life – rootedbythewater.blog

Roll on~

February 25, 20252 Comments

See that piece of old tape on that zoom dial?

One of my least favorite things to do is organize our study room. If I could see well it wouldn’t be so bad, but I have to put every single paper under my video magnifier to see what it says. Not to mention that old video magnifier has a zoom dial that is broke. As I’m looking at whatever, it zooms extra large to small at the tiniest touch of the broken dial. Lord help me! Ron was looking into replacing it but I said NO! Those things cost a lot of money and I can just tape it at a reasonable zoom level….again!

Yesterday I asked Ron if we could switch our large desk around. It’s a large L shaped desk with the computer at the angle, my video magnifier on one end and his stuff on the other. I wanted to try switching ends. What was I thinking? I created a pile of papers that now need to be looked through and probably shredded. In the midst of those papers and notebooks that I had tucked things into, I found some “GEMS” Tucked in one of my journals from 2006, I had put a Christmas card picture from an old childhood friend. Wow! I don’t even remember getting the card. It was in the envelope, with return address. Wonder if she still lives there. Gosh, it’s at least 17 years old from the looks of her children who are now grown adults. I also found a card I received 19 years ago when I was getting ready to have my cochlear implant surgery. Lord have mercy! I really need to look through these things but…. like I said, I have to put everything under my machine to see what it says.

Sometimes we have to “roll with it” and get it done but oh my word, I’m not looking forward to this. Speaking of “roll with it” I don’t mean literally. We have two office chairs in the study that roll on the wooden floor. Last night when I sat down in one of the chairs, I just made it to the edge and the chair started rolling backwards across the floor. The treadmill saved me from busting on my butt. That would not have been good with this being week two of being out of the back brace.

We really do have to “roll with it” in life. My day started wonderfully. My friend Katie who is a Pastor/Missionary’s wife came to visit. I really loved seeing her and having time to catch up since we haven’t seen each other in years. When she left I sat at the computer to put in a Mary Kay order and things went downhill from there. I haven’t sat at that computer in months and my bookmarked page was no longer there. Keep in mind I have to “Ultra zoom” to see the computer. I’m talking so zoomed the font becomes like little pencils. AND my bookmarked page was gone. After much frustration I finally got it figured out and Ron bookmarked it for me again.

Next thing….. yes there’s a next thing. There is always a next thing. The tax booklet from the accountant still needs to be complete. I’ve got one more section. That means back to that machine, and I’ll be sure to not “fall out of the chair” when I “roll with it” this time. Ron told me we are also having a house guest tonight. I told Ron, I just washed the sheets so they would be clean when our son returns from out of town next week. I joked that our house is the “Hinson Inn & Call Center”. If you’re having a rough day and need a sounding board just give us a call. (Well Ron, not me) If you need a place to crash, come on by. (I’m kidding but it’s kind of what happens). Years ago our son Joshua was always having friends over. He’s an only child, so we always welcomed them. I used to look out the window and know who was here by whatever car(s) were here. Yes sometimes more than one. I used to tell Ron we needed a sign for the yard. “Hinson Inn ~ NO Vacancies” ~ drive on!😂

We go through seasons in life where there is change and we have to declutter, making room for new growth. After the stressful afternoon I decided to get out in the sun. This is my kind of February day, sunny and 67 degrees. Perfect! I needed to trim the bottom layer of limbs on Dad’s tulip tree. We planted that tree in his memory almost four years ago.. Trimming the bottom branches will help me be able to see if anything is hiding underneath when the tree blooms. It has buds all over it and always buds around the time he passed. It’s bittersweet.

That’s the thing about life, it gets cluttered, you have to trim things back, you have to “roll with it” and continue to be a blessing despite the stress. Tomorrow is RiceNBeans day, which brings life into perspective. Our homeless friends don’t have a place to call their own. They don’t know where their next meal will come from. Two weeks ago my friend gave a lady the boots off her own feet because the lady’s shoes were soaked from the cold rain. That was one of the most beautiful things. We are beyond blessed; papers I can’t see, machines with the broken zoom dial, phones to enable people to call who need a listening ear (Ron’s) , clean sheets for the next guest. There is much to thank God for. He is faithful. Even when we don’t understand why He doesn’t fix things the way we want. He sees the big picture. Let’s just raise a Hallelujah and “roll on”.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Deep Breath & ASAP

February 11, 2025February 11, 2025Leave a Comment

Someone sent me this years ago and it fits perfect with this blog.

This blog title ”hits the nail on the head”! It’s been one of those days, or shall I say “few days”. This is week five since my fall on ice, getting a compression fracture to my L3. I’m healing well and ready to be finished with this back brace. Sunday afternoon I thought I’d work on our taxes. I was just sitting at a desk so I figured not wearing the brace was okay, but I paid for it yesterday. My lower back was very sore. Taking a muscle relaxer does help at night but it causes me to sleep much longer than normal.

