lifehacks – Page 2 – rootedbythewater.blog

Just a thought?

December 2, 20221 Comment

I came across this quote today when I saw a friends post. “You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate.” Elizabeth Gilbert. What a powerful truth! Just think, if we spent as much time selecting our thoughts as we do our wardrobe how much our lives would improve. Choose your thoughts carefully and be careful of what lingers there. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (ESV)

Our thought life can feed our emotions. It’s wise to realize that our minds are a battle ground. We can and should filter our thoughts, but how? Philippians 4:8 tells us, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (ESV) emphasis mine. That’s pretty clear instructions.

There is always the temptation to speculate. People form ideas and thoughts based on things they think but are not factual. When the temptation arises, filter those thoughts.

Not only do we have power over our thoughts but we also have power over the words we speak. Speak positively! Speak life! I have known so many people who have been hurt by careless words. When our son was growing up, I told him “Spoken words are like toothpaste. Once it’s out you can’t put it back in”. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭(ESV‬). Whoa! That’s powerful!

As we enter the holiday season where there ate many gatherings, let’s be mindful and considerate of those around us. Control your thoughts and your speech. Give the gift of genuine affection and encouragement. Everyone has issues whether they want to admit it or not. Everyone could use a smile, kind words and even a hug.

Let’s spread gifts of peace, kindness, love and joy! I don’t know about you but when I do these things it makes my heart feel happy. Be blessed as you be a blessing
Wwwlshannonkhinson.com
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Do You?

November 23, 2022Leave a Comment

As I was reading the Bible this morning, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 stood out to me. These verses actually challenge me every time I read them. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ -18 (NIV‬)‬. This is beyond challenging from a human point of view. That’s the thing, God wants us to depend on Him to enable us to do this. Can you imagine rejoicing or having great delight, ALWAYS? That’s what the verse says.

What about praying continually? When we have a relationship with Jesus we want to talk to Him about everything. The more I study the Bible, Gods Word and spend time with Him, the easier it gets to pray about everything. God cares about every single detail of our lives. As a mom, I love when my son wants to talk to me, ask for help or my opinion. God is the same way! He desires us to bring situations to Him and ask him to help us through whatever it is. It’s a loving relationship that draws us to pray continually! God loves us so much He gave His only son. John 3:16 says, ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.(ESV‬). I could go on and on here but bottom line is, God loves you more than you can ever possibly imagine. He is delighted when we desire to pray continually. Praying changes things! It may not always play out the way you think it will. The situation may not change in the way you want it to. However I am certain of this, prayer will change you! Your attitude will changes. Anger and negative feelings will change. Prayer will change your view on what’s going on. God enables us to see things differently. Sometimes that different perspective is all that needed to enable you to endure.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in ALL circumstances, (emphasis added). This is a tough one. In my personal life, living with hearing and visual limitations, thanking God for these things is hard. This is what God has shown me: Be thankful for what I can see and hear. Yes I do have significant loss BUT I still have some vision and some hearing. I’m beyond thankful for what I have even if it’s limited.

You may be thinking; Shannon you have no clue what I’m dealing with. You’re right, I don’t but God does! If you woke up this morning, He has a purpose for your day. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭136‬:‭1‬ ‭(ESV‬‬). Give thanks! You can find something to thank God for. When you focus on blessings, your attitude will change.

I understand that life is frustrating and dealing with people can be trying. The Bible gives us some practical ways to triumph over them. Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6 says, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (ESV). So when you pray, thank God for working it out according to His perfect Will. Thank Him for His faithfulness. Thank Him that His promises stand.

Recently my husband and I were talking about health insurance. He was frustrated because it’s hard to get people on the phone then you are transferred around until someone finally can answer your questions. He was telling me, “I can’t get anyone on the phone!” I challenged him to be thankful in the situation. I told him, “We’ve prayed now let’s thank God for working it out.” His answer… “But you don’t understand.” I told him to just do it. Thank God for His favor. Thank God for working this out. Thank God when someone answers the phone. Thank God when the call is transferred because they are seeking a solution.” You get the picture?

So as we head into the holiday season let’s rejoice always, pray continually and be thankful in all circumstances because God is faithful always.

