As I sit on the back porch this Memorial Day morning I’m thankful. I’m thankful for the freedom to sit here with my dog Joy and listen to the birds singing. I’m thankful for the brave men and women who serve our country and for those who gave it all for our freedom. I’m thankful for Jesus who renews our hope each day.
Yesterday at church I was reminded to offer up sacrifices of praise to God, even in the waiting and frustrations of life. Lord let me always be mindful to PRAISE YOU anyway!
Lately I have felt so weighed down by life, the world, issues with my “state of the art” cochlear implant processor. As the list of concerns goes on, I can find myself overwhelmed. But yesterday at church as I listened with tears rolling down my face, I was reminded to be thankful in the waiting period even though it seems I’m always in a waiting period. All I can do is pray, praise and trust God to move. Our country, our world, society at large is so broken because it rejects Jesus. I can’t do anything about it but pray and allow God to use me in whatever way he desires to bring about healing in our world. Let’s pause today and be thankful. Let’s pray continually and give thanks because our God is faithful.
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.
Ever wonder who is the greatest? In todays times and our current culture people might respond naming the greatest athlete. Other possible answers today could be who has the most money, the most power, greatest set of skills, best looking, most influential … and the list goes on. This is actually not a new question. People have been pondering this for centuries. Matthew 18:1 tells us, “About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?””( NLT) None of todays possible answers would even come close to what Jesus said. Look carefully at the response of Jesus in Matthew 18:2-4. “Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”(NLT) Let’s pause for a moment and let Jesus words sink deep within our hearts. We must become humble like little children.
If you Google the meaning of humble this is what you will find: having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance. Well folks, we have a lot of work to do. I can only name a few who demonstrate this characteristic.
This present society is all about ME, ME and more ME! Instant gratification, lust, pleasures, passions and having more is NOT God’s way. Let’s surrender today to Jesus Lordship over our lives! Let’s humble ourselves and become nothing, so HE can fill us and become our everything. Jesus loves you! Will you give Him your life today?
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.
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!
Today I went out on our front porch to change some old artificial greenery. I had bought a fuller replacement that looks more real. As I reached for the thin old greenery something began flapping and I backed away. The flapping of life in something old made me smile. With low eye sight, I figured it was a bird but couldn’t tell. Grabbing my iPad from inside I crept as quietly as I could and took a picture. Above is an enlarged picture of what I found. While I don’t know for certain, Im assuming that’s a momma bird sheltering her young. New life is beautiful. As I ponder this truth I see faith in motion. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we don’t see. I don’t see the eggs under this momma bird or possibly hatched baby birds but I truly believe they are there.
Yesterday I bought a new shirt that says “Momma Bear”. I love it and will wear it with joy. There is nothing like the love and protectiveness of a mother for her child, no matter how old they are. Our son Joshua arrived home last week after being away for half a year. It is the greatest joy to have him here again. The long talks and time together are priceless.
This Wednesday May 18 at 10:45 he has his annual appointment with his eye specialist. Every year since 2009 my heart becomes a bit anxious as this appointment approaches. I have to confess this to the Lord daily and He strengthens me. The doctor told us I could not pass along my vision problems since it was said mine came from a birth defect to my optic nerves. As I pray fervently for our son I am asking for God to create new life and bring restoration and renewed health to Joshua’s optic nerves. I believe that behind those beautiful green eyes, new life is forming and restoration is taking place. When he was a little guy he used to sing, “My God is great, so awesome and so mighty. There’s nothing that my God can not do.” From the mouth of babes!
Recently I have been reading different books with testimonies of how God heals. In the Bible itself, Jesus never turned a single person away who sought healing. Jesus healed them all. Why God has not done it yet, I do not know. But I do know that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Nothing is impossible with God! (Mark 10:27) As Christians we must take God at His Word and stop believing the lies of the enemy. You might think Im a bit radical but that’s okay. I choose to believe God. Jesus took a horrible beating at the whipping post over 2,000 years ago. Isaiah 53:5 says “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”
Jesus also teaches us that greater works will we do because He goes to the Father. Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. He took our place! He was buried and raised to life on the third day. He is alive! He ascended to Heaven and sits at the right hand of The Father interceding for us. The Bible tells us in John 14:12, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” I am believing my Jesus! He makes all things new! Will you join me in faith declaring restoration in our sons eyesight? The Doctor will see signs of new healthy life at his appointment on Wed essay. Signs of restoration! May a huge wave of faith and prayer arise over the world as I sent this blog post out far and wide. We give all glory to Jesus! Thank you Lord for renewal, flourishing nerve health and bringing everything in line to what it needs to be for optimal health. Amen!
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
Sometimes we think we have things handled well until something triggers a flare up in anxiety and you realize it’s been hiding deep down inside unnoticed. Several flare ups have occurred this week and it has somewhat surprised me that anxiety is still lurking. Past experiences can leave little scars that you don’t realize are still there. This week I have kept busy while our son is doing an adventurous cross country camping trip with a friend, in tents. Each day I have either walked with my neighbor or a friend. We walk, talk, encourage and pray. Several times this week I have confessed my feelings of rising anxiety about hidden fears that I didn’t realize still exist.