This morning I woke up at 9:45 so my morning was thrown off. I really need to start my day in prayer. It helps me handle the day so much better. This morning as soon as I woke up, my husband Ron was asking me for a small box to mail something in. He needed it this morning but I didn’t know until I woke up. I was not fully awake and searching for a box, before putting on the back brace. Had not even had my coffee yet. Not my way for starting a day. He finally had what he needed and left for the post office. I put on the back brace, made my coffee and went upstairs to pray. Truth be told, I need to do that FIRST before anything else.

Grabbing my iPad, I glanced at the screen and saw several texts come in. Some girlfriends decided to have lunch. I already had a day of baking cakes and laundry planned so I thought I’d pass on lunch. I quickly texted one of the girls and said, “I really need my prayer time first. I’ll text you after I’m done and let you know.”. Finally taking a deep breath, I began praying. Lord help! Hey I am being serious. The morning had been a bust and I needed a restart. There is something about praying in the morning. It’s as if you are taking the flesh captive and saying Lord Your Will not mine! I told the Lord about my frustrations and lifted up some people in prayer. I can tell you I felt so refreshed after that time in prayer. When I was finished I told my friend I’d join them. Fellowship with friends always helps.

When I arrived home from lunch (lunch with these friends is always long. Today was about a three hour lunch). I did wear the back brace but my back was tired from sitting so long. I had two more pound cakes to make, and the two I made last night had to be sliced and put in bags for our outreach tomorrow. Ron helped me with the slicing and wow, we got 100 slices of cake from four pound cakes. That made me happy.

Finally sitting with a cushion at my back and the heating pad, I decided to check social media posts. Oh my! Sometimes you have to take a deep breath and SCROLL ON! One person was all uptight over President Trump changing the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. I mean really! Isn’t that a bit petty? I’m learning to not respond to political posts. I did say, I’m learning! (Not there yet 😂) The thing is, our media is bought out. They report according to a narrative They have succeeded in the smear Trump campaign and people are beyond brainwashed. It’s not their fault, it’s the medias bias. When people post ignorant things I sometimes respond. I will say I’m always respectful in my responses but I guess Ron can tell when I’m frustrated. So tonight I’m sitting here typing really fast and he comes over and says, “How many words can you type a minute?” I’m like,”Umm, that’s like asking you how many words you can speak a minute.” He said what are you frustrated about? It does frustrate me when people post things and haven’t a clue what’s really going on. But that’s just one of those times when I need to take a deep breath, say a prayer and scroll on.Everyone has a right to their opinion.

Life is challenging. I meet all sorts of of people on social media. I know some people frown on that but hear me out. People need words of encouragement. That was one of my reasons for writing my autobiography, Rooted by the Water to encourage people during the pandemic. People need Life spoken over them. As Ron was driving me to meet my friends for lunch I ask him a hard question. I asked, ”How do you respond when people say something that seems suicidal?”. I am sensitive to people’s tone of voice in writing. (Remember I can’t hear well or see well but people’s tone of voice in writing is clear) I told him about a post I had seen last night and that’s the way the person came across, as suicidal. When I saw it, I responded with encouragement to keep holding on. God uses all of us in different ways. So many different talents and gifts. Where ever you are in life, people are watching, listening. You make a difference with your response or lack there of. The decision is yours. You can shine for Jesus or not. Yes life can be tiring, but we are on a mission to make a difference for the glory of God. We have to take the flesh captive and make it submit to God. Sometimes we need to apologize for a sour attitude. That’s okay. Apologize and move forward.

For me , prayer changes the course of my day. Prayer gives me a different perspective. Serving people also lifts my spirits. Taking deep breaths can also let out pent up tension. Maybe avoiding social media or limiting it is a good idea too. I love to encourage people, but it can be draining.

God willing, next Monday I will be released from this back brace and ready to strengthen my back and core muscles again. I’m used to the hearing and visual limits but the physical limits are annoying. I’m ready to get back to my normal. Hopefully soon. In the meantime with whatever comes I will keep on taking a deep breath, ASAP (always say a prayer)and scroll on.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

About that Joy

January 17, 20252 Comments

Me wearing my lovely “contraption” back brace.

