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3 Years Tomorrow

March 11, 2024Leave a Comment

The tulip tree we planted in honor of my dad.

Time sure does fly. You blink and a three years has gone by. Tomorrow, March 12 is not only my husband Ron’s birthday but also my dad’s third heavenly birthday. Three years ago tomorrow we took him to the hospital, fully expecting to bring him home. After all, his momma lived to be 101, bouncing back after many trials. It’s true that God’s ways are not our ways. When God calls us home, we will go.

We have handled his loss well because we know we will see him again. It was a “see you later” knowing he is with Jesus now. No more cancer, no more pain. But I sure do miss him.

Today when I was outside changing the garden flags, I walked to the back fence and smile. There in full bloom was the tulip tree we planted almost three years ago in honor of dad. He and mom have a beautiful one and I love their tulip tree. When dad died, I asked Ron if we could plant one. It blooms around the time of his heavenly birthday each year. Our upstate South Carolina soil is red clay. It’s not the best for growing things but we were extra careful mixing in some peat moss and good soil in the large hole we dug. I wanted to make sure it had the best chance of survival. So far so good. Each year it’s grown a bi more and has more blooms. Seeing those blooms today put a smile in my heart.

Grief is the oddest thing. Memories come all the time of treasured moments over the years. I was a “Daddy’s Girl”. I could talk to him about anything and he would listen and give sound advice. He enjoyed a good game of Skipbo with the family. We used to have four generations around the table playing that card game. He and his momma were sharp players and they both played to win. I recently found Skipbo online and downloaded it on my iPad. It’s a fun card game but nothing compares to the memories when we all played it together.

Tomorrow is also food pantry day. Mom and dad both volunteered at the Fort Mill Church of God food pantry for years. Eight years ago I started volunteering with them there. Dad would swing by and pick me up to take me with him and meet Mom there. He would always stop by and get me and mom a cup of tea: sweet for mom and half and half for me. I miss him when we are volunteering. Seems like he should be in the next room praying for the clients as them come in. Mom still does that and I help pack the food boxes.

Most of all I miss the talks. He was a very generous man who loved his family well. His generous spirit and legacy lives on in us all. In honor of my Dad, this blog is for you. Oh and one more thing Dad… Forrest is doing so well and your great grands are showing the Kenley genes. My goodness. When I see pictures of them I see your boy. I know you would love that. Mom sure does. Shes doing very well too, a strong woman. Love and miss you always.

Me and dad on the way to volunteer at the food pantry

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Make it your own

February 29, 2024Leave a Comment

This is going to be a little different. Today the verse of the day on YouVersion is Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ “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.”‭‭(NLT‬‬). I have many favorite scriptures but this whole chapter really touches me every single time I read it. Today was no different.

Today as I read the whole chapter yet again, I thought about each verse. I would like to put the chapter here and comment in italics on each verse and how it touches me. You can meditate on scripture and let it sink deep down in your soul to nourish you from the inside out. Let’s get started.

Psalms 139

1 “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. (This is so awesome. Nothing is hidden from God. It’s like we are bare in His presence. Everything is within His sight.)
2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. (Sometimes we think our thoughts are safe as long as they aren’t spoken or acted upon. But God knows even our thoughts. Imagine that.)
3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. (WOW the sovereignty of God)
4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. (This means there’s a whole lot of silent prayers going up. A whole lot of Lord help me.)
5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. (This is so incredibly comforting. Knowing I’m surrounded by God brings such peace.)
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! (The sheer magnitude of God is mind blowing.)
7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! (Praise God. I never want to be away from Gods presence.)
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. (Always with me, everywhere I go)
9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, ( He is always with me. When I’m in an airplane I marvel at the Heavens and the clouds. When I’m at the beach, the wonder of His creation moves me.)
10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. (I’m in awe of you Lord.)
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— (I will take the Light of the Lord any day over darkness. Who would want to hide from the Lord?)
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. (Amen)
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. ( Being born with my vision problem, this verse especially touches me. Nothing is surprising to the Lord. He is fully aware of every cell in my body. That is so awesome.)
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. (He is the potter, we are the clay. He makes us unique for His purpose and glory. Thank you Jesus.)
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. (And you said It is good.)
16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Isn’t that so amazing?)
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! (Oh yes and I sure would love to know those thoughts He has towards me. I want so much to please Him and be used by Him.)
18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! (That is so beautiful. I love the mornings and my quiet times with the Lord. I have a picture on my wall that says”In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.”)
19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! (Yes. The evil in the world is troubling. It will be one glorious day when this battle is over and the enemy is forever destroyed.)
20 They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. (That sure does burn me up. One reason why I don’t care for media and Hollywood.)
21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? (I honestly have a hard time hating. Im always looking for the silver liner.)
22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. (I certainly do despise evil.)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. (This is my hearts cry everyday.)
24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”(Yes Lord. Correct me for I know you discipline those you love. Guide me always in the way I should go . For your glory lead me Lord.)
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭1‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

