#ChristianWomen – Page 8 – rootedbythewater.blog

Heart full of joy

December 26, 2023Leave a Comment

Candle light service at Fort Mill Church of God. Photo credit Joshua Hinson.

On this day after Christmas, I find myself reflecting. It’s been the perfect day for it, with rain pouring most of the day. It’s kind of like silent pondering after a busy time of celebration.

After almost thirty years of marriage, raising a son who no longer lives at home, Christmas time has changed a bit. This is also our third Christmas without my Dad. He loved this time of year and would have liked that Mom decorated two trees this year. She always does a beautiful job making her house look festive for Christmas.

We never really know how Christmas will unfold even with traditions. The week before Christmas our son was in Florida and we weren’t sure if he would be back in time for our Christmas Eve plans. With adult kids, you never really know how it’s all going to play out. Thankfully our son made it back in town just in time to join us and Grandma for the Christmas Eve candlelight service at Fort Mill Church of God. This was the church we raised Joshua in. We went there for seventeen years.

As we walked in we saw some familiar faces and got a few hugs. I was surprised that we each got a real candle. Mom signed for me. Well she tried her best as the Pastor speaks so very fast. It was an unusual Christmas Eve service but it was so very meaningful. I assumed we would sing the usual Christmas carols and hear the Christmas story. I was so moved by the worship. We gathered to celebrate Jesus birth and the music Pastor led us in beautiful anointed worship of Jesus our King. The Pastor spoke on Revelations 5. He brought it all together from Genesis to Revelations…. JESUS! We had communion then one by one everyone’s candle was lit as we sang O come let us adore Him. It was one of the highlights of this Christmas.

After the service we drove to Waffle House which is our tradition. Why Waffle House? It’s usually the only thing open but the place was packed. We did find a Mexican restaurant close by and had a nice dinner there, enjoying time with Grandma. We usually also ride around to see Christmas lights but Grandma was tired and Joshua was too. After a short visit at her house we headed home. Joshua spent the night with us.

The very best gift was spending time with our son. He always has a friend or two with him so it’s not often to get his undivided attention. Even though he was tired, we talked for hours. It was like old times and it was pure JOY!

Late Christmas afternoon, we went to Grandmas to meet up with my brother’s family and celebrate again. My two year old great niece was there and she brought such joy and smiles. She took her little baby doll into the study room to “change the diaper”. She had her little diaper changing cloth on the floor. As she looked up on the wall, she saw Great Grandpas golf ball collection and she wanted to see a few. Gigi (my Mom) got several down for her. She placed them on her diaper changing cloth. It was so cute. I know my Dad would have loved that. It’s the little things that bring a big smile to my heart.

So this Christmas is a wrap and it’s “one for the books”. It was wonderful! It’s not about the gifts that were exchanged. What made it extra special was the meaningful candlelight service, long talks with our son and time with family. Those things are priceless. My heart is full and I am truly thankful. I pray you all had a wonderful time of celebration and time spent with the special people in yours life.

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.

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ChristmasEve Eve Eve

December 22, 2023Leave a Comment

‘Twas Christmas Eve Eve Eve
When all through Steele Creek,
People were hustling and bustling,
Shopping at a frenzy peak!

All our shopping was done,
but we went out anyway.
It always nice to spread smiles
and say ,”have a nice day”

Spreading cheer is s gift
that people surely need,
Saying “Merry Christmas”
Is quite like planting a seed.

A seed did she say?
Why yes she sure did.
Planting tiny seeds of joy,
Bring out smiles that were hid.

I often do wonder,
Do they know what it means?
It’s not the gifts, nor Santa
It’s not the decorating scenes.

It’s about Baby Jesus,
Gods only son born long ago.
God’s plan to redeem us
Because He loves us all so.

It’s truly about
Jesus birthday.
What gift will you bring Him
The sweet babe in the hay.

All my broken pieces
Aren’t much to give
But with His love and His touch
He can make anything live!

So I will give Him my heart,
all of me everyday.
Happy Birthday sweet Jesus
Please keep showing us Your way.

Merry Christmas everybody!

A truly beautiful thing

November 8, 2023Leave a Comment

I’m laying here on the bed considering “calling it a day and hitting the hay“ For anyone reading this outside the USA, thats just a figure of speech meaning I’m tired and ready for a good nights sleep. My heart is so full right now though and while the day is fresh on my mind, I figured I would get some blogging done.

It seems like this is going to be one of those really transparent blogs. From time to time those are good to share. I love when people are real and genuine.

Towards the end of summer my Bible study group decided to pick up with our Fall study. The only setback was our leader was a part of a different study and wasn’t able to join us. When the girls asked if I would lead the study, I remember slowly responding, okay. Inwardly I was asking God, “Are you serious Lord? How can I do this? I cant see the book. “. There are four girls in our Bible study group: one hearing and three deaf. I am also legally blind. We all have different reading skills and different ways of learning. I knew the book we were planning to do was a bit difficult for a couple of our members but they wanted to try anyway. Over the summer one had told me she liked it best when someone explained things to her. Kind of like acting it out in story form. I have kept that in mind.

Funny thing, when you tell God He’s got the wrong person for the job, He will prove you wrong. I cant tell you how many times I’ve flat out said “Lord help me. I cant do this”. Every time I buckled down to give it my best try, I end up standing amazed at how God is working.

I can’t see the book unless it is under my video magnifier machine. So I sit in our home office in from of my machine with the book zoomed in so I can see. I have my ipad notes ready to take notes to teach from and use the iPhone to look up scripture on YouVersion app. I like being able to see different transplations,when trying to interpret into sign language. Some translations are easier to interpret than others. Sign language is in a different word order and conceptual. As I prepare my notes I’m trying to see it from their perspective and word the notes in such a way they can really gleam from the study. Since it’s hard for me to even see my ipad notes unless they are zoomed in large, going over the notes again and again so I dont have to look frequently has been the best approach so far and the girls are participating. That is so so beautiful.

Over the last two weeks we have been studying Leah and Rachel who were both married to Jacob. To be honest, I’m not a fan of speculation. God has given us His Holy Bible that was inspired by the Holy Spirit. In my point of view, you don’t add anything to it nor take anything away from it. While we are getting a lot out of the this study, some things the author says doesn’t quite sit right with us. Meaning we aren’t in total agreement, simply because the author speculates about certain aspects of the study. This really creates some awesome discussions among us. Today one of my deaf friends took the open Bible on the table and began searching for a certain scripture to prove her point. My other deaf friend thought she knew what she was looking for and they found it together. Talking about awesome. These two girls just bought their bibles last fall and now they are digging in deeper to see what God has to say about something. That is a truly beautiful thing. There is nothing more beautiful that a person fully surrendered and submissive to the Lord.

I would have never thought I’d ever be teaching a bible study. However I am a willing empty vessel that God is choosing to prove He can use. It is so humbling and exhausting. God can use anything He wants to full fill His divine purpose.

Just about every week I find myself saying, “God help me. I can’t do this. It’s too much.” Then in response, each time I say that, God pours His grace, enabling God to get it done. I am in awe of how God works. He chooses the broken things to bring about His desires.

Moral of this blog, never say never. In everything do it for the glory of God. You’d be surprised at how many people are watching how we handle situations. Make it a priority to shine for the Lord. It’s a dark world in need of light. Be willing to be a light for Jesus.

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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.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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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!

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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!