As promised here is my blog on Joy. Wasn’t quite expecting to work on this wearing an uncomfortable back brace. If you follow my blogs you know I slipped and fell very hard on ice last Saturday, hurting my back. I held off getting checked because I could move, there was no numbness or tingling in my limbs and no other signs of a break; however the pain and weakness in my lower back persisted. My husband Ron talked me into going to Urgent Care last night. What shocked me was being sent to ER for a CT scan and X-rays. I looked at the Dr and said, “Is this really necessary?” We thought I was just having muscle spasms but it turns out I have a compression fracture in my lumbar area of my spine. I’m to wear this back brace that keeps my spine straight and supports me for four weeks. I will follow the doctors instructions but these guys have to stop making me laugh. It hurts to laugh. Our son Joshua said, “Mom, I’m not trying to make you laugh”. I know it’s not intentional, he’s just funny. I have no problem with Joy. I laugh easily and sometimes in the face of an intense struggle. Sometimes the absurdity of a situation makes me laugh. I know that the joy of the Lord is indeed my strength. So as I sit here typing up this blog, I can’t help but laugh that my back brace comes all the way up to the top of y chest and back, with my chin resting upon the top potion of the brace. It is not comfortable but you do what you have to do. The above is a picture for you. I don’t take myself too seriously and certainly am not vain.

A few weeks ago a friend posted the following on social media, and it truly made me smile. I asked Jo Ann if I should share what she wrote and she gave me permission. She is such a strong woman of God. Her beloved husband of many years suddenly passed away a few years ago and then she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has endured much sorrow and God strengthens her and is bringing her through. She shared the following. I will use bold font for what was in her post (used with permission) ~
I didn’t realize till I started looking at scripture this morning on LAUGHTER and JOY in God‘s word there’s 115 scripture about laughter and joy…this is just a few…God wants us to LAUGH and have JOY…THROUGH OUR PAIN AND SUFFERING WE CAN STILL FIND LAUGHTER AND JOY…

Job 8:21 – “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”

Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Ecclesiastes 3:4 – “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

Luke 6:21 – “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”

Proverbs 31:25 – “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

Psalm 37:13 – “But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”

I CHOSE TODAY JANUARY 2, 2025 TO FIND LAUGHTER AND FIND JOY NO MATTER WHAT…BECAUSE GODS WORD SAYS THAT I CAN HAVE IT. I HAVE REACH FOR IT.

I’m thankful God is filling Jo Ann with His joy and laughter. I’m beyond thankful for the joy and laughter He gives me too. You too can find joy and laughter in the midst of difficulty. Joy is one of the Fruits of the Spirit. As we trust in Jesus, He can fill us with joy unspeakable. For me, I just let things roll. I don’t take life too seriously. What people think is really of no concern, just move on. I’m an optimist, looking for the good in everything. It’s an attitude and way of life for me. Trusting God helps me find the peace, joy and strength I need for each hurdle.

Life is so full of uncertainty, but I know who holds us in the palm of His hand. Living with hearing and visual issues can be a challenge. Seeing our son Joshua endure the same is like a dagger that pierces my heart. Yes the same son that makes me laugh all the time. Recently he had a moment and in that moment he said , “How am I supposed to trust God when it’s His fault He made me this way?” Whoa! Lord how am I supposed to respond to that? I looked at him and said,
“Joshua everything God creates is very good. It’s according to His purposes not ours.” He looked at me, then looked away. It’s life! One step forward, two steps back. But I will never stop hoping, never stop believing and never stop trusting in God’s goodness. God is a Miracle working God. He is a God that heals! For me, He has healed my heart from bitterness and replaced it with Joy. I will continue to wait for manifestation of healing in the physical. His ways are so much higher than ours.

Where ever you are on your journey in life you can find joy, peace, hope and strength for each day. When God pours these things into you, be sure you pour into others. People need encouragement. When we got home from the ER last night I responded to a message a friend from high school had sent me. She’s faced some difficulty too and I wanted to encourage her in that moment to stay focused. God has us all. He will see us through. So SMILE, it does make you feel better. This too shall pass. Joy comes in the morning. Keep your chin up! You are loved!💗🙏🏼🤟🏼

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Interruptions

January 12, 2025Leave a Comment

I realize I said my next blog would be on joy but life doesn’t always go the way we intend. It is full of interruptions. Those spur of the moment things that “suddenly” you end up smack on your face. (I will get to that scenario momentarily.) The latest Episode of Adventures with the Hinson’s.

Let’s see: we are 12 days into this new year and so far we’ve dog sat a feisty little booger Chihuahua we had never met before. Oh my! Never again! Our dog Joy was sweet to her but she wasn’t having it. That was followed by Ron getting sick. Who has time for a cold? Two days ago our son Joshua also didn’t feel well and he had his NC Massage Therapy licensure exam early yesterday morning. Did I mention it started snowing and icy roads were expected? Yes! Ron and Joshua went to find the testing center that was over 30 minutes away. They discovered the place only closes if they lose power. Icy roads didn’t matter, the test would be taken despite hazardous roads. Oh my!

