JESUS – Page 7 – rootedbythewater.blog

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.

Verse for today 6/25/22

June 25, 2022Leave a Comment

May you all have a blessed beyond measure weekend as you continue to walk with Jesus!

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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Three life seasons in a weekend

June 18, 2022Leave a Comment

This weekend is packed full with different life celebrations. A memorial / celebration of life for a precious friend who recently passed away. A celebration of marriage for a young couple embarking on their married journey. Last but not least, celebration of Fathers Day. Celebrating my husband Ron and remembering my awesome Dad who is no longer with us.

Life comes at us all the time. We never know what lurks around the next corner but we embrace Jesus who holds us every minute of every day. He enables us to find the good in hard seasons like when we lose a loved one. He enabled us to speak life into other new life seasons and cherish and appreciate each stage.

The Memorial service

Recently a precious lady passed away unexpectedly. It seems surreal like it just can’t be true. When we got the news of complications after her surgery we all raised our voices in faith filled prayers before God to bring before God healing. He brought her healing in Heaven. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and precious friend. One thing that stood out to me in her beautiful memorial service was, the Pastor said she preached her own funeral by the way she lived her life. The words spoken weren’t just empty words. They were true. She will never know the impact of her sweet spirit, love, encouragement, kindness and faith. May God comfort her family as they struggle with her loss.

The wedding

Today we got to witness a sweet couples wedding. We’ve known the bride since she was born. Such a beautiful young lady inside and out. We were happy to be a part of their celebration as they begin their married journey together.

I remember our wedding day. It was over 28 years ago. Being in love and ready to start life together, is like planting roots. Living out the promises you make to one another before God, day after day, takes commitment. It takes three: the bride, the groom and the Lord. A cord of three is not easily broken. We wish this sweet couple a lifetime of happiness.

Fathers Day

We have been celebrating Ron all weekend. Friday night our son Joshua wanted to have dinner together, then today we all attended the wedding together. Tomorrow Joshua will join us for church then a lunch for Ron.

It will be a bittersweet day as it will be the second Fathers Day without my Dad. I was a Daddy’s girl and I sure do miss our talks. Dad was a great listener. He would let me talk and give me words of wisdom and advice. I know he’s celebrating Father’s Day with our Abba Father. There is nothing like the love of a Father for his children.

Experiencing various parts of life’s journey over this weekend makes me reflect on the goodness of God. In all the seasons of life He is faithful and so so good!

Cherish a relationship with God and if you don’t have one, I urge you to get to know Jesus. It’s the best decision you will ever make. He is always there loving you and waiting for you to open the door of your heart to Him. He will see you through each season of life. The happy times, the difficult times, the joys and struggles, He is there every step of the way. Thank you Jesus!

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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Reactivation…baby steps

June 16, 20224 Comments

Today was the day I got to put my Marvel cochlear implant processor back on. It didn’t go exactly like I thought it would. It seemed more like baby stepping stones to take to get towards a goal of better hearing and comprehension of speech. I’m not even close to being there yet. However I went in hearing nothing and came out hearing a little bit so it is a step forward.

Describing this reprogramming eludes me. It was like starting from scratch. I’ve had my implant for 16 years. Since I started having some difficulties understanding speech my audiologist thought perhaps my auditory nerve was over stimulated. All my levels were high although not quite at the very top of the chart. It made sense to go on the “sound diet” so my nerves could rest. I think I went in with higher expectations than I should have. It was like starting back at the beginning, listening to various pitched beeps. They started very quiet and I had to tell her when it was at a comfortable volume. I was mindful of the fact my levels needed to be lower than before. It was super frustrating. As I sat there I started to sweat as I tried to put into words what it sounded like so she could make adjustments. My descriptions ranged from; it sounds like my head is in a tunnel, the microphones sound like they are covered, it’s muffled, volumes seems to go up and down with just a few words spoken. It was so odd.

