#faithoverfear – rootedbythewater.blog

The Dilemma

January 7, 2026Leave a Comment

It’s the first Wednesday of 2026 and I have been praying about stepping down from a “role” that I’ve been given for the last 7 months. In this “role” half of me wants to continue and half of me wants to stop. The reasons behind the desire to stop stem from feelings of inadequacy and wondering if it’s making any difference at all. So I’ve been praying.

This past Sunday I started participating in a 21 day fast to align myself with God’s Will for my life. This “role” has been one of my prayer points and it is amazing that in four days I have already discerned four prompts to continue. The first prompt came as I was reading a devotion. I sensed God saying to me, ””“speak”. Ummm…. Okay Lord! The second prompt came when a friend directed me to a post on Facebook. Right now I am really limiting my time on social media but it was a story on Beethoven who was hearing impaired. The story shared how Beethoven had limited social skills but was brilliant on a piano. One of his friends lost their son and when he went to comfort his friend, he just sat down at the piano and poured out his grief through piano music. This gift touched his friend deeply. What I got from this story was that I too feel socially awkward at times with the way I hear and see but I can bring the “skills” I have and let them bless others.

The third prompt came through a devotion from Free Chapel Church. They have a daily devotion during their 21 days of prayer and fasting. On day 2 the devotion was on Elisha helping the poor widow, with scripture from 2 King 4:1-2; “One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.” “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied.” (NLT‬‬). When Elisha asks the widow what she had, it took the focus off her lack and onto what God could use. The miracle happened through her obedience to what was asked of her. The widow obeyed Elisha’s instructions and the limited amount of oil she had flowed until there were no more empty vessels. Wow!! This hit me right where I needed it. When I stand up to do the devotions at the homeless outreach I feel so limited by what I myself bring to that podium. I have no clue if anyone is really “getting” what I’m sharing. I don’t “see” the responses. But, from reading this devotion God prompted me to not focus on what I can’t do but to bring what I have and let Him multiply it until every vessel is filled. (Every person is reached for His glory). It’s a reminder that it’s not me, but Him who does the reaching. It doesn’t matter if I can see their responses or hear what they say. What matters is to obey what God prompts me to do. I’ll tell you this is one of the more challenging things I’ve ever done. I don’t think I will ever be “comfortable” in this “role” but I need to be obedient to what God calls me to do. This third prompt came from the e mailed devotion from Free Chapel 2026 Day 2 Devotion, which was such a nudge from the Holy Spirit. (I’m not sure how to reference the devotion that came through e mail but if you google Free Chapel church I’m sure the website has information about their 2026 fast that is going on now. The daily e mailed devotions are “spot on”!!!)

Tonight I received a fourth prompt. Tonight during the devotion, I talked about how our perspective on things and situations spills over into our outlook on life. I used four scriptures to talk about this point and used the demonstration of a glass of water that was half full. I asked them what they saw: a half full of half empty glass of water. Two key verses I used were Philippians 4:8 and Romans 12:2. After the ministry time was over, my husband Ron and I were leaving. One of the men stopped to talk with us. I look forward to seeing him every week. I remember a few months ago after teaching on the “great’s of faith” in Hebrews, he accepted one of the Bible’s we have available for anyone. Tonight he told us he has been praying for us and reading his Bible. WOW!! Glory to God!!! It seems God is clearly deciding this “dilemma” for me. I am listening and will obey.

Moral of the story: listen because God speaks through many things. It might be a spoken word, a facebook post, an emailed devotion or a man at a homeless shelter. We just need to “be still”, listen and obey. Don’t be afraid to do things you feel led to do even if you yourself don’t have all it takes to do it. When God asks you to do something, He will equip you, just obey and do what He asks.

Be blessed! Better yet, Be a blessing!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Just be Still ~ 2026

December 31, 2025Leave a Comment

Photo credit ~ Marcella Davis Burks

Closing out 2025 tonight and am glad to see this year to an end. 2025 pretty much started with a bust, on ice 1-10-25, resulting in a compression fracture to my lower back. First time in my life to experience that, and God willing it was the last. That was followed by some “sputters” and a whole lot of “stretching me”. In hindsight, it was a year of personal and spiritual growth. Growth is uncomfortable at times but ultimately it’s a good thing. In truth, we should aim to grow throughout our lives, always being open for God to do new things in us and through us.