You can do this with any scripture. Meditate on it and watch transform your hearts. Apply it to your life. The Bible’s isa map for life and daily living.Take the time to read it and let it change you for the glory of God.

Be blessed.
Www.shannonkhinson.com

When you can’t fix it

February 28, 2024Leave a Comment

My fixed elephant tail and my processor that stopped beeping.

We all occasional break things and reach for the super glue. Sometimes the glue works, other times it doesn’t. In the last two weeks my husband Ron has fixed one of my favorite pair of shoes,a ceramic bird and my favorite baby ceramic elephant. I still don’t know how its tail broke off. Last Wednesday I saw Ron with his super glue working on my elephants butt. Somehow its tail broke off but he managed to fix it.

Technology is a different story. Today while I was prepping my Bible study notes I send to the girls in our Bible study group, out of the blue my cochlear implant processor began to beep. There was a series of three beeps that happened over and over. It was like it was being programmed but I had no idea why. I turned it off then back on, but the beeps continued. I changed the battery twice but that didn’t work either. I also tried disconnecting the bluetooth feature from my iPad, but it still kept beeping. Oh my word! It was so annoying but I could not fix it. Ron was taking me to my friend’s house to help her cook for the homeless ministry. While in the car, I e mailed my audiologist. The beeping finally stopped but I still have no clue what caused it.

People matters can be a whole different issue. I love human nature and how personalities click or clash is intriguing. People mess up. That’s just a fact of life. People hurt your feelings and you have to forgive and forget. Some have an easier time with that than others. Someone recently told me about a situation where they were at fault and it caused issues in a relationship. They told me they just could not fix it. I said, “Have you apologized” The answer was yes. I then asked, “Have you prayed about it” People don’t always think to pray about situations. The fact is, God can work in the hearts of all involved. Sometimes you’ve got to swallow your pride and admit you did something wrong. Sometimes people look at the same thing from a completely different angles and can’t see eye to eye on something. Oftentimes we just have to let it go. Learn from the situation and move on. Live, learn, let it go and move forward.

Tonight at the Rice N Beans outreach in Rock Hill, Ron struck up a conversation with a man waiting at the bus top. I was standing there with them but I could not understand the conversation. The mam had good eye contact. Ron did sign just a little bit of what he said so I could follow a bit. The man has been through a lot. He was my own age. Ron was trying to encourage him. All the sudden I found myself speaking about God giving joy in the midst of hard things. Ron asked him if he knew Jesus and he said yes. As Ron talked with him, I said a silent prayer that God would open doors for this man.

Life happens. Things break and people mess up. Sometimes you can fix it, other times you can’t. In the midst of it all, God is working. You might ask how. God is always at work behind the scenes. In the most troubling times, He is at work in the hearts and circumstances. Keep praying and keep trusting God. We humans can really mess it up when we take things into our own hands. It’s wise to acknowledge Gods sovereignty and surrender to Him. He can bring beauty from ashes.

As my friend and I were preparing the food today, we also talked about our upcoming Bible lesson. This next lesson is on Elizabeth, John the Baptist mother. She and her husband Zacharias had prayed for years for a child, but they still had no children. They probably assumed that God had said “no”. In reality God was saying “wait”. His timing was perfect. It warmed my heart to be reminded that God hears my every prayer. When it seems He is saying no to my requests, it actually is yes to His best. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” ‭(NLT‬‬)

Do you have something in need of fixing? If you find you cant fix it, you can always prayer about it. God has ways of working things out. Give it to Him and trust Him to bring out the best. You are loved more than you will ever know. Be blessed.

f you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Stir up love

February 24, 2024Leave a Comment

Phyllis and I many years ago on the family mission trip.

