inspire – Page 7 – rootedbythewater.blog

What will we choose?

December 31, 2021Leave a Comment

Today I find myself winding down as we await a brand new year. 2022 I’m as ready as I ever will be.

2021 was a rollercoaster of a year, if there ever was one. It was a year of pushing through. Between releasing my autobiography “Rooted By The Water”, losing my dad and Joshua moving to Arizona. …whew!

We lost dad to cancer in March. Miss him but am comforted with the knowledge of where he is. This. Christmas I know he was smiling down on us from Heaven as we gathered together in celebration of Jesus birthday. He was smiling knowing the family was together, his son’s health is improving and there was a great grand baby among us. As we celebrated the greatest gift ever, Jesus, we also celebrated time with family. Last year we face-timed with my brothers family since he was recovering from a bone marrow transplant. This year we were together! Such a sweet gift! Having our son Joshua home from Arizona was a gift in itself as well.

The last four days I’ve had a bad cold and have been at home keeping my germs to myself. It’s been a time of deep reflection. Taking stock of your life can be enlightening. Taking time to assess progress or lack there of. Lack of progress is ok too because it’s acknowledging we have room for growth. As long as we have breath we can choose to move forward.

So as I’m winding down 2021 I choose to throw off anything that hinders me from moving forward into all God desires. You can fill in the blank________.

What will you throw off and leave behind in 2021? Fear? Leave fear behind. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self control. What about unforgiveness, self righteousness, pride? I’m stepping on my own toes here too. We are all human and fall short of the glory of God. Im so thankful for Jesus blood that cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

As we move into 2022 let’s choose Jesus! Let’s choose humility, joy, love and kindness. Let’s choose to let Jesus shine through us. Let’s be there for each other with an encouraging smile. We will fall down but God is full of grace and will help us. Let’s confess, repent and keep moving forward into all He calls us to. Be Real! Be Humble!

Happy New Year. The best is yet to come!

The Whirlwind

December 18, 2021Leave a Comment

“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind”
‭‭Job‬ ‭38:1‬

Several days ago I came across this verse in Job and I was intrigued. I looked up other translations of the same verse and whirlwind is used often, also storm. There has to be some deep lessons in that one verse.

Whirlwind? Storm? While Jobs storm was of a greater magnitude than I can imagine: I can relate to one thing after another happening. Life happens and we can’t do anything to stop all the things coming at us. Sometimes we just want to throw our hands up and say “I’ve had enough of this”.

Living with hearing and visual issues can be that way. It’s no one’s fault that they can’t understand. It’s no one’s fault the insensitivity that many show. It’s just my circumstances to deal with.

I recently was able to upgrade my Advanced Bionics cochlear implant processor to the newest technology available, Marvel. After months of having to use a broken processor, that I didn’t realize was broke, I finally have one with working microphones and high technology. Now if my brain will just adapt. I’ve been doing lots of listening rehabilitation activities. There are Apps for this. I listen as a word is spoken and I have a selection of four to choose from. Often times the words are very similar with the difference being one letter. I must listen hard and carefully. I’m doing pretty well with these activities…..one word at a time. But conversation is a nonstop jumble of constant words coming at me at all sorts of glorious speeds.😳🤦🏽‍♀️ I have noticed that I’m picking up on some things I missed before but it’s not consistent. It’s a whirlwind! A storm of jumbled up words. Thank God for giving me a love for a challenge otherwise I’d throw that towel in.

We must remember God speaks in the whirlwind. He has us! He’s right there “wiping the sweat from our face”, He’s saying, “ Don’t throw in that towel! Wipe your face. It’s almost over. I’ve got you! Lean on me! Surrender to me and let me give you a Heavenly perspective of your circumstances.”

This Christmas season whatever your “whirlwind” is let’s listen closely to what God is saying to us. Take the time to be thoughtful of others situations and spread the joy of our Savior’s birth. Merry Christmas!

To read more about my life journey check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” available on Amazon and other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target, Walmart and Park Road Books.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Embracing God

December 6, 20211 Comment

Lately I have been doing much reading I can’t tell you the last tv show or movie I watched because it’s been so long. With my hearing and visual issues I’d much rather read a good book. A good author can bring a story to life, painting the canvas of my mind with a rich tapestry of descriptive words. This is certainly the case in “ Two from Galilee The Story of Mary and Joseph” by Majorie Holmes. She researched for several years before writing this book, bringing the culture and customs of the time into the vivid picture. I highly recommend this book, especially at this time of year as we approach Christmas.

