inspire – Page 6 – rootedbythewater.blog

Sound off…Sound diet… Uumm okay

June 10, 2022Leave a Comment

Today at my audiologist appointment instead of a sound adjustment or programming changes to my cochlear implant processor, my processor was turned off. I’ve been having new issues with speech comprehension and we aren’t sure why. After testing my new (6 month old) cochlear implant processor and finding nothing wrong with it, we are taking a different approach. My program levels are pretty high which could possibly be overstimulating my auditory nerve. My audiologist suggest a “sound diet” for a week, meaning I won’t wear my processor at all. She even turned it off electronically so I don’t cheat.

This is going to be a real challenge because I am also legally blind. When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is put on my cochlear implant processor and when I go to sleep at night, taking it off is the last thing I do. I depend on it for environmental sounds. So this is definitely going to be a challenge but I’ve always been up for a good challenge.

Having a positive perspective is more than half the fight. As we talked with the audiologist we asked if we could pray with her. God given wisdom is a must and we are trusting God for a good outcome, so we prayed together in her offic. Afterwards I turned to my husband and told him he better brush up on his signing skills this week. I also jokingly told my Audi I might end up thanking her next week because Ron is a talker. I’m always listening and trying to figure out what he is saying. Right before the processor was turned off Ron said to me “Bye”. I texted our son later and explained what was going on. He said, “Everything will work out fine and you might just enjoy it.” I remember writing in my book “Sound is nice but silence is golden.” I wonder if I will say that at the end of next week. Prayers appreciated. Ron might need them even more than me. This will be a test of patience. I guess this blog will be continued…..

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out 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 ponline retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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Don’t throw it in!,

June 8, 20223 Comments

Sometimes when I write I feel a fire burning inside as I desire to encourage others. This is one of those times. Let’s be honest! Life is tough! You might be tempted to throw in the towel and say, ”Just forget it! I’m tired of the struggle!” Let me encourage you, don’t throw in that towel! Keep pushing forward! Keep believing! Keep fighting!

Yesterday I received some discouraging news about a dear friend who is being moved to hospice. This was pretty shocking! She had back surgery in April but has had complication after complication. The doctors have done all they can do. When faced with situations like this it’s so easy to take the doctors word and let go. A group of friends and I have a group chat going on to pray fervently for our dear friend. Yesterday one of the ladies shared a picture of a note our friends grandson wrote. It was a precious note to encourage, reminding his Grandpa that this was just an obstacle in life. – That dear friends is child like faith. God gets the last word not the doctors. As long as there is breath in her lungs, there is hope that God can turn this around. Join me in prayer for our sweet friend. God knows her name and the exact situation. I choose to believe God.

Last night I invited my Mom to go to a Teacups ministry event. I’ve only been a few times but the ladies are so welcoming and it’s always nice. It was a chance for Mom to meet more ladies from her church. The last few times I went it’s been a larger group. Being hearing and visually impaired, I don’t do that great in groups. Currently I’m having issues hearing with my cochlear implant and last night was way out of my comfort zone with all the voices to try to understand. But I “pressed in my heels” and tried anyway. I’m glad I did! I saw one lady there going through cancer treatment. She was all smiles with a scarf wrapped around her head. She is victorious! I saw other ladies there enduring pain in their bodies. They could have stayed home but they chose to come. Another lady’s son in law is going through some difficulties with his vision. I can relate and plan to reach out to encourage.

My point? Keep moving forward! Keep pressing on! Sometimes we have to live life “moment by moment”. Whatever it takes, don’t throw the towel in. God has us in the palm of His hands. He invites us to bring all our concerns and needs to Him. When the doctor gives bad news, trust Gods promises! When things in society seem to be spiraling downwards, trust God! Speak life and pray without ceasing!

Last night some of the ladies decorated rocks. I didn’t do one since it’s hard to see. One lady made one for me with the scripture Joshua 1:9 on it. I looked it up when I got home. It said, “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.” She will never know how perfect this was for me.

