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No Greater Love

December 14, 2024Leave a Comment

You know it’s almost Christmas when you break out in Christmas carols at the most random moments. My husband Ron and I got in the car tonight to make a quick run to Publix grocery store for a few items. The moon was beautifully showing off. As I looked in awe I began singing, It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of all and Ron said, “Shannon!’ I can’t blame him being as off key as I am. I do believe they will be singing that tomorrow at church so I will wait and sing along with them. Or rather just move my lips.

I’ve been meaning to blog all week but life happened, like it always does. Let’s see, the weeks summary in a nutshell~ New iPad came in, first plan of business get a screen protector so it doesn’t crack again ✔️, get someone to transfer all my information from device to device ✔️, learn new device partial✔️, discovering a issue when it was pouring down rain and water stated sprouting up in the yard that one will take some time, discovering an expensive plumbing job we had done may not have been necessary that one will hopefully be resolved this week. Thus the reason I’ve not blogged yet this week. However, I did type the title back on Tuesday. It’s about time finished what I started.

Last Tuesday morning I came across this scripture. “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) As I sat there thinking, I envisioned the greatest gift ever given. From the birth of Jesus to His sacrifice for us on the cross, His death, resurrection and assertion ~ No greater love!

Will you take a minute to think deeply about this with me? God made the earth and it originally was without sin until the Fall in the Garden of Eden. Our God is HOLY and sin came into the world through Eve and Adam’s sin. Sin continued and God sent His Son Jesus to be born as a human babe, in a stable to a poor couple. This is God’s Son, leaving His Heavenly Throne and being born as a human. That is an astounding love and what He did for us. No greater love!

This so moves me! “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭11‬ ‭(NLT) No greater love!

Stay with me as my train of thought goes another step. Think of God the Father, fully knowing this plan of redemption from beginning to end, saw His Only Begotten Son Jesus bearing our sin upon the cross. Can you even imagine the pain He had to have felt? Being a parent of one son, I can’t even perceive the pain that would cause God, watching His Son take our punishment. I’ve always been a Mother bear. I didn’t like anything hurting my son, so I can’t even imagine what God felt when He had to look away. No greater love!

I’ve been pondering this all week in the midst of life happening and I didn’t even share it all but enough for you to get the picture.

Deep calls to deep….. God put this in my heart earlier this week and I sense the devil didn’t want me to write it. He didn’t win! It’s Saturday night, my iPad died right before getting ready to blog. I got an extension cord, plugged the iPad in and here I am doing what God wanted me to do. From Jesus birth in a stable to the cross and resurrection: No greater love! And one more thing well honestly I may write more but ….can you even imagine putting your newborn child in a feeding trough in a stable because there was no room for you in the inn? From His Heavenly Throne to the humblest of mangers~ No greater love.

I am in AWE !!! Can we pause a moment and just adore our King? O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him…. Christ the Lord

As we worship and adore our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us follow His lead, humbling ourselves and truly show love to Him and to our neighbors. Who is your neighbor? Not just your brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, but the people you run into everyday. The person who almost ran into us tonight in the grocery store parking lot. Praise God for His protection. Let’s remember those who are hurting, those who don’t have family, the homeless, shut ins who don’t have the health to get out. Let’s love one another. It can be as simple as praying for others, calling or texting someone to encourage them. There are so many ways to show love, kindness and compassion. Spread the joy and wonderful of Christmas~ No greater love!

http://www.shannokhinson.com

What do you see?

December 8, 2024Leave a Comment

A picture to double check that I found the right items

I had planned to blog on Epic Shenanigans but writing about my oddball antics of dealing with life didn’t seem so appealing at the moment. On second thought, sharing some recent antics actually ties in to “What do you see, vs that plus the backstory.”

So here goes with a glimpse of Life as I live it. Friday afternoon had been busy. I had needed to pick up a few things from the grocery store but Mom and I ran out of time. She had needed to find some gifts so we focused on getting her gifts found then she took me home. She doesn’t like to drive after it’s dark.