Another book I read daily is the Bible. I’ve been doing a study on the book of Job for quite a while. “Trusting God in Times of Adversity” by Kay Arthur and Pete Delacy. This is a deep study and I have to pray for wisdom to understand what I’m reading.

Thank God for technology to enable me to read. I can’t see well enough to read an actual book. Although with my Optelec video magnifier it is possible. I prefer to read the Bible with You Version app on my iPad. I can zoom the font as large as I need it and also parallel translations. Such an awesome tool for study.

Yesterday our PastorLoran Livingston at Central Church of God spoke on “Eat the Word”. It’s so imperative that we feast on Gods Word every single day. It’s important that we be doers of the Word. Live what it says! I am so thankful to attend a church where the truth of God’s Word is boldly and truthfully preached. What a gift!

As I woke before the birds this morning….wide awake before 5:00, I spent much time pondering all I’ve been reading and studying. I spent time praying for wisdom and the many needs surrounding us. I spent time in worship, being thankful only God and my dog heard my voice I make a joyful noise 😊 My thoughts are summed up in this EMBRACE GOD! Just Embrace Him! Take God at His Word!

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭N!JV.

Meditate on that verse today. Embrace the goodness and perfect Will of God.

To read more of my story check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. ( available on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target, Walmart and Park Road Books.) My true story of surrender. My testimony of releasing hurt from my hearing and visual limitations and letting Gods strength arise within me as He enables me to overcome with His strength, not mine.
Www,shannonkenleyhinson.com.

Mental “snapshots”

November 27, 20212 Comments

Thanksgiving has come and gone. While I intended to blog on Thanksgiving morning, I only got one paragraph down before putting my iPad away. This year was just different without my Dad who passed away last March. It was also our first Thanksgiving without our son Joshua, who is enjoying his new life in Arizona. Yet we still gathered together, a small croup of three: me, my husband Ron and my Mom.

I’m a deep soul who is always reflecting and thinking deeply. I wondered what it would have been like to gather that very first Thanksgiving. Very different groups of people came together to share. Imagine that in todays world! Such sharing today would be a breath of fresh air.

In todays society people are so caught up in themselves, their families, their friends, their church… and of course their traditions. While there is nothing wrong with these things, let’s be mindful to include others. Many families are mIssing loved ones and friends who have passed on. Many are lacking the resources and a caring embrace.

Imagine sharing of yourself, your time and your heart. Include others outside your own circle of people. People matter! All people!

Many times over the years we have invited others to join us on Thanksgiving. Sometimes they did not have a family and others had family too far away. This year with my cochlear Implant processor not functioning correcting and the upgrade scheduled to arrive in a few weeks, we opted to go to Cracker Barrel. Mom and I preparing all that food for three people wasn’t ideal. Everything currently is an exercise in patience and grace as I try to understand conversation with faulty equipment and low vision.

We didn’t take any pictures this year but I took “mental snapshots.” Some of these snapshot include: gathering the night before Thanksgiving with my brothers family for chili at Moms., meeting my precious newborn great niece, a crisp beautiful morning as we picked Mom up to go to Cracker Barrel, the cozy fire snapping in the fireplace, one plate of a delicious meal, a nice nap in the sun at Moms afterwards, making turkey cranberry sliders for dinner, and just a all around heart full of gratitude in the goodness of God.

Let’s challenge ourselves this holiday season to be doers of the Word. Be conscientious and thoughtful of everyone around us. Let’s make a difference.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Thankful for new opportunities.

November 6, 2021Leave a Comment

After releasing my autobiography “Rooted by the Water“ this past May, it is finally IN a bookstore. So thankful that Park Road Books has a program to sell local authors. Check out this awesome little bookstore at 4139 Park Road, Charlotte NC 28209 http://www.parkroadbooks.com

Thankful for this new opportunity. I’m hoping to get my book in other stores as well. Baby steps but moving forward. Self promotion is a slow process. You can still find “Rooted by the Water” on the online bookstore of Westbowpress.com and other online retailers such as: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Target and Walmart.

