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.
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!
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.
All scriptures are from, You Version app. I love this app so much because it makes reading the Bible assessable with my low vision.
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!
If you enjoyed this blog subscribe so you don’t miss my weekly posts. What I share varies depending on what God puts on my heart. It’s always real though. Never any pretense. Check out my autobiography Rooted by the Water. You can find it on Amazon.
Have you ever had a time in your life when God enabled you to do something you would not typically attempt? Taking piano lessons as a hearing and visually limited adult was that season for me. I am so thankful for that time period, worshipping on the piano was my therapy. My friend and former teacher taught me chords since I can’t see well enough to read music. I bought a sketch book and she filled it with songs I wanted to learn. I would sit for hours practicing and would play through my whole sketch book.
My husband Ron bought a used piano for my birthday several years ago. It was my happy place to sit and play. I stopped taking lessons when I needed that extra money to buy a Cross link device that worked with my previous cochlear implant processor. On a sad note, that cross link device doesn’t sync with my new processor.
Once I stopped playing the piano was when I really began writing. I published my autobiography Rooted by the Water in May 2021. You can find it on Amazon. Writing became my new form of therapy. Unlike with playing the piano, I no longer have to depend on someone else to write out the music for me. Writing and blogging are ways to glorify God, encourage others and share my heart. I never meant to stop playing the songs I had learned on the piano but my focus was shifted to written expression. In the last few years I only sat down to play a couple of times and was surprised at how much I had forgotten.
A few months ago some friends of our son Joshua moved up from Miami, Florida. One a social media influencer/artist and one an award winning music producer. I kid you not. He sat down at my piano and literally burned up those keys with his talent. Wow! Joshua knew I had not played in a while and asked if the guys could buy it. Every musical instrument meeds to be loved and played. I knew it would be used often in its new home, so I agreed to sell it. The guys came and got it last week. In a way I’m a bit sad because that season is over but I know great music will come forth from the new owners. I still have my electric keyboard, if I can only find what my husband did with the electric cord and sustain pedal.
The last time I saw my piano.
In this new season, I’m thankful for the opportunity to write and blog. Several topics have been swirling in my mind lately but I’ve been too busy to write. One day soon I will get those out in a blog. You can find my blog from the menu on my website http://www.shannonkhinson.com or at http://www.rootedbythewater.blog
Check it out and subscribe if you haven’t already. Be blessed!
Oil? Yes oil! A need for fresh oil has been a repetitive thing in my spirit lately. I’m not referring to the cooking kind, or automotive kind, but rather that of the Holy Spirit.
Last week I met with a group of friends to dig into Gods Word. One friend was intrigued about the ten virgins in Matthew 25. It was an interesting discussion as we looked up scripture related to this topic and life application. Bottom lime is, we need fresh oil to shine for Jesus. Fresh oil or anointing comes from spending time in prayer, worship and reading Gods Word.
This week I’ve been reflecting on this and coming across other bits of information that all go along together. I came across a statement that made me think. Sometimes the answer to my prayer is not what I gain but rather what I lose. When I spend time in prayer I lose anger, anxiety, frustration, dpression and hurt to name a few. Those loses are ultimately gains. Sometimes life is a big mess of frustration. I find myself often praying, “Lord help me”. His answers are not always in the way I’d like, but in one way or another, Jesus shows Himself faithful.
Last week when I met with my neighbor for our Bible study, we were analyzing scriptures about healing. One name of our God is, Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals. As we were praying and sharing about different things, I told her I believe God can heal my optic nerves. I told her of my frustrations with my Optelec magnifier being broke and the parts being so pricey. The part that came in that did not fix the problem, cost $100 just to ship back. I told my friend, “ God needs to either fix my optic nerves or fix my machine! “ Yesterday my husband finally was able to get in touch with a regional person about a used machine. The man has a used one that he will sell us for $800, we just have to meet him some time this week. Thank you Jesus! That is a big answer to prayer. Of course I’d prefer healing but I’m trusting God.
I came across another thing online that really summed up my life and the difficulties I face. The post was on social media by Hannah Williamson, who I do not know. She started by saying, “Your calling is going to crush you.” I’m going to quote her here because it was so spot on true and she said she is sharing because someone else desperately needs it. I was one of those people. I read it over and over and I cried. Life is a big jumbled up frustration and I don’t typically talk about it because God is the only one who can change things. It’s no one’s fault so I push through. Here is the whole post I read on Facebook. I had trouble formatting this so everything below in gold is Hannah Williamsoms words.
