A few weeks ago I noticed my daffodils were coming up. What was surprising to me was the snow on the ground and seeing those hardy tender green stems boldly breaking through the cold icy earth once more. I always feel a sense of hope and wonder when I see these plants emerge each year towards the end of winter. It tells me that Spring is right around the corner, when things come back to life again.
Resilience comes to mind as I think about the symbolism. Resilience is the ability to bounce back after difficulties. It’s the toughness to endure anyway despite the circumstances.
Daffodils are a perfect picture of resilience. They spring up each year at the end of winter, after they have had a dormant season. During that dormant season they don’t seem to be alive but they are still alive in the dark cold soil, out of sight just waiting for the proper time to rise up once more and bloom. The blooming season isn’t very long but they are gloriously beautiful in full bloom. The flowers fade but the long leaves remain green for months withstanding the hot sun, then once again they go through the dormant stage until it’s time to rise up again to bloom.
We can live our lives like that. Life is tough with challenges coming from every side but we can bloom where we’re planted. After hard life seasons we can bounce back stronger and ready to bloom and flourish once more.
I don’t know about you but I’m inspired to “ Be resilient like a daffodil”. Rise up… Bloom…Spread Joy everywhere we go.
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. God is faithful… always!
I don’t know about you butt the day to day grind seems so much like a battlefield some days. Okay, honesty it’s most days. There are some battles not many know of. The battle to see. With optic nerves that are just too small, Emailing, texting, messaging are a huge pain in the rear. (Sorry! Just being honest. I can be transparent to a fault.) There is the battle of dealing with technology. I have a love/ hate relationship with technology. I love how I can zoom large to see things on my iPad. But when you type on a touchscreen the keyboard is normal size, so imagine all the typos that end up in everything from a short text to an e mail. They all have to be zoomed in to edit and fix typos. It can be tedious but God has given me a resolve to push through. There is the battle to attempt comprehending speech with my cochlear implant. It depends on so much; the processor itself, background noise, rate of speech. etc. There is more but that’s enough of my personal battles.
Then there are the typical battles. Battles of controlling thoughts. The Bible tells us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5. Let me tell you, as a deep thinker, that’s capturing a whole lot of thoughts. Lord help me! That leads me to the next battlefield: the battle of dealing with people. Oh my goodness! I’m beginning to wonder how many people in the world have integrity to do the right thing. Two nights ago there was a hit and run, taking down our privacy bushes and part of our fence. No police report and our homeowners insurance says we will have to pay a $2100 deductible BEFORE they will pay anything. Seriously?
To sum it up, there’s the battle to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh. There are the many prayers that go up daily asking, “Lord how do I deal with this? I can’t do anything about this situation and the way I’m feeling and wanting to respond would not please you. Help me choose your way, think your way, be kind and love in your way. Help me to die to the flesh daily and live according to the Spirit.” I can’t but God can enable me. I’m so thankful!
Recently I read a devotion and it mentioned the best battle stance is on your knees! Wow! That is so true and powerful! When we pray, things happen in the spiritual realm. I might not be able to do anything about it but GOD CAN! My God can move mountains and obstacles out of the way! He can bring clarity to a perplexing situation. God did that for me recently and I’m forever grateful. We must PRAY! We must FOCUS ON JESUS! So many circumstances I just don’t understand but my God is sovereign! He is in complete control of it all. I’m a bit radical. I’ve been known to put on one of my sons jackets and pray “ Lord wrap your arms around him. let him feel your love for him.” Several years ago several of his friends had left things in our bonus room. I put on one guys shoes, one guys hat and held out another’s shirt and I prayed for them. I kid you not. There is power in prayer! There is power in the name of Jesus!
Last year Ron and I cut our crepe myrtle trees way back. We had a trailer full of branches to carry to a landfill. I went along with my husband to dump the tree branches. There were huge piles of rocks and other piles of wood and other things. I was shocked at the size of the wood pile. As I helped him toss the branches there were some that were long like a spear. Being me, I thought why not get some pent up frustration out. Besides dealing with LIFE, my dad was under going cancer treatment and my brother was recovering from a bone marrow transplant, not to mention my own frustrations. So being me and living in the moment, I threw those spear like branches as hard and far as I could. Turning to Ron I said, “Warrior Girl”. He started laughing. It was funny and I laughed as well.
