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When the music changes

November 20, 2022Leave a Comment

Memories…my last recital.

Have you ever had a time in your life when God enabled you to do something you would not typically attempt? Taking piano lessons as a hearing and visually limited adult was that season for me. I am so thankful for that time period, worshipping on the piano was my therapy. My friend and former teacher taught me chords since I can’t see well enough to read music. I bought a sketch book and she filled it with songs I wanted to learn. I would sit for hours practicing and would play through my whole sketch book.

My husband Ron bought a used piano for my birthday several years ago. It was my happy place to sit and play. I stopped taking lessons when I needed that extra money to buy a Cross link device that worked with my previous cochlear implant processor. On a sad note, that cross link device doesn’t sync with my new processor.

Once I stopped playing the piano was when I really began writing. I published my autobiography Rooted by the Water in May 2021. You can find it on Amazon. Writing became my new form of therapy. Unlike with playing the piano, I no longer have to depend on someone else to write out the music for me. Writing and blogging are ways to glorify God, encourage others and share my heart. I never meant to stop playing the songs I had learned on the piano but my focus was shifted to written expression. In the last few years I only sat down to play a couple of times and was surprised at how much I had forgotten.

A few months ago some friends of our son Joshua moved up from Miami, Florida. One a social media influencer/artist and one an award winning music producer. I kid you not. He sat down at my piano and literally burned up those keys with his talent. Wow! Joshua knew I had not played in a while and asked if the guys could buy it. Every musical instrument meeds to be loved and played. I knew it would be used often in its new home, so I agreed to sell it. The guys came and got it last week. In a way I’m a bit sad because that season is over but I know great music will come forth from the new owners. I still have my electric keyboard, if I can only find what my husband did with the electric cord and sustain pedal.

In this new season, I’m thankful for the opportunity to write and blog. Several topics have been swirling in my mind lately but I’ve been too busy to write. One day soon I will get those out in a blog. You can find my blog from the menu on my website http://www.shannonkhinson.com or at http://www.rootedbythewater.blog

Check it out and subscribe if you haven’t already. Be blessed!

SHAKE ME

October 25, 20221 Comment

If life was like an Etch A Scetch…..

Sometimes we need a good shaking from the Lord. A good shake will clear all the creative mess we make. If we’ve learned anything from previous explorations with the etch a sketch, after a shaking or clearing, if we leave the controls alone there is peace and stillness.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if life was that simple. Just think, when situations or circumstances become messy, just a good shake would clear it all away. That’s wishful thinking.

Life has been a bit stressful lately. What’s new? It seems like a curve ball is always coming up around the corner and catches us off guard . That’s pretty much the story of my life. This latest scenario has tested not only my patience but also my husbands.

My Optelec video magnifier that I’ve been using for 15 years stopped working. I use that machine to see recipes, directions on food packaging, paying the bills, balancing the checkbook and even simply writing. Bottom line, I need it to see for daily functional living and it’s been broke for weeks.

Ron is very mechanically inclined and usually can fix anything. He contacted the company who makes it and they sent instructions on how to disassemble it. He was excited and after talking to someone at the company, ordered the part they thought would fix it. The part was over $500 but that’s way less than a new machine. We waited a week for the part to come in and found out that was not the problem The next part to try is the camera feature to the tune of $2000. Lord give us wisdom to know how to fix this or to get a new one. We could use a good boost of endurance as Ron is doing some of the things I’ve always done.

Meanwhile life continues to happen. Ron took me to my appointment yesterday with my new primary doctor. I’ve seen the same doctor since I was in college but this new one is just two miles from us and was recommended by a friend. She was awesome. We were happy with the whole experience until checking out. Whoa what a sour grape we dealt with. Ron told me later the woman kept telling him to pull his mask up while I was telling him to pull it down. Lord only knows what she was saying to me, because she was all masked up and Ron was too, I could not follow. I told Ron he should have told me. The American Disabilities Act would have come in handy and I would have nicely given her a piece of my mind. She has to learn to be gracious to different types of patients. Communication barriers are no joke. Goodness gracious! She gave us a bunch of forms to fill out. (Remember my broken machine? ) I am in their system and have a patient portal with all my information available to her at the touch of a computer mouse.

