inspire – rootedbythewater.blog

What do you SEE?

September 3, 2026Leave a Comment

Recently on social medial I asked the following question: What do you see? I was born with my visual problem but it has worsened over time. Imagine spending most of your life thinking you were born with a birth defect to both your optic nerves, and according to doctors, I was. However, the doctor said it would not get worse. He said as I naturally aged they would be able to get it back to my “normal”. (I guess with glasses. ) His theory was wrong. The struggle is real. I haven’t been to the eye doctor in years because it’s a waste of my time. Other than five eyelid surgeries, they have never been able to help at all. (I discovered later that one procedure was not even appropriate.) I am a slow reader and the font has to be zoomed in large. I see some of the letters in a word but not all of them. I recognize people by shape, size and hair color. Lighting is important because it helps me to see whats there. It is a very odd thing and no doctor has ever tried to figure it out.

Last Sunday I went to Central Church with a good friend. Central is “home”. It’s where I can actively participate in worship and understand the message through a sign language interpreter. (Why other churches don’t offer this, I’ll never understand.). Yes, for those who might be reading my blog for the first time, I’m also hearing impaired. Back to my question…. I mentioned possibly blogging on the topic but also shared pieces of this to gleam some feedback. My friend was telling me the expressions on faces on the stage. We were sitting in the first pew. I can see Pastor but not his face details. She could “see” he is burdened for the church. Wow! I mean I’m sure he is but to be able to “see” it on his face. Wow! She could “see” that one of the guys playing an instrument was truly moved by the worship and was “holding back” tears. Oh to be able to “see” those precious things. I am thankful for the descriptions. I know hearing impaired people put more into reading facial expressions because it conveys true meaning. So if you can hear maybe you look for or “see” different things.

The feedback was interesting. Unless you see me read, you might never realize that I’m not seeing like you. It’s not obvious. Even people who know me well have a tendency to forget. I think the post made a few people appreciate things they take for granted. My cousin who suffered ocular seizures a while back shared one eye is fuzzy, but the other he can see expressions. Another friend said she can see the expressions and hear the emotion in voices. Another friend suggested I use live-streaming on my iPad while at church so I could take a quick look, zoomed in to see. (I’d never do that. Never want to be a distraction to others.) People were encouraging. One mentioned the spiritual “sight” of discernment. I praise God that He has given me that. I guess that brings us to another form of “seeing”.

Spiritual insight and discernment are also ways the Holy Spirit enables us to “see” and test what’s going on around us. I love to tune in to the Holy Spirit and seek His direction on whatever is at hand. I guess because I don’t hear it all and definitely don’t see it all, what I do “get”, I ponder. I’m a deep soul. I think deeply on things and often pray over them. I see people and their personalities at play. I see how we can “walk in the flesh” sometimes unintentionally. We have to ask the Lord to examine our hearts and our lives. We need to ask for forgiveness and make changes to walk surrendered to the Lord. When I notice conflicts, I see personalities and attitudes at play. I see how people approach and deal with issues. I sense spiritual elements at work behind situations. There is so much to see/discern and so much to cover in prayer.

I’ve come to notice that people have no clue what you’re going through. (And that is okay) I personally “stumbled” upon deep empathy years ago. As I was dealing with hearing and vision issues, I became way more sensitive to any need around me I also became sensitive to how people respond to those needs. People are so unique, each with their own story that has molded them into who they are. When you see conflicts, someone withdrawn, etc. think of the underlying issues that might be at work. This type of perspective can bring a healthy peaceful shift in situations. Just something to think about.

Well, that was a “deep dive” and it’s time to come back to the “surface”. I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Be mindful of differences and little things you can do for those around you. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Daily “Manna”

July 22, 2026Leave a Comment

Back in the Old Testament in the book of Exodus, God sent the hungry Israelites manna from Heaven, every morning as they traveled through the wilderness for 40 years. They were only to gather enough for one day. If they hoarded it, it would rot. In this way God tested their obedience to trust Him to fortify them for each day.