I would have never thought I’d be doing a weekly Wednesday night short devotion for the homeless and low income ministry we serve with. I told my husband Ron on our way home tonight that I feel so inadequate in this role. He said, “That’s why God has you doing it.” In the six months I have been doing this, it’s not gotten any easier. I’m always depending fully on the Lord for guidance in this role. I can’t on my own, but He can and does. I’m humbled and so thankful. God is steadily guiding us towards peace and purpose even when our circumstances seem overwhelming. He is faithful and we can trust Him. He proves that again and again. Reading in front of people is always uncomfortable for me with my low vision. Perhaps it is endearing to show my weakness to others. It’s definitely not the most comfortable situation but if it helps others to “try despite the odds” then maybe it’s worth it. I will keep on until God closes this door.

I believe for 2026, the Lord wants me to “Be still and know that He is God!” While I know this is my heart, sometimes I need to remind myself of this truth. Life can be very stressful and overwhelming at times dealing with hearing and visual limitations. I push myself to do all I can do. Sometimes, I might push myself too hard. I just “dive in” to things and do it, but that can really “test” my limits and wear me out trying. Just being honest. I pray God will give me discernment in the new year to be sensitive to His voice and obedient to all He calls me to do.

Lord, help us to rest in Your peace in the upcoming year as we keep our minds steadily onYou. Help us to be “Still” as You help us chart the path You have for us in 2026. Gives us strength to see ourselves the way You see us, as Your children that You love and fully equip for Your purpose. May we shine for You like never before, in this dark world that needs Your love and hope. We praise and glorify You in advance for all You are and will accomplish this year!!! I am so excited for the journey!!! Lead the way Lord! In Jesus name I pray Amen!!!

Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing in 2026.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Comfort & Joy trickling in~

December 21, 2025Leave a Comment

To say I’ve been stressed lately is an understatement! I mean, really, everyday life is stressful with trying to see things and understand. (Visual and hearing impairments are no joke) Trust me, there is much miscommunication that goes on around here. Half the time I can do nothing about it but adjust my attitude and response. While at Great Clips for a haircut on Friday, as I walked in while Ron was parking, a guy acted like he knew me and asked where my husband was. It turned out to be one of my husband’s friends and I was embarrassed that I didn’t see him well enough to know who he was. That’s just a tiny example. When I’m at home, I’m fine but in unfamiliar areas, it can be stressful. Plus the fact, it’s Christmas time.

While we don’t do a lot around the holidays, we do a few things. Year round we are on a team that serves the homeless. We will be serving Christmas Eve, but most of our team won’t be able to come: out of town or “under the weather”. When God opens a door, I typically step in, even though I’m so unprepared. I’ve been praying for about two weeks about this upcoming time of ministry, that God would work it out to be something very special for the people so they could see God’s love for them. Let me just say, as of right now, things are falling into place unlike I could have ever imagined. Some friends from the book club that I’m in are bringing desserts and a friend just sent me a picture of 150 cookies that she and her boyfriend had made. Ron and I thought we could be cooking for the event but it sounds like a group has stepped up to totally bless these precious people with BBQ, beans and coleslaw. I am in tears at the faithfulness of God. Once the dinner is complete and I have a chance, I will give an update. I am so blown away by the faithfulness of God and watching Him work it all out. Many sweet people are helping and it is beautiful!

The last few weeks I’ve talked to the people about different parts of the Christmas story. This Wednesday we will wrap it up. Well, actually God has already wrapped it up in the gift of Jesus birth. I pray He gives me the words to speak well for His glory. (It will be a pretty short devotion but to share how God has brought it all together for the special meal and desserts, just WOW!).

