#ChristianWomen – Page 6 – rootedbythewater.blog

Always be ready

October 20, 2023Leave a Comment

Years ago when my son Joshua was 6, we took tae kwon do lessons together. I loved it but he never really took a keen interest. Before each class we had to recite some “reminders”. I still remember two: Always finish what you start and always be ready or prepared. To this day, nearly 20 years later, these reminders still apply to every day life. Whether you are training to spar, preparing to teach a Bible study lesson, preparing cookies for book club, or spiritually training to be ready for what the enemy daily throws, you must be prepared. You must be ready.

I haven’t written a blog post since the war began in Israel. The conflict is alarming and much prayer is needed. I’m not extremely familiar with end times prophecy, although my husband Ron is knowledgeable. He has always been intrigued about prophecy and the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I do much Bible study but it’s more for daily living. Daily preparation to get through life’s struggles.

With the events unfolding in Israel our conversation has turned more to prophecy. All my life I have seen signs of the times and prophecy is a roadmap to current events. It’s like labor pains in pregnancy. As the time nears for a woman to give birth her labor pains increase in intensity and that is what we are seeing in the world today.

Luke 21 verses 5 through 36, is full of information and I urge you to read it. Israel became a nation in 1948. According to Luke 21:32, “I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place.”( ‭NLT) ‬‬The last time Israel declared war was in 1973, 20 years ago. Take into consideration that Israel is surrounded by enemies that want to see them destroyed . They are Gods chosen people. Also consider the scripture, “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1-5‬ (‭NLT‬‬). ‭‭Folks this is where we are today. Scripture is unfolding right before our eyes.

The question must be addressed. Are you ready for Jesus Christ soon return? Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Are you anticipating His soon return? Are you living in such a way to bring glory to God? Are you ready?

About a week ago Ron was watching a pastor on YouTube talking about the end times. The pastor said he believed many in the church would leave the service unable to tell you what the message was really about . I believe many play the part of being a Christian. What it really boils down to is who you belong to. Do you belong to Jesus or do you belong to the world? God calls us to be set apart from the world. We have to live in the world but we don’t have to be like the world. God wants us to be true to Him, not just play the part.

Always be ready. 1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭12 says, “ Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” (NLT‬‬) There comes a time when we need to take inventory of our lives and honestly think about why we do the things we do. Sometimes we must ask ourselves the hard questions and finish what we star. This present world is passing away. Eternity is forever. Do you know where you will spend eternity? Stop, drop and roll doesn’t work in hell!

If you have wandered away from Jesus, He is always willing to forgive us when we confess our sins and repent. He is waiting for you with open arms. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, there is no time like the present to surrender toHim. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV‬‬)

I invite you to say this simple prayer if you desire to surrender to Jesus. Dear Heavenly Father I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe that Jesus is the son of God. I confess my sins to you and ask you to forgive me and wash me clean. I desire to have a relationship with you and learn your ways. I need your help and trust you to help me every step of the way. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and thank you for coming back to life on the third day. Thank you for the victory and free gift of salvation. I invite you into my heart. I love you Jesus Amen. Welcome to the family of God.

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. Be blessed!

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Paddling the Catawba

August 23, 2023August 24, 2023Leave a Comment

What a fun adventurous morning with friends kayaking down the Catawba River. My friend Leasa and I had been wanting to kayak on the river side of the Wylie Dam. Today was the day. We met our friend Tami and her husbandTerry, bright and early at the dam.

It was a perfect clear sunny morning, only about 73 degrees with a light breeze. Leasa and Tami took one truck to the stopping point down the river. Terry and I paddled around for about 45 minutes until the other two came back. It’s been a while since it’s rained and the water was low. I didn’t realize how rocky it was out there until I was out in the middle of the river. Kayaking with my low vision is a little bit tricky. Being the first one on the water, it was slightly unnerving to realize I could not see where I had gotten in and noticed all the rocks. Oh Lord have mercy and where was Terry? I didn’t see him at first but then I saw his red kayak and thank God it was red. I can see that color better.

