2 year anniversary of an ongoing Miracle🙌

August 26, 2020

As I write this my heart rejoices in our miracle working, amazing, sustaining and faithful God! Two years ago tomorrow, my brother Forrest had a bone marrow transplant at Duke University. We praise God and are beyond thankful for giving doctors the wisdom to treat leukemia and for the miracle of allowing this transplant to be successful. The picture above is Forrest holding the bag of my harvested bone marrow before his transplant.

I remember sitting on my back porch during the summer of 2020. I remember praying and asking God to allow me to help my brother in some way. God answered that prayer. God some how allowed me to be a perfect bone marrow donor match for my brother. This all took place during the Covid-19 pandemic . Remember the masks, isolation, distancing, Covid tests just to make sure….etc? God sees every tiny detail and works it out according to His will. With me being hearing Impaired (hearing some with cochlear implant technology) and legally blind, and everyone was wearing masks at Duke, God allowed Forrest to be with me and help me understand. God was using him to help me, as He was using me to help Forrest. God is so good!

I wish I could say that it was a smooth ride but there were complications. However, every complication God sone how worked out. I will never fully understand the ordeal Forrest and his family endured. God did allow us to see the extraordinary support He gave them. Family, friends, church family, medical staff, and even strangers; God brought them all together to surround Forrest, his wife Jan and children and my parents. The prayer coverage, calls, cards, meals, gifts, and love lavished on them by our gracious loving God. We will never stop giving thanks to our “Way maker, Miracle working, promise keeping God”! He is faithful always! Romans 8:28 tells us “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”( ‭NLT‬‬)

We are so grateful for Gods Word that encourages us daily as we continue to walk in His grace. Psalms 91 is a passage of scripture Forrest and family cling to. These scriptures bring such comfort. The entire chapter is so reassuring. . I especially love verses 14-16, “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”(ESV)

There are some things to take away from this blog post. As Forrest continues to walk through the daily miracle God is performing, he is reaching out to others facing similar trials. It is encouraging to help people know they are not alone. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:4 says, “who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”(ESV‬‬).

Another thing to take away from this is, never underestimate what God is able to accomplish with brokenness. Check out what God says in 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Just surrender all you have and let Jesus use you in whatever way He desires.

Each day is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present. Learn to live in the moment. We can’t worry about tomorrow or things from the past. Live in the present and give it as a gift to God for His glory.

We give all praise , glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We praise God for all He is doing as He sustains and strengthens Forrest and family daily. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we trust in our Lord who holds all our tomorrows. We are so thankful!
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If you would like to read more of my story check out my autobiography, “Rooted by the Water”. Forrest blessed me by writing the Foreword. You can find it on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book format. I will end this with the following scripture. Revelation‬ ‭1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” (NLT‬‬)

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His Grace is Enough

Lately grace has been on my mind. If not for God’s grace, where would I be in life? Life is full of complications and sometimes keeping a positive outlook can be quite a stretch. There is a saying, “But for the grace of God…” Amen!

If you are like me, you may have been praying for years and years for breakthroughs on many different things. When the answers don’t come like I think, it is tempting to get discouraged. It’s vital to remember to pray “thy will be done”, not my will but God’s.

I love when people are real and transparent. No one has a perfect life. When we share struggles with one another we are encouraged that we aren’t alone. When we share our victories we can rejoice together.

My friend and I met for our Bible study today. I am so thankful for her. She blesses my heart Today we talked about the sovereignty of God. I love how we can share our lives and what God is teaching us. We can encourage each other. As we studied today we saw how the scriptures prove that God has complete control over everything. It is comforting to know that I don’t need to worry because God is going to work it out according to His perfect Will. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”(‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Life happens. When we wake up each day we give it our best shot. Yet sometimes our best shot falls short of the expectations we set for ourself. I must be mindful that as thankful as I am for Gods grace, I also must show myself grace. I am far from perfection but I do set high expectations for myself. When high expectations meet low vision and hearing issues, it’s a big frustration waiting to happen. The amount of typos I make on this iPad touch screen would blow your mind. So whether it’s a text, e mail, blog, comment… whatever it is, I have to zoom in large and I do mean LARGE to see and correct all the many typos. Lord help me and thankfully He does!

