we all raised our voices in faith filled prayers before God to bring before God healing. He brought her healing in Heaven. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and precious friend. One thing that stood out to me in her beautiful memorial service was, the Pastor said she preached her own funeral by the way she lived her life. The words spoken weren’t just empty words. They were true. She will never know the impact of her sweet spirit, love, encouragement, kindness and faith. May God comfort her family as they struggle with her loss.

The wedding

Today we got to witness a sweet couples wedding. We’ve known the bride since she was born. Such a beautiful young lady inside and out. We were happy to be a part of their celebration as they begin their married journey together.

I remember our wedding day. It was over 28 years ago. Being in love and ready to start life together, is like planting roots. Living out the promises you make to one another before God, day after day, takes commitment. It takes three: the bride, the groom and the Lord. A cord of three is not easily broken. We wish this sweet couple a lifetime of happiness.

Fathers Day

We have been celebrating Ron all weekend. Friday night our son Joshua wanted to have dinner together, then today we all attended the wedding together. Tomorrow Joshua will join us for church then a lunch for Ron.

It will be a bittersweet day as it will be the second Fathers Day without my Dad. I was a Daddy’s girl and I sure do miss our talks. Dad was a great listener. He would let me talk and give me words of wisdom and advice. I know he’s celebrating Father’s Day with our Abba Father. There is nothing like the love of a Father for his children.

Experiencing various parts of life’s journey over this weekend makes me reflect on the goodness of God. In all the seasons of life He is faithful and so so good!

Cherish a relationship with God and if you don’t have one, I urge you to get to know Jesus. It’s the best decision you will ever make. He is always there loving you and waiting for you to open the door of your heart to Him. He will see you through each season of life. The happy times, the difficult times, the joys and struggles, He is there every step of the way. Thank you Jesus!

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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Reactivation…baby steps

June 16, 20224 Comments

Today was the day I got to put my Marvel cochlear implant processor back on. It didn’t go exactly like I thought it would. It seemed more like baby stepping stones to take to get towards a goal of better hearing and comprehension of speech. I’m not even close to being there yet. However I went in hearing nothing and came out hearing a little bit so it is a step forward.

Describing this reprogramming eludes me. It was like starting from scratch. I’ve had my implant for 16 years. Since I started having some difficulties understanding speech my audiologist thought perhaps my auditory nerve was over stimulated. All my levels were high although not quite at the very top of the chart. It made sense to go on the “sound diet” so my nerves could rest. I think I went in with higher expectations than I should have. It was like starting back at the beginning, listening to various pitched beeps. They started very quiet and I had to tell her when it was at a comfortable volume. I was mindful of the fact my levels needed to be lower than before. It was super frustrating. As I sat there I started to sweat as I tried to put into words what it sounded like so she could make adjustments. My descriptions ranged from; it sounds like my head is in a tunnel, the microphones sound like they are covered, it’s muffled, volumes seems to go up and down with just a few words spoken. It was so odd.

My take away from today is it’s going to be a process. Progress requires one step at a time. My audiologist wants me to have a week for my brain to adjust to this new programming then I will go back for more changes. Step by step, God willing this will improve. My levels are about two thirds down which is good, we just need to figure out the next changes to make that will work for me. I did some auditory therapy tonight using the iAngel Sound app. I started with basics, food names and animal names. I could understand some of it but it was tricky. My score was down about twenty points from where I scored months ago. I will just need to readjust.

Here are a few reflections during this week and having sound turned back on. Silence is not golden. Not hearing separates you from people. When you have low vision like me, environmental sounds are important. Nothing makes your family work on their signing skills more than when they have to. 😂 Hearing no sound for a week makes you appreciate the little everyday sounds that are taken for granted. Rest is much easier without the noise. Prayer time has been different last week, not being able to really hear myself. I like to pray out loud in my quiet time. It helps me focus and I can speak Gods Word. When I speak the Word I like to hear what I’m saying.

I know things will get better. As the Audiologist was typing and programming, I was sitting there praying for God given direction and wisdom to make the exact changes I need. I go back in a little over a week for some more adjustments. Keep the prayers coming. Thanks for all the support. God bless you all!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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