Mom had one more gift to purchase and I suggested a store at the other end of the shopping strip. I had to find a glaze in a craft store. We didn’t have much time before it would start getting dark so we decided to split ways. Truth be told, I did need help in the craft store but I decided to wing it (get it done myself) Walking into the craft store, I located a clerk. They wear red vests so that wasn’t too hard. I showed her a picture of what I needed and explained I couldn’t hear or see well. I must say, she handled that information pretty well. We finally found what I needed and a paint brush. She also directed me to where the ribbons were. I finally found a ribbon I thought would work then proceeded to the checkout area. I reached the front of the store and my heart sank, all the registers had been changed to self checkout, which I detest. You need to be able to see to do self checkout. Someone please inform retailers because they apparently have no clue about accessibility. Anyway…. I told the store manager and he assured me there was one checkout with an employee who would check my items out. Paying for the items, I walked to the store mom was shopping in. Now to find her. I said a little prayer and shortly after, found her at the checkout register.

It was twilight so I told her she should just take me home. I still needed those things from the store to make desserts for a party the next night, but I would ask my husband Ron to take me. Arriving home, my little family of three found ourselves hungry but not wanting to go out again. Ron and our son Joshua decided to get take out. I mentioned to Ron that he could drop me off at Harris Teeter grocery store. I would get the ingredients I needed while he picked up dinner, then he’d swing back around to get me. I assured him I could do it. (Side note, with me having low vision, Ron is usually the one who finds things in the store. I make a list and he finds them) As he dropped me off, I walked in the grocery store, opened my iPad and began using the camera to find what I needed. I did find everything and ran into him in the produce section. He had forgotten to tell me he wanted some bananas. As we were in the check out line, I said, “Just think, if the people see the security footage in the store, they will say; There’s that iPad girl again. What is she doing looking at everything through the iPad camera lens and even taking pictures before putting items in her cart? Interesting.” Ron just laughed. If people only knew.

So you see a situation, or a person for that matter, but until you know the backstory you are missing a lot of information. How often we see things and make judgements, not knowing the real situation. It’s so important to look deeper at situations Honestly most people don’t care and don’t want to take the time. That’s ok too. I mean really, what can we say?

Ron said to me last night, “You are a real Christian.” I replied, “I’m not perfect. I make mistakes just like everyone else. I need God’s grace just like everyone does.” I do really desire to be consistent. Letting people see Jesus in me is my reason for existing. Half the time I think I might have it a bit easier because I don’t have all the distractions normal people have. Then again, the limitations and winging my way through them can be kind of a cruel joke. I suppose it’s a matter of how you look at it.

If you are the person looked at let me encourage you to not worry about what people think. Yo do you! Do what you need to do to get your things accomplished. (Well of course, don’t break the law while attempting it!) Be strong! Be courageous! God is our strength and ever present help at all times. It does take humility to admit that. It’s worth the humble pie.Tust me, there is no room for pride here. I need help. If you’re honest, you need help in some areas too.

If you are the one doing the observing and passing judgements, look a little deeper. Not everything is superficial. Practice empathy and try walking in that persons shoes. Show grace! There is always room for grace! There is always room for kindness.

We are all humans. If you look so carefully at someone’s life, make sure you place yourself under that same lens. There is usually way more than meets the eye. The backstory can reveal truths that might just blow your mind. Take the time.

In Psalms 119,David wrote, “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) We can discover such abundant riches in God’s Word. It’s His instructions for dealing with life. As we study the Bible, God reveals Himself and His perspective to us. May our eyes be enlightened to His truth as we live to bring glory to His name. Have a wonderful week!
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Thankful, Grateful & Blessed

November 27, 2024November 27, 2024Leave a Comment

My precious family: Ron, me and Joshua. Photo credit Tami P.

This morning I find myself reflecting on life. This is not unusual, as I do this quite often. Thankfulness is a frame of mind/attitude I try to maintain. As I reflect on life, I will tell you that I am quite blessed.