What doesn’t break you makes you stronger! We need refining in trials of life in order to reflect Gods character and bring glory to Him. James‬ ‭1:2- 4 says, ‬“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
‭‭(‭NASB2020‬)‬

Have you had any trials lately? Can you find joy in those trials? In all honesty, I must say no. I don’t find joy in the trials but God willing, as He continues to work on me and show me grace, I will. It can be tiresome but we must keep our focus on our destination… Jesus. “Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭(NLT‬)

In true Shannon fashion, a song just popped into my head and I most likely have the lyrics wrong but here goes… There ain’t no doubt about it, I’m on my way home. I’m not yet where I’m going, but I’m a long way from where I was. I hear a crowd of angels cheering me on…. There ain’t no doubt about it, I’m on my way home.”

As we wrap up Monday, I will say “good night everybody”. Keep on keeping on. New grace and mercies await us in the morning. Thank you Jesus!

If you’d like to check out my autobiography , “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. Thank you for journeying with me. Please subscribe to my blog and share it with others. Blessing to you all.

One Year Anniversary

Today marks one year since I started blogging. One year of sharing encouragement and pouring into others. One year of sharing my struggles and allowing you all in to witness personal growth. As I looked at my stats today, I saw my blog site has had 2197 views, 1417 visitors and 82 posts. My goal has been and continues to be, to encourage others to never give up in difficulties. I want people to see that there is HOPE and God is faithful. There is much that I don’t understand in life. Everyday is a classroom, teaching us about ourselves, God and the people He surrounds us with.

I love how God uses nature to teach us life lessons. This past Saturday I had a first time ever experience. Mom and I got to pick blueberries at our friends house before our book club meeting began. You might think this is totally off topic, but stay with me as I tie it in. At age 53, this was my first time seeing blueberries on a bush. Having low vision made it a bit tricky for me to pick the ripe berries. I discovered that I had to get in the bush, close enough so I could see which berries were ripe. For some reason I thought it humorous to have to be in the bush, arms wet from morning dew on the huge bushes, so I could pick the sweet fruit. Berries fresh off a bush are the best. There was a reward for getting in there and getting a bit wet and dirty. Life is just like that. You have to “get in” to gleam the rewards. With blogging I have to “get in there” in order to encourage others. I’m thankful for the opportunity and it warms my heart when people around the world choose to take the time to read my thoughts. Besides the United States my blog has also been seen in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Nigeria, Kenya, Australian, Canada and China to name a few.

We all have opportunities to share history by sharing “his”story, or in other words, by sharing the journey God has you on. What is God showing you? How can you surrender to Him and allow Him to pour into your life so you can pour into others around you? We will encounter hardships and struggles but it is so worth it. Being a vessel God can work through is an honor. Let’s take every opportunity to impact the world for Gods glory.

My website is currently down as I wait for the release of my files. I’m hoping to combine my website and blog together. In the meantime if you’d like to check out my book “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon in hard over, soft cover and e book formats. Thank you for journeying with me. Please subscribe to my blog and share it with others. Blessing to you all.

Renew me!

This morning I woke up at 5. As I was trying to go back to sleep I asked the Lord to speak to me. I tossed for an hour then got up. One of the ways God speaks to me is through His Word, The Bible. Being up early I would have time for an extra long quiet time with the Lord. Currently I’m doing a reading plan on You Version reading the minor prophets. Once I finished todays reading, I went to Ephesians to read up on the armor of God. As I looked over the verses I saw Ephesians‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬ and stopped. This verse says, “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” I thought to myself, “Okay Lord, you have my attention.”

Life happens! It’s to be expected. Yes it is very frustrating but how do we deal with it? That’s exactly why I was reading up on the armor of God but since the Holy Spirit pointed out this verse in chapter 4. I will pause and seek a fresh mind renewal. Oh Lord renew my mind and my attitudes!