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out 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.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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He never stops working

May 18, 20222 Comments

This evening I went outside after dinner to water my plants. It’s been so hot today and the next several days are supposed to be the same. While I was outside I lost track of time and by the time I came in Wednesday night prayer was almost over. I caught the last few minutes online as the praise team was singing “Way Maker”. I love this song and especially the part that say: ”Even when I don’t see that your working. Even when I don’t feel that your working. You never stop you never stop working. You never stop, you never stop working .” I love that and it’s so true. We can rest in the knowledge that even when we don’t see it or feel it, God is always working to bring about His perfect will.

This is a good reminder for me. I have prayed hard for over 13 years about a certain situation. Every year we endure an appointment with an eye specialist and every year I pray for improvement. As I waited at home to hear how the appointment went, I walked with a friend and we prayed together. My husband finally texted me saying, “Praise God it’s stable! No change and same prescription!”. While this isn’t the exact answer I was hoping for it is still a good report. I do know that God can turn any situation around so we keep believing and keep praying for improvement. God is our creator who can make something out of nothing. He can renew nerves, and bring about optimal eye health. My heart is full of thanksgiving for stability. After my friend left I sat down at the piano to play some worship songs. I played, “You deserve the glory” and “Tremble”. I played them over and over as I waited for the report. Thank you Jesus for answered prayers. This is behind us until next years appointment. One day this will be behind us for good but while we wait for that day we will keep praying and thanking God. We are so thankful for praying family and friends.

If you are praying and have not received the answer yet I encourage you to not give up. God is faithful and always on time. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Keep the faith and keep hope alive. God is faithful always.

You can find out more about my story in my autobiography, “Rooted by the Water”. My life story of Gods power at work in my weaknesses. Find it on Amazon and other online retailers.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Remember Your Journey

May 17, 20222 Comments

Lately I have been trying to stay busy and keep my mind occupied so I don’t become anxious. Trying my best to just trust God and His perfect timing. As I was reading a chapter in Micah this morning, the words “remember your journey” caught my attention. I have been reading the New Living Translation. Sometimes I can become too accustomed to a certain translation that I don’t read it as carefully. Today Micah 6:5 stood out to me. “Don’t you remember, my people, how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the Lord, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness.” That’s such a thought provoking verse. Just think of how many times the enemy has tried to curse us over the course of our journey BUT GOD turned it around. Just think of all the times over the course of our journey God did everything He possibly could to show us His faithfulness! So as we walk through the stormy clouds of uncertainty we can rest in the knowledge that God is faithful always. He has brought us thus far and won’t leave us alone. He is in our midst. I am keeping my eyes solely on Jesus, who is my peace.

Yesterday I told Ron, “I look back and marvel at how much God has changed us over the years.” I told him if given the choice to go back I would not. God has given so much wisdom through the fiery trials. I am amazed and humbled at how faithful and merciful our God is. Lord give us your eyes to see the world and people the way You do: A sea of humanity needing acceptance, love, mercy, peace and healing. Remember your journey! See what God has done and give Him praise! Be blessed!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Oddball

April 26, 20223 Comments

Have you ever felt like an oddball? Maybe eccentric would be a better word since it means unconventional and slightly strange. I’m laughing as I type this because that does sound perfectly like me.

The average person who sees me most likely won’t notice anything unusual but if you take the time to talk with me you will notice some differences. I do not see or hear and comprehend speech in the way most people do. That would also include visually and hearing impaired people. I am just quite unique in an oddball way. I will own it since it’s unescapable.

