#ChristianWomen – Page 4 – rootedbythewater.blog

What defines you?

November 4, 2025Leave a Comment

Can I ask you a question ? What defines you? Our world is full of labels: Government, healthcare, social economics,and people in general like to define us and put us in categories. Those labels can be so confining though and you begin to allow them to define you. When Jesus walked this earth, He didn’t let any situation or anyone define Him. He went around teaching truth, doing good and performing miracles. Some of the people said he was a liar, but Jesus disregarded what they said about Him. Even those who flattered Him, He disregarded. Jesus only listened to the words of His Heavenly Father. If Jesus had allowed people and situations to define Him, He would have never completed the missions God the Father sent Him to do.

Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” That mans, our thoughts and beliefs shape our character, actions and ultimately our reality. We need to be so careful in what we think about and what we allow to define us. Here is an example. Once I was “labeled” as legally blind, it put me in a very confining “corner”. I can’t stand the label because in my mind I am not blind. Sure I can’t see what you see BUT I can see some and that to me counts. The same goes with the label of “deaf/hard of hearing”. I do have trouble comprehending speech (it fluctuates) but I’m on the porch right now listening to the birds sing. Quite often I challenge myself to listen to YoutTube videos. Sometimes I understand some of it and other times I flail, but I try. Last Sunday I watched Central Church early service from the back porch and I followed it well. It was like God was speaking right through Pastor, straight to my heart. Just the day before I had prayed pretty much exactly something Pastor said. “Lord do you hear me? Do you see my situation? Do you care?” You might wonder why I would pray such a thing. I pray and pray and pray some more and I’m still in this “furnace called life”. Oh boy! I needed that message so much and God in His power made sure I “got it”. If I listened to the labels of the world, I wouldn’t have even tried listening. But God is bigger than labels. He defines me and nothing else.

We are who God says we are. We can look into the very twisted mirror of this world OR we can look into the perfect law of liberty, God’s Word, As we study God’s Word we are being transformed. There is no more condemnation. The Bible gives us confidence to know that it doesn’t matter what people say about us, it only matters what God says about us. Let’s check out James 1:25, “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (ESV) We don’t just want to hear the Word then forget it, we want to take action and do it. God’s Word transforms us as we hear it and study it.

We are not defined by past situations, the world or people. Some people let things that happened in the past, define them. Let’s think of some examples: It all went downhill wen I was diagnosed with _______, or when my child was diagnosed with __________, or I got divorced, or after surgery you became addicted to pain medicine, or you became addicted to _______ to deal with life, or you lost your job and your home. There are so many scenarios, but you see my point. God tells us to forget the former things. We can learn from it and move forward and trust Him. I love the New Living Translation of Isaiah 43:18-19, ““But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (NLT‬‬) I just love that! That tells me to forget the labels, forget the diagnosis, forget all the limitations. I know, I know, I’ve prayed and prayed and prayed and am still waiting. But I choose to stand on God’s Word and His promises because HE IS FAITHFUL. Im going to listen to my Lord and do as He says. Forget the former things! He is up to something new in our lives. Can’t you see it? He’s making a way. Let’s watch as He creates things in the most unusual way. Why? Because He can! God loves YOU! You are not forgotten! He see you and will help you. From experience, His help is not usually in the way I anticipate it but He does help in one way or another. He comforts, lifts the broken hearted, gives strength and His perfect peace. He never fails.

Have a blessed week. http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Perfectly imperfect

October 13, 2025Leave a Comment

Good friends are treasures. They are hard to find but when you find them, you’ve found a prize. The above picture was taken in October 2019. All 6 of my closest girlfriends were on the trip but two aren’’t in this picture. We had gathered on the porch for a group picture. My parents were up for the day and my Mom took the pictures. The story behind this picture: it was starting to drizzle and Leasa who was behind me, was trying to get me to move down the steps into the drizzle. The picture looks like she’s pushing me because I was resisting. The picture was an “accident” but is hilarious. I always say that picture is so “us”.

We’ve all been friends for a long time and have experienced different seasons of life together. We’ve studied the Bible together, laughed until we cried together, gone on trips and celebrated birthdays. We occasionally get on one another’s nerves, but we let it go. We are not perfect but we love unconditionally. That’s the beauty of true friends. You take the good and the not so good, and put it all together and end up with a truly unique group of sisters.

The Bible says in Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” ‭(ESV‬‬) True friends love through misunderstandings. True friends forgive and let it go. You can be your genuine self with friends, not worrying about what they think. A true friend knows your strengths and weaknesses and accepts you anyway. An example of this is us girls playing UNO with extra large cards so I can easily see them. See the below picture.