This is life! This is us! It takes an abundance of patience. Lord help me be gracious! I spent time in prayer last night and went to bed early. This morning I spent time in prayer again. As I prayed I told the Lord there were so many things but He already knew of them all. He knows the frustrations of dealing with people. He knows the abundance of patience it takes and He knows my weaknesses. This morning I felt in my heart I was to “Be Still”. Just “be still” and worship all that He is. Just “Be Still” and know that He is God. Today is a new day with fresh mercies. It’s a clean slate. Tomorrow is gone with its troubles. There will always be people to deal with and situations to maneuver. Move on and let it go!

May God bless you today in whatever you face. May you see Him smiling and encouraging you as you look to Him. Whatever you do, keep moving forward. It is tempting to throw in the towel and say “I’m done”. Don’t do it! Our purpose is to bring glory to God. We can’t
bring Him glory when we quit but we can bring Him much glory when we surrender and push through by His Spirit. Let’s hit that next curve ball out of the park! Let’s go!

If you enjoyed this blog please subscribe. I share life lessons, struggles living with hearing and visual impairments. It’s my purpose to bring God glory in my daily struggles. My autobiography Rooted by the Water cam be found on Amazon.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Meaning behind the name

October 22, 20221 Comment

One and a half years ago I released my autobiography,Rooted by the Water. As I brainstormed possible names the word “Rooted” stuck in my mind. Being rooted and established in Jesus is so symbolic to my life story. Yet rooted by itself did not reflect the full picture of my journey.

By the summer of 2020 the majority of my book was finished. That summer I decided to read through the Bible in 90 days. I wish I could see well enough to read the Bible in book form but with my low vision reading from the YouVersion app was more assessable. With the font zoomed in large I read from Genesis through Revelations. As I read, I took notes on many scriptures. Searching diligently,God showed me so many scriptures I could use. In Jeremiah I came across the following verses and they stuck. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7-8‬ ‭(NIV) After reading that the name of my book took form.

My goal and purpose in life is to bring God glory. What better way to do that than to put my trust and confidence in Jesus. In all honesty, life is tough and doesn’t always make sense.

Over the course of my life many many seeds hvee been sowed: seeds of faith, seeds of trust, seeds of hope, seeds of perseverance ,and seeds of joy to name a few. If you’ve ever planted seeds, you know that not all seeds take root. Those seeds that take root and grow deep and strong are the plants that last.

Jeremiah gives us this illustration of a healthy tree planted by the water whose roots grow deep. This is symbolic of someone whose trust and confidence is in the Lord.

In John 4 Jesus is talking to a Samaritan woman by the well. “Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) When we are rooted in Jesus, the true living water, we need never to fear.

My trust and confidence are in Jesus. He keeps me rooted and established in all I need to persevere. Life is not about me but the one who sustains me. In good times and bad he helps me flourish. Winds and storms come in my life living with hearing and visual issues, but I hold tight to Jesus. During those gusty windy times of self doubt and despair, Jesus keeps me from breaking. In the dry dark times of drought when I wonder where God is and why I am having to endure various hardships, I remain rooted and nourished by God’s Word filled with life giving scriptures.

If you have never discovered Jesus or surrendered your life to him, he is all that truly satisfies and sustains us in this life. You too can be “rooted by the water.” I have found in life that Jesus is all that really satisfies. I pray whoever reads this that seeds of faith in Jesus take root and change your life for His glory.

I welcome,e you to subscribe to my blog. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Peace in the wait

September 14, 20224 Comments

Have you ever prayed for something for years, and I do mean YEARS, and the answer does not come? Yesterday once again I sat in the ophthalmologist office to get my eyes examined. It had been over five years since I went. As Ron checked me in I noticed everyone was wearing masks and we were handed masks to put on. I told Ron there was no way I would be able to understand with everyone masked and it was already a stressful situation. He told me to just wait and see what they said.

We were wearing our masks when I was called back. I politely explained to the lady that being hearing impaired I needed to be able to see my husbands face so I could understand. She was very understandable. As she checked my visions I thanked God for the letters I could see, I reminded myself that Jesus was with me right there and I had peace. I was not anxious at all It turned out that my visions was basically the same as five years ago. I do have some really small cataracts which is age related. Optic atrophy and optic Hypoplasia are still the diagnosis.

When the doctor came in he was very kind and I sensed his genuineness. He looked over the pictures of my optic nerves and examined them himself. He apologized and said there was nothing that could be done for my optic nerve issues. I appreciated his honesty. He said glasses might help a little bit. I will make another appointment for that and maybe bring a deaf friend so I can look at sing language and not an eye chart. My goal is to increase functionality on a daily basis. We will see how that works out.