Fun little piece of my history; I grew up going to Park Road Shopping Center where Park Road Books is located. Being there today brought back many great memories of going with my Nanny Kenley, my mom, and aunt Sylvia Thankful for my roots and old stomping ground. Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Be Inspired! Never give up! God is faithful always!

Be thankful for the journey

October 18, 2021Leave a Comment

As I sit outside on this beautiful October day, I find myself thinking deeply. I’m beyond grateful for the Holy Spirit prompting me to be mindful and thankful.

The Bible tells us to be anxious about nothing. Truth be told I need help on that one. Oh yes, I pray often but do I offer those prayers with thanksgiving? Ummm… not really. Do I offer those prayers with an anxious heart? Yes! In my humanity I do.

As I prayed this morning I redirected my thoughts and prayers. I rather said, “ Thank you Lord for the opportunity to pray about this situation. Thank you that I know you will answer according to your perfect will”.

Yesterday at church Pastor Loran Livingston reminded us of Psalms 27:13 “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” NIV. Lord help me to wait patiently and expectantly for you!

As I woke this morning one of the songs from worship yesterday was playing in my heart. The chorus has been playing in my heart and mind all day.

“ There’s no doubt about it I’m on my way home
I’m not yet where I’m going
But I’m a long way from where I was, I hear a choir of angels Cheering me on. I’m not yet where I’m going
But I’m a long way from where I was”

As I continue with this day my focus has moved to a different line of the song… “I hear a choir of Angels cheering me on….” And I’m thankful. So thankful to know God is working and faithful always! So thankful that “this too shall pass”. Whatever it is that I’m dealing with… the various things that cause me to be anxious…I will choose to set my eyes on Jesus, knowing that He leads me forward in His truth and with His protection. I will choose thankfulness as I journey on.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
You can find my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” on Amazon and other online retailers: Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Target and Walmart

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An EXTRA BIG dose of GRACE

September 29, 20211 Comment

It’s been over a week since I’ve sent out a blog post. Just like everyone else, I’ve been busy navigating daily life. But unlike most people, I navigate the daily ups and downs with hearing and visual issues.

Yesterday I was helping my Mom look for a dress to wear to my nieces wedding. We were in a NC mall where masks are required. So that means a lovely masks with already a device on each ear ( Advanced Bionics Naida cochlear implant processor on right ear, Cross link device on the other. ) I’m always checking to make sure my devices are secure because the mask has caused them to shift before. It’s an anxious feeling when one of the devices worth thousands of dollars falls off in public and I have to find them with low vision. Masked people have muffled voices + the Nadia processor is in need of programming so my hearing is slightly off = overwhelming annoyance…. BUT GOD!

I’m so beyond thankful for the extra big dose of Grace and mercy God pours on me everyday. He truly enables me to have Joy and radiate kindness. With the extra dose of grace He gives I’m able to extend that Grace to others.

Pictured above is a shirt I have. When I ordered it last year I thought it was hilarious. Truth be told, when I wore it the other day, it also reflected my mood. I prayed, “Lord help me show grace.”

Life is not about me or you but about sharing the Love of Jesus with others. I know when I’m overwhelmed playing worship music lifts my heart. I recently updated the software on my iPad so when I tried to play a worship song recently, a rock and roll song came on. 😳 I’ve never heard it before and thought “what in the world” … just forget it.🤦🏻‍♀️ You see with my low vision issues relearning each update takes time and all I wanted to do was play my worship music. Instead a friend picked me up and we talked. It’s helpful to get attention off the frustration at hand. Later when I took time to figure out how to play my music I can’t tell you the relief that washed over me as I listened to “Yes I Will” (Vertical Worship) Right there in my kitchen with my husband, I raised my hands in worship to Jesus and sang along…. “ Yes I will lift you high in the lowest valley, yes I will bless your name. Yes I will sing for joy when my heart is heavy… all my days, yes I will… give you praise”. I might have the chorus slightly off but it’s what’s in my heart

So thankful for the Extra BIG doses of grace the Lord pours out on me. Everyday is a new day with fresh mercies.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.”‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

To read more of my story, check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” available in hard cover, softcover and e book formats on Amazon, and other online outlets such as Barnes & Noble, Westbow Press.com, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Take a look

September 17, 2021Leave a Comment

Lately I’ve caught myself taking a step back and looking at myself. While chaos seems to be overtaking the world. I’ve never in my lifetime seen such division among people. It would be so easy to get sucked into the arguments but that isn’t pleasing to the Lord.