Bright and early yesterday morning the guys left with lots of extra time to navigate the roads. We prayed as a family before they left and I prayed as they traveled. God heard and answered. They had no issues with the roads. Thank You Jesus! Ron was not allowed to sit in the warm testing center but had to sit in the car. Later Joshua texted me, “I PASSED!” He was so excited and relieved to have that hurdle jumped. When they arrived home Joshua said he wanted to celebrate later. I said it would depend on how his dad felt. Ron has had no fever so we decided to go out to Nakatos for dinner, just the three of us. We enjoyed our time together but the food made me feel sick. When we arrived home I got out of the car quickly to get inside. I didn’t see a patch of invisible ice and I busted! Oh my word! It is astounding how quickly things can change. I hit that ice so hard on my hip/lower back and pain shot through me. I ended up face down on the ice afraid to move. Ron was trying to help me up and I was afraid he would fall, we would fall together and I already hurt so bad. When I realized I could move (even though very painful) I was so thankful that nothing seemed broken but badly jarred and bruised. I texted my mom and a few prayer warriors asking for prayer that I could move better. God heard and God answered. Ron mentioned going to Urgent Care and I didn’t know if he meant for him, for me or both. I laughed at the visual of us walking in together: me barely able to walk and him sounding very hoarse. Note to self, don’t laugh after a bad fall because it shoots pain through your body. I slept all night lying on my back. When I woke up I could move although very very sore. Ron got checked out at Urgent Care and has an acute sinus infection

Who has time for Episodes and Interruptions. Life happens and you have to deal with it. Sometimes you push through and sometimes you lay down and rest. I know a lot of people who have a lot of “Episodes” going on. Some of those things have been life changing for people I know. One friend from college died on Christmas Day. She had been trying to get healthy enough to get a lung transplant. She got to spend Jesus birthday in His presence. I continue to cover her husband and daughter in prayer for comfort and peace.

Tomorrow will be January 13. Our Christmas tree is still up. I was in the process of getting everything packed away. It will have to wait until some future date when I can safely move better and Ron is feeling better. One thing at a time. Interruptions in life happen but we can look for the little things to bring us peace and joy in the moment. You may feel like life is one step forward, two steps back at times. However as long as you have breath you have opportunity to try again. I am a little wary of going outside right now for fear of slipping on ice again but faith over fear: caution and common sense are gifts I intend to use. In the process I will continue to praise Jesus and continue to worship Him for all He is. He is good all the time. He has been watching out for us and I am thankful. Coming soon, a blog on JOY, I promise!
Www.shannonkhinson.com.

Moral of the story

December 24, 2024Leave a Comment

Today is Christmas Eve and I’m thankful we don’t have any running around to do. The traffic and last minute shoppers can be chaotic. However, yesterday we did have to go to Target,Publix and Walgreens for a few last minute preparations. Christmas time has to be the hardest time of year to work in retail and I must say we had some of the most gracious people checking us out yesterday and helping us find something in the store. In all honesty, it begins with: kindness toward those around us.

How we approach others is so important. Two evenings ago, Ron and I got groceries at Publix and it was packed with shoppers. Ron had gone to pick up a prescription so I thought I’d begin finding items on our list. I asked a clerk for help, explaining I had low vision and needed to find artichoke. She was so nice and helpful, telling me different options to choose from. She helped me find what I needed then……Oh boy ….. I turned the cart around and did not see a low display of canned items. Knocking the display down with canned veggies rolling on the floor. A REAL Cringe worthy moment. I was so embarrassed. Righting the metal display I began to pick up the canned veggies. The clerk and another customer helped me. Having the display back in place, I apologized and thanked them for helping me. Moral of the story ~ it pays to be honest, humble and kind. I did not intend to share that little embarrassing moment but when faced with such things humility and grace affect the response you receive.

If you are out dashing around today think of those around you. Smile and say “Merry Christmas”. Spread some cheer because honestly, it will brighten others day and make your heart happy.

I’d like to share one last little thing: yesterday while trying to make all the last minute preparations for Christmas, my mind and body seemed to be going in so many different directions. I love to try to make things special for my family, that I often don’t think of myself. It’s just my nature. Later on yesterday I received a text from an interpreter I had not seem in many months. A friend helped me to make “I love you” sign language ornaments from clay to give to our church interpreters, family and friends. I had wrapped this interpreting friend’s ornament in bubble wrap and placed it in the church drop off box so her husband could take it to her. Her text to me made my heart SMILE SO BIG. She really loved it and was touched that I remembered her even though I haven’t seen her in quite a while. Moral of the story, it’s more blessed to give than to receive. It’s not about the gifts. It’s about Jesus and the gift He has given us. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Whatever you do, rejoice in the birth of our Savior. You are loved!!
Www.Shannonkhinson.com

Our greatest Hope

December 21, 2024Leave a Comment

It’s the Saturday before Christmas. As I sit here thinking, God is connecting some “dots” for me to share with you. I’m always in awe at how God puts these blogging ideas in my heart.