We had our girlfriend’s Christmas dinner last week. One friend gave us all a nice Christmas mug. I think everyone’s had their initial and a Christmas design. Mine had “Comfort & Joy” with a Christmas design. It was like God was telling me something. He brings good tidings of comfort and joy when we trust in Him. In trusting Him, I have to let go of the situations troubling me and trust Him to work it out. As I pour out my heart to the Lord, He has used different parts of the Christmas story to impress things upon my heart. From being obedient like Mary in a perplexing situation, the shepherds hearing the angels in noise, to eagerly following Jesus like the wisemen followed the star, to making room for Jesus, there is much the Lord has impressed upon me this season. As I “let go and let God”, truly trusting Him when I don’t see how it’s going to work. Seeing God work behind the scenes to bring things together, I’m in awe of God. He is faithful always. He loves us so much He came, with a manager as His bed. Such humility, compassion and love. People were expecting a ruler not a baby born to a virgin and placed in a manager. But that baby changed everything. Jesus! Immanuel, God with us! His good tidings of comfort & joy are trickling in and my heart is full. I wish you a blessed Christmas week with your family and friends. Don’t forget those less fortunate. Give the gift of you: your time, kindness, compassion, a listening ear, prayer and resources if you can spare anything. I’ve learned it is far more blessed to give than receive.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

My husband Ron, me, our son Joshua and his puppy Moose.

Faith ~ Part 2

November 20, 2025Leave a Comment

Tonight I finished up the devotion at the homeless ministry on “living by faith”. This topic is ingrained in me, as it’s my life each day. I choose to “walk by faith, not by sight”, because I can honestly “see” much more through faith than I can by what I really see. I hope that makes sense. God wants us to take Him at His Word and that is how I try to live life. There is so much to the topic of “living by faith” but I finished up on it tonight. (At least for now, unless God prompts me to speak on it again.)

As I began, I shared Hebrews 11:6, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (NLT‬‬) I explained that while we can’t actually “see” God, He is there. Just like we can’t see air, however when we take a deep breath we see the effects of taking in air, as our chest rises and falls. Just like air, God is there. We can’t see Him, but when we put our faith in Him, we will see the effects of God moving in our lives. Forget human logic, we have to trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”(NLT) Side note, I try to use the New Living Translation when I share because most of the Bible’s we give out are that translation.

As I continued to share, I told them they might be wondering how much faith they needed. I just love how the Bible says faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Mustard seeds are tiny. I did look through my pantry to see if I had any, but I must have thrown them out. I did however have a little bit of poppy seeds. I knew they were similar in size. According to Google, mustard seeds are about twice as big as a poppy seed. I brought along some poppy seeds, since that is what I had, and told them the mustard seeds were twice as big, but they are still tiny. Faith that small can move immovable things in our lives. Matthew 17: 20 says, ““You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”” (‭‭NLT‬‬)

We each have been given a measure of faith but sometimes we doubt. I will tell you I am so “sure of what I hope for, and certain of what I don’t see” that I can visualize myself with great vision. I can also visualize my son with great vision. Do we have great vision? NO! But I believe! I know, I know, I’m a bit of a “radical” but God says “all things are possible to the one who believes”. However, my “real vision” gets in the way of my faith. When reality hits, demanding I acknowledge we don’t see well, I have to confess, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief”. This is pretty much what happens in Mark 9. A father has brought his child who has an unclean spirit, to Jesus disciples to ask them to cast it out. They couldn’t. The father asked Jesus to help them if He can. “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”” Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬).

We live in a fallen world where trials, struggles, hurdles and obstacles abound. The best way to get through these things and thrive is having a heart surrendered to God. He is able to do far more than we ask or imagine. I also shared James 1; 3-4 that says, “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” ‭(NLT‬‬) As we face our trials and struggles, when we give it to God, He can develop and refine us to perfection. I know giving it to God is hard, but it sure beat trying in vain to do it in our own strength.

Last Sunday Ron told me to take a picture of the screen at church. (I can’t ever read whats on the screen.) We have been visiting a church that is close to where we live. Ron drives our son Joshua to work on Sundays and this church is right down the road. I will add the picture below but it said “ Sometimes the place that feels like the biggest punishment, God will use to become your biggest platform”. Whoa! That is honestly so true in my life. While I don’t like living with these limitations, not one bit, but….. God is apparently enabling me to glorify Him despite the struggles. Who would have ever thought I’d share my struggles with homeless people? No I can’t quite relate to them in that area but I can relate to struggles and trials that seem like mountains. I can relate to situations that seem like they will never change. I can encourage them to put their faith in God. I told them tonight, “who would have ever thought I’d be doing devotions when I can’t hear and see well, but I’m standing here doing it and thriving.” That’s only because of God. I can honestly say God is good and so so faithful! I don’t understand why we have to deal with some hardships. However, I’m not supposed to understand it, I’m supposed to trust God, which is what I do.

