encourage – rootedbythewater.blog

Glimpse of His Glory

September 17, 2025Leave a Comment

My view while laying on the beach today.

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

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

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

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

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

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Thankful for the prompt

August 17, 2025Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

A change of mind

July 31, 2025Leave a Comment

We all struggle with what goes on between our ears. Our minds are always running in one direction or another. I personally can see a connection with my line of thinking and how I feel physically and emotionally. When looking for a picture for this blog, I googled “picture depicting “mind games” and the above was one of the images that popped up. It’s kind of accurate as our mind is like a big lightbulb shining in various shades and quite fragmented at times. It’s pretty vital to learn how to take thoughts captive. Paul talks about this very thing in the following verse: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭5‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

Negative thoughts can especially be troubling. Speculation is another thing to flee from. These types of thinking can get us in trouble. They can cause fear to take form and our bodies respond in unhealthy ways. I am learning more and more how to focus on what God says is true. Paul said, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭(ESV‬‬). As we take control of our wayward thoughts, God directs us away from fear. Paul actually encourage us in Philippians what to think on. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) (emphasis mine)

Honestly, my thoughts don’t always fall into those neat positive places and I know I’m not alone. My mind sometimes goes into overdrive. Overthinking, self criticism and second guessing myself sometimes gets me off track. Why do we go off “the deep end” like that? I don’t need to measure up to anyone except for God. I know He appreciates my efforts even if I don’t think I measure up to what I should be. This line of thinking is partly due to our human nature and also the world influences we are exposed to. I will add the devil often try’s to tell me I’m falling short and to give it up.. He can be quiet!!! The world really is morally corrupt and we are all exposed to it on one level or another. We become less sensitive to what is pleasing to God when we emmerse ourselves in the world: social media, music, tv, movies, news etc. Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (ESV‬‬). It’s essential to come apart from the world influences in terms of limiting what we are exposed to.

The above statement reminds me of something I read recently. I don’t quite remember where I saw it but it said we need to be like Moses and “leave the palace”. Moses left the riches of palace life and chose to set himself apart and be like his own people the Israelities. That change would certainly narrow the influence of the “world”. I thought it was an interesting connection. Moses left the rich foods, the entertainment, the exotic culture and privileges to be like his own people. Dare we come apart from our “world” and earnestly seek the things of God? Our lives would be so much more joyful, peaceful and less chaotic if we would truly emmerse ourselves in God’s Word and prayer. I’m thankful for the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge that quite often steers me away from thoughts, actions and words that I should avoid.

Recently I was dealing with the need to forgive which releases my mind from constantly thinking and rethinking, why in the world people say the things they do. A very wise woman shared the following with me. ”When we get wounded by someone and don’t let go of it so we can be healed from it, we start to hear things through that hurt. Our hearing gets distorted. We start to expect to be hurt. We hear hurt in everything. We must let God heal the hurt and forgive. If not the cycle continues.” (For privacy reasons I won’t share her name, but God knows) I don’t typically dwell on hurtful thinking but I know some people who do. We need to allow God to take control of our thinking and break the cycle of negativity. God is so able to deliver us from it all. We only need to ask Him. I think I will stop here for tonight. Let’s let God have His way and transform us by the renewing of our minds. It can only get better. I’m so beyond thankful to serve such an amazing, mightly, all powerful, Holy God. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing.

http://www.shannonkhinson.com.

Multi-Tasking kind of Day

July 15, 2025Leave a Comment

We all have those days when we’re on a quest to get it done. Thank God for the ability to multi-task, or shall I say the willingness to attempt it. Just being real. I am also so thankful for a crockpot to help get dinner together. This is the second day this week I’ve used ours. Our son Joshua asked for “Pain in the butt” chicken for dinner. Well honestly I have another word for it but butt is much nicer. The recipe is actually called Marry Me Chicken but when you see like I do, it gets another name. I have a zoom meeting tonight and wanted to tweak the recipe and use the crockpot so the guys can eat when they want and it’s easy clean up. Sure hope it turns out good.

