#faithoverfear – Page 7 – rootedbythewater.blog

Truth be told

April 20, 2023Leave a Comment

I’ve been meaning to write this since last weekend but I’m glad I put it off until now. An unexpected inspiration has given me new insight. “God winks”, those unexpected things that give me a little boost.

A few days ago I wrote this blogs title “Truth be told” and underneath it I typed the word inadequacy. Last weekend I celebrated my 54 th birthday. That’s a long time of being hearing and visually limited. While I don’t typically dwell on the limitations, a few situations sharpened my sense of inadequacy and left me feeling out of sorts. It’s a rare day when I share these things, but if it enlightens people to be compassionate to others around them then maybe it’s worth sharing.

Truth be told, many limitations are not easily seen. Truth be told, what appears normal may actually not be. (If that makes any sense.) Here are the things that flustered me last weekend. Mom and I had brunch at a new place called Poppyseed Kitchen. Our waitress recognized me and said , “I’m Coleman’s sister.” Coleman is our sons friend and I had not seen either of his sisters in a few years. The combination of an unexpected encounter and my limited vision can be embarrassing to say the least.

On Sunday we had a spontaneous day. We decided to go to our early church service so we could go hear my nephew preach at his late service. We never go to our early service so there was no sign language interpreter since they weren’t expecting me. I never expect life to be catered to me. I just go and in some way it ends up being a blessing. The blessing of the early service was my husbands attempt to help me understand. It was really sweet. We did a dash to my nephews church, where he is the Youth Pastor. I saw my mom. brother and his mother in law. Mom signed for me which was a blessing. After the service we saw my nephews daughter and her other Grandma. However I did not recognize my nephews wife. I inched over to Ron to discretely ask, “Who is that?” It is terribly embarrassing. I recognize people by sizes, shape, haircolor, style, and any distinguishable features. I can’t usually see detail on faces, unless I am very close By the time I recognize people it is usually too late.

Truth be told, I love people and if I could hear and see well, what a social butterfly I would be. But alas my hearing and vision are limited which sets me way back. It’s frustrating. A few tears just escaped my eyes. My limitations are not visible yet they keep me away from people unless the people are keen and compassionate to what I’m missing.

This morning as I was reading the Bible I came across Psalms 8:3-4, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, “What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” (NKJV). I know God sees me in my limitations. He knows my needs and will provide in one way or another. Today He provided me with some inspiration.

As I was waiting for my husband to come pick me up I went out on our front porch. I wanted to see if I could see the Momma bird sitting on her nest on our bakers rack. A month or so ago, I was cleaning the front porch and discovered a well made empty birds nest. I figured it was from last year so I threw it away and rearranged the porch furniture. A few days later I noticed a little mess. The bird had begun building another nest! Such resilience! A few days ago I took a picture and zoomed in to see if the bird was on her nest. I couldn’t tell but Ron could! He showed me where the birds head and wings were and where the nest was in the picture. Oh what luxury to have good sight! So as I walked out on the porch today the bird flew away. I went back inside to grab my iPad to take a picture. I was curious if any eggs were in the nest. I took a picture and zoomed in. My heart filled with wonder and joy to discover two bird eggs. While the momma bird was surely watching from nearby to make sure her eggs stayed safe, my Abba Father is just as surely watching over me. Life is full of challenges and uncertainties but God is always there ready to strengthen and encourage us. We must take our focus off the problems and put them on God. I love this reminder, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I write when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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Don’t spill the beans!

March 17, 2023Leave a Comment

While I normally don’t “spill the beans”. Yesterday I did. Allowing others to see brokenness is never a fun thing. It’s uncomfortable and vulnerable. Because of my hurts and brokenness I have a passion for encouraging others and praying for them. If I can bring a smile and lift someone’s heart, directing them to Jesus, its worth it. Trouble arises when I look at my brokenness rather than Jesus.

Yesterday at my Bible study we covered two women of the Bible: Ruth and Hannah. The study on Hannah hit me hard. I’ve never thought of myself as barren. God has blessed us with a son. As we did the study this week on Hannah, I saw there are other kinds of barrenness. As I sat at my video magnifier two days ago finishing up the lesson, tears were rolling down my cheeks. I thought, “Lord why do I have to sit at this machine to do this study? I’d like to be able to see the book and write the answers without something largely magnifying it. So like Hannah, I was focused on what I couldn’t do: complete the lesson without aids. I want to see well, comprehend well, not constantly be trying to fill in the blanks of what I’m not seeing or hearing/ comprehending. I thought I’d dealt with these things but it appears to be deep rooted. This study on Hannah “picked the scab off of my wound”.

