#lifelessons – rootedbythewater.blog

When you fail the test

February 15, 2026Leave a Comment

It’s been one of those days. To think I’m even on the iPad after all the technical difficulty I had this afternoon, is a testament in itself. There’s no way around the fact that I’m one “stubborn cookie”. So you might be wondering what test I failed. I’ll get to that in a minute. Well I’ll just spill the beans! Sunday afternoons I usually work on the short devotion I’ll teach on Wednesday. Today was no different. The irony of this is, I’m going to share on James 1:2-4. Considering it joy when we face trials of many kinds. My trial today was a technical trial that lasted for hours and with 12 reboots of the iPad to try to get around the technical problems. It was SO frustrating. I mean, really! I think God was probably getting a bit of a chuckle because I wasn’t even close to being joyful because I was so frustrated.

Here’s the issue. The last three iOS updates which are supposed to be “all that” have been a nightmare to me. I’ve talked to many people with good vision and I have yet to find one who likes the latest three updates. For me the issue is, when I zoom the screen (that’s a triple tap and drag – and I’m always zoomed in to see since I have low vision) if I edit anything then I basically lose control of the screen; it automatically scrolls and wiggles all on it’s own and won’t let me control the screen. It is horrible. Rebooting only allows me to read it, but once I make any changes, even a single letter, it does it again.

So there I was working on my notes (or rather trying to) all afternoon and it did nothing but frustrate me AND I was making those notes on having JOY in trials. Ok Lord! You might be getting a laugh but I’m down here shaking my head and knowing I failed that test. I will still teach on this on Wednesday because life is a good teacher and God is teaching me right along with everyone else.

I’ll copy/ paste my notes here. Who knows, just maybe I can complete them in the blog. It’s worth a try. I’ve tried everything else and nothing has worked. So here are my notes……

Devotion for 2/18
Tonight I want to open with James 1;2-4(NLT) “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (NLT‬‬)

How many of us count it as an opportunity for joy when we face trials? Anybody? Me neither. Well….. We’re learning. Let’s think about this. When we experience tough things in life, pure joy is not usually our first response.

As we are facing something tough our first responses are often times uncertainty, anxiety, fear, frustration, even dread. There could be some moans of “not again” and “Can’t I catch a break!” We all know the drill, from different situations.

The scripture in James doesn’t eliminate these feelings in a believer and honestly rarely is my first response joy. However, it can be. In those few verses of James we learn that we can consider and approach our tough times with joy. I did fail this test today but just hear me out. When a tough situation arises, we have opportunity to trust God with the situation. That makes our burden lighter as we realize God can somehow work it out.

Joy is brought about by the greater “picture at play’. And indeed I did laugh a bit after my initial great frustration. (Which repeated itself again and again until it wore me out.). The greater picture is that trials develop our maturity and perseverance. When our minds are focused on the present, here and now, everything can feel harder and much worse.
If we see out current suffering in light of the “grand scheme”of our life, our development of perseverance is important and going through these trials refines us so we can choose to respond in joy, as we see God developing us.(wow! That was a long run-on sentence!)

Until the day we die, God will be developing us into the image of His son Jesus. Romans 8;29-30 says. “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. (NLT‬‬) That is the love of our God. How truly rich we are when we know God’s precious Words and study them.

The way to experience Joy in the midst of trials is to look to Jesus. He’s got us in His hands. He wants us to surrender, confess our sins, repent and live for Him. Look at the big picture in your life. The moment by moment that develops us along the way. So I failed the “finding joy” in the technical trials today and it wasn’t just the iPad, it was also the stove and the microwave. I could tell you some stories but we live and learn, wake up the next day and do it again. Hopefully passing the next test with “flying colors”.

Well that’s the end of my notes and Glory to God, I was able to make some edits without the screen taking on a mind of its own. I know I’m not the only one who “deals with life”. Let’s try to keep our focus on Jesus when our frustrations try to get the best of us. When I share this lesson on Wednesday, this days struggles will be gone. Only God knows what tomorrow holds. Let’s trust Him with His best.