Once Terry was close by, I explained I was wearing my old cochlear implant processor. I can’t hear well with it but I can hear some. I could hear water coming over the dam but couldn’t really see it. He told me to follow him. He was my GPS/ navigation system around the rocks. I stayed out of trouble following him. There is just something about the water and being in nature. It was simply peaceful.

Tami and Leasa finally got back and we all set off down the river. Tami and Leasa would tell me different things we were passing. Tami spotted a few turtles and Leasa spotted a bird. There was even an outdoor church setting along the river. They warned me when more rocks were coming up and I would paddle behind then. Down the river, over the rocks, through a few rapids and under two bridges we went. I did run into a few rocks and it made me laugh out loud. I had so much fun.

Photo credit Terry Peoples

It is neat to know a little bit of the areas history. The Catawba Indians used to trade along the river. There is a really nice paved walking trail called River Walk right beyond where we got out. There are a few signs that tell you the history of the Indians in the area.

I’m thankful for a fun experience with friends today. Great friends who are mindful of your limitations and want you to experience all the aspects of fun times are true gems. God has blessed me with quite a few and I am forever grateful. I can’t wait until our next adventure. So thankful Tami’s husband came along to make sure we girls stayed safe on the river. Leasa somehow managed to fall out of the kayak when she hit some rocks but Terry helped her. Tami and I completely missed her spill. Too bad it’s not on video. Until next time…..

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He freed the “Bird”

July 12, 2023Leave a Comment

Smiling BIG as I type this blog. Most people probably won’t get it, but that’s okay. I live with low vision and hearing issues and it can be confining. You might be wondering, how so? Since I can’t see far I am limited in independence. When I want to go somewhere I have to wait until it’s convenient for someone else. My family and friends are great but I don’t really like to ask. I’ve learned to be content. Sure, there is Uber but you need to know the make of cars and see the license plates. I couldd just envision myself getting in the wrong car, so I will pass on that idea. I’m not sharing this for pity or anything like that. I’ve learned to appreciate what’s important in life and be content. It can seem confining though, almost like a “bird in a large cage”. That gets me back to my BIG smile.

A few years ago I rediscovered kayaking while at the beach with some friends. I learned as a kid at camp. At the beach we kayaked in the intercostal waterway in both a two person kayak and a one person kayak. Both are fun but I love the adventure and independence of being on my own. I can see enough to do it. Sure I have to be cautious, but that’s part of the fun.

A few weeks ago, my husband Ron bought us two Pelican sit on top kayaks. I was so excited and couldn’t wait to try them out. Early last evening we took them out to Lake Wylie and he set me free! Have you ever smiled so deeply it was from your heart? I laughed and smiled and laughed some more. I paddled ahead of him, lost sight of him and circled back until I found him again. ( He could see me.) He even enjoyed it and wants to go again. Our son Joshua said he wanted to go with me soon. It was pure bliss to be free on the water with the sun setting and the beauty of Gods creation. I wore my old Niada cochlear implant processor so I could hear any approaching boats, then I would watch the water for wakes. It worked out great! It feels like Christmas in July. So thankful that my husband wants me to experience what I enjoy and do it with me. Here’s to hopefully many more adventures.

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. Speaking engagements are always welcome. It God opens a door, He will give me what’s needed to walk through it. 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. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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Hidden dangers

July 8, 2023Leave a Comment

A few days ago I noticed a rash break out on my stomach and sides. Then I found some on my arm and the back of my leg. I am highly allergic to poison ivy and poison oak. However, I have not been out in the yard. My husband, Ron and our dog Joy have thought and Ron picked some poison ivy. This happens every year when I pick some by mistake. However, this year I have not been working in the yard at all. Ron says I can just look at the plant and have a reaction to it. I wanted to try not to go to the doctor and see if I could get rid of it by myself but I caved because it itched so bad. The doctor said that the oils from the plant can get on clothes and I could’ve gotten it that way. Rom said I needed to stay out of poison ivy but I told him it doesn’t grow in the house. If I had it it was his fault. This got me thinking about how harmful things can be hidden out in the world and we are not aware until it’s too late. While poison ivy is more a nuisance, there are some real unsuspecting dangers out there.