Hannah Williamson, October 19
Your calling is going to crush you.
👉🏼 I have posted this before, but someone desperately needs this reminder.
💔If you are called to mend to the brokenhearted, you are going to wrestle with a broken heart.
👦🏻If you are called to heal God’s little ones, you have probably experienced your own share of trauma.
🗣If you are called to prophesy, you’re going to struggle with self-control of the tongue.
🩺If you are called to lay hands, you’re going to deal with spiritually-rooted disease.
🪨If you’re called to preach and teach the gospel, you WILL be sifted for the wisdom that anoints your message.
🪞If you are called to empower, your self-esteem will be attacked- your successes hard fought.
⚔️Your calling will come with spiritual warfare and a sifting – BOTH are necessary for your mantle to be authentic, humble and powerful.
Your crushing won’t be easy because your assignment is not easy – and you can’t minister POWERFULLY what you haven’t walked out. Read that sentence again.
🕊When you’re feeling the weight of it coming down on you, RUN to the father who longs to be your comfort. Let him whisper your true identity over you while resting under the shadow of his wings. Position yourself against his heartbeat. Let him renew your strength and set your eyes forward. No olives, no oil. No grapes, no wine.
Your oil is not cheap my friend.
Hannah’s post has been shared many times and I too shared it with friends. May God bless Hannah for her faithfulness in sharing this encouragement.
As we continue to be pressed on every side by life, crushed and in the refiners fire, don’t lose hope. Press in closer to Jesus as He renews us daily with fresh strength, fresh anointing and everything we need to walk victoriously in this life.
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.
When you see people do you really see them? There are so many factors that come together to make people the way they are. You may be asking, what factors? The environments people are raised in, both good and bad, shape people. The types of families, patents, parenting styles have a huge affect on people. The words spoken over people both positive and negative, shape them and the way they think. Past hurts, successes and shortcomings, all factor in. Ones abilities and disabilities and societies response to those can cause life long attitudes and perceptions.
You might be wondering why I’m rambling on like this. As some one with visual and hearing limitations, I truly “See” people. People need love and acceptance.
The American culture and society right now is such a complete mess, It breaks my heart. The lack of morales and upright values is downright appalling. And we wonder why people are so messed up and hurt.
What can we do in light of our current cultural depravity? We can be a listening ear and make time to hear another’s heart. We can and should ask God to give us His perspective on whats occurring around us. We can pray! We can pray that God gives us a heightened sensitivity to what is happening around us. There is such great power in prayer. Just do it! Make the time to ask God what He thinks about what’s going on. Be part of the loving caring solution. We can’t remove ourselves from this world but we can SHINE for Jesus in the murky darkness.
I find myself praying often for children and young adults. I pray God cancels out every plan the enemy has for our young ones. I pray God will pierce the darkness and expose things hidden in plain sight. If you are a person of influence, a parent, educator, business owner, coach, mentor: what can you do to push against this negative culture? You can speak life and truth in love. Value all people. Stand in the gap in prayer and positive living. You can say one thing with your words and something entirely different with your body language and indifference.
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ( NIV). Will you surrender to Jesus and let Him give you a fresh perspective? “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NLT)
Lord help us to make a difference. Help us to realize you desire to use us to bring about good and healing. You are El Roi, the God who sees. Nothing is hidden from you. May our surrender and obedience be an act of loving worship as you use us for your glory. In Jesus name Amen!
To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water” by Shannon Kenley Hinson. Www.shannonkhinson.com
Have you ever prayed for something for years, and I do mean YEARS, and the answer does not come? Yesterday once again I sat in the ophthalmologist office to get my eyes examined. It had been over five years since I went. As Ron checked me in I noticed everyone was wearing masks and we were handed masks to put on. I told Ron there was no way I would be able to understand with everyone masked and it was already a stressful situation. He told me to just wait and see what they said.
We were wearing our masks when I was called back. I politely explained to the lady that being hearing impaired I needed to be able to see my husbands face so I could understand. She was very understandable. As she checked my visions I thanked God for the letters I could see, I reminded myself that Jesus was with me right there and I had peace. I was not anxious at all It turned out that my visions was basically the same as five years ago. I do have some really small cataracts which is age related. Optic atrophy and optic Hypoplasia are still the diagnosis.