With true friends you don’t have to take yourselves too seriously. Laughter is good for the soul and we sure do laugh a lot together. We’ve taken so many pictures of so many memories: spontaneous shopping days, LONG 3 hour lunch chat sessions and more.

God places special people in your life to share life experiences with: the good and the not so good. Friends you can depend on to be there and pray. Friends who will help you get your mind off “life” and escape for some much needed fun. Cherish those treasures in your life. Friends truly are a gift from God. So thankful

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Sheeple

October 5, 2025Leave a Comment

Just a “heads up”, this is NOT a political post. Actually, it’s far from that. I have put off blogging this week. Just praying, thinking and praying some more. Truth is, I’ve been thinking about sheep. How random is that? But I honestly can be “off the wall random” at times. Stick with me as I process this.

Let’s talk about sheep. Not long ago I read a Charles Martin book called The Keeper. In that book, one of the characters repeatedly asks,”What do you know about sheep?” I did a google search just out of curiosity and turns out sheep are quite intriguing. According to http://www.four-paws.org sheep are quite intelligent and have impressive memory. They can recognize other sheep and human faces. Sheep recognize emotions by facial expressions and prefer a smile over a frown. Sheep also developed friendships, sticking up for each other and show sadness. ( https://www.four-paws.org/campaigns-topics/topics/farm-animals/10-facts-about-sheep ) I also discovered sheep have strong flocking and following instincts, being highly social and docile, meaning submissive and willing to accept control. These animals have some fascinating features including their unique eyesight and scent glands not only on their faces but also hind paws. Google for more information on those things. For the sake of this blog, I’m going to stick with the above.

What is so interesting is the Bible refers to us as sheep. Let’s look at Isaiah 53:6, “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (NKJV‬‬) Here is another verse referring to us like sheep. “Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭3‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬). I could actually reference quite a few verses here, but let’s look back at that list of characteristics. People and sheep do seem to have quite a bit in common and we do accept control and are submissive when persuaded. Thus the term “sheeple”. If you look up that word online it will say people who are like sheep being foolish, docile and easily led. Um…. sounds familiar. We are in need of Jesus. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭(NKJV). The comforting image in the Bible of Jesus being our Shepherd, protecting and guiding us. He will leave the 99 to go after one lost sheep who has wandered off. (See Luke 15:4-7) We all need the guidance and loving protection of Jesus. Psalms 23 is so beautiful. Let’s consider the first four verses. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭(NKJV). According to these four verses, Jesus takes care of our needs, as He leads us along the paths of righteousness. Yes He does have to use His rod and staff to guide and direct us. We get out of hand sometimes, but He is always willing to bring us back into the fold. Even when we are going through hard and difficult times, we don’t have to walk in fear. He comforts us. Let’s not be stubborn in our walk but rather submit to His Lordship and pursue a deep satisfying relationship with our Savior.

This is what’s been on my heart lately. I kept thinking and praying about the next thing to do a devotion on with our homeless and low income friends. “What do you know about sheep?”, kept coming to mind. Unless God changes my direction, my blog notes will end up being the devotion notes for Wednesday night. I think I’ll add a music video to end this blog. Be blessed this week and listen closely to the voice of Jesus as He directs our paths.
http://www.Shannonkhinson.com

Lessons from a kayak outting

September 25, 2025September 25, 2025Leave a Comment

Our “turning point”: Atlantic Ocean to the right and Intercoastal Waterway to the left.

I love when you can find Bible principles in hobbies you enjoy. Today I used kayaking as an illustration for the Bible verses I shared. Wednesdays find me helping with a low income and homeless ministry where we feed the people and I give a short devotion. It’s an honor to be a part of this ministry. I aim to show compassion and transparency, being mindful that none of us are perfect. I demonstrate a need for God’s strength in a daily way. We all have different circumstances, however we can encourage each other, especially through the Bible.

Recently I came across a post on social media that was talking about what makes a boat sink. It’s not the water around the boat, but the water that gets inside the boat, that weighs it down. That made me think of our kayaking outting last Friday. My friend Leasa and I took kayaks out on the coastal canal and intercoastal waterway. Before we set off, we checked the kayaks for water that was inside. Turning the kayaks long way up and unplugging to release internal water, before plugging them again.

For some reason I knew there was a Bible principle there. I texted my friend Amy and told her I was looking for a Bible reference and explained what I was thinking. She referred me to Hebrew 12:1 which says, ”Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin that clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (ESV). Sin can be like water in a kayak. Sin can weigh us down. One sin can lead to another and before you know it you are spiritually drowning. Sins cling to us, kind of like bad habits. We need Jesus forgiveness and strength to say no to sin.