Www.shannonkhinson.com.

Architects of Atmophere

February 9, 2026Leave a Comment

In the prayer room at The Cove in November 2021

Recently I was reading a devotion online and came across the term “architects of atmosphere” and it struck a deep cord in my soul. The devotion itself was about the overflow of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus we are a living sanctuary. 1 Corinthians 6;19 says “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,” (NLT‬‬) With this being true, we can choose to invite God’s presence everywhere we go! Living in the overflow. The atmosphere of our homes, work places, social circles, churches, everywhere really. God pours in and we pour out. It’s a continuous flow of living water. John 7‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ says, “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” ‭(NLT‬‬)

The Bible creates a beautiful picture for us to live by. Psalm 1:1-3 says, “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (NLT‬‬) That is my goal in life. To be like a tree planted by stream of living water, producing fruit in season, never withering but thriving in the flow of the Holy Spirit.

We can choose to embrace an atmosphere of prayer where it is welcome everywhere we go. We can choose an atmosphere of humility where we don’t look down on others and not have “judging spectacles” on. Lord help us to see things through Your eyes. We can embrace an atmosphere of worship where we always give spontaneous praise to God. There is much to be said about the atmosphere we usher in around us. Our speech, posts, comments, facial expressions and actions are all things we need to submit to God on a daily basis.

Some things that have occurred in the public eye recently haven’t settled well with me. Some of it is political (both sides) and the Super Bowl half time show was another. There was criticism by some for those who chose to watch the All-American show. Just the comments and smears weren’t appropriate in my view of things. We live in a very divisive world. More and more, wrong is seen as right and right is seen as wrong. More and more when we choose to do the right thing and have a morally upright stance in life, it’s STILL slandered. I try to look to Jesus and see how He handled such things. Jesus prayed for those who opposed Him and we should do the same.

Now don’t label me as a “super religious” person. I have a relationship with my Savior. I don’t view it as religion. I am a sold out child of God. I live to bring honor to my Lord. I am a sinner, washed in the blood of Jesus and forgiven. I am an ambassador of Christ. I’ve had someone tell me, “You always talk about Jesus.” When Jesus is your everything you can’t contain the praise for Him that overflows.

Now back to atmosphere; lets aim to always invite Jesus into every situation and conversation. He sees it and hear it all anyway. Let’s usher in peace and speak it over situations instead of planting seeds of discord. Let us live in the overflow of the Holy Spirit, where Heaven touches earth and hearts are comforted and healed from hurts.

Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary. Pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living, sanctuary for You! (Old worship chorus)

Be blessed and better yet, Be a blessing unto the Lord.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Pondering 28 years~

January 29, 2026Leave a Comment

It’s January 29, and I’m just blown away at the goodness of God. Today 28 years ago God gave us this amazing gift, when our son Joshua was born. The last 28 years have been a HUGE series of lessons, mountain tops and low valleys. It’s not played out the way I thought it would but I know God’s plans are so much bigger and better than ours. I have so many “mental snapshots” all throughout the last 28 years and my heart is full of joy, respect and pride in the man he has become. He is his own person with remarkable tenacity, strength and resilience that blows me away. He inspires me as he moves forward each day despite the odds he faces.

Last night we celebrated with some of his friends at a Japanese restaurant. He’s always loved their food and we’ve celebrated a few birthdays there. As we sat there last night I said, “We sat at that table for your 13th. birthday and that one over there for your 25th birthday.” Food preferences and football teams have stayed the same over the years. Since he was five he’s been a New England Patriots fan and we got him a new jersey for his birthday. I still have his first Patriots jersey from when he was five. I might find that, as it would probably fit his dog, Moose. Speaking of Moose, Joshua got first pick of the litter last April. This addition to the family has been a big ball of energy and joy.

Here’s Moose wearing Joshua’s jersey he wore when he played Popwarner football.

Joshua continues to work as a LMBT (licensed massage body work therapist). He does an amazing job as he gives me massages when I’m tense. (It’s amazing how the body holds stress and tension) His technique melts away the tension, relieving discomfort. If you are local, reach out and make an appointment.