When the doctor came in he was very kind and I sensed his genuineness. He looked over the pictures of my optic nerves and examined them himself. He apologized and said there was nothing that could be done for my optic nerve issues. I appreciated his honesty. He said glasses might help a little bit. I will make another appointment for that and maybe bring a deaf friend so I can look at sing language and not an eye chart. My goal is to increase functionality on a daily basis. We will see how that works out.
This morning I am reflecting on the goodness of God. Yes I did say goodness of God. When I woke up yesterday I had peace. I gave the day and the appointment to the Lord in prayer. Peace never left me. A couple of situations tried to rob me of peace and irritate me but I pushed them aside. I knew and continue to know that God is in control. Last night as I read the summary on the patient portal I marveled at all my visual issues. I told the Lord that it was up to Him to bring healing. The doctors can’t do anything but God can. So I continue to wait and in this waiting I’m thankful for His peace that passes all understanding. I continue to have faith that my unchanging God will fix this in His perfect timing. I will continue to glorify Him even when I don’t understand, God is good and faithful always.
Never stop praying and believing for the impossible. The same God who healed the man born blind in John 9, can heal me. He is the same yesterday today and forever. Thank you Lord for your peace, strength, love and perfect timing.
To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water” by Shannon Kenley Hinson.
This morning I woke before the birds and sat out on the back porch. It was still dark and I sat praying and reflecting. Being thankful is such a big key in living a life of victory. I prayed, worshipped and read the Bible as the sun came up through the trees. It was utterly peaceful.
As I sat reflecting on recent things I thought of this past Sunday at Central Church of God. As the choir led us in worship, I softly sang along. My husband Ron looked at me and I said, “What? Can you hear me?” He smiled and I laughed because I make a joyful noise. The message spoke to my heart. It’s amazing how my personal studies in Gods Word, the message and worship , all combine together into a huge uplifting of my heart. That’s the beauty in how God works and brings things together to uplift you and propel you forward.
There have been other highlights from this week. On Tuesday I started back volunteering at the Fort Mill Church of God food pantry. It’s always a blessing to help others in the community. I helped pack 48 boxes of food that day. Helping others warms my heart.
Later on Tuesday my friend Amy came over to help me with a Zoom mentor meeting for Advanced Bionics. Tuesday was our second training. The first Zoom training was two months ago and a disaster for me. I can look back at my attempts to make it work and shake my head laughing. Simply put, the first zoom meeting was actually my first time using Zoom. As I tried to figure it out, listening as best I could with my cochlear implant technology and realizing I couldn’t see the captioning…let’s just say, it wasn’t the best experience. I was surprised to get an invitation to the second mentor training and asked Amy if she could interpret for me since she can see the captions. She was a huge blessing as she helped me participate. She said it was even difficult for her and she can see well. There was the person speaking, a drop box for chat, another window with questions to answer, the caption was small at the bottom, plus the frames with people in attendance, Amy said, “We are not shown for some reason.” Then I realized the computer camera was covered. It was a learning experience and interesting to hear other peoples stories. Im thankful they will let me stick with encouraging others in online forums.
Last night was the icing on the cake for this week. For years a few deaf friends and I have talked about doing a Bible study together. Last night was our first study together and it was beautiful. I can’t wait to see what God has in store as He reveals more to us and we walk this journey together.
This weekend we will get the family together for a cookout to celebrate what would have been Dads 80th birthday. He is spending it in Heaven with Jesus. We will still celebrate him and the legacy that continues to go forth through us all. We sure do miss him!
I would appreciate prayer for next Tuesday September 13 at 2:30 EST. I finally caved and made an appointment to get my eyes checked. I strongly dislike going to the eye doctor. Too many bad memories and none which could ever help. The last time I went was in the Spring of 2017. Im not looking forward to it. I will see a new Doctor. I pray God allows something to help. Thanks in advance for your prayers.
One other recent highlight, a friend from college was able to plug my files in and get my website back up. My previous domain was taken so the new website is http://www.shannonkhinson.com. He also added my blog to the menu. It does need some tweaking but it is basically functioning. I am so grateful.
To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water” by Shannon Kenley Hinson.
rootedbythewater.blog 