#lifelessons – Page 2 – rootedbythewater.blog

Glimpse of His Glory

September 17, 2025Leave a Comment

My view while laying on the beach today.

There is just something about nature that really gets me tuned in to God. Between watching the sunset, watching the tide go in and out, seeing the ripples of the water currents, crashing of waves and seeing the antics of the seagulls makes me think about God our Creator and sustainer, the Author of life itself. Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”(ESV‬‬) That scripture is so very true. Between the colors God paints the sunrise and sunset with to the cloud formations, it’s stunning!

This week away has been much needed, especially after last week with things going on in our nation. Looking in the book of Romans it all comes together. Let’s take a look. “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceive, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) That’s where we are folks. Creation clearly proclaims God’s eternal power yet people are spiritually blind as a bat. With the assassination of Charlie Kirk last week and seeing people actually celebrating murder was the most evil thing I’ve ever seen. BUT…. Of course there is a BUT…… from what I understand, church attendance is up and people are turning to prayer. My friends and I sat on the deck last night and watched Central Church of God livestream prayer service. It was amazing! While the enemy tries to keep us divided with misinformation, many are choosing to unite in prayer to seek the face of God!

This morning as I sat on the porch overlooking the canal at the beach, my heart turned to prayer and praise. As I sat there a song I used to play on the piano came to mind and tears came to my eyes. I will add the music video at the end of this blog. It is Well by Kristene Elizabeth DiMarco and Bethel Music. I will put some of the lyrics but the YouTube video has lyrics added. Grander earth has quaked before. Moved by the sound of his voice. And seas that are shaken and stirred, Can be calmed and broken for my regard. Through it all, through it all. My eyes are on you. Through it all, through it all. It is well. Through it all. Through it all. My eyes are on you and it is well, with me. Far be it from me not to believe. Even when my eyes can’t see. And this mountain that’s in front of me, will be thrown into the midst of the sea. I especially love the “bridge”: So let go my soul and trust in him. The waves and wind still know his name. So let go my soul and trust in him. The waves and wind still know his name. (2014 Beth Music and Kristene Elizabeth DiMarco)

That song sure does move me to tears. Having low vision and being hearing impaired, I understand having to depend on faith, even when my eyes can’t see what I am hoping for. I can honestly tell you there are quite a few mountains I’d love to see God throw into the midst of the sea. As I wait, I can be sure that the waves and winds still know His name and because of that fact I can say it is well with my soul.

As I laid on the beach today, I was watching the cloud formation. It was a sunny day but a few clouds rolled in blocking the sun. As I watched the sun would break through different “holes” in the clouds and the sun would shine through. As I watched, the clouds moved together to once again block the sun but there was a “glow” that seemed to come from behind those clouds. It was like glimpses of God’s glory shining forth despite the clouds. That’s just like life. Things happen in life that seem to cloud our vision and bring despair, but we must remember that we might not “see” God, yet He is still there just behind that problem or situation. He is always working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect Will. He always has our best interests in mind. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus! He is the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus begins it, sustains it and brings it to completion. Keep on holding on. Even when life gets “cloudy”, look for glimpses of His glory. They are there. Be blessed! I better go to sleep. It’s almost 1:00 in the morning. Good night.

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The power of the tongue

September 5, 2025Leave a Comment

Toothpaste tube under pressure = a mess!

You might be wondering about the above picture. Let me briefly explain. Two days ago I shared a devotion with our low income and homeless friends. The devotion time is 10-15 minutes so I pray for a powerful impact in a short time. That night I used the toothpaste demonstration to show how when under pressure, tooth paste is going to come quickly out, oozing in a mess. The same thing goes for the words that come out of our mouths. I was trying to decide whether to share this in a blog post, but considering so many people have trouble “holding their tongue” I figured it wouldn’t hurt.