It was hard showing my Bible study sisters the items I had checked off for my areas of barrenness. Four of the items I checked were employment, ministry, health (visual and hearing) and pleasure. I think my sisters were surprised I checked off ministry since I blog. The thing about writing, I do it home alone. It doesn’t really seem like ministry because I don’t see the fruits from it, however God does. I told them I can’t do this alone. God gives me the patience for the process that is so frustrating, it is downright amusing. Maybe one day I should get someone to video the process of me blogging on a touch screen iPad. Type, then zoom to see what I’ve typed, see typos galore, zoom, unzoom, over and over until God has enabled me to pour it out in writing. It’s not a fun process and it is time consuming, but if it encourages someone to keep putting one foot in front of the other, you know, keep moving forward… its worth it. It still hurts.

They were also surprised I checked off pleasure. I have learned to be content in my situation. Well in all honesty I guess its more like I try to be content. I can’t see like normal people. It’s so hard to explain. I see some but I don’t see it all. I miss a whole lot! I am blessed with sweet friends. My friend Leasa is especially sensitive to what I might not be seeing. S he texts me to go to the store or lunch. I ask her the different things opening in the shopping centers. I can see the signs but I usually can’t read them. I guess I don’t know half of what I’m really missing.

I could go on and on here but that’s not the point. The point is that I realized, just like Hannah I was looking at the ”barren” issues instead of Jesus. I don’t consider myself a bitter person but deep down there are things I strongly desire: Good vision, connection with people, being able to hear and comprehend.

This morning as I prayed I said, “Lord can you trust me with healing?” In my spirit I heard, “Can you trust me without it? Lord get me to the place of surrender where I can honestly say YES! I always say Jesus is more than enough. After this study He has much more work to do in my heart so I can fully surrender. One day, God willing, I can totally put it all on the altar and leave it there. Just looking to Jesus and all He is and not on what I perceive I’m missing.

What about you, do you have areas of barrenness in your life? It could be in relationships, finances, love, respect just to name a few. As I type this a song has come to mind that I have not heard in years. It’s amazing how the Lord brings music to my heart from years ago when I could hear much better. If I can find the song and video I will add it to the end of this blog. Let’s pour out our hearts, our hurts, our brokenness to Jesus and allow Him to do what only He can do… bring peace and joy once again.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Now let me go find that song. Went online and even texted a friend, trying to find the song. It was a little “ goose chase” but I found it. Friend Indeed by Billy and Sarah Gaines. Take a listen. Whew.. it’s a old one and might show my age but the lyrics are spot on. Here’s the link. Enjoy!

Www.shannonkhinson.com
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A Truth Bomb

February 25, 2023Leave a Comment

Often times inspiration for a blog comes in the morning. However, I don’t always have time to sit down and get it typed up. Today was one of those days.

Last night and this morning were kind of odd because some old old songs popped in my head and kept playing. The one that came last night, I wasn’t even sure about the lyrics so I typed in what I remembered and Dionne Warwick’s song I’ll never love this way again popped up. It’s ok to laugh. It was quite odd. I didn’t even remember all the words but “ I’ll keep holding on, I’ll keep holding on…” played over and over in my mind. What in the world set that off? Again this morning another old song played in my mind and it’s been playing all day. At the risk of exposing my age, it was the Carpenters song You. I looked this one up on YouTube when I finally got home today and the music is so different than how I remember but the words are so beautiful.

Have you ever had a secular song stick to you but it’s like a song of worship to the Lord? “You” does that to me. I was getting ready for book club meeting and I nearly cried ! Ponder these beautiful words – I woke up to this song. You are the one that makes me happy when everything else turns to gray. Yours is the voice that wakes me morning and sends me out into the day. You are the crowd that sits quiet listening to me and all the mad sense that I make. You are one of the few things worth remembering. And sense it’s all true how could anyone mean more to me, than you. Sorry if sometimes I looks past you, there’s nothing beyond your eyes. Inside my head wheels are turning and sometimes I’m not so wise. You are my heart and my soul my inspiration just like the old love song goes. You are one of the few things worth remembering. And since it’s all true how could anyone mean more to me, than you. You lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