I see some connections with modern day life. While we don’t have physical manna falling from Heaven each morning, we do have God’s Word that we can partake of each and every day to fortify and strengthen us for whatever we face. When I have my quiet times with the Lord in the morning: time in prayer and in scripture, God truly does refresh me This is a discipline I’ve learned that really helps me each day. I often think what an incredible difference it would make in peoples lives if they learned the habit of going to God each morning to be fully equipped for the day. We don’t know what’s coming at us but He sees the full picture.

The last two weeks I’ve been very stressed and drained by life situations. I’ve been struggling with my comprehension again for some reason. I guess I’ll need to go back and start doing auditory exercises again. My low vision has also given me issues lately, thats not to mention people. The thing about people, we are all flawed in some way. No one is perfect, but with my hearing and visual limits it takes a special kind of patience to deal with it. Last Saturday night I broke down and just cried. I explained to my husband, “I am always thinking about everyone else. Making sure everyone else is happy and taken care of, but what about me?” I struggled Saturday trying to understand what everyone was saying around me. There was that, and no notes for several weeks from the church we’ve been visiting, dealing with emails coming through regarding marketing my memoir….. combine it all and it’s just stressful. I finally did talk to my Mom about it. She told me it’s not God’s will for me to be stressed. She’s praying along with me and this week has been much better.

I can relate to the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. My life with my visual and hearing limitations poses some obstacles that can seem impossible at times. I must remember that God IS in control. I came across a verse in Joshua 1 this morning: “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 was also reminded of another scripture found in Exodus 14: “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”” Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Do you need these reminders as well? We can trust God. He is faithful. He answers prayers. I’ll be the first to tell you, His timing is not like ours, however it is perfect. He sees the BIG picture and has our best in mind, as a Father watches over his children, so God watches over us.

Learning to trust God’s perfect Will is sometimes hard. About a month ago a scout came across my memoir Rooted by the Water and it was entered into some sort of selection process for “page to screen” with a production company for the inspirational true story category. I had to sign a non-disclosure so I couldn’t say anything. (I was released from that on Monday.) Out of many books I made the top 20, then I made the top 5. Two days ago I heard they have selected another story and I’ve been released from the non-disclosure. I was like, “Okay Lord, this wasn’t Your Will. What’s next?” So I wait for direction on that end. The following verses come to mind: ““My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Where ever you are in life, whatever you are facing, God IS trustworthy and loves us so much. We can rest in Him. When you are beyond stressed and drained by life, step back and just breathe. I do this and it really helps. Breathe, pray, worship the Lord, read the Bible and watch Him work things out in His way. Older worship songs always come to me at these moments. One is with me right now: Breathe by Marie Barnet (1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing) Once again the YouTube video isn’t loading. Let me add the link so you can check it out if you’re unfamiliar with it. He will refresh you are you worship along. https://youtu.be/oZhUesUaM98?si=HXoW5SAKBQ9lu3pO

Have a productive and peaceful rest of the week. Stay in prayer and God’s Word. He is faithful always. God bless you all.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

In the “trenches”

July 9, 2026Leave a Comment

This blog may take a bit of time to put together. A friend and his wife who are missionaries in Italy, actually sent me the above picture recently and it resonated with me deeply. I decided to follow “Salt & Light” because inspiring messages are always welcome.

I am not one to complain or showcase my struggles but there comes a time when sharing, although uncomfortable, most likely encourages others also in the “trenches” of life. In all honestly, in my 57 years of life, there has always been some struggle. God has always enabled me to bounce back. If you have ever read my memoir Rooted by the Water many of the chapters begin with the metaphor of water stirring, churning, waves forming then the BIG one. It seems God allows the build up of life issues, as not to totally overwhelm. I told my husband Ron recently, I feel like one of those punching toys, where you hit it, it rears back then bounces back up. I told him I feel like those punches come from all sides in life. So when my friend Jack sent me the above I totally got it. I’m often like Elijah saying “Lord, I’ve had enough! I’m done!” But it keeps coming.