Let’s be real! Our words can have a very powerful and lasting effect on us and others. We are wise to choose carefully the things we say. I shared Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” ‭(ESV‬‬), explaining there are consequences to the things we say. We can build up with genuine encouragement or we can tear down with gossip, negativity and complaints. It is astounding how words can have such a lasting sting or comfort. Can you think of a time or two when you have experienced this? I certainly can. For example, I am not the best with receiving “praise” simply because my hearts desire is to be humble. When people speak words of kindness and encouragement over me it truly means so much. Another example is being hurt by misunderstandings and gossip. I don’t have trouble forgiving but forgetting and moving forward after something like that takes God’s healing touch. It is wise to be mindful of the things we say and how they have an impact. I do realize sometimes people need to “vent”, just be careful to whom you vent so it doesn’t go into the “gossip-mill”.

Another thing that baffles me is when people get “heated” and strong language comes out. I shared the following scripture in my devotion. The every end of Luke 6:45 says, “What you say, flows from what is in your heart.” So if our words are rash, critical, negative complaints, we need to take a look at what’s in our heart. We might think “no one sees what’s in my heart”, that’s true BUT our actions and words reflect what’s there. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (ESV‬‬)

The last scripture I shared comes from the book of James. “but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” James‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) I explained at the end of the devotion that we all need God to help us control our words. Several of the people thanked me afterwards. It is truly something everyone needs to be aware of whether you are a Christian or not. The tongue is powerful. From the toothpaste demonstration, what comes out can’t easily be put back in, so choose your words wisely.

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend. Be blessed, and better yet, be a Blessing!

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The Fine-line of pushing

July 17, 2025Leave a Comment

I love this quote. It is actually “so me” BUT in my life there is a fine-line. Finding balance is key.

I am forever trying to figure out the fine-line of pushing. How about you? I can push myself too hard on the day to day basis and am always trying to find the right balance. When push comes to shove, it’s too far and the end result is exhaustion. (More mentally than physically). I went over and beyond this week and I was literally about to fall over last night when I got home from serving. I wanted to go right to bed and it was not even dark outside. I made myself wait until 10 then went to sleep and slept 11 hours. Feeling much better today. Once again I’m on a quest to get it done around the house.

Living with hearing and visual limitations, it takes more brain energy to deal with the normal things like conversing with people for a length of time, both spoken and sign language. (They are equally tiring but I love my people and push myself anyway) The same thing can be said about pushing past limitations. On Tuesday I overdid the zoom meetings attempt. I mean honestly, I was literally trying in vain to understand a live zoom. Someone was texting me some pointers of what they were basically talking about. I was using my iPad for the zoom meeting itself and texts coming in on the same device. I grabbed the iPhone which is synced to the iPad to answer the texts. Here’s the catcher, I can’t see the iPhone unless it’s under my video magnifier. Lord have mercy….. but I tried to keep a straight face and not show frustration. I’ve got to find the right balance in this. Life can stretch me so much at times, I wonder what it’s like for normal people. But hey….. I know normal is overrated.

Finding balance in the new business venture is something I’m going to have to do. I realize I can’t do it all so I’m going to need to learn to say no to some things. The phototherapy stem call technology is such an effective and fascinating product to learn and promote. I’m realizing I’ve got so much more of Life on my plate than others can even begin to understand, and knowing that, I’ve got to figure out a balanced approach.

Yesterday was ministry day when I help feed the homeless in Rock Hill. Since we have moved to an indoor facility we can now do a short devotion with the people before they eat. Pastor Daryl asked me to share with the people last night and that was such a privilege to share God’s Word with them. Nerve-wracking as well. While a women a couple of weeks ago told me it’s not hard, I personally feel a weight of responsibility that I don’t take lightly. Two days ago, God dropped some verses in my heart before Daryl even texted me. I knew in my heart what to share, but I still had to stand up there and do it. I wanted to mentally and spiritually prep myself right before standing in front of the people but I was busy in the kitchen washing the pots, pans and bowls we used during food prep. This is an industrial sized kitchen. God worked it all out though. I realize it’s Him working through me, and not me myself. I think it went pretty well. I’m going to ask someone for feedback later, who was out there with me, as they have asked me to do it again next week.

