#humannature – Page 2 – rootedbythewater.blog

Matters of the Heart

March 18, 2026Leave a Comment

Once again I’m prepping for tonight’s devotion. It’s my hearts desire that the “Word” takes root in such a way that when I stand in front of the homeless people that God’s Word flows. Tonight I am going to share about Jesus’ parable of the Farmer sowing seed. As I have meditated on this it seems such a matter of the heart.

What’s in our heart is so important. For example, whatever is in your heart, your mouth speaks. (Matthew12:34) The Bible also tells us to guard our hearts above all else, because it determines the course of our lives. (See Proverbs 4:23). As I’ve thought deeply on matters of the heart, I realize that over time our hearts can become incrusted with hardness due to hurts, un-forgiveness, bitterness and struggles. I know someone who as a child and youth had such a tender heart. However hurt after hurt, accident after accident, witnessing a tragic accident, health issues, and relationship issues…. You get the “Picture” ….has developed a hardness over that once tender heart. I’ve witness that “wall” being torn down as well. Glory to God! This is a real life illustration. This “matter of the heart” sets the stage for how I see this parable of the sower found in Mark 4:1-20. (Tonight I plan to summarize it because with low vision I’m not going to read 20 verses in front of a group of people.)

Here is my summary –

Jesus is once again teaching a large crowd of people on the lake shore. He got into a boat, sat down and began to teach them by telling stories called parables.

A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it in his field some fell along the footpath and birds came and ate it. Other seeds fell on shallow soil that had underlying rock, It sprouted quickly because of the shallow soil but the plants wilted and died under the sun because the plants lacked deep roots due to the underlying rock. Other seed fell among the thorns that grew up and choked the plants so that it didn’t produce any grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, that sprouted and grew and produced a harvest, 30,60 and even 100 times as much as was planted. Anyone with ears, let him hear and understand.

Later Jesus explained the story to his disciples. The seed is the “Word of God” shared with people. The seed that fell on the footpath, as soon as the people hear the Word of God, satan snatches it away. The seed that fell on the rocky soil, represent those that hear the Word, receive it immediately with joy, but since they lack deep roots they fall away when problems come in life and they are persecuted. The seed that fell among the thorns represents people who hear God’s Word but all too quickly the cares of this life, desire for wealth, and other things crowd it out so it doesn’t produce fruit. Cares of this life can be many thing: over concern about what people think about you and your situation. The cares could be getting ahead and doing more, living for yourself etc. Cares of life are just that, things that burden you and distract you from what’s really important. The seed that fell on good soil are the people who receive God’s Word accepting it and it produces a harvest 30, 60, and 100 times more than what was planted.

Let’s make some connections. Do you understand what spiritual fruit is? Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (NLT‬‬)

Let’s make a couple more connections here. Our hearts are like the soil. Our hearts need to be ready to accept and apply God’s message to our lives. Sometimes when we are listening to a message or reading God’s Word (the Bible), our minds are on other things or problems and we don’t really gleam from the message. We need to ask God to help us prepare our hearts so we can receive His Word and produce a harvest for His Glory. I have thought about this illustration in the past of checking in your “baggage” at the door before you come in to church, your bible study or fellowship time. What I mean is, when we come in with a heart uncluttered and weighed down with life “baggage” struggles, worries, problems then we are more likely to receive the life transforming Word of God. So let’s check in our “life baggage”, leaving it at the Lord’s feet so we can truly receive.

I often pray “create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me”. David wrote and prayed that in Psalms 51:10. Let us learn from this mighty man after God’s own heart, and ask God to cleanse us and prepare the “soil” of our hearts to receive His Word so we will produce fruit for His Glory!

Be blessed today and pray as I share this with the people tonight.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

We need more Trail Blazers

March 16, 2026Leave a Comment

For some reason the word “Trail Blazer” popped in my head this afternoon. I can just hear a friend of mine saying, “Girl, you’re thinking too deeply”. Maybe so, but sometimes deep thinking is needed. A trail blazer is a pioneer who sets the way to guide others, possibly in uncharted territory. I’m not talking about physical land, rather I’m talking about being a light for others experiencing darkness. Whether that darkness is social barriers, communication barriers or spiritual barriers. We need people willing to go the “extra mile” to serve others. People who are willing to get out of their comfort zone to help others around them. I do this on Wednesday nights when I share a devotion with people from the homeless shelter. Is it comfortable for me? No but I know God works in our weaknesses if we will surrender. I’ll tell you the truth, it’s a very rewarding experience and it’s never easy doing it.