As I sit here typing this, tears are streaming down my face. Isn’t it just like God to be our very heart and our very soul, our very inspiration? I’m still trying to figure out why all this came on all the sudden. Last night I was reading some social media posts. God has given me discernment when I read posts. I can pick up on desperation, hopelessness and depression. It makes me just want to reach through the screen and give them a big hug and say it’s going to be okay. Keep holding on, keep holding on. This old friend from college came across as utterly down last night. I told him to saturate his mind with the Word of God and surround yourself with praying family and friends. We need friends who will stand in the gap when we are weary. This person lives in Florida and I have no clue the details of the situation. However, God knows and God is right there with this guy.

The enemy whispers lies to us all day everyday. You know the drill: You’re not good enough, God can’t use you, You will never measure up! Etc… baloney! I love love love the example Jesus set for us when he was tempted in the wilderness. Everythime the devil came up with his twisted lies, Jesus responded with what Gods Word says. It is vital and I do mean VITAL in all caps. Know the Word of God and use it! Especially in this time where lie, deception and half truths abound everywhere. If you know what the Bible says, you have a come back every single time. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

Dig into Gods Word everyday and pray without ceasing. John‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ says, ‭ “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NLT‬‬) Another verse is Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬,‭ “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT‬‬) The Bible is FULL of scriptures from cover to cover that will equip you for any situation., “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ (NKJV). That’s POWERFUL right there and we need it daily!

As I read my old friends post, I understood. Life is a battle field. I don’t understand why it’s more difficult for sone but ultimately God has a perfect plan. When we surrender to Jesus Lordship over our lives we can walk in the victory He gives. We don’t need to understand but we do need to trust Him and keep holding on. Never give up! Never throw in the towel! Keep on keeping on. When you experience the comfort of walking with Jesus, be willing to pour that comfort into others. Be an encouragement. The world needs Jesus!

If you liked this blog post please subscribe. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Www.shannonkhinson.com
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I’m in Awe🙌

February 9, 2023Leave a Comment

This morning as I let our dog outside I noticed the milder temperature and decided to have my quiet time out on the back porch. As I watched the sun rise I prayed and thanked God for all He is! I am always awestruck by nature. The heavens declare the glory of the Lord. Whether it be a sunrise, sunset or the beautiful moon, I delight in seeing them all. I can no longer see the stars. I’ve always wanted to look through a telescope to see the beauty of the night sky.

This week has been much milder and brings anticipation of Spring. My daffodils are coming up and there are buds on my tulip tree. Spring makes my heart so happy. After the dead season of winter, things come back to life. I stand in awe of you Lord. In the beauty of the sunrise. Then it’s suddenly hidden by a cloud. The beauty is still there, it’s just momentarily covered up. My heart sings praises to you Lord even though I have no idea what this day will hold. I do know you hold this day and that is enough. Jehovah sShalom my peace!

Not only does God’s creation inspire me but also seeing His hand at work in our lives, For months we have fought an insurance company on a situation arising from Ron’s eye surgery last summer. The insurance company gave us the “run around” and did not do what they were supposed to do, That left us with a very large hospital bill that we were never supposed to pay. In December Ron ‘s doctor told him he was glad Ron was fighting it. This has been a huge weight but I kept reminding Ron that God had it all covered. This week we got a letter from the hospital that the our balance is 0! ZERO! Ron was awestruck and had me to read it just to confirm. Indeed the balance has been written off and we owe nothing! We serve an AWESOME GOD!

Excuse me as I have a moment of worship….. I stand I stand in Awe of you… I stand I stand in awe of you ..🙌. Haven’t heard that song in years but my heart started praising so I looked it up for yu all. Never give up praying. When things seem impossible, that’s the perfect time for God to show up and show you that He is always able. Nothing is impossible with God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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“Thrown under the bus?“

January 23, 20234 Comments

What do you do when you get “thrown under the bus” by life? Lately I’ve been studying the life of Joseph in the Bible. His life story is full of life lessons.

I began working on this blog last night. As I was trying to sum up Joseph’s life for the blog, I felt overwhelmed with the details. I’ve read it so many times over the years but for some reason this particular time is showing me life applications I missed before. If you aren’t familiar with Joseph’s story, please find a Bible and read Genesis chapters 37, 39-48.