Not long ago I heard a friend I grew up in church with, son had a terrible accident starting a bonfire. He is in his late 20s and had done this many times. He had to be airlifted to a regional burn center. He is progressing and is going to pull through needing no skin grafts. Thank you Jesus! It’s going to be a painful recovery though.

All this thinking has me reflecting about how many close calls we have over the course of our life. I know we’ve had quite a few and prayer has changed the course of things.

When I heard about my friends sons accident I thought about a similar accident our son had several years ago. He and a friend were building a fire in our fire pit. I have no clue why they got the gas can out to help get the fire started. The gas can caught fire but thankfully neither of the guys got hurt. It was a freak accident and a close call. God was watching over them.

There have been so many times that I do know about. God only knows the ones we don’t. A little over three years ago, Joshua and a group of friends decided to hike up a big waterfall. (I can’t think of the name of the waterfall) They took their shoes off at the bottom and went up the falls through the water. As they got higher all of them stopped except two brothers. As they climbed higher the oldest slipped and hit his head, falling down the falls. When the group didn’t come back we started making calls. Cell reception wasn’t good but we found out one of the group was missing. Joshua made it home the next day. The tragedy these kids witnessed is something I will never be able to grasp. T he friend who fell down the falls was found a few days later in an underwater cave. Oh God! Such loss!

Another close call happened a year ago. A friend invited our son to go to Florida to visit family and friends. The friend left way too late for the long drive. He fell asleep at the wheel with Joshua in the passengers seat. Running into another car on the highway, both cars were totaled. No one was seriously hurt. Thank you Jesus! Another close call.

Dangers tend to lurk everywhere these days. I told Ron, I wonder if someday God will show us all the times He saved us from hidden dangers. I know of other stories where people got seriously hurt or died. I will never understand the reasons why things happen. I just have to cover my family in prayer and trust God will somehow see us through.

There will always be dangers but we don’t have to walk around with fear and anxiety. I pray everyday that God will go before us, be our rear guard and surround us like a shield.
I love Isaiah 43:1-2: “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” (NKJV‬‬)

Thank you Lord for watching out for us. We don’t know what the future holds but we trust that You hold us tightly and will see us through until it’s our time to be united with you. In Jesus name amen.

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Take a Stand

June 5, 2023Leave a Comment

I find it amazing how character and integrity are timeless but the culture wages war against good moral. Another interesting fact is, a song that was released in 1980 by the group Glad popped in my mind recently as I was gathering scriptures for this blog. Glad’s song titled Take a Stand is part of their album titled Beyond a Star. This song is so incredibly relevant to today and it was released 43 years ago. I remember seeing Glad perform in the late 1980’s at one of our Youth group services at church. I will post a link to the song at the end of this blog. Check it out.

I know our present cultural issues should not surprise me because they have always been around. However, the depravity of our culture and the push for acceptance is alarming. In Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭12‬ ‭we see, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (NKJV). Sexualization and indoctrination are now constantly in our faces. What ever happened to logic and scientific fact? There are two genders: male and female. Your gender is not a choice. If you’re confused about which one you are, take your clothes off in front of a mirror and look. Male and female bodies are physically and genetically uniquely different. You can’t change the facts. Not everything is based on choice and stuffing your choices down others throats is not right. We do not have to comply. “The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.”Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

The entertainment and media industries are constantly trying to condition us to acceptance of moral decay. I supposed they believe if we are constantly bombarded with LGBTQ, sex grooming and violent content then we will get to a point where we just accept it. I will not! Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭ says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”(NKJV)

This is not about being anti anything. I love people regardless. We must speak truth in a loving way. What you do in private is none of my business, however when it is constantly pushed down our throats there arises a problem. We can and should take a stand for what’s right.