I don’t know what this next year holds, but I know who does. Everyday I cover Joshua in prayer. God has him in the palm of His hands and that is the very best place to be. This year I have a few scriptures to speak over Joshua. The first is Psalms 61:2, “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (NKJV‬‬) The next verses are Jeremiah 29;11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (NLT‬‬) Happy birthday Joshua. You are loved!!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Radical Faith

January 26, 20262 Comments

How many of you have radical faith? Does the word “radical” make you raise your eyebrows? Be honest! If you’re not sure what I mean by the term “radical faith”, it means; a deep trust that goes beyond belief, taking bold action in seemingly impossible circumstances. It’s being rooted and defined as total reliance upon God, despite your doubts and fears. That is the kind of faith I aim for on a daily basis. Often it is unseen to the outside world but in the face of uncertain situations, you’ll see it play out for any observer to see. That was me recently. With the recent winter ice storm I felt a little uneasy with the weather forecast of sleet, freezing rains and high winds. We have four tall oak trees in our yard. I told my husband Ron I was going outside to pray over them and our house. So I did just that. I went outside and walked by each tree, touching it and praying that no limbs would fall and that our power would not go out. I did that in the front,back and side yard. As I was coming in, my husband was explaining to our 27 year old son what I was doing. He didn’t quite know what to think. He was like, “Mom, nothing’s going to happen.” I simply replied, “ One day you’re going to make the connection between my prayers and real life.” The storm is past us now and as I looked out at the yard today, not one single limb fell to the ground. We never lost power and I am so thankful.

This is the way I deal with life and situations. I don’t care what people think. I know God is God over everything. If it concerns me, it concerns my Heavenly Father. Living out my faith is a testament of my strong convictions that nothing is impossible with God. Nothing!

God hears every single prayer offered in faith. Sometimes answers come immediately, sometimes they are answered over a period of time. If you feel the Holy Spirit prompt you to pray or do something, then do it! Don’t be afraid or ashamed. It matters not what people think. A few months ago I felt the Lord prompt me to speak of salvation to the people at the homeless ministry we volunteer with. I was so nervous, but I was obedient. Now that is something I mention pretty much weekly when I speak. Only God knows the difference our obedience makes. Just do what you are prompted to do.

For years I have prayed for a group of young people. Sometimes loss and tragedy draws people to God and sometimes it makes them run away due to the numbness the pain causes. Yet, God can reach anyone. Never give up on praying. One of those young people’s life has been so incredibly transformed by the Holy Spirit and it is beautiful. I actually just started singing…. Makes me want to shout, Hallelujah, Thank you Jesus, Lord your worthy or all the glory and all the honor and all the praise….. Sorry, I just had to share that little chorus as I was singing it out loud.

Don’t just be a “Sunday morning” Christian but live out your faith. Welcome God into every moment of every day. That’s relationship! Faith takes action. It’s not passive. I remember years ago when a friend’s daughter had her first baby. There was possibly something wrong with his spine. We had a baby shower for her and as I held her sweet baby boy, I placed my hand on his back as I prayed , for everything to align with God’s will. That little baby boy got a good report and is one healthy strong boy today. If you feel a prompting to pray, then PRAY! If you feel a prompting to give, then GIVE! If you feel a prompting to speak, then SPEAK! Do it all for the glory of God. I love James 1:25 that says, “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (ESV‬‬)

I hope everyone has a good week. Be intentional in living out your faith. We never know the impact our prayers, speaking life and encouragement have on those around us. Let’s choose to be a blessing to all we encounter.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Make your life a prayer

January 13, 2026January 13, 2026Leave a Comment

Recently I have been reading a few different devotions and loving the insight from different perspectives. As I read I came across the phase “Make your life a prayer” and it really touched my heart. Just think, if we intentionally went about our day with God as the focal point of everything we do, how beautiful life would be. #goals

I love how some pastors and teachers take scripture and really break it down so we gleam from every single word. I’ve been reading the Bible for so long that sometimes being so familiar with a passage, I don’t take the time to REALLY look intently. God can use a passage and tell us something different each time if we slow down and truly seek what He is telling us.