Yesterday my husband Ron fully intended on spending the whole day painting the bonus room. Our son wants to make it his suite which is fine with us. It’s been the “Man cave” for years. Ron’s plan got pushed aside as I was checking e mail yesterday morning. There was a very suspicious e mail that had him on the phone with the. Bank then we finally went in person. The e mail was an attempt at fraud. Why do people do these things? Fraud, scams and schemes abound. I recently got an e mail from a fake “Ron Howard” asking if I had a script ready for him. Backstory, this same scammer contacted me five months ago. He used the famous actors name and picture. He said he was interested in my story and wanted to see a script. We e mailed back and forth. It seemed legit but I wanted a professionals opinion. My sister in laws brother is a producer in the industry. She reached out to him with some questions for me. He said the real Ron Howard would never contact me that way. To make a long story short, I sent the imposter an email telling him I had talked to a professional in the industry. I told him I might be deaf and legally blind but I won’t be easily scammed. I thanked him for a lesson well learned and though I’d never hear from him again. He waited five months and used a different e mail to look more professional. People are desperate. There was another e mail this morning about a whole different topic, my point is people want to take advantage of you at every turn. So this morning as I was searching for scripture on the Armor of God, God first pointed out Ephesians 4:23 about the Holy Spirit renewing my thoughts and attitudes. I don’t know about you but I sure do need a fresh Holy Spirit mind washing with a renewed attitude as well. People fail you and take advantage of you but God is faithful. Lord give us wisdom to see through the enemies tactics and a heart always eager to praise you as you fight our battles for us. Have a blessed day!

If you happen to come across this blog post for the first time. I encourage you to read my autobiography ”Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Stirred!

In all honesty I’ve been feeling kind of burned out. Being attentive on social media platforms can be soooo draining with my low vision and typing on an iPad touch screen. If you saw the amount of typing errors from not seeing the screen well, it would blow your mind. I then have to go back and correct each one with the screen zoomed in large. I’m talking”triple tap and drag” on my iPad… ZOOMING IN! It’s tedious and sometimes I wonder if it’s even worth it. Sometimes I laugh at the process and sometimes I shake a fist at the screen. It’s almost been one year now of blogging. I started this journey as a continuation of my book, “Rooted by the Water” ( available on Amazon) My journey didn’t end at the end of my book. God continues to teach me and stretch me. Sometimes I go with the stretch and yet sometimes Im resistant. Lord help me learn, surrendering daily to your gentle tug on my heart.

Here’s a fun fact about me, I never watch tv. There are so many remote controls I don’t even know how to turn it on and off. I’m not kidding. I’d rather download a book from Hoopla app and expand my mind. The entertainment industry shapes our culture. There is such a lack of moral values and integrity that it is astounding. Whatever happened to logical, open minded, civil discussion? Now it like, if you don’t agree with me I will just cancel you out. That’s the way people come across. It’s a sad broken world we live in. In todays society “good is considered bad and bad is considered good”. Here is a prime example, recently Foxnews posted on Instagram that celebrity Chris Platt was seen at a anti GLBT church. HELLO! What kind of headline is that? Talking about stirring up division. Out of curiosity I decided to read the comments. There is nothing like seeing the true state of humanity in all its various shades as reading public forums. Some people know what’s going on and some are truly in the dark. Deception abounds and what you hear and see plays a huge role in what you think. What are you exposing yourself to?

So back to the particular Instagram post, I don’t normally participate in these discussions but people need to know truth. John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”ESV. So I felt a need to reply, with love of course. After debating a guy for days about what the Bible says, I finally told him he didn’t know enough about Christianity to be having the discussion with me and he stopped responding. He was determined to say Christians are bigots. If you are a true follower of Jesus Christ you surrender you fleshly desires and live according to the Holy Spirit. I gently explained that according to the Bible we ALL have sinned and we ALL fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” ESV‬‬) Not just one group of people. God is HOLY. Sin is sin! God doesn’t tolerate sin. We could never make it on our own, that is why Jesus died in our place! And I will have you know that He rose again on the third day, has ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God.

Over the years the enemy has snuck into the church. Political correctness has snuck into the pulpit of many churches. We must pray that Pastors will preach the Gospel of Jesus crucified and resurrected. Preach the Word of God, “The Holy Bible” from beginning to end. Add nothing to it and leave nothing out! II Timothy‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ says “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” The English Standard Version says it this way, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for proof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

Even though I feel dried out form this process of social media and blogging, I will continue simply because God has once again stirred me. I pray daily, “Lord pierce the darkness! Shine brightly and expose deception!”. People read the Bible, pray, listen to the Holy Spirit and Shine for Jesus! Will you join me? The world is dying from lack of spiritual knowledge. I’m talking the truth of Gods Word, not some watered down gospel appeasing the itching ears. I’m going to stop here and pick up again on the topic of “stirring”. May Gods peace and joy rest on you as you seek Him. Be Blessed!