Let’s see if I can briefly summarize the “trenches”: communication lapse with just about everyone…. I don’t hear it all and I dont’ see it all either. Whether I’m with hearing people or deaf people I miss something. Hearing people expect me to “get it”… well I don’t always and it’s not my fault. Deaf friends will repeat and help and I so appreciate that. Then there is the vision limitation…. Oh my goodness. “Lord why in the world do I have to deal with this?” I have not been to the eye doctor in years. At last check my vision was 20/400 (what I see at 20 feet, if you have good vision, you can see it from 400 feet. Let that sink in). There is the church issue. I miss my church. We stopped going so my husband could take our son to work. He has to be at work at the exact same time of the interpreted service. Other churches we visit don’t have sign language interpreters. Sometimes notes are sent and sometimes not. There are things with friends too: friends come and friends go, people go through different seasons in life and you feel left behind. It’s no ones fault, it’s just life.

This past Spring I began to try marketing my memoir again. A professor came across my book when looking for books on resilience. He really liked it and reached out, wondering why I have a good rating but not many reviews. I told the Lord, “You enabled me to write this story, the journey you have me on, but I have no clue on the visibility end or the marketing end. You created me to encourage and inspire for a reason. It’s not meant to sit buried online.” So, I hired a “Book Strategist”. I throughly checked the references she gave and everyone spoke highly of her. She seems very knowledgeable and kind, but we’ve hit a “hiccup”. I purchased Tier 3 which would greatly help with visibility. She is now insisting I need a professionally designed website (by her team) in order to fulfill what I pad for. This is not part of our agreement. My son Joshua created a wonderful website with all the features she said my first one lacked. We now need to add my social media links and it should be pretty much finished. She says it’s not enough for a long term career. This is not a career, but more a ministry. She and others think I will write more books. While I would love that and I’m full of ideas, alas… my vision is a real issue.

Now here comes the technology issue. Two days ago I was sent a some forms to fill out. I wanted to do it digitally because it looks more professional. I spent more than four hours trying to fill out these simple forms. More than FOUR HOURS to no avail! It would not work for some reason. The font went back and forth between small and large. The large font wouldn’t fit the line due to being cut off every single time. . It was the most absurd experience. Even Ron tried and it didn’t work for him either. He finally said, just give up. I said, “If I gave up in life I would not be standing here right now.” I finally caved, printed and filled the forms out by hand. My handwriting is not pretty. I have to use a video magnifier to be able to see what I’m writing. I carefully filled it out and Ron took it to get it uploaded for me to send off as an attachment. Guess what? The attachment wouldn’t come through! Seriously?!?! Ron caught me talking to myself and he asked, “What did youn say?” I replied, “I said I can’t do this.” And wow, I never say that! Ron went back to ask what the issue might be and he tried again. It still wouldn’t come through. They finally sent it to our son and he sent it off for me.

It seems like life is a joke at times. The struggle comes from every single side. I’m like “Hello God, I could really use some help down here”. Everyone wants something. Unsolicited advertisements come in all the time and I’m learning to trust no one. I’m the kind of person that aims to be kind and appreciative to all, but there is a fine line when it’s too much. I respond to many of the emails and many comment on how kind and pleasant I am. I try to reflect Jesus. “But Lord, I’m not meant for all these marketing pitches.”

Three days ago I was looking through Bible devotions on the Bible App. There are many plans to choose from on many topics. I found one of “EquipHer’ It talks about the “trenches” in life and how God does not waste these times. Yesterday’s lesson talked about when the trials are a long season. One of the quotes is : Faith is the glue that holds your journey together, even when everything feels fragmented. – Christa Crawford. Faith does not cancel difficulty or deny your exhaustion, it gives you strength and courage to walk through it. (Bible App reading plan. EquipHer Devotional series Volume 27, Day 3)

This devotion has been a breath of fresh air for a weary soul. Yes, I was already aware of these truths, but reminders are so helpful. Even the people closest to me don’t realize the struggles, I don’t complain. Ron is probably the only one that sees it. (Most of it) But God sees it all! He knows and he equips. This season is some sort of training for what lies ahead. All I can do is “be still and know He is God”, take some deep breaths, dig my heels in and steady myself with the deep roots of faith that have gone deep over many years of struggle. God’s got this!