I heard recently that only 2% of deaf people know Jesus. That is astounding!!! Of all the churches I know of only one has a program for the hearing impaired where they provide sign language interpreters. That same church also provides translations into other languages. It is truly amazing. I’d say, they are Trail Blazers in sharing the Gospel among various languages. It would be nice to see other churches do the same. I have a friend whose family has been attending a church in South Carolina for years. There are no services for her at her church. She has to see it on social media closed captioned in order to receive the message. Church is not only for worship and teaching of the Word of God. It is also for fellowship. Social media is not fellowship. If you are a Pastor or in church leadership and you have someone in your congregation needing special help, go the “extra mile” to provide what is needed for them to participate in the worship service. Some might say, “it’s never been done”. Perhaps so, but perhaps the need is something that is new. Many people won’t speak up and advocate for their needs. It is completely fine to say, “Hey is there anything you can do to help?” Sometimes you have to push a bit but remember only 2% of deaf people are Christians. That is a HUGE population that can be and needs to be reached for the Glory of God!!!

Now on to a different need. There are many people in our communities that need encouragement, prayer, a helping hand etc. It could be the elderly, widows, single mom’s struggling to raise their kids, the homeless. So many people could benefit from someone going out of their way, getting out of their own comfort zone to be a blessing. There is an amazing organization that helps us on Wednesday nights. I’m not sure of the exact name but it’s young men and their moms that show up to help serve the food at the homeless shelter. They are such a blessing. I’m not sure where all they serve but it could be in many places.

In our present culture people are so “sucked in” to their phones, tablets and computers. We need to encourage each other to put those devices aside and interact with people around us. Many young people need mentors that help them to learn social skills. Our children are a valuable blessing to us and they should be protected from worldly ideologies and mentored to serve others and solve problems.

We need people who actually want to get involved and not just sit on the “side lines” as a spectator of the Gospel. The mission field is huge and just needs people who are willing to be the “hands and feet of Jesus”.

Do you see why “Trail Blazers” popped in my head today? There are so many areas of need. Sometimes we need to speak up in a nice respectful way, to “plant some ideas” of things that would be worth the hassle of doing them. It never hurts to ask nicely. It never hurts to try something new that’s maybe never been done in your organization, that would benefit others. It never hurts to serve , as a matter of fact it will bless you beyond your imagination. So… what will you do with this? I know this blog is read in countries around the world. This applies to anyone, anywhere. What will you do with this? Who will you serve? Who will you help? Who will you share the Gospel with? I think you get the idea. Now go and be a blessing and I guarantee you will be so blessed in return.

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When you fail the test

February 15, 2026Leave a Comment

It’s been one of those days. To think I’m even on the iPad after all the technical difficulty I had this afternoon, is a testament in itself. There’s no way around the fact that I’m one “stubborn cookie”. So you might be wondering what test I failed. I’ll get to that in a minute. Well I’ll just spill the beans! Sunday afternoons I usually work on the short devotion I’ll teach on Wednesday. Today was no different. The irony of this is, I’m going to share on James 1:2-4. Considering it joy when we face trials of many kinds. My trial today was a technical trial that lasted for hours and with 12 reboots of the iPad to try to get around the technical problems. It was SO frustrating. I mean, really! I think God was probably getting a bit of a chuckle because I wasn’t even close to being joyful because I was so frustrated.

Here’s the issue. The last three iOS updates which are supposed to be “all that” have been a nightmare to me. I’ve talked to many people with good vision and I have yet to find one who likes the latest three updates. For me the issue is, when I zoom the screen (that’s a triple tap and drag – and I’m always zoomed in to see since I have low vision) if I edit anything then I basically lose control of the screen; it automatically scrolls and wiggles all on it’s own and won’t let me control the screen. It is horrible. Rebooting only allows me to read it, but once I make any changes, even a single letter, it does it again.

So there I was working on my notes (or rather trying to) all afternoon and it did nothing but frustrate me AND I was making those notes on having JOY in trials. Ok Lord! You might be getting a laugh but I’m down here shaking my head and knowing I failed that test. I will still teach on this on Wednesday because life is a good teacher and God is teaching me right along with everyone else.