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Example of fixing typos.

Don’t throw it in!,


Sometimes when I write I feel a fire burning inside as I desire to encourage others. This is one of those times. Let’s be honest! Life is tough! You might be tempted to throw in the towel and say, ”Just forget it! I’m tired of the struggle!” Let me encourage you, don’t throw in that towel! Keep pushing forward! Keep believing! Keep fighting!

Yesterday I received some discouraging news about a dear friend who is being moved to hospice. This was pretty shocking! She had back surgery in April but has had complication after complication. The doctors have done all they can do. When faced with situations like this it’s so easy to take the doctors word and let go. A group of friends and I have a group chat going on to pray fervently for our dear friend. Yesterday one of the ladies shared a picture of a note our friends grandson wrote. It was a precious note to encourage, reminding his Grandpa that this was just an obstacle in life. – That dear friends is child like faith. God gets the last word not the doctors. As long as there is breath in her lungs, there is hope that God can turn this around. Join me in prayer for our sweet friend. God knows her name and the exact situation. I choose to believe God.

Last night I invited my Mom to go to a Teacups ministry event. I’ve only been a few times but the ladies are so welcoming and it’s always nice. It was a chance for Mom to meet more ladies from her church. The last few times I went it’s been a larger group. Being hearing and visually impaired, I don’t do that great in groups. Currently I’m having issues hearing with my cochlear implant and last night was way out of my comfort zone with all the voices to try to understand. But I “pressed in my heels” and tried anyway. I’m glad I did! I saw one lady there going through cancer treatment. She was all smiles with a scarf wrapped around her head. She is victorious! I saw other ladies there enduring pain in their bodies. They could have stayed home but they chose to come. Another lady’s son in law is going through some difficulties with his vision. I can relate and plan to reach out to encourage.

My point? Keep moving forward! Keep pressing on! Sometimes we have to live life “moment by moment”. Whatever it takes, don’t throw the towel in. God has us in the palm of His hands. He invites us to bring all our concerns and needs to Him. When the doctor gives bad news, trust Gods promises! When things in society seem to be spiraling downwards, trust God! Speak life and pray without ceasing!

Last night some of the ladies decorated rocks. I didn’t do one since it’s hard to see. One lady made one for me with the scripture Joshua 1:9 on it. I looked it up when I got home. It said, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” She will never know how perfect this was for me.

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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You move me Lord!

Photo credit Pinterest

Have you ever truly been moved by God? He moves me in so many ways; reading the Bible, listening to worship music, being still in His beautiful creation, time in prayer and much more.

This week God has stirred my heart with a song I heard in church last Sunday. A lady sang In Jesus Name (God Of Possible) by Katy Nichole. I am sure I’ve heard it before but for some reason it really struck me this week. As a hearing and visually impaired person, I learn music a bit differently. I looked up the lyrics and found a video with lyrics on YouTube. As I listened to it over and over I cried at the beautiful meaning of the words and how true they are. This was one of those songs I just had to have in my music library so I bought it. As I played it over and over I didn’t realize I was singing out loud. My cochlear implant processor is connected by Bluetooth to my iPad, so I could hear the music but no one around me could. My husband and I had a good laugh later when he told me I had given him a concert. I thought he was outside but he was in the home study room and just closed the door.

Being rid of distractions can help me to focus intently on Jesus and just savor all that He is. Since I don’t drive due to low vision, I’m home a lot. When I’m alone I sing and pray out loud. It helps me focus. As I worshipped by singing In Jesus Name (God Of Possible), I thought of how this applies to every single situation and person. If you don’t know the lyrics look them up. You won’t be sorry. It starts with “ I speak the name of Jesus over you. In your hurting, in your sorrow, I will ask my God to move”. Let me pause right here for a minute. This world is full of sorrow, pain and people crying out for help. The world is also full of distracted, self absorbed people who are too busy to care. We can and should intentionally slow down and take the time for the sea of humanity around us. Take the time to pray for them and speak Jesus name over them.