If you are a Christian you are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭8 says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (NKJV‬‬) I have friends that says, “But we have to shop”. It is true that we can’t stop going to the store, however we can choose where we spend our money. We can choose the people we elect to make decisions that impact our world. You can choose to promote children’s rights to have content and opportunities that give them the right to be innocent children. You can and should choose to protect children. Choose Jesus! Choose to Pray constantly! “I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.”Psalms‬ ‭71‬:‭16‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

In the words of Glad’s song., Take a Stand: Take a stand for the light in the middle of the night, take a stand, we’ve been waiting much too long. Take a stand for whats true in everything you do, take a stand. Take a stand by Glad. Album Beyond a Star.
YouTube video

Have a great week everybody! To read more of my previous blog posts check out my website http://www.shannonkhinson.com You can find two years worth of blog posts in the menu. Be blessed

You choose

June 1, 2023Leave a Comment

Two blog posts have been brewing: You Choose and Take A Stand. Both are similar but the first having a gentler approach, while the latter is more straight forward. Tonight I will address the gentler stance.

Do you ever come across passages that you highlight one thing after another? Colossians chapter three was like that for me recently. Part of the chapter addresses the character of a new man. Every single verse in that section of the chapter is highlighted in a different color. As I read the bible, I ask God to give me a teachable heart.

Read Colossians 3:12-17 with me.“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” ( ‭NKJV‬‬)

Do you see what I’m seeing? We are encouraged to PUT ON; tender mercies, kindness, meekness, long suffering etc. I’m reading this as an admonishment to choose the things of God. God wants us to choose to put on His character. We can choose to let Gods Word dwell in us richly. We can choose the eternal or the temporal pleasures. What do you choose? (As you can see emphasis is added by capitalization, using bold and italics.)

As the times we live in are becoming increasingly more evil we must choose the things of God! You can choose to be a light in this dark world. We can choose to speak life to all around us. Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” (NKJV)
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Everyday God blesses us with a free will to choose Him. We can choose to deny the flesh and submit ourselves to the ways of God. We can choose words to build others up rather than tear down. Now more than ever we must focus of Jesus and submit to what He desires to do through us. It’s time to choose Him all day, everyday! It’s time to take a Stand. God willing, that will be the next blog I tackle. I’m just waiting on the Lord to give me the words for that important topic. As I close this blog, I would like to pray for everyone reading this.

Dear Heavenly Father I come to you in the precious name of Jesus. Lord I thank You for Your grace and mercy that is new every single day. I thank You for Your faithfulness. Lord forgive us when we fall short. Help us to have teachable hearts that are tender to Your Holy Spirit’s leading. Bring to our remembrance Your powerful Words and give us the strength to live according to Your Word. I thank You and praise You that Your alone are sovereign over everything, I thank You that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. In the mighty name of Jesus. Thank You for loving us and equipping us for all You desire. We praise You that there is power in the name of Jesus to break every single chain. I give You all the praise, honor and glory! In Jesus name I pray Amen!

Good night everybody! To read more of my previous blog posts check out my website http://www.shannonkhinson.com You can find two years worth of blog posts in the menu. Be blessed

Adventure on the water

May 22, 20234 Comments

Yesterday I returned home from a week away at the beach with some great friends. While the whole week was wonderful, our last full day was by far my favorite. Leasa and Lisa Jane went to the beach but Tami and I went kayaking in the canal and waterway.

