#Godwins – Page 5 – 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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The heart of the matter

March 14, 2023Leave a Comment

What’s the state of your heart? It’s a pretty heavy question but begs an answer. All you have to do is turn your tv on, surf the web, see whats getting all the attention in society and the big arguments being heard everywhere and it spells depravity of hear! I’ve always been fascinated by why people act the way they do. More and more things are being twisted out of proportion. It makes me wonder where is logic? Do people even bother to think these days? It’s a relevant question worthy of consideration.

Right now I’m doing a couple of different Bible studies and reading through the Bible as well. It is astounding how stubborn the Israelites were in the Old Testament. One of the studies I’ve done recently talked about sheep and how incredibly stubborn they are. We can be referred to as sheep needing a shepherd. That particular lesson was on the Lord my Shepherd. It gave insight into how sheep behave and how Jesus provides for us, cares and protects us.

The lesson we discussed yesterday spoke on the Lord our righteousness. My Bible study sister asked me what difference knowing Jesus this way has made in my life. I told her it has made all the difference in the world. Because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross for my sins, because of his resurrection, because He forgives me when I confess my sins, He is my righteousness. When God looks at me, He sees His Son Jesus Christ. I’m forever thankful!

This evening I decided to cross reference a few of the scriptures to see how difference translations compare. I don’t typically read the Message but these next few verses I will share from the Message are quite interesting in that translation. “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.”” Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭(MSG‬ ) OUCH!! I’ve done some pretending before, how about you?

‬ Here’s another one. “Everyone’s after the dishonest dollar, little people and big people alike. Prophets and priests and everyone in between twist words and doctor truth. My people are broken—shattered!— and they put on Band-Aids, Saying, ‘It’s not so bad. You’ll be just fine.’ But things are not ‘just fine’! Do you suppose they are embarrassed over this outrage? No, they have no shame. They don’t even know how to blush. There’s no hope for them. They’ve hit bottom and there’s no getting up. As far as I’m concerned, they’re finished.” God has spoken.” Jeremiah‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭(MSG‬‬)

Whoa! Now that’s our present society right there! There are so so many half truths, flat our lies and darkness that people try to “ superficially heal”.

What the world needs is the Light of Jesus shining bright and exposing sins. God knows the helpless state of humanity, that’s why He gave us the new covenant. He wants to take away the hearts of stone and put His laws in our hearts. Ezekiel 36: 26-27 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (NKJV)

I find it so amazing how the Bible is so relevant today. It’s God’s love letter to us. It’s our instruction book to get through this life. I don’t know about you but falling in love with Jesus and accepting His free gift of salvation is the best thing I’ve ever done. The prayer of my heart is like King David’s in Psalms 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (NKJV)

God understands our desperate need for Him. Sometimes in the chaos of dealing with life, He seems so far away He is right there with you every step of the way. He can give you a new heart. He desires to be the “lover of your soul”.

The Bible study I refer to in this blog is written by Kay Arthur. It is called Lord I want to know you. I purchased the digital version but have also seen her Bible studies on Amazon. I have done many of her studies. They take you deeper into The Word of God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com
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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!

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.