Nothing like a funeral to get you thinking about the difference people make in the lives of those around them. Yesterday I along with many others went to a “Celebration of life” for a sweet friend Phyllis,who recently finished her earthly race and went home to be with Jesus. She was one of the sweetest people and loved others well. She didn’t judge you, she loved you. You could see the effect she had on others by the tears shed, memories shared and people who came to honor her and support her family. We should all live our lives with love like she did. The first time I really got to know her was years ago when our families went on a family missions trip to Aiken SC. One of the things we did was help in a soup kitchen. She was so caring and always had the most beautiful smile.

As I was reading the Bible this morning, I found myself in 1 John chapter 3. I love how the following verse begins with tender encouragement. “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬) So much is revealed by our actions. Anyone can say they love you, but those words are tested by the actions that follow. Jesus gave the perfect example of showing love. 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ says, “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.” ‭(NLT‬‬)

The day Phyllis died, a group of deaf girlfriends plus one hearing girlfriend and I all had lunch. My friend Amy sat across from me. All the sudden she signed, “Can you see me?” The reason she asked is because sometimes depending on the size of the table, it’s hard for me to see sign language with my low vision, but it was a smaller table and I could see her fine. She had read a text then signed to me, “Phyllis just died.” Our hearts were broken. It was a “God thing” that Amy was with us when she got the news. I am jealous really. Phyllis is with Jesus and her race is won. Amy said it’s surreal but I told her that Phyllis, along with both of our dads and other friends who have passed away are with Jesus cheering us all on.

Just be sure of where you will spend eternity. 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ says, “And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.” (NLT‬‬). Salvation is a free gift. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9).

As we continue this race here on earth, let’s stir up love for others. Not just our brothers and sisters in Christ but those who are hurting and in need. If you really think about it, everyone is in need. Whether they are in need of someone to share the love of Jesus with them, share a smile of encouragement, share a hug or listening ear, share a kind word, share blankets, clothes, food for the poor… the point is… we can all make a difference by sharing the love of Jesus. Just like Phyllis did, love others not merely with words but with joyous action.

Here’s the thing, you can see it in peoples lives. 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭24‬ , “Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.” ‭(NLT‬‬). There is nothing more beautiful than a life well lived for Jesus. Being rooted and established in love that grows and spreads far and wide for the glory of God. Rest in the arms of Jesus sweet friend. We will see you again.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

You are needed

February 21, 20242 Comments

Have you ever really taken an honest look around you? Of course you have. So many things require a team effort. Every single service and job is needed. Sure some have more prestige than others but the goal is the same….. get the job done.

Recently I’ve been reading 1 Corinthians 12. If you have a chance read the whole chapter. So many gems can be found there.

This chapter speaks of spiritual gifts, it also talks about the many parts that make up the body. ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ says ,
“There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (NLT)

Let’s talk about acts of service. Since I do not work because of my hearing and vision issues, I have gotten involved in ministries that help people. At the Fort Mill Church of God food pantry, I have packed boxes of food for the needy in our community for over 8 years. I would love to be able to minister to the people themselves however I would need to be able to hear them well to do that and read their id etc. Every part of the operation is important. From the men who stock up the food, people who donate food, the people who prepare the boxes to fill, those who actually pack the boxes, those who pray for the clients, those who load the food for the people, to even taking out the trash, each part is valuable to getting the job done.

Today I am helping with a different ministry. My friends, Ron and I are going to help Rice N Beans ministry again tonight but at the Rock Hill location. We are making the food for that location for today as well. Tami brought the commercial cooker over with the recipe and ingredients for the beans. She had an appointment so she asked me to start them and stir every hour. So today I’m cooking beans. I guess I can stir up some “love” in these beans as I pray for those who will be eating them later. I texted Tami to let her know I’ve got things cooking. She just texted me back, “😁 let the fun begin is right! Our maiden cooking voyage 🫘 & 🍚 & 🌭 😂”. We are ready to do whatever God asks. Serving with friends is awesome.