This is also my cleaning day but I’m apparently only getting half of it done. Was trying to catch an afternoon zoom meeting, challenging myself to tune in via “Bluetooth” while I cleaned but that was a bust. Couldn’t follow without actually watching. #goals One day I’ll get it but it won’t be today. Moved some things around a bit while stopping to send texts and check messages. Now that dinner is in the crockpot, I can move on to another chore and continued prayer before this evenings zoom meeting. I have no clue how I will do, but I will show up and be a “fly on the wall” while attempting to gleam a bit and stretch myself a bit further. Not to mention writing a blog and mid way through catching Joshua’s friend before he left to ask him a tech question about Google Documents and spreadsheets. Well, I did say I was multi-tasing and he helped me figure it out!! Woo Hoo!

Also so excited that Pastor Daryl asked me to do the devotion for our homeless friends tomorrow night at RiceNBeans Rock Hill. Truth be told, this morning during my quiet time a scripture dropped into my heart. I’m going to continue praying through the day for confirmation from the Lord. I don’t know what these precious people need to hear but God knows and will direct me in what to say. I’d appreciate prayers for guidance and confidence / boldness. I am not qualified to do these things; the devotion for the ministry outreach and these zooms BUT God doesn’t called those already equipped, rather He equips us despite our abilities or lack there of. So, onward I go….. I need to accomplish a bit more today so I will leave you with this….. let’s finish out today STRONG IN THE LORD and in the POWER OF HIS MIGHT! Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

What keeps YOU going?

June 19, 2025Leave a Comment

Let’s talk about motivation: What fuels you and keeps you going? It could be so many things, some positive and others not so much. Let’s name a few and feel free to comment on ones I miss. Motivation factors could be faith, health issues, your family, desiring to move forward in life, pride, having an impact on others, leaving a legacy, sheer stubbornness, pure discipline, a beautiful sunny day, wanting to prosper, serving the community or under privileged, to name a few.

An individuals abilities can factor in on motivation. I will use myself as an example. With my low vision I have not been able to drive in about 36 years. That being said, I have to be creative in my motivation. Not many people would want to lose their freedom to do what they want and need to do but that is my reality and I often have to “press-in” to muster the motivation to get things done. It may not be done like you but it does get done. I personally press into my relationship with Jesus, my faith and trust in Him. I’m actually out on the back porch right now. I woke up early this morning and brought my coffee onto the back porch. I spent time in prayer and read/listened to the Bible for spiritual strength to tap into the power the Holy Spirit gives me. Another thing that motivates me is living a life of example for our son Joshua, who deals with similar (although not as bad) issues. He needs to see that I go to Jesus when I feel I can’t do something. He needs to see that I don’t give up. He needs to see “I finish what I start”. He needs to see “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. This is my example. This is my life.

What about you? What keeps you going? As a person with integrity we have to realize someone is always watching us. We need humility and to realize the world doesn’t revolve around us. Just think how much better the world would be if people were motivated to serve one another. We’d all be “world changers”. Just something to “think on” today.

I also totally understand when one slips into depression and feels like giving up. On those days (and yes I too occasionally have them) we need to realize that God put us here for a reason. Self pity is in a sense “pride” because in having those pity parties, we are exalting our problems. Does that make sense? On those depressing days when you feel alone, run to Jesus and ask Him for His perfect peace. Ask Him to direct you to constructive activities or chores to get your mind off your problem and get something done.

I hope I’ve got you thinking on your motivation factors and ways to stay motivated. Please comment anything I missed or your thoughts on the subject. As for me, it’s a beautiful day here on the border of the Carolinas. I’m going to get my house cleaning taken care of so I can enjoy the weekend. I have “Girls Night Out” with friends coming up and Book Club with my Mom. Whatever you do, press forward, smile and brighten someone’s day. Be Blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing.

Www.shannonkhinson.com.

Patching: A remarkable Technology

May 12, 2025Leave a Comment

This is a detour from the norm but detours are good. Hang with me here as I share my insights, personal beliefs and experience. A friend from college introduced me to some intriquing technology. Before I go into that let me first say that as a person who is always looking for something to help me and my son Joshua; doctors can’t really help our visual issues due to optic nerves. It seems they can treat most things or at least help, but not with our visual issues. That said, I like to leave no stone unturned….. meaning if it’s legal, ethical and affordable then it’s worth a try. Over the years I have tried many things including diet, chiropractors, essential oils, and prayer. Always prayer!