I’ll copy/ paste my notes here. Who knows, just maybe I can complete them in the blog. It’s worth a try. I’ve tried everything else and nothing has worked. So here are my notes……

Devotion for 2/18
Tonight I want to open with James 1;2-4(NLT) “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (NLT‬‬)

How many of us count it as an opportunity for joy when we face trials? Anybody? Me neither. Well….. We’re learning. Let’s think about this. When we experience tough things in life, pure joy is not usually our first response.

As we are facing something tough our first responses are often times uncertainty, anxiety, fear, frustration, even dread. There could be some moans of “not again” and “Can’t I catch a break!” We all know the drill, from different situations.

The scripture in James doesn’t eliminate these feelings in a believer and honestly rarely is my first response joy. However, it can be. In those few verses of James we learn that we can consider and approach our tough times with joy. I did fail this test today but just hear me out. When a tough situation arises, we have opportunity to trust God with the situation. That makes our burden lighter as we realize God can somehow work it out.

Joy is brought about by the greater “picture at play’. And indeed I did laugh a bit after my initial great frustration. (Which repeated itself again and again until it wore me out.). The greater picture is that trials develop our maturity and perseverance. When our minds are focused on the present, here and now, everything can feel harder and much worse.
If we see out current suffering in light of the “grand scheme”of our life, our development of perseverance is important and going through these trials refines us so we can choose to respond in joy, as we see God developing us.(wow! That was a long run-on sentence!)

Until the day we die, God will be developing us into the image of His son Jesus. Romans 8;29-30 says. “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. (NLT‬‬) That is the love of our God. How truly rich we are when we know God’s precious Words and study them.

The way to experience Joy in the midst of trials is to look to Jesus. He’s got us in His hands. He wants us to surrender, confess our sins, repent and live for Him. Look at the big picture in your life. The moment by moment that develops us along the way. So I failed the “finding joy” in the technical trials today and it wasn’t just the iPad, it was also the stove and the microwave. I could tell you some stories but we live and learn, wake up the next day and do it again. Hopefully passing the next test with “flying colors”.

Well that’s the end of my notes and Glory to God, I was able to make some edits without the screen taking on a mind of its own. I know I’m not the only one who “deals with life”. Let’s try to keep our focus on Jesus when our frustrations try to get the best of us. When I share this lesson on Wednesday, this days struggles will be gone. Only God knows what tomorrow holds. Let’s trust Him with His best.

Www.shannonkhinson.com.

What do you see?👀

January 1, 2026Leave a Comment

A “nugget” of wisdom to start off 2026 on the right path. In the above picture, what do you see? A half FULL glass of water or a half EMPTY glass? Perspective is key! It is always half FULL! Look for the good in situations and people and your attitude will shift for the better. Some people find the negative in everything and will tell everyone about it. Don’t be that way. In 2026 I challenge you to see the good, the lovely and praise worthy things. Let those things take the lead in your thoughts, not the negative or how things don’t measure up to what you want.

Now back to boxing up Christmas decorations. I stopped for a glass of water and my mind took a little detour as it often does. (Deep thinker problems )😊 Nothing like a half FULL perspective for the New Year! Make it a good one!

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Comfort & Joy trickling in~

December 21, 2025Leave a Comment

To say I’ve been stressed lately is an understatement! I mean, really, everyday life is stressful with trying to see things and understand. (Visual and hearing impairments are no joke) Trust me, there is much miscommunication that goes on around here. Half the time I can do nothing about it but adjust my attitude and response. While at Great Clips for a haircut on Friday, as I walked in while Ron was parking, a guy acted like he knew me and asked where my husband was. It turned out to be one of my husband’s friends and I was embarrassed that I didn’t see him well enough to know who he was. That’s just a tiny example. When I’m at home, I’m fine but in unfamiliar areas, it can be stressful. Plus the fact, it’s Christmas time.

While we don’t do a lot around the holidays, we do a few things. Year round we are on a team that serves the homeless. We will be serving Christmas Eve, but most of our team won’t be able to come: out of town or “under the weather”. When God opens a door, I typically step in, even though I’m so unprepared. I’ve been praying for about two weeks about this upcoming time of ministry, that God would work it out to be something very special for the people so they could see God’s love for them. Let me just say, as of right now, things are falling into place unlike I could have ever imagined. Some friends from the book club that I’m in are bringing desserts and a friend just sent me a picture of 150 cookies that she and her boyfriend had made. Ron and I thought we could be cooking for the event but it sounds like a group has stepped up to totally bless these precious people with BBQ, beans and coleslaw. I am in tears at the faithfulness of God. Once the dinner is complete and I have a chance, I will give an update. I am so blown away by the faithfulness of God and watching Him work it all out. Many sweet people are helping and it is beautiful!