Another thing I have noticed lately is that when I intently fix my thoughts on God, taking my fleshly thoughts captive, I hear God’s voice quietly directing me into truth and victory. He is helping me to examine myself, as He examines my heart, to sift out what attitudes and desires need to be set aside to make room for better things.

That’s one thing about fasting and prayer, your sensitivity to God is more sharp. I’ve done a different kind of fasting this year. I’m not eating after around 7 at night until lunch time the next day. My quiet times with the Lord are in the early morning and He has been blessing me with more insight than usual. It takes a really humbled heart to take close examination of one’s own life. I know so many Christians that pass judgement on others (I’m guilty of that too) when we also are not perfect. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (NKJV)

The thing about prayer and fasting is that it can give us a holy quiet strength that keeps us showing up before the Lord. When we are consistent in God’s presence we can develop the kind of faith that outlasts hardship. That’s the type of faith I need.

I love the Holy Spirit probing my heart to uncover things I need to repent of. My husband Ron is funny. He says I’m an angel but I am NOT! I tell him, he has no idea the things that go through my mind that need to be “taken captive” and made obedient to God. The Holy Spirit helps me see my motives behind doing things, my attitudes and why I have them, my responses to frustrations, my facial expressions and so much more. People that have hearing loss tend to use more facial expression than others. All my deaf friends would likely agree with that. Another point is, being hearing and visually impaired, the frustration is real. I have to “reign it in” and ask God to help me redirect it or look at the frustrating situation from another angle or find humor in it. It can be quite the sight to be upset and laughing at the obsurdity at the same time. Been there, done that, still doing that. Just being honest. Bottom line, God is working on me and for that I am grateful.

I really would love to “make my life a prayer”, to consistently focus on the Lord and be mindful of whether what I’m doing, thinking, saying is pleasing to Him. That is indeed a goal and a challenge for me. I think I will stop here for now. I hope everyone’s week is off to a great start. Be a blessing!!!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

What do you see?👀

January 1, 2026Leave a Comment

A “nugget” of wisdom to start off 2026 on the right path. In the above picture, what do you see? A half FULL glass of water or a half EMPTY glass? Perspective is key! It is always half FULL! Look for the good in situations and people and your attitude will shift for the better. Some people find the negative in everything and will tell everyone about it. Don’t be that way. In 2026 I challenge you to see the good, the lovely and praise worthy things. Let those things take the lead in your thoughts, not the negative or how things don’t measure up to what you want.

Now back to boxing up Christmas decorations. I stopped for a glass of water and my mind took a little detour as it often does. (Deep thinker problems )😊 Nothing like a half FULL perspective for the New Year! Make it a good one!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

It’s a WRAP!!

December 26, 2025Leave a Comment

Joshua snowboarding (why he isn’t wearing a jacket, I have no clue ) Photo credit – Coleman.

Another Christmas has come to an end. This year was a bit different, but we enjoyed it. That’s the thing about life, you learn to accommodate and live in the moment. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just enjoy each other. That was this year!

We decided to open gifts this year on Christmas eve eve day.(If that makes any sense) Since Ron and I were helping with the Christmas Eve homeless ministry, our son Joshua decided to go snowboarding with a friend that day. We had gotten him some new gear for Christmas so we went ahead and gave it to him so he could put it to good use, enjoying the day of snowboarding. He said the conditions weren’t the best, with fog and a bit icy, but he had fun.

With the homeless outreach that night Ron and I were not sure what we were getting into. Some of the team were out of town and our main leader had been “under the weather” but he made it “with full energy”. (How he does that is a marvel!) I had been praying that it would end up being a special time for the people and God sure did show up!!! A group provided BBQ brisket, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls and gifts. WOW! I honestly misread the text I got. The group also wanted to do the devotion and I read it as decoration. (🤭In true Shannon fashion. When I see a word, I don’t always SEE all the letters. The words have the same beginning and ending letters.). It was all good though. The group was a HUGE blessing. My friends also provided MANY desserts so the people had a nice treat. My Mom joined us as well and she enjoyed it. Afterwards, we went to Waffle House for dinner. There was the coolest truck there covered with Christmas lights and a Santa hat lite up on top. We are so thankful for the Lord’s provision.