Sometimes the differences stand out more to me than other times. Last week a friend and I went on a long walk at a paved trail along the Catawba River. Even with my low vision it was soothing, and peaceful with lush green everywhere. They had apparently opened the damn because the water was rushing and it was such a delightful sound. My friend asked if I could see the white caps of the rushing water and I couldn’t from the paved trail but as we got closer to the water I could see it. She also pointed out a cardinal In a nearby tree, but I couldn’t see that. It was not far from us but as we walked a bit closer it flew away. As we continued to walk, we came upon some signs explaining the history of the area. I could read the signs if I was very close to them. Out of curiosity I asked my friend how far away from the sign she could stand and read it. Wow! She could read it from a nice distance. If you have the gift of good vision, get out and appreciate all that nature offers. Seeing animals in nature would be so amazing, especially deer. A couple of months ago my husband saw a hawk perched on our small garden flag post. He pointed it out to me but it was hard for me to really see it so we snuck up as close as we could and took a picture so I could zoom in to see the details. It was huge and beautiful. He has also taken pictures of rabbits in our yard that I would zoom in to observe. They were adorable. We haven’t seen those in a while which might be due to the hawks visit.

There are also some marked differences in how I experience social situations. I understand parts of conversations but only parts and its rarely consistent. It is the oddest and most frustrating thing but it’s no one’s fault. All I can do is do my part and try, and that’s what I do. With my cochlear implant I can understand some speech. My rate of success varies for many reasons including but not limited to, background noise and if the sound bounces off walls. …etc. Sometime my husband will get frustrated and say, “That thing doesn’t work!”, meaning my cochlear implant processor. I usually respond by saying, “ Really? Let me take it off and we will see exactly how well it works!“. This is always amusing because without it I can’t understand any speech. God bless him for his patience.

Another difference is how I grocery shop or just shop in general. I memorize color schemes on packaging so it helps me find products I’m familiar with. My iPad is also close by when I need to take a picture and zoom so I can see whatever it is.

Watching me try to navigate what life throws is probably comical to watch. I actually laugh at myself quite often, I’m over being concerned about what people think. Being an oddball can be depressing at times. Often times I feel left out but Im still in the situation and have to figure out how to handle things with grace. I’ve learned to smile and let it go. Everyday is a new adventure with new opportunities to allow God to strengthen me in my weaknesses. Im so grateful for the people God has put in my life to support, love and laugh with me. Let’s keep on keeping on.

Check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target, Walmart and Park Road Books. My story of learning to live triumphantly despite disabilities, through Gods strength and lessons He has taught me along the way. Be inspired!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

TikTok anybody?

April 8, 20224 Comments

I can hear it now, “Surely she’s not going to write on this subject”. I surely will and ask you to hear me out. Please keep reading.

Last May when my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” came out my publisher suggested promoting on social media platforms. In the process of doing this I have discovered some writers groups. One of these groups has amazing suggestions of how other self published authors successfully promote their books. It was there I found out about Booktok which is a part of TikTok.

When I first considered different options for promoting I saw how very expensive hiring a professional publicist and marketing pro can be. The beauty of Tiktok is that it’s free promotion but you have to do the work and learn the system. Doing this with low vision is so time consuming!

The thought of TikTok itself was so intimidating because as someone who does not watch tv I can be easily blown away by things people post. I’ve never seen such vanity and cries for “look at me!” I’m like, “You people need to cover up! My goodness! Know your worth!” It’s an understatement that I was shocked at what some people post but I learned how the system works and would quickly scroll on past the offensive ones.

As I learned, I found the “discover” section where you can search what you’re looking for. I search for Booktok, Christian TikTok, true story, Christian Booktok, deaf blind and many more. As I typed these things in to search, great videos came up of Christian books, people sharing devotions, words of encouragement, worship music, nature and more. Therein lies the beauty. The videos are very very short and repetitive, so if I don’t understand it I just listen again. I began to realize it’s a great auditory therapy resource for practicing with my Advanced Bionics Marvel cochlear implant processor . I just make sure what I’m listening to is something I want to keep hearing and not offensive.

Actually creating the videos is a whole different story. It took me years to accept my limitations with hearing and vision issues. It took many more years to admit them and be open to help from people. Then God put on my heart to put my story in writing to encourage others and give glory to His name. Writing my book took me two years and many tears. When my book released last May, I thought “Whew! I’m done!”. Little did I know it was the beginning. What I had hidden for so long, finally accepted and finally put into writing…. people were now reading. Talking about being uncomfortable! Making videos to promote the book takes that discomfort to a whole new level. I am not about promoting me but I will promote what Jesus is to me and how He helps me. As I try to come up with content for videos I see I can use this tool to encourage others to look to Jesus which is my purpose. It’s not about writing blogs, making videos, and selling books but rather opportunities to share Jesus!