Looking back and at the present, I do see all this stretching might be leading up to something. What? I do not know. Over a year ago I was leading Bible study in our deaf group, when I couldn’t see the book. I sat down at my video magnifier that I use for reading a book and took detailed notes on my iPad using symbols to help me remember, memorizing great portions of it to be able to best teach. It took a lot out of me, but it was worth it to see growth. Next I began to weekly volunteer with RiceNBeans ministry. I can’t hear the people well but I didn’t let that stop me from serving. Now here I am still involved in that, in a new location helping with devotions. Also presently learning the Patching business and possibly pushing myself a bit too much in that area. It seems to all lead to something, which I’m not yet sure what that something is.

I believe my audiologist would be shocked at how much I’m putting myself out there to force myself to understand as much as possible. If I could give advice to myself, I’d say “Pray for a more balanced approach”. I can and do overdo it. I know when I’m so tired I want to go to sleep at 7:30 then I’ve pushed a bit too far. I guess my “Kenley stubbornness” comes into play quite a bit. Lord help me find that fine-line and stop there. I know other deaf people (just deaf, no vision issues) who only interact with deaf people. I’m not one of those. I love all people; hearing, deaf, disabled, foreign, black, white, type A personality, type B, outgoing, not so much, etc People are God’s workmanship and are there to love and encourage. That’s just who I am. I am so so thankful to have time with God daily to soak up strength and direction for the day. It’s my Lifeline. Do you know Jesus? He can be your Lifeline too.

I better get back to work. This is my second cleaning day. Got half of it done two days ago and finishing up today. Have a blessed day.

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Two Great Dad’s

June 14, 2025Leave a Comment

It’s Father’s Day weekend and I wanted to take time to honor two great Dad’s (my Dad and my husband Ron). Many men can father a child, but it takes something extra special to be a “Dad”. A Dad invests time into you with sweat, discipline, hard work, love and sometimes tears. If you have a Dad like that you have a treasure.

We lost my Dad four years ago and not a day passes by that I don’t thank God for giving me such a wonderful Dad. He took the time to invest in me and my brother and the activities we participated in. He was an awesome listener and a treasure of wise advice. I could just talk to him about anything and he would really listen. He would come and pick me up, bringing me a cup of “half cut” tea just the way I like it and we’d meet Mom at the Food Pantry to serve the community. He was one of the most generous people. I sure do miss him but know I will see him again.

Me, Dad and my brother Forrest, 7 years ago.

I also want to honor my husband Ron for the great Dad he is to our son. Ron always makes himself available to our son if he needs him. It’s been amazing to watch how he will put things aside to do things with our son. The younger years of sports, fishing, trips, four wheeling, or whatever hobby Joshua was involved in, Ron made the time. This past year since Joshua stopped driving due to his vision, Ron has been there to take him anywhere he needs to go. Always saying, “If you need me to come pick you up, just call.” When Joshua calls an Uber, Ron is like, “Why didn’t you call me?” It;s amazing to see how much he loves our son. He is a treasure and I’m thankful.

Ron and Joshua, the year their team won the Optimist Bowl

So many great memories over the years with both of these great Dads. So thankful for the cherished times and lessons learned from my Dad. So thankful for all the great times Ron has poured into our son and looking forward to many more. So in honor of Father’s Day Thank You!!! With all my love and appreciation!

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The HARDEST question

June 1, 2025Leave a Comment

To write or not to write….. no that isn’t the hardest question. I’ll certainly have to clear this with someone before publishing it (and I certainly will). (He said it was fine to publish it.)

#Iykyk…. Yep that’s the truth and half the time, no I take that back, the majority of the time people don’t know. (For my older reader, and I know there are a few. IYKYK means if you know you know).

This afternoon was the time for a deep discussion and sharing. The majority I won’t repeat and this little bit that I do share I will make sure he is ok with sharing. People can learn from these things. It was after church and our 27 year old son was annoyed due to his hearing and vision issues and not being able to understand. I totally understand. I remember years ago, a bit younger than him, being quite annoyed during church to the point that I got up and walked out crying. That was before I had learned sign language. So many similarities between us and it does truly hurt my heart to see him endure these things.