Before you start thinking Must be nice let me share a wee bit of life lately. This past Sunday evening I was having the best time decorating our house for Christmas. I love Christmas lights and have three mini lighted trees and our son Joshua’s original small tree that is about 25 years old, all up and decorated. My husband Ron had teased that he should put the big tree together then I could decorate all night since I was on the roll with decorating. Interesting how fast things can change when you least expect it.

It was getting late and I decided to get in bed and read to help me unwind. ( I am currently reading our book club selection for this month but it is challenging to see, as the online Library only allows me to zoom large to a certain degrees. Even at that degrees it is challenging and slows me down.) I had taken a natural sleep aid earlier but it didn’t seem to be working. I had broken a tiny piece off a prescription sleep medicine I have and took that. Let me just say, never again! Don’t mix natural and prescription medicine even if it is a *tiny tiny* piece. I had a bad reaction to the combo: shivering, cotton mouth feeling, hyperventilating which caused a full blown panic attack. During this time I kept saying the name of Jesus over and over. I quoted scripture to try to calm myself. I asked Ron to get Joshua and for them to pray with me. I quoted Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (NKJV)

Ron ended up calling 911 and I was taken by ambulance to the ER. Joshua rode with me in the ambulance and was such a calming presence. Ron followed in the car. I was so scared. Joshua was with me the whole time, while Ron had to get through to where I was. In the process the ER nurse was trying to find out my information from Joshua but when she pulled him away, I panicked again and he came right back, telling the nurse Ron should be there shortly. I did have the presence of mind to be able to give my Social security number. Thank God for the moments my mind would clear enough to tell them about my Cochlear implant processor and if it fell off I would not hear anything. I told them if the battery died I would hear nothing. I was hooked up to an ekg machine, blood pressure monitor and was getting potassium by IV to counteract with the anxiety.

I have a mistrust of the medical community since the COVD mess broke out. I never got the vaccines after reading up on them. I saw the contradictions of CDC , news and hearing first hand reactions and side effects. It was a no brainer to me. They were not injecting me with any poisons. I had a discussion with my doctor who wanted to know why I refused the flu shot as well. I remember saying, “Dr. C my immune system works great. I was my brother bone marrow donor. Why try to fix what’s not broken?” Yep, I sure did say that. Not to mention I had an eye surgery years ago that was not even needed: thus my strong distrust of the medical community.

Monday morning I was able to go home and I rested the entire day. I rarely do that. I like to stay busy, as it distracts me from thinking too much. Ron will tell you that I’m a thinker. He will ask, “what are you thinking about?” I will laugh and respond, “You don’t want to know.”

As I sit here, knowing what our family deals with: limitations with hearing and vision, always having to plan ahead to get things done since transportation requires someone else’s help for two people in our family. Then dealing with normal life itself…. Normal life recently as in yesterday Ron discovering all four rotors on the wheels of our car are malfunctioning, meaning he will have to do it all again. He knows how but it’s not an easy thing to do. We also had a water pipe line replaced yesterday to the tune of $2500. Yes, there is actually more to this list of dealing with *LIFE* but that’s not my point here. The point is we are alive. We are blessed to have each other. God is faithful in the bad times as well as the good times. He gives us strength beyond ourselves to rise up and move forward. Knowing God’s Word really stabilizes me. For example, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) and also, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

I praise God this morning. Thankfulness fills my heart. We might be a tiny little family but God has given us great strength and resilience to rise up in His strength. We are beyond blessed! Sure we have multiple things to deal with on a regular basis BUT God always is before us, behind us with His hand of blessing on our heads. We really can’t ask for more than that.