I told my Bible study group last week, I would love to work but it would take the right job and right employer to accommodate my disabilities. But God has given me opportunities to serve those in need. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬ says, “It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.” (NLT‬‬)

We can’t all be the same part and all have the same gifts. God knows what He is doing. Don’t look down on yourself if you feel inadequate or unseen. We are all serving God in whatever way He desires. It’s a joy to be apart of something bigger. The reward will come later in Heaven. Just do all you can for the Lord. He will open doors or close doors for you. Just be willing to do what He calls you to do. Years ago we had a friend name Larry who had ALS.He was a godly man and even as his health declined, he found a way to bless people. I remember he would leave messages on our answering machine praying for our family. He called and prayed for many even though this terrible disease ravaged his body. That folks is what it’s all about. Using what you have for the Lord.

Here’s another gem from 1 Corinthians 12:12, “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.” ‭(NLT)‬‬. So wherever God has you, serve as unto the Lord. What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain. Say a prayer as we serve. New adventures can be intimidating for me, but once I get the groove, I’m good. And God please bless these beans.

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Spreading love on a corner in downtown Charlotte.

February 15, 2024Leave a Comment

Ron and I last night on our way to serve. We can’t actually take pictures while serving.

Last night Ron and I spent Valentines night serving with Rice N Beans ministry on a corner in downtown Charlotte. Some friends of ours have faithfully ministered to the homeless for years, serving a hot meal and providing needed clothing and blankets.

I had been wanting to go and see first hand how they ministered to the needs of the homeless. Last week I did just that. It was kind of a last minute plan and my husband Ron already had his Bible study group to attend, so I joined my friend Tami and her son Eric. They had been before and picked me up to go volunteer with them. I was intrigued as I witnessed the love shown by the leaders, Cheri and Daryl and their team . They are willing to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus to minister to those who are hurting. The Bible tells us in Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (NLT) Even though there was some unrest at the beginning, peace soon enveloped us and the people were fed and received items they needed.

I really loved going and being a part of this outreach. We never know the stories and situations that lead to these people being on the streets. It’s no reason to look down on them. The Bible tells us in James 1‬:‭27‬, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” (NLT‬‬ ) I believe that is spreading the love of Jesus in the darkness of the world.

I talked to Ron about it and asked if we could go together last night. He agreed and we met up with our friends to help out again. I was again on “hot dog duty” and Ron helped people find items of clothing they needed from what was donated. It was a wonderful way to spend Valentines evening serving together with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭says,“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” (NLT‬‬)

We want to go again next week but experience a different location. There are lots of hurting people in the world. We need to put Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ into action. It says, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (NLT‬‬) There are many ministries you can get involved in to make a difference in your community and in the lives of others. The first time I went, I looked through our closets to see if we have coats and things to share. Sure enough we had way more than we need and I was able to donate a box of coats, hoodies, back packs and shoes. I will put the Rice N Beans website at the end of this blog. You can pray, donate or volunteer.

There are other ministries that you can support or volunteer with. My Mom and I also help at a local food pantry that serves people in need of food in the community. Think about ways you can help or get involved. Check your local churches or shelters to see what is needed. Together we can make a difference and spread the love of Jesus everywhere we go. Here is the Rice N Beans website. Www.ricenbeans.org

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Down a deep rabbit hole

January 31, 2024Leave a Comment

History has always fascinated me. When it comes to family history it becomes personal. It’s just amazing to try tracing your ancestry line. Last October i found the Ancestry App and asked my husband if I could subscribe to research my family tree. I took a deep dive and am still digging.

It’s like going down a deep rabbit hole and it is truly fascinating. The Ancestry App has government census reports, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage and divorce documentation plus more. The thing is, you need names. The further you trace your family from yourself, you start having to make educated guesses. These census papers were handwritten and let me tell you, they didn’t always put the same thing. Sometimes it shows initials with the last name and sometimes it is spelled out. You can match up dates and locations and figure it out the best you can. One of my aunts nieces told me about http://www.find-a-grave.com Sometimes the website will list spouse, parents, siblings and children. The keyword there is “sometimes”. I have found that’s not always true.