Life is hard but Jesus has already won the battle. Keep looking up! Battle on! What we do for the Lord is not in vain. Shake the frustration off, pray and keep moving forward. God’s got this… whatever your THIS is!
If you’d like to see more of my story, check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” available on many online retailers including, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart. Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
Good morning! I just realized we are two weeks into the new year 2022. This year is definitely not unfolding the way I anticipated. My Christmas tree is still up. It’s never been up this late but Ron and I have never been sick at the same time after Christmas either. Thankfully the virus has come and gone and we are starting to live normally again.
During this past week I have started a 21 days of prayer and fasting. I do this every January. It’s a way of dedicating my year to the Lord. This year I was trying to figure out what to give up. I already spend time reading my Bible and praying daily but I want to go deeper, to surrender further to God’s Will. I want to discover what it means to “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33. As I thought more and more of how I spend my time, I realized I needed to fast social media. Being hearing and visually impaired that’s the way I stay connected to people since I don’t drive or talk on the phone. Instead of connecting with people, I would have way more time to connect to God and truly seek Him first.
The first day I started fasting social media, I got an e mail from a lady telling me my book video trailer was finished and I could post it on my platforms. I thanked her and told her about my Fast and I would post it the first of February. I’m not quite sure how to share it on my blog but I’m going to try. ( If anyone would like to share this, feel free to do so.) it looks like I can only put the link to the video .
There is a little back story to this book video trailer. Around Thanksgiving I got an interesting e mail from a lady named Angel. A literary agent had shared with her about my book and she suggested doing a book video trailer to reach more people. My husband Ron and I weren’t sure what to think, but sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. We paid the very reasonable cost and then …silence! I didn’t hear anything from her and we honestly thought we were scammed. As it turned out she was having e mail issues. Once that was resolved she sent me the first draft of the video. I was truly blown away. The man who created the video lives in the Philippines. This man and his family are victims of the recent typhoon. While he was editing the video they lost internet. He was just able to send the final draft this week. Let me just say, I’m blown away at how God uses perfect strangers. These people have never met me but the video clips ate things I would choose myself. They are such a reflection of me and the music is so soothing. I’m so amazed at how God works.
I have no idea what will become of this. My goal for my autobiography, “Rooted by the Water” has not been to sell a lot of books or gain recognition. My goal is to bring all glory to God and share how He enables me to live life victoriously day by day, through His strength.
My journey is like a puzzle, it comes together piece by piece. This current year is unfolding, moment by moment. I don’t know what tomorrow holds but I trust God who is in control. I will move forward trusting Him every step of the way.
Im going to attempt to upload the video here. I sure hope it works. If not, I will send it out on my platforms in February. Thank you Jesus for Your faithfulness.
Today I find myself winding down as we await a brand new year. 2022 I’m as ready as I ever will be.
2021 was a rollercoaster of a year, if there ever was one. It was a year of pushing through. Between releasing my autobiography “Rooted By The Water”, losing my dad and Joshua moving to Arizona. …whew!
We lost dad to cancer in March. Miss him but am comforted with the knowledge of where he is. This. Christmas I know he was smiling down on us from Heaven as we gathered together in celebration of Jesus birthday. He was smiling knowing the family was together, his son’s health is improving and there was a great grand baby among us. As we celebrated the greatest gift ever, Jesus, we also celebrated time with family. Last year we face-timed with my brothers family since he was recovering from a bone marrow transplant. This year we were together! Such a sweet gift! Having our son Joshua home from Arizona was a gift in itself as well.
The last four days I’ve had a bad cold and have been at home keeping my germs to myself. It’s been a time of deep reflection. Taking stock of your life can be enlightening. Taking time to assess progress or lack there of. Lack of progress is ok too because it’s acknowledging we have room for growth. As long as we have breath we can choose to move forward.
So as I’m winding down 2021 I choose to throw off anything that hinders me from moving forward into all God desires. You can fill in the blank________.
What will you throw off and leave behind in 2021? Fear? Leave fear behind. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self control. What about unforgiveness, self righteousness, pride? I’m stepping on my own toes here too. We are all human and fall short of the glory of God. Im so thankful for Jesus blood that cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
As we move into 2022 let’s choose Jesus! Let’s choose humility, joy, love and kindness. Let’s choose to let Jesus shine through us. Let’s be there for each other with an encouraging smile. We will fall down but God is full of grace and will help us. Let’s confess, repent and keep moving forward into all He calls us to. Be Real! Be Humble!