First, stay with me as I quickly share these “dots”. 1) Immanuel meaning God is with us. 2) Knowing many who are dealing with hard situations. 3) This Christmas season being a time of Great Joy. 4) Knowing everyone doesn’t feel that Joy 4) Tuning in to Julie Green Ministry on social media and hearing her share verses from 2 Corinthians chapter 4. (I like to challenge myself by seeing if I can follow the short reels she shares with Scriptures. This morning I understood some. ) 5) Asking Siri what Immanuel means. (I know the meaning but wanted to see what it said. While it was technically right, Siri lacked the true MEANING, God is with us.)

In Matthew 1:23 says, ““Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (NLT) Think about that and let it sink deep within. Our God who created us, sustains us, strengthens us, counsels and comforts us, provides for us, enables us, who saves us, redeems us, who sees us…… and on and on I could go ….. is God is with us!

It’s hard to wrap our minds around spiritual truths because we humans depend on what we SEE. Accepting spiritual truths requires faith, which is simply choosing to believe what God says is true. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭(KJV‬‬) God our ABBA Father wants us to have child like faith and trust Him.

It’s the Holly Jolly time of year, but truth be told not everyone experiences that Cheer. If you are one of those who is depressed or discouraged right now, let me encourage you. Look back up a few paragraphs at Matthew 1:23. Jesus born as a babe is Immanuel ~ God is with us. That should be great comfort to your heart. If you are a shut-in due to health issues, a widow or experiencing loneliness due to family being far away: whatever the situation I want to encourage you to celebrate the birth of Jesus. God is with us.

The devil goes over and beyond to try to trip us up on a daily basis. Resist his tactics. The verses I heard Julie Green share today on her social media reel are the following. “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭(NLT).

This might be a Blue Christmas for you if you are looking from a worldly perspective but CHIN UP!!! Don’t lose sight of the true meaning! God is with us! The Savior of the world has come and is the BEST PRESENT to help you in the present. Will you sing with me? O Come let us adore Him, O Come let us adore Him, O Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Fort He alone is worthy, For He alone is worthy, For He alone is worthy, Christ the Lord. We’ll give Him all the glory, We’ll give Him all the glory, We’ll give Him all the glory, Christ the Lord

Have a blessed weekend. Whatever you do. If you fall down get back up. Don’t beat yourself up if you think you fall short. None of us are without fault. We all need encouragement. Praise God for His mercy and grace. We all need to reach outside of ourselves and our little orbit of life and touch others for the glory of God. Much love and prayers.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

No Greater Love

December 14, 2024Leave a Comment

You know it’s almost Christmas when you break out in Christmas carols at the most random moments. My husband Ron and I got in the car tonight to make a quick run to Publix grocery store for a few items. The moon was beautifully showing off. As I looked in awe I began singing, It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of all and Ron said, “Shannon!’ I can’t blame him being as off key as I am. I do believe they will be singing that tomorrow at church so I will wait and sing along with them. Or rather just move my lips.

I’ve been meaning to blog all week but life happened, like it always does. Let’s see, the weeks summary in a nutshell~ New iPad came in, first plan of business get a screen protector so it doesn’t crack again ✔️, get someone to transfer all my information from device to device ✔️, learn new device partial✔️, discovering a issue when it was pouring down rain and water stated sprouting up in the yard that one will take some time, discovering an expensive plumbing job we had done may not have been necessary that one will hopefully be resolved this week. Thus the reason I’ve not blogged yet this week. However, I did type the title back on Tuesday. It’s about time finished what I started.

Last Tuesday morning I came across this scripture. “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) As I sat there thinking, I envisioned the greatest gift ever given. From the birth of Jesus to His sacrifice for us on the cross, His death, resurrection and assertion ~ No greater love!

Will you take a minute to think deeply about this with me? God made the earth and it originally was without sin until the Fall in the Garden of Eden. Our God is HOLY and sin came into the world through Eve and Adam’s sin. Sin continued and God sent His Son Jesus to be born as a human babe, in a stable to a poor couple. This is God’s Son, leaving His Heavenly Throne and being born as a human. That is an astounding love and what He did for us. No greater love!

This so moves me! “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭11‬ ‭(NLT) No greater love!

Stay with me as my train of thought goes another step. Think of God the Father, fully knowing this plan of redemption from beginning to end, saw His Only Begotten Son Jesus bearing our sin upon the cross. Can you even imagine the pain He had to have felt? Being a parent of one son, I can’t even perceive the pain that would cause God, watching His Son take our punishment. I’ve always been a Mother bear. I didn’t like anything hurting my son, so I can’t even imagine what God felt when He had to look away. No greater love!

I’ve been pondering this all week in the midst of life happening and I didn’t even share it all but enough for you to get the picture.