As for diet and environmental exposure, we live in a fallen world where industry profits sadly come before our health. The medical industry treats symptoms not the underlying root issues. I once asked my Primary Care Doctor if nutrition would help my nerve issues. (All the visual and hearing issues are due to nerve problems) He said, “Shannon that would take a long time.” I’m thinking, Hello, what is my other option? Nothing else helps!.

I believe God created our bodies to heal since our body is constantly renewing itself. Did you know your body is constantly regenerating itself: cells, tissues and organs? Each day our body works to repair, rebuild and renew. That’s how God designed us. Here’s a little look at how long it takes for your body to naturally regenerate:

Skin: every 28 days
Liver: every 365 days
Thyroid: 3-6 months
Stomach lining: every 5 days
Red blood cells: every 4 months
Bones repair: 6–8 weeks
Muscle Repair: 4-8 weeks (source found online)

My friend Kellie who I met in college years ago shared Phototherapy techonology with me. She personally has had many benefits from using x39 patches, including better sleep, no more migraines, no more hot flashes, decreased brain fog, among other things. The patches use light to redirect energy back into your body. Internal healing requires energy and communication. That’s where LifeWave’s X39 patch shines. It activates your body’s natural healing cells and resets over 4,000 genes to a younger, healthier state — all using light, no drugs or chemicals. Helping your body heal is within reach.

You might be wondering why X39 for Regeneration? Let’s look at a few things:

Promotes activation of your body’s own stem cells by elevating GHK-cu (copper) peptides. This GHK-cu or copper peptide resets 4,192 genes to younger and healthier state
Improves wound healing and tissue repair
Reduces inflammation — a key blocker of regeneration
Enhances cellular communication and energy
Supports better sleep and faster recovery

Powerful supporting patches for assisting regeneration:

Aeon: Reduces stress and inflammation, balances nervous system
Glutathione: Master antioxidant, essential for detox and immune strength
Carnosine: Supports tissue repair, especially in the brain and muscles
Energy Enhancer: Boosts ATP and oxygenation, improving cell function
X49: A fantastic companion to X39 — supports muscle building, bone strength, and cardiovascular health

Together, this patch system gives your body the tools it needs to repair from the inside out. You’re not just managing symptoms, you’re supporting root-level regeneration.

I want to give my body what it needs to do what it was designed to do: Heal! My X39 journey started on April 3, 2025. I had just gotten over a combination of covid, flu A and flu B. It had been over 29 years since I had been that sick. I believe the X39 patch helped me to bounce back quicker that I otherwise would have. My energy has improved, more brain clarity and I’m sleeping better. Joshua is also sleeping better. Of course we have not yet seen improvement in our vision or hearing but I have hope. It’s been my prayer Lord allow these patches to activate our own stem cells that will repair whatever You want in our body according to You Will. Yes that has been my prayer. A bonus benefit is my skin is looking radiant. I am drinking half my body weight in water to help with the process. It will take time but I have great hope.

Other than X39 I also use Carnosine patch a few times a week and Aeon. Funny thing about Aeon, it came to me accidentally. I was going to send it back but read the things it can help with: helps reduce inflammation, cortisol (stress hormone), C-reactive proteins, and stress. It elevates SOD (superoxide dismutase) which is important for your body’s stress response, and balances autonomous nervous system, as well as and hormonal production. It is also known as the ‘happy’ patch.

The day Aeon came in had been a very stressful day. You know how life sometimes comes at you from all sides? Not just my normal stress but outside factors I had no control over. It left me feeling drained, tense and so down. After reading the benefits of Aeon I told Ron I wanted to try it out. I put an Aeon patch on the back of my neck and went to lay down. Within an hour and a half, I was astonished that I felt a shift and more relaxed. I have used Aeon daily for the last two weeks. I feel more at ease and able to handle life stresses more easily.

