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!
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!
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!💗🙏🏼🤟🏼
I realize I said my next blog would be on joy but life doesn’t always go the way we intend. It is full of interruptions. Those spur of the moment things that “suddenly” you end up smack on your face. (I will get to that scenario momentarily.) The latest Episode of Adventures with the Hinson’s.
Let’s see: we are 12 days into this new year and so far we’ve dog sat a feisty little booger Chihuahua we had never met before. Oh my! Never again! Our dog Joy was sweet to her but she wasn’t having it. That was followed by Ron getting sick. Who has time for a cold? Two days ago our son Joshua also didn’t feel well and he had his NC Massage Therapy licensure exam early yesterday morning. Did I mention it started snowing and icy roads were expected? Yes! Ron and Joshua went to find the testing center that was over 30 minutes away. They discovered the place only closes if they lose power. Icy roads didn’t matter, the test would be taken despite hazardous roads. Oh my!
Bright and early yesterday morning the guys left with lots of extra time to navigate the roads. We prayed as a family before they left and I prayed as they traveled. God heard and answered. They had no issues with the roads. Thank You Jesus! Ron was not allowed to sit in the warm testing center but had to sit in the car. Later Joshua texted me, “I PASSED!” He was so excited and relieved to have that hurdle jumped. When they arrived home Joshua said he wanted to celebrate later. I said it would depend on how his dad felt. Ron has had no fever so we decided to go out to Nakatos for dinner, just the three of us. We enjoyed our time together but the food made me feel sick. When we arrived home I got out of the car quickly to get inside. I didn’t see a patch of invisible ice and I busted! Oh my word! It is astounding how quickly things can change. I hit that ice so hard on my hip/lower back and pain shot through me. I ended up face down on the ice afraid to move. Ron was trying to help me up and I was afraid he would fall, we would fall together and I already hurt so bad. When I realized I could move (even though very painful) I was so thankful that nothing seemed broken but badly jarred and bruised. I texted my mom and a few prayer warriors asking for prayer that I could move better. God heard and God answered. Ron mentioned going to Urgent Care and I didn’t know if he meant for him, for me or both. I laughed at the visual of us walking in together: me barely able to walk and him sounding very hoarse. Note to self, don’t laugh after a bad fall because it shoots pain through your body. I slept all night lying on my back. When I woke up I could move although very very sore. Ron got checked out at Urgent Care and has an acute sinus infection
Who has time for Episodes and Interruptions. Life happens and you have to deal with it. Sometimes you push through and sometimes you lay down and rest. I know a lot of people who have a lot of “Episodes” going on. Some of those things have been life changing for people I know. One friend from college died on Christmas Day. She had been trying to get healthy enough to get a lung transplant. She got to spend Jesus birthday in His presence. I continue to cover her husband and daughter in prayer for comfort and peace.
Tomorrow will be January 13. Our Christmas tree is still up. I was in the process of getting everything packed away. It will have to wait until some future date when I can safely move better and Ron is feeling better. One thing at a time. Interruptions in life happen but we can look for the little things to bring us peace and joy in the moment. You may feel like life is one step forward, two steps back at times. However as long as you have breath you have opportunity to try again. I am a little wary of going outside right now for fear of slipping on ice again but faith over fear: caution and common sense are gifts I intend to use. In the process I will continue to praise Jesus and continue to worship Him for all He is. He is good all the time. He has been watching out for us and I am thankful. Coming soon, a blog on JOY, I promise! Www.shannonkhinson.com.
Today is Christmas Eve and I’m thankful we don’t have any running around to do. The traffic and last minute shoppers can be chaotic. However, yesterday we did have to go to Target,Publix and Walgreens for a few last minute preparations. Christmas time has to be the hardest time of year to work in retail and I must say we had some of the most gracious people checking us out yesterday and helping us find something in the store. In all honesty, it begins with: kindness toward those around us.
How we approach others is so important. Two evenings ago, Ron and I got groceries at Publix and it was packed with shoppers. Ron had gone to pick up a prescription so I thought I’d begin finding items on our list. I asked a clerk for help, explaining I had low vision and needed to find artichoke. She was so nice and helpful, telling me different options to choose from. She helped me find what I needed then……Oh boy ….. I turned the cart around and did not see a low display of canned items. Knocking the display down with canned veggies rolling on the floor. A REAL Cringe worthy moment. I was so embarrassed. Righting the metal display I began to pick up the canned veggies. The clerk and another customer helped me. Having the display back in place, I apologized and thanked them for helping me. Moral of the story ~ it pays to be honest, humble and kind. I did not intend to share that little embarrassing moment but when faced with such things humility and grace affect the response you receive.
