Embracing God


Lately I have been doing much reading I can’t tell you the last tv show or movie I watched because it’s been so long. With my hearing and visual issues I’d much rather read a good book. A good author can bring a story to life, painting the canvas of my mind with a rich tapestry of descriptive words. This is certainly the case in “ Two from Galilee The Story of Mary and Joseph” by Majorie Holmes. She researched for several years before writing this book, bringing the culture and customs of the time into the vivid picture. I highly recommend this book, especially at this time of year as we approach Christmas.

Another book I read daily is the Bible. I’ve been doing a study on the book of Job for quite a while. “Trusting God in Times of Adversity” by Kay Arthur and Pete Delacy. This is a deep study and I have to pray for wisdom to understand what I’m reading.

Thank God for technology to enable me to read. I can’t see well enough to read an actual book. Although with my Optelec video magnifier it is possible. I prefer to read the Bible with You Version app on my iPad. I can zoom the font as large as I need it and also parallel translations. Such an awesome tool for study.

Yesterday our PastorLoran Livingston at Central Church of God spoke on “Eat the Word”. It’s so imperative that we feast on Gods Word every single day. It’s important that we be doers of the Word. Live what it says! I am so thankful to attend a church where the truth of God’s Word is boldly and truthfully preached. What a gift!

As I woke before the birds this morning….wide awake before 5:00, I spent much time pondering all I’ve been reading and studying. I spent time praying for wisdom and the many needs surrounding us. I spent time in worship, being thankful only God and my dog heard my voice I make a joyful noise 😊 My thoughts are summed up in this EMBRACE GOD! Just Embrace Him! Take God at His Word!

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭N!JV.

Meditate on that verse today. Embrace the goodness and perfect Will of God.

To read more of my story check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. ( available on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target, Walmart and Park Road Books.) My true story of surrender. My testimony of releasing hurt from my hearing and visual limitations and letting Gods strength arise within me as He enables me to overcome with His strength, not mine.
Www,shannonkenleyhinson.com.

Thankful for new opportunities.

After releasing my autobiography “Rooted by the Water“ this past May, it is finally IN a bookstore. So thankful that Park Road Books has a program to sell local authors. Check out this awesome little bookstore at 4139 Park Road, Charlotte NC 28209 http://www.parkroadbooks.com


Thankful for this new opportunity. I’m hoping to get my book in other stores as well. Baby steps but moving forward. Self promotion is a slow process. You can still find “Rooted by the Water” on the online bookstore of Westbowpress.com and other online retailers such as: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Target and Walmart.


Fun little piece of my history; I grew up going to Park Road Shopping Center where Park Road Books is located. Being there today brought back many great memories of going with my Nanny Kenley, my mom, and aunt Sylvia Thankful for my roots and old stomping ground. Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Be Inspired! Never give up! God is faithful always!

Friday morning PRAISE

Happy Friday! I wasn’t intending to blog today but I absolutely LOVE when I wake up with a worship song on my heart and my lips singing forth as I rise from bed. ( thankfully no one was here to witness it except our dog Joy. She doesn’t care that I can’t sing. I didn’t have my Nadia cochlear implant processor on yet so I couldn’t hear myself sing 🤣). I was belting out, “God said he would be right there… my God is everywhere. God said it, I believe it…. God said it, I believe it…. I’m going to take him at his word)

Our dog Joy under the bed.

There’s nothing like rising in the morning singing out loud. My day is Made! Thank you Jesus for the Joy that comes in the morning! Thank you for your Faithfulness! Thank you for the doors you will open for Your glory!

Have an awesome God filled weekend.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Comforting others

I’m sitting here thinking deeply after finishing up my morning quiet time with the Lord. Last week I started a new Bible study by Kay Arthur, “ Trusting God in times of Adversity.” It’s a study of the book of Job in the Bible. Todays reading was on Job chapter 6 when Job replies to his friend Eliphaz. As I read my mind took a little detour.


Being a part of an e-mail prayer group I’m aware of many prayer needs. People face devastating things daily. Intercession is one of my spiritual gifts so I take to heart these needs as I pray throughout the day as God brings them to my mind.


Sometimes I feel so empty inside and think, what can I possibly do to help others in their hard times. I acknowledged this morning that feelings have nothing to do with it. Faith has nothing to do with the way we feel about something. Lord help me to strive to have Biblical faith to have ASSURANCE of things hoped for and CONVICTION of what I do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)


I also thought deeply of how to comfort others in their times of difficulty. I recalled this verse, “who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬).

I know God’s very presence comforts me and He always listens to my prayers. He brings something along to light up my face with a smile. We can do these things for others: be there to give physical support, always have a listening ear, do something to brighten their day.


If truth be told, everyone is fighting a battle daily that most know nothing about. Let’s be a beam of light in the darkness and lift their load. People matter! Let’s make a difference in the world for the glory of God.