As the week unfolded I thought of how James 5:15 tells us, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” In my heart I know that Jesus doesn’t want us walking around anxious but wants us to bring each and every fear and situation to him. As I type this there is a severe thunderstorm warning in effect. Storms have never bothered me but the boys are traveling home. I keep repeating; pray, believe trust, release. Repeat… pray, believe, trust and release. We have zero control over many things in life. The saying goes, “Life is10% what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it.” My way of dealing with life is to pray, pray and pray some more. The Bible also tells me in Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Maybe I need to add thanksgiving in as well. Lord thank you that we can come boldly before your throne of grace because of the shed blood of Jesus and you hear our hearts prayer.
Today as I ended my walk with my friend Valerie I told her I wanted to pray with her. We were standing at the end of my driveway. As I held her hands and prayed over her, her family, my family and just everything, it was a precious time. As I said “Amen” I noticed a FedEx truck was parked nearby. I told my friend that the driver probably saw something he didn’t see often, people praying together in the driveway. I sure hope it was as big of a blessing to that driver as it was to us.
Life is such a toss up of so many things. We never know what’s around the next corner. As I’ve been writing this blog I’ve seen many severe weather alerts, a couple tornado watches and now sun. I had the dog move with me to the floor of the bathroom. I honestly set my iPad on the commode lid as I typed and waited. My dog must have thought I was out of my mind. I ventured out and saw the sun shining through the windows. Now it’s dark again. All I can say is “ Lord I don’t know what’s on the radar but you do. Amen! He is El Roi the God who sees. As long as my Heavenly Father is at watch, everything is going to be alright. So let’s rest in that knowledge and pray, believe, trust, give thanks and release it as many times as needed.
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
As I type this right now, our son Joshua and his buddy Coleman are road tripping across the country, in tents at national parks from Arizona to South Carolina. He told me the names of the parks they planned to camp at. I connected those destinations on a map and sent it to him asking if that was the tentative route. I’m sure he was rolling those green eyes as he texted back, “Pretty much”. Right before they left they added the Sedona Desert as their first camping spot. I thought what in the world, tent camping in The Sedona Desert at a national park! I texted him and said, “Don’t bring any scorpions home!”
Once a mom, always a mom. Your child is also always you baby no matter how old or big he gets. He has grown into one courageous, kind hearted and stunning person.
As he told me of their road trip plans, I felt my anxiety start to rise. Joshua texted me telling me not to sweat it and they would be fine. I told him he would be the subject of my next book. He said, “No but Coleman wants to be in the next one.” I have plenty of material. All joking aside, it can be nerve racking having an adventurous son. Almost two years ago, Joshua and a group of friends, including three of Coleman’s siblings, hiked a big waterfall. They took theirs shoes off at the bottom and hiked their way up the falls through the water. Once it became too steep they stopped except for two brothers who kept going. One of them slipped way up on a rock, falling into the falls. He never made it home alive. I remember that night like it was yesterday. When the group didn’t arrive back when they said they would, we began making calls. Joshua did come home wearing one of the rescue teams t-shirt. He threw it away not wanting to remember.
God knows our days before we are born. He knows when we will breathe our last breath. We have to trust God with the safety of our children, knowing everything is in His hands. God has seen Joshua through many trials and adventures in life. It’s my prayer that he sees God’s hand guiding him forth. We cover him in prayer daily and his friends as well. I pray on this road trip they will experience God like never before in the majesty of His creation. In the meantime I will keep praying as he is on and off the grid of connection by cell phone. I’m going to be one happy momma when he walks through the door in a few days. Keep them in your prayers.
One chapter in my autobiography is about Joshua. Before publishing my book, “ Rooted by the Water” I asked his permission to include the chapter. I watched his face as he read, pausing, thinking and reading again. He finally said, “I’m glad you’re doing this.” To read more of my story, “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon and other online retailers. It’s in ebook format and hard and soft cover as well. Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
Have you ever truly been moved by God? He moves me in so many ways; reading the Bible, listening to worship music, being still in His beautiful creation, time in prayer and much more.
This week God has stirred my heart with a song I heard in church last Sunday. A lady sang In Jesus Name (God Of Possible) by Katy Nichole. I am sure I’ve heard it before but for some reason it really struck me this week. As a hearing and visually impaired person, I learn music a bit differently. I looked up the lyrics and found a video with lyrics on YouTube. As I listened to it over and over I cried at the beautiful meaning of the words and how true they are. This was one of those songs I just had to have in my music library so I bought it. As I played it over and over I didn’t realize I was singing out loud. My cochlear implant processor is connected by Bluetooth to my iPad, so I could hear the music but no one around me could. My husband and I had a good laugh later when he told me I had given him a concert. I thought he was outside but he was in the home study room and just closed the door.
