#ChristianWomen – Page 4 – rootedbythewater.blog

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

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Be Prepared

May 18, 2025Leave a Comment

Truth be told, while watching our early service online this morning I maybe comprehended 65% of what Pastor was saying. We are on puppy duty for the next few days while our son is out of town. His 3 month old puppy Moose is missing his buddy. While Moose loves “crate time” for a couple of hours during the day, Joshua lets him sleep in the bed with him at night. Since last night was the first night of our puppy duty, Moose ended up sleeping with us. He must sleep walk because he sure did move around quite a bit. At one point he was on my pillow chewing of my hair. Needless to say Ron didn’t get much sleep being the light sleeper that he is. I got our dog Joy and the puppy up and told Ron to get some more sleep.

It was the perfect day to watch the early service live from YouTube. I’m so thankful for Bluetooth technology, my Marvel cochlear implant processor and live streaming church services. Moose was a bit blue today missing Joshua. We went out on the deck and he sat with me while I listened to the worship music and softly sang along. We all know I can’t carry a tune, and who knows if the neighbors were out on their porch? I can’t see that far.

I was able to follow Pastor fairly well but there were portions I missed. This is what I got from the message, Be Prepared. Pastor touched on Matthew 25 about the ten bridesmaids who were waiting for the Bridegroom. Five were wise having extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish, bringing no extra oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom was late, the five foolish bridesmaids had run out of oil. Of course they wanted the five wise bridesmaids to share their extra oil but there wasn’t enough for all. We always need to be prepared.

Now is a good time for us to examine our hearts and see where we stand in preparation for the coming of the Lord. Are you ready? So many Christians today are compromised. Can someone look at how you live, your reactions, your attitude, your lifestyle and actually SEE that you are SOLD OUT for JESUS? So many Christians allow a blurred line between what is righteous and what is not. We are called to be separate from the world. People should be able to SEE that we are DIFFERENT! Paul writes the following in 2 Corinthians 6: “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) That’s pretty clear.

Jesus is returning for His Bride , the Church. He could return at anytime. Are you ready? Are you prepared? Sometimes we need to ask ourselves the hard questions. As long as your heart is beating and you have breath in your lungs, you can make a choice for Jesus.

We can’t live off someone else’s anointing. You might say, “ Well I go to church.” Most church services are two hours, what about the other 166 hours in the week? Do we seek God; searching His Word an praying, seeking Him for direction? It’s time to take preparation seriously. We are to always be prepared for what lies ahead. The best part of that is God is already ahead. He already knows the way and leads us when we choose to follow. That is such a comfort to my heart.

Let me encourage and challenge you with two more verses. “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Now I better get back to puppy duty. I left Moose in the other room with Ron watching some kickboxing match while Joy and I are chilling in the bedroom. Old Granny Joy needed a break from Moose constantly wanting to play. He was literally prancing in her face a while ago, but didn’t touch her. She wasn’t amused. Pray the pup doesn’t “puppy sleep walk” tonight in the bed. Two days down, three more to go. Good night!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

A Mother’s Day Tribute🌺

May 9, 2025Leave a Comment

My brother Forrest, Mom and me last November.

I’m so thankful that at the age of 56 I still have my Mom. My brother and I had lunch with her today. No one else was able to join us, but we still met up. I love these times together. She came and picked me up so we could meet him at Moe’s. There were a few times I missed what was said but she or he filled me in. That’s the love of family. We are far from perfect but that’s okay. We accept each other, flaws and all. The older I’ve become, the more I appreciate the smallest little gestures of love.

In my humble opinion, one of the greatest rewards of being a Mother is found is Proverbs 31:28: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:” (NKJV‬‬) My Mom certainly has attained this cherished reward of blessing from me, my brother and my Dad when he was alive. I am so thankful for the blessing of still having Mom with us. I don’t always get to see her,, but I do talk to her everyday. She is loved and appreciated!