Part of Judah Church’s message last Sunday.

Some rewards are down here on earth, other rewards are in Heaven. I’m banking on Heaven. It’s gonna be good! As Job says in Job 23:10 , “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (NKJV‬‬)

Whatever you are facing, whether it be huge obstacles in your life or trials that seem impossible to overcome, let me encourage you to put your faith in God and let Him move the immovable, break the unbreakable. He can do far more than we can imagine. We just have to trust Him. He’s refining us through difficulties. Let’s not despise the hard situations, but rather let God refine us in those “fires”. “He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the Lord An offering in righteousness.”Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) I don’t know much about refining silver but from my understanding, the blacksmith keeps the piece in the fire until he sees his reflection. Oh boy…. I’ve got a ways to go, BUT GOD!

Have a great rest of the week everyone. I hope I caught all the typos. I should have been asleep hours ago. Until next time. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing.

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

What defines you?

November 4, 2025Leave a Comment

Can I ask you a question ? What defines you? Our world is full of labels: Government, healthcare, social economics,and people in general like to define us and put us in categories. Those labels can be so confining though and you begin to allow them to define you. When Jesus walked this earth, He didn’t let any situation or anyone define Him. He went around teaching truth, doing good and performing miracles. Some of the people said he was a liar, but Jesus disregarded what they said about Him. Even those who flattered Him, He disregarded. Jesus only listened to the words of His Heavenly Father. If Jesus had allowed people and situations to define Him, He would have never completed the missions God the Father sent Him to do.

Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” That mans, our thoughts and beliefs shape our character, actions and ultimately our reality. We need to be so careful in what we think about and what we allow to define us. Here is an example. Once I was “labeled” as legally blind, it put me in a very confining “corner”. I can’t stand the label because in my mind I am not blind. Sure I can’t see what you see BUT I can see some and that to me counts. The same goes with the label of “deaf/hard of hearing”. I do have trouble comprehending speech (it fluctuates) but I’m on the porch right now listening to the birds sing. Quite often I challenge myself to listen to YoutTube videos. Sometimes I understand some of it and other times I flail, but I try. Last Sunday I watched Central Church early service from the back porch and I followed it well. It was like God was speaking right through Pastor, straight to my heart. Just the day before I had prayed pretty much exactly something Pastor said. “Lord do you hear me? Do you see my situation? Do you care?” You might wonder why I would pray such a thing. I pray and pray and pray some more and I’m still in this “furnace called life”. Oh boy! I needed that message so much and God in His power made sure I “got it”. If I listened to the labels of the world, I wouldn’t have even tried listening. But God is bigger than labels. He defines me and nothing else.

We are who God says we are. We can look into the very twisted mirror of this world OR we can look into the perfect law of liberty, God’s Word, As we study God’s Word we are being transformed. There is no more condemnation. The Bible gives us confidence to know that it doesn’t matter what people say about us, it only matters what God says about us. Let’s check out James 1:25, “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (ESV) We don’t just want to hear the Word then forget it, we want to take action and do it. God’s Word transforms us as we hear it and study it.

We are not defined by past situations, the world or people. Some people let things that happened in the past, define them. Let’s think of some examples: It all went downhill wen I was diagnosed with _______, or when my child was diagnosed with __________, or I got divorced, or after surgery you became addicted to pain medicine, or you became addicted to _______ to deal with life, or you lost your job and your home. There are so many scenarios, but you see my point. God tells us to forget the former things. We can learn from it and move forward and trust Him. I love the New Living Translation of Isaiah 43:18-19, ““But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (NLT‬‬) I just love that! That tells me to forget the labels, forget the diagnosis, forget all the limitations. I know, I know, I’ve prayed and prayed and prayed and am still waiting. But I choose to stand on God’s Word and His promises because HE IS FAITHFUL. Im going to listen to my Lord and do as He says. Forget the former things! He is up to something new in our lives. Can’t you see it? He’s making a way. Let’s watch as He creates things in the most unusual way. Why? Because He can! God loves YOU! You are not forgotten! He see you and will help you. From experience, His help is not usually in the way I anticipate it but He does help in one way or another. He comforts, lifts the broken hearted, gives strength and His perfect peace. He never fails.