This Thanksgiving season I ask you to pause and be thankful for everything: the good, the bad and the ugly. Find the diamonds in the dust of daily life. Don’t forget those who are without; whether it be those that are homeless, without family or having health issues. Remember them and honor them in some way. It is far more blessed to give than to receive.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

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Just a thought

November 21, 2024Leave a Comment

Just wanted to share a short but profound truth to encourage you with whatever today holds. Psalms 139:5 say, “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head”. (NLT) I read this chapter in the Bible this morning and I can’t help but see our Abba Father God so very carefully guiding us through this day. He knows what’s ahead and He knows what’s behind. He places His loving hand of blessing on our head. He also knows when we go our own way and get dangerously *out on a limb*

Whatever you are facing today, give it to God. He loves you and desires the very best for you. Make room for Him today. Don’t push him to the side and *do it yourself* when His loving guidance is right there with you. Never feel embarrassed that you need help. We all need help. Look to Jesus! Have a blessed beyond measure day. You are loved. 🤟🏼

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The Potters Wheel

November 19, 2024November 19, 2024Leave a Comment

Thanks to Amy for snapping this picture of me trying out her Potters Wheel

Today I was able to experience something I’ve wanted to experience for quite a while. A couple of weeks ago Mom and I went to a Christmas craft show where a friend of mine was selling her pottery and jewelry. She is the Real Deal as she makes her bowls and pottery from clay on her potters wheel. I’ve always wanted to try it to see what it’s like.

Years ago I made Christmas ornaments with an American Sign Language (ASL) “I love you” cookie cutter. About 31 years ago I worked as a teachers assistant at a preschool for deaf children. Making the “I love you” ornaments was one of the crafts we did. Back then we made the clay from flour, salt and water. The dough always got stuck in the fingers of the cookie cutter. About 15 years ago I decided to make a bunch of the “I love you” ASL ornaments. Honestly it was rather hard and I never tried it again. I was telling my friend Amy about these ornaments and asked if she’d help me make some with clay. Today was the day when I went over and she showed me some tricks of the trade. I wasn’t sure how I’d do since my vision is worse than it was years ago. She patiently showed me how to use the tools and I brought my cookie cutters with me. I was able to do it and it was so much fun. I wanted to put my great niece and great nephews names on four of them and she did that part for me. I will go another day to paint them.

Here is one of the ornaments. Amy stenciled the name on for me.

After finishing the ornaments, I asked her about the potters wheel and she let me give it a try. Wow that is some work of art!!! It gave me a new appreciation for the work she does. She explained that the clay had to be centered and it felt a certain way when it was. It’s hard to explain and I couldn’t get it centered. She did it quickly and showed me how to make a bowl. I asked if I was doing it right and she said ”No”, but it was my creation so I could make whatever. It was a fun experience.

When I think of a Potters Wheel, I honestly think of God creating us. Take a moment to grab your Bible and look at the first eleven verses of Jeremiah chapter 18. God tells Jeremiah to go down to a potters shop and watch the potter work at the wheel shaping a jar. Look at verse 4: “But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.” Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Today I got to experience this. As Amy was demonstrating how to make a bowl, then let me try it, mine didn’t turn out so well. She said it would break when it dried, so I asked her if I should start it over and she said “yes”. I crushed it back down and started again.

It is so incredible to experience things that symbolize God’s power to shape and mold us as His creation. He has the power to define, shape and use us for His pleasure and glory. I can honestly say I really enjoyed the experience and can only imagine the satisfaction Amy must feel when her creations turn out as she desires.

I’m not a Bucket list kind of person. I mean, I don’t actually have a “list” but there are some things I’d like to one day try and today’s experience was one of them. I have such awe of God and His artistic abilities. He is the Master Potter, the Master painter, and every other creative title you can imagine. It literally blows my mind to just think of every thing God has taken such delight in designing and making for His pleasure.

That clay can be really touch. Amy showed me how to get the air bubbles out. Pressing and adding pressure, turning it over and over. It’s kind of hard to describe. Just think of how God has to take us through times of pressure and difficulty to “get the bubbles out” The clay has to be molded just right. When doing the ornaments, she showed me how to put the clay through a presser (I don’t know what it’s called) to flatten it out just right and at the correct thickness before I could cut it. I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’ve been through God’s Presser multiple times to get me to the right “thickness” before shaping me with the cookie cutter of His choice. That’s the beauty of creating something.