Christmas Day, Joshua was invited to one of his best friend’s family farm for lunch. He really enjoyed that and fed the goats and saw the horses. His friend brought him to our family get together at Mom’s for dinner, where we got to see my brother’s family and his grandkids. It was so much fun. I love seeing the little ones enjoy Christmas. Four little angels under the age of four. The excitement and the joy were fun to see. Mom loves when we are all together. It was a nice celebration of Jesus birth. I will say, I got the sweetest gift from our son. He gave me a garnet stone ring in sterling silver. That is his birthstone. I have always wanted one and it is very special.

I did do more studying on the Christmas story this year and am amazed what you can learn when you slow down and really look at the story. It’s so familiar that we can quickly read through it without really letting it sink in our hearts. God loves us so much He wanted to be with us~ Immanuel, God with us! Hearing from God is not about understanding everything, it’s about moving forward in faith. That’s what Mary did. She didn’t understand it all but said, “I am the Lord’s servant, let it be according to your word.” (Luke 1;38) She moved forward in faith. Faith is not having all the answers, but trusting God’s plan. We see this in how Joseph responded when he found out Mary was with child. With instructions from an angel in a dream, Joesph trusted God’s plan.

Christmas proves that God is not distant. He is with us. Jesus came to save us from our sins. 2 Corinthians 9;15 says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” (NKJV) “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) What an incredible rescue mission God has provided for us to be reconciled to Himself. Then we see in John 1:12, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (ESV) Thank you Lord for loving us so so well!

Gods voice is steady guiding us towards peace and purpose even when our circumstances are overwhelming. We can trust Him. He has proven Himself faithful. It’s my prayer that you will fully put your trust in Jesus and discover for yourself what an awesome God we serve.

Be blessed!! Www.shannonkhinson.com

Comfort & Joy trickling in~

December 21, 2025Leave a Comment

To say I’ve been stressed lately is an understatement! I mean, really, everyday life is stressful with trying to see things and understand. (Visual and hearing impairments are no joke) Trust me, there is much miscommunication that goes on around here. Half the time I can do nothing about it but adjust my attitude and response. While at Great Clips for a haircut on Friday, as I walked in while Ron was parking, a guy acted like he knew me and asked where my husband was. It turned out to be one of my husband’s friends and I was embarrassed that I didn’t see him well enough to know who he was. That’s just a tiny example. When I’m at home, I’m fine but in unfamiliar areas, it can be stressful. Plus the fact, it’s Christmas time.

While we don’t do a lot around the holidays, we do a few things. Year round we are on a team that serves the homeless. We will be serving Christmas Eve, but most of our team won’t be able to come: out of town or “under the weather”. When God opens a door, I typically step in, even though I’m so unprepared. I’ve been praying for about two weeks about this upcoming time of ministry, that God would work it out to be something very special for the people so they could see God’s love for them. Let me just say, as of right now, things are falling into place unlike I could have ever imagined. Some friends from the book club that I’m in are bringing desserts and a friend just sent me a picture of 150 cookies that she and her boyfriend had made. Ron and I thought we could be cooking for the event but it sounds like a group has stepped up to totally bless these precious people with BBQ, beans and coleslaw. I am in tears at the faithfulness of God. Once the dinner is complete and I have a chance, I will give an update. I am so blown away by the faithfulness of God and watching Him work it all out. Many sweet people are helping and it is beautiful!

The last few weeks I’ve talked to the people about different parts of the Christmas story. This Wednesday we will wrap it up. Well, actually God has already wrapped it up in the gift of Jesus birth. I pray He gives me the words to speak well for His glory. (It will be a pretty short devotion but to share how God has brought it all together for the special meal and desserts, just WOW!).