If you are on TikTok look for me and follow me @shannonkenleyhinson and I will point you to the best thing ever, Jesus my Lord! You can find my book, “Rooted by the Water” on Amazon and other online retailers. You will laugh, you will cry, and more than likely shake your head in disbelief. It’s transparent and I give God all the glory.

http://www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Labels? No thanks!

March 30, 20227 Comments

Using labels for medical purposes is inevitable. I see the need to use them, however I also see the negative impact once labels are given. A person should never be defined by his or her impairment or disease.

I personally have been labeled deaf and legally blind. It is what it is, but I don’t own it, My point is, yes I do have these limitations but I don’t let them define who I am. There is such a range of functioning with any label. As a legally blind person the label makes it sound like I see nothing. That’s so wrong. Sure I don’t see normally, as a matter of fact at my last eye appointment almost five years ago my vision was 20/400. So, do you think I use a white cane and seeing eye dog? I actually don’t. My visual impairment is due to my optic nerves being abnormally small. All the stimuli doesn’t get through my smaller nerves to tell my brain what I’m looking at. Is it blurry? Thankfully no, it’s just not big enough to know what it is. Size, shape, color and lighting help me figure things out. So I see things as they get closer.

Hearing loss has such a wide spectrum of functioning as well. Some people can hear nothing, some can hear a little with hearing aids. I got an Advanced Bionics cochlear implant in 2008. This technology helps me to hear environmental noises, some speech, nature sounds and music. I can’t understand it all but it’s better than nothing.

Some people may not have issues with labels. Labels might create comfort zones where they have excuses not to try anything out of the ordinary. On the contrary I am the opposite. Labels make me feel like I’m in a box and am limited by the expectations. I’ve alway liked to defy the odds and try anyway. Life is too short to sit on the sidelines and let everything go on around you.

Labels denote what one can’t do, what’s broken or wrong with them. So instead of saying I’m deaf and legally blind I prefer to say I can hear some and see some too. Only God and I know how much.

Recently I was trying to find out about services for an autistic young teenager. I was asked if he was high functioning or low functioning. I would rather say, “ What are his abilities and social skills?” to find the right placement where he would be most comfortable . I am mindful to keep it positive so people have a feeling of acceptance. So instead of labels that depict what’s wrong or can’t be done, let’s focus on the positives of what can be done. Sometimes a positive change of perspective is very helpful.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Gems Across the Bridge

March 10, 2022Leave a Comment

Photo credit Fine Art America. “Golden Gate Bridge Worker” found on Pinterest.

Networking can be a bridge to other connections, new ideas and even friendship. Crossing the ”bridge” of networking can take you in so many different directions. While the technology available is stunning, for people like me who are deaf and legally blind, it’s time consuming and down right tedious.

Crossing the bridge of networking is rewarding even if it takes me much longer. Over the years I’ve done networking for multiple reasons. Over 20; years ago I made connections on a Tae Bo (kickboxing) exercise message board and I am still in contact with some of these people. We have shared many laughs and tears over the years, encouraging one another to stay healthy. In 2006 I began networking to find others who have Advanced Bionic cochlear implants like me. I’ve made amazing connections with people and we share encouragement, tips and strategies of living with this technology.

This past year I have been networking for an entirely different reason. Last May (2021) I released my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. The bridge of networking took on a whole different meaning. I’ve made connections with other authors and many are self published through Amazon. I published through Westbow Press. There has been and continues to be so much to learn. I thought publishing my book would be the hardest part, but little did I know, it was only the beginning. Being an unknown deaf/ legally blind author makes marketing incredibly frustrating. Networking with other authors gives me tips and ideas to approach and use different tools and social medias. This can be so time consuming and sometimes I’ve got to put it aside or else burnout.