Deep calls to deep….. God put this in my heart earlier this week and I sense the devil didn’t want me to write it. He didn’t win! It’s Saturday night, my iPad died right before getting ready to blog. I got an extension cord, plugged the iPad in and here I am doing what God wanted me to do. From Jesus birth in a stable to the cross and resurrection: No greater love! And one more thing well honestly I may write more but ….can you even imagine putting your newborn child in a feeding trough in a stable because there was no room for you in the inn? From His Heavenly Throne to the humblest of mangers~ No greater love.

I am in AWE !!! Can we pause a moment and just adore our King? O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him…. Christ the Lord

As we worship and adore our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us follow His lead, humbling ourselves and truly show love to Him and to our neighbors. Who is your neighbor? Not just your brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, but the people you run into everyday. The person who almost ran into us tonight in the grocery store parking lot. Praise God for His protection. Let’s remember those who are hurting, those who don’t have family, the homeless, shut ins who don’t have the health to get out. Let’s love one another. It can be as simple as praying for others, calling or texting someone to encourage them. There are so many ways to show love, kindness and compassion. Spread the joy and wonderful of Christmas~ No greater love!

http://www.shannokhinson.com

Check your Foundation

October 7, 2024Leave a Comment

It’s been a week since I’ve published a new blog post. Sometimes It just seems life sucks the liveliness out of you. Not that my personal issues are any more than usual. My life pretty much stays stable. However the devastation of Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene has left me unsettled.

I am one to think deeply on issues and that can be good but it can also been a burden. I am also one to question everything and that is not a bad thing. I’ve read about the devastation of this hurricane and I’ve also read about the lack of response from our government. That is very troubling.

While I am no weather person, so many aspects of this recent hurricane seem “of”. Who would have ever thought that such a horrific outcome would occur from this disaster? Whole towns have been wiped out from flooding and “rivers” of water than rushed through. How in the world do these things happen? Don’t even mention “climate change” All those”tooting that horn” go jetting around the world. It’s a “do as I say, not as I do” kind of thing. I know that ultimately GOD IS IN CONTROL! But…. I know… I know… I’m never to question God’s ways and why bad things and disasters happen. God has a way of bringing “beauty from ashes” or in this case “beauty from devastating floods and mud”. I will get to that later. Right now I want to highlight a few things.

Why why why did it take FEMA a week to be on the scene? Why have Americans been told not to fly drones, that can take accurate footage of whats really going on? I’ve read that the media is not fully reporting on what’s happened. Why has the government not helped with the rescue? Why has our military who want to help been told to stand down? Why? Why has our government spent tons of money on illegals and thrown a mere $750 to the victims of the horror? Some of which are even denied that. All the while sending loads of our tax payers money to Ukraine! Why? Thank God for a few platforms that continue to allow for our American right of “Free Speech”. Those shouting about misinformation are the ones wanting to control the narrative. Are you awake yet?

Dare I say, this administration cares nothing about the American people. Yes I do dare to say it! All in an election year, when they have tried every possible trick, weaponized our justice system and lied to keep Trump off the Presidential ballot, yet he stands! That’s a whole different blog, that I will try my best to refrain from writing.

Now back to the “beauty from the horrific flood and mud” , while our government cares nothing for the victims, the beauty of America rises! I have read story after story of people pulling together to take supplies, help rescue, pray and show love. Churches, businesses and American citizens pulling together to help. That is the beauty in this horror.I read of one crew going up to help. They dug six people out from a collapsed house. That is a beautiful thing. I know someone who was able to get food up to a family who had not eaten in three days. (That was last week) Another beautiful thing. Churches and businesses collecting clothing, food, water, generators and fuel. If you do feel lead to help please give to a church or a trusted organization.

In all this devastation what can we do? How do we deal with these things? Our best weapon in dealing with anything is PRAYER! We must PRAY! It’s true we can’t fix everything but we can PRAY and I assure you that nothing is impossible with God! It boils down to our foundation. What are you built on? I will admit that my foundation is built on a strong relationship with Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. I have had many things in life that “rocked my world” and shook my faith, but I know at the end of each day, at the end of any situation I can fully depend on God! 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ says, “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” (NLT‬‬).

Having a firm foundation is so incredibly important. When things happen and devastate you, your foundation is what you fall back on. When you trust God’s sovereignty it grounds you to trust that He will ultimately work things out for your good and most of all for His Glory. Having a firm foundation enables you to trust in His Word. Scripture like Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭7‬ that says, “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” (NKJV‬‬) strengthens our faith to trust God. There is so much I don’t understand but I am encouraged to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not to lean on my own understanding.