Another part of the song goes like this: “I pray for your healing. Circumstances to change. I pray that the fear inside will flee in Jesus name. I pray that your breakthrough will happen today. I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name.” Let’s let those power lyrics sink in. There is such incredible power in the name of Jesus. We can’t even comprehend it. God allows us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Let’s spur one another on to stand firm in faith and in the power of the Holy Spirit, boldly speaking the name of Jesus. Let us not be timid or afraid but rather hold firmly to the hope that we have in Jesus. As we speak the name of Jesus and pray in the name of Jesus, we will see God move for His glory. Who is with me? Let’s do this! In Jesus name!

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Greatest Gift Ever!

This year my birthday happens to fall on Good Friday. I’ve felt this blog post swirling in my mind today and I just had to get it in writing. As I type this with tears rolling down my cheeks I can honestly say I am moved beyond words at the greatest gift I’ve ever received… my salvation.

This Friday we remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us. He took my place, your place. He who had no sin became the perfect sacrificial lamb to save us from everlasting condemnation. It’s so hard for me to wrap my mind around the enormity of what Jesus did for me and you.

The movie “The Passion of Christ”, gives a glimpse of what the crucifixion may have been like. I have seen this movie and I had the hardest time watching what Jesus suffered for us. Can you even Imagine such love?

Last Sunday our Pastor had a crown of thorns that he showed us. I was hoping he would come close enough to where I was sitting so I could get a view of it. I can’t see very far with my low vision limitations but he came close enough so I could see. Thorns hurt terribly. I know this because we have rose bushes and I have to prune them back each year. I can’t see the thorns well but they go through my gloves every year when I cut the roses back and it’s painful. Just think, not only were Jesus hands and feet nailed to the cross, a spear stabbed into his side, but also the crown of thorns pressed onto his head. Jesus died the most horrible death so that we could live. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (ESV) Salvation is the greatest gift of all and it’s FREE! Romans 10:10 says, ““For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”(ESV‬‬)

Not only this but on the third day God raised Jesus back to life! Easter Sunday is coming and it’s RESURRECTION DAY! Jesus is alive and is sitting at the right hand of God interceding for us. Jesus is constantly praying to God for us and when God looks at us he sees the blood of Jesus. This is such an incredible truth that it’s hard for me to put into words. Do you know Jesus? He loves you and desires to have a relationship with you. The Bible tells us in Romans‬ ‭8:11 “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”(NLT)

As I’ve been writing this blog an awesome worship song has been playing in my heart. “What Mercy Did For Me”. If you’ve never heard it before I encourage you to download it and listen. It’s beautiful and so true. Here’s the lyrics.

What Mercy did For Me

… I was hopeless, I knew I was lost
And death and darkeness were my only songs
I needed someone to come rescue me
And mercy heard my plea
… And Lord, You found me
You healed me
You called me from the grave
You gave me Your real love
I thank You Jesus
You washed my sins away
And now I’m living, and I got forgiven
You came to set me free
And that’s what Your mercy did for me
… You gave me beauty for my guilty stains
And now I’m living day to day by His grace
So excuse me if I can’t contain my praise
‘Cause I know that I’ve been saved
… Lord, You found me
You healed me
You called me from the grave
You gave me Your real love
I thank You Jesus
You washed my sins away
And now I’m living, and I got forgiven
You came to set me free
And that’s what You mercy did for me, oh
… And every morning mercy will restore me
I will proclaim
And even if the world may fall before me
I will proclaim
… ‘Cause Lord, You found me
You healed me
You called me from the grave
You gave me Your real love
I thank You Jesus
You washed my sins away
And right now I’m living, I got forgiven
You came to set me free
And that’s what Your mercy did for me
… That’s what Your mercy did for me (oh, I’m so grateful for Your mercy)
That’s what Your mercy did for me (You saved me and raised me, Lord)
And that’s what Your mercy did for me (Your so faithful, Lord)
And that’s what Your mercy did for me
And that’s what Your mercy did for me
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Joshua Adam Sherman / Crystal Yates / Drew Ley / Micah Tyler / Drew Hudick / Mills Ward / Delaney Brooke Ramsdell / Kaylee Grace Turner / Albert E Sr Brumley