If you are out dashing around today think of those around you. Smile and say “Merry Christmas”. Spread some cheer because honestly, it will brighten others day and make your heart happy.
I’d like to share one last little thing: yesterday while trying to make all the last minute preparations for Christmas, my mind and body seemed to be going in so many different directions. I love to try to make things special for my family, that I often don’t think of myself. It’s just my nature. Later on yesterday I received a text from an interpreter I had not seem in many months. A friend helped me to make “I love you” sign language ornaments from clay to give to our church interpreters, family and friends. I had wrapped this interpreting friend’s ornament in bubble wrap and placed it in the church drop off box so her husband could take it to her. Her text to me made my heart SMILE SO BIG. She really loved it and was touched that I remembered her even though I haven’t seen her in quite a while. Moral of the story, it’s more blessed to give than to receive. It’s not about the gifts. It’s about Jesus and the gift He has given us. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Whatever you do, rejoice in the birth of our Savior. You are loved!! Www.Shannonkhinson.com
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.
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
Do we groan or grumble? If you’re honest, I hope you say you do both. Although grumbling is not a good thing, I’m seeking a honest examination of self and if I’m honest I’d have to admit to doing both. I do try to refrain from grumbling.
I don’t like to grumble, murmur and complain. I think those are all pretty similar. There seems to be a sense of entitlement when we do these things. It’s as if it should all be our way and if not, you’ll get an ear full. That is so so not good. I know that’s a lousy choice of words but it gets my point across. When I come across posts or comments on social media of grumbling complainers, I just want to “roll my eyes and scroll on”. And if I’m honest, it’s best not to even respond to grumbling posts because when you do and have a difference of opinion, that grumbler is likely going to take offense. It’s just the truth.
You might wonder why I’m even talking about this. Here’s why, this week in our Bible study on prayer we are studying lament. This week I’ve learned the difference between groaning to God and grumbling to God. There’s a big difference. If you know some Bible history, you know that when God delivered the Israelites out of the land of Egypt with His mighty power and brought them through the Red Sea on dry ground they grumbled to God about the wilderness, about the Manna and lack of water. Whew, did God get mad! He said none of them would enter the promise land (except for Caleb and Joshua) due to their grumbling. OUCH! See Numbers 13, 14 and 21.
God does desire us to bring our struggles and hang-ups to Him. Groaning is a more humble approach. It’s like pouring out your heart to the Lord. It’s not accusing God but rather laying down the hurts and confusion. He desires us to bring our requests before Him and express faith in Him and praise Him for the answer He sends. Yes you can praise Him before the answer comes. That shows your faith in God. I do this all the time, “Lord I don’t see this yet but faith is being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I don’t see. And Lord, I don’t see it yet but I know it’s coming, according to Your perfect Will.”
As I’ve studied this week I’ve seen many different examples of lament in the Bible. God invites us to bring things to Him. Humble hearts, prayer and hearts full of praise to God are so essential to living victoriously.
Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there. Romans 8:26 says, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”( NLT) The beauty here is, God already knows our hearts. He knows what we are going to say even before we say it. (Psalms 139:4) Let’s humble ourselves and lay our hearts at the feet of Jesus. He will meet us there and comfort our souls.
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Welcome to”Over-thinker anonymous”. 😂That state when your mental wheels are always turning and you want to reach for a pause button or something to make the constant thoughts HUSH! Yes! Welcome indeed! Surely I’m not the only one. My husband Ron can take one look at me and say, “What are you thinking about?” I’m like, “I don’t think you want to know.” 😜My son Joshua also chimes in with sign language right smack in front of me. Mom “Stop thinking”. Why do I do this? I will take honest inventory here that might be somewhat humorous at times.
Being both hearing and visually impaired, I am beyond thankful for a sharp mind,even thought it may or may not be overly active. ~ Confessions of an “Over-thinker”
Due to the fact that I can’t drive, I have to prepare ahead. I need to always try to be prepared for whatever scenario might occur, thus the need for careful grocery lists with weekly meal planning. I have to make sure I have all the ingredients for meals for the week and any other supplies we may need, so Ron doesn’t have to run to the store for trivial things. ~ Confessions of an “Over-thinker”
Ever since Joshua was born I’ve been a list maker. The lists used to be written but now since I can’t see the hand written notes, I type them on my iPad in my notes app. ~ Confessions of an “Over-thinker”
When going on a trip, I make a detailed list of things I need or may need. Having a cochlear implant, I need to be sure to have my spare parts, enough rechargeable batteries, the charging device and dry aid kit. That’s just for my cochlear implant things. Now to list the rest of what I need. Some things I have to be overly sure I never forget, like Refresh PM eye lubricant. (Due to five eyelid surgeries I have to use this product every night for the rest of my life) ~ Confessions of an “Over-thinker”.