A firm foundation can make or break you. A few weeks ago as I was riding with my friends to serve the homeless in Rock Hill, we passed by this massive structure of metal. It was the oddest looking thing. I noticed it as I sat in the back seat of their truck, looking out the window. I said “W in the world was that?” My friend took a quick picture and sent it to me so I could see it better. It appears to be a building that looks like a complete failure. It appears to be a building with metal framing that collapsed. I’m not an engineer or builder, however common sense tells you something was wrong with the structure or its foundation to cave in like it appears to have done. Your foundation is everything. Whether you “stand up tall” after a “massive blow in life” or if you crumble; it’s going to depend on what you’re built on. If you are build upon a firm foundation of faith in Jesus, when the “winds and waves” hit you will ultimately remain standing because you are “grounded in Christ” There is no time like the present to check your foundation.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Fan it

September 28, 2024Leave a Comment

Wow! I have not published a blog in almost two weeks. In the three years I have blogged, this is definitely a “first”. I have been overly stimulated with life lately. Two weeks ago I had another adjustment (Map) to my cochlear implant processor so my brain has been adjusting and I’m trying my best to do everything on my part to “understand speech”. Bible study with my deaf friends has also started back up with a new video format which is challenging for me. (Reading closed captions when I have to zoom in on the caption and it moves so fast). Visual stimulation from that and seeing more sign language. Sometimes I wonder if my vision is worse. No time to really figure that out. Life moves to fast and I just have to “move with it” There has also been some other stuff going on but it’s nothing anyone else doesn’t face…so face it…. I do! (Just with less vision and hearing than most) I have also been printing out all I’ve found with “life stories” on Anestry.com and Wow… it’s a book. 😂Fascinating information about my ancestors but I need to stop this subscription, so I’ve been tediously printing. Half the time I stop and wonder , why am I doing this? Then remember , I’ve put too much time into this to lose this treasure. Last night I finished! Glory to God! Happy Dance! (Now what to do with all of this is a whole different thing for another day.) In the midst of all that,Mom had an appointment to remove some skin cancer on top of her head. The biopsy revealed cancer cells. When the day came for her procedure to remove one layer of skin at a time to test, the surgeon could NOT find the skin cancer! The Dr could not even find the scar from where the biopsy was done. Nothing! Praise God! So thankful for those obvious “God things” and answered prayers to encourage me to keep moving forward. Keep digging in my heels, one step at a time.

So late on September 17, below is what I wrote but never finished……. (I will add more in and sent this off)

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It’s Tuesday night and I should be going to bed but I wanted to get some notes down for this blog so I don’t forget. I actually wanted to write this morning when several things spoke to my heart, but there was no time to writ today until now. I really should be asleep but I don’t want to lose these thoughts as tomorrow is likely to be another busy day cooking and serving with RiceNBeans ministry.

True to form, I wrote this blog title about two months ago. I wrote “Fan it” then the following scripture. 2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭7‬, “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (NLT‬) Also check out 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”( ‭NLT‬‬) Wow and now two weeks after writing that I’m actually going to finish this blog and put it out there to “fan into” someone’s life (For some reason a picture of a wild dandelion blowing, came to mind. The little seeds blow where ever God desires. )

Do you know your spiritual gifts? I took a test with my Bible study group a couple of years ago and discovered mine are intercession, faith, encouragement, discernment and evangelism. I love the idea of “fanning” these gifts God has given me to bring Glory to His name. I try to use my gifts through blogging to encourage others and serving my family, the Lord and those less fortunate.

