#friendship – rootedbythewater.blog

Stir up love

February 24, 2024Leave a Comment

Phyllis and I many years ago on the family mission trip.

Nothing like a funeral to get you thinking about the difference people make in the lives of those around them. Yesterday I along with many others went to a “Celebration of life” for a sweet friend Phyllis,who recently finished her earthly race and went home to be with Jesus. She was one of the sweetest people and loved others well. She didn’t judge you, she loved you. You could see the effect she had on others by the tears shed, memories shared and people who came to honor her and support her family. We should all live our lives with love like she did. The first time I really got to know her was years ago when our families went on a family missions trip to Aiken SC. One of the things we did was help in a soup kitchen. She was so caring and always had the most beautiful smile.

As I was reading the Bible this morning, I found myself in 1 John chapter 3. I love how the following verse begins with tender encouragement. “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬) So much is revealed by our actions. Anyone can say they love you, but those words are tested by the actions that follow. Jesus gave the perfect example of showing love. 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ says, “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” ‭(NLT‬‬)

The day Phyllis died, a group of deaf girlfriends plus one hearing girlfriend and I all had lunch. My friend Amy sat across from me. All the sudden she signed, “Can you see me?” The reason she asked is because sometimes depending on the size of the table, it’s hard for me to see sign language with my low vision, but it was a smaller table and I could see her fine. She had read a text then signed to me, “Phyllis just died.” Our hearts were broken. It was a “God thing” that Amy was with us when she got the news. I am jealous really. Phyllis is with Jesus and her race is won. Amy said it’s surreal but I told her that Phyllis, along with both of our dads and other friends who have passed away are with Jesus cheering us all on.

Just be sure of where you will spend eternity. 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ says, “And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.” (NLT‬‬). Salvation is a free gift. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9).

As we continue this race here on earth, let’s stir up love for others. Not just our brothers and sisters in Christ but those who are hurting and in need. If you really think about it, everyone is in need. Whether they are in need of someone to share the love of Jesus with them, share a smile of encouragement, share a hug or listening ear, share a kind word, share blankets, clothes, food for the poor… the point is… we can all make a difference by sharing the love of Jesus. Just like Phyllis did, love others not merely with words but with joyous action.

Here’s the thing, you can see it in peoples lives. 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭24‬ , “Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.” ‭(NLT‬‬). There is nothing more beautiful than a life well lived for Jesus. Being rooted and established in love that grows and spreads far and wide for the glory of God. Rest in the arms of Jesus sweet friend. We will see you again.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) 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.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Finding Joy

December 14, 2023Leave a Comment

Just a little while ago I was in the kitchen brewing a pot of tea and all the sudden I burst out laughing. My husband Ron heard me and wanted to now what was so funny. I told him, “You never know whats going through my mind.” I was going to leave it at that, but he insisted to know so I told him. The Christmas carol, “Deck the Halls” was playing in my head but with a slightly different twist. Singing in my off key voice: Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la blah blah blah Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la blah blah blah. We both started laughing. Why in the world does my mind work this way? Who needs Hollywood when the mind can be so comical?

I know… I’m not right but I am real. There is no pretense with me. I’m one of those : “take a situation and make it work” kind of people. We can’t fix people or situations but we can adjust our approach and expectations.

This is the most wonderful time of year simply because we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The greatest gift ever. When we keep to the true meaning of our celebrations I’m good. When we throw the hustle, chaos, shopping, events, gatherings, and traditions in, it can overstimulate and overwhelm me. Don’t get me wrong, I do love it. Dealing with all of it and having visual and hearing limitations makes it hard. I’m most content in going with a smile and doing my best to make sure everyone else is enjoying themselves. That is just the way I “roll”. It brings me joy to see others enjoying themselves.

While there is cheer and joy all around. I also see suffering and people struggling. There are people with limitations whether it be physical, financial, relational or emotional. There are people not eager to experience this holiday without a loved one who is no longer with us. I know some people who are grieving and others with health issues.

So how can we find joy in the midst of it all? I will share with you what works for me. First, I keep my focus on the true meaning of it all. It’s all about Jesus. Plain and simple. Every single day when I wake up Jesus gets my first fruits of the day: time for prayer and study of the Bible. It brings me such peace, joy and strength to face whatever the day throws. Often times it throws some curve balls. All I can say is “batter up”.