I went back to the kayaking illustration. Once we were paddling along the canal we had to “keep our eye on the goal”. At the end of the canal we would turn a left corner and head back along the Intercoastal Waterway. On the canal we had to paddle hard against the tide. We had to “look beyond” the momentary resistance of the tide and remember the “turning point” was ahead, way ahead. Life is like that. We have to keep our spiritual eyes on Jesus, enduring the momentary circumstances and hardships we find ourselves in. As Christians, this world is not our home. We keep our eyes focused on Jesus, who will strengthen us and see us through this journey called life. I continued with Hebrews 12:2. “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (ESV‬‬) I explained how Jesus endured the cross, knowing what was coming, He looked beyond it to the joy that was before Him. He knew He was providing redemption for all mankind. He was making a way for us to be with Him forever with The Father, through His sacrifice on the cross. We too, must look beyond our hardships towards the prize to which we are called. I encouraged everyone to keep their eyes on Jesus and if they didn’t know Jesus, we’d be happy to pray with them.

I love this opportunity to serve each week. Ron and I were talking on the drive there today. I told him a lot of people won’t take the time for low income and homeless people but they are worthy of compassion and kindness too. Showing compassion toward the vulnerable expresses a faith that is genuine. James 1:27 emphasizes this point. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (ESV‬‬). So thankful for this opportunity to serve. I encourage you to look for a ministry, church or organization to serve others. As we serve the least of these, we in turn are serving the Lord. Your heart will swell with joy as you minister comfort to others.

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

http://www.shannonkhinson.com.

Glimpse of His Glory

September 17, 2025Leave a Comment

My view while laying on the beach today.

There is just something about nature that really gets me tuned in to God. Between watching the sunset, watching the tide go in and out, seeing the ripples of the water currents, crashing of waves and seeing the antics of the seagulls makes me think about God our Creator and sustainer, the Author of life itself. Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”(ESV‬‬) That scripture is so very true. Between the colors God paints the sunrise and sunset with to the cloud formations, it’s stunning!

This week away has been much needed, especially after last week with things going on in our nation. Looking in the book of Romans it all comes together. Let’s take a look. “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceive, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) That’s where we are folks. Creation clearly proclaims God’s eternal power yet people are spiritually blind as a bat. With the assassination of Charlie Kirk last week and seeing people actually celebrating murder was the most evil thing I’ve ever seen. BUT…. Of course there is a BUT…… from what I understand, church attendance is up and people are turning to prayer. My friends and I sat on the deck last night and watched Central Church of God livestream prayer service. It was amazing! While the enemy tries to keep us divided with misinformation, many are choosing to unite in prayer to seek the face of God!

This morning as I sat on the porch overlooking the canal at the beach, my heart turned to prayer and praise. As I sat there a song I used to play on the piano came to mind and tears came to my eyes. I will add the music video at the end of this blog. It is Well by Kristene Elizabeth DiMarco and Bethel Music. I will put some of the lyrics but the YouTube video has lyrics added. Grander earth has quaked before. Moved by the sound of his voice. And seas that are shaken and stirred, Can be calmed and broken for my regard. Through it all, through it all. My eyes are on you. Through it all, through it all. It is well. Through it all. Through it all. My eyes are on you and it is well, with me. Far be it from me not to believe. Even when my eyes can’t see. And this mountain that’s in front of me, will be thrown into the midst of the sea. I especially love the “bridge”: So let go my soul and trust in him. The waves and wind still know his name. So let go my soul and trust in him. The waves and wind still know his name. (2014 Beth Music and Kristene Elizabeth DiMarco)

That song sure does move me to tears. Having low vision and being hearing impaired, I understand having to depend on faith, even when my eyes can’t see what I am hoping for. I can honestly tell you there are quite a few mountains I’d love to see God throw into the midst of the sea. As I wait, I can be sure that the waves and winds still know His name and because of that fact I can say it is well with my soul.

As I laid on the beach today, I was watching the cloud formation. It was a sunny day but a few clouds rolled in blocking the sun. As I watched the sun would break through different “holes” in the clouds and the sun would shine through. As I watched, the clouds moved together to once again block the sun but there was a “glow” that seemed to come from behind those clouds. It was like glimpses of God’s glory shining forth despite the clouds. That’s just like life. Things happen in life that seem to cloud our vision and bring despair, but we must remember that we might not “see” God, yet He is still there just behind that problem or situation. He is always working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect Will. He always has our best interests in mind. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus! He is the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus begins it, sustains it and brings it to completion. Keep on holding on. Even when life gets “cloudy”, look for glimpses of His glory. They are there. Be blessed! I better go to sleep. It’s almost 1:00 in the morning. Good night.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

The power of the tongue

September 5, 2025Leave a Comment

Toothpaste tube under pressure = a mess!