You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Happy Thanksgiving

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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Where do you hide?

November 3, 2022Leave a Comment

Some times in life you may feel the urge to withdraw. You may feel a desire to hide your true self. There is much pressure in society to accept things contrary to your beliefs. Others might feel called to pursue something but afraid to take the risks of looking foolish. Whatever the reason, you can’t hide from God. He is not in any one location. He is everywhere. Psalms 139 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I have many favorites but this one always touches my heart.

“I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. “Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭7‬ – 10 (NLT‬‬)

It’s comforting to know that God is with us where ever we are. We are never out of His reach Even in those lonely and isolating times, He is there, ready to comfort and love us. He longs for us to seek Him with all our heart.

Recently I was talking with my friend Valerie. We were talking about the sad state of our world and culture. The depravity of the world has gotten so bad. I told her some times I feel like I live under a rock because I’m not into tv, movies, or secular music. As I thought on that… living under a rock, I said, “That’s right! I live under The Rock – Jesus Christ!” A worship song is playing in my heart right now. “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.“. (Robert Critchley Lyrics to My Hope is Built on Nothing Less. 2007) This resonates with me.

When I hear of the things going on in our society I am blown away by how far the moral has fallen. The indoctrination and grooming of children is mind blowing. Cancel culture and having unique values is like walking on egg shells. My husband recently spoke to a young man. He greeted him, “Hey man”. This is not unusual. My husband is very friendly and talks to everyone. This particular guy said, “I’m a girl”. So my husband said, “Hey girl”. He wasn’t being mean or rude but just trying to be friendly. People are so confused. It is just beyond me to understand the times we live in.

I was recently filling out forms online for an appointment I had and the questions asked were absurd. One example: What gender do you identify with? This was for a doctors appointment! I just don’t understand the confusion in our society. It’s beginning to be frowned upon to have high values and integrity. It makes no sense at all! Good has become evil and evil has become good. Don’t be afraid to speak truth in love. You can hide in Christ. He is our Cornerstone. “When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace, In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.” (Robert Critchley, Lyrics to My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, 2007)

I’m so thankful God does not expect me to understand but to just trust Him. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ -6 NASB2020‬‬. All we can do is trust God and allow His love and truth to shine through us. If you get weary of this world just hide/rest in Jesus. Let Him renew you and fill you with His Spirit to rise up again.

Dear Jesus restore our resolve to stand firm for You in this spiritually dark world. Pierce the darkness and expose any deception. Set people free from the confusion of the enemy. We ask you to shine brightly and bring salvation to the lost that You purchased with Your blood on the cross. In Jesus name Amen.

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Balancing Act

August 8, 20222 Comments

A few weeks ago I got my bosu ball out to begin working on my balance. I also found a Pilates app that has different routines to do to strengthen your body and help with flexibility. It is surprising how off balance I can be even on solid ground. I’m sure my low vision and hearing contribute to the balance issue. I’m also only implanted with a cochlear Implant in my right ear. My trouble with balance can be embarrassing as I always try to play it off if I wobble. I knew it was time to take action and do what I can to strengthen my core muscles .

When I first got my bosu ball out, I was amazed at how hard it was to find balance with the round side on the floor. One night right before bed at 11:30 I had the “bright idea” of closing my eyes to see if I could balance without looking. That was a very short experiment. As I tried to balance with the rounded side on the floor, as soon as I closed my eyes I fell straight over to my right side(The side my cochlear implant is on) I hit the carpet pretty hard causing a carpet burn on my knee. Otherwise I was fine. My husband heard the fall and came to investigate. I was laying on the floor laughing. I said, “No worries. I just fell over, that’s all.”

There is a life lesson in this. We need to keep our focus. If my eyes are open and fixed straight ahead, Im not as likely to waver in faith or character. Life is a balancing act. Equilibrium is so necessary: a calm purposeful focus on what’s most important.