As I studied this life story I began to see how he dealt with situations from what the Bible shares. I also began to think of loved ones and friends facing one difficulty after another, including myself, and how his story can encourage us.

Joseph was a beloved son and his brothers called him a dreamer. ( Genesis 37:19). They were jealous of him and threw him in a pit, then sold him into slavery. Talking about a real nose dive detour in life.

In Egypt he was purchased by Potiphar the captain of the guard of the Pharaoh of Egypt. The amazing thing was, God was with him in all this hardship. He prospered in his service and everything he did. Potiphar noticed this and put him in charge of his household. Potiphar’s wife began to lust for Joseph. Day after day she tempted him until he fled. After hearing her scandalous lies, Potiphar puts Joseph in prison. Wow! Talking about one bad thing after another!

Once in prison, God continued to bless him there. Genesis‬ ‭39‬:‭21 says, “But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.” (NLT‬‬). While in prison God enabled Joseph to interpret two dreams, which ends up bringing him before Pharaoh when no one could interpret his dreams. Pharaoh promotes Joseph as second in command over his kingdom to oversee the the years of plenty and years of famine that were coming. There is so much more to this story but space and time are limited.

One thing I want to point out is, God was faithful to Joseph in the land of his grief. Whether it was in the pit, in slavery, prison or the palace: God was faithful to Joseph in all these things. Talking about making a way in the wilderness. He went from beloved son, despised brother, slave, prisoner to second in command of Egypt. Psalms‬ ‭12‬:‭7 says, “Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation.” (NLT‬‬)

Another point I got from all this is Joseph remained faithful to God even in his numerous trials. While the Bible doesn’t tell us that Joseph cried out to the Lord, I’m certain he did. During all these difficulties God was preparing Joseph for his next assignment. God is always working in our lives, hearts, and situstions even when we don’t understand. Focus on Jesus! Cry out to Him and He will answer. It may not always be the answer you want but it will be the best answer concerning His will for your life.

I see this at work in my own life. There have been so many trials over the course of my life that sometimes I really wonder what God is up to. But God tells me to not lean on my understanding but rather trust Him in every single detail. I must learn to be faithful in the land of my grief, frustration and difficulties in order to be ready for the next assignment. I don’t know what the next assignment will be but I must trust Him. My purpose is to bring Him glory whether it’s through writing, blogging, encouraging, serving at the food pantry, etc.

As I’ve been writing this I have thought many times of my brother. For the majority of his life he has been very healthy. God has blessed his family and blessed him professionally. I was often jealous. He was the “golden child” and I was the one with all the problems. (God has changed my perspective over the-years.) I’ve never told him this. I was the one born with vision issues and later loss some of my hearing and comprehension. I often wondered why I had to endure so much for so long but he was so blessed. I too was blessed but in different ways.

In 2020 he was diagnosed with acute leukemia. When it became apparent that he needed a bone marrow transplant I asked God to allow me to help. God allowed me to be a perfect match for his bone marrow transplant. The transplant was successful. However there were many set backs. It was like one step forward, two steps back: over and over again. Right now he is dealing with sinus infections and his ears are full of pressure. Pray for his complete healing. We continue to trust God in each step of his healing. My brother has remained faithful to God in all this and God is using him to minister to others, In all these difficulties I know God is preparing him for a big assignment. I’m so thankful to have a front row seat to see what God will do. ** Forrest I know you will read this. I love you and pray for you daily. I am so proud of the way you are enduring! Hang in there. God is working and preparing you for what lies ahead. You are His child so you can rest assured it will be good and bring Him great glory! Keep on looking to Jesus! He’s got you!🤟🏼🙏

“But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Eyes wide open

January 18, 2023Leave a Comment

A couple of days ago I blogged on Something new. Today I would like to pick up on this topic but go in a different direction. When God is doing something new it can be unnerving. Some people don’t like change. In order to grow in life, we have to embrace Gods plan and be willing to follow Him.

This morning I had an extra long quiet time and it was so refreshing. A friend sent me some sermon notes on a sermon she heard this past Sunday. The sermon was about Jesus healing Bartimaeus the blind beggar. (Mark 10: 46-52) The pastor apparently used this story to teach on moving with God despite obstacles in life. The story of Bartimaeus always resonates with me because I am legally blind. If you throw hearing impairment in the picture,that’s me. I love how Bartimaeus did not listen to the crowds when they told him to hush but shouted even louder. He pushed past what the people thought. When Jesus stopped and called him, he threw off his cloak and went to Jesus. After Jesus healed him, he followed Jesus. The cloak that identified him as a blind beggar was left behind. He wasn’t afraid but moved forward into what Jesus had for him.