My take away from today is it’s going to be a process. Progress requires one step at a time. My audiologist wants me to have a week for my brain to adjust to this new programming then I will go back for more changes. Step by step, God willing this will improve. My levels are about two thirds down which is good, we just need to figure out the next changes to make that will work for me. I did some auditory therapy tonight using the iAngel Sound app. I started with basics, food names and animal names. I could understand some of it but it was tricky. My score was down about twenty points from where I scored months ago. I will just need to readjust.

Here are a few reflections during this week and having sound turned back on. Silence is not golden. Not hearing separates you from people. When you have low vision like me, environmental sounds are important. Nothing makes your family work on their signing skills more than when they have to. 😂 Hearing no sound for a week makes you appreciate the little everyday sounds that are taken for granted. Rest is much easier without the noise. Prayer time has been different last week, not being able to really hear myself. I like to pray out loud in my quiet time. It helps me focus and I can speak Gods Word. When I speak the Word I like to hear what I’m saying.

I know things will get better. As the Audiologist was typing and programming, I was sitting there praying for God given direction and wisdom to make the exact changes I need. I go back in a little over a week for some more adjustments. Keep the prayers coming. Thanks for all the support. God bless you all!

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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Sound off days 1, 2 & 3

June 12, 20222 Comments

Day 1
We left the audiologist office laughing. I love a challenge and thought I’d approach this like a game. By this evening my nerves are in knots and I’m ready for “Calgon to take me away”! I will settle for Walmart brand bubble bath. Seriously there were so many times today I wanted to put my processor on! Thankfully it is electronically disabled (I think) so I’m stuck. Life still happens and there are still discussions to have but the communication process is currently broken. Ron has been talking as usual. I can’t blame him as we’ve been doing life as usual for 28 married years. I have to remind myself to take a deep breath and don’t snap. Show grace Shannon!

I received an encouraging email today from my Teacups ministry sister Ronnee. She encouraged me to look at it like a silent retreat with the Lord. What a neat perspective on this current challenge. I’m shifting my focus here. Ok Lord without the sense of physical hearing this week let me be keenly aware of spiritual hearing and grasp all You desire to show me and free me from. Day one down, five more to go. Now for that bubble bath! Good night!

Day 2
This morning when I woke up I went straight to where I keep my cochlear Implant processor but remembered it’s off limits. Putting my processor on each morning is the first thing I’ve done for sixteen years. Ron had a day trip planned so me and our dog Joy had the house to ourselves. After a long quiet time with the Lord, I got some chores done. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to put my processor on. Silence is somewhat disorienting. On an odd note, my balance seemed better today but I was tired by the time I went to sleep. I depend so heavily on my processor and with it off I’m having to depend on the vision I have. With 20/400 vision, I guess I’m milking my optic nerves for every stimulation available. 😳🤣Two days down, four more to go.

Day 3
As the saying goes, “Habits die hard”. This morning when my alarm went off again I picked up my processor to put it on. I was half asleep and the place I keep it at night is close to the bed. After this, I had to pack it away in its case so it’s not easily in reach. It’s in its case and put away for my next appointment with my Audi on Thursday afternoon.

I considered whether I would go to church or not. There is always an interpreter so that wasn’t my concern. Not hearing the environmental noises is so odd and uncomfortable but I knew God would meet me there. It was the most “silent” church service I’ve ever attended. 😂 I know emojis are not for writing but I’m inserting one to keep the humor alive. I’m so thankful for my friend Lauren who interpreted the service for me. It was nice to be able to communicate with someone without all the guessing of lip reading without audio clues. I could feel the beat to the music, probably due to Terry being on the Bass. I also heard Pastor’s voice slightly when he was all fired up. It was a powerful message. I’m thankful I got out of my comfort zone and went. There is blessing in obedience. Depending on all the visuals with low vision wore me out again. A good nap was calling my name when I got home.