So at the end of a lengthy much needed talk today he asked me the hardest question he could ask, saying I was the only one who really understood. He asked, “If you knew you could pass along your hearing and vision problems would you have still had me?” I honestly responded, “Well, I did ask my doctor if I could pass along my limitations and he said no. But honestly, you are my greatest joy.”. He then gave me a big hug. No one and I mean absolutely no one besides God will ever understand our situation and frustrations we endure.

Yesterday my mom picked me and Joshua and his puppy Moose up. We went to Brixx to sit outside for pizza then went to mom’s so Joshua could help in her yard. Moose is a little magnet for attention being the cute puppy he is. Joshua took Moose for a little walk while we waited for the bill. A few people approached him and asked about Moose. He of course didn’t hear it all and it bothered him. He related a situation that happened at the gym when someone he knew walked by and was talking to him but he didn’t hear them nor recognize them and he felt bad. I told him today you need to say, “Look I’m hearing and visually impaired. I’m not ignoring you I just didn’t hear or see you.” I totally get it. It took me years to be able to say that. You just don’t want people to see weakness. As I talked and encouraged him today I asked him, “How do you think I live with all this with Joy and peace? It’s not in my own strength! I’ve gotten to a point where I honestly say, “Lord I can’t do this but with Your help I can.” You need to get to that point.”. I shared with him the scripture in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, “Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (NLT) The bold is what I emphasized to him. It’s not what we can do as a person but what God can do through us when we surrender what we want and let Him do what’s His perfect Will.

I will tell you as a mom these are the most precious conversations because God has given us such a bond that no one else understands. It’s hard to find really genuine people who stick by your side. People disappoint you but God is always there. Joshua said , “If He’s there.” I said, “ Watch me as I breathe. You see my lungs rise as they fill with air then recede?” He said , “yes”. I said,”You can’t see the air, but you can see my lungs fill with it. It’s the same with God. He is there. You can’t see Him but He fills us when we let Him.” He said,” Good analogy.”

I don’t understand God but His ways are not our ways as He is so much higher than we are. All I know is to pray and trust God through every single mountain and valley. It’s hard. People don’t understand. We can’t hold that against them. It’s hard to understand something you’ve never experienced. We have to let go and let God. There is no other way. Nothing in this world will ever satisfy our souls like knowing Jesus and walking with Him. As we sang at the end of church today, Oh it reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley. The blood that gives me strength from day to day. It will never lose its power.

Sometimes these deep testimonies are needed. So many people deal with so many things and people never know. It’s my hope and prayer that in being transparent you will know you aren’t alone. You never know what someone is dealing with. The deep frustration and annoyance, so always have a kind smile and kind world. It can can make a difference.

When I asked Joshua’s permission to share a small fraction of our conversation he was okay with it. I told him a lot of people go through hard things and say nothing. When people share these life lessons, they realize they aren’t alone. It’s my prayer this encourages someone and reminds you to pray for those around you. You never know what people are dealing with. Be Blessed and better yet, be a Blessing!

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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!💗🙏🏼🤟🏼

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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!
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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!!
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Thankful, Grateful & Blessed

November 27, 2024November 27, 2024Leave a Comment

My precious family: Ron, me and Joshua. Photo credit Tami P.

This morning I find myself reflecting on life. This is not unusual, as I do this quite often. Thankfulness is a frame of mind/attitude I try to maintain. As I reflect on life, I will tell you that I am quite blessed.

Before you start thinking Must be nice let me share a wee bit of life lately. This past Sunday evening I was having the best time decorating our house for Christmas. I love Christmas lights and have three mini lighted trees and our son Joshua’s original small tree that is about 25 years old, all up and decorated. My husband Ron had teased that he should put the big tree together then I could decorate all night since I was on the roll with decorating. Interesting how fast things can change when you least expect it.