Often times people are afraid to move into the unknown. 2 Timothy 1‬:‭7‬ says, “For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.” (ASV‬‬). If God is guiding you, walk by faith and move past any obstacles. God is able to move things out of your path so you can keep walking with Him. Nothing is impossible with God! Mark 10:27

As God opens new doors in your life, don’t be afraid! Move forward in faith. Don’t let others perceptions hinder you. Put your eyes on the prize, Jesus! “Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There is much more to say but I will save it for another time. If you liked this blog post please subscribe. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Something new

January 16, 20231 Comment

Over the last few days I have taken some notes of scripture I’ve read, sensing it was something to blog on. As I sat down a few minutes ago, I said, “Okay Lord what do you want me to say?” Seriously I did! I never want it to be about me, but rather what the Lord is doing around me. I delight in the things God opens my eyes, heart and understanding to receive.

I start each day in prayer and reading Gods Word. Well in all honesty, the first thing I do each morning is put my Advanced Bionics Marvel cochlear implant processor on, then feed our dog Joy. She would stare me down if I didn’t. Once she has had her breakfast, I get lost in prayer and Gods Word. Psalms‬ ‭143‬‬:‭8 says, “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you”.‭‭(‬ ‭NLT‬‬). This routine sets the course for each day.

I am really enjoying the New Living Translation Bible. This week one of the passages I read was 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) The English Standard Version says it this way. ““Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18-19‬ ‭(ESV‬‬). This is so encouraging! The Lord is telling us He is doing something new. He wants us to forget about the past. Behold, He is doing a new thing. Open your eyes to see what God is up to. He is at work all around us.

Life can seem like a “wasteland” or “ wilderness“. Those words depict a dry season in life where you just push through each day. Every day is just another cycle of the same old thing: Not growing or seeming to go nowhere in life. But in these verses in Isaiah, God is telling us He will make a way in the wilderness. He is bringing forth rivers in the wasteland. God is doing a new thing! Open you eyes!

Forget the past. Be willing to embrace what God is doing around you, in you and through your circumstances. When He said He is making a way through the wilderness, He is leading you. Will you follow Him? He says Hie will provide rivers in the wasteland, that’srefreshing in those hard times. Will you have to go through them? Yes but you won’t go through it alone. The Lord is guiding you and restoring you along the way.

He is always up to something. He is doing a new thing. I will pick up on this again in a few days. I want to meditate on this and ask the Lord to show me more. I’m excited to see what God has in store.

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Wrap it up

December 28, 20224 Comments

As 2022 winds down to a close, where do you find yourself? Some people take inventory of their lives at the close of the year and make goals for the new year. We live and hopefully learn along the way so we can move forward. Experience is a great teacher.

Whatever happened in 2022, it’s in the past. We all stumble and fall short. I’m so thankful for the grace of God! When I confess my sins to Jesus, He forgives me. Sometimes we get hung up on past mistakes and defeats. We have to forgive ourselves too and show ourselves grace so we can move forward.

The devil is constantly bringing up our shortcomings so we feel unworthy and unloved. Let me remind you that the devil is the father of lies! (John 8:44)

If you find yourself in a pit of despair, climb out! You might like your little comfort zone. Im speaking to myself here as well. When I close myself off to people and stay comfortable in life, I don’t grow. God has ordained us to make a difference for His kingdom. I believe my purpose in life is to bring God glory. I can’t do that in my comfort zone.

Is God saying to you, “Why are you walking in defeat?” Don’t let this world define you! Rise up to be all God is calling you to be. You might be saying, “But no one understands what I’m going through. “ Let me tell you something,, Jesus fully understands! He left His throne where He had full authority. He chose to be born as a baby to poor young parents. He was fully God and fully human. He understands. Turn your eyes on Jesus. Look to Him in every situation. He cares about every detail of our lives. Nothing is too big or too small to take to Him in prayer. He is always there waiting for you to come to Him. You are never alone.

Recently I was reading Isaiah 40. I love the whole chapter but the last verse struck me as I read the New Living Translation. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭(NLT‬‬). For some reason the word soar really stood out to me. It was like the Holy Spirt dropped that word into my heart for 2023. I’ve heard people say before that God gives them a word for the new year but this was my first experience with this.