Today the Bible study group I’m in met up to study “When you pray”. It’s a six week study on prayer. We talked about some distractions we might face while trying to develope a daily prayer life. I am pretty consistent in prayer but I need to spend more time with the Lord. I made a little confession to the group that things going on in our country with it being election year, the two attempted assisination attempts of Trump and the division among people because of lies and deception of the media and politics, really upsets me. I saw a short video reel on Facebook today that Julie Green ministries posted. I don’t remember exactly what it said but it something about God wanting us to have joy. The Joy of the Lord is my strength. She mentioned if you don’t have joy, then you need more of God’s Word in your heart. That is so spot on. As I told the group today that society events can leave me feeling unsettled. I explained that I was starting to get away in a quiet place and just focus on God. Taking deep breaths in through my nose and releasing it slowly though my mouth, is a way to bring a sense of calm. I then begin to focus on the Lord, thanking Him for various things. I want my focus to be on thanksgiving and rejoicing in all God is, rather than focusing on problems. God knows my heart and what troubles me. He can handle it. He just wants me to bring these things to Him. I truly want to sit at Jesus feet and learn from Him. There is power in His name, healing in His name: there is no other name but Jesus. Hosea‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ says, “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.””
‭‭ ‭(NLT‬‬)
~~~~~~

The above was all I had written. As I just reread it,editing some typos, I spoke to me yet again. Oh Lord, help us to not look at the “storm/chaos/devastation from this recent hurricane” and just find peace in Your sovereignty. Knowing You are in control. Trusting You with our whole hearts and not leaning on our understanding. Help us Lord to “fan into flame” the gifts You have gives us. To PRAY PRAY and PRAY some more, to intercede for our country, our world, for Israel. To serve others with sincerity of heart because when we do so, Your light shines through us! Enable us to reach beyond our own shortcomings, and limitations to receive strength and courage to be useful vessels for Your Glory to this dying world. In Jesus name I pray~ Amen

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭(NLT)

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Testing 1…2…3…

August 18, 2024August 18, 2024Leave a Comment

My Advanced Bionics Marvel Cochlear Implant processor.

Story of life! Seriously, it sort of is. Here’s the thing, almost one week ago I had some big adjustments to my cochlear plant. For some reason over the years, four of my16 implanted electrodes had been turned off for various reasons. In my 18 years of implantation with my cochlear implant, I’ve had differing levels of success or lack there of. If you know, you know 😂 (You can count on me to keep it real.) I love my current Audiology Center called Lakeside Audiology in Fort Mill, SC. I started going there about five years ago after much frustration at my previous hearing center. The team that works with me at Lakeside Audiology sent my files to Advanced Bionics AB (that makes the type of implant I have) in California to have a specialist there review and make recommendations for improvement. Since I also have low vision due to optic nerves issues, I rely heavily on my cochlear implant to help me hear. The AB Specialist made some recommendations to implement. Last Monday when I went for my appointment, three electrodes were turned on that were previously off. I noticed a difference although I couldn’t pinpoint what it was. My levels of pitches were adjusted as well and it was louder. I did better hearing the sounds in the sound booth. I went home, determined to work with the new changes. Little did I know I’d be back four days later.

Tuesday and Wednesday were a blur of activities and I didn’t have time to really pay attention or work with the new adjustments. I did pick up some things I did not notice before but it also really grated on my nerves. Just try to think about it; Each of these electrodes stimulate my auditory nerve allowing me to hear different pitches. Three more had been turned on so my brain was being more stimulated. Thursday I finally had a slower paced day and that’s when I realized it was just too loud for me. I don’t complain but my nerves were “strung” and I was tired from all the effort and simulation. I e mailed the Audiologist and Ron called. I was able to go in Friday to have the levels turned down a bit. Little steps are sometimes needed to make progress. I kept the electrodes on, just had some volume turned down. Now I’m back to listening activities with Sound Success, Word Success and iAngelsound.

I have noticed maybe a little improvement. The thing is, I’m never consistent. I asked my Audi why I have such issues with the rate of speech and she said it is due to the type of hearing loss I have. Neuro sensory relating to my lovely nerves. Seems everything boils down to nerve issues. (Vision and hearing issues) It seems to me that doctors would come up with something to help. What about oxygen therapy treatments? Dietary changes? Supplementation? Come on! I did ask a previous primary Dr. his thoughts on dietary changes to help with nerve issues. His response? “That would take a long time to work. “ That might be true, but “Pop a pill” isn’t the answer to everything. Just being honest here.

Back to my story. On Saturday Mom and I went to our Lit & Latte Book Club that we attend once a month. The ladies went around the table sharing prayer requests before discussing this month’s book selection. I DID understand a little bit during the sharing of prayer requests. Just bits and pieces, some voices better than others, but everyone talked one at a time. Once we began the book discussion I was lost in overlapping chatter and laughter. Mom did help me to follow some of the discussion. At one point I kind of “zoned out”. I told Mom later it’s kind of like going to the gym. You go and get your workout in. When you get tired you leave and it’s over until next time. Not so with hearing rehabilitation. I go and listen intently, but once I’ve had enough, I still have to continue listening. I do have friends with cochlear implants who just take the processor off to give themselves a break but they can see way better than me. Mom and I stopped at a few stores on the way home. When I did finally get home I was beyond exhausted. I laid down at 4 pm and took a two and a half hour nap. Whew!

I’m determined to work with the new changes and God willing my brain will make the connections and comprehension will come. Until then, I will continue to test myself with the various exercises. I was telling the audiologist that it’s a challenge while doing the iAngelsound app as I have to zoom in to see the word selection and the repeat button is over to the side. (On iPad screen) Sometimes I don’t see the word right but hear the sound. Oh Lord have mercy. It’s like a never ending rollercoaster that you want “off of” 😳Thankfully at home I can function fine without the processor although I prefer to have it on. I don’t want to miss “life” happening around me. So the testing goes on. My husband is so used to me having my processor on that when I do take it off and he starts talking, I’m like….. “I don’t have my processor on. Let me put it back on. Okay what did you say?” Yes… that’s an every day thing.

Just a little glimpse at my world. Technology is a marvel. Sometimes I love it and sometimes I want to throw it out the door but I will keep working with it. Eighteen years and counting. God is good and faithful. So thankful for the resilience to keep going, stay real and keep smiling. All for His Glory.