Today I’m heading out for a refreshing time with good friends. Lunch, time by the pool and laughter is just what I need. Thankful for this “break” in life. If you too are struggling and can’t seem to catch a break, know that God doesn’t waste these “life trenches” He is training you because He knows you will rise up to declare His glory. Hang in there. I’m hanging with you!!🙏🤟🏼

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Deeply touched💙

May 25, 2026Leave a Comment

First let me say, Happy Memorial Day. I’m beyond thankful for the service men and women who have given it all for our freedom here in America. Take time to reflect on the “cost” of the freedoms we enjoy. 🇺🇸

I was not planning to write today but my heart was deeply touched this morning. Since working with the “Book Strategist”, reviews and ratings are beginning to trickle in on Goodreads. When my book first came out five years ago a few friends wrote reviews on Amazon. I greatly appreciate them taking the time. It’s a completely different thing when perfect strangers read and put into writing how the book moved them. I was in tears as I read the review this morning on Goodreads. Below is a screenshot of the review. This is why I wrote the book. Marion “nailed it” in the review. Just wanted to share. During my quiet time this morning I prayed, “Lord this is your story. Take it where you want it to go and reach those whom you desire to encourage.”

Another quick note….shout out to my son Joshua. I mentioned some things that I’d like to add to the basic website.It’s now a work in progress as he has taken over the website for me. He too faces visual and hearing limitation challenges, but it’s not as severe as mine. (Thank you Got and God willing his won’t worsen) He is a smart guy and wanted to see if he could figure out the website management. He was able to add my new book video trailer. He was so excited. You don’t realize how we use the computer….. we have to zoom in so we can see. I had not seen him on a computer in a while and it made me pause to watch him and his determination to figure it out. The “apple surely doesn’t fall far from the tree” He face timed a friend who is very talented with these things and his friend was laughing, telling him what he had accomplished wasn’t easy. Joshua wants to try to figure it all out for me. I’ll tell you, he can be a prankster though. He told me he thought about changing the name to “Rooted by the Booger”. I said, “You better not!!!” We have that playful kind of relationship. Anyway, check out the website link below if you’d like to see the book video trailer. We will see where God takes this. I am humbled and beyond grateful for this experience.

Blessings to you all!

Www.shannonkhinson.com.

Multi-Tasking kind of Day

July 15, 2025Leave a Comment

We all have those days when we’re on a quest to get it done. Thank God for the ability to multi-task, or shall I say the willingness to attempt it. Just being real. I am also so thankful for a crockpot to help get dinner together. This is the second day this week I’ve used ours. Our son Joshua asked for “Pain in the butt” chicken for dinner. Well honestly I have another word for it but butt is much nicer. The recipe is actually called Marry Me Chicken but when you see like I do, it gets another name. I have a zoom meeting tonight and wanted to tweak the recipe and use the crockpot so the guys can eat when they want and it’s easy clean up. Sure hope it turns out good.

This is also my cleaning day but I’m apparently only getting half of it done. Was trying to catch an afternoon zoom meeting, challenging myself to tune in via “Bluetooth” while I cleaned but that was a bust. Couldn’t follow without actually watching. #goals One day I’ll get it but it won’t be today. Moved some things around a bit while stopping to send texts and check messages. Now that dinner is in the crockpot, I can move on to another chore and continued prayer before this evenings zoom meeting. I have no clue how I will do, but I will show up and be a “fly on the wall” while attempting to gleam a bit and stretch myself a bit further. Not to mention writing a blog and mid way through catching Joshua’s friend before he left to ask him a tech question about Google Documents and spreadsheets. Well, I did say I was multi-tasing and he helped me figure it out!! Woo Hoo!

Also so excited that Pastor Daryl asked me to do the devotion for our homeless friends tomorrow night at RiceNBeans Rock Hill. Truth be told, this morning during my quiet time a scripture dropped into my heart. I’m going to continue praying through the day for confirmation from the Lord. I don’t know what these precious people need to hear but God knows and will direct me in what to say. I’d appreciate prayers for guidance and confidence / boldness. I am not qualified to do these things; the devotion for the ministry outreach and these zooms BUT God doesn’t called those already equipped, rather He equips us despite our abilities or lack there of. So, onward I go….. I need to accomplish a bit more today so I will leave you with this….. let’s finish out today STRONG IN THE LORD and in the POWER OF HIS MIGHT! Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

What keeps YOU going?