This morning I am reflecting on the goodness of God. Yes I did say goodness of God. When I woke up yesterday I had peace. I gave the day and the appointment to the Lord in prayer. Peace never left me. A couple of situations tried to rob me of peace and irritate me but I pushed them aside. I knew and continue to know that God is in control. Last night as I read the summary on the patient portal I marveled at all my visual issues. I told the Lord that it was up to Him to bring healing. The doctors can’t do anything but God can. So I continue to wait and in this waiting I’m thankful for His peace that passes all understanding. I continue to have faith that my unchanging God will fix this in His perfect timing. I will continue to glorify Him even when I don’t understand, God is good and faithful always.

Never stop praying and believing for the impossible. The same God who healed the man born blind in John 9, can heal me. He is the same yesterday today and forever. Thank you Lord for your peace, strength, love and perfect timing.

To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water” by Shannon Kenley Hinson.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Morning Reflections

September 8, 20221 Comment

This morning I woke before the birds and sat out on the back porch. It was still dark and I sat praying and reflecting. Being thankful is such a big key in living a life of victory. I prayed, worshipped and read the Bible as the sun came up through the trees. It was utterly peaceful.

As I sat reflecting on recent things I thought of this past Sunday at Central Church of God. As the choir led us in worship, I softly sang along. My husband Ron looked at me and I said, “What? Can you hear me?” He smiled and I laughed because I make a joyful noise. The message spoke to my heart. It’s amazing how my personal studies in Gods Word, the message and worship , all combine together into a huge uplifting of my heart. That’s the beauty in how God works and brings things together to uplift you and propel you forward.

There have been other highlights from this week. On Tuesday I started back volunteering at the Fort Mill Church of God food pantry. It’s always a blessing to help others in the community. I helped pack 48 boxes of food that day. Helping others warms my heart.

Later on Tuesday my friend Amy came over to help me with a Zoom mentor meeting for Advanced Bionics. Tuesday was our second training. The first Zoom training was two months ago and a disaster for me. I can look back at my attempts to make it work and shake my head laughing. Simply put, the first zoom meeting was actually my first time using Zoom. As I tried to figure it out, listening as best I could with my cochlear implant technology and realizing I couldn’t see the captioning…let’s just say, it wasn’t the best experience. I was surprised to get an invitation to the second mentor training and asked Amy if she could interpret for me since she can see the captions. She was a huge blessing as she helped me participate. She said it was even difficult for her and she can see well. There was the person speaking, a drop box for chat, another window with questions to answer, the caption was small at the bottom, plus the frames with people in attendance, Amy said, “We are not shown for some reason.” Then I realized the computer camera was covered. It was a learning experience and interesting to hear other peoples stories. Im thankful they will let me stick with encouraging others in online forums.

Last night was the icing on the cake for this week. For years a few deaf friends and I have talked about doing a Bible study together. Last night was our first study together and it was beautiful. I can’t wait to see what God has in store as He reveals more to us and we walk this journey together.

This weekend we will get the family together for a cookout to celebrate what would have been Dads 80th birthday. He is spending it in Heaven with Jesus. We will still celebrate him and the legacy that continues to go forth through us all. We sure do miss him!

I would appreciate prayer for next Tuesday September 13 at 2:30 EST. I finally caved and made an appointment to get my eyes checked. I strongly dislike going to the eye doctor. Too many bad memories and none which could ever help. The last time I went was in the Spring of 2017. Im not looking forward to it. I will see a new Doctor. I pray God allows something to help. Thanks in advance for your prayers.

One other recent highlight, a friend from college was able to plug my files in and get my website back up. My previous domain was taken so the new website is http://www.shannonkhinson.com. He also added my blog to the menu. It does need some tweaking but it is basically functioning. I am so grateful.

To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water” by Shannon Kenley Hinson.

One Year Anniversary

July 19, 20222 Comments

Today marks one year since I started blogging. One year of sharing encouragement and pouring into others. One year of sharing my struggles and allowing you all in to witness personal growth. As I looked at my stats today, I saw my blog site has had 2197 views, 1417 visitors and 82 posts. My goal has been and continues to be, to encourage others to never give up in difficulties. I want people to see that there is HOPE and God is faithful. There is much that I don’t understand in life. Everyday is a classroom, teaching us about ourselves, God and the people He surrounds us with.