We are God’s creation. I’ve often struggled with the question of. “Why did you make me this way?” Having both hearing and visual difficulties due to having nerves that don’t work as they should. On top of that, passing it along to my son. I t has been one of the pressing / cutting things in life. Here’s where the BUT GOD comes in. Psalms 139: 13‬-‭14‬ says, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”(NLT) It’s not too fun to be so unique but who am I to tell my Creator how to make me? I get put through a Presser of challenging situations quite often. I’m learning to see them before they come and say a prayer, “God this is the part I don’t like and I’m going to need Your help to shine through this for You glory.” I hope in some way He is glorified through my attempts.

Tomorrow will be another one of those Pressers. Tomorrow I will go to my friend Tami’s house and help with the cooking for RiceNBeans ministry for our homeless friends in Rock Hill. The cooking is fun and we talk and catch up. When it’s time to head to Rock Hill, I am out of my comfort zone. Sure I can serve up a meal but when it comes to communicating with the people I feel so inadequate. I smile and ask all I see if they would like a meal. We have been doing this since around March and many of them know I can’t hear or see really well. I can only hope and pray it encourages them to press through the situations that have them on the streets or living in shelters. Pray that being a Light for Jesus will direct them to the SOURCE of that light, which is Jesus Himself.

Sorry so long and so deep. God touches my heart through life experiences and I wanted to share with you this neat experience today. If you’d like to read my testimony you can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover, soft cover and ebook formats.) All for the glory of God.
Www.shannonkhinson.com

It was a “Hoot”

November 14, 2024Leave a Comment

Have you ever been invited to something that you didn’t feel quite capable of doing? A good friend of mine recently invited a few friends over to paint pottery. I remember having a conversation with my mom last weekend and saying, “I really don’t want to go. I’ll be overstimulated trying to see to paint. I have something to go to everyday this week and I don’t want to be worn out.” Yes, I did have that conversation with Mom. Then on Sunday at church, I saw my friend who was hosting. She was so excited about it and said she was going to make us a taco lunch, so I gave in and went. I’m so glad I did! It was a HOOT !!

When I got to her house last Monday I saw she had purchased a lighted magnifier to help me see better as I painted! I was shocked and also excited to give it a good try. She is one of the most thoughtful people. She had a variety of pottery to choose from. I love birds and wanted to try the owl. Searching on Pinterest, I found a color scheme I wanted to try. One friend helped me find the paint colors and mix them. Another helped by outlining with the paint and filling in where I missed. It turned out so cute and memories were made with life long friends. Honestly, they made it look much better than it would have doing it on my own.

Moral of the story, never be afraid to try. I was initially intimidated by the idea of painting, but it turned out to be a relaxing fun day with friends. This cute owl is a reminder of the experience and memories made. So give that intimidating offer a try! You never know what fun awaits you when you’re willing. You also never know the generous surprises you may encounter. Get out of your comfort zone and fly the coop Have a great weekend everyone!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Need Reviving?

October 31, 2024Leave a Comment

Saw this on social media months ago and took a screen shot.

As I sat this morning thinking. I prayed for revival to come. Do you need reviving? I do and I believe we all do! Trust me! We definitely do! What better day to Set the SPIRITUAL FIRE of revival than on halloween (not capitalized on purpose. It’s insignificant to me. The high holy day of evil.) For many years I didn’t know the origins of the holiday but once I discovered what it’s really about, that was it, no more halloween for me. Now on to the point of my blog…..

As I was checking text messages this morning I saw there is a call to national prayer on November 4, 2024, starting at 6 pm all across the United States. Great American Prayer Event. I’ll be participating and why not start early? They especially want untied national prayer during the event though. Just take time to stop where you are and pray for our great nation. The Bible says, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Check out the picture below closely. It’s the back of a one dollar bill that I put under my Optelec magnifying machine. This machine helps me see print that I can’t otherwise see with my low vision, as the machine enables me to ZOOM in large and see. Do you see “In God we trust”? Honestly ask yourself, as a nation when did that change? How many Americans can honestly say, “In God we trust”?

