57 things I’ve learned in 57 years

Since this is my birthday week, here are 57 nuggets of truth I’ve learned in 57 years.

1 ~ Live in the present. It’s a gift.
2 ~ Laugh at your shortcomings.
3 ~ Never stop learning.
4 ~ God is good always, despite the hard things.
5 ~ Don’t go to bed angry. Work it out before you go to sleep.
6 ~ problem solving is an essential life skill. It might be tough but it’s worth the effort.
7 ~ Invest time in your family. They are a treasure.
8 ~ Bloom where you’re planted.
9~ Any beach is my favorite. Just give me sand, waves, and the ocean breeze and I’m a happy girl.
10~ Nothing compares to a Mother’s heart for her children.
11~ Don’t take things for granted. They won’t last forever.
12~ Girls, start a skin care routine early in life. It makes a huge difference (You’ll see.)
13 ~ Forgive freely because God forgives us when we ask.
14 ~ It never hurts to ask, as long as it’s done nicely.
15 ~ The Heavens declare the glory of the Lord!
16 ~ It’s ok to cry. Tears cleanse you of built up emotions.
17~ First impressions last. Make it count.
18~ Words build up or tear down. Choose them carefully.
19 ~ Don’t take life too seriously. It’s a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow.
20 ~ You’re never too old to swing.
21 ~ Smile! It brightens a room!
22 ~ Music is delightful!
23 ~ Kind people make the world more beautiful!
24 ~ Ladies, don’t be afraid of gray hair. Going natural is liberating.
25 ~ A relationship with Jesus is the most important thing.
26 ~ Helping others helps take the focus off yourself.
27 ~ Friends come and friends go. Be thankful for them.
28 ~ Learning to control your tongue is vital.
29 ~ Drop your pride and apologize.
30 ~ Don’t hold a grudge.
31 ~ The Bible is our roadmap for life. Read and mediate on it.
32 ~ Make time for fun, the chores will still be there tomorrow.
33~ Motion is lotion. (I read that line in an awesome book Theo of Golden) So true!
34 ~ It’s more blessed to give than to receive.
35 ~ Marriage is worth fighting for. Roll up your sleeves and work out the hard things. So worth it.
36 ~ Never be afraid to ask for help.
37 ~ Starting your day in prayer and reading the Bible sets the course for a better day.
38 ~ Money does not make people happy.
39 ~ There is much joy found in watching things grow.
40 ~ Your child is always your child no matter what age they are.
41 ~ self examination is important. What do I need to improve?
42 ~ The past is over. Leave it there. Learn from it and move forward.
43 ~ God is the BEST artist. Just look at all He created. It’s a Marvel!!!
44 ~ You are never too old to start a new hobby.
45 ~ Don’t worry about what people think. Trust me, it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of life.
46 ~ You are one of a kind. Embrace your uniqueness.
47 ~ Common sense is wonderful! Use it!
48 ~ You have to take care of Yourself before you can take care of others.
49 ~ Humility is a beautiful thing.
50 ~ A listening ear is a rare find.
51 ~ “Labels” might be a diagnostic tool but don’t let them define you.
52 ~ You can do hard things.
53 ~ Something may be hard but TRY ANYWAY. You might just surprise yourself.
54 ~ Always be prepared. Backup plans are wise.
55 ~ Don’t sweat the small things.
56 ~ This too shall pass.
57 ~ Let it roll! Sometimes people are just having a bad day. Let it go. No reason to ruffle your feathers.

Here’s to the next “trip around the sun”

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Pondering 28 years~

It’s January 29, and I’m just blown away at the goodness of God. Today 28 years ago God gave us this amazing gift, when our son Joshua was born. The last 28 years have been a HUGE series of lessons, mountain tops and low valleys. It’s not played out the way I thought it would but I know God’s plans are so much bigger and better than ours. I have so many “mental snapshots” all throughout the last 28 years and my heart is full of joy, respect and pride in the man he has become. He is his own person with remarkable tenacity, strength and resilience that blows me away. He inspires me as he moves forward each day despite the odds he faces.

Last night we celebrated with some of his friends at a Japanese restaurant. He’s always loved their food and we’ve celebrated a few birthdays there. As we sat there last night I said, “We sat at that table for your 13th. birthday and that one over there for your 25th birthday.” Food preferences and football teams have stayed the same over the years. Since he was five he’s been a New England Patriots fan and we got him a new jersey for his birthday. I still have his first Patriots jersey from when he was five. I might find that, as it would probably fit his dog, Moose. Speaking of Moose, Joshua got first pick of the litter last April. This addition to the family has been a big ball of energy and joy.

Here’s Moose wearing Joshua’s jersey he wore when he played Popwarner football.

Joshua continues to work as a LMBT (licensed massage body work therapist). He does an amazing job as he gives me massages when I’m tense. (It’s amazing how the body holds stress and tension) His technique melts away the tension, relieving discomfort. If you are local, reach out and make an appointment.

I don’t know what this next year holds, but I know who does. Everyday I cover Joshua in prayer. God has him in the palm of His hands and that is the very best place to be. This year I have a few scriptures to speak over Joshua. The first is Psalms 61:2, “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (NKJV‬‬) The next verses are Jeremiah 29;11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (NLT‬‬) Happy birthday Joshua. You are loved!!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Time Flies


Time sure doesn’t move slowly. It flies! We blink, and our baby boy is turning 27! Tomorrow is our son Joshua’s 27th birthday and it will be the first one when we don’t see him. He had wanted to go on a birthday trip, all three of us, but after falling on ice and injuring my back, we told him to go have fun with his friends. Although he has flown many times over the years, today was the first time he flew alone. I told him, “You can do this! I used to do it before I married your dad.” I knew it would be a confidence builder. He just requested assistance since he has low vision. He called his dad when he landed in Florida and texted me when he found his friends. We know he will have a blast.

This past year has been one of tremendous growth and courage. If you know, you know. I’ll leave it at that. He has proven himself in so many areas and is on the road to his calling: Massage Therapy and Body Work. He truly has a gift in this career. He finished all courses, clinical work and passed the state exam. There are just a couple more things in the process then he can set out on his career journey.

Over Thanksgiving, Grandma showed him a scripture she had highlighted and noted in her Bible from 2009. One of the Assistant Pastors had spoken that passage over Joshua. “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel‬ ‭36‬:‭26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Joshua then asked , “Was I a problem child?” No he wasn’t. 2009 was the year he was diagnosed with optic atrophy. He’s such a unique person and we are so proud of the young man he is. He has been through the fire and sometimes is still in it, but that’s how God refines us. He’s has experienced more things in 27 years than many expirence in a lifetime. We can just gleam from each experience and move forward.

We are excited to see what this year will hold. I know God goes before him and follows him. God’s hand of blessing is on his head. Why we have to endure these visual issues is something we don’t know. As his mom, all I can do is pray and put forth the example of living a life serving God. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. That may be a slightly easier thing for a woman than a man ~ But God! He is learning, God is molding him and we get front row seats to see it all unfold. Happy birthday Joshua. You are a blessing. Keep being strong and courageous! God is always with you, wherever you go! 🤟🏼

Www.shannonkhinson.com