You might be wondering about the above picture. Let me briefly explain. Two days ago I shared a devotion with our low income and homeless friends. The devotion time is 10-15 minutes so I pray for a powerful impact in a short time. That night I used the toothpaste demonstration to show how when under pressure, tooth paste is going to come quickly out, oozing in a mess. The same thing goes for the words that come out of our mouths. I was trying to decide whether to share this in a blog post, but considering so many people have trouble “holding their tongue” I figured it wouldn’t hurt.

Let’s be real! Our words can have a very powerful and lasting effect on us and others. We are wise to choose carefully the things we say. I shared Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” ‭(ESV‬‬), explaining there are consequences to the things we say. We can build up with genuine encouragement or we can tear down with gossip, negativity and complaints. It is astounding how words can have such a lasting sting or comfort. Can you think of a time or two when you have experienced this? I certainly can. For example, I am not the best with receiving “praise” simply because my hearts desire is to be humble. When people speak words of kindness and encouragement over me it truly means so much. Another example is being hurt by misunderstandings and gossip. I don’t have trouble forgiving but forgetting and moving forward after something like that takes God’s healing touch. It is wise to be mindful of the things we say and how they have an impact. I do realize sometimes people need to “vent”, just be careful to whom you vent so it doesn’t go into the “gossip-mill”.

Another thing that baffles me is when people get “heated” and strong language comes out. I shared the following scripture in my devotion. The every end of Luke 6:45 says, “What you say, flows from what is in your heart.” So if our words are rash, critical, negative complaints, we need to take a look at what’s in our heart. We might think “no one sees what’s in my heart”, that’s true BUT our actions and words reflect what’s there. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (ESV‬‬)

The last scripture I shared comes from the book of James. “but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” James‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) I explained at the end of the devotion that we all need God to help us control our words. Several of the people thanked me afterwards. It is truly something everyone needs to be aware of whether you are a Christian or not. The tongue is powerful. From the toothpaste demonstration, what comes out can’t easily be put back in, so choose your words wisely.

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend. Be blessed, and better yet, be a Blessing!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

The Art of Conversing

August 23, 2025Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Thankful for the prompt

August 17, 2025Leave a Comment

A while back a young lady sat on the pew behind us in church. She had been the victim of a terrible act of violence that she survived. It is a miracle she is alive. I remember the video testiomony at church, I’m thinking it must have been in the Spring. This young lady almost died BUT GOD! As is my case in life, I don’t always get all the details because of the way I hear and see but when I saw her a few weeks ago sitting behind us, I texted my friend and ask what her name was. Ever since she told me, I’ve had this young lady’s name on the top of my prayer list and in my daily prayers.

Today she was sitting on the pew behind us again. With my low vision I wanted to make sure it was her because I felt prompted to talk to her after our service. She wears a mask I’m guessing due to the violence she endured. After church I told her I was praying for her and she was at the top of my prayer list. She began typing on her phone and as it turns out was communicating that way. At this point she is unable to speak so she typed on her cell phone. I told her I can’t see or hear well but my husband Ron read it and my friend Lauren interpreted for me. This young lady is going to NY tomorrow and mentioned a possibility of some kind of transplant. She didn’t give details but I was able to share about my brother’s transplant miracle. Next week my brother will be five years post bone marrow transplant. I told this young lady it was no accident that we were talking this morning. God prompted me to encourage her. God did an amazing miracle for my brother and I’m praying this young lady’s miraculous journey continues. Please pray for her. I will just call her ”S”. May God open doors of opprtunity for her and her family as they seek Him and healing.

Our walk of faith is an active walk. God wants us to come along side others to encourage, speak life, pray and lift them up. We are to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus. I am so glad I wasn’t timid this morning because of my own issues. I am learning to step out boldly in faith and do what God calls me to do. So many people need others to encourage them and let them know they are not alone. Let’s not forget those around us struggling. We can just sit back and let someone else do it but don’t you do that! You be a part of encouraging and blessing because it will make your heart swell with amazement at how awesome our God is. I texted my friend after church and said “ I love how God works. Talking to “S” after church, that was such a “God thing”. Such a sweet girl”.

Don’t miss opportunities to be a blessing to others. It’s just the little things that let people know they are not forgotten. Look for someone every day to uplift and pray for. We may never know the impact we have on them with words of life, encouragement and acts of kindness. I can tell you it will bring such joy to your heart. Have an amazing week.