Be blessed my friends and I pray you too receive the greatest gift ever! Jesus!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
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He knows

I don’t know about you, but the fact that “God knows ” brings so much comfort and reassurance to my heart in uncertain times. I saw this picture today on social media and had to take a screen shot because it was so SPOT ON….TRUE! There are times when you begin praying, just like this picture, “Dear God……then all the jumbled up frustrations come out and you end with ….amen”. We all have these moments, time and time again. We can rest assured that God knows. There is absolutely nothing that takes him by surprise. El Roi is one of the names of God. It means the God who sees. He sees it all. He knows what I’m going to say before a word is even on my tongue. He knows it fully. (Psalms 139:4) That’s so hard to understand. I’m so thankful that I’m not required to understand. He ask me to trust him fully.

Lately I’ve had some of those days when I pray “Lord help me please. I’m so frustrated. I can only laugh at these things so many times before I’ve had enough”. Today was one of those days. I attended a bridal shower for a sweet beautiful girl we watched grow up. I wanted to go to honor her even though I was out of my comfort zone It’s kind of funny the things I do to ge through these awkward situations due to hearing and visual issues. As I sat there while many others talked a song began to flow through my mind. “Jesus is in this room.. here right now, here right now…. making this place I stand…. holy ground, holy ground”. I kid you not! This song was going through my mind and I just had to chuckle a bit. I smiled, I endured then I sent my husband Ron a text saying “SOS. I’m ready to go. Can you come get me?” 😂 Sure enough he did. He stopped what he was doing and drove thirty minute to pick me up. When I got in the car I said, “I owe you” , but all he wanted was a kiss.

I know everyone deals with life frustrations and uncertainties. There is a war being fought on the other side of the world right now. Innocent people are caught in the middle. God protect them and bring peace.

At the end of the day we can rest in the knowledge that He knows. He sees. He is in control. Tomorrow will be a new day. Another opportunity to surrender to God and let him fight our battles.

Check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target, Walmart and Park Road Books. My story of learning to live triumphantly despite disabilities, through Gods strength and lessons He has taught me along the way. Be inspired!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Embracing God


Lately I have been doing much reading I can’t tell you the last tv show or movie I watched because it’s been so long. With my hearing and visual issues I’d much rather read a good book. A good author can bring a story to life, painting the canvas of my mind with a rich tapestry of descriptive words. This is certainly the case in “ Two from Galilee The Story of Mary and Joseph” by Majorie Holmes. She researched for several years before writing this book, bringing the culture and customs of the time into the vivid picture. I highly recommend this book, especially at this time of year as we approach Christmas.

Another book I read daily is the Bible. I’ve been doing a study on the book of Job for quite a while. “Trusting God in Times of Adversity” by Kay Arthur and Pete Delacy. This is a deep study and I have to pray for wisdom to understand what I’m reading.

Thank God for technology to enable me to read. I can’t see well enough to read an actual book. Although with my Optelec video magnifier it is possible. I prefer to read the Bible with You Version app on my iPad. I can zoom the font as large as I need it and also parallel translations. Such an awesome tool for study.

Yesterday our PastorLoran Livingston at Central Church of God spoke on “Eat the Word”. It’s so imperative that we feast on Gods Word every single day. It’s important that we be doers of the Word. Live what it says! I am so thankful to attend a church where the truth of God’s Word is boldly and truthfully preached. What a gift!

As I woke before the birds this morning….wide awake before 5:00, I spent much time pondering all I’ve been reading and studying. I spent time praying for wisdom and the many needs surrounding us. I spent time in worship, being thankful only God and my dog heard my voice I make a joyful noise 😊 My thoughts are summed up in this EMBRACE GOD! Just Embrace Him! Take God at His Word!

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭N!JV.

Meditate on that verse today. Embrace the goodness and perfect Will of God.

To read more of my story check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. ( available on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target, Walmart and Park Road Books.) My true story of surrender. My testimony of releasing hurt from my hearing and visual limitations and letting Gods strength arise within me as He enables me to overcome with His strength, not mine.
Www,shannonkenleyhinson.com.