27 years ago God blessed Ron and I with our son Joshua. There’s nothing that can so fully awaken the deep love and appreciation for a Mom, then to experience it for yourself. Being a Mother is one of my favorite ”roles” in life. Pouring love into a child or fur baby and receiving love in return is priceless. Mom’s celebrate the joys and mourn the losses in life. A Mom is always there for you, thinking about you and wanting to “step in and save the day”. One of the hardest things is to see your child hurt or going through a rough lesson and having to sit back and pray them through it.

Me and Joshua about 10 years ago in the mountains.

As a Mom I cover my son and family each day, trusting God to work everything according to His perfect Will. I know my Mom prays the same for me and my brother, her Grands and Greatgrands. The prayers of a Mother are strong and powerful: a guaranteed “prayer warrior” that’s truly one of the greatest gifts in life.

This is a tribute to my Mom and all Mother’s out there. You are loved and appreciated beyond measure. Thank you for all you do, for the daily prayers, time spent together…. just everything. For those whose Mom has already passed, celebrate her memory. It matters not if you are a birth Mom, adopted Mom or a fur baby Mom, you are loved and appreciated. Happy Mother’s Day weekend to you all!!!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Tuesday’s Funny ~ In the “Hole” she goes 😂

March 11, 2025Leave a Comment

The “hole” I fell in to the front left of the tree. 😂

It’s priceless to reach a point in life where you literally can crack up at your mistakes. Truth be told, I’m planning to blog tomorrow night but had no plans to write today BUT this cracked me up and perhaps you need a laugh of your own today. I got a text from my cousin Craig earlier, with tomorrow being Dad’s Heavenly birthday. I made a mental note to go out and check on the Tulip tree we planted in his honor almost four years ago. The blooms are opening and it brought such joy. I asked Ron if we could get some more dirt, mulch and stones to go around it. Home Depot didn’t have any matching stones but I did lay the dirt and mulch down. Ron told me to wait because it was really wet from yesterday’s rainfall, but I insisted on doing it. I wanted to take a picture of the blooms, not necessarily the whole tree. Ron threw away the bag the mulch was in not knowing I planned to sit on it and take a picture of the blooms with the blue sky as a backdrop. Inside, I grabbed my iPad and set the camera on. I have a hard time seeing the iPad screen in sunlight so I got it ready to take my pictures. I knelt down by the tree and was about to take a picture when I lost by balance and my behind fell right in a puddle of rainwater, my behind then iPad. What a sight! I died laughing at my clumsiness but got up and attempted to take the pictures anyway. When I got in the garage I checked and not a single picture made it. I died laughing again and Ron came to investigate, and lo and behold my butt, leg and shoes were a muddy mess! He kind of got onto me because he said I could have hurt my back again but I didn’t. He said he would go out and take the pictures for me. He came in to show me, and it wasn’t want I had tried to do at all. I explained I wanted to see the details of the blooms not the tree, so he went back out and tried again. This time he got it right. I love the beauty of this tree and the hope of new life it brings each year. Dad would be laughing at what it took to get these pictures. It cracked me up as well, although Ron, not so much.

This was the beauty I was trying to capture. The tulip tree buds have opened. 💗

Tomorrow I hope to blog on celebrating life: we have two birthdays tomorrow, one earthly birthday and one Heavenly birthday. Tomorrow is also RiceNBeans day so it will be a full one. I’ll be back soon. Check in tomorrow night or Thursday for another Edition of Rooted by the Water blog and God willing I won’t have any cringe worthy stories to share.
Www.shannonkhinson.com.

Reflecting on 2024

December 30, 2024Leave a Comment

With beautiful Carolina blue skies and an unseasonable mild day, it was the perfect day to sit on the front porch swing and think. As the end of 2024 draws near, I find myself reflecting on this past year. Things learned and take aways. While I don’t advise living in the past, it serves a purpose to learn from it and move forward into the new year.