It was getting late and I decided to get in bed and read to help me unwind. ( I am currently reading our book club selection for this month but it is challenging to see, as the online Library only allows me to zoom large to a certain degrees. Even at that degrees it is challenging and slows me down.) I had taken a natural sleep aid earlier but it didn’t seem to be working. I had broken a tiny piece off a prescription sleep medicine I have and took that. Let me just say, never again! Don’t mix natural and prescription medicine even if it is a *tiny tiny* piece. I had a bad reaction to the combo: shivering, cotton mouth feeling, hyperventilating which caused a full blown panic attack. During this time I kept saying the name of Jesus over and over. I quoted scripture to try to calm myself. I asked Ron to get Joshua and for them to pray with me. I quoted Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (NKJV)

Ron ended up calling 911 and I was taken by ambulance to the ER. Joshua rode with me in the ambulance and was such a calming presence. Ron followed in the car. I was so scared. Joshua was with me the whole time, while Ron had to get through to where I was. In the process the ER nurse was trying to find out my information from Joshua but when she pulled him away, I panicked again and he came right back, telling the nurse Ron should be there shortly. I did have the presence of mind to be able to give my Social security number. Thank God for the moments my mind would clear enough to tell them about my Cochlear implant processor and if it fell off I would not hear anything. I told them if the battery died I would hear nothing. I was hooked up to an ekg machine, blood pressure monitor and was getting potassium by IV to counteract with the anxiety.

I have a mistrust of the medical community since the COVD mess broke out. I never got the vaccines after reading up on them. I saw the contradictions of CDC , news and hearing first hand reactions and side effects. It was a no brainer to me. They were not injecting me with any poisons. I had a discussion with my doctor who wanted to know why I refused the flu shot as well. I remember saying, “Dr. C my immune system works great. I was my brother bone marrow donor. Why try to fix what’s not broken?” Yep, I sure did say that. Not to mention I had an eye surgery years ago that was not even needed: thus my strong distrust of the medical community.

Monday morning I was able to go home and I rested the entire day. I rarely do that. I like to stay busy, as it distracts me from thinking too much. Ron will tell you that I’m a thinker. He will ask, “what are you thinking about?” I will laugh and respond, “You don’t want to know.”

As I sit here, knowing what our family deals with: limitations with hearing and vision, always having to plan ahead to get things done since transportation requires someone else’s help for two people in our family. Then dealing with normal life itself…. Normal life recently as in yesterday Ron discovering all four rotors on the wheels of our car are malfunctioning, meaning he will have to do it all again. He knows how but it’s not an easy thing to do. We also had a water pipe line replaced yesterday to the tune of $2500. Yes, there is actually more to this list of dealing with *LIFE* but that’s not my point here. The point is we are alive. We are blessed to have each other. God is faithful in the bad times as well as the good times. He gives us strength beyond ourselves to rise up and move forward. Knowing God’s Word really stabilizes me. For example, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) and also, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

I praise God this morning. Thankfulness fills my heart. We might be a tiny little family but God has given us great strength and resilience to rise up in His strength. We are beyond blessed! Sure we have multiple things to deal with on a regular basis BUT God always is before us, behind us with His hand of blessing on our heads. We really can’t ask for more than that.

This Thanksgiving season I ask you to pause and be thankful for everything: the good, the bad and the ugly. Find the diamonds in the dust of daily life. Don’t forget those who are without; whether it be those that are homeless, without family or having health issues. Remember them and honor them in some way. It is far more blessed to give than to receive.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

The Potters Wheel

November 19, 2024November 19, 2024Leave a Comment

Thanks to Amy for snapping this picture of me trying out her Potters Wheel

Today I was able to experience something I’ve wanted to experience for quite a while. A couple of weeks ago Mom and I went to a Christmas craft show where a friend of mine was selling her pottery and jewelry. She is the Real Deal as she makes her bowls and pottery from clay on her potters wheel. I’ve always wanted to try it to see what it’s like.