There are the more serious concerns that I consider such as how people say one thing with their mouth and a whole different thing with their body language. Yes I notice those things and find the topic fascinating. Body language speaks loud and doesn’t typically lie. ~ Confessions of an “Over-thinker”.
Then there is election year drama… which I confessed to the Lord this morning is troubling. I see propaganda, gaslighting, lies and deception. I see people with blinders on refusing to look at the real issues. I see contradictions in what the news says and it’s almost like a “state run media” (which it kind of is) Yep it’s troubling. I had to turn my iPad off last night and choose to focus on God. God is sovereign and He is in control. It is vital that I fall back on God’s Word. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalms 46:10 (NKJV) ~ Confessions of an “Over-thinker”
It is kind of odd that I don’t tend to worry much about the future (other than the election….. I’m working on that) I’ve always said “We will cross that bridge when we get to it.) I just can’t live in a constant state of fear. You know the drill. If so and so happens, what will we do? Nope! Not going there. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV) ~ Confessions of an “Over-thinker’.
Another biggie, our son has similar issues with his hearing and vision as me. It’s not the exact same but there are enough similarities to raise concerns. There is the need for me to daily set the example of walking in humility and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Life is not always about what we want. It’s about surrendering to what God desires to do in our lives. It’s about demonstrating, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (KJV) I’m always thinking about these things. ~ Confessions of an “Over-thinker”
This could seriously go on and on. I can think of many more examples but you get the idea of what I’m saying. I hope at some degree you can relate. I do realize that thinking is a gift and I need to use it wisely. I also realize that the mind is a “battle field” and we have to take thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. As Philippians 4:8 tells us,“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”(NKJV)
Now let’s see if Facebook allows me to post this. They censored my last post because I shared “links” The links were to scriptures on healing and miracles. Go figure! Thankfully I can publish on WordPress and share through e mail , texts and X. Ironically on my Facebook feed, nearly every other post is a sponsored ad with links to buy things. God let whoever needs to see this, see this. All for Your glory Lord. I’m just an empty vessel the Lord pours into and I pour it out in writing. I pray this blesses you and you are encouraged today to Shine for Jesus regardless of your circumstances.
Time truly FLIES! I “blink” and three years have gone by. This past Friday marked my three year anniversary of blogging with WordPress.com This has become a passion of encouraging others to face life with Jesus. Blogging started out as a continuation of things God has taught me through living with limitations. It continues to be a time of sharing my journey which I first shared in my autobiography Rooted by the Water published in 2021 through Westbow Press. (You can find it on Amazon in print and ebook format).
By the grace of God, in the past three years I have written 213 blog posts with 6,964 views. All for the Glory of God! It’s an honor to share the things the Holy Spirit reveals through nature and life in general. Oh the lessons He teaches me as He refines and sharpens me. Convicting me at times, humbling me and cheering me on. I’m grateful for this process He has me in. It’s my hope and prayer that Jesus love and care are seen through the words He enables me to write.
The Bible tells us to “let our light shine”. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) So I write. I am astounded that Rootedbythewater.blog is read around the world. Each week the blogging site tells me in what countries it is viewed. I am not saying many people read it, but it humbles me that God uses this gift He has given me to touch someone here and there: in China, another in England, Nigeria, France, Canada and so many countries. (There have been a couple I’ve never heard of. Looking them up, turns out they were small countries in Africa.) The majority of views are here in America.
The times we live in are evil. It’s a worldwide peril. In a sense, it’s like being out at sea on a stormy night. With darkness and raging winds and waves surrounding, we strive to catch sight of a “lighthouse” to guide us to safety. In these times, let Jesus use you to “shine” for Him. I’ve always had this hidden gift but God has chosen to bring it out during the last three years for “such a time as this”.
We all have God given talents. Whether it’s music, dance, acts of service, teaching, encouraging, speaking life and so many more….. whatever your gift may be, will you offer it back to God? Can you pray, ‘Lord I’m so humbled and thankful you chose me to have this gift. I give it back to You, asking You to enable me to use it for Your Glory, not mine. Lead me through the Holy Spirit to encourage someone today and lead them to You. Help us to overcome this evil world with the blood of the Lamb and Word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11)” I pray that you can surrender and pray that prayer with me. God is at work all around us. Join in this labor of love! It’s all for Jesus! He’s worthy of it all!
Here’s to many more blogs or whatever else He calls me to do. As long as He continues to pour into me, I will continue to pour out. It’s all for Jesus! 🤟🏼❤️ Www.shannonkhinson.com
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