The spiritual health of our country, the values of family and integrity have slowly diminished over the years. I’d even go as far as saying it’s “nose DIVED” in the last few years. Let’s be honest, the One True God has been slowly taken out of society and replaced with the false gods of society: the god of pop culture, the god of money, the god of pride, the god of perversity, the god of sex and lust, the god of feel good and do what you want….. I could continue the list, but do you see my point? As a nation we have fallen and it is time to “RETURN TO THE LORD”. It’s time to repent of our nations sins. Great sins! It is time to HUMBLE ourselves and PRAY and SEEK GOD’S FACE! Think about our children and those who have grand children and great grandchildren. Think of their future. This is what the Lord says in Jeremiah 29: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”” Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Those are God’s words to us. Will you join me in prayer for our nation? Revival starts with me and you. It starts in the hearts of each believer, and fans into flame in our families, churches, communities and nation. Let’s change the world by falling humbly before the Lord in prayer. He is a Holy God of great mercy and love.

Lord set a fire down in my soul that I can’t contain, I can’t control….. I want more of you God, I want more of you God. …. Will you sing with me? That’s kind of how my heart works. It’s a mix of worship songs(and I don’t always get the words right) , scripture and heart cries to the Lord….and here I go again….. Lay me down Lord, here at your feet. All I have Lord is yours. Lay me down Lord, my heart if yours to keep, all of you is all I need.. Keep it going and feel free to add your own worship. Keep the prayer and praise rising up to the Lord.

As individual, family, churches, communities and nationally we need revival. Praying for you all and sincerely hope you will join this call to prayer. Not just today, not just Monday for the Great American Prayer event but every day. Let us cry out to the Lord. He will hear us and He will answer. Amen.

Be blessed and better yet, Be a blessing ! You are loved!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Groan or Grumble

October 21, 2024October 21, 2024Leave a Comment

Do we groan or grumble? If you’re honest, I hope you say you do both. Although grumbling is not a good thing, I’m seeking a honest examination of self and if I’m honest I’d have to admit to doing both. I do try to refrain from grumbling.

I don’t like to grumble, murmur and complain. I think those are all pretty similar. There seems to be a sense of entitlement when we do these things. It’s as if it should all be our way and if not, you’ll get an ear full. That is so so not good. I know that’s a lousy choice of words but it gets my point across. When I come across posts or comments on social media of grumbling complainers, I just want to “roll my eyes and scroll on”. And if I’m honest, it’s best not to even respond to grumbling posts because when you do and have a difference of opinion, that grumbler is likely going to take offense. It’s just the truth.

You might wonder why I’m even talking about this. Here’s why, this week in our Bible study on prayer we are studying lament. This week I’ve learned the difference between groaning to God and grumbling to God. There’s a big difference. If you know some Bible history, you know that when God delivered the Israelites out of the land of Egypt with His mighty power and brought them through the Red Sea on dry ground they grumbled to God about the wilderness, about the Manna and lack of water. Whew, did God get mad! He said none of them would enter the promise land (except for Caleb and Joshua) due to their grumbling. OUCH! See Numbers 13, 14 and 21.

God does desire us to bring our struggles and hang-ups to Him. Groaning is a more humble approach. It’s like pouring out your heart to the Lord. It’s not accusing God but rather laying down the hurts and confusion. He desires us to bring our requests before Him and express faith in Him and praise Him for the answer He sends. Yes you can praise Him before the answer comes. That shows your faith in God. I do this all the time, “Lord I don’t see this yet but faith is being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I don’t see. And Lord, I don’t see it yet but I know it’s coming, according to Your perfect Will.”

As I’ve studied this week I’ve seen many different examples of lament in the Bible. God invites us to bring things to Him. Humble hearts, prayer and hearts full of praise to God are so essential to living victoriously.

Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there. Romans 8:26 says, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”( ‭NLT‬‬) The beauty here is, God already knows our hearts. He knows what we are going to say even before we say it. (Psalms 139:4) Let’s humble ourselves and lay our hearts at the feet of Jesus. He will meet us there and comfort our souls.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share with others. I attempt to post at least once weekly to encourage others and challenge myself and others as we walk this journey of faith with Jesus. Be blessed!
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Growing in Grace

October 15, 20242 Comments

I’ve been thinking on the word grace then I came across the following verse in 2 Peter chapter 3. Let’s take a look, “Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬). Let’s dig a bit deeper. What do you think it means to grow in grace ?