On a side note, I got a new shipment of my book “Rooted by the Water”. Reach out if you’d like a copy. It can also be found on online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Target and Walmart


Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com


Take a look


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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

Happy 1st Bone marrow birthday ~HALLELUJAH🙌🙌🙌

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

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


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

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

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

Amazing Fun


Yesterday I finally went kayaking while down at Cherry Grove. I did this last year with friends on a two seater kayak. This year I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I was so thrilled that I could indeed do it solo. The weather was perfect with gorgeous sunshine and blue skies reflecting off the water. It was so peaceful and relaxing… the first half 😁
At half way point we got lost in a maze of tall sea grass. We also came up on some shallow places where we had to turn around. Truth be told the maze of sea grass was a bit intimidating. I’d say a silent prayer, “Lord help us find our way out”. I would laugh and sign to my friend we were going the wrong way but she got us out.
Once we were out of the sea grass, we were hit head on with incoming high tide. Oh my goodness. It was like paddling hard but making no progress 😳🤦🏻‍♀️ We made little goals: let’s make it to the dock over there then rest, then have another goal. I lost sight of my friend a couple of times so I’d turn around and find her. I wore my old Harmony cochlear implant processor so I could hear her if she called since I couldn’t see her sign to me. I can’t see far 😂At one point I thought, where in the world did she go. She had gotten tired and decided to take a short cut through some sea grass and another friend pulled her out onto the road in front of the house 🤣 I couldn’t see what she was signing but I knew they could see me so I signed “ I’m going around on the water to the dock”. God gave me another burst of strength to get through that last bit of incoming high tide before reaching the canal behind the house. I was thankful to get out of that kayak. It was a BLAST but I had used up all my energy and was so tired.
Thank you Lord for a great learning experience. I will have to think on this one. I know there are many hidden lessons to learn from. I did prove to myself that I can indeed do it! But with God’s help of course and a buddy system. Hopefully we can find a place to rent two more so our whole group can go together.
If you’ve never kayaked the coastal waters of SC I highly recommend it. It’s so beautiful. Gods creation is stunning.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Praising Him in Uncertainty


Feeling unsettled once again. There is one certainty in life and that’s JESUS ~ He loves me , died for me, forgives me when I confess, and strengthens me each day. Life can get messy and plans often fall through. There are always expectations; some we have of ourselves , some others impose on us. There are many ways to accomplish things but what is the best way? I’m at a point in life that I don’t want to try to MAKE things happen. I don’t want to FORCE things. I can be stubborn and “find a way”— that’s all good. Nothing wrong with determination. However I’m beginning to realize that taking things out of focus and trying to “make it work” is making me feel unsettled. It’s not about me! It’s about giving Glory to God. If God wants me to accomplish something, I’m praying He gives me discernment and open doors.

I was told recently in order to market my book “Rooted by the Water” I need to speak to groups. It was mentioned that social media isn’t a great way to get customers. I was encouraged to do things in person. In all honestly, I’m like “Hello”…. I can’t see well enough to drive nor do I hear well enough to talk on the phone. Sure, I cam speak to groups. I’ve done it before BUT it’s un-nerving. Imagine walking into an office to speak to someone, well first… lets back up. I’ve got to get the appointment, get there, find the office. I have to get close to signs because I can’t see from a distance. So I’m unsettled before I even get there, then to tell my story! Lord come on, do you really want me to do this? I’m willing, yes! I can do things with God’s help. It blows my mind how I rely on Him daily.

I recall a time years ago when I taught a sign language class at Fort Mill Church of God. I was shocked at how many people showed up for the first class. So while keeping a calm and collected outer appearance I was asking God HOW I was going to pull that off. I remember passing out something and walking by the rows of people who had showed up for class. I said “Lord I’m going to need to be able to “see” what they are signing! Help!” God did help! He did strengthen me to get through that period of time teaching. The class got lots smaller as people realized it takes time and practice to learn a new language. The smaller class was much more doable. God knows and God worked it out.

So today, I’m going to focus on Praising the Lord while all the uncertainties swarm around. I’m going to focus on the WAY MAKER! MIRACLE WORKER! PROMISE KEEPER! LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS! THAT’S MY GOD! When I’m unsettled yet choose to sit at His feet and just Be Still and Praise Him, I know He will work all things according to His perfect Will.

www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Don’t give up!


As we wrap up this week and get ready for a new one, I want to encourage you all to NOT GIVE UP! Keep PRAYING! Keep PUSHING! Keep MOVING FORWARD! Keep BELIEVING!

As I have prayed for many needs this week (some mine & some for others) and have encouraged several in some of their struggles: one lady told me even though she doesn’t feel God working or “see” Him working…. she KNOWS in her heart that HE IS WORKING and NEVER STOPS WORKING! She is right! Sometimes prayers aren’t answered in the way we expect but we can’t give up HOPE!

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for: it is the evidence of things we can not see. Hebrews 11;1 (NLT) The Amplified Bible states it this way “ Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen(the conviction of their reality – faith comprehends as fact what can not be experienced by the physical senses).” So even when we don’t see our prayers being answered, we simply trust in and put our faith in God who is able to do far more than we ask or imagine.

From personal experience I can say that God does not always (well honestly… quite often) answer our prayers in the way we request. For example. last Monday our son had his annual appointment with his specialist. We had prayed HARD for IMPROVEMENT. God gave us STABILITY. It wasn’t exactly what we had prayed for BUT IT WAS STILL GOOD! Sometimes God answers in ways that we can’t understand but as our Abba Father, HE KNOWS BEST!

As we close this week I’d like to pray for all who read this……. Dear Heavenly Father we thank you Lord and praise you for all that you are and all that you are doing in our lives. Even when we don’t understand, we choose to trust you! You are the all powerful, all sufficient, ever present, loving, merciful, gracious, HOLY God. There is NO other. We give you all glory, honor and praise. We confess our sins and acknowledge that every single day we need you! Holy Spirit guide us and direct us. Use us for Your glory! Teach us to pray and walk with you in a close fellowship where we always hear your voice saying “This is the way, walk in it”. I lift up the many needs to you: sickness, broken families, addictions and many other issues. You are our Healer, our Deliverer, Strong Tower. Savior! We run to you and are safe! Put a hedge of protection around us and our families. Help us to be humble and full of love, yet Bold to declare Your gospel. In Jesus name I pray Amen!

Tomorrow is August 1 and starts a new week. Start your week in The House of the Lord! Keep Believing! God is faithful… always!