We had our girlfriend’s Christmas dinner last week. One friend gave us all a nice Christmas mug. I think everyone’s had their initial and a Christmas design. Mine had “Comfort & Joy” with a Christmas design. It was like God was telling me something. He brings good tidings of comfort and joy when we trust in Him. In trusting Him, I have to let go of the situations troubling me and trust Him to work it out. As I pour out my heart to the Lord, He has used different parts of the Christmas story to impress things upon my heart. From being obedient like Mary in a perplexing situation, the shepherds hearing the angels in noise, to eagerly following Jesus like the wisemen followed the star, to making room for Jesus, there is much the Lord has impressed upon me this season. As I “let go and let God”, truly trusting Him when I don’t see how it’s going to work. Seeing God work behind the scenes to bring things together, I’m in awe of God. He is faithful always. He loves us so much He came, with a manager as His bed. Such humility, compassion and love. People were expecting a ruler not a baby born to a virgin and placed in a manager. But that baby changed everything. Jesus! Immanuel, God with us! His good tidings of comfort & joy are trickling in and my heart is full. I wish you a blessed Christmas week with your family and friends. Don’t forget those less fortunate. Give the gift of you: your time, kindness, compassion, a listening ear, prayer and resources if you can spare anything. I’ve learned it is far more blessed to give than receive.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

My husband Ron, me, our son Joshua and his puppy Moose.

How is your pursuit?

December 10, 2025Leave a Comment

I’ve been prepping for what God has put on my heart to share in the devotion tonight with the homeless ministry. What I love about this “assignment” is, God works it in me before I can share with others. Going over and over a topic, helps me to apply it first to my own life, which I hope enables me to share with passion. Tonight I am going to share on the wise men who earnestly were driven to follow the star leading to where baby Jesus was. Sometimes we can become so acquainted with a story that we lose sight of its life application. The scripture reference is Matthew 2;1-12 (which I plan to ask my husband Ron to read. I don’t like to read out loud in front of people because of my low vision)

For your reference :

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)
https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.2.1-12.NKJV

Let’s really think about the above passage. The wise men had seen the star arise and they followed it diligently to find the new born King. First, let’s not miss the fact that God uses His creation to speak to us. Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” (NKJV)‬‬ God used the star, rising and leading the wise men to where baby Jesus was. The wise men endured a long dangerous journey, but were intent on finding the new born King. How passionately do we pursue Jesus? It’s a question we need to ask ourselves. I’m not talking about pursuing a church or a certain pastor. I’m talking about pursuing Jesus~ King of Kings, Lord of Lords! Are you earnestly seeking Him on a daily basis?

Another question we can ask ourselves is HOW do we respond when we find Jesus? The wise men had exceedingly great joy, as they followed the star leading to Jesus. When they found Him, they fell down in worship. What would that look like for us today? When the wise men found baby Jesus they were full of joy and reverence, recognized the holiness of God in the flesh. How do we approach Jesus? Do we have awe, humility and reverence for our King? This is not just a Christmas season encounter, this is a daily pursuit of worship.

Now let’s consider the wisemen’s generous gifts: gold,frankincense and mirth. They brought their best for Jesus. It’s a sacrificial kind of giving. What do we bring Him? I’m not just talking about for Jesus birthday. I’m talking about everyday. What are the best sacrificial things we can give? It doesn’t take lots of resources to please Jesus. We can give Him our time, our talents and our resources. He especially loves when we give out of our need and when we give with a cheerful heart. How might we give Him our time? Taking time to pray and worship Him daily is a gift to Jesus. A gift He loves! What about our talents? We have each been gifted with talents of different kinds. I have been told I have a talent for transparent encouragement. I aim to give God that each week when I stand before the homeless people to share God’s Word. Trust me, it doesn’t come naturally. It is rather “nerve wracking” as I must depend on God to do this and trust Him with the results. How can you give of yourself with your talents to bless God and others? As for resources, what can you give to help others? If you are like us, you probably have way more blankets, jackets and warm clothes that you actually use. There are many without shelter during these cold months. We can go through things and see what we can share with others in need.