Disclaimer: I’m not one to believe everything that’s said or that I read. I believe in giving a honest trial of products. These patches work systemically and aren’t said to address any certain disease. This techonology redirects light energy to enable your body to do what God intended. If you would like more information feel free to reach out and I will be happy to share what I’m learning. If I can’t answer a question, I will find out for you. There are so many testimonials that are intriguing and give hope. The patches are patented and have case studies to back them up. See the below link for more iinformation.

http://www.thisisitinfo.com

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Holding tight

May 3, 2025Leave a Comment

Good morning 😊 As I was reading in Psalms this morning many scriptures stood out to me and I highlighted them as I read. I love the writings of David. He had a heart for God yet quite often was pursued by his foes. Sometimes he was surrounded by troubles, yet he held tight to his trust in God. Here is one of the scriptures I highlighted this morning; “The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.” Psalms‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Have you ever put your hand over an open flame and held it there? How long can you endure a single flame of a candle? Now imagine a furnace with constant extreme heat and flames. That’s not something I’d want to be near for long. Silver is refined in a furnace. In the intense heat it brings out the pure beauty of the silver. God’s promises are like that, refined in a furnace seven times over. God’s promises are so true and pure. They are trustworthy always. When we are struggling in daily life, we can hold tightly to God’s promises. The Bible is full of the promises of God, but how can you know them unless you read it?

Life can be stressful, coming at us from all sides. You have your own issues to deal with in my case hearing and vision issues. You also have the normal day to day stresses everyone has. You can feel stress that others in your family are facing. There is the helplessness that you feel with “outside” stressors that you have no control over. There have been several days like that recently. I know I’m not alone here. I hear it from others and I pray for their release from the “weight” stress brings. God answered one of those prayers yesterday. I woke to a text from a friend. She said, “Shannon my depression is gone!” I was so overjoyed for her. It’s frustrating how the enemy will come in and steal that momentary joy. I talked with my friend about what was troubling me and she also encouraged me.

The fact remains that we can trust in God’s promises. The world is full of troubles and when your heart is set on pleasing God, you end up as a target for the enemy. Let’s look at one of God’s promises to us. Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”” John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I can tell you that really encourages me. We can expect the trials and sorrows in this world but can be sure that Jesus has overcome it all! Absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God. I love the following scriptures; “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Be encouraged!!!

Back when I played the piano (chords memorized) my teacher/ friend Charisanne wrote out the chords from an Elevation Worship song Do it again (2017). I love all the lyrics. I will post a YouTube video below in case you’ve never heard it. The chorus goes like this; Your promise still stands Great if your faithfulness, faithfulness. I’m still in Your hands. This is my confidence You’ve never failed me. Towards the end of the song it says; I’ve seen You move. You move the mountains and I believe I’ll see you do it again.You made a way when there was no way and I believe I’ll see You do it again.🙌🏼

Somebody worship the Lord with me this morning. God’s promises stand! He is faithful and just! Absolutely nothing is impossible for our God! Be encouraged. You are loved.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

More than enough

March 19, 2025Leave a Comment

This evening I was so moved by a text from a friend. Me, my husband Ron and son Joshua just got home from serving with RiceNBeans ministry to the homeless in Rock Hill. To say I’m tired this evening would be an understatement. However, it’s always a fulfilling kind of tired.

As I was letting our dog outside, the following text came in. My friends text said ~ “While in prayer I felt impressed to tell you this. When you feel overwhelmed in life know that God is with you. When you feel compassion for J and think as a mother how he’s inherited much of the same as you. Remember you were only the vessel God got him. When loneliness, sadness and if onlys try to distract you. Remember God is with you. When you look at Ron and feel he has so much on his plate remember God put you together and He never makes a mistake. You are loved, you are beautiful and you are strong. I love you my sister and friend.” As I read it, tears started streaming down my face. In life sometimes we deal with it to the point where we don’t realize the deep sadness we have stuffed deep down within as we are pressing on. I showed Ron the text and he too teared up. The guys left for the gym and I sat down and read the text again and began to cry again. I closed the iPad and began to pray. Lord you know my heart. You know how I feel. I know you are with me and our family. Let me be able to say that’s enough. As I prayed I began to worship and praise God. I don’t understand this life here on earth. I don’t pretend to even try to understand it. I just wake up daily, spend time in prayer and God’s Word. Fortified for the day, I just dive in to whatever the day holds. I know this is not my home. I’m just passing through and here to bring God glory in whatever way He sees fit.