Years ago I made Christmas ornaments with an American Sign Language (ASL) “I love you” cookie cutter. About 31 years ago I worked as a teachers assistant at a preschool for deaf children. Making the “I love you” ornaments was one of the crafts we did. Back then we made the clay from flour, salt and water. The dough always got stuck in the fingers of the cookie cutter. About 15 years ago I decided to make a bunch of the “I love you” ASL ornaments. Honestly it was rather hard and I never tried it again. I was telling my friend Amy about these ornaments and asked if she’d help me make some with clay. Today was the day when I went over and she showed me some tricks of the trade. I wasn’t sure how I’d do since my vision is worse than it was years ago. She patiently showed me how to use the tools and I brought my cookie cutters with me. I was able to do it and it was so much fun. I wanted to put my great niece and great nephews names on four of them and she did that part for me. I will go another day to paint them.

Here is one of the ornaments. Amy stenciled the name on for me.

After finishing the ornaments, I asked her about the potters wheel and she let me give it a try. Wow that is some work of art!!! It gave me a new appreciation for the work she does. She explained that the clay had to be centered and it felt a certain way when it was. It’s hard to explain and I couldn’t get it centered. She did it quickly and showed me how to make a bowl. I asked if I was doing it right and she said ”No”, but it was my creation so I could make whatever. It was a fun experience.

When I think of a Potters Wheel, I honestly think of God creating us. Take a moment to grab your Bible and look at the first eleven verses of Jeremiah chapter 18. God tells Jeremiah to go down to a potters shop and watch the potter work at the wheel shaping a jar. Look at verse 4: “But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.” Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Today I got to experience this. As Amy was demonstrating how to make a bowl, then let me try it, mine didn’t turn out so well. She said it would break when it dried, so I asked her if I should start it over and she said “yes”. I crushed it back down and started again.

It is so incredible to experience things that symbolize God’s power to shape and mold us as His creation. He has the power to define, shape and use us for His pleasure and glory. I can honestly say I really enjoyed the experience and can only imagine the satisfaction Amy must feel when her creations turn out as she desires.

I’m not a Bucket list kind of person. I mean, I don’t actually have a “list” but there are some things I’d like to one day try and today’s experience was one of them. I have such awe of God and His artistic abilities. He is the Master Potter, the Master painter, and every other creative title you can imagine. It literally blows my mind to just think of every thing God has taken such delight in designing and making for His pleasure.

That clay can be really touch. Amy showed me how to get the air bubbles out. Pressing and adding pressure, turning it over and over. It’s kind of hard to describe. Just think of how God has to take us through times of pressure and difficulty to “get the bubbles out” The clay has to be molded just right. When doing the ornaments, she showed me how to put the clay through a presser (I don’t know what it’s called) to flatten it out just right and at the correct thickness before I could cut it. I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’ve been through God’s Presser multiple times to get me to the right “thickness” before shaping me with the cookie cutter of His choice. That’s the beauty of creating something.

We are God’s creation. I’ve often struggled with the question of. “Why did you make me this way?” Having both hearing and visual difficulties due to having nerves that don’t work as they should. On top of that, passing it along to my son. I t has been one of the pressing / cutting things in life. Here’s where the BUT GOD comes in. Psalms 139: 13‬-‭14‬ says, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”(NLT) It’s not too fun to be so unique but who am I to tell my Creator how to make me? I get put through a Presser of challenging situations quite often. I’m learning to see them before they come and say a prayer, “God this is the part I don’t like and I’m going to need Your help to shine through this for You glory.” I hope in some way He is glorified through my attempts.

Tomorrow will be another one of those Pressers. Tomorrow I will go to my friend Tami’s house and help with the cooking for RiceNBeans ministry for our homeless friends in Rock Hill. The cooking is fun and we talk and catch up. When it’s time to head to Rock Hill, I am out of my comfort zone. Sure I can serve up a meal but when it comes to communicating with the people I feel so inadequate. I smile and ask all I see if they would like a meal. We have been doing this since around March and many of them know I can’t hear or see really well. I can only hope and pray it encourages them to press through the situations that have them on the streets or living in shelters. Pray that being a Light for Jesus will direct them to the SOURCE of that light, which is Jesus Himself.

Sorry so long and so deep. God touches my heart through life experiences and I wanted to share with you this neat experience today. If you’d like to read my testimony you can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover, soft cover and ebook formats.) All for the glory of God.
Www.shannonkhinson.com