One thing about the wise men’s account that I never really thought about until recently was the fact that they let God change their journey home after meeting baby Jesus. They were warned in a dream not to go back the way they came, not to go back to King Herod. As I think about that, it seems to me that the journey home might have been longer and perhaps more dangerous, but they obeyed God. Do we allow God to change our paths? That could mean not returning to old patterns or behavior and habits. That could mean allowing God to set us on a whole new path for His glory. It’s something worth thinking and praying about.

Wise men and women still seek God. Psalms 14;2 says, “The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.” (NLT‬‬) It’s my prayer that God will see each of us earnestly seeking Him with great joy, reverence and sacrificial giving.

I want to end this blog with a YouTube video. This is off topic but yesterday this version of this Christmas song played in my head ALL day. I texted a friend of ours who plays bass at Central Church, asking if he had a video of the song. I didn’t know if the particular version had a different name. I texted, “It goes something like this…. Gloooooooooorius in excesses dayo”. I love the version Central Church performs. This morning he sent me the below video. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It made me smile BIG.

Be blessed. Oh and one more thing, Shout out to Singapore. I see some of you have discovered my blog and have been viewing the last couple of weeks. I am humbled and honored. I pray rootedbythewater.blog blesses and encourages you. To God be all glory!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Let the festivities begin

December 1, 2025Leave a Comment

Me a few years ago at a Christmas party. It makes me laugh every time I see it.

I can hardly believe it’s December 1! This year has literally flown by. The season is upon us for gatherings, baking, decorating, shopping and blessing people. Let the festivities begin.

In all seriousness, it can be a very busy and sometimes stressful time of year. So many traditions and adding new ones. One thing I enjoy is decorating our home. I love Christmas lights. I just find them very peaceful, adding joy to our home. This year I tried to keep things a bit simpler. I decorated our main Christmas tree in the dining room and a mini tree in the foyer. The main tree has some ornaments our adult son Joshua made when he was little. They are still is great condition because I put them carefully away each year. The mini tree has some antique ornaments on it and my baby shoes. Our son has always had his own tree with his own ornaments from trips and memories. He wasn’t sure about putting it up since his puppy Moose is nine months old. I decided to try putting it on a table. So far so good.

Joshua’s tree up on a table. You can slightly see the dining room tree to the right as well.

I’ve found myself singing Christmas carols or sometimes signing them. (sign language). Today my husband saw me signing and asked, “Are you worshipping?” I replied, “No, it’s a Christmas carol ~ Fa la la la la”. 😂 I do love Christmas carols.

We weren’t sure how Moose would do with the Christmas things. He is nine months old now but he has done well. Joshua bought him a stocking and hung it on his snowboard upstairs that is mounted over a door. He said that was his “mantel”. He has also already filled that stocking with dog toys and treats. I said, “Joshua you’re supposed to fill stockings the night before Christmas, not a month before Christmas”. He cracks me up. One stuffed Christmas toy he gave him lasted 15 minutes. Moose was having a blast with that squeaking stuffed toy until he tore off the ear exposing the stuffing. Oh well, that one wasn’t worth the money.

With all the things going on, we must pause and remember what it’s all about. Today I was working on the devotion for the homeless ministry we serve at on Wednesdays. Every Wednesday this month I want to touch on key points leading up to Jesus birth. Christmas is a promise kept. It was foretold long before it happened. God is always faithful and fulfills His promises. Another thing that touches my heart is Mary’s response to Gabriels visit to her, telling her she was chosen by God to be the virgin mother of Jesus. Can you imagine how she must have felt? Let’s look at her response in Luke 1:38, “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” (NLT‬‬) I pray each of us can be as obedient in the midst of troubling things we don’t understand.

I pray as your start the month of December, your hearts are filled with Joy and you are able to rise above any tough situations you may be facing. God pours into us every day. His coming was the best gift we could ever receive. In the busyness of this season, remember to take time to worship and adore Him. He is worthy of all our praise and adoration. Be blessed!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com