June 19, 2025Leave a Comment

Let’s talk about motivation: What fuels you and keeps you going? It could be so many things, some positive and others not so much. Let’s name a few and feel free to comment on ones I miss. Motivation factors could be faith, health issues, your family, desiring to move forward in life, pride, having an impact on others, leaving a legacy, sheer stubbornness, pure discipline, a beautiful sunny day, wanting to prosper, serving the community or under privileged, to name a few.

An individuals abilities can factor in on motivation. I will use myself as an example. With my low vision I have not been able to drive in about 36 years. That being said, I have to be creative in my motivation. Not many people would want to lose their freedom to do what they want and need to do but that is my reality and I often have to “press-in” to muster the motivation to get things done. It may not be done like you but it does get done. I personally press into my relationship with Jesus, my faith and trust in Him. I’m actually out on the back porch right now. I woke up early this morning and brought my coffee onto the back porch. I spent time in prayer and read/listened to the Bible for spiritual strength to tap into the power the Holy Spirit gives me. Another thing that motivates me is living a life of example for our son Joshua, who deals with similar (although not as bad) issues. He needs to see that I go to Jesus when I feel I can’t do something. He needs to see that I don’t give up. He needs to see “I finish what I start”. He needs to see “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. This is my example. This is my life.

What about you? What keeps you going? As a person with integrity we have to realize someone is always watching us. We need humility and to realize the world doesn’t revolve around us. Just think how much better the world would be if people were motivated to serve one another. We’d all be “world changers”. Just something to “think on” today.

I also totally understand when one slips into depression and feels like giving up. On those days (and yes I too occasionally have them) we need to realize that God put us here for a reason. Self pity is in a sense “pride” because in having those pity parties, we are exalting our problems. Does that make sense? On those depressing days when you feel alone, run to Jesus and ask Him for His perfect peace. Ask Him to direct you to constructive activities or chores to get your mind off your problem and get something done.

I hope I’ve got you thinking on your motivation factors and ways to stay motivated. Please comment anything I missed or your thoughts on the subject. As for me, it’s a beautiful day here on the border of the Carolinas. I’m going to get my house cleaning taken care of so I can enjoy the weekend. I have “Girls Night Out” with friends coming up and Book Club with my Mom. Whatever you do, press forward, smile and brighten someone’s day. Be Blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing.

Www.shannonkhinson.com.

Coincidence ?

May 22, 20252 Comments

Not the best picture, but it’s me at the end of this day.

I’m probably going to keep this short because I’m feeling rather drained. Yes, I was able to muster up a smile in the above picture. I can usually pull that off but it’s going to be an early to bed kind of night. Today I had my appointment with my audiologist to map (program) my cochlear implant processor. My previous audiologist was also there and they had a specialist with Advanced Bionics in California on the phone. The specialist recommended some adjustments to try to help me understand speech better. My brain seems to process speech slower than the majority of people talk. I usually have trouble hearing my husband because his voice doesn’t carry. My Audi Jenna made changes then had me and Ron to talk and see if I could hear him better. I hear him better now with the changes that were made, but it is still off.

Jenn asked if I was ready to “work” and I replied, “Yes, always have to be up for that.” The sound booth is not my cup of tea. I close my eyes to concentrate on hearing beeps, words, sentences, or whatever she wants me to listen to. I felt my body tense as I tried to hear things correctly. I mentally made myself relax and refocused. I didn’t feel like I had done well with the words. As it turned out, I got three more correct than last time. Three! Once we started the sentences I was so stressed. Out of all the random, and I do mean very random sentences, I got one completely right!! ONE! That one sentence was; Do you believe in miracles?” I looked through the little window at where she was sitting and said, “Yes! Do you believe in miracles?” Do you think that’s a coincidence that was the one and only sentence I totally understood? I don’t! I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe in God and I’ve been praying for miracles and I will continue to believe until it occurs in our lives. Yes we all need one! Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Can I see it yet? Nope! Am I sure of what I hope for? Just as sure as one can humanly be. So what do I do in the meantime as I wait? I will praise my God for He enabled me to hear that one sentence. I will thank Him and continue to seek Him because life isn’t about getting what I want. It’s about serving God with a pure heart in the good, the bad, the ugly and the stressful. That’s been 2025 so far. I was just texting Mom to let her know how it went today. At the end of the text I honestly said, “2025 has been a stressful rollercoaster that I’m ready to get off of”. She said, “Your miracle is coming and Joshua’s is too.”