Way back in 1987 I wrote a poem for our year book in high school. I don’t recall it word for word but it went something like this: Reflections of the past, of things that used to be. Memories tend to come and go, once the mind’s set free. Though times change, we’ll always have a record of our deeds. Look into the past and see ,Reflections.

As we end 2024 what are some things you’ve learned this year? Are there any valuable take aways that you can apply moving forward? 2024 has been a year of service and surrender in many ways. It’s also been a year of encouraging others enduring hard situations. It’s been a year of faithful prayer time and seeking God’s Will for my life and family.

One BIG highlight of this year was our son Joshua moving home in April. He had a chance to move to Florida with friends but chose to move home and go to Massage Therapy school. With him being an only child, for many years we had his friends always around. While there is nothing wrong with that, I missed time with just the three of us. These last nine months have been times of catching up. I know he won’t be here forever and we are cherishing the time spent together.

Another highlight of 2024 has been getting involved in serving with RiceNBeans organization. This February will mark one year of serving. I absolutely love being a part of this organization and what we do for the less fortunate. Cooking and being a part of feeding the homeless at the Rock Hill location has been such a joy. The Bible says in Matthew 25:40, ““And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (NLT‬‬) Being a blessing to these hurting homeless people, enables me to allow God to work through me to encourage and show God’s compassion. If you would like to give or get involved here is the link. Www.ricenbeans.org

No year is without its challenges and this one has been no different in that regard. However, I choose to focus on what is good. Philippians 4:8-9 says, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (NLT‬‬). My outlook on life bubbles over into my present frame of mind and attitude.

I choose to be optimistic, approaching life with joy. It makes a world of difference in my reactions to how life unfolds. I do know people who are more pessimistic. This causes a negative complaining attitude. Choose Joy! It will serve you way better than being negative. You may wonder how you can change your outlook. In my opinion, what is stored in your heart strongly affects how you view the world. We can choose what we feast our eyes on; books, tv, movies and hobbies. We can choose to be uplifting rather than negative. Life is all about choosing the best things. Forget popular culture. Woke-ism is such a cancer in today’s society. God gives us common sense. Use it and while you’re at it, love others like you love yourself. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you and reveal amazing things you do not know.

This year also was a year of writing, blogging and encouraging others. If you have followed my blogs this year, thank you for your support and feedback. It encourages me to be able to pour into others through this gift of writing. I’ve had a couple of people tell me I should write a devotion book. My hearts desire is to possibly publish a novel. I actually did a rough exploratory chapter just to get my feet wet. It’s something I’m praying about. It would be a huge undertaking with my low vision. I don’t really want to go there unless I know it’s something God is birthing in me. Praying for the right story line that would engage, encourage and propel the reader to keep reading. Currently I am reading an amazing book called The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar. This author is brilliant in weaving an incredible story line. GOALS! If you will, pray for God’s direction for me. Thank you!

As 2024 comes to an end, celebrate your triumphs. Don’t live with regrets and excuses to not change in the coming year. The BEST is yet to come. With God, all things are possible!
Www.shannonkhinson.com

Moral of the story

December 24, 2024Leave a Comment

Today is Christmas Eve and I’m thankful we don’t have any running around to do. The traffic and last minute shoppers can be chaotic. However, yesterday we did have to go to Target,Publix and Walgreens for a few last minute preparations. Christmas time has to be the hardest time of year to work in retail and I must say we had some of the most gracious people checking us out yesterday and helping us find something in the store. In all honesty, it begins with: kindness toward those around us.

How we approach others is so important. Two evenings ago, Ron and I got groceries at Publix and it was packed with shoppers. Ron had gone to pick up a prescription so I thought I’d begin finding items on our list. I asked a clerk for help, explaining I had low vision and needed to find artichoke. She was so nice and helpful, telling me different options to choose from. She helped me find what I needed then……Oh boy ….. I turned the cart around and did not see a low display of canned items. Knocking the display down with canned veggies rolling on the floor. A REAL Cringe worthy moment. I was so embarrassed. Righting the metal display I began to pick up the canned veggies. The clerk and another customer helped me. Having the display back in place, I apologized and thanked them for helping me. Moral of the story ~ it pays to be honest, humble and kind. I did not intend to share that little embarrassing moment but when faced with such things humility and grace affect the response you receive.