I’m not sure exactly what God is trying to tell me but I know this: as I fix my eyes upon Jesus, and wait upon Him , He will renew my strength for whatever lies ahead. He will enable me to soar. It won’t be in my own strength but in His. If you know my story you might be shaking your head. This girl is legally blind and deaf, hearing with a cochlear implant. What in the world can she do? On my own… nothing! But all things are possible with God! (Mark 10:27). I love this next verse as it is so encouraging to me. “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

As we wrap up 2022 and prepare for 2023, don’t be afraid. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Read these next two verses. I love this so much. “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1-2‬( ‭NLT‬‬)
Here is another verse that I love. “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

I have truly shared my heart with you as2022 is coming to a close. Let me speak truth over you as you step into the new year. “So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭(NLT‬) I love God Word. Now rise up and soar into the new year! ‭‭

All scriptures are from, You Version app. I love this app so much because it makes reading the Bible assessable with my low vision.

St-re-tc-hi-ng me

December 10, 2022Leave a Comment

It’s the season for parties and gatherings of all sizes. Tis the season of stretching me! Im not a groups kind of person. I love people but with limited hearing and vision its always a challenge as I try to navigate the social environment.

Today I had two Christmas events to attend with my mom. My husband had to work, so mom and I went to our Lit & Latte Book Club Christmas party and a ladies event at her church. We love our book club friends. Truth be told, I don’t hear very much of the discussion and kind of have to watch movements to figure out who is speaking. However they know me, my limitations, my story and love me anyway. The ladies event at moms church was a real stretch. I will guess there were over 100 ladies there. Some I had not seen in years. It was great to see them all again but these social settings are truly out of my comfort zone. Thankfully we sat front and center, so I could sort of see what was happening. Knowing my limitations I have to approach these things with a sense of openness and adventure. Everyone likely comes away from these things with different senses of pleasure. For me it was the joy of recognizing the worship songs when I can’t see the lyrics on the screen. As I raised my hand to worship Jesus, tears slid down my cheeks. I may not have gleamed much from the message because I couldn’t quite comprehend what she was saying but my heart heard the worship and I gave in to that precious gift.

As the festivities continue over the next couple of weeks, there will be more gatherings. Christmas can be challenging for some people. Whether it’s because of physical limitations, or pressures coming from expectations. Give yourself a break. Give the gift of you. Your presence, your smile, hugs, kindness are all gifts. Go with an open heart. Even if you feel broken, God will meet you there. You might feel stretched but if you are really honest about the important things, you will be blessed by giving the gift of you!

Oh come let us adore Him. oh come let us adore Him, oh come let us adore Him..Christ The Lord!

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Speak Clearly

November 11, 20222 Comments

As I type this blog entry, I’m sitting in our sons old room, preparing for an opportunity to share my testimony tomorrow at a small group. I’m not one for self promotion but I will gladly share what God has done in my life. I have a unique story but only have about 30-40 minutes to share tomorrow. I’ve been praying about this all week and started making some notes this afternoon to guide my thoughts.

This afternoon when my husband Ron got off work I took a break and we had a late lunch with our son Joshua. We went to Bad Daddy Burger since my husband could get a free Veterans Day meal. Afterwards we went to the house where Joshua lives with some friends. It was a fun visit and Joshua and I played some indoor basketball. I stink but by the time we finished I was getting the hang of it. Once back home, I sat back down to continue preparing for tomorrow.

I know my purpose in life is to bring God glory through whatever situation He puts me in. As I sit here preparing, tears are rolling down my cheeks. It’s like a dam breaks and the tears roll down. The thing with most peoples testimony, it’s what God has brought you through. Like you have come through this and it’s because of God bringing you through. My testimony is a continuous test…. test after test after test. Seriously, it’s only because of the goodness of the Lord and the strength He gives me that I endure. His grace is certainly sufficient. His power is poured into my brokenness. It is HIStory, His strength, His everything. I am nothing without Jesus. He is faithful in all things.

My prayer is that He will speak clearly through me to encourage others. Life is not easy but all things are possible through Him. May more doors of opportunity open according to His will. Lord help me to speak clearly and from my heart to bring glory and honor to Your name. Thank you Jesus! Amen!

You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.