God is my waymaker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness. Yes that;s right! Even when I don’t feel or see Him working, He is still working behind the scenes; Working all things out! So in the waiting, I will lift Him high in the lowest valleys and I will continue to praise Him. He’s my Abba and I know He loves me and I’m not alone. Be encouraged. Whatever you are facing. God is great at making ways when there isn’t one. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Rejoice Anyway 🙌🏼

March 30, 2025March 30, 2025Leave a Comment

This is a screenshot of something I saw online years ago. Kind of sums up things right now

This blog has been “brewing” for several days and the title has changed in my mind multiple times. Let’s see so far it’s been: “Lord I want a Redo of 2025”, then there was “Like a Frog” but now…. “Rejoice anyway”. Amazing how God changes me to rejoice despite life. Seriously! This year has been something else! But who am I to complain?

If you know our story, you know that despite hearing and visual issues God allows me to rise up and live in His strength, definitely not mine. My husband Ron is a “trooper” helping me and our son Joshua. The motto over here is more or less, “just get it done” and we do with God’s help.

If you follow my blog you know I fell HARD on ice in early January causing a compression fracture to my lower back. I’m a “Doer” I don’t like to sit, but sit, I did for weeks and weeks. Now at the end of this back recovery, I can finally do more. So, last Tuesday I asked Ron if he wanted to go help with the Big Birthday street party that RiceNBeans ministry was putting on for the homeless in downtown Charlotte. It was an awesome party to minister and love on our homeless community, with live music giving glory to Jesus. It was a fish fry with hush puppies, coleslaw, birthday cake, ice cream, and the usual RnB things. I am so impressed by this ministry and all they do for Jesus. It truly warms my heart. Ron and I were assigned to give out birthday cards with another lady, so we were among the people. Other than going to the doctor, that is the last time I’ve been out this week.

We had been under big oak trees and the pollen was bad so I figured my allergies were kicking in After several days of Mucinex and no improvement, Ron took me to the doctor. I had a low grade fever, sinus pressure, and cough. My blood pressure was fine, oxygen fine, lungs clear and lymph y nodes normal so the doctor suggested a flu and covid test. Oh boy! Both of those tests came back positive. Then the doctor actually asked if I wanted the covid jab! 😳 Ron said “No thanks”. Seriously! The truth is out that the jab does NOT prevent the infection. Burns me up that this is still being “pushed”. But I will hush because I know this “stirs the pot” with people. The doctor prescribed something for the cough but that is about it. She told Ron she hoped he didn’t get it. Well he’s got it but this too shall pass. We are of course laying low, resting, not around anyone and Joshua is fine upstairs. Thankful for friends who shared ivermectin for all of us. (Precautionary for Joshua). That along with zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, Quercetin and water. It is improving.

It’s interesting how the Holy Spirit directs our thoughts. At first I was depressed at yet another ”set back” in life. As I laid in bed, I realized that we probably picked this up helping with the homeless, I am so humbled. We have a comfortable bed to rest in and pillow for our head. We have vitamins to take and clear water to drink, food to eat, and my thankfulness went on and on. God forgive me for complaining at first. I have not had the flu since before our son was born so that’s a very long time to be healthy.

Yesterday the depression kind of lifted as I found humor in random things. I was out of epson salt but wanted to soak in the tub to help with head pressure. I can tell you it is a rare day if I have any kind of head pain but with this virus, it feels like someone is pushing on my ears and neck. I ran a tub of water as hot as I could stand it and added lavender oil. I lay totally submerged except for my face and knees. Joshua had texted me and said “Don’t drown, we don’t have time for a funeral” I texted back, “I’m not planning one, I’ll be fine”. And so the day unfolded with bits of random humor and it uplifted my spirits.