Tonight when I go to sleep I will be half way finished with this”sound diet”. While I’m keeping a positive perspective, it’s not really like a silent retreat. I have been on those before and they lasted a couple of days with no talking and no devices, it was just one on one time with the Lord. Worship music and sounds of nature always connect me with God. Right now things are utterly silent. A bit unnerving but I’m half way through.

Lord speak in this silence and renew my nerves so I can comprehend speech better again. With my CI packed away for my next appointment, there won’t be the temptation of the habit of putting it on. Please keep the prayers coming.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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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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Spontaneous getaway

June 6, 2022Leave a Comment

Blogging in the car right now. Joshua was in a wedding over the weekend in Wilmington, NC so we decided to tag along. Since it was kind of last minute we couldn’t find a dog sitter and decided to just bring Joy with us. This was her first beach trip and we had no idea how she was going to respond. She is such a sweet and loving dog but her one pitfall is she is a “barker”. We took her bark collar just in case but she was amazing and didn’t have to wear it at all.

On Saturday Joshua was dressed for the rehearsal when we left home. Driving east across the Carolina’s we finally found the wedding venue.
When he was finished at the rehearsal we all were excited to take Joy to Wrightsville beach. The beach is my happy place. Anywhere near the ocean is always soothing. I was disappointed when we found out dogs are not allowed on the beach at all. Thankfully it was cool and breezy so Joy could stay in the car with the windows cracked while we took a walk on the beach. We did find a patio where she could have dinner with us.

Once back at the hotel I did a search online to see where Joy could come with us. Fort Fisher state park was the winner being dog friendly year round. We made plans to go the next morning and early afternoon before Joshua had to be at the wedding.

It was not the typical beach day at Fort Fisher. There was a beach soccer tournament going on with lots of people and dogs. There must have been three or four games going on at once. Joy was definitely overstimulated but she loved it. she was curious about the sand, wasn’t afraid of the water and cried when she couldn’t play with every dog that walked by. She loved it and was worn out when we left.

I’m glad we decided to tag along with Joshua this weekend and have family time including Joy. Joshua is grown and family get aways are rare but this was refreshing. A change of scenery and memories made together as a family is priceless.

Take that quick weekend trip. Make memories. Family time is always special. So thankful for this time away.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

What did you wear?

June 1, 20222 Comments

As we wrap up this Wednesday, I’d like to ask you a question. Thinking back on your day today, what did you wear? What did you take off or put on? Climate and temperatures are out of our control but we can be prepared. If you live in the Carolinas you can experience all seasons in January. Our weather is so unpredictable. Lately it’s been pretty hot! So we dress according to the weather.

Our society temperatures can vary as well. Opinions can be all over the spectrum on every imaginable topic. I can find myself taking a certain “stance” and must be mindful of humility. Everyday is full of opportunities to shine for Jesus. 1 Peter 3:15 says “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” NKJV. The ESV says with “gentleness and respect”. Our stance on subjects and attitudes in general play a huge role in our effectiveness in sharing God’s love.

Let’s be really honest here. Some times people can press and press until you just want to snap. We can be tempted to be defensive and easily offended. When we forget whose battle it is we can quickly snuff out our light. Even the disciples could become offended. When the Samaritan village rejected Jesus in Luke 9, James and John wanted to call down fire from Heaven. Luke 9:54 “And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” ‭ESV‬‬. Oh boy! I’ve seen some heated debates before (even been on a few) and it’s refreshing to know the disciples also experienced this. Let’s take a look at Jesus response. Luke 9:55-56 “But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village.” Sometimes we just have to move on. We can’t win every debate and we can’t be offended by every opposition. We can choose to put on humility, love, respect and grace. Be sure to throw off hostilities and anger. Those won’t get you anywhere but in trouble.

From a spiritual perspective we can always dress for success. Colossians‬ ‭3:12‬ says “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”NLT. So let’s be mindful of what we put on and take off. Dressing effectively God’s way is the way to go. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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