#GodisGood – Page 8 – rootedbythewater.blog

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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Change Me

February 19, 2023Leave a Comment

As I recently heard about the Asbury Revival in Kentucky, it got me thinking. We are in such a dire need of revival. Our world and culture are so evil. We are bombarded daily by sin and people’s indifference to it. I “sat on” this blog topic all last week because it seemed an overwhelming task to even address. There is a fierce spiritual war going on and many people just sit on the sidelines and do nothing. We must repent and pray! We ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God.

This is not about going around judging people. It’s about allowing God to really examine our hearts and motives. Last week in my Bible reading I came across two verses in Psalms 24 verses 3-4: “Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.” (NLT). We need to ask, Lord are my hands clean? What abound my heart?

What people seem to forget is how Holy our God is! People are bombarded so much by sin they begin to accept it. Sex, violence, deception, pride, idolatry, worship of self, racism, disrespect and hate are constantly thrown in our faces by the media and entertainment industry. I personally don’t watch tv so I am careful what I expose myself to. When I am exposed to things of the world it really bothers me because I’m not used to it. I know what Gods Word says is right and wrong. I don’t water it down. It is what it is. Recently I finished a book that my book club was reading. It was a somewhat good book. However, for some reason the author shared the sex life of one character. It was so unnecessary. It would have otherwise been a good book without the casual sex encounters. That is a reflection of the society in which we live.

It’s not only spiritual warfare it’s psychological warfare as well. When people are exposed to some things so constantly over and over, it’s like they begin to just accept it as the way it is. However, Gods Word does not change. Since the beginning in the Garden of Eden, satan has twisted the Word of God. It is Imperative that we know the Bible and let it transform us through and through.

We need a revival and it starts with each individual person. Pastors must stop watering down the living Word of God! Preach the Cross! Preach the blood of Jesus! Preach repentance for sin! Preach resurrection! In Psalms 139, David cries out to God. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

This is War! It is crucial that we put on the armor of God every single day. (Ephesians 6:11-13) I recently was pretty annoyed by someone and was tempted to respond in the flesh which would not have been honoring to God. I asked my Bible study sisters to pray for me to resist the temptation. One reminded me to put on the helmet of salvation which included a mouth piece. I told her I needed a finger guard too to keep me from texting exactly what I thought. Just being real. No one is perfect. I never did say what annoyed me. I just needed prayer to not react in the flesh. The next day “Don’t rain on someone else’s parade” popped in my mind. When someone shares their experiences with me, I should not think of implications they might miss. If God wants to convict them, He will. I need to mind my own business. I‘m thankful for a teachable spirit.

I could go on and on with this but I’m going to wrap it up. Lord change us! Purify us and let revival come!
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

A worship song is playing in my heart and I probably don’t have the words exactly right but here is what I’m singing right now. I’m going to praise you with everything in me. I’m going to lift you on high for all the world to see. I’m going to worship in every way that I can and when I’ve done it all, I’ll do it all again.

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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Refining & forgiveness

January 26, 2023Leave a Comment

Several days ago I published a blog titled “Thrown under the bus?” I wrote on life applications from the life of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37, 39-48. There are a couple more things I want to touch on before moving beyond this incredible character in the Old Testament.

It’s amazing to see God at work in the lives of people. Through the successes, failures, triumphs and trials: it takes the Holy Spirits guidance to see Gods hand at work through it all.

When Joseph was younger he had a dream about his brothers bowing before him. Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭8 says, “His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.” (NLT‬‬)

I may be wrong but I pick up on some immaturity in these earlier accounts of Joseph telling his brothers about his dreams. Once they sold him into slavery, all the many hardships, injustice and trials shaped his character. You see that God was with him during each trial and allowed him to succeed.

Years later when his brothers had to go to Egypt for food because the famine was so bad, his dream came true. At this time Joseph was second in command in Egypt and in charge of all the food. His brothers came before him to get food, not knowing he was their brother because he used an interpreter. Joseph could have gloated over them and reminded them of his earlier dream but he did not. However he did test them by asking questions about their family, if their father was alive, and if they had any other brothers. In this way he could see if they had changed.