If you google the word grace you will find one of three definitions. The first being, simple elegance or refinement of movement. The second one listed is courteous goodwill. The last general definition is to honor or credit by one’s presence. However, those aren’t Biblical grace. I continued to google and finally found the following definition. Grace is undeserved favor. God freely gives us grace. It’s not something we work for or earn. It’s a free gift.

How great is our God! He loves us so much that He bestowes grace upon us simply because that is part of God’s character. As God freely gives to us, He desires for us to grow in His grace and give it to others as well.

Let’s think of some ways that we can grow in grace and give grace to others. First of all we need to remind ourselves that we are not perfect. We all sin, we all fall short of God’s glory. See Romans 3:23. If we drop our pride and acknowledge that we are not perfect, it helps to see others is a more gracious “light”. That’s a big dish of “humble pie” but it’s so needed. When we don’t’ exalt ourselves with self righteousness we are on an even ground with others around us.

Serving with RiceandBeans organization each week has been an eye-opener. The people we minister to and feed are people like you and me. There are all different circumstances of why they are currently in the situations they find themselves in. I’ve learned to look beyond the dirty clothes, rough around the edges – unkept look, to actually see the people they actually are. People come in a variety of packages, and homeless people are not all alike.

Last week we had an especially beautiful night of ministry. My friend Tami and I had the opportunity to pray with a transgender person. I honestly have a hard time with changing pronouns when it’s obvious what a persons biological gender is. This persons face and hands were so different , however, that person was in need of grace just like we are, so we prayed together. God knows the heart and maybe a seed was planted. There was another opportunity for prayer. A young man walked up to me but I had trouble understanding him with my hearing loss, so I got Tami. The young man was talking about cooking and showed interest in volunteering with us. One thing led to another and he ended up sharing about a friend who recently died. He introduced us to two of his friends, another guy and a girl. They had all been friends with the person who had died. Tami’s husband came over and we all held hands and prayed together. The beauty of God is so apparent even at a bus stop with many homeless people waiting for a ride to the shelter.

God has shown each of us so much grace and we are to share that with others. It’s not earned, but we don’t deserve the grace God gives us either.

These are just a few examples. We can honestly show grace to anyone. At the store, allowing someone to get in line in front of us at the checkout counter is an act of grace. Realizing that the angry driver who cut you off might be having a terrible day. Not to give them an excuse for rudeness, but just to see the possibility of another perspective. We can also treat special needs people like we treat everyone else. Everyone desires to be shown kindness. This is something we can each make an effort to work on.

This is a bit off topic, but today at Bible study we dug deeper into Psalms chapter 139. This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I just love King David’s love and adoration of God. That chapter has 24 verses: 18 are adoration and 6 are petition. As David deeply adores and praises God for His many attibributes, it really gives me perspective on how awesome is our God. He knows us so fully, even before we speak, He knows what we will say. He knows my perceptions of people and circumstances, yet He desires me to grow in grace and knowledge of who He is. That’s a daily goal, to grow in grace.

It’s Tuesday evening and the day is just about over. As I look back on today, I can ask myself did I show grace to others? In all honesty I did pretty well but I see areas where I could have been a bit more kind or helpful. Tomorrow is a new day with fresh opportunities to continue growing. Tomorrow is actually RiceandBeans day so God willing, we will have a chance to bless many with a warm meal and possibly be a vessel God uses for spiritual nourishment through prayer and encouragement. Whatever tomorrow holds, let’s try our best to grow in grace Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing!
Www.shannonkhinson.com

Check your Foundation

October 7, 2024Leave a Comment

It’s been a week since I’ve published a new blog post. Sometimes It just seems life sucks the liveliness out of you. Not that my personal issues are any more than usual. My life pretty much stays stable. However the devastation of Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene has left me unsettled.