I am always truly blown away when God puts things on peoples heart to share with me or speak into our family. I’m beyond thankful for God’s compassion for us and knowledge that we know He is El Roi ~ the God who sees. He sees, He feels and He knows. Even when we push things so deep down we don’t even acknowledge it ourselves. He knows and reveals Himself in various ways. Tonight it was through a friend’s text, which led to a heartfelt time in prayer and worship.My heart is FULL!

God is good all the time. Whatever you are dealing with, just know God is with you! He is there always. We don’t have to be understood by people. We are understood and fully known by our Creator. I can’t thank Him enough. Good night!
Www/shannonkhinson.com.

About that Joy

January 17, 20252 Comments

Me wearing my lovely “contraption” back brace.

As promised here is my blog on Joy. Wasn’t quite expecting to work on this wearing an uncomfortable back brace. If you follow my blogs you know I slipped and fell very hard on ice last Saturday, hurting my back. I held off getting checked because I could move, there was no numbness or tingling in my limbs and no other signs of a break; however the pain and weakness in my lower back persisted. My husband Ron talked me into going to Urgent Care last night. What shocked me was being sent to ER for a CT scan and X-rays. I looked at the Dr and said, “Is this really necessary?” We thought I was just having muscle spasms but it turns out I have a compression fracture in my lumbar area of my spine. I’m to wear this back brace that keeps my spine straight and supports me for four weeks. I will follow the doctors instructions but these guys have to stop making me laugh. It hurts to laugh. Our son Joshua said, “Mom, I’m not trying to make you laugh”. I know it’s not intentional, he’s just funny. I have no problem with Joy. I laugh easily and sometimes in the face of an intense struggle. Sometimes the absurdity of a situation makes me laugh. I know that the joy of the Lord is indeed my strength. So as I sit here typing up this blog, I can’t help but laugh that my back brace comes all the way up to the top of y chest and back, with my chin resting upon the top potion of the brace. It is not comfortable but you do what you have to do. The above is a picture for you. I don’t take myself too seriously and certainly am not vain.

A few weeks ago a friend posted the following on social media, and it truly made me smile. I asked Jo Ann if I should share what she wrote and she gave me permission. She is such a strong woman of God. Her beloved husband of many years suddenly passed away a few years ago and then she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has endured much sorrow and God strengthens her and is bringing her through. She shared the following. I will use bold font for what was in her post (used with permission) ~
I didn’t realize till I started looking at scripture this morning on LAUGHTER and JOY in God‘s word there’s 115 scripture about laughter and joy…this is just a few…God wants us to LAUGH and have JOY…THROUGH OUR PAIN AND SUFFERING WE CAN STILL FIND LAUGHTER AND JOY…

Job 8:21 – “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”

Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Ecclesiastes 3:4 – “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

Luke 6:21 – “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”

Proverbs 31:25 – “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

Psalm 37:13 – “But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”

I CHOSE TODAY JANUARY 2, 2025 TO FIND LAUGHTER AND FIND JOY NO MATTER WHAT…BECAUSE GODS WORD SAYS THAT I CAN HAVE IT. I HAVE REACH FOR IT.

I’m thankful God is filling Jo Ann with His joy and laughter. I’m beyond thankful for the joy and laughter He gives me too. You too can find joy and laughter in the midst of difficulty. Joy is one of the Fruits of the Spirit. As we trust in Jesus, He can fill us with joy unspeakable. For me, I just let things roll. I don’t take life too seriously. What people think is really of no concern, just move on. I’m an optimist, looking for the good in everything. It’s an attitude and way of life for me. Trusting God helps me find the peace, joy and strength I need for each hurdle.

Life is so full of uncertainty, but I know who holds us in the palm of His hand. Living with hearing and visual issues can be a challenge. Seeing our son Joshua endure the same is like a dagger that pierces my heart. Yes the same son that makes me laugh all the time. Recently he had a moment and in that moment he said , “How am I supposed to trust God when it’s His fault He made me this way?” Whoa! Lord how am I supposed to respond to that? I looked at him and said,
“Joshua everything God creates is very good. It’s according to His purposes not ours.” He looked at me, then looked away. It’s life! One step forward, two steps back. But I will never stop hoping, never stop believing and never stop trusting in God’s goodness. God is a Miracle working God. He is a God that heals! For me, He has healed my heart from bitterness and replaced it with Joy. I will continue to wait for manifestation of healing in the physical. His ways are so much higher than ours.