There is something about kayaking that soothes me. I find myself so relaxed out on the water. It’s like I was made to be out there. THe last time I went kayaking was a couple of years ago. I have never gone wearing my cochlear implant processor. My Advanced Bionics Marvel processor is far too expensive to risk losing in the water. However I packed one of my old processors that has old technology. Since I can still hear some with it, I brought it along and I’m so glad I did.

Let me just say, the sounds of the water and wind were like soothing music. I listened as the paddle sliced through the water and came up dripping before slicing through again with the next rhythmic paddle motion. The weather was perfect, partly cloudy with a light breeze. The tide was in the process of going out. As Tami and I started out, the outgoing tide kind of helped us along. However on the return the tide was against us.

Before we set out I told Tami I would follow her because I was sure boaters were out and we would pass under a bridge where people sometimes fish. With my low vision I didn’t want to get entangled in someone’s fishing line or be someone’s “catch of the day”. I could hear her some with my old processor but couldn’t see her sign language. If I wanted to talk I’d extend my paddle and she would pull me over. When you have limitations like me, you have to come up with a system that works. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

With the outgoing tide we found ourselves in some very shallow spots. At one point we got out and pulled the kayaks to deeper water before setting off again. Some of the boats got stuck until the tide rose again. Tides are tricky. You have to prepare carefully or you might get stuck or face paddling against it.

Truth be told, as I was paddling along my thoughts went to spiritual things. The end of Genesis 1:2 came to my mind, “…. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (NKJV) I feel so close to God in His beautiful creation. There isn’t the constant bombardment of distractions. Deep calls to deep and His voice abounds if we listen closely.

As I sit here reflecting, I sense some life lessons to pass along. Although paddling can be tiresome, if you get caught up in the wonder of the beauty it is so rewarding. Sometimes you need more than sight. A strong sense of direction will keep you going even when you can’t fully see what lies ahead. Have faith in the one who directs you. When we put our hope in Jesus He is going to see us safely through to our destination. In life we will occasionally get “stuck” and find ourselves going againt a strong current. At these times God brings people along to help us along the way. We all have strengths and weaknesses and we can use them to bless each other. Always pray for guidance before setting out. Our friend Leasa prayed for us before we set out.

I think I have discovered one of my potential favorite hobbies in kayaking. Someone gave us a two seater this Spring and I can’t wait to try it out. Hopefully my husband and some friends will enjoy it like me and be my eyes out on the water. We will see! Hopefully many more kayaking experiences are in my future. I’m so thankful for the life lessons learned along the way and sensitivity to God’s gentle whisper in His beautiful creation.

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. 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. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Refreshing by the sea

May 18, 20232 Comments

Writing tonight from Cherry Grove Beach. Three friends and I came down on Monday for a fun relaxing girls week. We are missing two of our sisters but are having the most relaxing time. There has been lots of laughter, playing card games, listening to worship music and walking on the beach. One friend and I walked over five miles on the beach today.

As we went out on the beach earlier today a song was playing in my mind, It is Well by Bethel Music.and Kristene DiMarco. Part of the song goes like this: So let go my soul and trust in Him, the waves and wind still know his name…It is well…with my soul… it is well…with my soul… it is well, it is well with my soul. My heart was full of worship as I sat there watching and listening to the surf and wind. I wore my Advanced Bionics Marvel cochlear implant processor. I love to hear sounds of nature.

Gods creation declares His glory and majesty. The sovereignty of the Lord is so apparent in nature; it makes my heart swell with joy and delight. The sounds and beauty of the ocean and seeing wildlife is so amazing. Watching the sunset over the marsh has been stunning as well. Today many jellyfish had washed up onshore for some reason. They are interesting to look at. We came across a beautiful bird as well.

There is something about the beach that makes me in awe of God. I often think of Bible scenes as I’m on the beach. Maybe it’s because Jesus taught often on the sea shore. The power of the sea and watching the tide changes is fascinating. As we walked we saw a pier that had been badly damaged by one of the hurricanes. I remember watching online when the hurricanes came through. The raging winds and waves wrecked havoc on shore. I know the God who is sovereign over it all.