The last few weeks I’ve talked to the people about different parts of the Christmas story. This Wednesday we will wrap it up. Well, actually God has already wrapped it up in the gift of Jesus birth. I pray He gives me the words to speak well for His glory. (It will be a pretty short devotion but to share how God has brought it all together for the special meal and desserts, just WOW!).

We had our girlfriend’s Christmas dinner last week. One friend gave us all a nice Christmas mug. I think everyone’s had their initial and a Christmas design. Mine had “Comfort & Joy” with a Christmas design. It was like God was telling me something. He brings good tidings of comfort and joy when we trust in Him. In trusting Him, I have to let go of the situations troubling me and trust Him to work it out. As I pour out my heart to the Lord, He has used different parts of the Christmas story to impress things upon my heart. From being obedient like Mary in a perplexing situation, the shepherds hearing the angels in noise, to eagerly following Jesus like the wisemen followed the star, to making room for Jesus, there is much the Lord has impressed upon me this season. As I “let go and let God”, truly trusting Him when I don’t see how it’s going to work. Seeing God work behind the scenes to bring things together, I’m in awe of God. He is faithful always. He loves us so much He came, with a manager as His bed. Such humility, compassion and love. People were expecting a ruler not a baby born to a virgin and placed in a manager. But that baby changed everything. Jesus! Immanuel, God with us! His good tidings of comfort & joy are trickling in and my heart is full. I wish you a blessed Christmas week with your family and friends. Don’t forget those less fortunate. Give the gift of you: your time, kindness, compassion, a listening ear, prayer and resources if you can spare anything. I’ve learned it is far more blessed to give than receive.

Merry Christmas to you all!

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My husband Ron, me, our son Joshua and his puppy Moose.

A wonder in theCOLD

December 16, 2025Leave a Comment

Early mornings usually find me outside in the back yard with our grand-puppy Moose. As he runs around in the yard, all energized by the cold, I’ve noticed buds on Dad’s tulip tree. We planted this tree in his honor five years ago after he passed away. It typically blooms around his heavenly birthday. I was surprised to see buds all over it, especially with the cold weather we have been having. Even though I’ve never seen it bloom at this time of year, the buds give me hope for beautiful things ahead. When I see these buds I think of Dad. He loved Christmas and was the best “tree fluffer”. I remember his very last Christmas with us, he and I were putting their Christmas tree together. I told him I needed his “good eyes” to find the little plugs in the tree to light it up. We got it done and he fluffed it. Precious memories. I sure do miss him. He would be so proud of my Mom as she goes over and beyond to keep things going. She is amazing!

Dad fixing Christmas fruit boxes for the community. His legacy of loving others lives on in us all.

During this busy time of year, we can overcommit and wear ourselves out with our fun traditions. Be sure to take time to slow down and rest in the beautiful wonder of Jesus birth. Just like the shepherds who were going about their usual business of watching their flocks at night. When they saw the heavenly announcement of Jesus birth, they stopped “business as usual” and went to behold this wonder. Let’s do the same! The traditions are fun but make sure to “stop and take in the wonder of Jesus birth”. Find rest this season in the miracle of Christmas. O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him. O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

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UGHHH…..The Irony

November 23, 2025November 23, 2025Leave a Comment

Oh the irony of life! God surely has a sense of humor and sometimes I don’t quite find it so amusing. Thus the title of this blog. Usually Sunday afternoon finds me working on the upcoming devotion for the homeless ministry. This Wednesday I am planning to teach on thankfulness. The thing is, it’s been a frustrating day. Whether it is the real struggle of miscommunication, trying in vain to see power points that I can’t see, not able to follow worship music in church…. Etc….. and here I am working on a devotion about thankfulness. Okay Lord! Help me be teachable so I can in turn teach others. The struggle is real!

Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful but it honestly takes a shift of perspective. I’m sitting here making notes for Wednesdays devotion and my iPad starts doing this odd “jiggle scroll movement” on its own, over and over. Mind you… it only does this on ZOOM and guess what? I’m typically zoomed in when I’m online so I can see. I’m actually laughing at the moment at the irony.