Last week I felt stretched in all different directions and it had me stressed out. We were finishing up a home improvement project and having carpet put in that room. The day of installment was so confusing. The company went back and forth on if it was actually coming. Someone one said”Yes, it’s coming”, another said, “No we made a mistake”. It finally came that evening. Our son also started a new job doing something totally new to him. He’s working as an electrician apprentice. That caused some underlying anxiety to flare up. All the while, I was my husbands “sounding board”. Listening to your spouses frustrations is part of marriage but I don’t hear like a normal person and with everything else going on, I’d had more than enough! I needed quiet time to unwind and not have to listen to things I have zero control over. I went into our bedroom, for some time alone. My husband came in and said, “I love you.” I replied, “I love you too now go away.” I’m thankful my husband understands when I need peace and quiet after over stimulation.

Recently I asked a good friend who is also a neighbor if she would do a Bible study with me. We are doing “Lord I want to know you” by Kay Arthur. I’ve done this study years ago on the names of God in the Bible and how the names reveal who He is. As I started day 1 today, I was amazed at how the opening illustration reflected me right now. The illustration is of a doe running from a barking dog. The doe is exhausted from the chase and comes upon a person standing at a fence. Sensing security there the doe goes to him. As I reflected on that illustration I saw myself being exhausted by the chase of lie worries and frustrations. Life happens and we have to deal with it. God does not leave us to face it alone. He’s right there saying “Come to Me“. In Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭ Jesus is saying, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”(NASB2020)

So you see life is a balancing act. Whether it’s with physical balance, life in general, relationships or spiritual, Jesus is there willing to help us stay steady. It will require focus on Him but it will be so worth it. Be encouraged and press on,

My website is still down. Thankfully I have the files but am waiting for a friend to show me how to transfer them to a new site. I’m hoping to combine my website and blog together. It is coming along just rather slowly. In the meantime if you’d like to check out my book “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. Thank you for journeying with me. Please subscribe to my blog and share it with others. Blessing to you all.

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My first Zoom meeting

July 26, 20223 Comments

I accidentally took this screenshot while my iPad was under my video magnifier. The lower right square was supposed to be my face but it’s the machine 😂😂

I just had my first “Zoom” meeting experience. Let me just say, that was interesting! The Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implant Consumer Specialist (CICS) in the Southeast region invited me to attend the nation wide zoom training for mentors. I certainly have my doubts about this. Yes, I would love to share my story! Yes, I love to positively encourage others and share tips. I’ve had my CI for 16 years but I also am legally blind. My success rate has been all over the scale during the last 16 years.

Yesterday I had another mapping with my Audiologist. She turned my levels up and made a few adjustments so I could understand better when I left her office. She encouraged me to try the mentor training. She said there are all levels of success, so I gave it a try today.

The zoom meeting was closed captioned but it was so small I had to zoom in on my iPad to follow along. When I zoomed in on the iPad I could no longer see the speakers. I finally decided to use my video magnifier for people with low vision. This machine makes things large. Once the iPad was on the video magnifier the group could no longer see my face but rather saw the magnifying machine. When the main group broke into regional groups the captioning disappeared but I saw a familiar face. With the captioning no longer working I decided to just zoom in on faces. Oh the things I try when faced with a new challenge. Zooming in large in a zoom meeting! How ironic!

One big take away from this experience, for a good zoom experience, either hearing(even with cochlear implant technology) or sight is so helpful. If you are like me and limited in both categories you will need a big dose of patience and a determination to try anyway. One thing I bring to the table of mentoring is the mentality to never ever give up. Where there is a will, there is a way. I will try again if I’m sent another invitation to the next meeting in September.

The picture below sits on a table in our family room. It’s a reminder to me and anyone else who sees it to believe in yourself. Everyone brings a unique set of abilities to the table. We all fall short in some areas but God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses. That’s one huge reason to be thankful.

My website is currently down as I wait for the release of my files. I’m hoping to combine my website and blog together. In the meantime if you’d like to check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon in hard over, soft cover and e book formats. Thank you for journeying with me. Please subscribe to my blog and share it with others. Blessing to you all.

Renew me!