When his brothers came back to Egypt a second time for food, he ended up telling them who he was. This is such a beautiful story of forgiveness. Joseph has seen the hand of God in his journey of grief. God has developed his character and he was able to freely forgive his brothers for all they did to him. Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭5 says, “But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” (NLT‬‬)

We all could learn something from Joseph’s life of example. Don’t let bitterness take hold in your heart. Forgive those who have hurt you and cause trouble. Unforgiveness and bitterness are like cancer. They eat away at you and spill over into every part of your life. Even if the person who wronged you isn’t sorry, you can still forgive them for your own sake. Forgiveness will set you free and enable your heart to heal. God forgives us and He expects us to forgive each other. I know it’s hard. One sure way to make it a bit easier is to pray for the person who wronged you. It’s hard to stay angry at someone you pray for. Give the situation to God and ask Him to work it out. Ask Him to help you love instead of hold grudges. He will set you free.

Another thing I really admire about Joseph is his ability to see God at work in his trials. He saw God preparing him. Sometimes we don’t have a clue what God is up to. Ok…most of the time! However when you have a relationship with God, you study His Word and who He is, you can glimpse Him working behind the scenes. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”( ‭NLT‬‬)

In todays culture so many people are easily offended. If you want a true sense of humanity just get on a social media platform and read what people have to say. It is enlightening in the saddest way. God did not intend for people to be this way. God doesn’t want us to be judgemental and mean to each other. He wants us to love! Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ tells us, “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ‭(NLT‬‬)

You might ask, “Who is my neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone you encounter. You might be thinking I’m a joke! I’m not! I’m just sharing what God’s Word says. He wants us to have a relationship with Him. He desires for us to live in love and forgiveness. Humanly this is impossible but all things are possible with God! (Matthew 19:26)

“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)

Real life detour

January 22, 20232 Comments

Going to take a little detour in my blog post today since life took a little detour this morning. This past week was extremely busy for me. Monday I had an appointment with my audiologist then Bible study with my neighbor Val . Tuesday I volunteered at the food pantry. Wednesday I helped a friend. Thursday was another Bible study with my deaf friends ( an one hearing) Friday I helped my husband with insurance things and cleaned house. Yesterday was book club day, then I spent the afternoon with my mom. Last night I was so exhausted, my husband actually laughed.

This may not sound like much to you but if you take into consideration the fact that I am legally blind and hear “some” with a cochlear Implant, it was a lot for me. (Worth every minute though) With all my Bible studies and personal reading my quiet time one morning was three hours long. I told my mom I felt like I was in college again. Last night I asked my husband Ron if we could watch church online this morning.

This morning I woke up before the birds. I’m a early riser. After having time in prayer and reading the Bible, Ron was still asleep so I checked out the early online church service. Central Church had a guest speaker today and I could not follow him. I tried watching Fort Mill Church of God online. I could follow the music but not the Pastor. I even tried my brothers church online service and couldn’t follow his pastor either. That one was even captioned but I have to zoom in so big on my iPad I can’t follow as fast as they speak. All I can say is, I was determined to try and try, I certainly did. My friend Amy texted me and I was telling her about trying and not understanding. Spur of the moment she asked if I wanted to go to Fort Mill Church of God with her. The very service I had just been trying to follow. I woke up Ron and he said for me to go and have a good time, so I went. I think I beat my personal record in getting ready for church FAST!

I had not been in that church in several years. I volunteer at the food pantry there and am involved in the woman’s book club but we go to church at Central because there is always an interpreter and I don’t have to worry about understanding. Today was like old times with Amy interpreting for me. She too is deaf and hears with a cochlear Implant but she can see good and lip read. She really has a gift with sign language and how she kept up with Pastor King is amazing. That was my first time hearing him preach. He’s very anointed, very good and a VERY FAST speaker! T he music was beautiful and my tears flowed freely as I worshiped. Such a sweet presence of the Lord was there.

Moral of this story, you never know what the day holds. When God opens a door, be willing to dive in. He is always leading us forth in victory. What a beautiful morning it was even though it’s cold and rainy. God always shines through! So Blessed!

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.

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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When the music changes

November 20, 2022Leave a Comment

Memories…my last recital.

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.

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

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