Today I watched our church service live on YouTube. So thankful for technology and so thankful God allowed me to be able to understand enough to follow Pastor. I was tuned in with my cochlear implant processor via Bluetooth but I sang along. I honestly sound like a frog right now from all the intense coughing, but I don’t care. Pastor said to Rejoice and rejoice I sure will and actually am. The choir sang a song that said “Thank You Hallelujah thank You Hallelujah thank You for all that You have done! 🎤🙌🏼 (and imagine that being sung in a froggy raspy voice😂) And now you know why I chose the title “Rejoice anyway” for this too shall pass. Love to you al. If you enjoy this blog be sure to subscribe and pass it along to encourage someone else. We need more encouraging, lifting content and laughter in life. You are loved! Be blessed and better yet, be a BLESSING! All for the Glory of God!!!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Surely Goodness

March 2, 20252 Comments

Me and my brother Forrest many years ago on Easter.

Today four generations sat to hear my nephew Justin preach. Four generation; the youngest being my three year old great niece sitting with her Mommy to hear her Daddy preach and the oldest, her two great Grandmas (GG and Maw Maw) I won’t give their ages away My Mom who is also Grandma and GG Great grandma interpreted for me. And let me tell you for an 82 year old (oops, there her age) she did quite well. Justin began with Psalms 23 and the fact that God’s goodness and mercy pursue our family daily, did not escape my attention. He shared that before David wrote Psalms 23, King Saul had tried to kill him. David was running for his life. Yet Psalms 23 is one of the most encouraging and peace-filled scriptures.This shows us that even though David was running for his life from King Saul, he still proclaimed The LORD as his Shepherd! David wrote of God’s provision even in the valley of the shallow of death. David wrote Surely goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. See Psalms 23.

Yesterday we celebrated Mom’s 82 birthday. It was a fun time with all my brother Forrest family and his grandkiddos. Truth be told, in family situations, although I love being there, I only comprehend a small part of what’s said. The overlap of voices makes it hard for me to follow conversations. However, I loved watching the little ones. It reminded me how much Jesus loves children. Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”” (ESV‬‬) Also check out Jesus words in Matthew 18:3, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” ‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) These things went through my mind as I watched the little ones play. The oldest 3 and youngest almost 8 months. Their joy, laughter and innocence ~ God wants us to be like that. Not weighed down by the cares of the world, rather to trust our Heavenly Father and find joy in Him.

As we were taking Mom home last night, she mentioned Justin was preaching today and she was planning to go. My husband Ron asked me if we could take her and I agreed. I woke up early to have some time in prayer before we needed to get ready. As I prayed I told God, “Lord you know I won’t be able to hear him well. Help me get something out of the service. Help me understand something.” When we arrived Mom offered to sign for me. That’s a pretty big accomplishment for an 82 year old to sign a whole service when she doesn’t sign much. She did a get job keeping up with Justin, who did an amazing job sharing God’s Word.

As we sat on the second row, I thought of all our family has and continues to go through; my visual and hearing gradual loss, God’s faithfulness through it all, my Dad’s fight with cancer,, my brother Forrest fight with acute leukemia, God’s faithless, God allowing me to be a perfect match bone marrow donor for his transplant in August 2020, God’s faithfulness, Forrest is 4 1/2 years post transplant and doing great! He and his wife now have four grandchildren and it brings such joy to my heart watching them enjoy these precious blessings. We still have struggles. Our son Joshua voluntarily stopped driving this past year, feeling his vision wasn’t good enough. That showed tremendous maturity. We all continue to trust God with our visual and hearing issues. But you know what, God’s goodness and mercy continues to pursue us every single day of our lives. The last song of the service today rang so true ~ All my life you have been faithful. All my life You have been so so good. With every breath that I am able. I will sing of the goodness of God. Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me. Your goodness is running after,it’s running after me. With my heart laid down, I surrender now, I give you everything….. Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

Whatever you are facing in life, you can depend on God’s faithfulness. Life doesn’t always go the way we think, but He is always faithful and always gets the last word. He’s pursuing us daily with goodness and mercy. Imagine goodness and mercy constantly following you. That’s what God does. Be encouraged! Whatever God brings you to, He will bring you through it. Hold on to Him and thank Him for His goodness and mercy.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Time Flies

January 28, 20254 Comments

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! 🤟🏼