July 15, 2022Leave a Comment

This morning I woke up at 5. As I was trying to go back to sleep I asked the Lord to speak to me. I tossed for an hour then got up. One of the ways God speaks to me is through His Word, The Bible. Being up early I would have time for an extra long quiet time with the Lord. Currently I’m doing a reading plan on You Version reading the minor prophets. Once I finished todays reading, I went to Ephesians to read up on the armor of God. As I looked over the verses I saw Ephesians‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬ and stopped. This verse says, “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” I thought to myself, “Okay Lord, you have my attention.”

Life happens! It’s to be expected. Yes it is very frustrating but how do we deal with it? That’s exactly why I was reading up on the armor of God but since the Holy Spirit pointed out this verse in chapter 4. I will pause and seek a fresh mind renewal. Oh Lord renew my mind and my attitudes!

Yesterday my husband Ron fully intended on spending the whole day painting the bonus room. Our son wants to make it his suite which is fine with us. It’s been the “Man cave” for years. Ron’s plan got pushed aside as I was checking e mail yesterday morning. There was a very suspicious e mail that had him on the phone with the. Bank then we finally went in person. The e mail was an attempt at fraud. Why do people do these things? Fraud, scams and schemes abound. I recently got an e mail from a fake “Ron Howard” asking if I had a script ready for him. Backstory, this same scammer contacted me five months ago. He used the famous actors name and picture. He said he was interested in my story and wanted to see a script. We e mailed back and forth. It seemed legit but I wanted a professionals opinion. My sister in laws brother is a producer in the industry. She reached out to him with some questions for me. He said the real Ron Howard would never contact me that way. To make a long story short, I sent the imposter an email telling him I had talked to a professional in the industry. I told him I might be deaf and legally blind but I won’t be easily scammed. I thanked him for a lesson well learned and though I’d never hear from him again. He waited five months and used a different e mail to look more professional. People are desperate. There was another e mail this morning about a whole different topic, my point is people want to take advantage of you at every turn. So this morning as I was searching for scripture on the Armor of God, God first pointed out Ephesians 4:23 about the Holy Spirit renewing my thoughts and attitudes. I don’t know about you but I sure do need a fresh Holy Spirit mind washing with a renewed attitude as well. People fail you and take advantage of you but God is faithful. Lord give us wisdom to see through the enemies tactics and a heart always eager to praise you as you fight our battles for us. Have a blessed day!

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.

Stirred byWhat?

July 11, 2022Leave a Comment

Today I’d like to continue on the topic of stirring. Specifically what stirs you? What irritates you and prompts you to speak or act? There are so many things that stir people to react that it’s impossible to list them all. The level of maturity, restraint, strength, self control and compassion can dictate how you handle those things that trigger you.

Yesterday my son Joshua and I spent some time together. He is one of my favorite people. Since returning home from Arizona he has moved back in with us until he decides what he wants to do. We are savoring this time together. He has had some quality times with his dad but yesterday it was just the two of us. We got some subs from Jersey Mikes then got groceries. We talked about all sorts of things. We came across the topic of things that are annoying. It was kind of funny because dealing with people can be a huge test of character. As I listened I understood his point of view and I also took his age into consideration. When I was 24 I thought along the same lines. Amazing how wisdom comes with age. I told him people will be people. You can’t let it bother you. It’s best to just let it go. Sure it is annoying and yes it takes self control to not respond to it but we have to rise above the situation and let it go. Life is largely out of our control. We don’t have to let negativity around us affect our day. Just do what you can with kindness and move on. A positive loving word can go a long way.

So what stirs people? Why are people so angry, bitter,self centered and proud? Granted, I do miss a lot having low vision and hearing issues but I truly “see” people. I ask questions. I ask my husband things all the time. I ask him about peoples face expressions and things they say. I ask him about people driving along, what they look like, expressions and mannerisms. I’m just intrigued by human nature and how people respond to things. Behind every harsh look or bitter response there is a person who quite possibly is hurting and in need of grace and love. When situations and people make you angry think beyond the situation to what truly is the root of the issue. The Bible tells us in Ephesians‬ ‭6:12, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”(New Living Translation) Let’s let that scripture sink into our hearts.

There is more to be shared on this topic. Im going to meditate on Gods Word and see what he reveals to me. Stay tuned…..
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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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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!

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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Remember Your Journey

May 17, 20222 Comments

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

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