I love how God uses nature to teach us life lessons. This past Saturday I had a first time ever experience. Mom and I got to pick blueberries at our friends house before our book club meeting began. You might think this is totally off topic, but stay with me as I tie it in. At age 53, this was my first time seeing blueberries on a bush. Having low vision made it a bit tricky for me to pick the ripe berries. I discovered that I had to get in the bush, close enough so I could see which berries were ripe. For some reason I thought it humorous to have to be in the bush, arms wet from morning dew on the huge bushes, so I could pick the sweet fruit. Berries fresh off a bush are the best. There was a reward for getting in there and getting a bit wet and dirty. Life is just like that. You have to “get in” to gleam the rewards. With blogging I have to “get in there” in order to encourage others. I’m thankful for the opportunity and it warms my heart when people around the world choose to take the time to read my thoughts. Besides the United States my blog has also been seen in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Nigeria, Kenya, Australian, Canada and China to name a few.

We all have opportunities to share history by sharing “his”story, or in other words, by sharing the journey God has you on. What is God showing you? How can you surrender to Him and allow Him to pour into your life so you can pour into others around you? We will encounter hardships and struggles but it is so worth it. Being a vessel God can work through is an honor. Let’s take every opportunity to impact the world for Gods glory.

My website is currently down as I wait for the release of my files. I’m hoping to combine my website and blog together. In the meantime if you’d like to check out my book “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon in hard over, soft cover and e book formats. Thank you for journeying with me. Please subscribe to my blog and share it with others. Blessing to you all.

Stirred byWhat?

July 11, 2022Leave a Comment

Today I’d like to continue on the topic of stirring. Specifically what stirs you? What irritates you and prompts you to speak or act? There are so many things that stir people to react that it’s impossible to list them all. The level of maturity, restraint, strength, self control and compassion can dictate how you handle those things that trigger you.

Yesterday my son Joshua and I spent some time together. He is one of my favorite people. Since returning home from Arizona he has moved back in with us until he decides what he wants to do. We are savoring this time together. He has had some quality times with his dad but yesterday it was just the two of us. We got some subs from Jersey Mikes then got groceries. We talked about all sorts of things. We came across the topic of things that are annoying. It was kind of funny because dealing with people can be a huge test of character. As I listened I understood his point of view and I also took his age into consideration. When I was 24 I thought along the same lines. Amazing how wisdom comes with age. I told him people will be people. You can’t let it bother you. It’s best to just let it go. Sure it is annoying and yes it takes self control to not respond to it but we have to rise above the situation and let it go. Life is largely out of our control. We don’t have to let negativity around us affect our day. Just do what you can with kindness and move on. A positive loving word can go a long way.

So what stirs people? Why are people so angry, bitter,self centered and proud? Granted, I do miss a lot having low vision and hearing issues but I truly “see” people. I ask questions. I ask my husband things all the time. I ask him about peoples face expressions and things they say. I ask him about people driving along, what they look like, expressions and mannerisms. I’m just intrigued by human nature and how people respond to things. Behind every harsh look or bitter response there is a person who quite possibly is hurting and in need of grace and love. When situations and people make you angry think beyond the situation to what truly is the root of the issue. The Bible tells us in Ephesians‬ ‭6:12, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”(New Living Translation) Let’s let that scripture sink into our hearts.

There is more to be shared on this topic. Im going to meditate on Gods Word and see what he reveals to me. Stay tuned…..
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The Missing Link

June 27, 20222 Comments

There is glorious light at the end of this struggle. Today I went back to my Audiologist for another mapping (programming) of my Advanced Bionics Marvel cochlear implant processor. The last several weeks have been quite an interesting challenge. After a week of a sound diet, having no auditory stimulation, followed by turning the processor back on to a low level; today she found the missing link. I had three electrodes that were turned off for some reason. My Audiologist tried turning them all back on but it was just one that made a big difference. Turning that one electrode back on brought a crispness back to sound. It no longer sounds muffled. She also turned the other two electrodes on and off while I listened to my husbands voice. I could understand him better with those two electrodes off. My nerves were able to tolerate the increase in sound without any eye twitching. I can’t begin to tell you how relieved I am. I am so so thankful to the Lord for His direction and wisdom. Ron and I have prayed throughout this process and family and friends have also prayed. It will take me some time to adjust to the new mapping but I’m all smiles! I can hear myself above the background noise so I know how loud to speak. I will have to get out in the environment to practice. If I learned anything this past time, I learned to ease into it. I will navigate this next stage with a more balanced approach. I am eager to explore sound and see what I can understand but I will not push myself too hard this time.