Have a blessed week. http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Lessons from a kayak outting

September 25, 2025September 25, 2025Leave a Comment

Our “turning point”: Atlantic Ocean to the right and Intercoastal Waterway to the left.

I love when you can find Bible principles in hobbies you enjoy. Today I used kayaking as an illustration for the Bible verses I shared. Wednesdays find me helping with a low income and homeless ministry where we feed the people and I give a short devotion. It’s an honor to be a part of this ministry. I aim to show compassion and transparency, being mindful that none of us are perfect. I demonstrate a need for God’s strength in a daily way. We all have different circumstances, however we can encourage each other, especially through the Bible.

Recently I came across a post on social media that was talking about what makes a boat sink. It’s not the water around the boat, but the water that gets inside the boat, that weighs it down. That made me think of our kayaking outting last Friday. My friend Leasa and I took kayaks out on the coastal canal and intercoastal waterway. Before we set off, we checked the kayaks for water that was inside. Turning the kayaks long way up and unplugging to release internal water, before plugging them again.

For some reason I knew there was a Bible principle there. I texted my friend Amy and told her I was looking for a Bible reference and explained what I was thinking. She referred me to Hebrew 12:1 which says, ”Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin that clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (ESV). Sin can be like water in a kayak. Sin can weigh us down. One sin can lead to another and before you know it you are spiritually drowning. Sins cling to us, kind of like bad habits. We need Jesus forgiveness and strength to say no to sin.

I went back to the kayaking illustration. Once we were paddling along the canal we had to “keep our eye on the goal”. At the end of the canal we would turn a left corner and head back along the Intercoastal Waterway. On the canal we had to paddle hard against the tide. We had to “look beyond” the momentary resistance of the tide and remember the “turning point” was ahead, way ahead. Life is like that. We have to keep our spiritual eyes on Jesus, enduring the momentary circumstances and hardships we find ourselves in. As Christians, this world is not our home. We keep our eyes focused on Jesus, who will strengthen us and see us through this journey called life. I continued with Hebrews 12:2. “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (ESV‬‬) I explained how Jesus endured the cross, knowing what was coming, He looked beyond it to the joy that was before Him. He knew He was providing redemption for all mankind. He was making a way for us to be with Him forever with The Father, through His sacrifice on the cross. We too, must look beyond our hardships towards the prize to which we are called. I encouraged everyone to keep their eyes on Jesus and if they didn’t know Jesus, we’d be happy to pray with them.

I love this opportunity to serve each week. Ron and I were talking on the drive there today. I told him a lot of people won’t take the time for low income and homeless people but they are worthy of compassion and kindness too. Showing compassion toward the vulnerable expresses a faith that is genuine. James 1:27 emphasizes this point. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (ESV‬‬). So thankful for this opportunity to serve. I encourage you to look for a ministry, church or organization to serve others. As we serve the least of these, we in turn are serving the Lord. Your heart will swell with joy as you minister comfort to others.

Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing! You are loved!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com.

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

Forrest “Rang the Bell” 🙌🏼🙌🏼

August 26, 2025Leave a Comment

Today marks a significant day! It was my brother Forrest’s “Bone Marrow Birthday”. Today marks five year since his bone marrow transplant back in August 2020. All Glory to God! Such a miracle and the family is so thankful. Today as he and his wife went to Duke for his appointment, everything turned out great. From what I understand, Duke no longer has a bell to ring so when they left Duke, they drove to Charlotte and rang the bell there. Forrest sent me this picture and I love the inscription beside the bell.

I remember clearly sitting on the porch praying for him back in 2020 when they found out he would need a bone marrow transplant. I am so thankful God enabled me to play a small role in his miracle by being a “perfect match”. Thank you Jesus for the many miracles that have happened along this journey Forrest and his family endured. It was a hard journey for them but to see all the blessings God has bestowed on them makes it a beautiful masterpiece of God’s handiwork to behold. Indeed, Miracles do happen!