“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind” Job 38:1
Several days ago I came across this verse in Job and I was intrigued. I looked up other translations of the same verse and whirlwind is used often, also storm. There has to be some deep lessons in that one verse.
Whirlwind? Storm? While Jobs storm was of a greater magnitude than I can imagine: I can relate to one thing after another happening. Life happens and we can’t do anything to stop all the things coming at us. Sometimes we just want to throw our hands up and say “I’ve had enough of this”.
Living with hearing and visual issues can be that way. It’s no one’s fault that they can’t understand. It’s no one’s fault the insensitivity that many show. It’s just my circumstances to deal with.
I recently was able to upgrade my Advanced Bionics cochlear implant processor to the newest technology available, Marvel. After months of having to use a broken processor, that I didn’t realize was broke, I finally have one with working microphones and high technology. Now if my brain will just adapt. I’ve been doing lots of listening rehabilitation activities. There are Apps for this. I listen as a word is spoken and I have a selection of four to choose from. Often times the words are very similar with the difference being one letter. I must listen hard and carefully. I’m doing pretty well with these activities…..one word at a time. But conversation is a nonstop jumble of constant words coming at me at all sorts of glorious speeds.😳🤦🏽♀️ I have noticed that I’m picking up on some things I missed before but it’s not consistent. It’s a whirlwind! A storm of jumbled up words. Thank God for giving me a love for a challenge otherwise I’d throw that towel in.
We must remember God speaks in the whirlwind. He has us! He’s right there “wiping the sweat from our face”, He’s saying, “ Don’t throw in that towel! Wipe your face. It’s almost over. I’ve got you! Lean on me! Surrender to me and let me give you a Heavenly perspective of your circumstances.”
Word Success score card. Practicing listening skills.
This Christmas season whatever your “whirlwind” is let’s listen closely to what God is saying to us. Take the time to be thoughtful of others situations and spread the joy of our Savior’s birth. Merry Christmas!
To read more about my life journey check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” available on Amazon and other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target, Walmart and Park Road Books.
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.
Thanksgiving has come and gone. While I intended to blog on Thanksgiving morning, I only got one paragraph down before putting my iPad away. This year was just different without my Dad who passed away last March. It was also our first Thanksgiving without our son Joshua, who is enjoying his new life in Arizona. Yet we still gathered together, a small croup of three: me, my husband Ron and my Mom.
I’m a deep soul who is always reflecting and thinking deeply. I wondered what it would have been like to gather that very first Thanksgiving. Very different groups of people came together to share. Imagine that in todays world! Such sharing today would be a breath of fresh air.
In todays society people are so caught up in themselves, their families, their friends, their church… and of course their traditions. While there is nothing wrong with these things, let’s be mindful to include others. Many families are mIssing loved ones and friends who have passed on. Many are lacking the resources and a caring embrace.
Imagine sharing of yourself, your time and your heart. Include others outside your own circle of people. People matter! All people!
Many times over the years we have invited others to join us on Thanksgiving. Sometimes they did not have a family and others had family too far away. This year with my cochlear Implant processor not functioning correcting and the upgrade scheduled to arrive in a few weeks, we opted to go to Cracker Barrel. Mom and I preparing all that food for three people wasn’t ideal. Everything currently is an exercise in patience and grace as I try to understand conversation with faulty equipment and low vision.
We didn’t take any pictures this year but I took “mental snapshots.” Some of these snapshot include: gathering the night before Thanksgiving with my brothers family for chili at Moms., meeting my precious newborn great niece, a crisp beautiful morning as we picked Mom up to go to Cracker Barrel, the cozy fire snapping in the fireplace, one plate of a delicious meal, a nice nap in the sun at Moms afterwards, making turkey cranberry sliders for dinner, and just a all around heart full of gratitude in the goodness of God.
Let’s challenge ourselves this holiday season to be doers of the Word. Be conscientious and thoughtful of everyone around us. Let’s make a difference.
A couple of days ago I went on a ladies retreat with the Central Church Ladies Ministry to The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville NC. It was truly an incredible experience and to think I almost backed out of going.