If you are out dashing around today think of those around you. Smile and say “Merry Christmas”. Spread some cheer because honestly, it will brighten others day and make your heart happy.

I’d like to share one last little thing: yesterday while trying to make all the last minute preparations for Christmas, my mind and body seemed to be going in so many different directions. I love to try to make things special for my family, that I often don’t think of myself. It’s just my nature. Later on yesterday I received a text from an interpreter I had not seem in many months. A friend helped me to make “I love you” sign language ornaments from clay to give to our church interpreters, family and friends. I had wrapped this interpreting friend’s ornament in bubble wrap and placed it in the church drop off box so her husband could take it to her. Her text to me made my heart SMILE SO BIG. She really loved it and was touched that I remembered her even though I haven’t seen her in quite a while. Moral of the story, it’s more blessed to give than to receive. It’s not about the gifts. It’s about Jesus and the gift He has given us. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Whatever you do, rejoice in the birth of our Savior. You are loved!!
Www.Shannonkhinson.com

Our greatest Hope

December 21, 2024Leave a Comment

It’s the Saturday before Christmas. As I sit here thinking, God is connecting some “dots” for me to share with you. I’m always in awe at how God puts these blogging ideas in my heart.

First, stay with me as I quickly share these “dots”. 1) Immanuel meaning God is with us. 2) Knowing many who are dealing with hard situations. 3) This Christmas season being a time of Great Joy. 4) Knowing everyone doesn’t feel that Joy 4) Tuning in to Julie Green Ministry on social media and hearing her share verses from 2 Corinthians chapter 4. (I like to challenge myself by seeing if I can follow the short reels she shares with Scriptures. This morning I understood some. ) 5) Asking Siri what Immanuel means. (I know the meaning but wanted to see what it said. While it was technically right, Siri lacked the true MEANING, God is with us.)

In Matthew 1:23 says, ““Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (NLT) Think about that and let it sink deep within. Our God who created us, sustains us, strengthens us, counsels and comforts us, provides for us, enables us, who saves us, redeems us, who sees us…… and on and on I could go ….. is God is with us!

It’s hard to wrap our minds around spiritual truths because we humans depend on what we SEE. Accepting spiritual truths requires faith, which is simply choosing to believe what God says is true. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭(KJV‬‬) God our ABBA Father wants us to have child like faith and trust Him.

It’s the Holly Jolly time of year, but truth be told not everyone experiences that Cheer. If you are one of those who is depressed or discouraged right now, let me encourage you. Look back up a few paragraphs at Matthew 1:23. Jesus born as a babe is Immanuel ~ God is with us. That should be great comfort to your heart. If you are a shut-in due to health issues, a widow or experiencing loneliness due to family being far away: whatever the situation I want to encourage you to celebrate the birth of Jesus. God is with us.

The devil goes over and beyond to try to trip us up on a daily basis. Resist his tactics. The verses I heard Julie Green share today on her social media reel are the following. “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭(NLT).

This might be a Blue Christmas for you if you are looking from a worldly perspective but CHIN UP!!! Don’t lose sight of the true meaning! God is with us! The Savior of the world has come and is the BEST PRESENT to help you in the present. Will you sing with me? O Come let us adore Him, O Come let us adore Him, O Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Fort He alone is worthy, For He alone is worthy, For He alone is worthy, Christ the Lord. We’ll give Him all the glory, We’ll give Him all the glory, We’ll give Him all the glory, Christ the Lord

Have a blessed weekend. Whatever you do. If you fall down get back up. Don’t beat yourself up if you think you fall short. None of us are without fault. We all need encouragement. Praise God for His mercy and grace. We all need to reach outside of ourselves and our little orbit of life and touch others for the glory of God. Much love and prayers.