In Mark chapter 4 , Jesus is asleep on a boat when a bad wind storm rose up causing waves to crash into the boat and His disciples were terrified. They woke Jesus up becauuse they were so afraid. Mark 4:39 says, “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”
‭‭(‭NKJV‬‬)

Psalms 65:17 says, “You who still the noise of the seas, The noise of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples.” (NKJV‬‬). Wow! I’m in awe of my God!

Do you need Jesus to quiet any storms in your life? He invites us to get away with Him in quiet time, prayer and worship. Sometimes we just need to be still and trust His sovereignty over our lives. He is faithful and He is able to do far more than we ask or can imagine. Through it all, keep your eyes on Jesus. The waves and winds of life still know His name.

This time away this week is refreshing and much needed. I’m thankful that my husband encourages me to spend time with friends. We are so thankful for the precious family who are letting us stay in their beautiful home. This time with my sisters in Christ is such a blessing as we laugh and talk together. I am so thankful.

I want to see if I can find a video of It is Well to share at the end of this blog. It is a beautiful song that speaks of contentment in life’s storms. It encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus through it all. With Him, it is well!

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I write when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. 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. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Lifting you up❣️

May 13, 20233 Comments

Over the past two weeks I’ve come across scripture and have saved verses to use for this blog. I knew in my heart I would be writing on this topic soon. Today is the day.

Depression and anxiety are a heavy weight. There is absolutely no shame in reaching out for help. I’ve heard this is mental health awareness month. If I can encourage someone to keep pushing forward then hear me out.

I personally deal with depression and anxiety at times. It can grip you so suddenly and you feel a weight of despair. Mine is more or less due to the limitations I face and the sheer frustration to do all I “think” I need to ne doing. The feelings of inadequacy can pull me down. Sometimes thoughts will battle in my mind. “You aren’t good enough! You can’t do all they can do. It’s getting harder so why don’t you just admit it?” These demeaning thoughts are countered by; ”Be quiet in the name of Jesus! Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I might not be able to but God works in my weaknesses! I can’t but let me tell you something, He sure can!” You know the drill? Sometimes these thoughts battle in my mind. How do I counteract against it? I speak God’s Word over myself. I pray and sing praises to Jesus who is Victorious over it all.

When you feel these negative emotions, shutting yourself off from people is the easiest thing in the world but I don’t recommend that. Surround yourself with support. If you don’t have a strong support system ask God for one. Be there for others and watch as they in turn are there for you. Drop your pride. No one has it all together! We all need each other.

God has given me a gift of encouragement, prayer and discernment. I can pick up when someone is struggling. Last night I was reading some social media posts and I saw an old college friend post “I give up”. This persons postings usually range from humor to despair, back and forth. I noticed people commented encouragement but I also noticed his lack of response. God touch this person and give them a reason to keep pressing on. This is not the first person I’ve noticed. There have been many over the years. If I sensed they were suicidal, I prayed and encouraged. One of these people I gathered recourses for so they could get help on their limited budget. Some of those I’ve encouraged are now thriving. Praise God. God surrounded them with strength and encouragement and now they are encouraging others. This is an example of 1Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬‬:‭11‬,“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (‭‭‭‭NKJV‬‬)

If you are a Christian you must realize that God empowers you with His Holy Spirit to fulfill your purpose for His glory! He also strengthens us and anoints us against the attacks we face. Check out Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (NKJV‬‬). For more on the Armor of God check out verses 10-20. These verses are powerful.

God wants us to bring all out concerns to Him. There is nothing too little or big to bring to Him. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving“ Colossians‬ ‭4‬‬:‭2‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” (‭NKJV‬‬)

Gods Word is FULL of life giving encouragement. Use it everyday. Pray! Speak life over yourself! Do NOT give up! God has you! Keep pushing forward and keep trusting Him. You’re going to make it!!