Let me share a short bit from my notes for Wednesday: I Thessalonians 5:18, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (NLT) In Philippians 4:6 the Apostle Paul links prayer and thanksgiving. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Thankfulness starts in the heart and prayer is so important in addressing heart issues. For example; When we take the focus off the problem and choose to thank God , our attitudes can shift for the better We can address whatever we are facing by praying about it and thanking God. If you know what I deal with day to day , all I can say is, Lord take the wheel! I’m done!” Miscommunication is frustrating. Technology issues are frustrating. My cochlear implant battery actually died while sitting here on the porch. I normally immediately change it but it’s kind of peaceful sitting here in utter silence.

I’ve been praying about the church situation. I love the church we’ve gone to for the last several years but right now circumstances have us trying to find one closer to home since my husband takes our son to work Sunday mornings. If you know me, I can get lost in true worship. I can often times recognize songs by the musical chords before the lyrics even start (thanks to my cochlear implant processor) But the non traditional churches we’ve visited are so loud, with heavy bass and drums, I am unable to follow. The lyrics were up on the screen today. We sat on the second row. I told Ron it is so weird the way I see (or don’t see). I see some of the letters but I can’t make out the words. (Optic nerves are too small so all the stimulus doesn’t get through). The music is so overly LOUD it distorts things to my hearing with my implant. (that’s most churches) Tears actually spilled over in my frustration today. (Just briefly. Sometimes you’ve got to let it out.) God knows. It’s just a weird season right now. BUT…. I’ve got to be thankful. God help me find the silver liner during this time.

So that is where I am today. Linking prayer and thanksgiving, making my requests known to God. He knows anyway. Thanking Him for this coming week, this coming devotion, thanking Him for working all these things out according to His Will and pleasure. As you prepare for Thanksgiving week, make time to reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness. Take time to include others who may not be fortunate to have someone to share a meal with. There are many ways to reach out to others. When you bless others, God returns the blessing to you in some way.
Happy Thanksgiving week to you all!

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Faith~ Story of my life

November 15, 20252 Comments

Now don’t get me wrong, this is not the “story of my life”. That would take a long series with hilarity and tears and I’m not going there in this blog. Rather…. Faith itself is the “story of my life”. Everyday I wake up and choose to have faith that God has me and my family in the palm of His hands. No place I’d rather be, than in His hands and His loving arms.

Last week at the homeless outreach in Rock Hill, SC I shared on “living by faith”. On the way there I teared up in the car as my husband Ron was driving down I-77 South. I held those tears back as I didn’t want him to know. It is amazing how God works these devotions in me before I present them to the people. And…. Lord I do want it to be YOU speaking through an empty me and never me just up there speaking”.

Living by faith is not an easy task when you find yourself in circumstances less than appealing. I’ve actually been gaining confidence as I share on Wednesdays, noted by others who have said so. Last Wednesday, they handed me a microphone though and out the door went my confidence. Something about a microphone un-nerves me. Why? Well, honestly I use my hands when I talk. I also have to zoom in to see my notes on my iPad. Let me tell you, when you have to constantly zoom in on an iPad it starts doing a little jiggle and rushes to the bottom of my notes. 😳 God please! Yep, that happens pretty regularly and thus the microphone in my other hand, throws me off. Some of the people said they could hear me better though so I’ll do it. Life is a “learning curve”, each step prepares us for the next.

I began last Wednesday with a question,”Have you ever prayed hard and it seemed like God doesn’t answer?” I shared with them that I have, in fact kind of regularly. Sometimes we pray about something so much we lose sight of who we are praying to – God almighty, our creator and sustainer, the One who knows whats best for us.

The Bible is full of “great people” that God used for His glory. If you study the scriptures you will find that often what made them “great” was the trials and struggles they endured and came out the other side glorifying God. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (NKJV‬‬) Ok Lord, you know I don’t “see” a lot of things but I’m trusting you in this “daily grind” and the long run. A little further in that chapter of Hebrews we see the following verse: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (NKJV‬‬) That is so true! When we surrender to Jesus, Heaven is our home. We are just passing through down here on earth. It’s kind of a hard truth when you live a constant trial, BUT GOD! I say that because, His power is made perfect in our weaknesses when we give it over to Him.

Let me mention the last two verses of this chapter; “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭39‬-‭40‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) So they did not receive the promise but saw it from afar and God had something better for them. It boils down to trusting God. I look at it this way, God is my Heavenly Father and He knows whats best. I had an amazing earthly father and I sure do miss him. He always listened when I needed to talk. He loved me and my brother and gave us wise counsel. How much more will my Heavenly Father do these things plus more. He sees the “whole picture” of our lives.