The beautiful Chapel.
When I first signed up to attend, three of my deaf friends were also going. We had planned to room together. As the retreat got closer all three of my friends had to back out for various reasons. I still wanted to go but I was reluctant since I didn’t know anyone well.
With my hearing and visual issues, being in an unfamiliar place with people I didn’t know well and also not knowing what to expect had me way out of my comfort zone. I talked it over with a friend and she encouraged me to go. She said being out of my comfort zone gave God more opportunity to stretch me. She was right.
Peaceful view from the Training Center deck.
Although I was still not comfortable with going, I actually asked the Lord to help me get through it as I boarded the bus. Let me explain just a little bit. Having my visual problem ( I am legally blind although I don’t think of myself that way. Labels are confining. I don’t need a white cane and I don’t have a seeing eye dog but my vision is still NOT good at all). Add to that being deaf and hearing with a cochlear implant … with a processor that is currently not working right. Oh my goodness! So I asked the Lord to get me through the retreat and boy did He ever! It was beyond anything I could have anticipated. I think I’m going to break into a song “ Let me tell ya about my Jesus” Oops! I got off track there but it’s true. Let me tell you!
One of my favorite verses was on the wall in the Upper Prayer Room.
Even though I could not see the peoples name tags. Well I could see them but not read them, everyone was so welcoming and so so sweet. Two deaf ladies signed up to come and they were helpful and so much fun. One interpreter ( Lauren ) from church who has become a sweet friend, insisted on helping me. She sat beside me to make sure I understood. My heart swells with gratitude. My roommate Barbara who is also deaf, was such a joy. She helped me see where things were in the dining room, telling me the foods at the buffet. I really enjoyed getting to know her.
Me and my roommate Barbara.
The sessions were encouraging and testimonies shared were beautiful. Lauren and Barbara were my trail buddies walking to the chapel. I thought the trails were all paved but not the one we took. It was gravel and leaves covered a small part of it. They made sure I didn’t trip on the rocks, roots and uneven ground. We stopped at each scripture post and one of them would sign what it said. Barbara wanted to find the little mountain creek and listen to the soothing sounds of the water. (She can hear that with her hearing aids). We got to the chapel and let me tell you….that place is gorgeous! In the upper prayer room we knelt down to pray. It was a beautiful experience.
Trail buddies ~ Barbara, me and Lauren.
Friday evening at dinner a couple we had not met sat down where we were sitting. The lady knew some sign language so we wondered if she was hearing impaired. It turns out it was Charity Gayle and her husband Ryan Kennedy. They were there to lead us in an unforgettable night of worship. While I had never heard of them before ( I don’t know many music artist by name) I was familiar with some of the songs they have written. They were so down to earth and humble. They led us in an AMAZING time of worship. It was not like a performance but rather an invitation to join them in worshipping Jesus. It was simply beautiful.
Our table group with Ryan Kennedy and Charity Gayle. (bottom left)
At our final session Catherine, the ladies ministry director, taught on Exodus 17 when Aaron and Hur held up Moses hands when he got weary, as Joshua fought the Amalekkies. We need to support others going through hard things and when they are weary. As I think back over the retreat, that’s what Barbara and Lauren did. They supported me through being way out of my comfort zone. I went unsure but came home refreshed.
Listening to the little mountain creek.
Don’t ne afraid to walk through doors of opportunity God opens. When He opens a door, He will walk you through it, giving you the resources you need and you will come away so refreshed and grateful for the lessons learned. Grateful for His goodness! I’m changed. So thankful!
One last funny note. My husband Ron picked me up when the bus arrived back to the church. We stopped at a little Chinese restaurant for lunch. My heart was full and as we were sitting at the table waiting for our food I softly started singing. Ron said, “What are you singing?” I said “Can you hear me? I didn’t realize I was singing out loud”. I was singing one of Charity Gayles songs “What your mercy did for me”. I came home from the retreat and started looking her up on iTunes. I purchased two of her albums and started looking up lyrics so I can sing along.
To read more of my story check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” available from online retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Target, Walmart, Westbow Press online bookstore and Park Road Books.
bible.com/bible/59/psa.34.19.ESV
2corinthians.bible/2-corinthians-3-17
rootedbythewater.blog 