I am one to think deeply on issues and that can be good but it can also been a burden. I am also one to question everything and that is not a bad thing. I’ve read about the devastation of this hurricane and I’ve also read about the lack of response from our government. That is very troubling.

While I am no weather person, so many aspects of this recent hurricane seem “of”. Who would have ever thought that such a horrific outcome would occur from this disaster? Whole towns have been wiped out from flooding and “rivers” of water than rushed through. How in the world do these things happen? Don’t even mention “climate change” All those”tooting that horn” go jetting around the world. It’s a “do as I say, not as I do” kind of thing. I know that ultimately GOD IS IN CONTROL! But…. I know… I know… I’m never to question God’s ways and why bad things and disasters happen. God has a way of bringing “beauty from ashes” or in this case “beauty from devastating floods and mud”. I will get to that later. Right now I want to highlight a few things.

Why why why did it take FEMA a week to be on the scene? Why have Americans been told not to fly drones, that can take accurate footage of whats really going on? I’ve read that the media is not fully reporting on what’s happened. Why has the government not helped with the rescue? Why has our military who want to help been told to stand down? Why? Why has our government spent tons of money on illegals and thrown a mere $750 to the victims of the horror? Some of which are even denied that. All the while sending loads of our tax payers money to Ukraine! Why? Thank God for a few platforms that continue to allow for our American right of “Free Speech”. Those shouting about misinformation are the ones wanting to control the narrative. Are you awake yet?

Dare I say, this administration cares nothing about the American people. Yes I do dare to say it! All in an election year, when they have tried every possible trick, weaponized our justice system and lied to keep Trump off the Presidential ballot, yet he stands! That’s a whole different blog, that I will try my best to refrain from writing.

Now back to the “beauty from the horrific flood and mud” , while our government cares nothing for the victims, the beauty of America rises! I have read story after story of people pulling together to take supplies, help rescue, pray and show love. Churches, businesses and American citizens pulling together to help. That is the beauty in this horror.I read of one crew going up to help. They dug six people out from a collapsed house. That is a beautiful thing. I know someone who was able to get food up to a family who had not eaten in three days. (That was last week) Another beautiful thing. Churches and businesses collecting clothing, food, water, generators and fuel. If you do feel lead to help please give to a church or a trusted organization.

In all this devastation what can we do? How do we deal with these things? Our best weapon in dealing with anything is PRAYER! We must PRAY! It’s true we can’t fix everything but we can PRAY and I assure you that nothing is impossible with God! It boils down to our foundation. What are you built on? I will admit that my foundation is built on a strong relationship with Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. I have had many things in life that “rocked my world” and shook my faith, but I know at the end of each day, at the end of any situation I can fully depend on God! 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ says, “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” (NLT‬‬).

Having a firm foundation is so incredibly important. When things happen and devastate you, your foundation is what you fall back on. When you trust God’s sovereignty it grounds you to trust that He will ultimately work things out for your good and most of all for His Glory. Having a firm foundation enables you to trust in His Word. Scripture like Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭7‬ that says, “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” (NKJV‬‬) strengthens our faith to trust God. There is so much I don’t understand but I am encouraged to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not to lean on my own understanding.

A firm foundation can make or break you. A few weeks ago as I was riding with my friends to serve the homeless in Rock Hill, we passed by this massive structure of metal. It was the oddest looking thing. I noticed it as I sat in the back seat of their truck, looking out the window. I said “W in the world was that?” My friend took a quick picture and sent it to me so I could see it better. It appears to be a building that looks like a complete failure. It appears to be a building with metal framing that collapsed. I’m not an engineer or builder, however common sense tells you something was wrong with the structure or its foundation to cave in like it appears to have done. Your foundation is everything. Whether you “stand up tall” after a “massive blow in life” or if you crumble; it’s going to depend on what you’re built on. If you are build upon a firm foundation of faith in Jesus, when the “winds and waves” hit you will ultimately remain standing because you are “grounded in Christ” There is no time like the present to check your foundation.