Where ever you are on your journey in life you can find joy, peace, hope and strength for each day. When God pours these things into you, be sure you pour into others. People need encouragement. When we got home from the ER last night I responded to a message a friend from high school had sent me. She’s faced some difficulty too and I wanted to encourage her in that moment to stay focused. God has us all. He will see us through. So SMILE, it does make you feel better. This too shall pass. Joy comes in the morning. Keep your chin up! You are loved!💗🙏🏼🤟🏼

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Interruptions

January 12, 2025Leave a Comment

I realize I said my next blog would be on joy but life doesn’t always go the way we intend. It is full of interruptions. Those spur of the moment things that “suddenly” you end up smack on your face. (I will get to that scenario momentarily.) The latest Episode of Adventures with the Hinson’s.

Let’s see: we are 12 days into this new year and so far we’ve dog sat a feisty little booger Chihuahua we had never met before. Oh my! Never again! Our dog Joy was sweet to her but she wasn’t having it. That was followed by Ron getting sick. Who has time for a cold? Two days ago our son Joshua also didn’t feel well and he had his NC Massage Therapy licensure exam early yesterday morning. Did I mention it started snowing and icy roads were expected? Yes! Ron and Joshua went to find the testing center that was over 30 minutes away. They discovered the place only closes if they lose power. Icy roads didn’t matter, the test would be taken despite hazardous roads. Oh my!

Bright and early yesterday morning the guys left with lots of extra time to navigate the roads. We prayed as a family before they left and I prayed as they traveled. God heard and answered. They had no issues with the roads. Thank You Jesus! Ron was not allowed to sit in the warm testing center but had to sit in the car. Later Joshua texted me, “I PASSED!” He was so excited and relieved to have that hurdle jumped. When they arrived home Joshua said he wanted to celebrate later. I said it would depend on how his dad felt. Ron has had no fever so we decided to go out to Nakatos for dinner, just the three of us. We enjoyed our time together but the food made me feel sick. When we arrived home I got out of the car quickly to get inside. I didn’t see a patch of invisible ice and I busted! Oh my word! It is astounding how quickly things can change. I hit that ice so hard on my hip/lower back and pain shot through me. I ended up face down on the ice afraid to move. Ron was trying to help me up and I was afraid he would fall, we would fall together and I already hurt so bad. When I realized I could move (even though very painful) I was so thankful that nothing seemed broken but badly jarred and bruised. I texted my mom and a few prayer warriors asking for prayer that I could move better. God heard and God answered. Ron mentioned going to Urgent Care and I didn’t know if he meant for him, for me or both. I laughed at the visual of us walking in together: me barely able to walk and him sounding very hoarse. Note to self, don’t laugh after a bad fall because it shoots pain through your body. I slept all night lying on my back. When I woke up I could move although very very sore. Ron got checked out at Urgent Care and has an acute sinus infection

Who has time for Episodes and Interruptions. Life happens and you have to deal with it. Sometimes you push through and sometimes you lay down and rest. I know a lot of people who have a lot of “Episodes” going on. Some of those things have been life changing for people I know. One friend from college died on Christmas Day. She had been trying to get healthy enough to get a lung transplant. She got to spend Jesus birthday in His presence. I continue to cover her husband and daughter in prayer for comfort and peace.

Tomorrow will be January 13. Our Christmas tree is still up. I was in the process of getting everything packed away. It will have to wait until some future date when I can safely move better and Ron is feeling better. One thing at a time. Interruptions in life happen but we can look for the little things to bring us peace and joy in the moment. You may feel like life is one step forward, two steps back at times. However as long as you have breath you have opportunity to try again. I am a little wary of going outside right now for fear of slipping on ice again but faith over fear: caution and common sense are gifts I intend to use. In the process I will continue to praise Jesus and continue to worship Him for all He is. He is good all the time. He has been watching out for us and I am thankful. Coming soon, a blog on JOY, I promise!
Www.shannonkhinson.com.