Thank you Lord for lessons learned. Thank you Lord for always being my anchor that holds me when troubled waters come along. Thank you for your promises that are new every morning.

We are considering looking into getting my other ear implanted. It is something that will require much prayer. It is an option to think and pray about. In the meantime, I will be working with what I have and trying my best to succeed with what God has given me. God is faithful always.

Never give up. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at times and changing coping methods is needed. However, giving up is not an option. It’s okay to take a step back, rest, refocus and ease into it again. There is help and support, you just have to be willing to accept it. You are never alone in the struggles! God is always right there with you as you lift up your voice in praise, thanksgiving and prayer. Help is on the way. It might not always look like you think it will. Putting your trust in God will see you through. God is faithful always! Let Him help you.

If you happen to come across this blog post for the first time. I encourage you to read my autobiography ”Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Coasting

June 22, 20221 Comment

After a near “burn out” on Monday, I decided to take a different approach to coping. The analogy of riding a bike came to mind. You can ride at a leisurely pace, occasionally coasting, or you can change gears and push hard to get to your destination faster. The destination is the same. The level of exertion is the difference.

Generally I choose to push through things especially if it’s something unpleasant. It’s just the way I’m wired. I want to get it done then rest. I realize that pushing through can cause tremendous stress that’s really not necessary. It’s okay to coast! It’s more than okay to take a balanced approach. I’m going to arrive at my destination and arriving with a good frame of mind is ideal. My goal is to adjust to the new programming (map) of my cochlear implant processor. I can’t make it work although I can do auditory therapy and adjust my outlook. I know it will get better one step at a time. Balancing social stimulation and taking breaks is wise. I don’t have to do everything just right. It’s healthy to monitor the stress.

Yesterday was a much better day and I believe today will be too. I didn’t push myself to hard but just “coasted” regarding sounds. It was refreshing to get many chores accomplished and spend time in prayer and Gods word. Finding two new blooms on my Nanny’s peace Lilly plant added additional smiles.

We can’t rush through the refiners fire. Romans 5:3- 5 NLT says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

Let me encourage you today in whatever you are facing, God is with us every step of the way. It’s okay to coast a bit and relax. He’s going to get us where we need to be. Just trust Him!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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Are we done yet? I’m ready! Speed it up!

June 15, 20222 Comments

Sound off Days 4,5 & 6

Day 4
Today was pretty uneventful. I’m starting to get a little bit used to this. Silence is NOT golden but it is rather peaceful. Ron has been very helpful. I also saw Joshua and my mom today for the first time since the “sound diet” started. They both sign some so that was really helpful. I do miss the seemingly small and insignificant sounds that people take for granted. Four days down, two more to go but my appointment isn’t until Thursday afternoon. Thank you Lord for making this time go by fast.

Day 5
Today was a break from the usual. My friend Leasa and I went to the Carowinds waterpark. Leasa is deaf and we caught up by the wave pool, communicating through sign language. What a nice break from having to guess what’s being said. She always helps me with things I have trouble seeing as well. It was a day of fun and relaxing. Experiencing Carowinds sound free is quite different.

I have developed a rash around my eyes and on my neck that seems to be spreading. Most likely poison ivy. This has given me and Ron something else to talk about. He has been using the limited sign language that he knows and is being very helpful. Day 5 down with one and a half more to go.

Day 6

There is light or rather sound, at the end of this silent tunnel. Ron and I are both ready for me to have my processor turned back on. He was trying to tell me something this morning but he was signing ( sort of) the opposite of what he meant. After a few frustrating minutes he signed “thank God” then pointed to his ears and signed tomorrow. I took that as “Thank God you will have your processor back tomorrow“. God willing, things will sound much better and we can get my levels turned down and speech comprehension will improve. Keep praying!

Joshua stopped by today and is doing something with his Dad. He is finally signing instead of finger spelling so much. This is one of the silver liners in this experience. I love our son!

I can’t hear the doorbell and can barely hear Joy when she barks so I’m having to keep the front door opened ( but locked) because a friend is supposed to stop by to pick up something and I wouldn’t hear when she comes. I figured I would write this blog while I’m waiting.

Last night I had a strange dream. I dreamed I had been wearing my processor when I wasn’t supposed to be. Realizing my error I said, “ Oh crap I did it again.”. I think I’m more than ready to hear again as are those hearing people around me. Tomorrow…tomorrow… speed it up! I’m ready!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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