Last week I found a GEM! This bridge of networking led to a new new friendship. What makes it so amazing is that she is a deaf/ legally blind author like me. While our diagnosis are different, she has a cochlear implant and is also legally blind. We plan to brainstorm ideas to share and encourage each other. I’m beyond excited.

Years ago the local telephone company had a advertising jingle that sang, “ Reach out…reach out and touch someone. Reach out, call up and just say Hi”. Crossing the bridge of networking is doing just that, reaching out to others. Let me encourage you today to reach out and connect with people. Obstacles can abound but find ways around them. Making new connections and potentially new friends is so worth the effort.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

First Bloom

March 3, 2022Leave a Comment

For the past month I have gone out to observe the tulip tree we planted last year in honor of my Dad. Last year on March 12, Dad went home to be with Jesus. We planted a beautiful little tulip tree in his honor in hopes that it would flourish and bloom every Spring. I have faithfully been watching over our tulip tree and protecting it from freezing temperatures by covering it at night when the temperature drops to 32 or below. I have been rewarded by the little buds that I see on several branches. While looking again this morning, I saw the buds were getting bigger and showed more color. This afternoon I saw the first bloom. This made me so happy.

There is something refreshing about seeing things come to life each Spring. Technically we are 17 days away before the first day of Spring but I’m seeing evidence of life and that brings such happiness and hope.

Hope is a beautiful thing. Hope brings joy and anticipation of better things ahead. Out of curiosity I just asked my iPad the exact definition of hope. When the wrong definition came up, I thought “ What in the world”! I looked up and noticed it had misunderstood me. I started cracking up when I saw the word poop. I kid you not! You can’t make these things up! The iPad technology had misunderstood me by a long shot. Trying again, I made sure to pronounce each letter. This time the correct definition came up. Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. (That’s more like it).

Indeed it is hope that I feel when seeing flowers bloom and signs of Spring. I experience the anticipation of new life emerging after a cold dark winter. The longer and warmer days are a plus as well.

We have a few weeks left of winter. Let me challenge you to begin to look with anticipation for signs of new life emerging all around.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

He knows

February 26, 2022Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but the fact that “God knows ” brings so much comfort and reassurance to my heart in uncertain times. I saw this picture today on social media and had to take a screen shot because it was so SPOT ON….TRUE! There are times when you begin praying, just like this picture, “Dear God……then all the jumbled up frustrations come out and you end with ….amen”. We all have these moments, time and time again. We can rest assured that God knows. There is absolutely nothing that takes him by surprise. El Roi is one of the names of God. It means the God who sees. He sees it all. He knows what I’m going to say before a word is even on my tongue. He knows it fully. (Psalms 139:4) That’s so hard to understand. I’m so thankful that I’m not required to understand. He ask me to trust him fully.

Lately I’ve had some of those days when I pray “Lord help me please. I’m so frustrated. I can only laugh at these things so many times before I’ve had enough”. Today was one of those days. I attended a bridal shower for a sweet beautiful girl we watched grow up. I wanted to go to honor her even though I was out of my comfort zone It’s kind of funny the things I do to ge through these awkward situations due to hearing and visual issues. As I sat there while many others talked a song began to flow through my mind. “Jesus is in this room.. here right now, here right now…. making this place I stand…. holy ground, holy ground”. I kid you not! This song was going through my mind and I just had to chuckle a bit. I smiled, I endured then I sent my husband Ron a text saying “SOS. I’m ready to go. Can you come get me?” 😂 Sure enough he did. He stopped what he was doing and drove thirty minute to pick me up. When I got in the car I said, “I owe you” , but all he wanted was a kiss.

I know everyone deals with life frustrations and uncertainties. There is a war being fought on the other side of the world right now. Innocent people are caught in the middle. God protect them and bring peace.

At the end of the day we can rest in the knowledge that He knows. He sees. He is in control. Tomorrow will be a new day. Another opportunity to surrender to God and let him fight our battles.