On my dad’s side of the family, I’ve been able to trace back to 1777. How cool is that! My great great grandfather was a Captain in the Confederate army. I’ve had to “jump some hurdles” though and it’s been an headache at times. My Nanny Kenley’s dad was called Punk. Nanny’s brother was called Uncle Stumpy. No, those weren’t their real names. I got my mom to look to see if there were any papers and what she gave me “connected a lot of dots”. The names she had given me to enter into the system helped me find the records relating to Nanny’s family. As I searched and found them I said, “BINGO”! Yeah!

On my mom’s side, I’ve discovered much that I didn’t know. My grandmother had 11 siblings. My grandfather had a big family too. It’s kind of sad that they didn’t stay intact. Out of all those great aunts and uncles on my mom’s side, I only knew a couple of them.

On my dad’s side I knew my great aunts and great uncles. Even dad’s cousins and their kids. I love these connection. My husband and I have only one son. I have one brother. It seems we have a real small family. As I have researched, I see the family roots run deep and it’s nice to see that connection. Nanny’s family traces back to Ireland. It looks like mom’s side of the family may have come from France. Im still looking. Hopefully I will be able to print or share the information I’ve found with my brother and cousins. I don’t know if they will be as intrigued as me but I have really enjoyed this search.

In the ancestry file dad had, he had some papers on some of Nanny’s ancestors. There is a story that shows a generous spirit. I love the idea of have a legacy of generosity.

As I’ve made these connections within my family tree, I wonder about their lives. I think about my great great grandfather that fought for our freedom. Freedoms that are being taken away by our present government.

Worry will get us no where though. God is sovereign and I will just continue to pray for His direction. As for me, I hope to pass along a legacy of faith, resilience, love and compassion for others. We are called to humbly love and serve others. Lord help us to do just that and do it for Your glory.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Cycles

January 21, 20241 Comment

This afternoon I was going through my notes app and noticed I made an entry on September 5, 2023 with the title “Cycles” and Psalms 106. That was it. I had written nothing else in that particular note. Often times a topic will come to mind and I will enter it with a scripture to come back to later. This is one of those cases.

Cycles? Why would I want to write on that topic? Call me odd, but I find the cycles of human behavior quite interesting. People start something, then they stop, then they start again then they stop…. Over and over it goes. Bad habits come into the picture. Sin comes into the picture. Speaking of sin, humanity is stubborn! Oh my goodness. I’m reading through the Bible again and right now I’m in the book of Exodus. The Israelites were SOOOO stubborn. Wow!

Psalms 106 really sums up Exodus pretty well. Let me share some verses here but by all means go read it. Let’s start with this: “Like our ancestors, we have sinned. We have done wrong! We have acted wickedly! Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lord’s miraculous deeds. They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea. Even so, he saved them— to defend the honor of his name and to demonstrate his mighty power. He commanded the Red Sea to dry up. He led Israel across the sea as if it were a desert. So he rescued them from their enemies and redeemed them from their foes. Then the water returned and covered their enemies; not one of them survived. Then his people believed his promises. Then they sang his praise. Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn’t wait for his counsel!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭106‬:‭6‬-‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Do you see the cycles?

We modern day people aren’t much better. History tends to repeat itself. We are born in flesh and sin. We are all in need of the salvation Jesus freely gives. Without the help of the Lord, the cycle of sin keeps repeating itself. ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬-‭58‬ says, “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”(NLT‬‬) We have a loving God who willl forgive us when we truly confess and repent of our sins. Jesus gives us the victory over the cycle of sin.

This week my Bible study group is starting back up with our weekly study. Our lesson this week is on Bathsheba. So many life applications to learn from her and King Davids mistakes. One of the points of study is “Faith after failure”. King David wrote Psalms 51 after the prophet Nathan had called out Davids adultery with Bathsheba. It is such a beautiful cry of a true repentant heat. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. But when we do, may we always genuinely confess our sin, agreeing with what God says is right and wrong. May we change and surrender our desires to Jesus for His direction. I absolutely love Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬-‭12‬,“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” (NLT)‬‬. God can use even our mistakes for His glory. Oh the beauty of the ways of the Lord! Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭17‬ tells us, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” (NLT‬‬)

Surrender to Jesus and let him break the cycle of sin in your life. He is more than enough. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Astounding

January 15, 2024Leave a Comment

Ever had times when things left you awe stuck and amazed? Recently I finished reading through the book of Genesis in the Bible. I’ve read this many time but this time the story of Josephs life hit me differently. It’s one thing to hear teaching on a few verses at a time, and a whole different thing to read the story though and get a full picture. Not only that but God can give you new insight each time you read something. You can come away with something fresh.