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

You are Chosen❣️

June 26, 2025Leave a Comment

Photo credit ~ Carry the Light Facebook post.

For some reason things seem to have aligned for this blog post. First, I listened to a sermon yesterday while walking on the treadmill. (Thank God for blue tooth technology!) Typically I don’t do that since I can seldom comprehend, especially if I’m unfamiliar with the speaker. Yet, I could follow the message. It was the first in a series about King David and how God chose him. Second, my husband Ron and I were talking about how people can be so fixated on issues that they begin to define the person. We both agreed that people aren’t defined by their issues but rather defined by God. Third, as I was scrolling through Facebook today I came across this picture (shared above) and the blog title came to me. Let’s talk about this.

In typical Shannon fashion, my blogs change and cover quite a bit of topics. This one may go deep and I hope you’re up for some exploration. Are you ready? What defines you? Is it your career, financial status, talents, abilities, your looks, health, or perhaps your role in another’s life? When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Someone too skinny, too big, not good looking enough, or perhaps you have an “ego” and think you’re “all that”. Just being real. There are all kinds of people in the world. Each one unique and beautiful in God’s sight.

In 1 Samuel 16, God tells Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons because He has rejected Saul as king. Samuel goes to Bethlehem to make a sacrifice and invites Jesse and his sons. Here’s the thing, all Jesse’s sons were there except for David, the youngest. Samuel thought God was choosing one of Jesse’s other sons but listen to what God says. 1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬ ‭ says, ”But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”” (NLT‬‬)(emphasis added) God ended up choosing David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons to be King of Israel.

God’s selection process is not like ours. We tend to look at the outward man, but God looks at the heart. God has created us. We are His masterpiece. 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) Why don’t we go ahead and decide that God knows what He’s doing? If He made us with whatever features, it’s part of His masterpiece! I think we ought to praise Him because we are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made. Believe what Go says and the noise of the world is quieter. Try it!

Another thing I notice is, people can be so fixated on their problems and issues that they begin to “own” them and allow them to “define” who they are. Let me gently say this, you are NOT defined by your self imposed or professionally imposed “labels”. You have to deal with certain issues and situations, Yes! However, you aren’t defined by them. Let me give you an example from my own life. I don’t label myself as deaf and blind. Do I meet the legal description of that label? Yes! Do I own it? Certainly NOT! So how do I manage? I say, “I have some visual and hearing issues, I can hear some and see some too.” Does that make sense? See, in taking this perspective of me and my “abilities” I’m not limiting myself to a ”labels set of things I can and can’t do”. Why choose this stance in life? I’ll tell you why, God says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. (PS139:14) God says we can do all things through His strength not our own. (Philippians 4:13) It’s not about you or me! It’s about God! Let’s stop letting our finances or lack there of define us. Let’s stop allowing depression to define us. The Joy of the Lord is our strength. ( Nehemiah 8:10) Let’s stop letting our culture say we are or are not good enough. Who cares what people think? All that matters is what God thinks and let me tell you something, He thinks you are amazing because He formed you just the way you are. Rise up people and stop living in despair. Greater is HE who is in you than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

I think I will stop here. That’s a good bit of self examination for one day. I pray the Holy Spirit will guide you in all truth and reveal to you how He sees you. You are so loved. God wants us to rise up out of the “holes” of life we fall n. Let’s ignore the lies of the enemy. God has chosen you because He delights in you. Look in the mirror and say “ God has me in (whatever the situation is) but HE IS GOING TO GET ME THROUGH IT! I”M COMING OUT THE OTHER SIDE STRONGER and GLORIFYING GOD FOR ALL HE IS DOING!” Trust Him! Be blessed and better yet Be a Blessing! If you know someone struggling, feel free to share this with them. All Glory to God!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Mastering “Sunny-Side up”

June 18, 2025Leave a Comment

Today was my first time ever attempting “Sunny-side up” eggs. My husband and I prefer eggs scrambled but our son said he likes them “Sunny-side up”. I got the cast iron nice and hot, added some olive oil, cracked two eggs, in their own small bowl, then poured them into the hot skillet, waited a couple of minutes then put a lid on it. Joshua said they turned out good. I’ve never liked a runny yoke but my Dad sure did. My first experience frying eggs went well but I’ll stick with scrambled.

Truth be told, we are all a bit scrambled and it’s a great goal to keep our attitudes sunny. Personally I am drawn to people who are cheerful and have an encouraging word. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” (NLT‬‬) Whatever your situation is, try to find the good and focus on it. Keep your smile shining! A sunny disposition, sunny day and evidently “sunny-side up” eggs go a long way. Let’s keep Shining!

Have a great week! Be Blessed