No I don’t understand why I have to live with hearing and vision issues. I don’t understand why I have to depend on others to get places because I can’t see well enough to drive. I really don’t understand why our son has to have my similar limitations. Lord it’s just a hard hard thing to witness. I don’t understand why the majority of people don’t care. They are too busy with their own lives I suppose. I can relate to the homeless people in a sense. The majority of people don’t care but God does. He has me stand before them each Wednesday and testify of the loving, all powerful God He is. We just keep on keeping on. I will smile and trust God has us and won’t ever forsake us.

This Wednesday, God willing, I’m going to continue with the subject on living by faith. I’m going to check our pantry, as I think I have some mustard seeds in there. I got mustard seeds thinking they were ground mustard, God knew I’d need them one day. I’m going to find that container and show the people how small amount of faith we need. A mustard seed is tiny. Pray God gives me the words to share, the words that will reach their hearts and encourage them to put their hope in Jesus.

That’s all for now. Maybe I will follow up after this Wednesday’s ministry. Where ever you are in life, have faith in God! He watches over us so carefully and tenderly when we are under trial and temptation. Let me encourage you with one last verse. “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” Job‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

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What defines you?

November 4, 2025Leave a Comment

Can I ask you a question ? What defines you? Our world is full of labels: Government, healthcare, social economics,and people in general like to define us and put us in categories. Those labels can be so confining though and you begin to allow them to define you. When Jesus walked this earth, He didn’t let any situation or anyone define Him. He went around teaching truth, doing good and performing miracles. Some of the people said he was a liar, but Jesus disregarded what they said about Him. Even those who flattered Him, He disregarded. Jesus only listened to the words of His Heavenly Father. If Jesus had allowed people and situations to define Him, He would have never completed the missions God the Father sent Him to do.

Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” That mans, our thoughts and beliefs shape our character, actions and ultimately our reality. We need to be so careful in what we think about and what we allow to define us. Here is an example. Once I was “labeled” as legally blind, it put me in a very confining “corner”. I can’t stand the label because in my mind I am not blind. Sure I can’t see what you see BUT I can see some and that to me counts. The same goes with the label of “deaf/hard of hearing”. I do have trouble comprehending speech (it fluctuates) but I’m on the porch right now listening to the birds sing. Quite often I challenge myself to listen to YoutTube videos. Sometimes I understand some of it and other times I flail, but I try. Last Sunday I watched Central Church early service from the back porch and I followed it well. It was like God was speaking right through Pastor, straight to my heart. Just the day before I had prayed pretty much exactly something Pastor said. “Lord do you hear me? Do you see my situation? Do you care?” You might wonder why I would pray such a thing. I pray and pray and pray some more and I’m still in this “furnace called life”. Oh boy! I needed that message so much and God in His power made sure I “got it”. If I listened to the labels of the world, I wouldn’t have even tried listening. But God is bigger than labels. He defines me and nothing else.

We are who God says we are. We can look into the very twisted mirror of this world OR we can look into the perfect law of liberty, God’s Word, As we study God’s Word we are being transformed. There is no more condemnation. The Bible gives us confidence to know that it doesn’t matter what people say about us, it only matters what God says about us. Let’s check out James 1:25, “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (ESV) We don’t just want to hear the Word then forget it, we want to take action and do it. God’s Word transforms us as we hear it and study it.

We are not defined by past situations, the world or people. Some people let things that happened in the past, define them. Let’s think of some examples: It all went downhill wen I was diagnosed with _______, or when my child was diagnosed with __________, or I got divorced, or after surgery you became addicted to pain medicine, or you became addicted to _______ to deal with life, or you lost your job and your home. There are so many scenarios, but you see my point. God tells us to forget the former things. We can learn from it and move forward and trust Him. I love the New Living Translation of Isaiah 43:18-19, ““But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (NLT‬‬) I just love that! That tells me to forget the labels, forget the diagnosis, forget all the limitations. I know, I know, I’ve prayed and prayed and prayed and am still waiting. But I choose to stand on God’s Word and His promises because HE IS FAITHFUL. Im going to listen to my Lord and do as He says. Forget the former things! He is up to something new in our lives. Can’t you see it? He’s making a way. Let’s watch as He creates things in the most unusual way. Why? Because He can! God loves YOU! You are not forgotten! He see you and will help you. From experience, His help is not usually in the way I anticipate it but He does help in one way or another. He comforts, lifts the broken hearted, gives strength and His perfect peace. He never fails.