I wore the “Miracles Happen” bracelet until it wore out.

Many of you have followed my blog from the beginning. Every year on Forrest “Bone Marrow Birthday” I have asked permission to share the joys of another year. This year is no different. We give all praise and glory to God for all He has done! We stand amazed and humbled at His grace and mercy. Thank you Jesus! And thank you all for your prayers along the way.

If you or your loved ones are facing a hard, seemingly impossible situation, let me encourage you to pray and trust God for His best. I love the follow scripture. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

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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

When you want to Run ~ DON’T

August 13, 2025Leave a Comment

Me doing devotions a few weeks ago at our RiceNBeans location in Rock Hill. Photo credit Terry P.

Have you ever been given an opportunity that you never thought you’d do? Un-nerving opportunities that you can’t do on your own? That’s been me. The RiceNBeans location that I serve at had to change locations for unforeseeable reasons. In the Rock Hill location we are now serving inside where there is a large kitchen. The people can come in and get cooled off in the air conditioned meeting area and have ice water and a meal. At this new location we also get to do a short devotion with the people. It’s a chance for “spiritual food” along with a warm meal. Pastor Daryl asked me if I would lead the devotions. I didn’t realize he meant every week. I honestly texted him recently to let him know I was thinking about stopping with volunteering. Let me explain a bit. Before we were meeting at a bust stop and I was busy doing “hands on” things that didn’t require me to hear people. The cooking and passing out food was easy for me.

In our new location it is a new dynamic where we let our wonderful volunteers to really get involved so they are busy and enjoy their experience. I’m not gifted with “directing” people so I felt like it wasn’t a good fit. I was asked to do the devotions and that is something I can do, with a lot of direction and help from the Lord. The thing about doing the devotions; I can’t see well enough to see the peoples response, I can’t tell if I’m speaking loud enough in the large room, I have a hard time seeing what I’ve prepared and have to zoom in large on my iPad. Bottom line…. it is un-nerving. With all these things, the devil had a good time of making me question if I was reaching the people and if I made any sense at all. A few weeks ago I asked Pastor Daryl if we could give out Bibles and that night we gave them all out except for one. Another night I felt so uncomfortable when the Lord prompted me to tell the people I’d be glad to pray with them if they wanted to accept Jesus. I was obedient and did what the Lord asked but not a single person approached me for prayer but one lady gave me a hug. In a sense I kind of felt like Jonah, wanting to run far away from this challenge but I didn’t. Every time I have spoken the Lord has given me the scripture to share.

Earlier today I did not know they wanted me to do devotions today but when I found out, scripture immediately came to me. I spoke briefly on our “thought life”. Our minds are bombarded with all kinds of thoughts all the times, but we don’t have to let them make a “nest” in our heads. I shared with the the following scripture. “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). I looked at a cross reference and saw the New Living Translation says to “fix your thoughts”. We have a choice in what we allow to stay in our minds. Choose what is lovely, pure, just, commendable, praise worthy etc. I also shared 2 Corinathians 10:5 with them that says, “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) We have authority to take our wayward thoughts captive. I always try to throw in a true story or two to demonstrate the point. Tonight I shared about when we went to a little place within the campground at the beach last week to get some hamburgers for lunch. We ordered then sat at a picnic table to eat. The cashier was a “ray of sunshine”. She was so sweet and friendly and that set the stage for the experience. The food was NOT good. The hamburgers were cold as if they had been cookened then put in a refrigerator. However the lettuce was crisp and the tomatoe was also good. I laughed and told Ron the lettuce and tomatoe were the best part. It’s all a matter of perspective. Choose to find the good in things and it helps things go better.

Not sure what God is preparing me for, but I’m thankful for His grace, strength and wisdom to know when the devil is trying to make me “throw in the towel”. Not a chance. I’m going to keep serving as long as the Lord keeps this door open. It’s stretching me but He’s growing me for something and I’m honored and humble to be along for the journey. Don’t give up! Don’t quit. Be strong and courageous. God is with us wherever we go. Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing! Good night!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com