A while back I did a short video clip of me signing”In Jesus Name”. I will try posting the video clip link here. Praying for all that read this. God has us!

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c33-vZfRxx-sH0ZySGUWg5qw

Www.shannonkhinson.com

If you only knew😳

May 6, 20232 Comments

I’m debating whether to even put this in writing. I occasionally give a true, honest, transparent look at life as a visually and hearing impaired person. Today was one of those days when inwardly I’m like..
Oh great! 🤦🏽‍♀️ Yet outwardly I am hopefully all smiles! Did I pull it off? I think I did but who knows.

Before I even went out the door I was praying and thanking God that His joy is my strength. As I prayed I said Lord, you fill my heart with joy and peace despite the circumstances. Help me! How the day would unfold if I did not start off in Gods word, prayer snd praise , I don’t want to ever find out. It’s tough. Mental and spiritual preparation is so helpful especially when I know I’m going to be feeling like a “fish on dry ground”

Put me in a group of any size and it’s challenging. Mom picked me up to take me to my nieces baby shower. I’m 54 and my 80 year old Mom is driving me around. It’s a fact of life I don’t think I will ever be used to. We arrived at the beautiful shower honoring my niece and many showed up to bless her. At most showers of any type there are fun activities. One was to write a note for the baby that he would see on his 18th birthday. Trouble was the pieces of paper wete small with tiny lines to write on. I can’t see well enough to read my handwriting any more, not to mention writing on lines. Oh Lord help me! What to do? I closed my worse eye and tried to legibly write on the lines. I asked Mom if she could read it, thankfully she could. One down a couple more to go. Next was four jars to guess how many items were in each. I told Mom to just write some numbers. We went out on the deck and there was another activity I did not even see until I was close up. Everyone worked on making baby’s first ABC book. I used to love to color really detailed sketches but I can’t see well enough to do that anymore. Oh the joys of having low vision… NOT! (But I did one anyway. Although I did not sign my name on it. If my niece reads my blog… the one that looks like a kid did it was done by yours truly…. Aunt Shannon 😂 ) That’s just the activities, now let’s talk about the food. I could not find the forks on the table. They were right in front of me but transparent, so I did not see them. Okay…. next! I could see the deviled eggs, crackers, chips and fruit. The kabobs were another story. It took me a second to figure out how to pick it up. Lord have mercy! If people only knew the challenges it would blow your mind. This is just the visual part, not to mention the hearing part. My hearing loss is noticeable but my visual issue is not. What am I to do? Stay home? No! I live life and just hope to play it off! It’s not about me. It’s about blessing those around me. Is it uncomfortable? You bet! Is it cringe worthy? Absolutely! Did anyone notice? Hopefully not except Mpm of course. Even she doesn’t realize how bad my vision is.

Some things in life I don’t think I will ever understand on this side of eternity. It takes a lot of grit on the inside and smiles on the outside. It takes a lot of prayers and small pep talks to get through it. Only God understands. It’s hard. I can’t give in. I must get out and live life even though the normal things are so frustrating. I want to particulate and bless those around me.

If you saw me typing up this blog you would get a good laugh. Part of it I type and part of it I speak. Typos are everywhere because touch screens are so tricky. I use my iPad for blogging. However artificial intelligence can’t understand me half the time and I speak clearly! I say one thing and it types another. I say “ You can’t hear! And it says, “ I’m sorry you feel that way!” I’m over it!

Whether I will publish this or delete it is going through my head. On one hand, it’s helpful to see the difficulties people have to face, difficulties that are for the most part invisible. On the other hand, the truth can be terribly embarrassing. Peoples lives are so different. This is a reminder to be kind, considerate, and helpful. Today is almost over and tomorrow I will step into whatever God has for me. I won’t do it alone. He is with me every step of the way. Treat people the way you want them to treat you. Until next time…