As I take a step back and look at myself, my words, attitudes and actions, I must aim to be a reflection of my Savior Jesus Christ. God knows I fall short and need His help every single day. God sure does know my hearts desire to please Him and be a reflection of His peace and compassion.

As I sit here reflecting and old song came to mind. “Mirror” by Evie. I had not heard it since I was a little girl at Grace Presbyterian. The lyrics go something like this……” You’re searching for Jesus, looking to find, hope for tomorrow some peace of mind” – the lyrics go on to say, you can find Him in the Bible and many churches BUT until you find Him in the mirror, you’ve got a long way to go. ( www.musixmatch.com)

This stirs my heart. I want to look in the mirror and see Jesus reflection as He molds me into the woman He wants me to be. Let’s be moldable and willing. The world is in dire need of seeing the light of Jesus! Let’s be a reflection of Jesus for all the world to see.

Keep focused. There is work to be done. Share the Gospel! Shine for the Lord!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalms‬ ‭139:23‬ -24 NLT‬‬

“What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete—as complete as God’s knowledge of me.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:12‬ ‭GNT‬‬

My book “Rooted by the Water” can be found online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target, Books A Million and Westbow Press online bookstore Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

My kind of deer hunting. (take two)

September 13, 2021Leave a Comment

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Here’s to attempt number two of posting this blog. When I have to zoom in large on my iPad to be sure there are no mistakes and to copy/ paste, things can easily be accidentally deleted. Deep breath… here’s to hoping this one goes through.

Yesterday Ron and I met up with my brother and sister in law at Moms house. After visiting a while we all got into my brothers car to head over to Dairy Queen, in honor of Dads 79th birthday (first one in Heaven) Dad loved the “Dilly bars”. I don’t know if that’s the correct spelling. I can’t see the menu.

After eating our ice cream I realized we weren’t heading back towards Moms. Being hearing and visually Impaired I miss parts of conversations. I’m always trying to connect the dots….fill in the blanks. I heard someone mention deer hunting. I said “Y’all better start praying if you’re taking me deer hunting because I can’t see far”. My sister in law said we were just going to look for deer. Ron suggested going towards Lake Wylie in the Tega Cay South Carolina area. Sure enough, we saw some.

I usually can’t see them because they blend in with the landscape, but these were close. It was such a wonder for me. I let out quite a few “AAAWWW’s”, They were so beautiful. There was one homeowner that was feeding them. There must have been five that walked right past our car. I told Ron we should go back over there and ask the man if we can feed them sometime.

This experience might not sound like a big deal but when you can’t see well and are able to take in the beauty of these gorgeous creatures you’re left in awe. I told my brother I’d go “Deer hunting” with them anytime. That’s my kind of hunting. Truly made my heart happy. Gods creation is so beautiful!

Top picture found on the internet. Bottom two pictures taken by my sister in law.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Happy 1st Bone marrow birthday ~HALLELUJAH🙌🙌🙌

August 26, 2021Leave a Comment

If you only knew the Praise to the Lord and Joy bursting from my heart today.

One year ago today my brother Forrest received a bone marrow transplant with some of my bone marrow. God has seen him through a “Rollercoaster” of a year and today he is doing WELL! ALL praise to Jesus! We give God praise and glory for all He has done. Every single detail: for the amazing doctors, nurses and medical team and especially Forrest awesome wife Jan and their kids, Justin and Lauren. Their church family and friends at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail were such a beautiful representation of the body of Christ as they offered continuous prayers and support. We are so thankful!

Mom is overjoyed to see her son thriving! It’s bittersweet that Dad is not here to witness this miracle. We lost him this past March to cancer. We know Dad is pumping his fist in the air in Heaven and thanking Jesus for bringing Forrest through.

Let me encourage you today that Miracles happen. Dark trials and storms come and go BUT GOD REMAINS FAITHFUL!

Never give up on God because He never gives up on you!
Keep the faith! Keep praying and Believing! God gets the last Word! I PRAISE HIM! Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com