The incredible magnitude of God’s faithfulness in each affliction Joseph faced in his life had me in tears. From being thrown into a cistern by his jealous brothers, to being sold as a slave by those same brothers, being thrown into prison unjustly, to rising to the second highest in Egypt…..God was steadfastly faithful in each and every affliction. As I read with tears rolling down my cheeks, I said, “God you are SO faithful”.

How many of us can say that we don’t complain in the hard times?Anybody? I know I can’t. I do try to always see God’s ways in whatever I’m enduring but many times I fall flat on my face in that regard. Each time Joseph put his faith in God, in the midst of his trial. Each time God faithfully provided Joseph with favor to endure, even thrive through it all. There are so many lessons we can learn from Joseph’s life.

Today as I wrapped up the book of Genesis, Joseph’s father Jacob died and Joseph’s brothers are afraid that Joseph’s anger will come out from being treated so wrongly so many years ago. From a human perspective, Joseph’s brother’s had it coming. But watch how Joseph responds to his brothers after their father’s death. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Wow! Such amazing grace and forgiveness!

The grace and integrity Joseph showed throughout his life is something we should strive for. To develop the ability to trust God in the “land of affliction”. May we trust the sovereignty of God and trust He is working it out according to His purposes.

Sometimes the trials, afflictions or tests last a long time. May we learn to be fruitful for the glory of God through it all. May we learn to say “Yes Lord I’m going to praise you through this storm.” The song Yes I Will just came to mind. I will see if I can attach a music video at the end of this blog.

Praise God through it all! Learn to forgive those that hurt you. You might need to even forgive yourself. Don’t beat yourself up when you fall short. Confess, repent and then let it go. God is faithful through it all.

You may come to a point where you need to forgive God. I’ve known people who have been angry with the Lord for having to endure hardship and health situations. People get hung up on “Why am I going through this? Why am I STILL here Lord?” Still in the cistern. Still in the prison. You get the idea? God uses those things to mold us. Malachi 3:3 says, “He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.”
‭ ‭(NLT‬‬). Even Job says the following after his many hard trials, “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” Job‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Trust God. Trust His sovereignty Read His Word and learn His character. You are so greatly loved. Here are some more verses to learn from. “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭(NIV‬‬)

I could go on and on here but I’ve done enough writing and sharing for the day. Learning from Josephs life has blessed me and I pray the lessons I’ve shared in this blog bless you as well. If you or a loved one are facing a hard time, Hang in there. God is not finished with you yet. He is doing a new thing. He can make a way where there isn’t one. Trust Him. Trust His process. ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(NIV‬);. Let’s trust Him.

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GREATness

January 11, 20243 Comments

You most likely won’t guess the subject of this blog from the title. I won’t keep you in suspense. An old friend of mine that I used to work with calls all her great-nieces and great-nephews , Greatness #1, Greatness #2 and so on. I love her idea and want to use it as well. Wednesday night Greatness #3 was born in our family. I couldn’t be more excited.

Are you wondering why in the world I’m doing such a “happy dance” over here? Here’s the thing, I absolutely love seeing my brother’s family grow! You see, almost four years ago he was diagnosed with acute leukemia and there was so much uncertainty for the future. Although we trusted and continue to trust our Great God who holds our futures.

Today my brother is three and a half years post bone marrow transplant. He and his family went through such an ordeal and he is now thriving! This makes my heart so happy! Not only that , but he got to walk his daughter down the aisle a couple of years ago and he and his wife now have three grandchildren. What a beautiful miracle and to watch it all unfold. I thank God for these beautiful blessings to witness.

If you, your family or someone you know are going through a difficult time, please don’t lose hope. Put your faith and hope in Jesus. He has proven over and over in my life and my family that He is our “Anchor“ that holds us steady in the storms of life. Be blessed and keep trusting Jesus. Keep holding on.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

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