Another thing that brings me joy is giving. It doesn’t have to be things. I can be giving of my time or a listening ear. Encouragement is one of my spiritual gifts and I take great delight in encouraging others. Today I asked Ron if we could give a gift card we received for a local ice cream shop, to a single mother of four. He was all for it. It made us happy to pass on the blessing to her. There is such joy to be found in giving. It is much more blessed to give than receive.

Another way to find joy is being okay with saying no. You don’t have to go to everything you’re invited to if it wears you flat out. Prioritize! You must take care of yourself so you can take care of others. Finding balance is key.

Find a way to get your shopping and errands done without totally depleting yourself. I will tell you I am not a shopper. I’m not the best with gift giving simply because stores overwhelm me. With my low vision and the way everything is so high tech, going to the store is down right over stimulating. There is too much to look at and when I see something thats a possible gift idea, then I need to see the size. I get my ipad out and use my camera to find the right size. I know… I’m stubbornly independent. I just never want to be a bother. Thank God for Amazon and online shopping. I don’t need to drive to get it and I’m not overloaded with images. I can just search what I’m looking for and scroll through the selection. This year I had most of my shopping done before December 1 thanks to Black Friday online deals and cyber Monday deals. It worked for me. Find what works for you and don’t stress about it. Joy is not found in a gift under a tree.

Find joy in the special people in your life. God blesses us with family, be it big or small. God also blesses us with friends to enjoy and laugh with. I honestly had the best time with a group of friends recently. We decided to have a pajama Christmas Mexican party. We all wore our Christmas pajamas and brought something for a Mexican dinner to share. We all drew a name and brought one gift that was color themed. Whatever color the person we drew wanted, we found something that color. It was a neat and fun idea. Each person opened their gift beside where I was sitting so I could see everything. I did not ask them to do this. They are just so thoughtful! Such a blessing! We also played Uno with EXTRA LARGE cards. My friend Leasa bought them on Amazon, thinking I could see them better. It was hilarious and I surely could see them better. It was the best time I’ve had in a long time. Their thoughtfulness and friendship is such a gift and most of them are in my Bible study group.

My prayer for you all is that you find true joy this Christmas season and in the coming year. Life is not perfect. There are always challenges of some kind to face but you dont have to do it alone. I love Matthew 1:23, “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”” ‭(NLT)‬‬. Isn’t that beautiful. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are not alone. Find true joy this Christmas in the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Oh come let us adore Him… Oh come let us adore Him… Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

The gift of friendship

August 2, 2023Leave a Comment

Recently I noticed it was International Day of Friendship. Friendship needs more than a single day of recognition. It should be celebrated everyday. Lifelong friends are the best. You can go for periods of time without seeing each other but pick up right where you left off.

I am so thankful for the many friends God has blessed me with. Deaf friends, family friends, church friends,childhood friends, online friends I have never met in person …. There are so many and each has a special place in my heart.

You have to be a friend to have a friend. It’s a two way street. One person doesn’t do all the giving. Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”(‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Friends take the time. Honesty with love is the best policy. Friends don’t always see eye to eye but will look beyond faults and love regardless.

Having Christian friends are the absolute best. One of my best friends is on vacation this week with her whole extended family. Last night she texted me and another friend asking for prayer. Prayer is so amazing and technology is too. Being on a cruise-ship, she is out in the middle of the ocean yet when someone fell and busted their head she immediately asked for prayer. Five stitches later her family member is recovering. Thank you Jesus! I found the picture below recently on social media snd it really rings true. Your circle of friends matters.

If we are friends you always have a listening ear. You always have a prayer warrior ready to pray for you. You have some one willing to help. Empathy and grace are yours. You will always have an adventurous fun-loving friend willing to laugh and be serious.

There is a sense of unity. Friends are imperfect, yet willing to accept you despite the flaws. They see you at your best and at your worst. I love Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭17, “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.” (‭‭‬ NKJV)‬‬‭‭. We are also to bear one another’s burdens. Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

In an overly busy world that has become more and more divisive, let’s reach out to others with a loving heart of friendship. It takes time but people are worth it. People matter. If you have good friends you have a treasure. Cherish them.