Have a blessed week. http://www.shannonkhinson.com

The purge in process

October 16, 2025Leave a Comment

A purge is in process over here lately. We got rid of two sofas and one love seat to begin with. The sofas were both broken in one way or another, and I was shocked to see Ron and Joshua totally demolish one in order to carry it off to the dump, piece by piece. (too bad I didn’t get a picture of it) However, I think Joshua did take a picture and sent it to his friend who sometimes stays here when he is over this way. His friend said , “I guess I will have to sleep on the floor now”. Joshua told hm he could sleep on Grandpa’s recliner and maybe he’d pick up Grandpa’s golf talent.

That started cleaning out broken or unwanted things and rearranging furniture for new sofas. As I moved things around I took everything off bookcases so I could move them. I didn’t realize how many books I had until I took them of the shelves. Oh my goodness! Let’s just say, I like to read. The sad part is that I can no longer see well enough to read “printed” books so those books would never be read by me again. ( I now read ebooks) I started sorting the books and ended up with three bags full of books to donate to GoodWill. However, I kept my favorites.

The day the new sofas came, my mom came over to see. She also helped me rearrange the books I had kept. I had already gotten rid of the three bags full of books for Good Will but still had many favorites left. She said, “Shannon, why are you keeping all those books if you can’t see them to read again”? She had a good point. When she left I went through what remained again and pulled out some great devotioals, and encouraging books. I sat those aside to take to the homeless ministry. I put some of my favorite series of Christian fiction aside and I’m trying to figure out what to do with those. It does feel good to be getting rid of things I won’t use again and someone else might enjoy them.

Last night when I went to the homeless ministry to help serve dinner and teach a devotion, I brought the bag of devotional and encouraging books with me and set them up on the table. They were quickly taken. It turned out that quite a few of them like to read. Maybe next week I can bring some of the Christian fiction books I have for them to enjoy. We also have Bibles for anyone who might want one. Last night I offered a Bible to a young man. He asked , “How much?” I told him it was free and he was welcome to have one. He took one and I pray he reads it. God’s Word is alive and active!

Now the next purge should be the closet, as I switch around seasonal clothes. Maybe I’ll end up with more things to share with our homeless friends. Then we definitely need to go through the attic. Oh my gosh! ! The thing about the attic, the dust sets off my allergies and my eyes end up puffy and I end up sneezing constantly. But it has to be done.

I honestly don’t go into the attic much. Two months ago was actually the first time I went in this year. I was wondering why Christmas things were right inside the attic door, blocking my entrance. Then I remembered my fall on ice last January, obtaining a compression fracture to my lower back. That was immediately followed bye covid, flu A and flu B: so I never did any decorating this year until Fall. I guess. I’m going to have to get some safety goggles and mask for the attic job. Hopefully I will get up there before Christmas when the attic is cooler.

Mom said I was sort of a hoarder but I beg to differ. With my visua issues it makes the job of getting rid of stuff so much longer. For example, going through the books, I had to take them to my video magnifying machine to see what some of them said. It just makes a tedious job way more annoying. I’m just being honest here. The thing is, the longer you live, if you don’t occasionally rid yourself of things, it piles up then is overwhelming. Getting rid of the broken furniture has set the “purging ball” rolling. Wish me luck as I continue with the task.

On a totally different note, we can also purge ourselves of unnecessary personal spiritual baggage that weighs us down. That was kind of my topic for the devotion I shared last night: Uprooting bitterness in our hearts. God gives us a new day, the present that is a gift. We are meant to walk in the freedom He gives, not weighed down by bitterness and past hurts. Bitterness tells us to remember the hurt. Grace says to remember the cross of Jesus. People are prone to making mistakes. No one is perfect. We need to adjust our expectations accordingly. Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭34‬ says, “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.” (NLT‬‬) Another scripture I shared was Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭31 that says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” (NLT) My husband Ron and I were talking about the devotion last night. He said you can see in the peoples faces that many are searching for the truth. God grant us all the ability to pour Your truth out for the “thirsty”. Please pray as the Lord leads for direction, wisdom and all seeds planted will take root and produce a harvest for the glory of God.

Now back to my purging of stuff. Have a blessed beyond measure kind of day. You are loved.

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

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