Being rid of distractions can help me to focus intently on Jesus and just savor all that He is. Since I don’t drive due to low vision, I’m home a lot. When I’m alone I sing and pray out loud. It helps me focus. As I worshipped by singing In Jesus Name (God Of Possible), I thought of how this applies to every single situation and person. If you don’t know the lyrics look them up. You won’t be sorry. It starts with “ I speak the name of Jesus over you. In your hurting, in your sorrow, I will ask my God to move”. Let me pause right here for a minute. This world is full of sorrow, pain and people crying out for help. The world is also full of distracted, self absorbed people who are too busy to care. We can and should intentionally slow down and take the time for the sea of humanity around us. Take the time to pray for them and speak Jesus name over them.
Another part of the song goes like this: “I pray for your healing. Circumstances to change. I pray that the fear inside will flee in Jesus name. I pray that your breakthrough will happen today. I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name.” Let’s let those power lyrics sink in. There is such incredible power in the name of Jesus. We can’t even comprehend it. God allows us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Let’s spur one another on to stand firm in faith and in the power of the Holy Spirit, boldly speaking the name of Jesus. Let us not be timid or afraid but rather hold firmly to the hope that we have in Jesus. As we speak the name of Jesus and pray in the name of Jesus, we will see God move for His glory. Who is with me? Let’s do this! In Jesus name!
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
This year my birthday happens to fall on Good Friday. I’ve felt this blog post swirling in my mind today and I just had to get it in writing. As I type this with tears rolling down my cheeks I can honestly say I am moved beyond words at the greatest gift I’ve ever received… my salvation.
This Friday we remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us. He took my place, your place. He who had no sin became the perfect sacrificial lamb to save us from everlasting condemnation. It’s so hard for me to wrap my mind around the enormity of what Jesus did for me and you.
The movie “The Passion of Christ”, gives a glimpse of what the crucifixion may have been like. I have seen this movie and I had the hardest time watching what Jesus suffered for us. Can you even Imagine such love?
Last Sunday our Pastor had a crown of thorns that he showed us. I was hoping he would come close enough to where I was sitting so I could get a view of it. I can’t see very far with my low vision limitations but he came close enough so I could see. Thorns hurt terribly. I know this because we have rose bushes and I have to prune them back each year. I can’t see the thorns well but they go through my gloves every year when I cut the roses back and it’s painful. Just think, not only were Jesus hands and feet nailed to the cross, a spear stabbed into his side, but also the crown of thorns pressed onto his head. Jesus died the most horrible death so that we could live. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (ESV) Salvation is the greatest gift of all and it’s FREE! Romans 10:10 says, ““For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”(ESV)
Not only this but on the third day God raised Jesus back to life! Easter Sunday is coming and it’s RESURRECTION DAY! Jesus is alive and is sitting at the right hand of God interceding for us. Jesus is constantly praying to God for us and when God looks at us he sees the blood of Jesus. This is such an incredible truth that it’s hard for me to put into words. Do you know Jesus? He loves you and desires to have a relationship with you. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:11 “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”(NLT)
As I’ve been writing this blog an awesome worship song has been playing in my heart. “What Mercy Did For Me”. If you’ve never heard it before I encourage you to download it and listen. It’s beautiful and so true. Here’s the lyrics.
What Mercy did For Me
… I was hopeless, I knew I was lost And death and darkeness were my only songs I needed someone to come rescue me And mercy heard my plea … And Lord, You found me You healed me You called me from the grave You gave me Your real love I thank You Jesus You washed my sins away And now I’m living, and I got forgiven You came to set me free And that’s what Your mercy did for me … You gave me beauty for my guilty stains And now I’m living day to day by His grace So excuse me if I can’t contain my praise ‘Cause I know that I’ve been saved … Lord, You found me You healed me You called me from the grave You gave me Your real love I thank You Jesus You washed my sins away And now I’m living, and I got forgiven You came to set me free And that’s what You mercy did for me, oh … And every morning mercy will restore me I will proclaim And even if the world may fall before me I will proclaim … ‘Cause Lord, You found me You healed me You called me from the grave You gave me Your real love I thank You Jesus You washed my sins away And right now I’m living, I got forgiven You came to set me free And that’s what Your mercy did for me … That’s what Your mercy did for me (oh, I’m so grateful for Your mercy) That’s what Your mercy did for me (You saved me and raised me, Lord) And that’s what Your mercy did for me (Your so faithful, Lord) And that’s what Your mercy did for me And that’s what Your mercy did for me Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Joshua Adam Sherman / Crystal Yates / Drew Ley / Micah Tyler / Drew Hudick / Mills Ward / Delaney Brooke Ramsdell / Kaylee Grace Turner / Albert E Sr Brumley
Be blessed my friends and I pray you too receive the greatest gift ever! Jesus!
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.
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